Ika 1 ng Abril 2009: Birthdays in the Family

It's MD's birthday today.......... and also Moshi's, our mischievous and lovable pooch. That they share a birthday must be destiny...... They love each other. Among the dogs, MD took a fancy on Moshi when he came into our lives. She's no longer as keen on dogs as the rest of us. But it is agreed that she will inherit Moshi at the right time and will be responsible for caring for him henceforth.

After greeting MD, I went to work. It was a bit late. I came to work hallucinating after sleeping the entire trip complete with head banging. I feel so sleepy these days. I don't know why. I feel I have been getting more sleep than I used to.... although it's still not enough. I still would like to get a full uninterrupted eight-hour sleep. I always seem to be getting the headache too because my sleep during the trip would always be interrupted. I have been getting power naps at lunch. But why am I craving for more? I thought one needs less sleep as one ages... Could it be that it works backwards for me? Am I getting younger? Fat chance..... I better wake up.

It's two days to our trip and I am still unruffled. I am not a panicky person up until the very last minute when disaster happens. In fact, I am looking forward to tonight as we celebrate MD's birthday.

And beware..... it's April's Fools Day...... don't be fooled......

PS: Naayos ang iskedyul sa eskwelahan kahapon. Parang idineklara na rin na wala na lang kaming pasok sa susunod na linggo. Dahil maliit na eskwelahan lang kami, madaling gawin ang mga ganitong desisyon. Karamihan kasi magbabakasyon din kaya walang gustong pumasok. Pabor sa kin ito at siguradong pagod ako galing sa biyahe. Yun nga lang maghahabol din ako sa leksyon. Sana habaan na lang ang termino para sapat ang oras sa pag-aaral.

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Ika 31 ng Marso 2009: Making Plans

I have to plan this week smartly. Work in the office and in the school is definitely on the agenda. I cannot afford to slack off in school because I find it difficult to schedule a make-up class without sacrificing time at the office. Since the kid and I are leaving in the weekend and will be back early next week, there's a chance I'd miss a day in school. I don't have a problem at the office because I have scheduled and filed my leave way ahead of time.

I have stuff to bring for our trip to HK. We are staying with Dayap. The kids are all excited. It's going to be MS's first trip by plane and I want it to be memorable for him. It's the girls' second trip there. It was supposed to be just MS and I but my girls were insistent that they join. I lost in the battle of the purse. Dayap's youngest son is traveling with us. It's wonderful too that our trip is timed while the weather is still pleasantly cool in HK.

Dayap wants me to bring dinuguan cooked by MIL's assistant. She and her family just love it. That has been arranged. Ingredients were ordered from our favorite grocer last weekend. MIL's assistant has been duly informed of her task. I asked hubby to buy saranggani smoked bangus and spanish sardines which is also part of our foodie trip. Through email exchanges, Dayap and I thought about how the smoked bangus will go well with salted eggs and the dinuguan with puto. So I am bringing those as well. Dayap also wants some pandesal. So I am gonna go to our favorite baker early in the morning to get freshly baked pandesal. Dayap gave me instructions on how to pack the food stuff. The bag she lent me will the food carrier.

It so happened that MD's PTC is scheduled on the day of our trip. So I have to still go to her school to get her card. Knowing MD, she would pester me all day long if I don't get her card. Most likely, I would be packing our stuff on the day of our trip as I have classes the day before that. It's a good thing that our flight is scheduled in the afternoon. Dayap's hubby who will see their son off, will fetch us from the house and bring us all to the airport. Thank God for friens like them. Well Dayap and I have gone through a lot and have been BFF for the longest time.

Tomorrow is also MD's birthday. In keeping with the family tradition, we will have dinner at her chosen resto. That would also mean that there is still nothing I can do with regard to our trip tomorrow.

My social calendar seems also full this summer. I am not exactly sure which ones I can keep. I am thinking of going to the beach with my brother and his family before they leave for the US. There's a chance they might settle there if things work out fine. My brother wanted to go to our mother's hometown to visit our relatives there before their trip. But he told me that they also need to visit his wife's relatives in her hometown. Then, our old neighbor in our old house wanted to see us also after many, many years. Her daughter who is based in Italy sent me a message through one of my social networking sites. This we must keep as the old lady was my mother's best friend when we were still in the old neighborhood. She was like a second mother to us. Dayap is also thinking of going to Leyte and Samar, not Cebu as earlier posted, towards the end of April. My kids would very much like to travel.

I actually commented in my class yesterday on the topic of global village that today's youth are going places...... so unlike in my time. The farthest I went to was my parents' hometown. My siblings and I would experience motion sickness when we travel long distance in an air-conditioned car. My classmates and I would compare notes on our summer vacation in our provinces. My kids and their classmates would talk about vacation abroad. One of my students is a seasoned traveler. She is going to Myanmar for the holy week. Indeed, the world has become borderless.

I better make myself invisible as I am making all this plans........

PS: Nung isang linggo na sa Alabang ako sumakay ay inaasam asam ko na makasakay ulit sa Jayross lucky seven bus. Laking gulat ko na pag dating ko sa terminal na wal yun pila ng mga Jayross bus. Sumakay na lang ako sa unang bus na nakapila. Akala ko tuluyan na nawala ang pila ng bus para sa Jayross at nalungkot ako.

Kanina na sa Alabang ako ulit sumakay, nandon na ulit yun pila ng Jayross. Hay salamat naman. Tyempo pa na pag sakay ko yun jayross bus ang nakapila. Mabuti naman at me matino pang bus na masasakyan sa Alabang.

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Ika 30 ng Marso 2009: Fascination with Photos in the Digital Age

Today, all the kids are on vacation mode. ED is still unsure if she still has to take an exams...... she said that depends on the pre-final grades she got which they will know today. If she gets high enough, then she is exempted from taking the exams.

I was the first one to wake up..... not really because I was excited to go to work. But because I couldn't sleep anymore. Since I can afford to slack off a little as it is the summer vacation already, I decided to upload our pics in my sites. I recently set up a site for my mother's side clan and since then I have been fascinated with uploading photos on the net.... MD was ribbing me about this during MS's graduation dinner as my click-happy finger happily took pictures at every opportunity.

I used to organize our albums when pictures take ages before we could see them. The digicam has been there for awhile as its usage rate has steadily grown since when it was first introduced. Before the digicam, what does it take to have a picture? First, you need a camera and a film. Then, you can take the pictures. We have to ensure that we pose correctly and the conditions are right..... or that would be a shot wasted if we didn't. Films are in 12, 24, 36 shots..... not sure if there are more than this. Cameras have also developed over time. From the crude big boxes that take black and white pictures, I remember having a model where one puts on a flash bulb to use when there isn't enough light. Then, we had one where the flash was built in. We moved on to having one with auto-focus features and some extras like red eye reduction. The good pictures were taken using powerful lenses of professional cameras.

After the instruments, let's discuss how pictures were developed. Yes, we have to develop pictures before we could see them. Some still do today..... but I guess the small photo developing centers are the next dying industry if they don't innovate. Today's generation might take for granted that pictures are available as soon as they are taken. Granting that a camera is on hand, one has to have money to buy the film and to have the film processed to have the pictures. I used to set aside money for the developing process. It was not really cheap. I have spent an enormous amount with the tons of albums I organize for our family of five. The albums would also be another expense. The price could easily go up depending on how beautiful you want the album to look. I actually fell into the pattern..... ED would have the most pictures, MD would still have enough, and with MS, I managed to organize albums until he was seven but not as much compared to his two sisters. It was both costly and time-consuming.

I am one of those who take on technology well and use it to my advantage. Today's photography technology may also have high initial investment cost. It's not only the digicam. One has to have access to a PC or laptop to download or upload pictures. We may have eliminated the need for film but one needs a memory card for additional photo memory. With this, I noticed too that pictures are more numerous than before. Whereas we would require our kids to pose nicely for the camera to get value for every shot in the past, now wacky pictures are in vogue too. We would need connectors too. In many instances the USB connectors that comes with our digicam package do not always work for us. The card reader given as a gift by my friend Dayap to ED who is her godchild works wonders. Hubby also purchased a bluetooth connector for those photos coming from the celfone.

