Ika 31 ng Disyembre 2008: On New Year's Eve Reflecting on the Year that Was

Today is the last day of 2008..... an interesting year for me with so many things that happened in my life. In retrospect, there were many challenges I hurdled and continue to hurdle this year.

The year marked my return to the academe after more than a year hiatus. This blog which serves as my shock absorber was started this year. With more freedom of expression, some repressed emotions were put to the fore which make coping with life more bearable. A major work assignment that captured headlines made me reacquire some lost glory brought about by my strained relationship with the boss. A dramatic change in our lifestyle happened with the first successful breeding of our eldest dog. With that, changes in the living conditions have to be implemented. The current renovation is related to this so as to make human and beasts peacefully and comfortably co-exist.

Still on the homefront, hubby continues to work for the same company. Even with a pledging economy, we still got some Christmas blessings this year. Hubby was also finally given his new car which has long been overdue. The kids continue to struggle with their schooling as they try to maintain their standing in school while juggling their many extracurricular activities. There are some challenges with my son on some subjects but we try to keep an open communication line with his teachers to stay afloat.

While there are blessings particularly this last month, there were quite a number of hurdles. Our finances remain to be the biggest concern with so many obligations to fulfill. I hope to see a marked improvement in the coming year with more prudential management of our funds. Health issues would also continually be a concern but we try to keep a healthy lifestyle by eating unhealthy food and engaging in unhealthy habits only occasionally. We try to live as cleanly and greenly as possible.

As we usher in a new year, let us all continue to hope and pray that 2009 with all its impending challenges would look kindly on all of us. Let us do our share in making this world a better place to live in....



PS: Manigong Bagong Taon sa Lahat! Tapusin ng maaga ang mga lakarin at sana ay maging ligtas ang pagsalubong sa bagong taon.

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Ika 30 ng Disyembre 2008: Lazy for You

We were supposed to go to the market to buy our food provision till the New Year but backed out because of sheer laziness. I kept stalling on returning some iron bars to the hardware I bought it from to exchange with other materials because both the body and spirit are not willing......

One of my helpers asked permission to be with her relatives tomorrow evening, New Year's Eve. I granted permission. After all, she stayed with us Christmas Day. The other helper who took her day off on Christmas Day will be staying with us. I guess our boy assistant will also help out. I actually feel guilty about their having to serve us on holidays when they are entitled to rest on these days too. But I also toil and holidays and weekends are suppposed to be my only rest days too. Wll, I am happy enough that we are able to compromise.

This is a day which can go in all directions. I want to organize stuff. There are important documents I need to write. I need to buy some other materials. I need to go to the market. have to buy food for the pets. I also need to beef up our new aviary site and kennel site. I want to get my nails done as well. There are a million things to do and I am so lazy to do all these things.

There is one thing that is certain in my list.... we are going to watch Desperadas 2 tonight.......... the movie date promised to the two girls and my two helpers. The addition of Ogie Alcasid should be interesting.

PS: Hindi pa rin natapos ang gawa sa bahay. Aabutin na ng bagong taon ito. Mukang marami rami pa akong mapapagawa at mauumpisan ako ng gawaan sa bahay..... Dapat maging magandang maganda ang bahay namin matapos lahat ito.

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Ika 29 ng Disyembre 2008: Vegging Out

I was supposed to meet up with my SATC set but the date went pffft. There are so many appointment to keep now and finding time is rather difficult for all.

The morning was spent talking to my iron work contractor. Their work is delayed because some materials are not available. Their supplier is closed since the 15th. He promised he would remedy the situation. My boy assistant brought his cousin for masonry work. He made his estimate of the work and we agreed on a contract price. They would start this afternoon. A post which will be part of the support of the gate should be finished ASAP.

I decided to just spruce up the house and veg out since I also really need to relax for full recovery. That is if there is not anything better to do..... But it seems hubby and I will be going to buy pet supplies later.

Today would also be a good time for a movie date with the girls and our helpers but my eldest daughter went out with her friends. I reset the date to tomorrow. We are going to watch Desparadas 2.

Whatever the day brings, I would just float and go with the tide .....

PS: "Malamig ang simoy ng hangin, Kay saya ng bawat damdamin, Ang tibok ng puso sa dibdib, Para bang hulog na nang langit........" Kaya lang mas sumasakit ang leeg ko sa lamig. Pero ang sarap magtulog dahil malamig..... brrrrr

Minsan minsan lang namin maranasan ang malamig na klima dito kaya ninanamnam namin ng husto ang malamig na klima tuwing kapaskuhan hanggang mga Pebrero. Maging magaan kaya ang buhay kung malamig ang klima dito kesa sa mainit na klima? Isa sa mga kuro kuro sa pag-asenso ng mga bansa ay me kinalaman sa klima. Sinasabi na yun mga bansang umasenso ay me malamig na klima na dahilan kung bakit mas produktibo ang mga tao dun. Naniniwala ba kayo dito?

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Ika 28 ng Disyembre 2008: Family Reunions

Brainchild's break.........

We headed off to the traditional family reunion on my husband's side. MIL was fidgety and excited as usual about this event. Nothing's changed with us. We woke up late and prepared late. MIL was trying to take charge but all her efforts ended in vain. We together with the two assistants and four of our dogs left home at 12:30pm for a luncheon affair. I cannot leave home with things in disarray.........that's my OCness showing.

During the trip, eldest BIL called to tell us that the clan was waiting not for us but for the sinanglaw, an Ilokano dish of beef entrails cooked in vinegar and ginger prepared by MIL, a request of one of the cousins of hubby. The traffic was good which made the trip short. We were there in no time. Everybody ate by the time we got there. So the sinanglaw became dessert. I overheard MIL telling their relatives that next time she will be coming from BIL's home. At the back of my mind, I was saying fine.....

Actually, I don't enjoy this reunion as it seems to be a bragging party where the elders would want to tell each one about the latest achievements or acquisitions of their sons and daughters. I occasionally do brag about my kids' developments but not in a way where that seems to be the order of the day. They are really good people but I get tired of the same old stories. I do enjoy family gatherings with my siblings but I am not really crazy about clan gatherings. I wanted to leave as soon as we arrived. This probably explains why we are always late in these gatherings. Anyway, it's one tradition I cannot escape from....... It was good enough that most particularly the children were awed by the dogs.

Dayap who was missing in action for the past days called while I was having lunch. She just got free from her siblings who stayed in their home for the holidays. That explains why she did not return my Christmas day greetings. Anyway, she was inviting us for dinner. I can easily be swayed. I told her I'll call her back once I get the others' nod. The kids were fine with it. I told hubby who was sleepy that I would drive.

After the distribution of gifts and cash by productive members of the society to all unproductive members which include non-working kids, teens, and elders and helpers of the families, we left hurriedly as there are still appointments to keep. We went to a dog breeder selling a pomeranian to find out if we have partner for our teacup pomeranian. The pomeranian is way too big for our tiny pom.

Hubby was falling asleep so I took the wheel. We have to pass by my office to get my basket of goodies. Just before turning at Buendia, I was flagged down by a MMDA traffic enforcer apparently for violating the yellow lane. He asked for my license and the car registration. I was letting him issue me a ticket as he tried to dissuade us from paying the fee of P500 and attending a seminar. Hubby was trying to convince him to let us go. I did not utter a word as I would rather pay the fee than give him bribe money if indeed I committed a violation. Probably sensing that we wouldn't pay up, he gave me back my license.

