Swirly July

It was a happy month marked with a number of celebrations starting with the birthday of ED. My girl is on the throes of womanhood but is still very much my child. As in the past, birthdays are celebrated by sharing a modest banquet in the choice resto of the celebrant... Tradition was still observed with some minor adjustment. School work prevented us from celebrating her birthday on the actual day and it had to happen some other day .....

After a few days, MD and I were off to the Golden Wedding Anniversary of the parents of a dear friend.  She and a sibling who are based abroad weren't able to go home for this special occasion. They planned this surprised bash for their parents who didn't want a celebration if the family is not complete.  The guests including us were already in the venue and were getting instructions from the children of the celebrants who have become friends through the years.  We used to hang out in their place because of its proximity to our school and because of Nanay's superb culinary skills  ...... I just love eating in their place which is so homey .... Tatay, Nanay and my friend's siblings have been like family to me and our other friends who frequented their old place  ....  This is one important occasion I wouldn't miss ....

This lovely couple takes pride in their great sacrifice to bring up their family despite their modest means.  Tatay was practically overseas all the time while Nanay performed the dual role of father and mother to my friend and her siblings.  Tears of joy were shed as the celebration progressed....  their children talked about the challenging times ... I felt a deep sense of joy inside me as I celebrated with them their long years of married life and secretly yearn for something amiss .......

One of the highlights of the month was watching the musical, Cats, with ED and MD, and some friends. Tickets were bought months ago. We always look forward to watching musicals as as a deviation from our daily grind. Watching Lea Salonga performing the classic, Memory, was the highlight of the show. Her 15 minute or so appearance was worth all the hard-earned money we paid for the show. The rest of the cast gave a rousing performance... made me regret missing Miss Saigon during its Manila run ....

On July 13, Typhoon Basyang which unexpectedly turned into a howler as it changed course made most people in Metro Manila and neighboring towns miss sleep as its killer winds tore rooftops, toppled trees and lampposts... I was one of those who missed a lot of winks fearing my glass door would be shattered as gusty winds kept slamming it. Electricity was cut for about four days in our place. A fuming President Aquino fired the Pag-asa chief in the aftermath of the storm for the agency's failure to accurately predict the typhoon's path. The government said that there was not much damage considering the strength of the storm. Oh yeah .... what about collateral damage... For one, hubby and I failed to report to work two days after the storm came to pass as we run out of water. We had to give way to the kids who were going to school.  There was no source as electricity needed to draw water was cut. I had to send a SOS to my friend V... who was out of the country so that hubby and I could take a bath and fill up some water container with the suddenly precious commodity. Electricity was restored in her place almost immediately...

One of the worst consequences for us was the death of many of our full grown kois. Suddenly, our koi pond looks so ghastly as it reeks of the stench of death. I didn't want to look at it anymore ..... Our flower horn showed signs of distress after 3 days without oxygen. We had to buy battery-operated pumps to save him and the remaining kois. A few hours after we made the purchase, electricity was restored in our place. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief as we started getting back on track ...

The last day of the month was marked with another celebration as MD, MS, and I attended a debutante ball in one of the hotels in the Metro ...  It was the birthday of the eldest daughter of a friend.  We used to be colleagues at work and we've seen each other through various phases of life .... from our swinging single selves to being wives and to being moms .... We have celebrated important occasions in our lives... birthdays, weddings, baptisms, anniversaries and spent holidays with our families together.  But when our careers took different directions, these gatherings became rare.  We would still spend important occasions but mostly without the kids.  I saw the debutante as a shy kid who was always clinging to her mom, my friend.  Now, I see a young lovely lady about to conquer the world .... It was a lovely party but more importantly, it was good to bond with old friends who still gives me the comforting feeling of the familiar ....

and July with all its swirls and thrills came and was gone like a thief in the night  ...........

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My Life's Journey So Far ....

Today is a most special day for me as I came to this world wiggling out and screaming from the safety of my mom's womb more than twenty years ago ..... a lot more actually .... a whole lot more .... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME :)

Life's not perfect but not without its moments. I feel lucky at times and a total failure some other time. I had days when I shed buckets of tears but those cannot eclipse the days when my heart was drowning in joy. There were times of plenty and more times that I had to deal with want. People come and go in this life but I have accepted that this happen for a reason. I can take the fact that in the end only those who accept you for what you are, remain when the light dims and everything's been taken ......