Being a technology user by discovering, I used to rely on ED and MD for uploading my pics on the net. Since their school workload has tremendously increased, they would not be very willing to help their TH-techie mom most of the time. I decided to learn. Now that I learned, there is no stopping me..... I guess I am done organizing pictures into a physical album. I am doing my organization on the net where space is almost unlimited. My organization has even become simpler and more convenient. With the kind of technology we have, I can't wait what would come next as far as digital technology is concerned. As it is, I am happy seeing and sharing my photos and those of my loved ones and friends anytime and anywhere. Sometimes that is enough to take the doldrums of a work week.

On my way to work this first day of the work week, I am excited to see the latest pictures I uploaded.....

PS: Kahapon sa pamamalengke ko, naulinigan ko ang pag-uusap ng katiwala ng tindahan at ng isang customer. Nabanggit ng customer na masarap daw yun litson na inirekomenda niya. Tinanong ko yun katiwala kung saan yun litson para malaman ko pag bibili kami. Buong galak niyang ipinagmalaki yun bilihan at inengganyo ako na bumili. Sabi ko sa susunod na lang at wala akong extra na pera at di ko kasama ang asawa ko.

Aba at sabi niya, pwede daw utang at siya ang bahala. Ayoko sana at nahihiya din ako. Pero sobrang pilit ng katiwala at naengganyo ako. Iniwan ko sandali ang pamimili at sumama sa kanya. Ipinakilala ako sa me ari at sinabing gusto ko kumuha pero wala nga akong pera. Ok naman sa nagtitinda ng lechon. Kaya ayun nakakuha ako ng litson na naging hapunan namin kahapon.

Habang naghahapunan kami, kinantyawan ako ng mga anak ko na lahat daw inutangan ko na. Kasi nung isang araw, sinadya ko din ang parlor na nagserbisyo sa kin nung Huwebes para bayaran ang kulang ko. Dapat kasi papakulay lang ako ng buhok at manicure, eh naitanong ko rin ang highlights at tinanong ako kung gusto ko daw. Sabi ko kulang ang pera ko. Aba at sinabi ng me-ari na pwede daw utang at suki naman nila ako.

Pinagtatawanan ako ng asawa at mga anak at paano daw ako nakakautang sa mga yon. Katwiran ko naman.... hindi naman ako nangungutang. Sila ang nag-aalok sa kin.... bumibigay lang ako. Ano magagawa ko kung mapagkakatiwalaan ako? Hindi ba isang birtud yan?

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Ika 29 ng Marso 2009: Bad Turn

Brainchild's break.....

We had a good Earth Hour last night. Like last year, we had a small bonfire in our pocket garden. MD was scolding us again for making a bonfire. But MS was insistent on having that bonfire because to him that was the whole idea of the Earth Hour. He and his dad were in charge of the bonfire. MD and I just watched them the entire time. MS was very pleased about that bonfire. I think he admires his Dad for his camping skills. He regards him, however, as a province boy for having such skills. We just stayed there the whole one hour. MD and hubby would go to our terrace to snoop on the neighborhood..... checking whose houses were lights off. This year's Earth Hour, has even the backing of the Church. The priest would encourage everyone to participate before he gave us his final blessings during the anticipated mass we attended yesterday.

Right after Earth Hour, the masseuses came for hubby's and my massage. What a truly relaxing experience..... I was half-asleep when my masseuse was done. I had to see them on their way out, however. I dragged myself downstairs. I went back to my room and slept soundly. I did not know what hit me.

This morning, I felt light and was ready to face the world. I even had time to take a shower before going to the market. I was thinking that today is going to be a long day. Hubby was also getting ready. I thought we're both going to the market. But he was dressed in his mountaineer's outfit. He told me he is going to Mt. Makiling to survey the place. Apparently, he and his co-mountaineers will be going there next weekend to serve as guardians when people begin trooping there for the holy week escapade..... That means I am gonna be alone again going to the market.... and I have to pick up the laundry and bring a new batch..... the electric fan needs fixing too........ the dog food supply is also running low.....

How am I supposed to do all of these! That's how my day took a bad turn today.........

PS: Di pa umuuwi ang panganay kong anak galing dorm. Nagtatapos na kasi sila ng project at matatapos na rin ang klase. Parang me kulang ang weekend pag di kami kumpleto......

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Ika 28 ng Marso 2009: In Observance of the Earth Hour

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

Last year, our household switched off our light for an hour in observance of the Earth Hour. Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. Last year the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In our home, there was a clash of will as ED did not share the enthusiasm of the family. She would at times be uncooperative in such endeavors which is a source of conflict between us. My own karma, perhaps, for my rebellious years. Last year, she was testing my patience and was on her laptop up until the set time despite my and her brother's pleas. I stood my ground and forced her to turn her laptop off..... not without her protestation. She would question why we should participate and I just kept my patience. Had she still been a child, she could have gotten a good spanking right there and then. She settled quietly after sometime.

MD and hubby were in the living room vegging out the whole time. MS and I were in our pocket garden talking about the significance of the Earth Hour. He curiously listened to my explanation about global warming and how its effects could have dire consequences for mankind. We kept a small bonfire of dried twigs and neem leaves as we discussed. MD would remind me that burning is also bad for the environment. There was another reason I was doing that. Mosquitoes abound in the summer months and the smell of burning neem leaves help keep them away.

I wasn't sure how many household in our village participated as it was business as usual for some. The news the following day mentioned that major malls participated and that there was a significant drop in electricity consumption in last year's Earth Hour.

This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming. For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming.

Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it's not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations. VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.

PS: Nagpapagawa daw ng bahay kubo ang anak kong bunso sa boy namin. Nakita ko kasi sa gilid ng bahay ang boy namin na nagtatayo na ng poste na galing sa naputol na puno. Sabi sa kin, pinapagawa nga daw ng anak ko na bahay kubo. Magandang ideya din at magkakaron ng laruan at pahingahan. Nakakatuwa din at pinagbibigyan ng boy ko yun kahilinagn ng anak ko sa ganon bagay. Sadya lang kayang masunurin yun boy namin o dahil hindi lang niya mahindian ang anak ko na nagpakita ng mabuting kalooban sa kanya minsan?

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Ika 27 ng Marso 2009: Coming from a Food Trip and AI

Two kids are already on vacation by now. Only ED is schooling but that should end soon. Hubby went to work earlier..... and now it's my turn. I am reeling from a dinner party in celebration of MS's graduation. So, pardon me but I am a bit woozy and my judgment might be clouded.

We had dinner at RedKimono/PaintedRed. MS said he wanted to try something new..... actually we always want to try something new everytime we go out. Restos were randomly picked out by everyone but we couldn't quite agree. MS, being the celebrant, would get to choose but said he is getting confused. I suggested we just go to a place and pick a resto there. Hubby drove to Westgate as we can always go back to old favorites, Zong's or Kanin Club. As we made our way through, Red Kimono/Painted Red would come into view. It looks classy and inviting. There were people but it was not fullhouse. In contrast, Kanin Club had patrons waiting for tables as we drove around the block. Hubby parked in the designated parking area.

He and MS led the pack. We were unsure where they were heading. They went for Red Kimono/Painted red. The place looks very modern with its red and black interiors and minimalist Japanese touch. So it is supposed to be two separate restos but with the same dining area..... cool as it can satisfy differing taste buds. Red Kimono serves modern Japanese cuisine while Painted Red offers modern American cuisine. The servers were courteous. However, they were not very generous with the menu. We would have to share. I asked for another American menu. Now, ordering from two restos proved more challenging than it looks..... we had to devise a plan. We would soon make use of teamwork. MS's order would be the least troublesome as he has been consistent in his order of fried chicken and rice. Fortunately, all restos would have their own version of his favorite chicken dish. Here, his order would be found on the Painted Red menu and we ordered cajun fried chicken for him minus the spices. MD and I would team up and order Maki sampler, tempura, and gyosa. ED and hubby would order oyster plate and baby back ribs. MIL would order tuna. Drinks were ordered according to one's preference. I had house tea to go with my Japanese dinner.

