Ika 1 ng Marso 2009: Alone Again

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

It's the second weekend that I am left to my own resources. Hubby has to be in the office today for inventory purposes. They do this every end of the quarter. Last week, I did not go to the market. I don't like going to the market alone because I do not know how to choose fresh produce and fish correctly. I had a bad experience going to the market as a kid. As a young girl, I volunteered to do the marketing for our family seeing that a girl about my age did it it for a neighbor's household. I thought I should be given more responsibilities being the eldest child. My mom allowed me. I happily shopped. When I came back, my mom was so disappointed because I was given not so fresh items anymore. Since then, I never ventured going to the market. It is only when I got married that I experienced going to the market again, always with hubby if it's a wet market. Otherwise, I go to the supermarket or a reputable meat shop so I can be certain about the product's freshness.

Whenever we go to the market, we work as a team. I go to the meat section. Hubby takes care of the veggies and seafood. Today, hubby told me to go to the market. I thought I should too because we don't have enough food supply. I did. Our favorite grocer was asking where hubby is and why we didn't come the other week. I told her I don't know how to market. With that, I got full assistance in everything. Even payment was allowed some leeway. I got the stuff and hubby will pay later. I was assisted in carrying the items to my car.

I hope hubby finishes soon enough so we could buy some more food items at the supermarket. I did not buy as much as we used to because aside from my lack of skills, there was not a lot of products on display since I came in late. Hubby is usually done after lunch. We meet up at the supermarket to buy our other needs..... some more food products, beverages, toiletries, cleaning agents, and some impulse buy. Oh we need to buy ice cream for our boy helper's belated celebration here.

PS: Pasukan na bukas sa eskwelahan namin.... tapos na ang bakasyon ko. Nakakarindi na naman ang mga araw sa kin..... Lalo na me regular na rin akong gagawin sa opisina. Sabagay nasa prayoridad lang naman yan at tamang pagsasaalang-alang ng oras. Nagawa ko na rin namin ito ng ilang panahon.... kaya walang rason na di ko magagawa ulit......

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Ika 28 ng Pebrero 2009: Rest At Last

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

Too much stuff to take care of from morning to evening. I finally found time to sit down and relax..... write my post for the day as it see its end soon.

I'll be going out next weekend. I need to put the domestic matters in order this weekend. My friend from the US is in town. On Thursday, we will be flying to HK for a long-deserved break. I have not gone out for a long time since rejoining the government. I feel excited again about the prospect of travelling.

This morning, I changed all linens and curtains. Our home looks really nice when I change curtains...... like it's brand new. It's amazing how colors can transform the general appearance and feel of a home. I love the smell of fresh linens.

In the afternoon, we had to go to Cartimar for our pet stuff....... hubby for his birds, me for my dogs, and my son for scorpy, his pet scorpion..... Oh, he has a female too but I think he has no name yet. I have been having trouble sourcing for my dog's preferred dog food. Hubby wants to look for cheaper source of his newly discovered fertilizer for birds. My son wants to buy live crickets for his pet scorpions.

I suggested that we go through SLEX. We were caught in terrible traffic because of an accident involving a truck. My son was getting impatient. After that mess, traffic was breeze. Well, being in Cartimar keep us all excited. We couldn't resist browsing through all the shops. I found what I wanted at last. I also bought food for our mynah. I bought new pets, two colorful betta fighting fish. We have this fighting fish tanks I got from freecycling which has been hanging for sometime. Hubby was able to find his bird fertilizer. He also bought more bird stuff. I think he wants to transform the entire house into an aviary. Of course, we had to buy crickets for my son.

We came home at almost 6:00pm and missed hearing anticipated mass. I told ED who is dressed up to go ahead. We'll go to mass tomorrow. We dislodged the stuff we bought upon arriving home and I went out another time to fetch MD who went to school to practice rigodon for their JS prom next week. Her partner is her boy friend who is not really her boyfriend according to her. Finally, I am home.

And I am signing off right now........

PS: Di pa kami nagkikita ng kaibigan kong galing Amerika. Napakahirap naman kasing kumuha ng tiyempo. Siguradong marami din siyang lakad. Sana maimbita ko siya managhalian o magdinner sa bahay. Nung huling punta niya dito, hindi planado ang pagpunta niya sa bahay. Umalis din yun mga kasma ko sa bahay... kung kaya kung ano ano lang ang naihanda ko sa kanila. Sana ngayon ay magkaron ng pagkakataon na maimbitahan ko siya at ang anak niya sa bahay.....

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Ika 27 ng Pebrero 2009: Neighbors Galore

Coming out of the house, I alternated between walking and running to catch the tricycle waiting at the end of the road. My neighbor, Chatterbox 1 was already inside. I saw her and her husband flagged the tricycle. I smiled at her husband when our paths crossed as I was nearing the tricycle.

I was hesitant to actually ride the tricycle upon seeing that Chatterbox 1 was already inside.... But what the heck! Besides, I am in a hurry. I started the conversation thinking I could probably dictate the pace. I asked where she was going. She said she's going to Manila......... Yes! So it's just the tricycle trip I have to endure....Yay! I don't know how she managed to 'steal' dictating the pace of the conversation but she did...... right under my nose @$%^&(*&^#. Suddenly, we were talking about household helpers. I think she said that before she had a household full of helpers. It was so easy getting good helpers then. To this, I agreed. She said that times are different now when good helpers are a rare breed. Again, I agreed. She continued that while her children were younger, they had like five servants, one each for the children, one laundrywoman, one as her right-hand woman, and another one for whatever. Wow, I'm blown away..... I suddenly feel the chills under the hot, glaring sun. It's not like she's not capable of hiring five servants. Maybe, she is..... But she says it like they have a kingdom and they are the royalty in a not so subtle way. Out of courtesy, I just let her enjoy her story.

I pulled out my purse to pay for our fare as I would soon get off at the shuttle terminal. She was actually already holding a P20 bill and told me she'd take care of it. I was insisting I'd pay for it. The last time we rode in a tricycle, she paid for our fare. She was more insistent so I let Her Royal Highness pay for our fare. I happily get off the tricycle bading Chatterbox 1 goodbye.

One van was just dispatched when I came in. I was riding the next van. I decided to sit in front as I want ultimate comfort when my whole body is supported by a mass of something, not sitting half an ass on the gap between two seats. Besides, I was passenger two and I should take that rare chance of sitting on a choice seat. The passengers started getting in. I saw a neighbor get off their car going straight for the van. The seat beside me was still unoccupied and I was thinking of calling her but having second thoughts. She and I connect whenever we talk talking about work and life in general. I guess we subscribe to the same value system that is why we click ...... but I want to sleep. Another passenger would open the door as I was pondering the thought. I let her sit in the middle. My neighbor and I would acknowledge each other as she entered the van. I would see another acquaintance getting inside the van.

I have been feeling woozy since last night and I wanted to sleep in the van on the way home. I saw a neighbor whose children are schoolmates and busmates of my two girls seated at the back of the van. I sat beside her as that was the only option since people ahead of me were waiting for the back to be filled up before getting in the van ...... and that was the start of a very long talk. I would learn that they have also started building their dream house. That's nice. We would compare notes on the experience. I invited her to my home in the weekend so she could get some ideas. She also wants to see my pups as they are thinking of buying one. The visit would serve two purposes. I'd be happy if they will get my pup because I will get to see it.

I let my body relax and enjoy the feeling of sitting comfortably on a whole seat. I looked behind trying to see if Chatterbox 2 might be behind me. Seeing nobody who resembles her, I fell into a deep slumber on this Friday morning on my way to work.

PS: Kagabi nagkita kami sa mall ng kaklase kong si Modesta. Kaklase ko siya sa high school at pareho din kami ng eskwelahan at kurso sa college pero di kami magkaklase. Pauwi na ako at papunta daw siyang Landmark Department Store. Ako tumawag sa kanya. At sa gitna ng Glorietta nagkwentuhan kami ng buhay buhay. Matagal din. Napag-usapan ang trabaho, reunion, mga kaklase, at pati aso.

