Ika 1 ng Nobyembre 2008

Brainchild's break..........This is the day we officially honor our dead.

Our household was busy since yesterday. I briefly saw MIL's assistant in the kitchen preparing food for today. When we came home, the utensils were laid out in our breakfast nook and the barbecue marinated inside our fridge.

I woke up early and went to our study room, turned on the PC, and do the usual thing. I was lost blogging and blog-hopping when MIL appeared from behind distraught. She told me that it was 5:30am and no one is still doing anything. Her assistant hasn't arrived yet. My helpers were outside... one brought the dogs out to do their thing and the other one was doing the laundry. I asked her what's the problem? She said that my brother in law and his family will arrive soon and they need to go to the cemetery early. I said it's so early and they prepared everything. Besides, it was raining and she should give some allowance to her assistant. I assured her they know what to do and she should just calm down. She explained that brother and in and family would leave early at the cemetery because they need to visit the wife's Dad as well. I understood but told her that everything will be done and if it's a little late, a little waiting won't hurt. She wemt back to her room.

Soon, her assistant arrived and I told her. The kitchen is now a-buzz. Hubby is still sleeping and so are my two girls. Hubby was telling me last night that we couldn't keep the before lunch schedule at the cemetery as desired by his brother. I agree knowing fully well how things are in this house. Hubby is open to our practical way of spending All Saints' Day but MIL apparently still isn't. Maybe, some things can't be changed.....

Days before I thought that MIL is also going that way as she told me that maybe we should just have lunch in our home (among hubby's siblings, the cemetery is closest from our home) and go there after lunch. I said very well and it's a most welcome news. This morning I learned about the change of plans as MIL told me that BIL and family would want to be at the cemetery before lunch and eat there. I was not surprised anymore as changes are expected with MIL's decisions.

We still have a vehicle to take care of. After all, it's our bigger vehicle and that is what we need to take to the cemetery to bring back all stuff home. Oh well, hope things turn out fine..... At this point, it wouldn't hurt to wish....

PS: Sabi sa balita, wala kaming aalalahanin ngayon undas at magiging maganda ang panahon simula kahapon hanggang ngayon. Simula kahapon hanggang ngayon ay umuulan. Isa sa mga di kaaya-ayang situasyon tuwing undas..... sigurado maputik nito.

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Ika 31 ng Oktubre 2008

Oh my....this could be one of the most dragging days to go to work..... the day before All Saints' Day.....it's actually Halloween and we should be trick or treating..... instead here we are tricked into coming to work....

Sometimes I cannot understand how this government decides which days to declare as holidays. Everyone was surprised about the decision to not declare either October 31 or November 2 as a non-working holiday. All Saints' Day is a big thing for Filipinos who take time out to visit their dearly beloved who have gone into the great divide. Among our holidays, this should ranked among the highest in terms of actual observance. It's tiring too because some of us would want to spend the whole day at the cemetery. MIL is like that. I am not very keen on it and so are some of the family members here. Personally, I don't like lingering in the cemetery for the following reasons:

1. I don't particularly relish the idea of being in a swarm of people and honoring the dead. It's supposed to be a sacred family ritual. How can that happen in that situation.
2. I don't like not doing anything for a good part of the day.
3. The traffic can cause rage.
4. Last but definitely not the least, I hate public toilets in certain places and cemetery would be one of those places. I don't like using a toilet that has been used by hundreds, maybe thousands at one time. I usually end up holding my pee or worst some other waste. I know it's bad but I can't help it. We try to stop at the most acceptable toilet on the way home.

Eldest daughter recently expressed her dislike for spending the whole day at the cemetery. Because really now...... is it really necessary? Whether it's sunny or rainy, it's very inconvenient. Staying there the whole day means bringing a truckload of stuff which include a tent, table and chairs, coolers, umbrellas, utensils for eating, pillows, blankets, abundant food, beverages, water and a whole lot more.

Maybe. my practical nature is a mismatch to MIL's sentimental side. It can probably be attributed to our generation gap..... she belongs to the seniors and I am a baby boomer. I'd like to think I am part of the Gen X, probably the earlier ones. At any rate we are forced to comply for so many years. Here at home, she probably observed how we observe honoring the dead on my side. There is not much preparation and we go there to pray, light candles, and arrange flowers. No elaborate rituals. We don't even go there together. My other brother will go there on All Saints' day itself. My youngest brother and I usually go together some other day except the day itself. Convenience and practicality is a consideration..... No pressures, no hassles. If we go hungry, we buy food along the way. We're done in about one to two hours.

Why P/GMA would not give an extra holiday infuriates a lot of people even as holidays we don't even expect as holidays are easily ruled as such. Oh well, being a day that drags, I came to work late. I probably wold just take a leave but then I had to meet somebody who is selling me his old dog stuff in Makati. When I arrived in the office, I met our dentist who told me that our top boss might declare half day. The decision to allow employees to take the day off was left at the discretion of the management of companies. Some time later, unconfirmed reports that we can take the afternoon off circulated as the top honcho and his executive committee were meeting that time. Unconfirmed as it was, employees made a beeline to the exit at 12:00noon.

Me? Well, I met the dog stuff person. After our transaction, I went home. Traffic was good. Along the way, I planned the rest of my day. I thought to have my car headlight bulbs replaced at the mall. I met this sales clerk at the Ace Hardware who worked for the company I bought my car from and told me that he can replace the bulb. Being on a tight budget, I thought it's a good enough deal. I'll be spending less than if I bring it to the service center. Besidss, I thought replacing a bulb wouldn't be so complicated. I texted hubby who didn't go to work to bring the car to the mall and I would meet him there. The kids went with him as eldest daughter and my son would watch High School Musical while middle daughter would go to her friend's house.

I was at the mall soon and waited for hubby and the kids. Being Halloween, there were kids and store employees in costumes that became my source of amusement as I was waiting. Kids were treat and tricking in the stores and some were posing for pictures with store employees in costumes and the store's Halloween decorated facade as background.

Soon hubby and kids arrived. We went to Ace Hardware and I bought the bulbs. Arrangements were then with the sales clerk who will work on our car. He appears knowledgeable as he removed screws and covers and detached the bulb. Then he realized that he gave the wrong bulb when he took off the busted one. So I had to get back to the hardware and had it replaced...... a bit expensive than the one I bought. Sales clerk continued working on the headlight until......... the fuse box touched a metal surface and there was a spark. I was apprehensive but didn't make anything out of it. Soon, the headlight were installed and working. I gave the sales clerk a tip and went on our way. Having nothing to do, We decided to do some errands as we were waiting for my eldest daughter and son so we could fetch them later.

We got a bird flight cage that hubby ordered from a maker. Hubby is thinking about putting up an aviary. We took it home and left again to pick up the kids and go to the supermarket. We figured our weekend would be busy so we wanted to accomplish some tasks ahead of time. After picking up middle daughter from her friend's house and eldest daughter and son at the mall, we set out for the supermarket until...... the car stereo began acting strange. When we reached the road, the car went sputter and died right there on the road. Hubby was panicking and pushed the car. We tried to help and soon some men helped him push it to the parking lot. Hubby was careful as when the brakes are applied and put on parked, it wouldn't move already since my car has automatic ignition. Good thing we were still near the mall.