The food was good. We all enjoyed it except for MS whose patience was wearing thin as his order was the last to arrive. MD and I got a little irked too. Our order was the first to arrive and they would like to partake of it. We were all starving specially ED who came from school before proceeding to her brother's graduation. MD didn't like the idea. She wanted the food to be complete before we all take a bite. I followed up and the server kept on saying it's coming. Soon enough, the food started coming. However, MS's order had not come. I followed up again. We started eating. It's a good thing, hubby's baby back ribs came with a half a corn cob and MS bit into it. After dinner, MS wanted dessert. Of course, his wish will be granted. He ordered oreo cheesecake. ED and MD would order chocolate paradise cupcake. We would all dig into the cakes to the consternation of MS. Hubby had to order another slice of cheesecake. Everyone was happy after dessert.

Overall, the food was good. he service would have been good enough except that the waiters were too eager busing our plates with food we were still eating. I also told the receptionist about the service taking too long. After hubby settled the bill, we went home.

After settling down, I turned the channel to American Idol at the Star World. Missing its prime time slot, I watched the replay at 11:00 pm until 12:00pm. I was very excited about a rediscovered hobby,photography, and I decided to upload MS's graduation pics in my site while watching AI. It was taking forever. But AI kept me entertained. The competition is heating up. One does not have an inkling who would be sent home. Last night, I was wowed by Adam Lambert's performance..... I think I am turning into a fan. I didn't use to believe in him but it was a totally different performance last night..... His rendition of Smokey Robinson's Tracks of My Tears was ringing in my head on my way to work this morning......

It was raining as I peeped through the window of the bus I rode this morning. My head was heavy as a result of my late night tinkering with my family site ..... but there is nothing that gives me more pleasure than being with the family I love..... and having them on the net keeps them close by.......

PS: Marami akong planong gawin ngayon pero dahil sa wala ako sa kondisyon magtrabaho ay mukang malabong magawa. Pag di ko nagawa ang mga ito, magulo na naman ang mundo ko sa isang linggo.

Ayoko na nagtratrabaho sa bahay tuwing weekend at pakiramdam ko eh hindi makatarungan para sa akin at sa pamilya ko. Pinipilit kong pagkashahin ang limang araw para sa lahat ng trabahong dapat gawin sa opisina at sa eskwelahan. Sa tagal tagal ko ginagawa ito, nakakayanan naman. Minsan pag nagpabaya, me mga araw na parang pinagsakluban ako ng langit at lupa..... at pagod na pagod ako matapos ang araw na yon.

Inaasahan ko na meron ganon klaseng araw sa susunod na linggo.

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Graduating with Honor

My son's graduation is unlike any other hubby and I have been used to. In ED's graduation from HS, hubby and I have seats reserved for parents of students with honors. A monoblock chair never felt so good. MD's graduation from elementary would have been capped with honors if not for the dirty politics played by some teachers and their guidance office. She managed to land being on the top 16 of the graduating class with the top 15 being the last of the honor's lot. Before that unfortunate last year in elementary, she was a consistent academic and conduct awardee. She more than made up for that 'not so good' finish in elementary. Barring any similar untoward incident is almost assured of an honor spot comes graduation next school year. She is in the top 6 slot of the juniors. In contrast to my girls' achievement in school, we didn't have any expectations as to my son's academic performance. We would jokingly asked him if he has an honor. He would shyly say, "lots....... my honor". I couldn't agree more.

His school is not big. There were about 50 graduating elementary students and roughly 70 or so high school students. My son's class would produce the batch's first honor and third honor (I think). I wasn't paying too much attention as I was focused on my son the entire time.

Let's review my son's performance in the school the past three years. He was in grade four when he first entered that school as part of the resource class with regular exposure to regular class. The same program was given to him in grade five but he was attending regular classes in all subjects. In grade six, he was fully mainstreamed in the regular class. In all years, there will be difficulty in adjustment the first few months but he would cope. All those years, he would mostly do his homework by himself with some supervision until the middle of the term. Towards the end, he would be more independent. In his last year, he demonstrated autonomy in many aspects of his student life. As to academics, his learning is selective. He was good in subjects he likes like science and civics. He refused to exert effort on subjects he loathes like math and Filipino. All the other subjects would fall in between. He would show varied interests in his art subject depending on the project. On the behavioral aspect, vast improvement was detected for him to be mainstreamed in the last year. From the tantrum throwing boy when he entered school, he had learned how to moderate his own behavior and would know how to give and take, wait for his turn, learn how to control and restrain himself in appropriate circumstances, learn to adapt to the more demanding environment of his higher level class, and learn to belong. As he is learning all these behavioral modifications on his own, he must be struggling with the physical development he is undergoing as well. I, his sisters, or our female helpers can no longer enter his bathroom or bedroom when he is dressing up.

As they sang their graduation song, I surged ahead along with a throng of parents jockeying for position to take a picture-perfect shot. He would play to the camera and pose for me..... I was delighted. In the blink of an eye, I would see him wrestling arms with a classmate.... soon, they were at each other .... and I was at a distance, helpless. The exit would break them up somehow but their was still the peril of a real fight erupting.... and I tried hard to get near. I asked him what the fight was all about. He would demonstrate that his classmate twisted his arm. By the time they were back to their seats, he would eye his classmates. In a while, he couldn't contain his emotion and he would break down and cry quietly. His other classmates would be disheartened. I sat in front of him, trying to pacify him and hurting inside. I was also on the verge of tears. I couldn't meddle in a children's fight specially because it involves my own. His adviser told me it's alright, he'll cool down in a while..... He was still sore for sometime. I stayed close until the end of the ceremony...... just in case.

As the ceremony neared its end, his mood would somehow changed. At the end of the ceremony, he tossed his cap into the air..... only not being able to locate where it landed and he would look around and smile at me as if asking where it fell. A teacher would come to the rescue telling him where it landed and even offered assistance in getting the cap. His mood has completely changed by this time.

As his adviser called their class to come to the stage for a graduation picture, I was wary about him being near his classmate he had an altercation earlier. The mother instinct in me tried to be close in case another incident happen. There were instances, he might somehow try to get even....... but to his credit, he just avoided his classmate and posed with the rest of the class for me to take for his picture perfect shot.

In retrospect, my son's progress is more phenomenal compared to the norm..... Because inspite of the odds, he finished his elementary not with flying colors but with the dignity of learning how to live with honor. In the car, on the way home to fetch his granny for his graduation dinner, he would proudly tell me, "I told you I would graduate from elementary." I retorted, "now you have to do it again in high school". To this, he would nod in deep thought........

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Ika 26 ng Marso 2009: Downpour

I was awaken by loud rushing sound of the rains raging late last night and I leapt out of bed. I closed my window and called to ED to close all other windows. But my mom's instinct said I should check myself. When I went out my room, one of the dog was upstairs. I was shooing her but soon my other dog would follow her upstairs. I went down and they would follow me everywhere, probably fearful of an unknown powerful force. The rains really poured it out and it is the middle of the summer..... so unusual but then maybe not..... I went upstairs after checking everything in the ground..... leaks, dogs, birds, doors..... Soon,the dogs were upstairs again.... I faintly pretended to be angry to make the dogs go down.... Instead one of them would lie down on the floor as if telling me go ahead but I am not moving my arse anywhere ..... I pushed her until the edge of the stairs sternly telling her to go down..... she wouldn't budge. I went down dragging my feet and the dogs followed me downstairs. This routine went on about four times. By the last time, I just closed our bedroom doors.... I fell asleep afterwards.........