Matiyagang mag-aaral si Modesta. Simula pa high school kasama niya ang mga matatalino. Di ko lang matandaan kung magkaklase kami sa fourth year, seksyon A ako nun...ehem..... Basta naging magkaklase kami niyan di ko lang matandaan kung kelan. Sa kolehiyo nasa pang-umaga siya kasama ang mga intsik na mag-aaral na panay matatalino sa math. Ako nag-umpisa sa umaga, naging tanghali, hanggang naging panggabi. Bakit? secret..... sabihin na lang natin na dahil sa karanasan ko na yan dumami ang aking nakilala at naging kaibigan at lumawak ang aking karanasan.

Matapos ang mahabang kwentuhan, naghiwalay na kami na masaya. Naisip ko lang na bakit ba Modesta pa tawag ko sa kanya. Me palayaw siya talaga. Pero di kami nasanay na tawagin siya sa palayaw niya kahit nung high school pa lang. Basta sa min, siya si Modesta. Me apelyido pa minsan pag tinawag namin. Ganon nung high school di ba? Me apelyido pa pag tinawag mo. Kaya pag reunion, nagkakakilala kayo sa apelyido kahit di niyo na makilala ang isa't isa at iba na ang mga itsura niyo. Pag babaeng me asawa ka na, kailangan banggitin mo ang apelyido mo nung dalaga. Si Modesta nga pala, Pareho pa rin ang apelyido niya. Pero ayoko tanungin kung bakit.

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Ika 26 ng Pebrero 2009: Same Old Crap

Today is our boy helper's birthday. I told him yesterday he can take the day off today if he wants to but he has other plans. He wants to visit his kids who lives with his ex-wife. I told my other helper to prepare pancit to at least have a little celebration. I promise him ice cream in the weekend.

I came a little late today. I came home late last night and woke up sluggish. I was very early yesterday as I need to see the new boss to discuss some sensitive matters before our meting with the rest of the managers of this office. I told her about my apprehensions as well as the options I have because of the strained relationship with my old boss. She's kind enough to hear me out but is non-committal on the stability I want at work. She said she won't be influenced by whatever she hears. I was not so convinced there would be changes and I felt she thought I am being pessimistic for thinking so. She was open enough to talking things out with me again in case I am still unhappy with the new set-up.

I came to her office a second time for a meeting with her and the rest of the managers yesterday afternoon. Everyone was asked to describe what our divisions are doing. I describe the work where I left off. Justice was partly served because the division was returned to me. In a few minutes, my boss's henchwomen would again try to make their boss's influence felt insisting on their own implementation of how things should be. I am outnumbered 3:1, one is not a member of the management team but is the right-hand sycophant, I mean woman, of the old boss. They want to ensure victory. I am insistent and demanding......... that justice be served wholly once and for all. No compromise is acceptable. I could see the discomfort of the new boss as she tried to strike a compromise. In the end, the new boss told me that she would have to ask the old boss if what I want is acceptable.......

I guess I can't keep my Lenten promise........

During the meeting, a student who missed taking the final exams texted on taking a special exam. She called me after the meeting. A new term will start next week. We need to submit the grades tomorrow. She had to take care (nurse was the term she used) of an injured loved one. She is lucky because gone are my Ms. Tapia days when I had to be the terror teacher. Had this happened then, I would probably not allow her to take the exams. Schools are different now. An educator has to be able to relate and reach out to students to be an effective mentor. I accommodated her request but gave her a piece of my mind for being remiss about informing me or the administration about what happened. The student was candid enough to accept her mistake and was apologetic. This student is also serious about finishing her studies and I would not want to waste such determination.

She took the exams at a resto in the mall. I tried to work on school stuff while procturing her examination. I came home late last night as a result.

This morning, I got an email from my administrator telling me that grades have to be submitted today....... Oh yes, she did tell us that it will be February 26. I thought it falls tomorrow......real crap......

PS: Lagi ako me pintas sa pagsakay ko sa shuttle service..... mainit, maingay, mabaho...... Pero sa totoo lang, pakiramdam ko ligtas ako pag nakasakay dito.....panatag ang loob ko. Di pa ako nadukutan dito. Pag me nakalimutan, naibabalik pa minsan. Pag kaibigan mo pa yun driver o me-ari, ihahatid ka pa sa patutunguhan.

Kaninang umaga, nakasabay ko yun isang mamang matanda na uugud-ugod na, hirap na siya humakbang at lumakad. Ewan nga ba at nag-iisa. Inalalayan ng dispatcher ang mamang matanda pagsakay. Siguro pareho ko, ligtas ang pakiramdam niya sa shuttle. Sa harapan ko sumakay yun matanda. Meron din mag-asawa na me kasamang batang babae, mga tatlong taon yun bata. Sa likuran ko naman sumakay ang mag-anak.

Nung pababa na yun mamang matanda, lahat kami nakatingin at handang umalalay. Inalalayan ng katabing lalake ang mamang matanda hanggang makababa nang maayos. Maya-maya sa byahe, yun batang babae naman ang nag-ingay. Maya't maya sinasabi sa magulang na baba na sila. Maingay at nakakaistorbo yun bata pero pinabayaan na lang ng lahat. Inintindi, ika nga.

Naisip ko kahit bulok o luma na ang mga sasakyan sa shuttle service namin, meron na rin komunidad na nabuo dito. Marami na ang magkakaibigan dito.... meron ding nagkaibigan, pasahero sa pasahero, pasahero at driver o me-ari...... wala naman sigurong driver at driver.......marami pa sigurong relasyon na nabuo na di ko na alam......Nung pasko nga, me mga regalo yun dispatchers at ibang drivers. Yan ang dahilan kaya kahit mas mahal ng konti, me karagdagang halaga ang pagshushuttle.

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Ika 25 ng Pebrero 2009: Ashes to Ashes

Today is Ash Wednesday. The reminder came from a traffic policeman with a cross on his forehead directing traffic early in the morning as I made my way to the office. This day marks the beginning of the Lenten season. It's a day of obligation for Catholics. We should hear mass, practice abstinence and fasting. As a child, I used to think that the imposition of ash on our forehead by the priest is the crucial aspect of celebrating the day. I take great pride in having that ashy cross on my forehead ignorant of what it symbolizes, even thinking I looked cute with it.

From Thought to Live By........

The Church receives this expressive rite of the imposition of ashes from an ancient Jewish tradition. For the Jews pouring ashes on the head was a sign of public sorrow and repentance. Therefore, this rite is not a private affair. It is a community act. It means that we are now showing publicly our firm commitment to perform acts of penance and refrain from committing sin during this day and throughout the forty days of the Lenten Season. It is a terrible shame if we come today to church in order to receive ashes and yet we do not take advantage of the special opportunity the Church gives us during Lent to really prepare ourselves for Easter.

Ash Wednesday is also a joyful celebration of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and this is mixed with the sadness of our recognition that we are not worthy to have Jesus enter into our souls. But God gives us today another chance to return to Him, to return to the beauty and innocence of our baptism. Upon receiving the ashes the priest and other ministers say: “Turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel.” With these words Jesus gives us the guide to reach the goal of this season which is repentance, conversion and faithfulness to His words. We hear the word ‘conversion’a lot and conversion is another way of saying, ‘turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel.’ It really means to reverse our course, to change and to transform ourselves truly and sincerely. It really means to turn our eyes towards God and follow Him with courage and determination.

I know better now. Yet, I cannot say that I lived sinless for the forty days before Lent. Come to think of it, why should we strive to not sin just for forty days? Should we not strive constantly not to sin? The answer is a simple yes. But that yes is a hard commitment. The first few times, it might be easy. It's the follow through that could prove difficult. We know better...... yet we still hurt our loved ones, our friends, others, and ourselves. Why is it a struggle for men to remain constant in our commitment to God? This is never an easy question to answer.......