Hubby said he didn't know what to do but suspected it could be the alternator as our battery was dead. He told me to get the sales clerk. We sent our kids home. They took a tricycle at the terminal in the mall parking area. I looked for the sales clerk and took him to where the car is. Soon, SC was working on our car. He realized that the accelerator fuse short-circuited when the fuse box touched the metal surface and actually melted..... that's why there was no power supply to the battery. I really don't understand this..... I am an engineer by training but my specialization is to ensure efficiency in production..... Other than this, I am poor in the application of physical sciences. Fellow engineers pardon my ignorance on our craft.

It took him sometime to extricate the melted fuse. I decided to find the replacement for the damaged fuse in the car supplies stores inside the mall..... Nothing.... We were advised to directly connect the part but hubby does not agree because it might cause more damages. SC tried soldering the damaged fuse part and reconnected it back as an initial remedy since the part is not available.. After about two hours of turning extricating the damaged fuse, several screws and connecting and reconnecting, SC asked hubby to start ....and viola.... the engine reverberate..... then started. It's just a remedy and tomorrow, we will look for the replacement part and will meet SC again to finish the work.

We went home tired and hungry and stressed out and cranky. So that was how my Halloween went...... talk about unexpected turns which could ruin one's day......

PS: Habang ginagawa ng sales clerk ang kotse, nag-uusap kami ng asawa ko. Sabi niya di daw kailangan tanggalin yun takip ng fuse. Parang sinisi niya ang sales clerk.

Bago pa tuluyang huminto ang sasakyan at medyo nagloloko ito, pinaparinigan na ako ng asawa ko yan daw ang problema sa paghaharimunan. Ngayon lang ako nagpagawa ng sasakyan sa ganitong paraan at karaniwang na sa service center ako pumupunta. Naisip ko naman pagpapalit lang naman ng bumbilya, ano naman masama ang pwedeng mangyari. Pero nangyari nga ang di dapat mangyari. Di ako kumikibo at baka nga mali ang desisyon ko.

Sa pagharap sa problema magkaiba kami ng asawa ko.... siya sobrang magproblema, ako yun pilit humahanap ng paraan pero pag di ko kaya hihinto muna ako at pababayaan lang ang sitwasyon. Yun asawa ko kahit sinusolusyunan na ang problema, me problema pa rin siya.

Nung makita ko yun sales clerk at sumama siya sa akin sa kotse parang naipasa ko na ang problema sa kanya. Nahirapan din siyang remedyuhan ang nangyari pero kahit ganon pinilit niyang ginawa. Masaya na ako non. At dahil remedyo lang ang ginawa niya para kami makauwi, napagkasunduan namin na itutuloy niya ang trabaho kinabukasan pag nahanap namin ang piyesa. Sana me bukas na tindahan ng piyesa ng kotse bukas.

Pauwi di pa rin matahimik ang aasawa ko sa pagsasambit na dapat di binuksan yun fuse box. Masungit pa rin at parang galit sa taong gumawa ng sasakyan. Di na ako nakatiis. Sinabi ko na lahat naman nagkakamali at ginawa naman niya. Tahimik na kami hanggang makarating ng bahay. Kumain kami pagkadating. Maya maya me tumatawag sa telepono. Ang asawa ko ang sumagot. Pagbalik sinabi sa akin na yun sales cllerk daw inaalam lang kung nakauwi kami, Nasabi ko kita mo ang bait pa. Di na siya nagsalita.

Siguro nga iba't iba ang paraan ng pagharap sa problema ng tao.... at dapat din unawain ito.

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Ika 30 ng Oktubre 2008

Interesting exchange at home with MIL before I left for work.......

Descending down our stairs, I noticed her cane resting atop the sofa with the tip (the part directly touching the ground) on the middle of where one would sit. You guessed it right, I felt an instant rush to remove it saying rather sarcastically, "Can't this not just stay on the ground!" within her hearing distance. Well, MIL is no pushover and she said calmly, "The cane is washed everyday so it's not dirty." I remember a similar conversation with hubby on the same circumstance sometime ago as described in my Ika 7 ng Agosto 2008 post. I explained, "I don't know but I simply do not like anything touching the ground on surfaces where people sit" I could add eat, sleep, rest to that or more specifically on surfaces where the cleaner parts of the body (those you wouldn't want touching the ground...in my case, that includes my feet) would be in touch with. She did not respond to it anymore or maybe she did not have a chance because I was moving around too much. Maybe she understood how an OC like me operates after living with us for some months. I bade her and my son who is on his early morning gaming in the study room goodbye and left after saying my piece.

At the terminal, I noticed an empty old van waiting for riders. I decided I couldn't take aggravation today and headed straight to the bus terminal at Alabang. I sat on the three-seater beside a couple with a guy holding a hand-carried luggage on his lap. I couldn't help but noticed him because the luggage restrict his movement and he is probably inhaling his own carbon dioxide. The ride was easy and smooth. Along the way, I couldn't help but think I am the same way, even worst. I don't put my bag on just any surface, definitely not on the floor, particularly not on the floor of a toilet. Incidentally, I got this email saying that ladies' bags are actually harbingers of germs, bacteria, and therefore sickness. One is advised to not put her bag on a dining table. You don't know where that bag spent time.

When I shop...... If the plastic bags and its content would in any way be brought to my bedroom or store in a cabinet or closet, it will definitely be carried on my lap. Last night, there was this woman standing on the bus who wouldn't let go of a very heavy grocery bag. Again, I am reminded of myself. Many, many years back, I was victimized by a sex maniac inside a jeep when unknown to me he was able to place his hand on top of my lap under a heap of shopping bags. Too tired, I didn't notice it until I felt a slight movement and peeped under my shopping bags. I was shocked to find his hand on my lap but I reacted calling attention and cursing him until he hurriedly get off the jeepney. This means that my OCness has been with me for so long and it could actually put my life or limb at risk.

What is obsessive compulsive disorder anyway? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that can cause significant damage to the sufferer’s life. OCD begins with obsessive thoughts. These lead to the development of behaviors meant to control the thoughts. The behaviors then become compulsive rituals. The person feels strongly compelled to perform the rituals in response to the disturbing thoughts, even though relief may be very short-lived. Well, I have the following questions today which could be thought provoking on a slow Thursday at the office.

When is a compulsion obsessive?
When is obsession compulsive?

Please anyone, my co-OClics, help me find answers....

PS: Meron na naman karakter na nadagdag sa aking mga kwento, ang bagong kaibigan kong lady guard sa me terminal ng mga shuttle service sa Ayala. Hindi maganda ang unang enkwentro namin nung isang linggo lang .....

Galing sa eskwelehan, nagtungo ako sa terminal para sumakay pauwi. Itong si Miss Lady Guard ang nakapwesto sa pasukan ng terminal. Pagdaan ko, ipwinesto ko ang shoulder bag at messenger o laptop bag ko para idaan niya ang instrumento niyang tumutunog. Buksan ko daw. Nakasimangot na binuksan ko. Pagkabukas ko sinilip ng konti at pinaalis na ako. Asar na asar ako dahil parang nang-aasar talaga at wagi siya. Humanda siya sa kin sa susunod.

