July 20 - 26, 2009: Eclipsed

The weekend respite gave me the much needed break from what I perceive as life's inequities. The extra day made it even more soothing to frayed nerves. By the start of the workweek, I was up and running like a well-oiled engine.

I committed to go to work early starting this week as the new guideline on the flexitime came out last week. The actual implementation starts next month to give time for the employees to adjust. That means relegating chores I previously did to all the helpers. It's good that they are cooperative. An additional helper would be hired for MIL, who is actually my boy helper's beloved. There was initial apprehension on getting the extra help for MIL. A talk with my boy helper revealed that the girl has some family problems which makes it best to keep her away from home. After initially rejecting the would-be helper, a talk with MIL would make her change her mind. The additional hands would be helpful around the house. I am just hoping that the effort will be sustained for the long haul.

By midweek, millions of Asians turned their eyes skyward Wednesday as dawn suddenly turned to darkness across the continent in the longest total solar eclipse of this century. Millions of others, seeing the rare event as a bad omen, shuttered themselves indoors. I remember my mother telling me about their own experience with a solar eclipse in her youth..... she said it felt like the end of the world as the roosters crow when darkness envelop the entire area. Back then, the phenomenon cannot be dismissed. In my time, I was oblivious to the occurence of the rare event since I was preparing to go to work. For busy bees who can hardly stop to notice and smell the flowers, it was just one of those things.......... sad but true.....

On the last day of the week, I was to be surprised another time. The owner of the dam mated by my dog came to the house with the dog whelping a pup that seem to be stuck halfway through. I am tempted to say I am just a dog lover, not a vet. My compassionate side prevailed and as soon as he laid her on our doorstep, I stepped in and tried to assist the dam. She was in pain and was snapping at us. I told the owner it is better to bring her to the vet. He said he has no vehicle. I thought for a sec and told him to stay with the dog while I dressed up. We drove through early morning traffic on the way to the vet. Upon reaching it, the vet's assistant would help carry the dog inside. By this time, it was too late for the first puppy.... she had been stuck for so long. The dam was relieved while in the vet's clinic. Since it looks like it will be a long day before all the pups come out, we decided to leave the dog in the vet's clinic. There, she is in good hands. We went home and since I was too late to go to the office, I took the day off. Like last week, I am on a three-day holiday! ya'y

Assisting in procreation would perhaps eclipsed all other things that happened this week. To further wash off all traces of whatever ails me this week, I moved up what was supposed to be a weekend affair to the last day of the workweek. I met up with friends who give me a real good laugh that make me cry for dinner. Friends are truly one of those things that refreshes one's soul and enable us to cope with life better.

The end of the week was a bonding time for the family. I intentionally cut down on weekend recreational activities to stay home. Being a homebody is the most inexpensive form of relaxation..... and I kinda like it. There's nothing like being home.........

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