With all the ironies that life presents, I cannot ask for more. There still a long road to travel.... some parts may be paved but some will be littered with potholes and dirt ... the stuff that makes the journey all the more challenging and interesting ....

To my loved ones and friends, thank you for loving me despite my flaws ..... and if you're still there, thank you for bearing with my foul moods, inconsistencies, selfishness, and a lot more things I don't like about myself, all this time... If some of you are gone by now, thanks for the time that you've given me and the life's lessons you've left me ..... To all those who are yet to become part of my life, I wish you luck as I look forward to meeting you sometime ....

To myself, learn to let go, forgive, and forget..... as the years roll by, learn to take things in stride and take it easy.... live in moderation ...... and maybe take the road less traveled sometimes ....

It's been one heck of a trip.... I still don't know where life will take me but the journey goes on ..........

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Moments

Moments is a segment I'd be starting soon in my blog where I'd be writing only parts and parcel of life as it comes.... I'm still doing an internal brainstorming on how this segment is going to take shape but what I'm sure of is it will not as revealing as my past journal. Instead, a glimpse will give the whole picture of events that I want to remember or be remembered with......

I have been so very delinquent and probably dispassionate about writing the past few months. I hope to rekindle my inner flame with this new segment. I wish myself luck and I need a lot of prodding too from friends and those of you who visited this humble home of mine. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.  Your constant visit and kind words are truly inspiring to this eternal seeker :)

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Looking Back

I'd like to look back and relive the moments of the year that passed. This blog is on its third year and has been my springboard since I decided to share parts of life .... Let go back as I share my favorite Lifescape posts ....