Kinabukasan, pag-uwi ko ulit galing eskwelahan, ganon na naman...dadaanan ko na naman siya. Buo sa isip ko na hindi ko na bubuksan yun bag. Pag daan ko, iniumang ko ulit yun mga bag ko. Buksan ko daw. Sabi ko buksan na niya. Pinipilit na ako magbukas. Inilagay ko ang bag sa lamesa nila. Ayaw niya galawin. Kinuha ko ang bag at pumasok ako. Pinabalik niya ako at sinabing di daw pwede yun. Ibinalik ko ang bag sa lamesa. At napilitan siyang buksan. Sinabihan ko na siguruhin niyan iinspeksyunin niyang mabuti ang bag. Sinita ko rin na me nakakapasok na hindi niya tinitignan ang bag. Pagkuha ko ng bag ko, binalaan ko na oobserbahan ko siya. Parang nanghahamon, sige daw bantayan ko daw siya. Hindi sabi ko iba't ibang oras at pag natyempuhan kong me pinalagpas siya, patay siya sa bisor niya. Gabi na kaya di na ako nagsadya sa opisina nila para ireport ang pagiging mapamiling at di masusing pagsisiyasat at pati na rin ang asal ng gwardiang ito. Isa pa bakit di matulungin yun gwardia na to? Nakikita ng ang daming dala hindi pa magawang tulungan ka sa pagbukas ng gamit. Marami din kasi ako karanasan ng pang-aabuso ng mga sikyu kaya di ko mapalampas ang mga ganito.

Kaya kinabusan ulit umaga pa lang planado ko na. Me oras ako mamayang gabi kaya patay siya sa akin. Kinagabihan pagkatapos ng eksaminasyon ng mga esdyante ko, dali-dali akong nagpunta sa terminal na inaasahan ang di maganda. Malayo pa sinisilip ko na si Lady Guard sa gawain niya. Pumila ako sa linya patungo sa kanya...... at nang pagkakataon ko na, itinutok ko na naman ang laptop bag ko sa kanya. Nakangiti na kinilala niya ako at sinabing, "ay si ma'am, sige na nga...." sabay palampas sa akin. Natawa na lang din ako.

Simula non, friends na kami at sinisiguro ko na sa kanya ako magpapasiyasat ng bag na susuklian lang niya ng pagngiti at pagbati.....

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My First Award

Well, what do you know..... I was visiting one of my regular blogsites, chocolateworld, and I found out I was given this award....Yay! Being my first, I am elated and just can't actually believe that someone would actually like my blog..... But here it is....



Thanks Mahalia for your regular visits..... I enjoy the exchanges we have. To Dfish, my co-awardee, congratulations!

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Ika 29 ng Oktubre 2008

Driving lessons for my eldest daughter start today. It's just lecture.... the actual hands-on lessons start tomorrow. Hubby actually oriented her already going around the village a number of times last weekend. Hubby said he'll continue to train her at the cemetery this weekend but eldest daughter is still nervous driving alongside other cars and people. She nearly bumped my neighbor's relatively new car where it not for hubby's swift maneuvering. Inspite of all of this, she should learn how to drive. Women should drive for a lot of reasons. With the emphasis on gender development nowadays, driving, for me, is the ultimate symbol of equality among the sexes. The skill gives women a lot of options..... mobility, independence, and the choice to leave a bad marriage (not that I want that to happen but imagine leaving your husband with children in tow on foot.......too pathetic).

I just hope that my eldest daughter will enjoy the thrill of learning a new skill like I did when I took my driving lessons way back in college. Unfortunately, it was only after nine years when I was able to fully apply the skill for the following reasons:

1. I did not have a car all those years.
2. My own Dad did not trust me with his car.
3. I did not have a job which provided car plan (This is true up to now).
4. I did not have a rich boyfriend.

Frankly, now that its novelty is lost on me I don't savor driving anymore . I was only excited at the beginning so that people could see me driving..... you know the egotistical me wanting attention. As a young girl, I always knew I wanted to drive even if it was not so common to see lady drivers that time. I would start my Dad's batmobile, errr car and relish stepping on the accelerator even if the car remained just stationary. Among my contemporaries, I was the first one to learn how to drive. I wasn't the first one to have a car though : ) But more and more I am hating it and I would gladly relinquish the wheel to any qualified driver. I want to retire from driving. Sadly, I cannot afford to hire a driver. So the next best thing is have all the kids take their driving lessons so that I have a pool of young drivers at my disposal : ) It's not only me who is excited at the prospect of eldest daughter driving. Middle daughter and MIL...... all for their own selfish motives..... just like me. I wish she picks up the skill fast.... again just like me.

Terrible news this week on the homicide of Jennifer Hudson's mom and brother and her initially missing seven-year old nephew now found dead in the abandoned SUV used by the suspect. The case is domestic-related, the suspect being the estranged husband of Hudson's sister, Julia, and the boy's stepfather.

Not much at work.... I do expect a lull this week......

PS: Karigtong ng text namin ng anak ko nung Ika 17 ng Oktubre ay ang sumusunod na pag-uusap tungkol sa pag-uwi nila ng mga kaibigan niya:

Ako: Nkauwi n b kyo?
Anak: Ma (lugar ng gimik) pa q. Ngkgulo kc sa susundo kay (pangalan ng kaibigan).... Mga 8:30 pa daw....
Ako: Ano b yan? San b daan nla? (kalyeng dadaanan)? Pauwi n rn ako mgkta n lang tyo
Anak: D pa. Hnhnty nanay (pangalan ng kaibigan). Ngkgulo kc sa ssndo.
Ako: Nanjan n b? Paba2 k n lang sa (lugar na pagkikitaan). Kta tyo dun. (Lugar na kinaroroonan) n ako. Pg nauna ako sunduin n lang kta kotse.
Anak: Pwd cla sa (kalyeng dadaanan)
Ako: Bkt kc d p ihatd
Anak: Oki oki. La pa e. Hnhntay namn
Ako: ...........
Anak: Tnanung k nga kng pwd e. Kng pwd phtd n lng aq.
Ako: Pg dady m hnahatd cla
Anak: Ma san kna? (Lugar na bababaan) aq pbaba?
Ako: Yup. Pa2sok n (village namin)
Anak: Ok ok
Ako: San sa (lugar na magkikta) k ba2? Dun s me tindahan pra maliwanag
Anak: San b toh? Uhm dun sa may bbqhan
Ako: Oo
Anak: Lapt n q.
Ako: Ako rn. Plaza n ko

Susunduin yun isang kaibigan ng anak ko ng magulang at idadaan ang anak ko sa malapit sa amin..... mga 5 minuto siguro yun layo. Sana lang hinatid na lang yun anak ko para di na ako nag-aalala lalo na at gabi na. Hindi naman siguro malaking abala yun maantala sila ng 5 o 10 minuto. Sabihin ng nanunumbat pero kami di namin magagawa na pabayaan na lang yun mga anak nila ng ganon.

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Ika 28 ng Oktubre 2008

It's a friend's birthday. My niece, an old friend, and a number of college classmates were also born on October. I noticed that a lot of people I know were born on the ber months...... September, October, November, December.... tapering by January...... my other friends' and acquiantances' birthdays would randomly fall on the other months. This probably confirms the fact that contrary to popular belief that June is the wedding month, December up to March might see an upsurge in weddings. Reports from service establishments actually point to December as the months when most wedding bookings are made. Why December? Why not when it's the merriest of all months..... that would extend to January, a brand new year, a brand new start....... and February? it's the love month........ and March? it's just the start of the summer season, it's not too hot to wear a wedding gown.