We passed by my office, took the goodies and headed home. After unloading our stuff, we freshened up, took our jackets and set out for Dayap's place. Again, traffic was good and we reached her place quite fast. But our other friend, Mahal, and her family left by the time we arrived due to some family emergency. The girls and I helped Dayap prepare our meal. Hubby went outside to talk with Dayap's hubby who was cooking barbecue. My son and Dayap's son played while MIL took her position in the TV area.

We all had a hearty dinner and a nice evening. Hubby and MIL went back inside to catch up on sleep while Dayap, her hubby, and I stayed to catch up. The girls watched TV. In time, we left. We arrived home tired and sleepy. I hit the sack immediately.

PS: Masakit ang kaliwang bahagi ng leeg ko hanggang balikat at kung ano anong gamot na anag naipahid ko, di pa rin nawawala ang sakit. Naipitan yata ako ng ugat. Ano ba solusyon dito? Sana mawala na ang sakit bago magbagong taon......

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Ika 27 ng Disyembre 2008: Tranquility

Brainchild's break...... you don't believe that, right! There's no such thing as a break in the weekend. Maybe slowdown but not really a real break.... Some of my physically taxing days fall on weekends.....

Morning's activities dragged because our water pump broke down. We called water delivery and the technician. Hubby set out early for their grand homecoming. MIL was asking me to drive her to the market to buy ingredients for her share of the potluck to bring to our annual family reunion tomorrow. I suggested that we get the ingredients from the supermarket as some are not available in the nearby grocer. Middle daughter has cheerleading practice and asked me to bring her to their meeting place. Once, I was back home, I sat in front of the PC to steal some time while waiting for action.

Soon, the technician was here. Then, my brother and cousin came for something we discussed yesterday......... and there was materials delivered for the renovation. They came simultaneously and things became chaotic. They all left about the same time. I tried to go back to where I started and then the water delivery came. I had to attend to it but let our boy assistant handle the job.

Now, I am back again trying to get some peace inside this little room with the door shut. I remember the tranquil feeling of driving through an almost empty parking lot this morning when I brought my middle daughter to their meeting place. I like the unrushed look of the place, so different once the crowd begins to fill up the space and one hardly noticed what lies within...... the huge place begins to look so small and imposing from where one is......... In this tiny room, I like to compose myself and get ready for what the day brings......

PS: Natuloy and panonood namin ng Baler kagabi. Sabi ng panganay kong anak, binigyan daw ng gradong A ng mga manunuri ang pelikulang ito. Isa itong kwento ng pagmamahalan ng isang Filipina at isang Mestisong Filipino na me dugong Kastila na tinututulan ng ama ng dalaga nung panahon ng pananakop ng Pilipinas. Nung unang bahagi ng kuwento ay maganda ang pacing ng pelikula. Tamang tama lang. Maganda ang cinematography. Respectable ang pagganap ng mga pangunahing artista gaya ni Anne Curtis bilang si Feliza at Jericho Rosales bilang si Celso. Magaling si Philip Salvador bilang ama ni Anne Curtis at isang rebolusnaryong galit sa mga Kastila. Mahusay din ang pagkakaganap ni Baron Geisler bilang pinuno ng mga Kastila na nagtago sa simbahan ng sinugod sila ng mga rebolusyonaryo. Pero bumagal na ang takbo ng pelikula nang magkuta na ang mga Kastila sa simbahan na umabot ng kulang kulang isang taon na sa tagal maiinip ka na at gusto mong batukan na yun pinuno nila para sumuko. Sa katapusan ay sumuko rin ang natitirang mga sundalong Kastila. Bagamat napakaperpekto ng mga pangyayari sa karamihan ng mga eksena ng pelikula, kalunos lunos din ang pagtatapos nito sa pagkamatay ng bidang lalake. Pero mas nalungkot ako sa pagkamatay ni Bravo, ang aso ni Jericho, na ginawang asusena ng kanyang mga kasamang Kastilang sundalo nang utusan niya itong magdala ng sulat sa kanyang kasintahan. Grabe talagang nalungkot ako dito.

Sa kabuuan, pwede na rin ang pelikula lalo na at nakakuha kami ng discounted tickets na binebenta ng mga me sobrang tikets kahapon. Kailangan manood pa kami ng ibang pelikula para meikumpara ang Baler.

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Ika 26 ng Disyembre 2008: The Day After Christmas

I am feeling much better now except for a pain on my left shoulder. I have been healed. I am not sure what cured me. My friend gave me medicines and I don't even know what it is and some vitamins C with zinc. She swore on its efficacy. I took both and paracetamol. I never really get sick easily. I think the flu shot we get annually is helping to keep us healthy. It must be from living a stressful life. Without the flu shot, I could have been rendered useless for a week. But here I am up and about.

I have also been using the air revitalizer given by my friend, Dayap, with some scented oils, a combination of lavander, peppermint, and eucaliptus since Christmas eve. On Christmas morning, I experienced some relief. I wanted to stay inside my room the whole day yesterday and lie down but BIL and family were here for our Christmas celebration. After lunch, I invited SIL who wasn't feeling well also inside my room to test the effectiveness of this alternative medicine I have been using for our family. I lie down in bed as SIL sat on my lounging chair as we talked about life in general. I was falling asleep but tried to keep my eyes open. We only came out when they were about to leave. It was raining but I felt much better in the evening.

I am ready to go today. I will be doing some errands and things for myself. I will buy materials for the renovation work at home and go to the saloon for hair coloring. I have to let some time pass before a new treatment is done to my hair to prevent hair damage. I am also thinking of giving my car a thorough cleaning.

In the evening, my daughters and I will be watching a MMFF entry. There are eight official entries this year namely Desparadas 2, Ang Tanging Ina Niyong Lahat, Iskul Bukol 20 Years After, Baler, One Night Only, Shake, Rattle, and Roll X, Magkaibigan, and Dayo. This is also one of the traditions I observed with the girls which started with the first Mano Po movie. From then on, it became a tradition observed every Christmas. I actually forgot until the girls asked what movie we will be watching citing Baler as the movie to watch this year. They also mentioned Desparadas 2 since we enjoyed watching Desparadas last year. In the yearly MMFF movies we have seen since starting this tradition, I actually liked and enjoyed some like Mano Po 1, 2, and 3; Crying Ladies; Aishite Imasu; and Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo. Except for exceptionally good Filipino films, I don't usually watch Tagalog films and the MMFF saved for its 1994 scandal produced some quality ones.

Last year, we watched Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo only due to a lack of interesting entries. The previous year, Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo. We have been transformed into Juday followers even if as a teen actress, she was actually considered "bakya". That was also the time, we stopped watching the Mano Po series. In 2005, Ako Legal Wife, a satire on the Mano Po series. In 2004, Panaghoy sa Suba, Aishite Imasu, and Mano Po 3. In 2003, Crying Ladies and Mano Po 2. In 2002, Mano Po. I don't recall what we watched in 2002. In 1999, Muro Ami. In !998, Jose Rizal which got us started into this MMFF entries watching.

Based on the trailer, we will be watching the following movies. I think my son can join us in one, Dayo.

Baler


Ang Tanging Ina Niyong Lahat


Dayo


PS: Salamat sa mahabang bakasyon at marami-raming magagawa at mapupuntahan. Dahil dito, malamang na butas ang mga bulsa namin pagdating ng bagong taon......

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Ika 25 ng Disyembre 2008: Merry Christmas

Tis the season of love and joy and as we celebrate as one the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us pray that this momentous event would have far-reaching implications in our lives....