I woke up wanting to stir things up early but my fat lazy arse lingered in bed for sometime. I will be on leave from work today because it is MS's graduation. Even then, tasks have to be done. There are the dogs who need their maintenance for heartworm and fleas prevention. I am also their pseudo-vet at certain times. Whenever I'm home, I automatically assume the mayordoma (head househelper) role. I had to give time for myself too to go to the saloon for that much needed hair color...... lest my son's classmates think I am his granny. MS would laugh at that......

The sky cleared up a bit on my son's graduation. I cannot ask for a greater blessing on this day......

PS: Gragradweyt na ang anak ko ngayon..... Pagdating ko kagabi, nagcrocross stitch yun kasambahay namin. Nang tinanong ko kung ano yun... project daw ng anak ko na kailangan isubmit .... Hay, talaga naman. Dahil me gagawin pa yun kasambahay namin, pinakiusapan ko ang panaglawang anak ko na siya na ang gumawa. Tulog na ang anak kong bunso ng oras na yon. Syempre pa, reklamo ang pangalawa kong anak na sabay sermon sa kin na bakit daw di ko ipagawa sa bunso niyang kapatid. Ginawa naman kaya di na ako kumibo.

Nitong umaga sinita ko ang anak kong bunso tungkol sa project at sinabing kailangan niang isubmit ngayong umaga. Tinanong ko, "eh kung hindi mo masubmit, di ka gragradweyt?!". Wala lang, deadma lang siya sa kin. Katwiran pa niya na siya naman daw nagumpisa ng cross-stitch.

Marami na akong prinsipyong kinain sa anak kong ito. Kung sa dalawang anak kong babae pinanindigan ko yun mga adhikain ko sa buhay, maraming pagkakataon hindi ko nagawa sa anak kong lalaki ang mga ito. Gusto ko lang na magkaron din ng pagkakataon na maging abuti ang buhay ng anak kong bunso. Kung di ito tama, panahon na lang siguro ang maghuhusga sa kin.........

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Ika 25 ng Marso 2009: Early to Work

MS's graduation has been a source of confusion this week. This morning he said that their graduation will be held on Friday. I received a letter from the school saying that graduation will be tomorrow. All members of the family have prepared for tomorrow's event. When I was clarifying things with him, he was nonchalant about the whole thing and does not even know what they are supposed to wear...... Gosh, he's the only graduating student I know who doesn't seem excited about the prospect of turning another leaf in his life.

When Manong Bus Driver came, I had to seek information. Luckily, one of his busmates who is also a graduating student gave me the right information...... and so graduation is still on tomorrow. That means my planned leave will push through.

That event also made me rearranged my life this week. This is the reason why I had to come to Makati early today. I have a make-up class for my missed subject last week and another one tonight.

I was up very early and even had time to give some treats to the dogs. As I left the house, I passed by neighbors cleaning up their surroundings. That is not usual for me because by the time I pass the neighborhood houses, their surroundings have been cleaned. The shuttle terminal would still be inside the village at that time and supply of shuttle service is greater than the demand of riders...... so it was a buyers' market. The riders would hardly build up a line as there are far too many vans than the people coming in that early. Perhaps, many of us are really late risers.

The van I was riding would slowly weave its way out of the village. I noticed the sunlight softly filtering through the glass windows...... not harsh like the one I am exposed to at my usual time. It gives a nice and soft warmth that make the view so pleasing to the eyes. Everything was unrushed. Even the driver was driving in a relaxed pace. Traffic was beginning to build up and yet my nerves remain unfrayed in contrast to my daily pandemonium. I have long known the advantage of being early and yet I still can't make a lifestyle change.In this state, I would be lulled to sleep. Now, that was where I had my first problem this morning. My legs are too long and my knees were practically embedded on the backrest of the seat in front of me. My body is also too long for the backrest...... that when I rest my head on top of it, my neck felt like it will break. That's one thing about being tall. People with shorter torso can rest really well during the trip. I can't.... that's why I prefer sitting on a seat with a headrest..... Unfortunately, I don't always have that choice. For most of the trip, I slept with my head swaying all over.

As we reached Makati, it was so early for my scheduled class at 9:00am. I was thinking of dropping off my stuff first at the office. I told myself I'd make a decision when I reach my destination. Then we hit a snag.... traffic began to be snail pace as we reached the heart of the city where I am headed. By the time I reached my destination, I would be late if I still go to the office. I decided against it and went straight to school. I was 30 minutes early. I was afraid there was nobody at the school. The door was lock. I sat at the lounging chair and thought I could just wait. It's just 30 minutes..... until our administrative assistant emerged and opened the door.

With just the two of us in school and my students still nowhere, I turned on the computer and checked on my mails and as I prepared my materials for today's lessons. The day will be long...... but I am up to the challenge today.......

PS: Kagabi, naiwan ko ang celfone ko sa eskwelahan dahil siguro sa antok ko. Maaga natapos ang klase ko at nakauwi din ako agad. Sa pagkakaalam ko ipinasok ko sa bag ko ang celfone. Nalaman ko lang na hindi ng hanapin ko ito sa loob ng sasakyan para magtext sa asawa ko na hintayin ako para hindi na ako maglakad. Kinapa kapa ko sa bag ko pero di ko mahanap. Nangyayari naman ito madalas na yun hinahanap mo ang siyang sumisiksik sa pinakailalim at pinakamahirap makita. Inilabas ko ang gamit sa loob ng bag ng unti-unti. Nakakaistorbo din kasi sa katabi ko sa sasakyan. Halos nailabas ko na lahat ng gamit ay di ko pa nakita. Baka nga naiwan ko, naisip ko. sana nga naiwan ko na lang at di nadukot sa kin o nahulog. Wala naman taong lumapit sa kin at wala naman akong narinig na bumagsak. Pag dating ko sa bahay, pinatawagan ko sa anak ko...... ring lang ng ring. Me pag-asa pa na naiwan ko. Wala na siguro tao........... Kaninang umaga, pinatawagan ko sa asawa ko.... ganon pa rin ring ng ring.

Pag dating ko sa eskwelahan, tinanong ko sa administrative assistant namin. Salamat at itinago nila. Yan ang maganda sa isang maliit na paaralan, para ka lang nasa bahay. At kung me maiwan ka malaki ang pag-asa na makita ito. Sa isang malaking paaralan kung san nagturo ako noong araw, me ilang mahalagang bagay na nawala sa akin sa loob mismo ng faculty room namin. Hindi ba nakakataka na nangyayari ang nakawan sa isang institutsyon na nagtuturo ng pagiging tapat at sa loob ng kwarto na puno ng mga tagpagturo?

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Ika 24 ng Marso 2009: Morning Chaos

It's two days to MS's graduation and morning was chaotic after a long while.......

I woke up late. MS was already having breakfast when I came down. I joined him but not for long as he rushed upstairs to prepare for school. I was not quite done with breakfast when Manong Bus Driver came. I called out to MS who didn't respond. Our helper got MS's stuff and lunch box and brought it to the waiting school bus. I told her to tell Manong Bus Driver to wait awhile as MS just stepped inside the bathroom and to help MS afterwards. I was uneasy and couldn't continue breakfast anymore. I went upstairs and checked. MS just finished taking his bath....... in all likelihood he bathed like a duck..... Manong bus driver was honking repeatedly. I rushed out hoping to divert his attention somehow. I explained that MS woke a little late..... I asked about graduation and other small stuff.... you know, to keep his mind occupied and not think about MS's tardiness. Soon, MS came out with half of his shirt unbuttoned and hair undone blaming me for waking up late...... Oh well.....

I went back in and finished what's left of my breakfast and proceeded to doing some tasks before preparing for work. MD was awake when I went upstairs. She is going to their class farewell party later in some clubhouse in a nearby subdivision. Last year, their class held their party in our clubhouse...... The swimming pool had been badly damaged during a typhoon and the cost of repair is way beyond reach of the homeowners' association funds. Summer time has since been rendered with one fewer enjoyable but cheap thrill. I was pacing myself so that MD and I could leave together. But she also kept on stalling too. Perhaps, her boy classmate will be coming over to help her with her load..... Aha! She is bringing a cake and some chips and snacks bought by her dad. I went ahead since I didn't want to be late for work .......