June 28 - July 4, 2010: Celebrations: My last post for this section which documents the many affairs I attended that memorable week... from send-off, birthdays, anniversaries ...... Incidentally, this is the second time I would be using this title for a post in this section .....
July 21 - 27, 2010: Gutted: V.........'s plant burned to the ground which could alter her plan and I am saddened by the prospects of having another friend leaving me ....
June 14 - 20, 2010: Letting Go: My eldest daughter and I reconciled after a heated argument the previous week. In the weekend, we had to let go one of our helpers .....
May 31 - June 6, 2010: The Dreaded C: The big C is hitting so close to home and I have some apprehension .... Stressed out and frustrated, I quit manning chores at the music site. With no responsibilities at the site, I had a relaxing weekend going to the spa and watching movie with my second daughter.
May 24 - 30, 2010: Summer Rain: I started the week meeting up with a former HS teacher and ended it standing as a godmother for the newly-born of a colleague friend. I also made sure that Mang Boy, my iron work contractor gets the bird he ordered from us and had hubby made the arrangement that Sunday. We went out shopping with the kid for school stuff after settling everything .....
May 17 - 23, 2010: Take Time to Stop and Smell the Flowers: I had a new-found respect for a government agency I loathe going to in the past. My weekend was cramped as I pooled errands that Sunday. Even so, I managed to meet up with the parents of a child with ADHD who requested to meet me after reading my blog. I was glad I did as I felt light after my sharing with them.
May 10 - 16, 2010: We Made History: We participated in the first ever automated election. This is a memorable week for my eldest daughter who is a first time voter. Despite the long wait during the electoral process, the quick results more than made up for the lapses in that election. The results, though, is something else and we may have to grind our teeth again seeing a bunch of clueless clowns in our august chamber.
May 3 - 9, 2010: A Lesson or Two: The post deals with the essence of failures and why they have to happen in life.
April 12 - 18, 2010: Coming to a Head: This week I could feel the pressures put on me by the demands of the music site we set up. My old boss would return to the office which is making me uneasy.
April 5 - 11, 2010: Breakaway: My old and reliable helper took her vacation the very first day of the week as we were just adjusting to the new helpers. This would turn out to be one exciting week as my friends and I would bolt out of the old music site we hang out in when we could no longer bear too much restriction in the site. Immediately after, we set up our own site unsure what we got ourselves into. Like kids, we would get all hung-up with this new site.
March 29 - April 4, 2010: Battle of the Sexes: It was the Holy Week.  Just as we're gearing up for vacation, I was concerned about the coming vacation of my main helper, Kakay. Without much options, I was forced to accept a gay helper into our household to the consternation of hubby. The religious group in the village asked me if our home could be one of the stations during their traditional Station of the Cross on Holy Thursday. Bored by the long, holiday, my girls and I hied off with V........ to nearby Tagaytay.
March 22 - 28, 2010: Life's Two Faces: It's graduation time for most families and we my second daughter is also graduating. In the excitement of preparing for my daughter's graduation, my eldest daughter would tell me she sprained her foot. Despite this, the whole family attended my daughter's graduation.
March 15 - 22: Bruised: There was a sudden change of leadership in our Department which created a buzz early this week. Our pet helper quit unceremoniously and we were actually relieved. The very same day, we found a replacement. I grazed a parked car as I was making a turn at a road's bend while out on a weekend errand. By the end of the week, I discovered an ugly bruised on my upper left arm which I have no idea how I got. I would have a bit of explaining to do as it sure looks like telltale signs of a battered woman .....
March 8 - 14, 2010: Trouble in Paradise: Just when I wanted normalcy, I would have to deal with a problem with our then pet helper. By midweek, I had a private talk with him and later on hubby and I would be discussing the possibility of replacing him. While relaxing in the weekend, a friend would engage me in confide in me the state of her affairs. By simply listening to her, I would have the most stimulating conversation.
March 1 - 7, 2010: Damage Control: A short post about self-correction after being remiss for a long while. I carried my self-reflection until the end of the week walking beneath the starry skies. Home provided me refuge from whatever ails me ......
February 22 - 28, 2010: Coming to Terms: A trusted service provider is back to working on my home..... except this time he's got the dreaded C... I couldn't help but feel for him as he deals with it on his own terms. Meantime, I have to deal with my own reality, not as tough as his, but daunting enough to rouse me out of my lethargy.....
January 25 - 31, 2010: All Within the Family: After a long while, my friend V..... is coming home. There's some sort of irony in this homecoming because my joy might be bringing loneliness from V.... and the family she left again. In the weekend, we would have our much missed family reunion after recent events caused our family to drift apart..... In an important weekend, our water pump would break down and we are in deep shit .....
January 18 - 24, 2010: Strange Cravings: After some months of improper eating habits, I would lose so much weight that it has become noticeable. Lately, I have been indulging in strange cravings that would border on the bad and unhealthy ..... but that is me. As the week draws to a close, a speech I wrote seemed to have been ignored by my boss after I turned it over to her. More than bashing my work, the worst thing a boss can do is to not ay anything about my work .............