Afrikaans: Geseënde Kersfees
Afrikander: Een Plesierige Kerfees
African/ Eritrean/ Tigrinja: Rehus-Beal-Ledeats
Albanian:Gezur Krislinjden
Arabic: Milad Majid
Argentine: Feliz Navidad
Armenian: Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand
Azeri: Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun
Bahasa Malaysia: Selamat Hari Natal
Basque: Zorionak eta Urte Berri On!
Bengali: Shuvo Naba Barsha
Bohemian: Vesele Vanoce
Bosnian: (BOSANSKI) Cestit Bozic i Sretna Nova godina
Brazilian: Feliz Natal
Breton: Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat
Bulgarian: Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo
Catalan: Bon Nadal i un Bon Any Nou!
Chile: Feliz Navidad
Chinese: (Cantonese) Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun
Chinese: (Mandarin) Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan (Catonese) Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun
Choctaw: Yukpa, Nitak Hollo Chito
Columbia: Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo
Cornish: Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth
Corsian: Pace e salute
Crazanian: Rot Yikji Dol La Roo
Cree: Mitho Makosi Kesikansi
Croatian: Sretan Bozic
Czech: Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok
Danish: Glædelig Jul
Duri: Christmas-e- Shoma Mobarak
Dutch: Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! or Zalig Kerstfeast
English: Merry Christmas
Eskimo: (inupik) Jutdlime pivdluarit ukiortame pivdluaritlo!
Esperanto: Gajan Kristnaskon
Estonian: Rõõmsaid Jõulupühi
Ethiopian: (Amharic) Melkin Yelidet Beaal
Faeroese: Gledhilig jol og eydnurikt nyggjar!
Farsi: Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad
Finnish: Hyvaa joulua
Flemish: Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jaar
French: Joyeux Noel
Frisian: Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en Seine yn it Nije Jier!
Galician: Bo Nada
Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr!
German: Fröhliche Weihnachten
Greek: Kala Christouyenna!
Haiti: (Creole) Jwaye Nowel or to Jesus Edo Bri'cho o Rish D'Shato Brichto
Hausa: Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!
Hawaiian: Mele Kalikimaka
Hebrew: Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova
Hindi: Shub Naya Baras (good New Year not Merry Christmas)
Hausa: Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!
Hawaian: Mele Kalikimaka ame Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
Hungarian: Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket
Icelandic: Gledileg Jol
Indonesian: Selamat Hari Natal
Iraqi: Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah
Irish: Nollaig Shona Dhuit, or Nodlaig mhaith chugnat
Iroquois: Ojenyunyat Sungwiyadeson honungradon nagwutut. Ojenyunyat osrasay.
Italian: Buone Feste Natalizie
Japanese: Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Jiberish: Mithag Crithagsigathmithags
Korean: Sung Tan Chuk Ha
Lao: souksan van Christmas
Latin: Natale hilare et Annum Faustum!
Latvian: Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu!
Lausitzian:Wjesole hody a strowe nowe leto
Lettish: Priecigus Ziemassvetkus
Lithuanian: Linksmu Kaledu
Low Saxon: Heughliche Winachten un 'n moi Nijaar
Macedonian: Sreken Bozhik
Maltese: IL-Milied It-tajjeb
Manx: Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa
Maori: Meri Kirihimete
Marathi: Shub Naya Varsh (good New Year not Merry Christmas)
Navajo: Merry Keshmish
Norwegian: God Jul, or Gledelig Jul
Occitan: Pulit nadal e bona annado
Papiamento: Bon Pasco
Papua New Guinea: Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela yia i go long yu
Pennsylvania German: En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr!
Peru: Feliz Navidad y un Venturoso Año Nuevo
Philipines: Maligayan Pasko!
Polish: Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia or Boze Narodzenie
Portuguese:Feliz Natal
Pushto: Christmas Aao Ne-way Kaal Mo Mobarak Sha
Rapa-Nui (Easter Island): Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua
Rhetian: Bellas festas da nadal e bun onn
Romanche: (sursilvan dialect): Legreivlas fiastas da Nadal e bien niev onn!
Rumanian: Sarbatori vesele or Craciun fericit
Russian: Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom
Sami: Buorrit Juovllat
Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
Sardinian: Bonu nadale e prosperu annu nou
Serbian: Hristos se rodi
Slovakian: Sretan Bozic or Vesele vianoce
Sami: Buorrit Juovllat
Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
Scots Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil huibh
Serbian: Hristos se rodi.
Singhalese: Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa
Slovak: Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok
Slovene: Vesele Bozicne Praznike Srecno Novo Leto or Vesel Bozic in srecno Novo leto
Spanish: Feliz Navidad
Swedish: God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt År
Tagalog: Maligayamg Pasko. Masaganang Bagong Taon
Tamil: (Tamizh) Nathar Puthu Varuda Valthukkal (good New Year not Merry Christmas)
Trukeese: (Micronesian) Neekiriisimas annim oo iyer seefe feyiyeech!
Thai: Sawadee Pee Mai or souksan wan Christmas
Turkish: Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian: Srozhdestvom Kristovym or Z RIZDVOM HRYSTOVYM
Urdu: Naya Saal Mubarak Ho (good New Year not Merry Christmas)
Vietnamese: Chuc Mung Giang Sinh
Welsh: Nadolig Llawen
Yoruba: E ku odun, e ku iye'dun!

PS: Nagloloko ang celfone ko itong araw ng pasko... Galing talaga ng timing ng celfone ko. Sa mga pamilya, kamag-anak, kaibigan, inaanak atbp na nasa iba't ibang lupalop ng mundo, MALIGAYAMG PASKO!

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Ika 24 ng Disyembre: Christmas Eve

I had to go to the office on Christmas Eve and I am nor feeling well. I have to because I was on leave yesterday. I am under the weather and it doesn't help that it is drizzling. I am cold and I want to curl up in bed. Good thing that my middle daughter and the helpers are doing the preparation for tonight's Noche Buena. I told my daughter to prepare paella and sotanghon soup. She volunteered to make sandstorm, a refrigerator cake. The sotanghon soup should make me feel better.

If I remember right, I was also running a fever Christmas Eve last year. The year before that I was rushed to the hospital for asthma attack. Is this some kind of a tradition?

I was in the office around 10am expecting that we will be sent home in the afternoon. But the news that came was it was going to be a whole day affair as January 2 will be declared a holiday.

I had lunch with a colleague as we tried to catch up with the burning issues in the office. It's been a long time since we talked and there have been interesting developments. I went back to the office feeling weaker and numb from painful joints, head, and back. I want to go home.

Emerging from the ladies' room, I met the top official I report to for my latest assignment. We greeted each other and engaged in small talk. I learned from her that work is suspended and we can go home...yay! The rest of the office does not know and were surprised when I made the announcement relayed to me by the top official ..... that made me a not so credible message deliverer. I should have just gone home quietly without anybody's knowledge. When I am asked next year, I will just cite my conversation with the top official.... She did say that! I am not hallucinating because I am ill.

Anyway, I should be on my way home soon. I will be with my family. I will curl up in bed and expect to be served today. I will celebrate in Church with the rest of mankind the birth of our Lord Jesus tonight.

MAY THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS BE IN YOUR HOMES TODAY AND ALWAYS!

PS: Sana naman wag ako matraffic pag-uwi ko. Kaninang papasok, naipit na ako sa mga namamagang katawan ng babae at lalake. Yun lalke napakagentleman ni ayaw ibahin yun pwesto ng braso niya para di alanganin yun pagsandal ko. Parang nagrereact pa pag iniiba ko yun pwesto ko at nangangawit ako. Sa inis ko pinahalata kong me sakit ako at suminga pa ako ng hindi naman parang lumabas na yun kaluluwa ko at baka maguilty. Wala dedma siya.... Nung bababa pa nagpakita pa ng inis at hindi ako agad makatayo para paraanin siya. Kung di ganito pakiramdam ko pinatid ko na yun. At buti na lang pasko, mahaba ang pasensiya ko pag pasko. Sa susunod na taon lagot ka sa kin.