There were plenty of vans when I arrived at the terminal. I rode a van and sat in front. As soon as the van left the terminal, I fell asleep. Still craving for sleep, I arrived at my destination. I took a little detour to the ATM. It was offline. I went to another ATM. I took the jeepney going to the office and my little detour caused me to be late. Oh well.........

PS: Dahil sa gragradweyt ang anak kong bunso ngayon linggo, kinakailangan kong iayos ang iskedyul ng klase ko at ayoko lumiban. Naayos ko naman ito kahapon. Me araw na dalawang beses ako babalik sa eskwelahan dahil kailangan ko rin pumasok sa trabaho ko. Pero di bale, kaya naman gawin lahat yan. Ibig lang sabihin, tatlong sunod-sunod na araw ang klase ko ngayon linggo. Hay buhay.......

Marami pa ngang balak na mga outing ngayong tag-init. Pero me klase pa rin ako kaya di ako kaagad makasagot sa mga ganito kahit gustong gusto ko. Kailangan magtiyaga at mahirap ang buhay........

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Ika 23 ng Marso 2009: Cool Ride

We have pretty much adjusted with one of our helpers vacationing in her hometown. MD proudly announced that she cooked lunch yesterday. I said she should also clean the bathroom..... and she turned away.....

The morning didn't start up pretty well due to a nagging headache. I knew the solution..... sleep would do wonders. I hope to do that going to work this morning. I headed to Alabang to take my ride going to the office because of the long queue at the shuttle and there was just a single van. Taking the bus at Alabang is my preferred mode of transportation these days. The terrible traffic at the SLEX and the detour from Ayala to Gil Puyat and back to Dela Rosa causes me to be very late whenever I take the shuttle service. I took the jeepney at the end of the road.

Reaching Alabang, I noticed the queue of passengers at the Jayross Lucky Seven bus lane. I actually have been noticing this queue of people for some time. I wanted to try this bus for the longest time but my timing is always off. Either it's bus is about to leave or the other bus has not been filled up...... and I am always in a hurry. Jayross Lucky Seven line has a designated lane in the Alabang terminal. All the other aircon buses are pooled together in the other lane. It must be special and good that passengers would patiently line up and not take another bus.

When I got to the embarkation point, I saw that the other bus was almost filled up. I immediately decided to go for the Jayross bus and lined up. When the other bus left (which is the system used in Alabang. No bus would allow entry to the passengers unless the bus that is currently boarding is filled up), the Jayross bus opened its door. And there it was.... I would learn why this is the bus of choice for passengers. One will be greeted with a nice-smelling bus upon entry. The bus is new and very clean and the air conditioning compressor was obviously in tip top shape as well. There is a red and yellow curtain which serve to obstruct sunlight for those seated at the right side. The whole bus is lined with the curtain.... a little tacky but it's clean. Now, this is a far cry from some of the buses I rode at the other lane..... filthy, smelly, with curtains one should not dare touch or risk tetanus.

I looked around and its signage would read "To Our valued Passengers, Iingatan namin kayo". That is new but let's see about that. The other one reads, "No ticket, no pay". This is not new. They even have movies on DVD video. This morning a Chinese movie with English subtitle was on..... not much to my liking and I wanted to just sleep anyway. The bus personnel look so professional with their beige uniform for both conductor and driver. This is again in contrast to most public utility drivers, shoddy, unwashed and filthy like their buses or jeepney. Going to Alabang this morning, I happened to ride with one who was in front of me. In his sando and slippers, he was clutching his blue shirt jock (the usual uniform of PU drivers) oblivious to stares of his co-passengers.

After the bus conductor issued me a ticket, a lady inspector who looks so strict (pretty much like my elderly music teacher in my high school years) would ask to see our tickets as I was dowsing off. I tried to keep my eyes opened long enough until I am done. With two unsuspicious looking ladies beside me, I slept comfortable the entire trip waking up only when I was about to disembark. It was a very smooth rise.... no jerking or instantaneous action that could jolt one from slumber. I wish all buses are like this... I hope I will be lucky enough to ride a Jayross bus in my succeeding journey to my office.

I still have the headache arriving at the office. I am useless whenever I am in this condition. I should take that power nap during lunch break.....

PS: Nalalapit na ang graduation ng anak ko. Kailangan ko na naman iadjust ang skedyul ng klase ko para hindi sila maantala sa lektyur nila. Nadagdagan ang klase ko ngayon termino dahil nangibang bansa ang isang professor at ako ang naatasang magturo ng subject niya. Mahirap din sa isang nagtratrabaho pag tatlo na subject na tinuturo. Tamang tama lang pala talaga yun dalawa.

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Ika 22 ng Marso 2009: With One Less Hands

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

I knew early on that today is going to be another busy day. I wanted to take things in stride though. I started the work yesterday changing the bed linens which left me so beat up. I decided the rest of the chores can be done the following day..... that is today. I also had a birthday dinner to attend yesterday evening. But first things first. I went to mass with hubby, the kids, and MIL and from there proceeded to meet my friends at Racks in Festival Mall.

There were only three of us celebrating as one of our friends is in the US. It was a happy occasion nonetheless. Why wouldn't it be if there is free dinner to go with the chit-chat? Kidding aside, that company is good any time of the day, any day of the week. We always have a good laugh each we meet up. Who wouldn't enjoy the company of two intelligent, unassuming, and funny ladies whose interests parallel mine. We also happened to belong in the same profession. We were former faculty members of the old school. Only one of us remained with that school. She serves as our link to the past and our other friends there and can be counted on to update us on the latest rumors. We had a filling dinner. I ordered baby back ribs. It was good but I am really trying to cut down on meat. My two friends ordered the beef ribs. I didn't like the aftertaste and craved for dessert after dinner. Instead of having desserts there, we went to Seattle's Best to give in to our sweet tooth. The birthday celebrant ordered butterscotch. I wanted the same but had to changed it to double fudge because she was accusing me of imitating her. My other friend ordered banana cake. I also had mint tea. With dessert and tea, we whiled the night away. We left the place around 11pm when the service crew were taking turns eyeing us as we made our corner our very own private place.

That night out, however, was responsible for ruining my sked for today. I was supposed to wake up early, go to the market as there is a big day ahead of me. I had to bathe all the dogs after a week of treatment with herbs. That means a good cleaning up. Oh well, hubby said we should go to the market. We had breakfast with MS and left to buy food from our favorite grocer. We bought all the stuff we need which include meat, seafoods, and veggies; bread, and fruits.

When we reached home, I helped unload the food items. Then I changed into a more appropriate attire, my rags, to start my dog bath time. First, I fed them their daily dose of fruits..... mangoes and ponkan today. I let them soil themselves and enjoy being dogs. MS helped me in the task and our boy helper who was doing some chores was within reach in case we need something. MS enjoyed training the water hose on the dogs and putting them in a tub of lukewarm water. Bathing was over in no time. I told MS to take a bath as I took over the rest of the task..... grooming which include ear cleaning, cutting on the matts, nail cutting, and brushing their coat. MS would tell me that my brother and his family are on the way to the house when he resumed his computer play in the study. Our boy helper helped on the larger dogs. It was way past lunch time when I finished all the dogs.

I joined the family in the lunch table. Soon, my brother and his family arrived and would have a late lunch. I took a bath after lunch and rest awhile while waiting for the new owner of one of the pups. He arrived shortly and I would entrust to him the pup giving last minute instructions. The rest of the day, we just bonded with my brother's family. I even asked my brother to chopped some dried branches and we could have a little bonfire. MD would remind me it's bad for the environment. I keep orange peelings and dry them and would occasionally burn them together with some dry leaves and branches. A neem tree beside our house was nearly murdered by a former handy man and now the top part is all dried up. The bottom trunk has new growth.