If only we could commit, then we could accept in peace our salvation today and always......... Today, that commitment for me is put to the test once more. Emerging from a meeting with my new boss early this morning, I had to commit to let go of the past...... let bygones be bygone........

From ash you came to ash you shall return........

PS: Dahil Ash Wednesady ngayon, pipilitin kong maging hindi masayadong antipatika sa post na ito kahit gigil na gigil ako.

Kagabi, nagMRT ako papunta Ayala terminal kung saan sumasakay ako ng shuttle pauwi. Ilan araw ko ng ginagawa ito dahil madalang yun jeepney na papunta dun galing opisina ko at parang magaan at mabilis na magMRT papunta sa terminal. Lagi sa bandang unahan ako sumasakay na para sa mga babae, matatanda, me kapansanan, at buntis.

Dito sa pagsakay sa MRT makikita ang disiplina ng Pinoy. Me mga estasyon na me bantay na gwardiya sa pagitan ng karwahe na pangbabae at panlalaki. Bakit? Dahil me mga nagpapalusot. Meron din na walang gwardiya. Eto yun magandang pagkakataon para makita yun mga marunong sumunod sa batas kahit walang nagsasaway.

Me mga lalaking ayaw siguro masiksik kaya gusto pang magpanggap ng pilay, baliw, o nag-uulyanin........ grabe ang kakapal. Minsan me mga magsyota (uso pa ba paggamit nito?), siya eh di magdyowa na ayaw maghiwalay. Dapat si girlash ang sasakay sa panlalake kung yun ang gusto nila. Pero hindi, tong si girlash aakayin si boylet at dadalhin sa mga kababaihan at magpapatay mali silang dalawa. Ano kaya bading? So feeling girlash din ang style nila.

Kagabi, ganyan na naman..... magkasamang girl at boy pero di masyadong nagpapansinan..... nakasunod lang na parang naengkanto si boylet ke girlash..... walang paki, ni hindi nga nagpapanggap na pilay, bingi, bulag, o kahit bading na lang. Medyo umiiwas lang na mapansin..... eh hirap di mapansin at kakaiba si boylet. Dumaan sa tabi ko.... tinignan ko. Sarap parinigan pero nagpigil na lang ako, gabi na para mastress pa. Napansin ko lang medyo manipis na ang buhok sa tuktok. Cge na nga, senior citizen si boylet....... Konting lagas na lang ng buhok, pwede na yun nagpapachemo ka........

Pasensiya na at di napigilang ang pangako. Talagang sadyang mapagparunggit po ako. Patawad, tao lang po .......

PSS: Pano pala for gay couples? girlash n boylet na girl at boylet n girlash na boy. San sila dapat sumakay na walang lalabaging karapatang-pantao? Ano ba susundin? yun biological o yun psychological o emotional o hormonal na kasarian? Hay komplikado.......

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Help Find Ketchup

I am reposting this for a fellow blogger who lost her pet. As a pet lover, I could empathize with her about the lost of a beloved pet.

Please help us find Ketchup!:(
Hello Everyone,
Please help me find my pet pomeranian KETCHUP.
She is orange in color and is 7 months(DOB: July '08).
She is a sweet dog and is very friendly.
She got lost this morning (Feb 23, 2009) in my residence
MAKATI (San Antonio Village).
REWARD OFFERED
Please if you find her kindly Call the numbers indicated below.
Landline: 729-4396 & 757-8504
Cellphone: 0917-5290010
E-mail: beauty_blossoms_888@yahoo.com
Look for Liza Lapuz
Please also help us spread the word, please send this link
http://helpusfindketchup.blogspot.com to your friends, family and VETS.
Please help us re-post to your blogs/multiply sites/ yahoo groups, Every re-post counts in helping us find our Ketchup. Thank you everyone who will support and help us in our search.

Please help find Ketchup.

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Ika 24 ng Pebrero 2009: The Look

I was riding my transportation of choice, actually no choice, which is the tricycle or trike as MD would call it, going out of the village when my fellow passenger, a pretty young lass, asked me if I am a teacher. Well yes, I told her pleasantly surprised that she knew I am a teacher. Now, how did she know that? She wanted to engage me in a conversation but I was almost at the shuttle terminal. She was wondering if I am teaching at the school where the shuttle terminal is located. I told her I teach at a school in Makati. She asked if I am teaching in high school. I answered that I teach in college. I asked her why she wants to know. She said that she thought I was teaching in the school near the shuttle terminal and wants to inquire from me. She is thinking about going back to school. She is a freshman college student. Unfortunately, I couldn't help her further as I was getting off. I smiled at her before I left.

While waiting for the van to be filled up, it dawned on me that I look like the typical teacher in the uniform I am wearing. I am proud to be a teacher because it is a honorable profession. Teachers are looked up to today and in the past. Although some members of the profession have sullied the good image of a teacher, there are still a lot more out there who give credence to the calling. Proud as I am of being in the teaching profession, I realized that my outfit is not doing me justice. I know now what the young lady meant. I look like the stereotype. I knew this uniform does not become me.

College professors, particularly part-timers, do not have to be in uniform. That is our chance to dress-up the way we want to. I usually don a corporate outfit, long-sleeves blouse and slacks with inconspicuous accessories. When I have Friday or Saturday classes, I can dress-down a little. I wear jeans instead of the pants........ maybe, a nice blouse or collared shirt instead of a long-sleeves blouse. Depending on the weather, I could put on a blazer or jacket. I also used to wear dresses. I favor matching shoes and bag. I would sometimes put on subdued-colored hosiery which could look very chic. But now, I go for comfort and style. I favor wearing blouse and slacks because of the freedom of movement it gives me. I like sitting on the edge of a table at times as it affords me more interaction with the students. Being in pants allows me to be less cautious.

Now that someone else noticed I look like a typical teacher, someone in our uniform committee should do something about it. I have a friend who sits as a member of that committee. My friend is a dresser and carries herself well which probably explains why her colleagues chose her to represent them in the committee. She mentioned that the problem of sitting in that committee is that they (the smart-dressers) are outnumbered or out-voiced by other members who represent the aged, the heavy, the biggies, and those whose fashion sense have remained unchanged for the last three decades. They can argue that fashion just reinvents itself and makes a comeback some other time. It's just that they staged the comeback at another time which can be too early or too late. After every uniform change, we end up looking drab in a teacher's uniform. That has always been the comment...... that we look like public school teachers. Again, no offense meant for our unsung heroes. The description is not meant to be flattering but rather a kind attempt to describe what is an unacceptable look to someone who wants to dress smart.

I am reminded of the Oscars yesterday. My, my...... the stars look so shimmery and resplendent in their gowns. The men..... oh they look so divinely handsome in their suits. The hosts kept on saying that the old glamour is back. Anne Hathaway, Marisa Tomei, and Penelope Cruz were clear winners in the fashion department. I like Natalie Portman's subdued elegance. I noticed that many of the ladies favor the light, subdued colors. During dinner last night, hubby said that he thinks that the awards night is not about the best performance anymore but who dons the best gown...... an advertising blitz or launching pad for designers. Congratulations to Kate Winslet, Sean Penn, Heath Ledger, and Penelope Cruz, Slumdog Millionaires, and the other winners.

MD finally was able to buy her desired prom outfit yesterday after trying to purchase it on her own using her own card. The transaction couldn't be done because of errors detected. Her dad came to her rescue last night. We scoured the shops Saturday and Sunday to find the right prom dress for her. These girls rely on my recommendation for their outfits. The dress she chose is actually the first one I found that I thought would look good on her. She looks like a prom princessette, something less grand than a princess, when she fitted the dress. We didn't buy it immediately but all other dresses she tried on were compared to that dress. So that must be it....... Since she is still in her junior, I thought it best that they (the juniors) should give the night to the seniors....... so they should not wear something so overpowering or would make them more mature. MD has a frame which look good in almost all clothes. In her chosen pink and silver prom dress, she looks like a girl just about to bloom...... yeah, that's it. ED likes the dress too. She is a party to the choice because she is also at that stage when she is attending debutante's parties left and right. She complains about being pictured in the same black dress she wore to her own JS prom three years ago in all the parties. In fact, one of the straps has faded. Now, she's got more options with her upcoming friend's debut.