Then again, we're talking legitimately conceived persons. Could there be another explanation for the numerous births in the last trimester? Could it be that the chilly weather makes one more romantically inclined? There sure are a lot of bebes conceived on these months? Whatever the explanation is, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my friend V......... whose parents conceived her at the start of the year many, many, many years ago......

I am probably thinking nonsense again. Sometimes I just have to let my mind wander off the normal course.... to give it rest. So I have to think silly and amuse myself. I would at times stifle a laughter and end up looking crazy...... like last night in a bus. I wasn't thinking at all and when the bus conductor came to me, I gave him my fare and said "Buendia" (my embarkation point instead of giving him my destination)...... not so funny really but I wanted to laugh at my stupidity so I ended up stifling a laugh. I know I looked crazy..... if you have experienced it.... you try to avoid being looked at and when people looked at you, you can tell by the look on their faces that they think you're strange......

This morning when I took a bus, I tried to be alert and think straight and I was able to give the conductor the right destination. But this thinking straight makes me feel sleepy.... and I also blame the home movie showing about savages living in forested lands and engaging in tribal war.... so gory I couldn't look.... and I ended up falling asleep.... to be interrupted by the loud man beside me speaking to his friend at the other seat.... and the loud woman speaking to her companion while standing..... Why, oh why should these people think we are interested about their trips or grocery list or their affairs!!!!

Because of my interrupted sleep..... I have a big headache right now.....

PS: Kahapon napag-usapan ng mga matataas na opisyal ng bawat opisina sa aming Departamento ang mga samo't saring bagay tungkol sa magandang palakad o "Good Governance". Maganda ang intensyon dahil gustong isulong ang magandang serbisyo sa publiko ng isang tanggapan pampubliko. Meron isinusulong na "code of conduct" ng mga empleyado na kung susuriin ay dagdag ng paghihigpit sa mga karapatan pantao ng mga manggagawa. Bakit ba kailangan dagdagan ang paghihigpit sa mga taong ang tatanda na para di makaunawa. Oo, meron ilan bulok na itlog sa amin pero bakit apektado ang lahat? Meron naman batas na pinaiiral na matagal na gabay na namin. Kailangan pa ba bigyan ito ng interpretasyon na pabor laman sa mga nakakataas sa pwesto para pairalin ang kapangyarihan nila? Kung me ilan na nagkasala, bakit di na lang parusahan ang nagkasala base sa kung anong sinasaad sa batas? Hindi naman kailangan ng bagong batas, kailangan yun pagpapatupad sa batas ng pantay pantay.

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Ika 27 ng Oktubre 2008

Monday blues.....

A colleague put to the fore the feelings of paid hacks like me as she blurted "Why does Monday suck?" I couldn't agree more. It's as if there is an unknown force tearing me up between being the responsible person who will use her God-given talents to benefit humankind and the real slob that I am dressed in an office suit pretending to be busy even if I just want to bum around all day.

The news does not even paint a rosy picture as even as our President is cautioning us on how the financial crisis would affect Asia in the long run. Unlike the rich nations which succumbed to the meltdown immediately, we don't feel as affected as they are. True, times are hard but when was it easy? Maybe because we have been so used to having it so bad that we have became numbed to it all. My friend Dayap said that the Philippines is not affected because we don't have a lot of investment..... See!....as I was saying misers can't feel. How can we invest anyway when there is nothing to invest with in the first place!

Yesterday, my favorite junk dealer to whom I entrust my junk (if you want to know my illness, addiction, and neurosis, this is the GUY to ask) said something mind-boggling when I brought him my junk. He was apprehensive to the point of being apologetic saying that the prices of our empty bottles, paper, cartons, plastic stuff, aluminum, and so on and so forth are cheaper than before. I acknowledged it and motioned that it is fine as his boys sorted my junks. He explained that the countries importing these waste materials are tightening their belts too which explains the poor demand. I was surprised at this information and asked where their dealers exports these waste material mentioning Japan as I learned during the Senate hearing that it is not Japan but us who export waste to them. He confirmed Japan and mentioned China and the US depending on the material.

In a gesture of empathizing with their plight, I consoled him saying that it will probably get better after the US election. I am not really sure if it will indeed get better. But I think everyone even the most indifferent or cynical individual on planet earth would have a stake in the US election. If they have Joe or Brian the Plumber, then I have Mr. Junk telling me how the global economy affected his business. He paid me P27 for three and a half sacks of assorted junks, down more than a 100% from the P60 or more he used to pay me in the past. I, the junk supplier, am affected too by the crunch and I feel it. Mr. Junk would tell me that when business was good all his three units of air conditioners would operate all at the same time, now they have to use only one and his brood would huddle together in one room as his kids couldn't stand the heat. Well me...... we used to do what he is doing right now and even try to further cut down on energy consumption by not using the air conditioner at all.

Which brings me back to the question of why am I selling my junk for a measly sum? Frankly, it doesn't matter if he gets my junk for free. I am just too happy to be rid of these waste. I do not want scavengers scouring through my junk and leaving it scattered all over the place..... so I sort and store my junk until it's time to go to the junkyard. It used to be good money to buy pandesal from a nearby bakery. I could buy enough for our afternoon snacks and add a little for beverage. Now, bread price rose around 30% and with the price cut on my junk, I can't feed meryenda for my household of eight! Anyway as an environmentalist, I am just sparing Planet Earth from unwarranted use of resources and the deluge of waste that could pose a lot of environmental problems.

Tempted by the thought of bumming around on a Monday, I need to probably rethink that after some soul searching.....

PS: Maging makabuluhan kaya itong linggong ito sa akin? Me isang linggo kaming bakasyon sa eskwelahan bago magpasukan ulit. Mahirap minsan yun marami kang oras na libre, dumadami din yun pwedeng aksayahin na oras. Ewan ko ba at bakit ganyan ang ugali ko. Hindi ko mapagkatiwalaan ang sarili ko sa paggamit ng oras ko sa paggawa ng makabuluhang bagay? Dahil me oras, ang daming sinisingit na bagay-bagay dahil pwedeng maglaan ng oras para dito. Ang nangyayari tuloy hindi nagagawa ang dapat gawin at panay hindi makabuluhang bagay ang nagagawa. Pagkatapos ng linggong ito, malamang na puno na naman ako ng pagsisisi na hindi nagawa ang dapat gawin.

Related Posts:
Trash Islands

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Ika 26 ng Oktubre 2008

Brainchild's break.....

Actually, it was full for me from morning till night. Tis the only time I am having that break prior to my night cap just before the break of dawn. Should I look forward to tomorrow? Always with hope.........

PS: Nakakapagod naman talaga ang weekend..... di ko rin natapos lahat ng gusto kong gawin..... sa susunod na weekend kaya matapos ko na?......hmmmmmmmmmm....malabo.......

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Ika 25 ng Oktubre 2008

Brainchild's break.....