I just arrived after driving my brother and his family to the jeepney terminal and bringing the dirty clothes to the laundry. I guess this is going to be my life for the next two weeks.....

PS: Pasukan na naman bukas. Kailangan pumasok at di na ako pwede mag-absent at maraming puputahan kami nitong bakasyon. Hay katamad!

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Ika 21 ng Marso 2009: The Day After

Brainchild's break......

Just arrived a few hours before coming from a night of relaxation and fun with friends I don't get to see so much anymore. We're working for different offices now and there are too many preoccupation. We used to be barkadas at the old office we worked for. We were yuppies then carving a name and building our lives. It was a happy time when we're together. We had lunch together, went to each other's family affairs, had a fairly active social, and simply enjoyed each other company. In the years that follow, one would be leaving the office and joining the academe; I would join an international organization and the academe; one would join her fiancee in a foreign land, another would retire for personal reasons, and only one of us remains in the same office. I would be back in the same organization but work for another office. Much have change in all of us but not the friendships. We would meet other people who would also become part of our lives but whenever we're together, it's just like old times.....

Last night was a much awaited reunion...... all of our birthdays passed without us getting together. The original plan was much bigger as one was suggesting that the three of us go to Baguio. The sked, however, conflicts with my trip with the kids to HK next month and also with my friend going to Switzerland with her family. We came up with a fast compromise and went out last night. Fortunately, we were all free.

We went to Wensha Spa at the CCP Complex. Being a Friday, it was teeming with people. My friend assured us we're going to be accommodated. The most wonderful thing about this spa is the reasonably priced services...... which probably explains why the whole of Metro Manilans were there last night. It's a mixed crowd of young and old, all wanting to relax at an affordable price. Why do I say it's reasonable? The most basic package of a body massage is priced at P680 inclusive of unlimited use of jacuzzi, both hot and cold; sauna, wet and dry; an hour-long massage, buffet dinner and shabu-shabu. One can eat as much as he wants..... unlike other spa, you have to go once the service is over. here, you are allowed to linger on. On weekdays, one can stay for as much as 8 hours while on weekends and holiday, for 6 hours. Ain't that a good bargain!

Now, here is the damper..... if you are seeking relaxation with the right ambiance, this is not the place for you. It's so open, there is no exclusivity. One has to be uninhibited because you need to bare yourself in front of so many strangers. My other friend, is quite squeamish about baring herself in front of other people. She might have been forced to swallow all her inhibitions last night and was uncomfortable the whole time. The 'eat-all-you'can' buffet proved to be disastrous in the end. I asked my friend if if it indeed as it says on their signage and she said not to worry. After the massage, we had shabu-shabu which is a really nice way to cap a relaxing massage. The two of us put enough veggies, seafoods, and noodles on our plates but my other friend got another plateful of ingredients. We cooked and ate happily and left when we were full. A waiter stopped us saying we would have to pay if we don't eat all. Two of us returned as my other friend went to the washroom and prepared herself all the time we were agonizing on finishing the meal. Yes, we are cheapskates and didn't want to pay up. Finally, she emerged and we made her finish the remaining portion. When only noodles were left, we bargained with the waiter who let us off the hook.

Ambiance is another thing that is lacking in the place. Maybe the lack of exclusivity is a turn-off. The sound system and the music selection is not suited for relaxation as well. But for P680, need we ask for anything more when we have been fed, cleaned, and massaged?

After dressing up, we left headed for Greenhills. My friend wanted a night cap and was suggesting this place called TJ, owned by Sylvia Sanchez the actress. She said that the place is frequented by celebrities and the music is for us, 80s. Since we were all game, we went for it. When we arrived, the place was actually having an exclusive party. It's the birthday celebration of Lotlot De Leon. We stayed outside and looked through the glass wall like we were watching a show as these celebs took their turn singing for the celebrant. Never mind if they are not really the best singers. They had a blast. We ordered a pitcher of Weng-weng and enjoyed the sight and sound. There was Ian De Leon, Carla Estrada, Bayani Agbayani, Paolo of Eat Bulaga fame, Smokey Manaloto, Sylvia Sanchez, and a bunch of their friends. After a few rounds, we would go as my friend's hubby was waiting for her in Cubao.

We dropped her off. Then my friend brought me home. It was past 3:00am when I got home. I guess my friend is in a direr strait as her kids were about to go to school by the time she reached home.

We enjoyed each other's company which is reason enough to stay late. I hope to see them again soon.

PS: Nagpamasahe ako pero masakit ang katawan ko. Kailangan ko yata ng repeat performance para mawala ito. Pero dami gagawin at wala na isang kasama sa bahay at susubstitute ako sa mga gawain niya....... Pano ba yan?

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Ika 20 ng Marso 2009: Looking Forward

My helper is definitely gone when hubby and I arrived last night. She texted that she is already on board. I wished her a safe voyage and told her to text me once she reaches her destination. That would be quite a long voyage and it's the first time she is traveling alone. There's a piece of bad news........ her return is delayed by three more days because the schedule of departure is limited to two dates. The other one is way too far ahead. Anyway, it is still better than not returning at all. I just hope this is the whole truth and nothing but the truth....

My other helper seemed to be coping well. Food was ready last night. ED and MD were upstairs doing their own thing. MS was sleeping when we arrived. The dogs were in their kennel, all quiet, and started barking only when they saw me. I had to pet all of them so they will calm down. This morning I had to wake her up to cook. It's a good thing that the morning pandemonium is now at a manageable level with only MS attending school for graduation practices and ED only fulfilling term requirements. MD is at home vegging out. I told her to help out at home while my helper is on vacation. So far, my appeal has fallen on deaf ears. Let's see about that this weekend.......

After leaving my usual reminders to my boy helper, I left the house. It was another sunny day. There was no van at the terminal and a long queue of people. I headed out to take the jeepney to go to Alabang. As we reached Alabang, the driver was apprehended by a traffic enforcer when he unloaded passengers. There were other vehicles unloading passengers but lucky him, he was picked. When it became apparent their negotiations and sensory communication as to yielding the customary bribe would take longer than expected, I got off. I'd like to curse as I walked under the scorching sun. After a kilometer walk, I reached the bus terminal and got inside a filthy bus with a badly-operating air-conditioner. I console myself thinking this is not going to take long. Then the bus conductor put on a VCD of karaoke music of a singer with a bad hairdo and music I hate..... well, not all of his song anyway. But when I saw him playing his guitar and singing and jerking on some parts for effects, I began hating all his songs. Traffic was at a snail pace until we reached the Skyway. I was thinking I will be liberated soon.

I got off at my destination hurrying to reached the office on time. There was a few minutes left. Even with my best effort and intention, I ended up late by a few minutes on this Friday. Oh well, it could have been worse if I waited for a van at our shuttle terminal.

The office is doing 5S today, a structured programme to implement workplace organisation and standardisation, which motivates people, improves safety (product safety as well as working conditions), efficiency and productivity. 5S ,however, would only be scratching the surface of the problem of this office. Clearing up is just a superficial approach to unearthing what lies beneath. And I don't want to even think about that as I have a weekend to look forward to.......

PS: Tinawagan ako ng isang kaibigan na matagal ko nang di nakita kahapon. Nagbalitaan kami tungkol sa buhay-buhay. Niyayaya niya kami ng isa pa naming kaibigan na pumunta ng Baguio. Kami lang daw. Girls' Day Out ba. Ok lang sana kaso nataon sa pag-alis namin mag-anak sa susunod na buwan. Pagdating namin, siya naman ang aalis. Di kami makabuo ng lakad.

Napagkayarian namin na magpunta na lang sa isang spa mamaya. Magrerelax daw kami. Maganda daw sa spa na yun at kompleto......... me jacuzzi at sauna. Kasama na rin daw sa bayad na reasonable naman ang shabu-shabu na eat all you can pa. At di tulad ng ibang spa na gigisingin ka matapos ang serbisyo, hahayaan ka daw matulog para sa isang completong pagrerelax. Excited na ako mamaya.......