Envying the stars wearing all those fabulous gowns at the Oscars which I could probably never wear in this lifetime even if I would have the means someday because I could never get over the guilt of wearing a gown whose cost could feed a nation, I am coming to the office feeling like my ego has been crushed a thousand times after my realization that people look at me that way but with head high that I don't have to feel guilty about wearing this drab that I don't have to spend a fortune on ........

PS: Wala akong baon ngayon kaya lumabas kami ng kaibigan ko para mananghalian. Matagal na rin kaming di nagkasama. Naisip lang namin na magadang pagkakataon din para makapagkwentuhan lalo na ng mga magaganap na pagbabago sa opisina. Pareho kasi kaming mapapalitan ang mga boss.

Halos magkasabay kaming dumating sa lugar na kakainan. Umorder na kami. Pareho pa kami ng inorder. Aba, at siya na raw ang taya. Tignan mo nga naman pag sweswertuhun. Di libre ang aking pananghalian.....

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Ika 23 ng Pebrero 2009: Kids' Holiday

Life's so unfair. How come only students are on holiday today! What about us? Working people need a break too.....

On this note, I am hesitant about going to the office today. But being mature and responsible, I should set a good example to my kids. Inasmuch as I am uber lazy to go to work, I did...... after much proscrastination and a lot of conditioning. I knew I would be late but I mustered all my strength to kick my lazy butt out of the house. I kept going up and down running through all the chores and talking to my helpers about the things that need to be done. With a heavy heart, I prepared for work. After two attempts to go out, I finally did. First, I went back to tell my boy helper to clean the porch for the second time. Then, I had to return to tell my boy helper that I saw a dead kitten lying by the drainage near our home telling him to dispose of it properly. My other helper told me it is a rat..... yikes. Must be from the poisoned trap set up by my boy helper......... for killing our cockatiels and a love bird...... We cannot let them get away with homicide. Still, I feel sorry for that rat.

MIL's tricycle commandeered by her assistant came and I was held hostage by the opportunity to get out of the house for good. MIL's assistant invited me to ride with them. Driven by an unknown force, I did..... MIL was talking to me but I was not really paying attention as I look outside....... the view passing by move me farther and farther away from home. I was waiting for a sign that would make me say stop and return home. Except for the part where she told me that she will just ask their organizers to give her the carabao grass they used for their garden show, I didn't understand anything else she said. She has been telling me to complete the lawn. I told her I couldn't find carabao grass. I got off at the shuttle terminal and still no sign. The telling sign was the sight of a waiting van eager to bring me to work.

I am now trying to keep a brave front at work pretending I like being here. You know better....... I am trying hard to appear busier than I really am. I might drop by the school later to get some materials. Yes, I need to be efficient too and need to do advance work rather than be the crammer that I am....... Right now, I just want to be a kid all over again and enjoy my holiday! Wahhhhhhhh!

PS: Gagawa ng project ang pangalawang anak ko at mga kaklase niya. Ipinaalam sa min na sa bahay daw sila magtratrabaho. Gusto daw ng mga kaklase niya na sa bahay gumawa. Di sige lang. Tinanong ko sino-sino. Baka hindi naman daw abot ng kalahati ng klase nila. Huh, ganon kadami. Tinanong ko kung kakain sa bahay. Di pa daw niya alam. Tinanong ko kung kasama yun nagbigay ng bulaklak sa kanya nung valentine. Ewan daw niya, sagot sa kin. Binilinan ko na ang anak kong bunso na magmanman at wag magpapadala sa lagay.

Related post:
Ano ang Dapat Gawin kung Tinatamad Kang Magtrabaho?

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Ika 22 ng Pebrero 2009: On a Hot Summer Day

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

The summer months have surely set in. It's a nice day........ Clear skies, wind blowing on a hot summer day. The birds have been noisy all day. They must like this weather........ Reminds me of our summer vacation in the provinces when I was younger and less cynical. Those were the days when we couldn't car less about things but more about having fun with cousins who also take their vacation there. It was easy doing that. Our parents would leave us with our grandparents and we'd come home when school is about to open. There was no reason not to want to do that. Life was less complicated. There were not enough preoccupation then and staying in the province would be a better alternative than idling time at home............It's a different story now. We all have our own lives and hardly have time for mingling again like we used to do. Maybe, we are different now.....

My children have no notion of the provincial life as they grew up with parents who are both city dwellers. Hubby lived in the provinces until he was in college. Having qualified for for the Los Banos campus for his desired course but wait-listed in the Diliman campus of the state university, he opted to take another course for a chance to study in Manila. Their family soon settled in Manila when all of them were studying here. They would occasionally return to their roots but hardly does it now......

My brothers want to go to our province next weekend to visit a sick uncle. My SIL was asking me if I will go with them. I really don't know. There are so many things on my plate right now. I want to go but I can't afford to go...... Like most everyone, I have been enslaved by too many preoccupation. I couldn't even visit a sick relative..... and would perhaps wait until the next opportunity...... just hope it's not too late when that happens......

PS: Naubusan pa ng carabao grass yun kinuhanan ko. Naku naman talaga...... ang pangit tignan ng harapan ng bahay na me damo ang kalahati at wala yun kalahati....... di na naman ako mapakali. Tinawagan ko yun nagtitinda ng damo, wala pa rin daw.

Nagpasya akong lumabas para humanap sa ibang maghahalaman. Yun una kong tinanungan, wala at tuyot daw yun kinukuhanan nila. Yun pangalawa, meron pero doble ang presyo sa kinuhanan ko.... syempre di ako pumayag. Konti na lang naman ang kailangan ko pero ano ako bale..... Humanap pa rin ako sa iba. Isa pang tindahan ang pinagtanungan ko pero wala. Tinuro ako sa susunod. Nang magtanong ako meron daw pero isa't kalahating tale na lang. Mas mahal pa ng sampung piso sa kinuhanan ko nung una. Sige na nga..... Pagkatapos dun ay umikot pa ako sa isang lugar na me mga maghahalaman. ..... wala lahat at madali daw matuyo yun kaya di sila nagtatago. Nagpasya akong bumalik na at patulan na lang yun doble ang presyo. Medyo nakikiusap na ang dating ko nung bumalik ako dun. Sabi ko kung pwede pareho na rin ng kuha ko dun sa nabilhan ko ng isa't kalahati. Ilan daw ba? Uy, ok na..... Tapos kukunin pa daw niya sa ibang lugar at sa Martes pa pwede....... Hay wala talaga.... purnada ang paggagarden namin......

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Ika 21 ng Pebrero 2009: What to Do

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

Surprisingly, I was up early today. The movie date with V...... pushed through. She's Just Not That Into You is a date movie that is good enough to entertain you for two hours. Critics are sometimes too harsh when they review a film. He's Just Not That Into You follows the love lives of a dozen or so characters. Ginnifer Goodwin stars as Gigi, a young women attempting to understand the mixed signals she gets from the men she's dating. She gets advice from a bar owner (Justin Long) who prides himself on understanding the ins and outs of the dating scene. Gigi's co-worker Janine (Jennifer Connelly) finds herself involved in a major redecorating project with her husband, Ben (Bradley Cooper). Unknown to Janine, Ben contemplates an affair with Anna (Scarlett Johansson), an attractive woman trying to make a career as a singer. Another of Gigi's friends at work, Beth (Jennifer Aniston), enjoys a successful, healthy relationship with Neil (Ben Affleck), but storm clouds hover over them as he has no interest in getting married. Kris Kristofferson, yes, the singer, co-stars as Beth's father..........kinda remind one of her silliness in one's young life. I'm just glad I'm over that phase.