January 11 - 17, 2010: The New Becomes Old: This is a post I love reading over and over again because I was able to draw into my consciousness the exact emotional state I was that week. Just coming out of new year's festivities, I and maybe most of us were getting used to the new year and at the same time i was trying to shake off my lethargy ..... Some family issues cropped up too and old wounds reopened ......
December 28, 2009 - January 3, 2010: A Toast to a Brand New Year: An eventful week even if my lazy bones complained about getting to work at the start of the week. Like in previous years, we toast to a brand new year with our neighbors as soon as midnight stroke .....I think I mended fences with a bitter foe .... The week was capped with a luxurious day at the spa by MIL, MD, and myself .......
December 21 - 27, 2009: It's Christmas Time: The week of Christmas saw our family attending gatherings to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ with families and friends .....
December 14 - 20, 2009: Celebrations: The busiest week is the week just before Christmas. MY son's birthday lies smack into this week. Skeds can get crazy with so many parties to attend. In the weekend, we are going to have our Christmas party in the condo of our school owner. Hershey would somehow manage to steal the show from me by whelping just I was about to go to the party .......
November 30 - December 6, 2010: Joy Ride: A week of contrast starting with a joy ride to Subic and ending with a electrical problem that cut short my bliss .......
November 23 - 29, 2009: When Hell Broke Loose: A dark day in Philippine history when the ugly side of politics reared its ugly head. This post is dedicated to the the Maguindanao massacre victims.
November 16 - 22, 2009: Haunted by My Ghosts: I had been meaning to visit my parents in their resting place but postponed it until my brother and his family who just arrived from a long trip can go with us. The delay somehow made me equate eerie occurrences with being gently reminded of my lapse. When we finally was able to set the long-overdue trip to the cemetery, so much more was in store for us .......
November 9 - 15, 2010: And the Winner is ........... : A typical day when Manny Pacquiao would have a fight. People stay at home to watch the fight. This gave MD, V......, and I the perfect opportunity to shop at bargain haven, Divisoria....
November 2 - 8, 2009: Same Old Routine, Some New Twists: A week devoted to bargain hunting from selers of pre-loved items. I got to know an amazing lady in one of my errands this week....
October 19 - 25, 2009: Drifting: My birthday falls on this week. I decided to give myself a treat. Inspite of this, the day just didn't seem so special ......... Later in the week, I had a late celbration with my friend V.....
October 12 - 18, 2010: In Heat: My bitches are in heat this week and my sires are going crazy. My brother has to make an important decision this week......
October 5 - 11, 2009: Testy: Reeling from the onslaught of a major disaster, people tried to get back on their feet as some disappointing discoveries are unraveled....
September 28 - October 4, 2009: Aftermath of the Perfect Flood: We have just been through a calamity of major proportion. It brought the best and the worst in people. In other parts of the globe, disasters are happening left and right. I can't help but think if this is apocalypse as we gear for another super typhoon .....
September 21 - 27, 2009: Leak on My Window: What must have been the biggest typhoon in recent times came and we weren't even aware how devastating it was until I received a text message from a former colleague asking to be rescued. The sudden awareness jerked me and my entire family from our inertia. Suddenly, we were calling relatives and friends to find out how they are. Like the others, I suffered damages in our home. But unlike in the past, I am thankful for the damages we sustained from the typhoon. We can still do something about it while others lost everything ..... The tragedy reopened my eyes to what is essential ...
August 31 - September 6, 2009: True Colors: This week I would uncover the real person behind a superior in the office and a neighbor I consider a friend to my chagrin. I would regret laying a hand on my son and make conciliatory amends for that later.
August 17 - 23, 2009: Stop Sweating the Small Stuff: A gentle reminder to me not to over-stress myself about the trivial.... especially with what I would face this week. I'll be hiring a new helper out of compassion rather than qualifications. Another family would be tear apart and it would be so close to home. My son would be spending a night away from home for the very first time and I am worried sick and at the same time I would miss him.....
August 3 - 10, 2009: Making History: Despite a domestic problem, my kids and I were able to pay respects to President Cory on her funeral. My eldest daughter witnessed the event along Roxas Boulevard earlier in the morning. The cortege reached Sucat Road where we are stationed early evening. Tita Cory will be laid to rest in nearby Manila Memorial Park.... That pretty much was the story that made every major daily and news mag that week ....
July 27 - August 2, 2009: Snippets of Life in Two Nations: A friend and a family member would have a taste of the scourge of recession in the land of milk and honey. Back home, we would mourn the passing of an icon of democracy .....
July 13 - 19, 2009: Unconquerable Soul: I am reminded of a poem my classmates and I memorized in HS as a requirement for our English class. Back then, I simply mouthed the words without understanding it. But now, it takes on a special meaning as I am dealt with life's blows .....
June 29 - July 5, 2009: Undesirable Outcomes: My first post for this category and the week would turn out not too good. What was supposed to be a happy celebration turned ugly. I am still bugged by office politics. To top it all, I would not doing work I love doing for about 14 weeks .....