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Ika 19 ng Marso 2009: Going Home

Today is the day my helper will return to her homeland after three long years. "Tie a yellow ribbon round the old, oak tree, it's been tree long years, do you still want me?......" is Ninoy's going home song. Well, we know Ninoy wasn't even given a chance to get a glimpse of what his beloved country has become. He was assassinated as soon as he stepped out of the plane on that fateful day in August 1983. We also know that Ninoy's death sparked a peaceful revolution, novel yet so revered, it placed the Philippines in the global political map and became a symbolism of hope for countries facing dictatorial regimes.

My helper's return is not going to be as dramatic..... but there will be an avalanche of emotions that would accompany her trip. There would no oak tree to tie the yellow ribbon on. Instead, there will be mango or banana trees, all bearing fruits, being the summer season. The rap generation might even find the song too cheesy. Of course, her family would all be excited and happy to see her and be reunited with her again. Being the eldest, her younger sibling might not have any recollection of her. Much has happened to her family all this time she has been with us. Her mother got sick. A grandmother and an uncle died. A younger sister eloped. She has changed somehow too. ..... How she will handle the roller coaster emotional ride as well as all the excitement and hope in her return is something I could only pray will turn out well for all their sake.

She was not able to go home not because we did not allow her to visit her family. All our helpers are free to spend some time with their family every year at the right time. My other helper does it twice a year. It's just that so many things happened which disrupted her plans to go home. As far as I can recall she attempted to go home many times. Some of those times were set during school days and I bargained with her to do it during summer vacations. She was kind enough to accede. Her mother visited her here in Manila at some point. When we were ready to let her take her much-deserved break, she backed out two times for some reasons. This time, there is no reason not to allow her. The school is on a break. She needs a break too. She is going home.......

Unlike the uncertain feeling of the hero in the song, I am sure she is wanted and she doesn't have to stay in the bus and forget about the family who misses her and longs for her. Back here, her other family will also be waiting, although we can't wait three long years...... we are surely gonna miss her beginning tonight...... not only for her long and loyal service but because we have grown to love her and treat her like a member of our own family. We all wish her a safe journey to her ancestral home and back to her other home here. God speed......

Back here, I realized I need to be the hero once again and rise up to the occasion. Going to the office, I am about to face my destiny...........

PS: Matatapos na ang klase. Tapos na yun sa pangalawang anak ko. Yun bunso ko matatapos na yata nitong linggong ito. Yun sa panganay ko, sa isang linggo pa daw. Nung isang linggo pa inip na inip yun pangalawang anak ko. Sadyang me pagkalakwatsera ito kaya gustong gusto niyang naglalalabas ng bahay. Mas hindi palalabas ng bahay yun dalawang anak ko.

Tuwing bakasyon, maganda sanang me ginagawang iba ang mga bata at hindi lang panonood ng TV o paglalaro ng computer. Nung araw, pag bakasyon, kontento na kaming maglaro sa labas kasama ang mga kaibigan. Pero ngayon, napakaraming nagbibigay ng mga summer programs na pwedeng gawin ng mga bata. Nandyan ang ballet, karate, taekwondo, summer camps, art classes, swimming lessons, cooking lessons, dance lessons, voice, piano, music therapy atbp....... Komersiyo na rin. Dati ok na magkantahan kami o magturuan maggitara o maglaro sa kalye. Pag nag-aaral ka noon ng hawaiian o piano, mayaman ka. Ngayon, ordinaryo na lang na pag-aralin yun mga anak natin ng ganito. Ok lang din sana. Pero mahirap ang buhay ngayon. Ilan buwan lang na ligtas ka sa gastos ng eskwelahan, maya maya enrolment na.

Me panahon lahat ng anak namin me ginagawang summer activities. Me panahon na dalawa na lang sa kanila ang naenrol namin. Nung isang taon, yun pangalawang anak ko lang ang napagbigyan namin. Ngayon kaya, kaya pa ba namin sila pagbigyan?

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Ika 18 ng Marso 2009: Last Minute Instructions

Concerned about the absence of my helper for sometime, I tried to make her remaining two days in the house fruitful by asking her to take care of stuff which we could not probably do when we would be maimed with one less personnel. She appeared cheerful even with the tasks I gave her. Perhaps, the thought of going home helps bring joy. We re also helping her prepare for that much awaited trip. She needs funds, luggage, and guidance. We'd like the trip to be a memorable one for her......... but not to the point that she won't return to us. She should miss us too and the comfort of her second home. She said that she wants to stay with us because she especially cares for my son. As she hails from Bacolod, my son's request is a meal of Chicken Inasal. I was laughing upon learning this and I couldn't help share with hubby.

A meeting was set early today. Yesterday, I missed going to my class because of some rush work I had to do for this morning's meeting. I was told rather late. This is part of my problem with this office. I don't know where I stand. The new boss indeed gave me back the job but not the responsibilities. I was supposed to do the work but she gave the document to another person. I made it clear I am ready to be reintegrated. She promised she won't be influenced..... but action speaks louder than work. That single action alone told me she would also be like a puppet of the old dispensation. We are back to square one. I did the work as instructed. A good soldier is supposed to follow. not question orders. But I do hope to raise the question sometime when an appropriate opportunity come by. I am just afraid the new boss is falling into the old trap. The clique has surely booby-trapped the place very well.

I wanted to come to the office early but the motivation to do so is once again low. I delayed my trip a bit to take care of some chores at home giving last minute instructions to all concerned. Hubby took a leave today and planned to take care of some domestic chores too. The hot sun hurt my eyes as I stepped out of the house and journey to the place which has been hurting me the past three years...... ouch.......

PS: Babalik na sa Amerika ang kaibigan ko at ang anak niya. Isa sa pinakamasarap na pakiramdam ay ang pag-uwi sa tahanan. Kahit maliit lang ang bahay, walang tatalo sa kapayapaan ng loob sa sariling tahanan. Tuwing aalis ka, hahanap hanapin mo ang ginhawa ng tahanan kapiling ang mga mahal sa buhay.

Paalam kaibigan at nawa'y maging ligtas at maaliwalas ang paglalakbay niyo ng iyong anak......

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Ika 17 ng Marso 2009: Domestic Matters

As I was preparing for work earlier, I was watching Rachel Ray's feature on facial acupuncture to make wrinkles less visible and for better skin tone. I am no fan of invasive procedure and would rather seek alternative medicines particularly on the vanity aspect...... like I can easily feel the benefit that a good massage brings...... Aside from the overall well-being, one gets that glow from being well-rested. In the past, I was willing to try acupuncture for a constant pain in my right lower arm except that I did not have the luxury of time. That is why I was interested in this feature. Janet Tsai, a licensed acupuncturist, would perform a facial acupuncture on Rachel during the show. I hope that this kind of treatment would be accessible here soon and that would be in the milieu of services that my friend, V..... and I would try during bouts of spa fever attacks.

My TV viewing would be interrupted by a gentle knock on my door. It was my helper asking me if she can take the day off. I asked why because I wasn't cool about the idea as there are a gazillion things that need to be done. She said that she will go to a friend. "Why today?", I asked. She rationalized that once my other helper takes her vacation, she could no longer take a day off. Given that, I was left with no choice. I told her to finish her work before going to her friend. I had to tell her too to be prudent about taking days off since they always go out every weekend.

My other helper who has not had a vacation for the last three years is finally taking her vacation. She vows she will return. But you know the feeling...... that there is always uncertainty in such promise. There is no recourse but to hope for the best. She needs to go home too to visit her family. She was so young when she first set foot in the house to work for us. Now, she's all grown up. It's time for her family to get reunited with her.