Hubby is up early as well. He's on his way to mountain trekking with some mountaineers. It's really hiking.......... not the jaw-dropping, hanging on the ledge thing done by seasoned climbers...... the spirit might be willing but the flesh is not....... He's likes outdoor activities and sports.

ED went to school today to take an exam and to practice for some school activities.....

Alone in running the household today. I am wondering what the heck to do..... I checked the fridge and food supply is dwindling..... I don't like going to the supermarket alone. I still have to buy a bag of dog food. I used to buy small packs but now that the dog population outnumbers the human in this household, that's not really practical. The lawn is half-done.

Last week, I scoured the streets in search of my doggies food. It's the Holistic brand. I usually get my supply from my "suki" but a number of times, he runs out of supply. Even the other shops would be out of stocks. We were assuming the supply is being hoarded by a big supplier in this area. Think monopoly. I thought about shifting brands. I was thinking Eukanuba because it's always available. When I checked out the other shop I go to, there was no Holistic and sure enough there was Eukanuba. There is Holistic for adult dogs. I need the one for puppies. All the small dogs in the house eat the one for puppies. Eukanuba would cost more than the holistic brand. I decided to buy 3 small packs of Holistic for adult dogs hoping they would eat this (Last time, the dogs didn't want to touch the food.). I bought 2 small packs of Royal Canin for the puppies. I went home unsure about the choices I made.

In this state of uncertainty, I suddenly thought about greening our small garden in front as I passed by a garden supplies shop. I inquired and counted my money..... I have a few hundreds to spare. I bought some bunch of carabao grass and 3 sacks of garden soil. My boy helper installed the grass but not all area was covered. I had a get together with friends later that day and could not go back. So maybe later today, I will buy additional grass and soil to cover the whole area.

MD also wants to scout for a prom dress. It's that time of year when school activities need to be attended to. My son is graduating from elementary. Last night, my son attended their turnover ceremony in polo with tie and blue jeans. He was the only one in that attire. Some students were even in coat and tie. Their teacher asked him why he was in jeans. My son, in his characteristic wisdom, told his teacher that he didn't have any choice as those were the only pants he has in his closet that time. His teacher let him in. I felt bad we didn't take care of his clothes. That was his only chance to dress up. They will be in togas during graduation. MD is a junior and there will also be a lot of turnover activities. ED is a incoming Medicine Proper student next school year. Maybe, not much activities for ED..... but maybe there will be ......

Seems like a lot to do today...... better get going....

PS: Mainit na. Naiisip ko na naman magbeach. Sana magkaron ng pagkakataon na makapunta kami sa beach bago umalis ang kapatid kong bunso at ang pamilya nito papuntang Amerika. Lagi kaming nagbebeach tuwing summer at mamimiss ko yun pag alis nila.......

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Ika 20 ng Pebrero 2009: Things Fall into Place

We are on a term break till next week. I want to give myself a break before classes start again. It isn't enough to be a dual-income household.......... alternative means of livelihood has to be sought. Times require us to be more creative in seeking ways to augment our income. I am thankful that my skills are still marketable. It also helps to keep up with technology. Sometimes, I would have three or four activities running simultaneously to keep afloat. Having two jobs, I cannot really afford to waste time. I have to be time-efficient or something's gotta give........

I also have my lazy days though and being efficient is compromised as I cram, cram, cram to get through the day....... On those off days, I find it hard to get started. I can easily gain momentum once I get into doing something but taking the initiative is another thing....... I should work on that. It has always been a problem....... Which reminds me, I still have to prepare the grades. Good thing that submission is moved to next week. But I should do it today. I have check all test papers and requirements.......it should be easy. I need to finish this task because I should work on my lesson plan too. I'd be handling three subjects, all new. I can still rely on some old lectures, spruce it up a bit...... but I also need new materials to keep up with the times and to cover some more topics. This has been my life for the past nine years......

My son has no classes today but he will attend their turnover ceremony later. Our helper told me about it last night. Their was no note in his diary on the attire. I was wondering if they will go straight to the ceremony from their classes. My son was asleep by then. He cleared things up this morning. He barged into my room. I was asking if he had eaten. He said he has no classes. We talked about the turnover ceremony and I asked him what he will wear. He doesn't know. Oh well.... I said nothing is written on his diary. He went down and I followed soon after. We had breakfast. He went to the study room and played computer games. Later, he told me that he would wear long-sleeves shirt, pants, and tie.

I started thinking how to work around the sked of people with different activities. I told my helper that she would be in charge of bringing my son to school. I told her what my son will wear. I also made a back-up plan in case hubby or I can't fetch my son after office telling my helper to be on stand-by.

ED was still in bed as I was about to leave for work. She came home from the dorm last night. She decided not to go to school telling me their lecture is done for the subject. She said she would just spend the day studying for their exams tomorrow.

I left home to go to work after much ado........ Today, I am thinking of calling my friend, V...... I want to watch He's Just Not That Into You. Hey, it's a Friday.... I should have fun........ V........ said yes. And the hubby will fetch my son...... Yes!

PS: Si Mr. RV driver, ang matalik kong kaibigan, ang nasakyan ko kanina. Gaya ng dati nabagok na naman ang ulo ko sa pagkauntog sa sasakyan niya na laging nalulubak. Nagkabukol yata ako sa noo sa huling untog ko kanina. Hindi pa tayo tapos Mr. RV driver....... darating din ang araw ng pagtutuos.......

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Ika 19 ng Pebrero 2009: Reruns

Slept late last night as I watched the replay of the latest season of American Idol Hollywood Week. There are 36 contestants left divided into groups of 12. Last night, the first group performed. Last night's show was certainly do-or-die for this first group of 12, so the song choices were absolutely crucial. Some struck just the right chord with the judges, while others fell a little flat. Judges Randy, Kara the latest addition, Paola, and Simon gave good reviews for Ricky Braddy: "A Song For You", Alexis Grace: "Never Loved A Man", and Danny Gokey: "Hero" whose lovely wife passed away a month prior to his audition. The rest were mediocre and some had to be subjected to Simon's brutal assessment.

Watching AI used to be one of my bonding moments with my two girls. I have been watching the show for the last four years, my girls even longer. In our old house, they would curl up in bed with me as we watched and chose our favorite in AI Season 4 won by Carrie Underwood. I was rooting for Constantine Maroulis for that season who was unexpectedly eliminated early on. Last Season, I was really disappointed when looker Michael Johns got the ax after a stunning performance. We would also watch reruns of Friends....... sometimes Seinfeld although they cannot relate to Seinfeld's humor as much as I can. I also watched Sex and the City reruns most nights at Velvet. Thank goodness to these reruns, I get to watch episodes I missed. Ironically, I still miss the same episodes after so many years watching reruns.

There is serenity in the office today as the leeches, errr my colleagues, are out on a field trip, I mean planning activity (please refer to terminology No. 2). The mice will be playing today............

PS: Sa umaga, nakakasira ng araw yun makaamoy ng masangsang. Pag sakay ko sa jeepney kanina ay sinalubong ako ng amoy ng putok ng isang babae na nakahawak sa bakal na hawakan. Umupo ako sa malayo at ayoko mahilo.

Nito namang tanghalian pagpunta ko sa bundy clock para magpunch in ng card, amoy utot naman. Ano ba yan! Kakain pa naman ako ng tanghalian. Ang tindi ng amoy, nanunuot. Para tuloy di ako nakakakain masyado.

Di naman ako nangangarap na makalanghap ng preskong hangin dito sa lunsod pero wag din naman ako pasingawan ng masamang hangin.