And that's how it was for me the past year ....

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June 28 - July 4, 2010: Celebrations

Note: This will be the second to the last post under Lifescape. I have been sharing my real soap opera that is the life I lived the past two years unabashedly in this section and One Day, Isang Araw . It's time to return to the familiar comfort of obscurity.....  I am not sure how it would go from hereon....... it would most likely be snippets of some facets of life worth sharing during moments of inspiration  ..... I'd go back to the events that transpired in a compilation of my favorite posts under Lifescape in my last post .     Thank you to all those who followed my journey the past year.

Lifescape is ending on a high note this week with a number of celebrations to look forward to....

The week would start rather slowly as if pulling it towards the end of the week like it wants to gear up for all the forthcoming events..... Like most days when I am uninspired, I would drag myself to work going through the motions of it all.....

The music site is running smoothly and I would man my slots on designated times in the day. No major problem there as things appear to have fallen nicely into place.

ED's birthday would fall on a Thursday and my big baby wouldn't be able to go home because of an examination the following day. The girls are so responsible when it comes to school work that I am put to shame recalling my nonchalance back in my school days. The birthday celebration had to be moved in the weekend.

Friday came. Since morning, I was looking forward to the send-off party for an official I worked for who retiring by the end of this month. He was like a father to me and I will always treasure the opportunity of working on one of my most challenging tasks in this office. He would raved about the work I did and I would know it from someone else. The project also brought me and a colleague friend who worked with me on this project closer to the staff in his office. We would always be invited to special occasions like this send-off even after the project ended.

As soon as we were done with our work, we headed to the despedida bash for our beloved official. We came in the middle of the presentation of the offices managed by this official.... a colorful and vibrant extravaganza of song and dance numbers. We partook of dinner. Once we found the opportunity, my friend and I went to the official and shared some light moments. When some guests took their turns to go to him, we gave way and returned to our table. What was supposed to be a short stay turned out to be longer than planned. I and another colleague who came with us to the affair were under the weather. The plan was to make a quick getaway after hobnobbing with the boss. But that was not to be so..... as we found ourselves dancing to the music of a live band. Several attempts to 'escape' were quashed by some guests who probably wanted company on the dancefloor. Even our boss was dancing which is also part of the reason we couldn't just go.  We have not seen him this light and happy.  When the last of the song was played, we finally made our exit after saying goodbye to our boss. I was sleepy but was pinching myself to stay alert driving home as I dropped off my colleagues along the way.

It was dawn when I arrived home. In a few hours, I had to wake up to prepare for the golden wedding anniversary of the parents of one of my best friends.... 50 long years and counting... one of those rare and pleasant events one wouldn't want to miss. My friend is in the US and couldn't come home for the affair but she made sure that I would join her family who have been like my own parents and siblings. Their home would be our hang-out with the rest of our friends back in high school. Their house was a few meters away from school. It also helped that Nanay shared their meals with us when we hang-out at their home. Being Kapampangan, her fares were gastronomic delights.

That Saturday morning, I woke up and had breakfast with hubby and MS.  I woke MD up who is the easiest companion in social events being careful not to upset her or I might go alone.  I started preparing  and she got up shortly, had breakfast and prepared too.  Soon, we were off to the affair.  It was early when we arrived at the venue.  The pastries we brought were just the right fare to the coffee which the early birds like us partook  while waiting for the arrival of the celebrants.  After several minutes, the celebrants arrived..... stunned about the whole affair.  Their children surprised them with a party of family and close friends.  Nanay C......  shed tears of happiness as Tatay C...... smiled widely.

The renewal of vows followed after the brief interlude.  I am always in awe attending weddings but a golden anniversary is something else and I can't help but think how many marriages would be able to stand the test of time.  I was a solemn affair marked by tears of joy by family members.  Theirs was story of triumph.  I've seen the sacrifices of Nanay and Tatay so as to provide a good future for the children.  Tatay C..... endured long separation from his family as he worked overseas to be able to provide for their needs.  Nanay C...... steadfastly performed the role of mother and father all the time.  The children have been brought up well; have all finished schooling and have families of their own now except for their youngest, the only boy who is entering priesthood.

I guess now is the time to reap the fruits of all their sacrifices.  And the children themselves said that the celebration is but a small token for all the sacrifices of Nanay and Tatay.  Close friends were crying with them as they relived the story of their lives.  I was overwhelmed and probably shed a tear or two ..........

Of course, the picture-taking was necessary for posterity.  The rituals of the affair made the celebration just picture-perfect .  I wonder how many more golden anniversaries I will be a part of ...... When it was time to say goodbye, a rousing thunderstorm stalled MD and me.  They say that rains are like tears that washes away life's cobwebs and renew the soul.  If that were so, the rains that afternoon must have been heaven-sent to punctuate the celebration of a very beautiful love story that continues to inspire ...........

Sunday was my youngest brother birthday and we sent our greetings though the mobile.  In the evening, we set out to the nearby Dampa market for ED's belated birthday celebration.  The seafood dinner was just the perfect end to this week.  After dinner, it was almost like a blur after a whirlwind week and I probably wanted it to stop as I do not like to start another work week in a few hours after my merry ride this week.......