She was supposed to start her vacation in the weekend but learned that trips to their province is scheduled only from Tuesday to Thursday. She decided to leave on Thursday. My God, she even shortened the gap from normalcy to madness for me. I find it hard when she's out of the house because she is the main caretaker of the dogs. Without people at home, the dogs are the ones who need care. My other helper does the laundry and is not keen about dogs. They help each other out on cooking and cleaning the house. My boy helper is responsible for the birds and the outside premises. When one of them is away, I am the substitute helper.......

A contingency plan was devised last night. The helper who would be left will be in charge of the dogs and cleaning the house while the other one is away. Our boy helper would also help out in caring for the dogs. I offered to have the clothes laundered in a laundry shop or get MIL's assistant as temporary laundrywoman. I also asked our boy helper to skip his regular weekly day off while the my two helpers take their turns in vacationing in their home provinces. I told MD to help around the house. Maybe, ED can help too although she is is not really the type who can be depended on when it comes to housechores. She can't even make her bed! MIL can also do the cooking once she is back from BIL's home. I hope it all works out fine. Otherwise, I am gonna breakdown......

I went to work today feeling uneasy about this summer disruptions. Good for them, they have vacations. I don't get any breaks from all this madness....... and I need a vacation too.......

PS: Nagbus na ako kanina para mapadali ang byahe ko. Wala kasing sasakyan sa terminal at mukang matatagalan. Nitong mga nakaraang araw, ang tagal ng hintayan ng shuttle dahil sa traffic. Sa sakayan ng bus, hindi nauubusan ng bus. Mabilis naman napuno ang bus.

Nung paalis na yun bus na sinasakyan ko, napansin ko ang isang karatula na nagsasabing, "All buses leaving this terminal are accompanied by a PNP bus marshal." Ah di ligtas pala kami, naisip ko. Minsan kasi kaya ayaw kong sumakay ng bus ay dahil natatakot ako sa hold-up. Maging hadlang kaya ang inpormasyong ito sa mga holdaper?

Pero malamang, hindi sa mga matitinik na isnatcher na naghihintay ng mga inaantok o tatanga-tangang pasahero na gaya ko na nakuhanan ng celfone ng isang isnatcher na me edad na babe na tadtad ng palamuti nang makatulog ako sa bus minsan. Hindi ako tanga, inaantok lang talaga. Simula noon ay doble ingat ang gingawa ko tuwing sasakay ng bus. Mapili na rin ako sa mga katabi ko. Hindi lang mababantot ang iniiwasan ko, pati na rin yun mga mukang mandurukot. Pasensiya na kung mali ang suspetsa ko. Mabuti na ang maingat.

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Ika 16 ng Marso 2009: Another Workweek

The first day of a workweek is the toughest..... I am coming from a weekend all stretched out.... which is usual anyway....... why should I even mention it. I hardly had sleep..... My few hours of winks would probably not even be enough for a full day sleep. My back is aching too. Traffic is terrible. It has been like this since last week when work on the Skyway extension commenced. I am reminded of the time when the Skyway was being constructed..... how those living in the south were practically spending their whole lives on the road. Now, my travel time has doubled. I leave my home early but would still arrive at the office at the same time or even be late.

There is no use complaining though. Day in and day out, this is my life. Any departure from the norm may be hazardous for my well-being. I should be thankful that I have a job at this time where life is uncertain and when people are very afraid...... I feel secured enough to still be working for the next few years. Well, pay is another matter. But at this time, one cannot complain.

Even if this job sucks, I would still report for work today as the hot sun burns my skin on my way to work........

PS: Me bago akong natuklasan na parlor spa na katabi ng car wash na pinagpapalinisan ko ng sasakyan ko. Kahapon kasi gahol ako sa oras at gusto kong magpalinis ng sasakyan at magpamanicure/pedicure. Naalala ko ang parlor na katabi ng carwash. Magagawa ko ng sabay ang gusto kong gawin at tipid sa oras. Sumama pa ang pangalawa kong anak na parang inip na inip sa bahay. Bakasyon na kasi siya.

Pagdating namin sa carwash, sinabi ko sa maglilinis na pupunta kami sa parlor. Pinaiwan niya ang susi para sila na ang maglipat ng sasakyan. Punta kami sa parlor. sabi ko manicure at pedicure ang gusto ko. Tinanong ko yun hot oil nila para naman me magawa sa anak ko. Napansin ko yun mga serbisyo nila na nakapaskil na mura ng presyo. Meron pa silang body massage na gusto ko rin ipagawa kung me oras pa.

Itinext ko agad sa asawa ko na pauwi galing Puerto Galera ang bagong tuklas kong parlor/spa. At nasabi ko na mura na, naghohome service pa. Ayun at nagpatala kaming dalawa ng home service kagabi.

Di kagandahan ang parlor pero malinis naman. At importante, mura ang presyo ng serbisyo. Maganda rin ang lokasyon at katabi ng carwash. Matagal ko na naiisip na magandang maglagay ng parlor na malapit dun para di sayang ang oras. Me magagawa ka habnag naghihintay na malinis ang sasakyan mo.

Maayos din naman ang serbisyo. Ok naman ang manicure at pedicure ko. Eksakto sa takdang oras dumating ang mga masahista sa bahay. Ok na rin ang serbisyo. Pero ang asawa ko di raw niya naenjoy masyado ang massage at me sunburn siya at kakauwi lang galing Puerto Galera.

Mukang magiging regular na naman ang pagpapamasahe ko. Sa isang linggo, susubukan ko ang ventosa nila.

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Ika 15 ng Marso 2009: Here We Go Again

I slept so little as we arrived past 1:00 am today coming from my cousin's party. I thought it was the 40th day for my departed cousin but it seems more like the birthday celebration of my other cousin who is the departed's brother. It was held in the poolside of their subdivision. My son blamed me for not telling him that it was a swimming party which I didn't know also. He ended up borrowing shorts from his second cousin. He hardly had enough when we left and wanted to linger some more. But there were still errands to do and it was really late. We left the party at around 10:30pm and I still had to get a pomeranian pup from a breeder who has become a friend. Then, ED had to be fetched from her dorm. I also had to dropped off my bother's family at their home and my youngest brother and his family at the bus terminal. ED and MS were asleep in the car. MD wanted me to dashed off as soon as I dropped off my youngest brother as the new pup was nauseated during the trip and threw up on her lap. The house was all quiet when we arrived but the dogs started barking as soon as I turned off the engine.

ED was hungry and wanted to eat. We brought some food from the party. I told her to get rice in the kitchen. I was also starving. There was no rice. I asked if she is really hungry. She said she is. I told her to come with me and we would buy tapsilog at the 24-hour food kiosk in the village. We went out, bought food, and came back. I told ED to get one plate and use the packaging and plastic utensils provided. We had midnight snack or early breakfast..... After eating, we went to sleep. But it wasn't long for me. When the sun rose, I was woke up instinctively. I can't help turn off my body alarm clock. It goes off at the same time each day come hell or high waters..

And that is why I have a big headache today..........

PS: Masayang pagtitipon ang pinuntahan namin kagabi. Me isang tiyahin pa kami na kapiling pa namin na nadon. Yun mga tiyuhin namin, nasa probinsiya lahat. Maraming mga pinsan at mga pamangkin na hanggang ngayon di ko pa matandaan kung sino ang anak nino. Pag nagtagal tagal pa, malalaman ko na rin lahat yan. Lalo ngayon na nagse set up kami ng network ng pamilya sa pamamagitan ng multiply.

Kanya kanyang pulung. Yun mga kalalakihan, nag-iinuman. Yun mga kababaihan ay nagtsitsismihan, este nagkwekwentuhan. Ako pasali sali lang sa kwentuhan. Isang pinsan ko na taga London ay online at nakausap namin sa pamamagitan ng laptop ng isang pamangkin. Nagkukuha rin ako ng litrato para ilagay sa site namin. Ang tagal na rin na nagsama sama kami ng ganito. Sana ito ang daan para sa muling pagkakabuo ng pamilya namin.......

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