This is the first of the series of visits to the cemetery to visit loved ones. My youngest brother and I and our families are visiting my parents and a brother. My other brother would visit on the actual day itself. November 1 is also intended for my father in law. My parents' and brother's new home is far from home. Being practical and hating being in an ocean of humanity on All Saints' Day, I have timed our visits before or after November 1, frequently before. These are short visits lasting at most an hour. I don't believe in showing our love for our dear departed ones by lingering the whole day in the cemetery. Nothing beats prayers in reaching out to or remembering our deceased loved ones. MIL, on the other hand, wants a whole day affair at the cemetery which I don't particularly relish........ more on that next week.

Another thing about these cemetery visits, no elaborate preparations are required. We bring candles and flowers pick from our garden sometimes. Before I used to buy fancy candles and have flowers arranged by florist. But here, some shady characters would have no qualms getting the candles and flowers as soon as you are out of sight. This is not a public cemetery but it still happens. Because of this, I opted to buy smaller candles and let the kids spread out the flowers.

Once we are at my parents' grave, we light the candles and say our prayers. The kids would arrange the flowers on the tombstone in a cute way. At some point, my brother and I would go to our brother's grave. The kids would sometimes follow us. The wide span of space in the cemetery allows freer expression and greater movement. My son and nephew would run around and we would see them wherever they go to. We would linger and just talk reminiscing the past when our family was complete, mostly bordering on the funny side. The kids would listen. After what should be done is done, we bade our loved ones goodbye teasing the kids to give my parents a kiss...... and they would all feign shock....

Year after year, this has been our tradition. Today is no different.

Being practical and the multitasker that I am, I have also lined up several side trips to some people I dealt with and need to meet up with to possibly close our deals.... so we would be visiting some dog owners and bird breeders later as well. I hope to be able to squeeze in a trip to the pet shop....

PS: Kainis naman at umulan ngayon. Ilan araw ang init init, ngayon pa pinili na umulan kung kailan bibisita kami sa sementeryo. Mahirap pag umuulan at maputik sa sementeryo. Ok lang ang makulimlim na panahon pero wag na sana umulan..... wish ko lang.

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Ika 24 ng Oktubre 2008

Our system was down once again. It kept me idle even if I had planned out my day . I couldn't work, blog, email, or play....... Too disappointed with having nothing to do on my pc, I invited my officemate to an early lunch. Being my comrade at the office, we had lots of catching up to do. You know office politics, crab mentality, changing of the guards, wheel being round, and all sorts of stuff you don't talk about in an office full of leeches, I mean co-workers. With too many stories to share, we had an extended lunch. We had to cut it as my officemate received a text message from one of the leeches, I mean our colleague.

I did some errands before going back to the office. Once at the office, I checked if the internet was working...... still not. What will a technology-dependent freak do without the internet? It's practically my alter ego. Work and leisure actually depend on it. Even our phone lines were not working. I read the papers but even that can be done online....

Oh well, the downtime happened at the time when I will have my cake and eat it too. Our event management savvy colleague who is in charge of buying a cake for the birthday celebrant bought my cake. Apparently, the cake is one of the perks for being in that office. I requested for the Dulce de Leche by Red Ribbon. We have a P500 cake budget and that would qualify. I had to add P30 for delivery. Last year, I requested for Banoffee Pie, Princess Diana's and Queen Elizabeth's favorite as claimed. As the network was down, we had time to tete-a-tete for sometime talking about Obama and McCain particularly on Obama's alleged terrorists links and unexplained money. I am not sure how media is able to come up with all sorts of crap at the homestretch of an elections. It does make one pause and think about likely consequences of an Obama win if these latest allegations are true. HE still leads with 12 days to to..... I still am a supporter with some doubts cast. Hubby said it rightly that whoever wins has to make tough decisions.

After the cake-eating moment, I was back to my seat with nothing to do still..... I checked my students' test papers but was falling asleep doing it. I checked only the objective parts. I checked my connection from time to time.... Before I knew it, the day is finished and I have an unfinished business.....

PS: Ooperahan ngayon ang kaibigan ko na nadiagnose na me cancer ng unang doktor na sumuri sa kanya. Sa pangalawang pagsusuri sinabi ng doktor na hindi cancer pero kailangan pa din sumailalim sa operasyon. Alam ko naman na kaya niya labanan ito. Pero mas naniniwala ako sa pagtawag sa Diyos sa ganitong pagkakataon. C,,,,,,, kayang kaya mo yan at ipagdarasal ko ang matagumpay na operasyon at ang mabilis na paggaling mo........... Para maari na tayo ulit gumimik :)

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Ika 23 ng Oktubre 2008

I had to take the morning off from work as I had to bring back my dog to the stud service. The travel was smooth and fast that we reached the stud's place in no time.

We prepped up to prepare the dogs for mating. My bitch (sorry but that is how a female dog is called in dog parlance) would again resist the stud's advances when we put her down. We attempted a number of times. After sometime, I let my dog rest and even cuddled her. Then, I put her down again. This time, the stud owner mustering all his might, tried to help the dogs do their thing while three of us restrained my dog and their dog. It was harder than the first time as the stud couldn't get his momentum. After several tries and with the assistance of the stud owner, the natural thing happened in an unnatural way. So much for the beauty of procreation. I learned that some dogs can't do it naturally and would need assistance in this thing. Thar's why there is a job called shooter which literally means somebody who shoots the stud's thing into the bitch's you know what.....

Anyway after having my dog mated, I paid for the balance of the stud fee. We headed home. Along the way, I heard over the radio that neither October 31 nor November 3 will be declared a holiday.....WHY, WHY, WHY!!!!!!??????? Of all the holidays,All Saints' Day is one of the most tiring. I'll relate my All Saints' Day experiences in due time. The travel was fast and we reached home soon. I changed into my uniform and left. It was so hot when I left home, hotter still when I reached my destination around lunchtime. I still feel tired.

Today is the last day of classes and there is a one week vacation before the start of the second term. But I don't really get a vacation because I got another job and I am a full-time mom to kids and other mammals......The school operates on a trimester basis. The subjects for the second term were opened and I got two subjects for next term...... yehey. For part-timers there is always the uncertainty of not getting a teaching load after every term. Frankly, I don't want that to happen as I could use the extra income ........ not to mention the more important reason of helping me derive some satisfaction as I try to attain self-actualization. I get that through teaching and mentoring students. Classes start on November 3 which I was hoping to be a holiday.

PS: Kagabi pag dating ko sa klase ay binati at kinantahan ako ng mga estudyante ng "Happy, birthday" sa akin. Nakakatuwa at nakakataba ng puso. Dahil maliit lang na kolehiyo ito kung saan nagtuturo ako parang isang pamilya lang kami. Nasa Cebu kasi ang main campus nito at extension campus lang itong nasa Makati.

Bukod sa pagbati ay bumili rin sila ng pizza at coke na pinagsaluhan namin lahat pati na ng mga ibang empleyado ng eskwelahan. Kaarawan din ng isang estudyante kaya parang joint celebration na naman ang nangyari.