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Ika 23 ng Disyembre 2008: Two Days to Christmas

The kids and I are off to DFA to hopefully renew our passports. Since our attempt last week was rendered useless because apparently there was a new procedure which you will learn only when you go there. Ok, it's Christmas and I won't be my usual sarcastic self.

The trip is planned as there are side trips to make. I had to return a mynah I bought from Cartimar Pet Center due to a missing toe. The bird might be stressed out if it goes with us so I had to go to the pet store to give it back first and return after we are done with our passport processing to get the replacement. We proceeded to DFA after returning the bird.

Except for some hitches which did not really come as a surprise considering our passport experience so far (sorry for the lapse), the processing was relatively smooth. We were done by lunchtime. My son requested to eat at Mang Inasal for the third time since our first DFA trip. He was attracted to the resto because of its unlimited rice promo. He said the chicken is also yummy. His wish was granted although my middle daughter was somehow protesting. My eldest daughter wanted to go to MOA. I was kinda in a hurry because my former officemates were coming to the house early evening for some get together and I had to prepare something. I told her that with a long Christmas break we will just go there some other time. I have great kids and there was not much problem.

After our lunch at Mang Inasal, we went to Cartimar to get the replacement for the bird. My son bought a bigger container for his new pet scorpion with his own money. His sisters and I didn't like him to have that scorpion. That's why I bought a mynah for him hoping to divert his attention. He really want it and researched about scorpions. He said that his is level 1 in terms of pain and poison. He said it wouldn't hurt if the scorpion stings. He talked his dad into returning to Cartimar last Saturday and got his wish granted. He also bought it with his own money. With the assistance of our boy helper, he has been busy since then fixing the scorpion cage. He has been bugging me about where to put it. I saw it on the dining table and told him it can't stay there. I returned it at the study room. It is, however, occupying too much space.

We got back home. I went to the plaza to buy chicken and additional ingredients for the pasta. The helper and my middle daughter prepared the food while I straightened up the house. Soon, my guests arrived. This is their first time they are seeing my home and of course, I cannot resist the urge to tour them around my home..... They went to every room and every space in the house except the back service area which I am not very proud of as it is not very orderly and has been the subject of my sermon every now and then. Still, there was no improvement. I really have to get down on my knees and do it by myself.

After the customary tour for first-timers in my home, we went back to my living room to catch up..... mostly the talk focused on home improvement. They gave me tips on where to buy cheap curtains and accessories I could use in the house. Dinner was served shortly. It was not a feast but they love the fare. They must be hungry from the long trip. In fairness to my helper and daughter, the food was yummy. When dessert was served, they could hardly take anymore.

PS: Kung kelan magpapasko, ngayon pa sumama ang pakiramdam ko. Sinisipon ako at parang lalagnatin. Natatamad tuloy akong maghanda. Sana bukas wala na ito.....

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Ika 22 ng Disyembre 2008: Three Days to Christmas

Just three days before Christmas and I am here at the office even if my mind and heart are somewhere else...... I want so much to spend more time at home with the kids and my pets. There are just too many activities........ sometimes it is good to stop amid all this madness and just reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas is a more solemn occasion for us and rightly so because it is the day Christ was born.

Anyway, my head is wrapped in a mentholated Chinese medicine I applied on my aching forehead and shoulder sore from all the stress I am getting lately. I am getting less sleep these days with all the activities. I am thankful school is over and I have miraculously complied with the requirement way ahead of time. Thank God!

Home is still busy with all the remodeling and renovation work. I don't think we will finish everything before Christmas but I am pretty sure we will have a better and more secured home next year.

Two more days of endurance........ maybe one and a half days......pleeeeeeeease! I need to ran errands too..... bills have to be paid, things have to be bought.... I also have to meet friends..... tis the season of renewing ties.... In dizzying pace of the days before the big event, I cannot live through Christmas without sharing with family and friends.

PS: Bukas pupunta kami ulit DFA... eto yun balik namin matapos na masorpresa kaming malaman na hindi ka pala agad ipaprocess pag punta mo dun..... bibigyan ka lang ng appointment........ BW.....S...T talaga!

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Ika 21 ng Disyembre 2008: Efficiency and Effectiveness

Brainchild's break.......

Efficiency is doing things right while effectiveness is doing the right things. Today, the new order is to do the right things right the first time.

Why am I concerned with being efficient and effective on my rest day. Shouldn't that be work-related terms? It probably is in the traditional way. But today, multitasking and time-saving oblige us to be efficient and effective. Most often, we equate weekend with the right to be lazy. We work at our own pace making it hard to finish our tasks. We waste time that we try not to do at work. The weekend is soon over and one wonders what happened in those two days.....

I decided last night that I would go to the dawn mass today.... maybe bring my son who wakes up early along. My two daughters already expressed their lack of enthusiasm on the idea of going to mass that early. I woke up at my usual time and there was enough time to make it to the dawn mass. My helpers who are trying to complete the nine-day dawn masses went ahead. I was still contemplating on whether I would go or not. I wanted so much to sleep. I stood up and went to my son's room asking a half-asleep boy if he wants to come with me. He said, "No, thanks....." Again, I was caught in a conflict.... Fortunately, ,my good self prevailed and I went to mass alone.

Upon reaching home, I texted hubby when he is arriving home from his overnight party. He was on his way home. Good! We can do our marketing early. He arrived soon and we went to the plaza to buy food stuff. After our marketing, I had to supervise the helpers in preparing our lunch fare. My friends from the school and I are having our potluck party at home. Food assignments were drawn up previously by our designated events coordinator.

I barely made it when my friends arrived at home. They came just when I stepped out of the bathroom. They are not high-maintenance and I do enjoy their company. From these, it was all fun with our satirical take on our respective lives. That's how this friendship is all about. We do not exactly call each other everyday but we catch up during our get together days. I guess this friendship is going to last a long time given that we are all highly opinionated people but respect each one's differences.

PS: Sa ngayon ay pinag-iisipan ko na naman ang bukas, Pasko na pero kailangan pa rin pumasok... katamad naman talaga.......

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Ika 20 ng Disyembre 2008: Unlucky Streak

Brainchild's break......

Today the big event would be our party in the school. We were being lured into attending it with a promise of everyone getting something when we go home. That's a good enough deal. Where else can one get free food and entertainment and still bring home a prize. And the prizes are no joke..... TV, washing machines, DVD player, etc..... Another come-on is we are only 9 teachers in that school, if we are to count the other staff maybe 13.... let's say 15 with all the other people there. That should give me a fair chance....hmmmmmmmmm

But pondering over it, I never won in raffle draws...... the odds is not even a positive number. I get picked in raffle draws where the prize is more like a punishment than anything else............like who will work during Christmas parties or go to Luneta to attend our Independence Day celebration or who would not be given a new PC. These are but a few examples and some have a semblance of truth. Once, we tested my luck in raffle draws. Everyone was getting a prize so that means I was getting something come what may. Just when everyone but a handful had their gifts, my name was not yet picked. The person drawing the names who is aware of my luck was concerned that maybe my name was accidentally excluded. Hence, the draw continued until the very end with a promise to me that I would be getting something even if my name was not there. I was pleased enough until..... at the very end, my name was finally called. See, I knew all along what the outcome would be and this is consistent for every raffle draw I participated in.

Given my luck, I was still determined to attend our party as I know it will be fun. The prizes are not the only reason I am attending our Christmas party. I would admit though that the prizes are nice baits. The school owner, a generous lady, will be there to celebrate with us. I would be meeting all the teachers for the first time. All the students will also be there.