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Ika 18 ng Pebrero 2009: Going Places

The wind was blowing softly and I could hear the rustling of the mango leaves as I was walking the road on the way to work. It felt good. Summer must be here. ED is on her way to San Juan, Batangas for their field trip. San Juan is at the southeastern tip of Batangas and there lies a seven kilometer strip of white sand beach situated along the stretching coast of Sigayan Bay and Verde Island passage. The place is nestled behind the peaks of Mt. Daguldol and home to several hiking destinations, such as Naambon falls and Mainit Pulang Bato. Because of its proximity to cities of Manila, Batangas and Quezon, this beach called Laiya became a popular destination for weekend retreats and corporate excursions.

We didn't know the place until hubby along with his mountaineering friends accidentally discovered it in one of their treks. Coming from a climb of Mt. Daguldol, they saw this long stretch of beach lined with white sand. They went to one of the resorts to wash and clean up. Hubby brought us to the place later. The first time we came there, we instantly like the place as it was not crowded.........the water is clear.......... love the white sand........ and the scenery is great. It is also close to Manila. From our place, it's about two and a half-hour drive by car. Back then, only a handful have discovered the place and accommodation can be done as you get there. We brought family and friends there who all love the place. Over the years, more and more people are discovering it. Like any good thing, the crowds have overtaken the place particularly during the summer months. It's a choice destination for company outings. We once held an office activity there upon my suggestion. Now, we go there with reservation made ahead of time. Or we schedule our trips just before the crowd sets in. With the onset of summer, I am mesmerized by the thought of frolicking in the beach. I am envious of ED.


With my thoughts on summer, I got a call from my friend, Dayap who I am also christening as Nilags. I am planning this trip with another friend from the US, a blogger better known as yurkulmom, who will give me a treat of a trip to Hongkong and probably a local trip. Originally, we were also supposed to go to Bangkok too but due to the little time she and her son would have, she decided against it. Now, she wants to just go to a local destination aside from our HK trip. I am asking Dayap who is based in HK to accompany us in the places to see once we're there. I have been there a number of times but being direction-challenged, I won't make a good tour guide. It will be my friend's first time in HK. Being a seasoned traveler, she can probably do better than me. But the limited time could put a strain on our schedule........... so it's better to have somebody to guide us in the places to see. Good thing, I have Dayap there. My friend also has a friend in Macau. Dayap, my friend, and I are classmates in elementary. It would be a reunion of sorts once we are in HK.

I told Dayap about our planned local travel and she also is eager to go on a vacation. She is suggesting Cebu bringing our car and going there via RORO........ sounds cool. She said she has an aunt there who has a resort and all we have to bring is seasonings and condiments....... even cooler. Dayap, I, and some other friends and our families would go together in some beaches and resort once in a while. So far, we have gone to San Juan, Batangas and Zambales. We have always talked about going to Boracay since she has this place on time-sharing arrangement we could use. It hasn't materialized yet. I told her we should go to Vigan where hubby's father hails and Pagudpod. Dayap is also excited about this. Cebu looks very promising this summer........... Cebu, here we come!

I hope we find the time and money to go to all these places. It's always great spending time with family and good friends in some faraway destinations. It brings us closer together ..... gives us time to forget the ennui of life.......

I better wake up now and go back to work. My boss might just decide not to give me that summer break.............

PS: Nakikibanyo ang panagalawa kong anak sa akin ngayon. Nasira ang bidet sa banyo nila ng ate niya at malakas ang tulo ng tubig kaya pinatay na muna ang daloy ng tubig don. Hindi pa maharap ng tatay nila ang paggawa at malamang sa wekend na magawa. Maarte pa naman ako sa banyo. Marami mga wisik ng tubig at ayoko non. Pinagsabihan ko na na punasan ang wisik ng tubig. Wala, ganon pa rin. Groundwater ang tubig namin kaya nakakamantsa ng mga gamit sa banyo. Kaya ako tinutuyo ko agad ang mga gamit sa loob nito. Hirap talaga turuan ng mga kabataan sa ganyan. At bilang isang OC, di ako mapakali........

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Ika 17 ng Pebrero 2009: Living Dangerously

I thought hubby was past the danger zone when he told me some weeks back that they were announcing redundancies for a little less than 2,000 workers. At dinner last night, he said that their office would have another important announcement today. I said I thought you were done 'being afraid'. He said the first pass was just a cost-cutting measure. He is assuming that today their top management will announce the clinching of the deal with another electronic giant who is buying this segment of the business operating in the Philippines. Understandably, he is worried. Who wouldn't be?

Let's see why. More than two years ago, we took out a housing loan in deference to my kids' wishes to make the house bigger. There were worries But we felt it was time to make that decision then banking on the vaunted stability of being in a Japanese firm. In management class, we learned about the difference between American management and Japanese management. In a Japanese firm, one is assured of lifetime employment if one plays his cards right. We didn't know then what we will know later...... that last year, the US economy will crumble and hit everything in sight. The US recession was the harbinger of more bad days ahead. Soon, the other economies tossed, turned, and tumbled. Lay-offs by US and European firms were reported. We were anxious but refuse to believe that Japanese firms will see the day when it will have to succumbed to economic pressures. Management books have to be rewritten in the light of recent events. First, the lay-offs........... Now, what lies ahead is not so clear as the deal is closed. There are rumors that the new firm will have its own executives upon takeover .......

Before this, we fell victim to the Yuchengco's greed as planholders of tradiional education plans of the now infamous Pacific Plans Inc which promised to pay for our children's education at whatever cost. Problem started about four years ago when PPI abandoned their responsibility of paying our children's tuition fees and applying for rehabilitation which was approved by the courts. Some call it corporate irresponsibility, we call it plain theft. We wanted to be assured that our children will get their education banking on the reputation of the Yuchengco name. We sacrificed a dress, a vacation, maybe a meal to pay for our premiums. For sacrificing our consumption in the past, we expected to get gratification in the future. But what did we get? A kick in the butt for believing the Yuchengco promise of a good future for our children. They remain one of the wealthiest families with their business holdings in the country while we had to work doubly hard to keep our kids in school because they reneged on their promise. Instead of just paying up their obligations, they would rather engage us in a legal battle. With their money, they still manage to paint a good picture of themselves in the media. To add insult to the injury, they expressed their desire to buy Philamlife, a financial company engaged in insurance and other pre-need products. Recently, Pacific Plans was sold to the Onate Group of Companies just as when they are supposed to pay up the agreed price to planholders under the rehabilitation plan. Coincidence? Or just being wise....

We tried to make sense of the impending peril if what's heard on the grapevines becomes the truth. I told him last night that if the offer is good it would be ok even if I am also unsure as we have long-term obligations. Good means in the vicinity of thrice his monthly pay for every year of service and tax-free. Being pragmatic, he said there is no rule in the labor code that says that the company should take care of laid off staff. I argued that such an occurrence is life-changing at his stature and age. I also mentioned that in other countries, the government ensures that lay-offs are justified and workers are properly compensated for their loss. But these are in developed countries who also give unemployment assistance to their unemployed. Now, it is my pragmatism that is showing.......... Aside from lower costs, another reason why multinationals set-up their factories in developing countries is because of their less stricter labor code.

Inspite of this, hubby slept soundly. He always does. This morning wanting to make things light before he left for work I told him to bring home his office chair which I want to use for the new glass table in my room as long as it meets ergonometric standards if he finds himself unemployed after their meeting. Taking the cue, he said that there is a better choice, the chair in their conference. Go get it! Maybe, he can negotiate it to be part of his package.

Just as he would have a date with destiny moments later, I am also about to embark on a life-changing meeting with a top official today. So who will emerge victorious the day after? I am praying for the best for our family's sake.............

PS: Sa jeepney kanina, me nakasabay akong mag-ina. Bata pa yun nanay at yun bata mga dalawa o tatlong taon. Tahimik lang yun bata, tingin lang siya ng tingin. Minsan pinipipi niya ang ilong o mata niya, sinusundot ang kilay. ang cute niya tignan kasi maputi at tsinito yun bata. Sa mga kilos niya, kitang-kita mo yun pagkainosente niya. Tinitignan ko siya habang nakatingin siya sa kin, minsan nginingitian ko.