That is how it was for me the past year and I'll be looking forward to many more celebrations in the years to come.......

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June 21 - 27, 2010: Gutted

I was expecting this week to be most mundane. Weekly roller coaster rides can be daunting at times.....

I had been waiting for an important email which could make my life miserable for at least three months if what I am dreading to happen will happen. Yet, what remains of my pride prevented me from taking the initiative of finding out for myself what is becoming apparent now. It's every part-time educator worst fear.... I and the rest of the moonlighters have no load for the term because night classes will not be offered this term..... shucks.....

While the money I make from teaching sure helps tidy me up on those times, it is not for this reason alone that I chose to work my butt for 7 or so more hours a week on top of the regular 40 hours. Being a mentor is not really the best way to make money.... I see the time I spent in school as a break from all the madness..... The money may not be great but the psychic reward is immeasurable. Whenever I am asked what I do, I feel a sense of pride saying I am a mentor. While my official designation is that of a public servant, I am quick to add that I help mold young minds and feel really good about it..... with this development, dashed dreams for the time being..... we were assured that by next term, things would be back to what they were..... hopefully........

In the doldrums of the midweek, I was greeted with an unexpected bad news by V.......'s hubby.... The plant of the company where V...... is working was razed to the ground the previous night .... nothing was left. I have not talked to V...... the last few days. I felt that it probably was not the best time to call her right there and then. I called her after work and sensed she has not quite gotten over the whole thing. I asked if she needed anything or if we could meet. She said she just wants to sleep as she has not slept the previous night.....

Finally, we met up the following day..... Over margarita and nachos, we poured out, letting out just enough tears in an inconspicuous corner of a dimly-lit resto bar. What happened to V..... 's plant was so unexpected that her plans might just change abruptly.... She was planning on joining her family in Canada next year without certainty.... but now, there is just enough compulsion to do that soon. It might be what V..... wants, needs.... The company would have reason to relocate operations in a country that might be more conducive to investment since there is nothing left here anyway but human resources which is seen as dispensable by these big capitalists..... so I'll be left again by a friend.... and I couldn't hide the sadness.... but if that is the only option, then I guess she must do what she has to do.... We went home after we finished our drinks......

The weekend went on uneventfully.... with the usual chores and skeds....

On Sunday, MD would be going with ED to the condo because of an early class the following day. Hubby was out, too. MS was on the lappy all the time. With a house almost empty, I decided to give myself a treat at the saloon after bringing the girls to the bus station.... I was almost done when I got a call from V....... and she called at the right time. I was waiting for someone to meet up with.......

In a few minutes, we were at the cafe trying to enjoy what remains of that weekend..........

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Sunshine From My Window

Yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised by a text message from my son’s teacher telling me that my son placed second in their declamation contest. It actually made my day.

We never knew about that declamation contest; moreso, that he was chosen as one of the contestants after passing the qualifying round. Up to now, the details are still a bit sketchy. It’s being revealed to me little by little….

The day before yesterday, I was surprised when my facebook chat box popped out with a message from my son as I was about to go home from the office. My initial reaction was one of exasperation. First, he wasn’t allowed to use the pc or lappy on school days except for school work and he observes this rule religiously. He used to have a celfone which he lost in one of his commutes with his nanny. He needed something and he knew that I was always online. He said he needed a flannel long-sleeves checked or plaid shirt for his farmer costume… I asked when he needs it and he said tomorrow. What!!!??? and he’s only telling me now. I patiently asked with a tinge of irritation why he did not tell us during the weekend to which he could only gasp, “Oh”. I followed it up with the reason they needed a flannel shirt. He coolly threw back a question, “Oh, didn’t I tell you that I was chosen to be one of the contestants in the declamation contest. “ Inside I was thinking it was another of their class activities. So I had to change my reaction to one of involvement even if it was not my fault that I didn’t know. I told him to search for a plaid shirt in his dad’s cabinet in case I won’t be able to find a flannel shirt. He came back and said there are some but they look like shirts used for the office. I told him that if there is no alternative, he’d use that. He said ok.