I was late going to the party because there are errands to run as usual. Traffic is also bad at this time. The party hasn't started yet when I came with middle daughter in tow. Middle daughter once won top prize in a bingo game in our village. Hubby also admits to being unlucky in raffle draws. Both my eldest daughter and son have not brought home something really big in raffle draws in their school. In a family with below par luck in raffle draws, my middle daughter would be our redeemer because of that one victory. I was hoping that her luck would rub on me.

The party was fun..............and with only a small number of people attending, it was warm and made memorable by the presence of the school owner. A truly generous soul, she made sure that everyone gets a prize to bring home to...... And guess what? Nah........ I didn't win the TV or the washing machine. The school owner added two more TV sets and a DVD player to the raffle prizes.

I went home with a new DVD player and loads of gifts from students and colleagues and won in games ...... and that was good enough for me. What is good is that I met my colleagues, some of them for the first time. Since, we are mostly professionals moonlighting on different times, we don't get to meet and interact with each other.

We really couldn't leave early because Teacher Nelia kept on adding more gifts.... When finally, it was apparent there was no more additional gift, the party went somber and we went home soon.

It's five days to Christmas and I feel like a kid wanting to open my gifts which we do on the eve of Christmas as a family tradition. By this time, the kids and I should be packing our Christmas package for the carolers.... I am looking forward to that.

PS: Kahapon walang nangyari sa lakad namin sa DFA at nag-iba na pala ang patakaran nila sa proseso ng pag-aapply o renewal ng passport para sa mga kawani ng gobyerno. Ngyon, di na direcho na ipaprocess ang papeles mo. Bibigyan ka lang ng schedule para bumalik at maprocess ang pag-aapply ng passport @!@#%$^^&&**(*.

Hindi ko na muna isasalay ang karanasang ito at gusto kong bigyan ng sariling blog ang tungkol dito. Masyado maraming masasabi sa mga !#$%^&&*((()*(&%^ na taga DFA na yan para sa pangaraw-araw kong blog kaya gagawin kong espesyal yan.

And masasabi ko lang !#$%^&(#$%^^&)_*^&^^^^ niyo. Sanay na sanay kayong mag-aksaya ng oras ng mga tao.....

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Ika 19 ng Disyembre 2008: Passport Renewal

Today, the kids and I are going to DFA to renew our passports. The kids have been primed up to wake up early much to their chagrin as today is the first day of the Christmas break of my middle daughter and son. I told them they can sleep in the car. This task is one of the pending things which I have long delayed as it requires too much effort to round out all the kids, wake them up early in the morning, drive through tight city and Christmas rush traffic, compete for parking, and wait for a loooooooooooooong time. Anyway, this is a necessary evil that we must get over with.

Eldest daughter is also pushing me on doing this as she wants to participate in an exchange program comes summer. Middle daughter and my son are not so enthusiastic but they want to have their passports renewed or we end up leaving them in the extreme case of war or invasion if they don't have passports. They hate the thought and that is enough motivation.

There's still much more to do. Eldest daughter wants to go to MOA after having our passports processed. My son wants to go to Cartimar because he wants to buy a scorpion, I want to go there to get the cage I ordered for the cockatiels. Middle daughter is not very keen on going anywhere because she wants to attend there cheering practice.

After circling the house, we went our way. Just before we reach the village gate, I remember I need a calling card as I want to call a couple of people. We set off again. As we reached the curb, I asked if they got their school IDs just in case. Of course they didn't have it. Why should I even ask. We returned home another time telling the kids to get their IDs.

If this is an indication of what lies ahead today.... I'd say we are in for a ride....

PS: Isa itong DFA sa hindi ko gustong pinupuntahang ahensiya.....matao, magulo, at pati yun mga empletado minsan mahirap kausap... Hay naman talaga...

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Ika 18 ng Disyembre 2008: My Boy's Wish

It's my son's birthday and I used my forced leave today. I went to his school and brought some food, drinks, and a birthday cake for his celebration. They were having their Christmas party and his teacher kindly squeezed in a little program culminating with his blowing the candles on his cake. When it was time to make a wish just before he blew the candles, he was looking at the ceiling and took about five minutes..... everyone was figuring out what could he had been wishing. After his very loooooooooooong thought-out wish, he blew the candles.

Our helper and I then prepared the food which was distributed by his officer-classmates who were assigned by the teacher. Having prepared the food, my helper and I packed up our stuff and left so that the class can go with their party. My son was actually protesting our presence asking rather loudly if we had to be there.

We went home stopping by for a couple of errands. We picked up up bed linens from the laundry and bought door hinges for the stockroom. Reaching home, I had a quick bite and rest awhile. My eldest daughter and I were leaving again early evening to see my son's broadway presentation.

We left the house around 5pm passing by the mall to buy long bond paper. We need to print passport application form for our passport renewal tomorrow. After that errand, traffic was horrible going to my son's school. The teacher texted that my son was anxious to go home. After navigating this Christmas rush traffic, I reached their school. Parking was the next hurdle. The parking space was overflowing with cars. I had to park far from the school and was worried about my car all the time.

My son was fuming when we got to him. My eldest daughter gave him candy to pacify him. He cooled down after some time and joined his classmates. We got seats just before people could no longer find any. Some stood up the entire presentation. The presentations of the different grade levels were cute and amusing. Professional like Pinky Marquez who is a musical theater teacher in the school lent their support. It was not perfect but not bad either. On the whole, they gave us an hour of entertainment.

We left after the presentation and I was thinking having dinner outside. My son announced that his Dad told him that his birthday treat will be on Sinday. Hubby is also on a Christmas party roll since yesterday. We decided to go to Kenny Roasters. It's been a long time since I ate there.

Again, I had to do a couple of errands. We passed by our sanitary wares shop to return a toilet seat cover we couldn't install. He showed me how to do it and I was enlightened. After this, we proceeded to Kenny Roasters. I left my kids there and shopped for some electrical supplies for electrical work on Saturday. I rejoined them when my eldest daughter texted that food was ready. We immediately went home after dinner. My birthday boy was already sleepy.

I am too beat up now but still need to do a couple of things for school before retiring. Since yesterday, I am pleased that I was able to do what I set out to do. Before the day's is over, I am over my quota for the day.

PS: Sana ay hindi maging mahirap ang pagrenew ng passport bukas. Pero isa ang siguradong mahihirapan kami...... Ayaw ko sana lumabas pero kailangan....... Hindi namin maiiwasan ang traffic na gawa ng Christmas rush bukas. Taon-taon, itong weekend bago magpasko ang pinakamatraffic. Alam ko kasi natataon yun birthday ng anak kong bunso sa linggo bago ang pasko. Nung unang birthday nga niya maraming di nakarating dahil sa traffic. Para rin malungkot sa bata pag malapit sa pasko ang kaarawan at iisa ang regalong natatanggap. Kadalasan para di masyadong malungkot ang anak ko, dinadagdagan na lang namin ang regalo niya

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Ika 17 ng Disyembre 2008: Pressing Matter

As Christmas draws near, there are more things on my plate and I couldn't even think if I can handle everything.

I have to play it smart today. School work is the most pressing task on hand. I finished preparing the midterm examination for my other subject yesterday. Now, I need to check test papers and the other requirements. I need to finish preparing the grades of one class. I cannot prepare the grades of the other class since they will just have their midterms tonight and I still have to check their test papers. But I hope to partially prepare the grading sheet and just plug in the midterm exam grades as soon as I finish checking their paper. I have devised an excel file which allows automatic computation of grades.