Kung matanda kaya ang gumawa ng ginagawa ng bata? Hindi na cute no.... Maiisip natin baka me tama sa ulo o me dipresiya kaya ganon umarte. Bakit nga ba pag matanda ang gumawa ng ginagawa ng bata, me kakaibang interpretasyon. Sarap tuloy isipin na mabuti na lang sigurong maging bata habangbuhay....... walang iniisip..... walang prinoproblema.......

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Ika 16 ng Pebrero 2009: Mysterious Death

The morning was not so good. It was raining ........ I feel like I am coming down with colds. I am sneezing. My throat feels itchy...... my breathing is strained..... my chest is heavy.... and it's not because I am 'gifted'..... because unfortunately I am not......

The helper brought the dogs out and they just did their thing in the garage..... Then, my helper saw bird feathers on the floor near the cockatiel birds. Oh no, not another casualty. I told her to check on the birds. Indeed, one albino cockatiel is missing. The usual suspects are the alley cats...... They are still menacing. Then, I noticed that Quita's leash is not as long as usual and he can't reach the cockatiels' cage if there are predators.

When our boy helper arrived, we told him about the sad incident. We wondered why there was no trace of the bird. Some feathers are lying on the floor beside the cage. I told him to add another leash to Quita. He told us that maybe the predators are not cats but rats......hmmmmmmm. That is possible. A koi in our pond was bitten by a rat before. Hubby said rats can swim. Cats can't swim..... Using inference, it must be the rat ..... Now, my rage is on these pesky creatures. There is a vacant lot beside our house. The garden too could be a breeding place for these moles as they can dig through the soil and build their home underneath. It is said that all creatures were created for a purpose. What on earth is a rat's purpose!!!??? To haunt my helpless pets in the middle of the night......... They can eat anything anyway, why feast on my pets!!!???

I actually have a rat killer solution but I am afraid the dogs might get to it if we scatter it outside. We couldn't have cats as that would be a double whammy. Cats could also attack the birds...... and the fish. And our dogs could attack the cats. There would be no peace in the house.

Again, I am saddened by this lost. Maybe, God hid the evidence of the homicide so I won't feel as bad. Yesterday, I was in the garage admiring the cockatiels. These lovely, sweet birds have a very nice whistle, like they are singing. Now, I have to find another partner for the widowed bird.........sigh.....

All this commotion delayed me and I was late coming to the office.

PS: Unang araw ng trimester break namin. Pero di pa tapos ang trabaho. Gawaan pa ng grades. Magchecheck pa mga test papers at requirements. Mukang madugong linggo na naman sa kin to. Pero ok lang. Gusto ko naman kasi itong ginagawa ko. Mahirap pag di mo gusto ang ginagawa, mabigat gawin.......

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Ika 15 ng Pebrero 2009: Post-valentine Assessment

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

So how was valentine's celebration to the occupants of this home who spent it separately. At least, two of us spent it outside.

Hubby was out to bring MD to her rendezvous with her friends and 'friend' when I left home. My friend, V........, fetched me at my home. First stop was at Going Straight. Me for hair coloring, hot oil, and hair cut...... V........ for hair spa and haircut. We also decided to have our manicure and pedicure there. Hair is my only indulgence. I don't spend for make-up, even clothes, vacations and other expensive hobbies. Whenever I would have the funds........ sometimes, I don't even have it...... I would rather spend on hair treatment than anything else. In our last hair date, I spent a fortune on hair rebonding. I had my hair cut short too. For a long, long time, I have long unruly hair that I would always put it in a pony tail. I had hair coloring after that. Friends and acquiantances complimented me on the new look. It was uplifting.... from the doldrums of wavy, unmanageable hair with graying streaks to the new cool, upbeat look.

With white streaks ruining my looks again, I told V....... that we should spend the afternoon in the salon before going to the get together. Our hair date was supposed to happen during the weekday but settled on the weekend due to conflict of sked. I wanted to try a more daring shorter look. V....... was not keen because of the cost of the rebonding. I said I could never do it with the normal texture of my hair. I'd probably look like a skunk if I dare. So I did.... I am still pleased with the result..... My conservative son has been disapproving my look since the last hair date I had. He wants my long hair back. I want this short hair......... no frills and it's liberating. V......., herself was a looker, after the treatment. She needed that makeover too after her long toil while she was in Canada with her family. It's Valentine's day......... We chose to love ourselves on Valentine's day.

We did not fail.... Our friends were mad because we were about three hours late with the traffic and all ........ but they like our looks. Is that a good thing? We weren't supposed to tell them about the salon date but the newly manicured fingers made redder than usual was a dead giveaway...... It actually made our fingers look like we just mix a basin of tocino. The newly blown dried hair also looked too nice from just the usual wash and comb style we do at home.

It was a fun night. We were there reliving the good old times.......... the crazy and mundane things we do that gave college life the ride that it was. It's usually the boys, I mean the men, who regaled us with their daring pursuits. All these years, we never knew those things were happening. We were too naive then. Now, They are revealing their secrets which we find incredulous. Hubby texted sometime while we were there to tell me to fetch my MD. What!!!???? Didn't I tell him where I would be? I told him I was out with friends and would be home late. He texted back that he already fetched MD. Good! As usual, we ended up light-headed and happy. It was almost midnight when V...... and I went home. The rest stayed.

V....... brought me home. Then, I was searching for my key and it was not inside my bag. I left it on the TV cabinet. I called hubby, ED, and MD. No one was answering.......... drats, drats, drats..... I tried the doorbell. Then, I called again....still no answer. I was unsure what else to do when minutes later, ED was at the door. She opened the gate. When I came inside, I noticed a big bouquet of roses on the table. So the new 'friend' will continue the tradition. I wondered what are the other gifts. I asked ED. She said there is chocolates......... 8-piece Rocher Ferrero.......yummy, our family's favorite. There was no other gift.... hmmmmmmmm. I just checked the dogs before finally heading for the bedroom.

This morning, I asked hubby if they went to mass yesterday. They all did except for MD. So that was how they spent valentine. After marketing, MD and I went to mass.

While having lunch, we would interrogate MD on her date with friends and the new 'friend'. We asked if there were other gifts. We wanted chocolates and was teasing her about her ferrero. In a while, hubby would hold the bunch of roses and would mockingly tell everyone that it is for me.

And that was how we spend valentine's separately.........

PS: Sarap mag-asaran no. Me mga taong master yata itong klase ng pagpapatawa na ito. Mas nakakatawa kasi di pilit na pagpapatawa ito. Kahit magkapamilya o magkabarka, masaya pag nag-aasaran. Dapat hindi pikon, kundi lalo kang aalaskahin. Pikon, talo!

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Ika 14 ng Pebrero 2009: Waterless on Valentine

Brainchild's break............. It's Valentine's Day! Happy Love Day everyone!

And our water pump broke yesterday.......... We don't have WATER. It's a good thing my helpers know what to do. They look for a water delivery service and had water delivered last night. Of all the resource, water is the most crucial to me. I can last days without electricity........ maybe a day without food. I tried that in my youth to elicit sympathy from my Mom whenever she would scold me. I would secretly raid the kitchen when no one is looking and binge. But WATER, not a minute..... I am a water drinker, so is my son. Being OC, I need to wash my hands and other stuff all the time. I cannot not take a bath..... I cannot use a dirty toilet.

I look at the bright side though. Being waterless forces us to use the resource wisely. The water delivered would probably not last a day wit our usual usage. But since we are aware, we conserve it as much as we can....... reusing laundry or bath water to flush the toilet or wash the floors. Perhaps, this misfortune should befall us sometimes to make us appreciate the value of a resource.