I prepared to leave the office as soon as I hang up the phone. Good thing that traffic was light. When I reached the mall, I tried searching for the flannel checked shirts and the salespeople told me they don’t have checks in that material. I looked at my alternatives and was flipping through racks of shirts which he can probably use for a debut party we would be attending later this month but changed my mind after realizing that check shirts would not probably look good in a debut party in a hotel. My next option was to look for shirts on sale. I had to call my son twice in the middle of searching to tell him I couldn’t find a flannel shirt and that I would buy a plaid shirt that looks like one used by a farmer. He said yes.

When I reached home, I called him to try on the shirt incase I still have to return it. It fits………. Wonderful!

The following day, I prepared the rest of the costume and handed the bag to him as he was hurrying to go to school…. I didn’t think so much of it anymore and went through the normal course of activities. Then, I got the text message………

After work, I met up with my middle daughter in the mall; went for some unplanned splurging; and went home. As we were waiting for our ride, I remembered my son’s feat and told my daughter. There was a glow on her face as I revealed the good news. But unlike us, she knows more details about the contest. This daughter is the one that my son refers to as his ‘enemy’ because they are always at each other’s back. With my eldest staying at a condo, they are left together in the house and my daughter would play the guardian role to him when hubby and I are not home. He looks at her with awe and some fear. My daughter told me that her brother came up to her some weeks ago asking for help in memorizing his piece for a declamation contest. So she heard him recite his piece….. I asked how he was… She said he is good in delivery but have not fully memorized the piece at that time so would stammer on some lines….. She also never heard the polished piece since he rehearsed with her…. She knows how his brother was chosen. It appears that his adviser, Sir Phil, who has been his adviser for the past three years, forced him into joining. Two classmates already qualified and he was told to join…..

This morning, my son went inside my room, to brush his teeth. He 's been doing this for sometime even if he has his own bathroom. He says he likes my bathroom. I took the opportunity to ask some more details about the contest. I wanted to know if it was a school-wide activity. He said that two levels competed, freshies and the sophies…… even more cool. He is in his sophomore year. I was trying to make him recite the winning piece to me but he was in a hurry and went back to his bathroom.

I or maybe all of us never have much faith in my son’s ability in school. I would just like him to not have failing marks every grading period but this is not always so. He had summer classes in the past for subjects he needed to brush up on. Last year, it was a relief for all that he didn’t have to attend summer classes. He doesn’t want attending summer classes. More importantly, I think he did a last ditch effort to pass all his subjects as he had failing marks with just one grading period to go before the school ended. When it was time to get his report card, there was a mix of anxiety and fear seething inside me. My eldest daughter got his card. Everyone was in disbelief that he passed all his subjects and even had high marks on some subjects.

This morning, a ray of sun peered gently through my window settling on a portion of the wall. It was a lovely refreshing sight after the howler that came last night. The teacher’s text message was my ray of sun yesterday …….

To spice up this story, hubby shared an amusing conversation he had with my son yesterday on their way to his school just before the declamation contest. Since we thought nobody heard him recite his piece yet, hubby was asking my son to recite his piece and my son refused telling hubby that he was conserving his voice. Undeterred, hubby wanted to know if he memorized his piece. My son who is not used to being given too much attention as far as the academic side is concerned, told hubby that he knew as soon as he read his piece…. Whoa….. Not contented with his probing, hubby asked my son about using proper diction with hubby explaining a little to him about pronounciation, pacing, and timing. After my son understood the concept, he told hubby, “Duh, I’ve been speaking in English for 13 years” without missing a beat…… Hubby knew he had to shut his mouth……. I guess he was chuckling after he dropped off my son to his school on his way to work…. I can tell from the look of his face as he was relating his conversation with my son…. Even with very little sleep, I felt good this morning…….. Who wouldn’t when I know that my son’s time has finally come ……….. the sun will continue to rise for him…….

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June 14 - 20, 2010: Letting Go

Monday is a holiday as Independence Day fell on a Saturday. A holiday is always something to savor...... I did......

It was the usual workweek except that there were only four days for most. I had to squeeze in making grades because of a deadline imposed. This is one task that is too much of a chore for me. With just a handful of students, it should not really take too much time. What makes it taxing is the difficulty of adjusting certain portions reasonably just so certain students can make the cut....... I remember a time when my class was like a pressure cooker everytime that grades were to be given.... I had quite a reputation for being an executioner. I guess I mellowed down over the years......