I actually can make the Friday cut for submission of grades except that I will be on a two-day leave tomorrow and the following day. It's my son's birthday tomorrow and I would like him to have a little celebration in school. Every year, he brings donuts or pastries to school by himself. I want it to be special this year because this is his last year in elementary barring any unforeseen event. I think that he would be too shy having birthday parties in high school.

On Friday, the kids and I are going to renew our passports. Tomorrow, my son and middle daughter start their Christmas break. Eldest daughter is just attending Christmas parties this week. Incidentally, she is off to their lantern parade today. I have seen this while I was at Diliman many, many years ago and it really is a joyous occasion. We waited till the Christmas break because getting or renewing passports now requires personal appearance with the new biometrics system. I have been planning to renew our passports which expired a long time ago because I want to bring my son to Disneyland HK before my friend Dayap finally retires. The two girls who both were able to visit HK in the past want to tag along.

So I would not really have time to submit the grades on Friday. We are to follow a strict schedule as required by our administrator. With many preoccupations and invitations, I need to discipline myself in focusing on what I ought to do. I hate doing this as with patience running thin I usually end up cranky and too stressed out. I hope the holiday sets in already. Then again, who knows what that brings.........

PS: Masakit ang likod ko at parang pagod na pagod ako nitong nakaraang mga araw. Sana ay makapagpa-spa bago magpasko. Kahit bakasyon ang pasko, madalas nakakapagod sa dami ng lakad at iba pang gawain. Sana nga tahimik na lang ang pagdiriwang ng kapaskuhan........

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Ika 16 ng Disyembre 2008: Still Missing

I still feel inadequate as I have no idea where my USB is..... You see this piece of device is like my alter ego. In my absence, it can take over..... I have made some information I use for my various endeavors available online so I could easily access it. Technology enables me to just bring myself somewhere and with a PC or laptop get access to these information and present it to my students or a willing audience. The USB however is like an organized filing system which includes my relevant office work and most of my school work. During my JPEPA work in which I had to deal with voluminous papers, the USB allowed me to be mobile and travel lite. I have use the USB for recent school work which was not transfer to a PC or laptop.

But what can I do?

1. I'll continue to search and search until I turn the house and my office drawers upside down (The thing is if I lost it outside. The USB is permanently parked in my bag as it is an extension of myself. With weekend activities I could no longer trace, it could have accidentally got snagged by my finger or something as I was struggling to get my wallet or something inside my bag and fell unnoticed.)
2. Accept my lost, buy another USB, and recreate my filing system !@@##$$%%&^&*&% (Incidentally, this was issued to me by my office. I hope it's one of those stuff which qualifies as supplies so I don't have to replace it after some period of time it has been in my possession if it is declared as lost. Otherwise, I need to replace it@#$%^&*)&^$%$.)
3. Learn from this mistake and immediately transfer new files before laziness kicks in.
4. Stop beating myself and do nothing because thinking and agonizing on it just give me a headache.

Still, I pray that I find it. I get attached to things I own for sometime specially if these things serve me well. BUZZZZ, my flash drive, served me well...... and if I won't be able to find it may he restin peace knowing that he will never, never be replaced in my heart..... and if ever I replace it out of utility and not something else, it will never be the same again.

Today, I wish my wish will come true.

PS: Palapit na ang pasko at ito yun mga araw na masarap pumasok at halos wala na ginagawa sa opisina at busy ang lahat na nagpaparty o nagoorganize ng mga social activities.......... Pero hindi ako at nakakapraning sa akin ang linggong ito..... patuloy ang gawaan sa bahay bagama't itong kontratista ko hindi na sa bahay gumagawa kundi sa shop nila. Isasalpak na lang ang mga ginawa pag natapos. Bukod dito, nagpapamidterms pa ako at hahabulin ang pagsusubmit ng grado sa Biyernes. Syempre nanjan din yun mga imbitasyon sa mga Christmas parties at dahil me ilan grupo din akong sinasamahan marami-rami din ang pupuntahan kong ganitong mga kasiyahan. Kaya ko to!

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Ika 15 ng Disyembre 2008: Missing

I was changing bags this morning when I discovered my flash drive is missing. Panic gripped my heart. My head was spinning as I tried to recall where I put it. My USB is my hope for making it through this day. My school files are there and the USB allows me to juggle through both my office and school work. Now, what do I do? Some of my recent files including exams and quizzes with answer guides have not been transferred to our home PC. I don't keep my personal and school files in the office just to be safe. The open network can give unauthorized access to other people and I know of some people here who access other people's files without permission. For redundancy, I keep e-groups for the different schools I worked for which also serves as repository of files and lectures but not the exams.

As a consequence of my unfortunate loss, I crammed and rammed my head from morning to afternoon in preparing my exams. I was praying that I don't get called by the boss. That will surely be a problem. I can feel pain and tightness on my shoulders as I rushed finishing my midterm exams.

In the middle of doing it, I got a call from a former colleague who is a ranking official in one of our regional offices. He was asked by his top boss for whom I work for in the past to call me and ask if I want to join them. I have many times been offered by this top official to join their office. She was so good to me while I was working for her but the work in that office does not excite me. That would be a good way to get me out of this kingdom but I have other plans as well. For some reason, my boss is blocking the path that I want to pursue. Oh well, one cannot have all......

I find it difficult saying outright that I am not really interested in the offer because how could I say that to a top official. I have actually turned down her offer, nicely of course, in the past. But here we are again..... To get me off the hook as I had to finish an exam, I promised my ex-colleague that i would just visit him tomorrow. Gosh, I have to play it right as i do not want to offend..... If anything, I'd like to keep my options open just in case........

Meantime, I have to think hard and retrace my steps as I do a detective job in finding my lost flash drive. Many times I marvel at the wonder of technology in small packages capable of delivering high-powered performance but this is one time I do not appreciate the advantage of compactness. I want to cry but what good will that bring..... I just hope and pray I just misplaced it at home. But finding a teeny weeny piece of equipment may just be a miracle. I pray to St. Anthony de Padua to please help me find my lost USB. To anyone who may find it, please, please, please return it to me..... that piece of plastic may mean nothing to you but it represents many years of hard work for me..... it's my intellectual property. Reward comes in the form of good karma......

PS: Nasa Canada na siguro ang kaibigan kong si V...... Nakakalungkot din isipin na nag-iisa siya dito habang nasa Canada ang asawa at mga anak niya. Napili nilang magmigrate pero hindi maiwan ng kaibigan ko ang trabaho niya dito dahil maganda na rin ang pwesto niya sa kumpanya. Sa Canada, kailangan magsimula ulit siya.

Ilan beses niya rin nasabi sa akin na gusto na rin niyang sumunod sa pamilya niya. Binibigyan niya na lang ng hanggang sa isang taon ang sarili sa ganitong buhay. Malamang nga mas mapaaga pa ang tuluyang pag-alis niya.

Nakakalungkot din at malalayo na naman ang isang kaibigan ko sa akin. Pero mas makakabuti naman sa kanilang lahat yon. Lumalaki na kasi ang mga anak niya at ito yun pagkakataon na kailangan siyang makasama ng mga ito. Sana nga magkasama-sama na sila........

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Ika 14 ng Disyembre 2008: Household Help

Brainchild's break......

There is going to be a black out today and I am starting things early. As usual, there are tons of things to do.

Yesterday proved fruitful and we were able to complete tasks as planned. Today, hubby will tend to his birds with the help of our boy assistant. He bought new stuff for them. Interior Christmas decoration has to be finished today. I am changing all bed linens too using new ones for the holiday.