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Ika 22 ng Oktubre 2008

Another lazy day.... too lazy to do anything. I feel so tired. Last night, I could have fallen asleep handling my review class were it not for my fear of being ridiculed eternally by my students if it happens. You know..... picture taken with my saliva drooling..... and then posting the pics in internet sites titled "Professor caught sleeping on the job". I was dead tired. I literally dragged myself out of the van I rode going home. I remember a time when the driver had to rouse me from my deep slumber as I was probably in the Stage N4 of my NREM sleep. I was so embarrassed. I rushed out of his van and walked like a zombie to my house. That was exactly how it felt last night. It's good that my subconscious was able to trace my way home even if I was half-asleep. Maybe, I was sleep-walking.

Following the first and second parts of my narration, this is the last of my Monday saga.

After the last of my instructions was relayed to our helpers, we went our merry way to the chosen venue, Italianni's. It will be the kid's first time to dine there. It would be hubby's and MIL'S baptism too. But not for me.... I think I have eaten there thrice or twice. One of those time was during the wedding reception of an old friend who migrated to the US. I don't exactly remember the food but I like the ambiance of the place.

As we were cruising, hubby texted asking where we were as he was already in the area. I told my daughter to text him to get a table for us already. When we arrived at the place, I dropped MIL and my two daughters first. I told my son to stay with me in parking our car. I spotted a nice parking slot and went for it....


My son and I walked to the venue. As we entered, we were greeted by one of the staff of Italianni's. We went straight to our table and hubby and the girls were looking at the menu. The place was not so crowded which is good but is definitely filled with the cozy and warm Italian ambiance, like you're in Italy. I haven't been to Italy so this is the closest I can get.


The attendants are so nice, warm, exude the right sweetness and charm to win and convince customers, knowledgeable, and communicate well. Our server is Lelen, a pretty lass who made sure that we would have a pleasant experience. For starters and probably to ease the patrons'empty stomachs, we were given a basket of freshly baked focaccia bread to be dipped in a concoction of olive oil with herbs and balsamic vinegar. The basket was empty in the blink of an eye. Lelen, so sensitive to our needs and probably sensing we might kill each other for the last piece of bread, offered a second serving. After consuming the second basket, slowly this time, Lelen offered a third serving. But we nicely refused the offer as that would already be gluttony.

My family and I were not familiar with their food. So just old times, we use the tried and tested formula of asking our server what their specialty is. Usually, the house specialties are marked on the menu. Italianni's menu is just like that. Still, we feel that the servers know better. I usually ask what the customers always order. Frequently, the servers' suggestions are right on the money. Lelen suggested a beef dish with pasta on the side. I couldn't remember the name of the dish. I never remember the names of the dishes anyway except when we order it frequently as it has become a favorite. She also suggested their seafoods pasta and classic pizza. Each of us ordered our own drink.

While waiting for the food, the attendants and a manager went to the table beside us. With a panacotta topped with a lighted candle, the crew sang an entertaining birthday song for a birthday celebrant who might be blushing as the song went "... macho, macho man, I wanna be a macho man....." Then, a plan was cooked. My son was to tell our server that it was also my birthday secretly but not quite.

Soon the food was served......so fast and efficient...... nicely laid on our table ready to be devoured. We said our grace before dinner..... and we're ready. The beef dish looks so yummy.... the beef looks so succulent. That was the first sampler for everyone except my son who hasn't quite developed the taste buds for better food.....
Everybody agreed Lelen was right. Each took their own serving of pizza and pasta...... good enough but the beef dish is perfect...... tender, juicy, simply delicioso..... . Lelen kept coming back asking if we need anything and if the food was good. We were teasing her that we didn't like it even if nothing was left on the serving plates. I didn't think that my son enjoyed the food so much he only ate two slices of pizza and a little pasta. So I told him he could order dessert. I asked for the menu and let my son choose. Lelen was suggesting their house favorite, a chocolate cake with filling, but my son opted for the cheesecake. It was served fast and we all dug in..... it's yummy, you can really taste the cream cheese unlike some cheesecakes that only hint of cream cheese.

As we were savoring the last of our food, the crew came with their birthday song for me which is actually a medlry of the birthday song and some novelty songs capping is with ......."...... bongga ka day.... bongga.....bongga ka day, sige lamg, sige lang.... itaas ang kilay...." Hubby said he wouldn't celebrate his birthday there. It was actually amusing but I would have blushed if there were many people. Fortunately, there weren't many patrons as it was a Monday.

Looking around after an enjoyable meal, I am thinking this is my taste of Italy. As an active life observer, it would be nice to do people watching there someday.

The hard part came next.... Hubby asked for the bill. After reviewing it, he handed his credit card to Lelen. We also gave her the discount coupon. After settling it, we lingered some more and hubby looked at the bill one more time telling us that the cheesecake costs P350.00..... whew the price of a meal for a family of six in a fastfood chain. Lelen approached us explaining the entries to hubby. But thinking about the great food and excellent service, we could forget prices sometimes and just enjoy the moment. Before we left, Lelen called his manager to tell us that we can avail of another P500 discount in our next visit. They ran out of coupons. He told us to just look for him or Lelen.

We went home feeling full and happy. My eldest daughter rode with me as I told her to accompany me to Church as I haven't thanked God for giving me another year. The Church was dark when we arrived. It was around 9:00pm. We went to the adoration chapel that my daughters fear because they witnessed a person being possessed brought there in the past. We said our prayers and went home. Too tired, I headed straight to my bedroom, cleaned myself, and dropped on my bed. I was asleep in no time probably dreaming about the day just past.

There you have it..... my recollection of one action full-packed day. Can't wait to have the next one....

PS: Napabayaan ko na naman ang paggagawa ng final examination ko na inumpisahan ko nung isang Linggo at hininto ko dahil hiniling ng mga estuyante na ngayon Linggo na lang na ito mag-eksamen. Matatapos ko rin naman ito at kailangan tapusin. Konti pa........ konti na lang...... ayan na..... yehey.....

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Ika 21 ng Oktubre 2008

Can you imagine how this day feels after spending a 3-day break? Yeah, not the best..... the spirit is willing but the body is well..... uncooperative.

Blame it on my full day last Monday............ to continue that story.....

True enough, names were called already and we were back before 1:00pm. We figured we have enough time. After getting seats, we ate our cream puffs and they are so yummy that we consumed a whole pack. We continued to wait, wait, wait......

My question is why would a front line agency like them have lunch break? I know that one of the measures espoused by the anti-red tape program of the government is a non-stop provision of service to the public, in other words no noon break. Then why is this so? Anyway, I was wondering whether our names were called already. The two facilitators were so intimidating that they look more like bouncers. In fairness, they were able to keep order in that chaotic environment and people follow them especially on their being particular about keeping out of the 'sacred' area, windows 5, 6, 7 which are the approving window, cashier, and one of the photograph/signature taking areas respectively. Anyone caught loitering was subjected to sarcasm and intimidation.

Two of the bullies rather facilitators' memorable remarks were:

"Siguruhin niyong tama ang pila niyo at kawawa ang mga gwapo (Ensure you are in the proper sequence in the queue, otherwise the good-looking among you would be disadvantaged)"

"Sige bayaran niyo yun hindi niyo papel. (Go on pay documents that are not yours)"

"Itama nyo ang pila niyo at baka magkapalit palit kayo ng muka (Referring to the proper sequence in the queue, he was reminding us that we could end up with the wrong picture on our license. This happened to the officemate of hubby)."