In economics, water is deemed as one resource with very high utility but is very lowly valued. Before it was almost a free resource like the air we breathe. We take it for granted. It is appreciated only when we are thirsty. In that state, we buy water at any cost. But once past thirty, the next unit of water can be used for some other purposes like for cooking and bathing. As more unit of water becomes available and we become satiated with it, it will be used for lesser purposes like watering the plants or cleaning floors. Yet over time and with human abuse, access to clean water is becoming more and more difficult. Soon, it will be a scarce resource. Hardly, anyone drinks straight from the tap today......... save for the adventurous souls and those without the means. It's bottles water for us. In oil-rich countries, it is said that water is more valuable than oil. We can live without oil but not without water, right.

The repairman is here. I hope he does something fast. Hubby is worried that the pump might have dropped off. That is gonna be one major expense...... Beware we are holding off bathing and brushing till service is restored.

Perhaps, there would be no dates for this house's occupants today.......

PS: Magkikita kami ng mga kaibigan at kaklase nung kolehiyo mamayang hapon. Me dumating kasing isang kaklase galing Amerika. Kaya me rason para magkita-kita ngayon araw ng mga puso. Masayang pagkikita na naman ito habang sinasariwa namin ang nakaraan. Meron ding kasing mga naging magkadate tuwing valentine sa amin. Yun iba siguro gusto lang maging kadate sa valentine..... Kaya masaya makipagkita sa mga kaklase ay dahil sa mga kacornihan na ganyan.... sabi nga ng bunso ko.........so cheesy.....

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Ika 13 mg Pebrero 2009: Pre-Valentine

It's day before valentine's day. So who gets to celebrate valentine today? The lovers, of course. It is said that pre- and post- celebrations are for the not so significant others..... or probably significant but in a discreet way.

Salma Hayek breastfeeding a baby in Sierra Leone is a great gift on this day of hearts. The actress and producer was told by doctors in Sierra Leone that many mothers stop breastfeeding their infants within the first few months after birth because of pressure from their husbands. Tradition has it, in some areas, that it is not acceptable to have sexual relations with breast feeding women. As always, others would always color such acts with malice. I have great admiration for this woman..... Let's hope this act is not bastardize by some other celebrity who wants to raise the bar in the guise of loving mankind........

Traffic would probably be bad this evening as lovers celebrate their day. But it is not only for lovers. Love is a universal thing. It can be among friends or family members.....

Our family would always be excited about what my middle daughter would get from her 'friend' who isn't her boyfriend. There was this boy who has been giving my daughter valentine gifts, chocolates, and flowers since she was in Grade 5 until last year. There seems to be a change of heart, however, as MD is now entertaining another 'friend'. Last Christmas, this new 'friend' appeared to have gained a momentum. He was the one with a gift to MD and the old 'friend' is now out of the picture. We wondered what happened. MD isn't talking. The new friend's Christmas gift to MD is really nice but cannot be eaten. We used to look forward to the gift of MD's old 'friend' because MD shares the chocolates with us. Yummy..... Well, MD's new 'friend''s gift is something to look forward to as well..... let's see tonight...........

I recall with fondness also my son's sweet gesture last year. He bought three roses from a vendor in their school to give to his two sister and me. It was an artificial flower but I was touched by his sweetness. The three of us kept that rose in our rooms to this day. The only thing was he forgot to buy a rose for his grandma who was at the house that time. MD came to the rescue..... giving some of the flowers given to her by her other friends.

Not to be outdone is my eldest daughter..... When she arrived home, she was clutching a stuff toy given by a boy in their class, not a particular boy actually. The boys in their class thought of giving all the girls a gift. Ain't it sweet...... I always thought the geeks would be lacking in the romance department...... Will they outdo themselves this valentine? Let's see......

Me......... I guess I am past romances. I guess the practical side of things took over me. Valentine has become just another day. Walking earlier, a flower vendor was trying to sell roses. Huh!!?? I'll give my own flowers to myself. Athough, I know of some girls who have done this in the past. I guess we all grow so we can stop kidding ourselves. I still enjoy celebrating the day with all people who matter in my life. Since it falls on a Saturday, we are spending it as one family. I'd be with friends later in the evening tomorrow. Then, perhaps have a post-valentine celebration on Sunday..........

PS: Final exams ng mga estudyante ko ngayon. Parang di maganda ang pre-valentine gift ko sa kanila.............

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Ika 12 ng Pebrero 2009: New 40

While dressing up for work, my attention was caught by the news that today (actually yesterday)is Jennifer Aniston's birthday as reported by Good Morning America. Jennifer turns 40 and she is the new 40......... pretty, confident, successful, and living life to the fullest. She's recently starred in Marley and Me and will soon be seen with other hotties, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connolly(love this woman!) and Scarlett Johansson, in He's Just Not That into You. Last year, she posed naked for the GQ spread. There are rumors that Playboy wanted her to pose for them this year. Media report these 'accomplishments' as success at 40. Well, if she's happy about it. Then, that is success. Is she over over the Brangelina thing? With John Meyer, she should be.......

Others stars in their 40s who look just as ravishing are Renee Zellweger who will turn 40 in April, Catherine Zeta-Jones in September, and who can miss Julia Roberts, adjudged one of the most beautiful people in the world. FL Michelle Obama is 45. These hollywood stars have become the new symbols of beauty at any age. The anchor hosts raved about 40 being the new 30. Even the 50s gals are ravishing....... Michelle Pfiffer, Christy Brinkley, ........... Let's raise the bar just a bit more......... What about the 60s..... Susan Sarandon is still a looker. Have you seen Raquel Welch lately....... With great strides in medical technology, has the fountain of youth been discovered?

It's not just about being beautiful. People today have become more health conscious and are changing lifestyles to stay fit and healthy. A healthy lifestyle translate into a vibrant and beautiful person who feels good about oneself. My own kids have better eating habits than me. ED reads labels and avoids food products which are classified as GMO or with harmful ingredients. MD eats a balanced diet of fruits, veggies, meat, fowl, and fish. Among my children, she has the healthiest habits. She doesn't stay late. She also joins sports activities in school. My only son is a picky eater and choose chicken and fish over meat. He doesn't eat veggies though. We would indulge in 'sinful' treats every now and then......... like the occasional chocolates, cakes, ice cream, pork rinds ...... but as a general rule, we try to strive a balance between healthy and yummy meal. I'd say they eat healthy because as a kid and even as an adult, I didn't have qualms about eating fried or barbequed crispy pork fat and gulping one bar of chocolate. Now, a bar of chocolate is split among 5, sometimes 6 family members. I didn't eat veggies until way into adulthood. I was so thin as a kid and even as a young adult..... I was always be underweight. I gained a few pounds over the years........ I am probably in my ideal weight right now but I'd be happy getting rid of 10 lbs. I have always felt better with a few pounds off my ideal weight.

So yes, this 40 something is a striving health buff with a lot of push and some daring......... she is also a gossip......

On the way to work, I was thinking if I should get that botox treatment and be in Jen's league........... I better stop dreaming..........

PS: Di ako makatulog kagabi at parang dinalaw na naman ako ng insomnia ko. Nanood ako ng TV hanggang hatinggabi para magpaantok. Matagal ko na pinatay ang TV pero di pa rin ako antukin.

Nung bata-bata ako, pakiramdam ko me insomnia na ako at araw-araw noon magmamadaling araw na pag nakatulog ako. Tanghali, minsan hapon na ako gumigising. Pag nagpupunta nga yun mga kaibigan ko non sa bahay, papapanikin na ng nanay ko sa kwarto at sasabihan na gisingin na ako.

Sanay ako sa puyatan. Kayang kaya ko walang tulugan sa trabaho kung kailangan. Mahirap nga lang kinabukasan at masakit ang ulo ko pag kulang sa tulog. Di naman ako gumamit ng gamot para mawala ang insomnia ko. Kusa na lang nawala ito. Nung tumanda, siguro dumami na ginagawa. At dahil sa pagod na rin, nakakatulog na ako ng mas maaga kesa sa dati.

Paminsan-minsan dinadalaw pa rin ako ng insomnia. Gaya kagabi....kaya eto ang sakit ng ulo ko........

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