My dogs need bathing too and they need my touch. It seems no one can do a good job of a real grooming time for them than me. One helper does it whenever I can't but it is not the same than when I do it. In fact, this is true for almost anything. That is not to discount their importance in our household. It's just that I have a way of doing things leaving no stone unturned. With them, there is always something amiss..... Then again, life would not be bearable without household helpers. For a time, we can cope. The children would help wash the dishes and clean the house but in time they will grumble. I feel more stressed out because aside from doing all the house work, I also have to attend to my other work.

This is probably one of the things that Pinoys who choose to settle abroad miss. They need to get use to a life without household help that they probably got used to in here. So for all my rantings about how my helpers would be remiss at times, I really love them and appreciate their making my life easier.

Later, we are going to Church to thank the Lord for everything we have. I am praying for my eldest daughter too who is taking her NMAT as I write this. I pray too for strength to deliver work I have to do this week.

PS: Nagagalit na naman ang bunso kong anak sa akin dahil di ko siya pinaglaro ng computer. Me eksaminasyon kasi sila at kailangan niyang mag-aral. Me note ang teacher niya sa diary na hindi maganda ang tayo niya sa ibang subjects niya. Eto na naman yun pagkakataon na kailangan maging matigas kahit na magalit pa siya para rin sa ikabubuti niya.

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Ika 13 ng Nobyembre 2008: Appointments

Brainchild's break......

Little by little, things are clearing up at home. But another job is about to start. I might not be able to put the trimmings on top of our main door until the work on the gate and the garage is finished. Well, there has to be some sacrifices if things are to work out right. The contractor said that they will be working on it for two weeks..... that right smack on Christmas day. Well, at least our frontage will be complete by New Year. And that could make hiding from grandchildren, relatives, and friends easier. We could just pretend we're not home.......

Ago has not shown himself since I paid him for the balance of the work done. He was asking for an advance bonus which I did not give. That gives me the freedom to look for other contractors to do the fountain on the fence... It is probably a good thing.....

Today, there are tasks and appointments to keep..... I have agreed to view two male pomeranians we are considering to buy as mate for our female pomeranian. We might visit one today. I am also looking for a nice male adult shih tzu to strengthen our breeding program. Hubby also wants to buy some bird stuff at Cartimar. I might buy a pair of lutino cockatiels as well if the price is right. Our animal kingdom is surely growing. These pets make our weekends lively with all the sights and sounds in our home. They have become truly a part of our family..... I couldn't imagine life without them. And with my new boy assistant, I am hoping that they will get all the love and care that they need.

I have to get my car at the service center too. That's another major expense. I noticed this sign in their office on a 0% interest for six months using a credit card. I will surely avail of that.

With Christmas fast approaching, I need to finish our Christmas decoration today. I have installed the gold Christmas curtains. Tomorrow, the bed linens will be replaced with new ones that would add a Christmas flavor in our bedrooms. Our home will be ready for our Christmas gatherings with friends and families soon.

My day begins right now..........

PS: Mag-eexam ang anak ko ng National Medical Admission Test bukas para magqualify sila sa Medicine Proper. Sana naman ay maipasa ng anak ko ito para matupad ang pangarap niya at namin na maging doktor siya. Good luck anak!

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Ika 12 ng Disyembre 2008: Recommendation

It's our boy assistant off today.... So I had to fill in some of the pet chores which I miss anyway. My other helper who also does pet chores and tidying up the outside premises had to do all things by herself. It's better that my boy assistant's off fall on a weekday as weekends are really action-filled days.

The work on our gate and other parts of the home have also started as I negotiated with the contractor and confirmed the job order yesterday. He has a very nice design for our gate. I can't wait to see it installed. Our home will be secured comes Christmastime.

With all the things going on, part of me wants to stay home but I also need to make a living. On this cool and rainy Friday morning, I rode a van going to work. I was sleeping and yet I hear voices. There was a man at my back talking about construction on the phone all the time. I was able to sleep through this. Then, an elderly woman got a call and spoke rather excitedly. I was up in no time listening to her recommendation of a staff to another organization. The woman was all praises about the James, the applicant, who appeared to be one of their staff. She said he's learned and capable of doing everything rating him a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. She added he will be an asset to any organization. Now, that is how you give recommendation to people....clear, specific, and with conviction. Later, however, she would realize and lament that she would be losing a valued staff.

This made me think........ what kind of recommendation will my bosses give me? I have dealt with all kinds. There were pleasant and unpleasant experiences. Sometimes, more than the monetary rewards, praises and pats on the back are just as important for employees to know that they are valued. These latent motivators go beyond the temporal satisfaction provided by monetary considerations and is forever stuck in the psyche of an individual. Fortunately, I have received my fair share of these rewards that gives me an arsenal of armory to draw from when I need validation and something to hang on to on those times ........

I have likewise given some recommendations to friends, former colleagues, students in their pursuits of goals and aspirations. The fine lady taught me how to give a real recommendation. Sometimes, I feel it's just doing what is expected of us like a reflex....... all too mechanical and laden with superlatives I couldn't even comprehend. Yup, all too insincere. I am asked and I give. With this encounter, I will begin to be more circumspect in my own recommendations starting today.


PS: Maganda and masaya ang kinahinatnan ng aming spa day ng kaibigan kong si V....... Sulit ang binayad namin at maganda ang nakuha naming serbisyo sa mga mababait nilang crew. Tamang tama pala at nagkita na kami dahil paalis na siya papunta Canada para makapiling ang pamilya niya sa Linggo. Sa Enero na ang balik niya.

Matapos and lahat ng gagawin ko kahapon, nakarating din ako sa Going Straight kung saan magpaparebond ako ng buhok ko ng mga alas-3 ng hapon. Nauna ako sa kaibigan ko na pumasok sa opisina at hindi kami nagkaunawaan sa aming date kahapon. Pero ok lang at mahabang proseso ang dadaanan ko. Humigit kumulan sa 5 oras ang pagpaparebond ng buhok. Titiisin ko ito at di ko na makayanan pa ang aking bad hair days.

Inooverhaul na ang buhok ko ng dumating ang kaibigan ko. Hiniling ko na pagtabihin kami para makapagkwentuhan. Matapos makapagpahinga, nagpasiya siya na magpamanicure at pedicure. "Yan lang!", sabi ko sa kanya. Kasi daw kakatapos lang niya magpakulay at pagupit. Matapos ang manicure at pedicure niya, naisip niya na magpahighlight ng buhok. Sinabihan ko ang mga hair treaters na ihighlight na ang buhok ng kaibigan ko. Wala na siyang nagawa.

Maya-maya naisip ko na rin pamanicure at pedicure na para hindi na ako lumabas ng weekend. Konti lang naman ang dipresiya ng presyo. Maya-maya pa ulit habang minamanicure ako, naisip ko na magpa-foot spa na. Hay........ medyo nakokompleto na ang spa treatment ko. paano kaya ang masahe namin? Gabi na at baka sarado na ang mga spa na me nagmamasahe.

Nang matapos ang lagyan ng kung ano-anong kemikal ang buhok ng kaibigan ko, minasahe siya na kasama sa hot oil treatment na package sa paghighlight ng buhok niya. Me hot oil treatment din ang pagpaparebond. Di ayos na. Ibig sabihin, mamasahihin din kami kahit likod lang. Pero me foot spa din pala ako at mamasahihin din ang paa at binti ko. Di talagang ok na ok na at kokonti na lang parte yun hindi minasahe.