Well, they were just being helpful in a rough way...probably from their constant dealing with public utility drivers. And why am I so keen on these things? There was nothing else to do.... that's why! My fault that I didn't bring a book. I swear getting a driver's license could indulge you in serious time wasting. I even determined the sequence of people's names being called before me. My daughter did the same.

In a while, my daughter would be called to pay at the cashier (window 6). She went back to me after paying. We continued to wait..... I strained my neck trying to hear and lip-read the facilitators as they called out names. The swarm of people in front made it hard to hear the facilitator. In time, my daughter was called at releasing area for student's permit (window 10). She went back to me after getting her brand new student's permit. I told her I would go to the other area so I can hear better. I would go back if I couldn't find a seat. I found two seats and texted her to immediately come. After we were both seated, we continued to wait, wait, wait...... My daughter propped her iPod and was oblivious to the rest of us. I remained tortured, sweating, and uncomfortable..... Soon, I was called by the facilitator for the pre-payment step which requires one to just raise his/her hand and be acknowledged........ He would remind us not so gently that there is no need to go to him, just raise your hand. Then, long wait again.....

At this point, there was an announcement that applications for new license, driver's permit, renewal were no longer accepted. the unexpected huge volume of applicants had put a strain on their system and they needed to reboot lots of times causing delay in the processing. I tried to understand the situation..... but was worried if it would affect us. I brought a car and gave them my license. What if my documents were unprocessed by day's end? I jokingly told my daughter maybe she could drive as she has a permit already. I tried to keep my hopes high..... even as one disgruntled applicant was ranting that she was there by 8:00am and she wasn't called yet.... maybe, her papers were lost.....

After a long, long while, my name was finally called for payment. Again, waiting time for release. Basing on my daughter's experience, this shouldn't take long. But it was 3:00 pm. I have an appointment to have my dog stud at 4:00pm in a not so near place. Btw, the only thing you could do while waiting is to munch or text. After sometime, i have ran out of people to text. My daughter and I were dreaming ...... if the place is air-conditioned and there is WIFI, we wouldn't mind the sooooooo long wait.

By this time, I have familiarize myself with some of my co-applicant. I even talked to one of my former students who was getting a replacement for his lost license. Finally, I was called by the releasing officer at window 9.....hip hip hurray...... I was asked if I want a plastic jacket. I couldn't care less and nodded. He handed me a pink plastic jacket..... that is being attuned to the needs of the market. After getting my brand new license, we dashed out and headed for the car.

Suddenly, I feel that my special day turned into one of those days......

I was driving home when I got a message from the owner of the stud where we were. I told him that we were headed home to get the dog and will proceed there shortly. I told him I would give him a call if we couldn't find our way.

We reached home, freshened up, gave some instructions to our helpers, got the dog, and went our way again. Good thing, my daughter agreed to go with me. Eldest daughter like me, however, is not good with directions, and we would always go around in circles whenever we set out in unfamiliar territory. On the way, my daughter secured the dog at the back seat. I told her to study the direction given by the stud owner and look for the landmarks. We were fine but after the first landmark, we were confused because the direction given said we would come to an intersection. But it was not an intersection but just a road going to the left. We took that road but after driving some distance and not seeing houses, I called the stud owner to confirm if we got his instructions right. He confirmed that I was right on target. We saw the second landmark, and then the third..... there was no direction after this. I halted and made another call, he said for me to just continue driving and I would see their village. Once inside, I didn't know which direction to take, and called one last time. I didn't hang up and he guided me until I reached his place. Thank goodness for celfones, aimless drivers like me find their way.

Once in their place, we introduced ourselves and engaged in small talk as he told me to put the dog down so she could be comfortable. His stud was already waiting and eyeing my dog. My dog who is not very friendly to strangers and strange dogs would resist the stud advances. The stud would try over and over again. The owner is a bit apprehensive about my dog although I assure him that she wouldn't bite. I told him I will keep her strained. Still, my dog wouldn't calm down after sometime so his wife gave me a muzzle. We put this on my dog and the four of us, the stud owner and his wife and my daughter and I, would help the dogs do their thing. Gosh, I didn't wish that I would assist in procreation in this life but I did. After conversing some more on dog matters, I paid the stud fee and we went home.

Along the way, I was asking my daughter if we would go to dinner tonight. I told her to text her Dad what time he would go home. As she did this, we were thinking where we would go. We have made the rounds of the best restos in our place and nothing seem to tickle my fancy that day. Then, I thought of Italianni's and my daughter said she has this coupon which would take P500 off our food bill at Italianni's. On this basis, we made a plan to coerce hubby into submitting to our chosen venue. When it seemed that hubby agreed to go out that night, the venue was suggested. Then hubby's reply was "No, it's expensive there.". I knew how to handle that..... I told her to text that it's not really that expensive and I have eaten there in the past. I also told her to text that she has a coupon worth P500 to be stricken off from our bill. Still unconvinced, he asked when I have eaten there. I said maybe a year back and a number of times too with friends. Finally, he said he would just meet us at Italianni's before we reached home. The coupon did it..... never fails for us.

When we reached home, middle daughter was on the PC while my son was watching TV upstairs. I told them to dress up. My daughters told their grandmother to dress up too. I gave instructions to the helpers once again and informed them of the dinner date. I freshened up and went down for some further instructions. Soon, everyone was ready and we set out for dinner.

It looked like my day was about to turn for the better once again......

(to be continued)

PS: Mabuti at di pa ako tinatawag ng opisyal namin at simula ngayon araw hanggang sa Huwebes ay me klase ako. Nag-email pa ang administration head namin na isubmit ang grades. Kaya tuliro na nman ako sa mga gawain ngayon araw. Di ko pa rin tapos sagutan ang reviewer, eh yun ang ituturo ko mamayang gabi. Ano ba to?

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Ika 20 ng Oktubre 2008

I decided to take a leave of absence today, my special day. Beforehand, I already decided what to do on this day. It's the day that I had to renew my driver's license. With the setting up of offsite LTO branches, it should be a breeze but there is some twist. My eldest daughter who will take driving lessons soon needs a student driver permit which is issued in main branches only. So we should go to the main branch after all. Getting a driver's license counts among my necessary evil. Last night, I told her to sleep early as we would set out early too (really huh!).

My eldest dog is also in heat and needs stud service today based on the canine pregnancy calendar. After scouting for a number of options, I chose one which would be the most suitable based on value for money. The location is not so near though.

I woke up at the usual time and did the usual thing. By the time I finished everything, it was not so early anymore. My eldest daughter and I went our way about 9:30am. MIL and her assistant hitched a ride with us. I had to take a trip to the bank before going to the LTO. After dropping MIL and her assistant, we reached LTO a little past 10:00am. We read the flowchart diagram on renewal and student permit and headed for the first window to get our form. I needed to undergo medical examination and drug testing before submitting the filled up form. We proceeded to the medical and drug testing area and I was asked to pay P400 for a medical that requires reading the last line on the optometrist letter table and getting my blood pressure and the drug test. Darn these requirements, these are more expensive than the actual license itself. During the blood testing, the receptionist, a man, told me it's my turn and I had to fill up the entire bottle. He wipe the water closet and the lavatory before I went in. I winched at having to use it but was thankful that they actually clean it up when a woman will use the improvised toilet. Anyway, the best is yet to come.

Upon completion of the requirements, my daughter and I submitted our documents to the customer service window where we also got the form. From there, we had to go to different windows for the picture and signature taking. This is our first taste of time wasting. We had to listen to a man who is facilitating the orderly conduct of the procedure. If you miss hearing your name, your documents are put at the end of the heap plus you get an extra dose of sermon for being inattentive. You need to hear your name called amidst the stream of people swarming to be able to drive their vehicles as one more facilitator, a burly looking guy, simultaneously called out names of applicants for picture and signature taking and payment and as LTO personnel in two windows called up names of applicants whose student's permits and driver's licenses are released in windows 9 and 10. Waiting time for this first step is a minimum of one and a half hours.

My daughter's name was called by the facilitator just beating the lunch hour. They will stop operation at lunch until 1:00pm. The people thinned out after announcement of the lunch break. I confirmed with the facilitator if it was truly a break and he said yes admonishing us to be back before 1:00pm as they are already calling out names.

First, my daughter and I looked around for a suitable resto or canteen. The lone canteen in the LTO compound was teeming with people when we reached it. We went outside but the nearest decent fastfood resto is about a kilometer away. I decided to just drive to a nearby roadside eatery in a village near LTO. The first resto we went to which I tried in the past had closed down. We quickly searched for a decent eatery and found one nice carinderia. We quickly took our lunch so we can be back shortly. Because the meal was inexpensive, I told my daughter that we could buy some cream puff in a nearby bakeshop which we could eat while waiting. I told her to buy two pieces and she came out with two packs. We went back to LTO immediately after......

(To be continued)

PS: Pagod na naman ang araw na ito. Bukas ay papasok na ako. Nagkausap na kami ng opisyal na namamahala ng trabahong aasikasuhin ko nang magkasabay kami sa elevator nung Biernes. Sinabi niyang pag-uusapan muna nila ng isa pang opisyal na mas mababa sa kanya. Pagkatapos ay magtatawag siya ng miting na sana ay sa Lunes na ito. Ipinaalam ko na naka leave ako pero kung kailangan papasok ako at ipagpapaliban ko ang bakasyon. Sinabi niyang hindi naman..... kaya nagkasundo kami na bukas na lang gagawin ang pag-uusap. At kinakabahan na naman ako kung ano mangyayari sa buhay ko......

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Ika 19 ng Oktubre 2008

Brainchild's break.....

Lazily, I woke up this morning still reeling from our celebration yesterday. It was fun but tiring too. Aside from our families, we only have one guest, our HS friend we fondly call Mahal (love or expensive) for being glib in letting out expletives particularly PI (Pinoy version of SOB) in a funny way and her family. She also has all sorts of experiences that she can make you feel you are the luckiest person in the world even if you just figure in a car accident or were fired from your job. Mahal is also part of our HS group but took a different course in college. Dayap and I were also classmates/batchmates in college. Inspite of that, we managed to get together even then. That was until early in our career and as we were settling down, we lost touch with Mahal. As Dayap and I remained close, two other friends settled in Canada and the US but we remained in touch. We were wondering what happened to Mahal until we had our HS reunion in 2005. A classsmate who is a colleague in the bank Mahal works for, contacted her, and she was able to attend the reunion. We were so happy we are all together again. You know the feeling when you reminisce your HS together and put the pieces of that wonderful memory with each one filling out a piece of the puzzle. That's how it is when we're together.

With our busy sked and Dayap working abroad, we don't really hook up frequently. So whenever we do, we make sure that it will be worth our time. It never fails....... our get together are always enjoyable occasions and even our children have grown accustomed to each other. It was like old times yesterday as the three of us huddled in a table with our kids joining us and hovering, maybe trying to find out what we have done so that their own actions may have justifications as well.... hmmmmm.

We don't plan fastidiously and even accommodate unforeseen glitches in these meet-ups. Yesterday, Dayap learned that her hubby, my co-celebrant, had some activities at their church. I also had to do my home chores first before we can go. Mahal was asking what time they would go to Dayap's place at around 2:00pm and it was supposed to be lunch.....well, late lunch ..... but not cocktail. We left home at past 2:00pm. We reached Dayap's home after more than an hour of travel. Preparations continued as we prepared the buffet table. My eldest daughter and hubby was asking what time we would eat. After having enough fare on the table, we partook of our modest feast. After our very late lunch or early dinner, some of the children went to the clubhouse to swim. Dayap and I and our able assistants continued the preparation as I continue to monitor Mahal. Dayap kept on telling me that maybe Mahal wouldn't come as she had stood us up one too many in the past. Well, I kept my hopes high.

Soon, Mahal and family came. Dayap's hubby and their son came back from their church's activity. The kids and adults who went to the clubhouse came back. The buffet table which was replenished and completed with the rest of the offering looked so appetizing. About an hour after lunch, we were having again our dinner cum snack. I didn't eat much as I was too full from lunch but I enjoyed the dinner because of the ribbing with these two friends, Mahal and Dayap.

We would probably go on like this till we reach the twilight of our lives. These friends have made me ageless. Whenever I am with them, I don't feel time's passage and live for the moment. I don't have many 'true' friends but I have enough to keep my feet firmly planted on the ground and not lose sight of my place in this universe. On this Sunday, I sit back and think about how my friends have enrich my otherwise ordinary life.

"It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

PS: Sa loob lang ng isang oras ay tatanda na naman ako. Maging mabait kaya ang susunod na taon sa akin.... sana naman. At kung lilingunin ko ang nakaraan, naging mabait ba ang kahapon sa akin? Marami pa rin akong nais marating at me ilan bagay na nakamit ko na rin. Pero habang patuloy ang buhay, ay aasa pa rin ako na lahat ay magiing maayos.

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Ika 18 ng oktubre 2008

Brainchild's break.....



We are going to my friend, Dayap, home for a joint celebration of my and her hubby's special day courtesy of our mothers and fathers. Mine is actually on Monday but since Dayap is based overseas, we decided to have it this Saturday that she is here.

I am not sure if this is going to be tradition for us. Last year, we did the same thing. I invited my family and some friends and so with them. Since Dayap and I go a long way, we share common friends anyway. Our families too are like our own.

Since it's my celebration, let me take it easy today. MIL's assistant is taking charge of the cooking. She's quite good in preparing various cuisine. Dayap and family had lunch in our home one time and I served them dinuguan (This might be gross for the uninitiated as this dish may actually be used as a challenge for Survivor. It is actually blood stew, pork cooked in its blood and vinegar but we put a secret ingredient for a little twist which make it so delicious) and lumpiang sariwa (vegetable spring roll) and they love it. Filipino cuisine like Chinese cuisine uses lots of interesting parts as well. Blame it on economics........ we need to maximize utilization of everything to achieve zero waste. So that is their request for today's celebration and also middle daughter's pudding (which remind me, middle daughter is cooking less and less these days..... hmmmmm). We are bringing these dishes to Dayap's home. Oh, I bought some puto (rice cakes) too as these go well with dinuguan.

I guess Dayap's household is as busy as we are right now and I am here sneaking some time to blog ;)

PS: Di pa rin pala ako ligtas sa trabaho, magpapaligo pala kami ng aso ng kasama ko..... Di niya kasi kaya paliguan lahat..... Hay naman talaga..... ay wala talaga ligtas......

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