Dumating ang panganay na anak ko na uuwi ng bahay galing sa dorm niya. Sinabi ko na magpagupit. Una, ayaw pa pero kalaunan ay nakumbinsi rin namin ng kaibigan ko. Medyo hindi adventurous ang anak kong ito at kailangan udyukan sa mga bagay bagay. Sinabi ko sa naggugupit na ilayer ang buhok niyang mahaba at wala na sa ayos. Pagkatapos magupitan, ang ganda ng anak ko. Sabi ko na baka mainggit ang pangalawa kong anak.

Ako ang huling natapos sa aming tatlo. Masakit na ang pwet ko sa pag-upo ng mahigit 6 na oras. Lumabas kami ng Going Straight pasado alas-9 ng gabi na me ngiti sa aming mga labi. Naging matagumpay ang aming spa day. Malaki din nagastos namin sa dami ng pinagawa namin pero kailangan din namin na isipin ang sarili namin paminsan minsan........ habang me ngipin pa kami......

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Ika 11 ng Disyembre 2008: My Feel Good Day

I designated today as my day and I ain't going to the office. This day is long overdue. I am going out with my equally stressed out friend, V...... We set this day to do something that would make us feel better.

Having decided to take a day off, I have to fully maximize this day. I am putting order in my life as well so I have to do things that have been pending for so long in the morning. First, I need to go to my son's school to settle our account. Then, I will bring my car to the service center for its long-overdue (by 5k kms) routine check.

By afternoon, I am free to do as I wish with the day. I am thinking of going to the hair saloon, having a nice lunch or snacks or whatever is applicable, maybe have my nails done, and capping it with a massage at my favorite spa. I have not had a massage for a long time..... I am craving for it. I am going to make every second of this day my bliss.....

PS: Me bago na naman ako boss sa opisina at panibagong panimula na naman. Panay special projects kasi nabibigay sa akin dahil sa di pangkaraniwang sitwasyon sa sarili kong opisina. Ok lang naman din. Natutuwa nga ako at mga matataas na opisyal ang boss ko. Minsan mas madali pa makatrabaho ang mga taong matataas kesa sa mga langaw......

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Ika 10 ng Disyembre 2008: Development...... At What Expense?

I went to work early because I was asked to join an early morning meeting by a top official. I learned this like getting breaking news as I was about to leave the office yesterday. I missed doing my morning home rituals as a result but if the big boss gives the instruction, there was no other option but to attend the meeting.

I was late by a few minutes and I rushed to the venue as soon as I arrived at the office. The meeting is about improving Philippine competitiveness. Our agency is assigned to tackle growth and investment climate. This is the special work that the top official would give to me. Being new to the work among those already involved in it, I was grappling with the acronyms used and trying to make out what those were in my head as I was taking notes and learning what's going on in the project. You know how working group and committee work operate, there are so many offices and groups formed in doing several project components. The work is not really alien as I have been involved in various components of the project in the past. It is a matter of blending and updating myself on the issues.

What got my attention was a side discussion on mining which is one of the sectors identified for this work. The Mining Act of 1995 opens all private and public lands to mining operations. A top official of another agency mentioned Dinagat Island known as the "Mystical Island Province of Love" as an extreme case. The whole island is rich in mineral resources and therefore can be mined in its entirety. Local officials cannot find an answer to the community's question, "What about us?". Mining activities destroy habitats and disable alternative livelihood. As we ponder over this, Chinese mining firms are wantonly digging in and loading entire lands without even filtering straight to China.

Since local officials have no answer to the community, the top official mentioned not jokingly that the mining firms could simply buy properties for the island's inhabitants land and relocate all of them. Jokingly, he mentioned erecting a building at The Fort similar to what happened to Nauru, a phosphate rock island. Its primary economic activity since 1907 has been the export of phosphate mined from the island. With the exhaustion of phosphate reserves, its environment was severely degraded by mining. Nauru gets its income through Australian aid in exchange for operating detention centers for those seeking asylum in Australia. In the late 1980s, the Pacific Star Building, alternatively known as the Republic of Nauru Building, was built presumably to house all of Nauru inhabitants if the need arises.

The pursuit of economic prosperity at whatever cost is beyond comprehension. Time and again, we have been reminded about the grim consequence of destroying God's creation. Yet, we never learn.............

PS: Akala ko marami akong magagawa ngayon araw at walang mga linta, este tao dito. Hindi rin at napakaraming sumingit na gawain. Pwede sana ako umuwi maaga pero parang gusto ko tapusin yun mga gagawin. Masarap din kasi umuwi na me liwanag pa. Pag dumadating ako bahay, tulog na lagi yun bunso kong anak.

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Awarding Incompetence

It's better to deserve honor and not have them, than to have them and not deserve them..... Mark Twain

One of the reasons I left our institutional party was because I did not want to witness further injustice and greed permeating the entire hall as the leeches geared up for awarding ceremonies. These leeches who are my colleagues ensured their victory by being part of the selection committee, screening committee, preparatory committee, and all other committees that has something to do with giving the the awards. Isn't it required that committee members are inhibited from being part of those that will be entitled to possible benefits or windfall from an activity that they are organizing or judging? In terms of callousness and shamelessness (grabe ang kakapal ng muka), this fiasco will put the 1994 MMFF scam engineered by Lolit Solis when her ward Gabby Concepcion won Best Actor while the irreverent Ruffa Gutierrez won as Best Actress. This is the event where Miss Mauritius Viveka Babajee uttered the famous "Take it, take it" line.......

And boy did they have it all. Imagine an office full of awardees...... isn't that a dream team. Even our Secretary expressed mock surprise saying our office is so good that the staff should be spread all over. I hope he does it.....

A teary-eyed top employee awardee who wasn't expecting her award so fakely said so in her well-prepared speech. Rumors have it that said speech was prepared by their fairy godmother, the mother of all scams.

Wagging tongues talk about the recent fiasco within our hearing distance. The air is abuzz with awards talk. You hear people in the building saying"....... the best of the best". The leeches still feel they deserve their awards and do not show any tinge of remorse about the machinations they did to win. They had the galls to put a box full of certificates that they themselves prepared which they now own. Talk about awarding mediocrity and ass kissing. And they have to show an entire audience of weary employees their audacity to flaunt their undeserved award.

Let's discuss why?

The Department has enough good people truly deserving of an award helping people in a far-flung barangay or rebel-infested area under a cloak of obscurity. Yet, these people were denied their chance to be recognized for what they are worth.

We belong to a support office that requires various report from other offices to count their accomplishments and ensure that targets are met? We couldn't even tell them if what they are doing is right because this office lack the analytical minds.... For all the shallow ranting, please stop making life difficult for the burdened frontline staff who serve the public with all our reportorial requirements that simply counts outputs. How could people who fuel the bureaucracy be more deserving of awards than the people who serve the public?

Simple..... hide information, bend rules to feed their greed for recognition.

There were a lot of first in the fiasco that we witness.

It is the first time that almost an entire office won almost all the awards. They must really be good.....

It is the first time that an office that everyone loathes for making life difficult won bigtime ....... But hey, they are the masters of scams and so they got away with it by changing or bending rules, hiding some information, eliminating the enemies, and ensuring a foolproof approach to cheating to get ahead......

It is the first time that the Head of the department would notice such anomaly and say something publicly..... Our good Head, however, still had the good sense to let them carry on with their show......

It is the first time that we encountered people so thick-skinned and callous and so stupid to think that we would not notice that they were putting one over us and get away with it......


It is providential that this thing would happen during the yuletide season. They probably think we would be so generous to let them have their cake and eat it too..... Unfortunately, we are not....... Now that the season of giving is over, it is time that the perpetuators of the scam face the consequences of your action if karma hasn't caught up with them yet.........

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