I still have not heard from ED till the very end of the work week. MD, she, and I had a previous plan to meet up that Friday and do some shopping for clothes as we'll be attending a debut and watching Cats next month. I was certain it wouldn't push through...... Then, I got a text message from MD asking if she would come to the office. I asked if ED was coming and she said no. I asked if she knows how to come to my office and she doesn't. I told her I'd give her direction once she is on her way. I asked MD another time to ask ED........ still negative. I guess it's just going to be me and MD. MD had to take her lunch before she meets up with me. A long time passed and MD hasn't texted.... I asked her what's taking her long. She said that ED is going with us and she's in her condo waiting for her sister. I felt relieved and was secretly chuckling inside..... When they set out, it was ED who was communicating with me. I told them to meet me at the mall. They could eat if they had to wait for me. MD asked through ED if I'll shoulder the cost of their meal. There was no way I wouldn't......

They arrived at our meeting place ahead of me and went to a burger place... After finishing up some stuff in the office, I set out to meet up with my daughters taking the train to avoid traffic. I was still far and I could see them waiting for me outside the resto. ED came to me and kissed me. There was no need to say anything....... I was extra generous with my girls particularly ED. ED is not the clothes shopaholic, it is actually MD and I who are. So whenever ED fancies something, she would usually get it whether it's from me or it's from her dad. We were looking for bargains but some interesting stuff turned up. ED ended up buying the most among the three of us. The girls were tired and I was starving after turning up the place inside and out. We sought refuge in a nearby chinese resto. After dinner, we went home.....

The following day, I gave ED the stuff she was asking from me..... the subject of our altercation. It was something I'd like to keep for myself but I let go of it.......

We also had to let go of our stay-out pet caretaker in the weekend. I thought she wanted out......   A few weeks ago, she intimated to the other helpers that she would leave once her husband is able to find work. I talked to her one lazy afternoon about her plans. She confirmed what she told the other helpers. I asked her if I should look for someone already. She said yes. I told her there's someone waiting to work for us. We could already call him. She nod grudgingly.....

The replacement came about three weeks ago. Hubby let our stay-out pet caretaker to stay on so as she can train the new helper on the job and make for a smooth transition. We still maintained her a couple more weeks out of compassion. Her husband hasn't found work yet.

Hubby was in the supermarket with MD for our weekly shopping when he texted me to tell our stay-out helper that this is her last day.  He said he might not be here when our helper goes home. I didn't want to do it. Letting go of someone in our employ is one thing that I would have a hard time doing. I stalled and stalled until hubby and MD returned from their shopping. He asked if I told our helper. I told him I haven't .... He was motioning me to do it and I was shaking my head. I motioned that he should be the one to do it..... I saw how uneasy it was for him, too. He and MD were going out again and he had to do it immediately. He was pacing back and forth his car. Our helper was walking one of the dogs. Hubby approached her and talked to her briefly. I was near hubby's car and asked him if he told her. He said yes and that our helper said she understood. Hubby and MD left again. I was there uneasy as I have a soft spot for this kind of things.... I had to tell our helper she could assist in the dog chores in the weekend if she hasn't find a job yet...... She left shortly........

So that is my emotional rollercoaster for the week......

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June 7 - 13, 2010: The Hurt

I was immensely enjoying my free time from being liberated from a responsibility I was thrust into by fate. I didn't have to spend time monitoring the site which admittedly eats up so much time not to mention opportunity lost from spending quality time with family and friends.

However, I still check on the music site from time to time just to see how they are doing. From all indications, it appeared to be crumbling. The mess was even played out in one of the segments and I had to ask a friend at the site to remove the said post. It was removed belatedly and damage was done. I was thinking that in any undertaking, nobody is indispensable. Anyone could fill up a void. My absence could easily be masked as an unexpected break because of numerous competing concerns. But it was not to be....... My departure was followed by another one.... That proved to be the last straw.....

By midweek, I knew I had to help institute some damage control. I appeared at the site as a friend making requests so as to have a semblance of normalcy. The segment is being manned by one of my first friends in the old site. She was returning to vjeing chores from a long hiatus as her hubby who works outside the country was home for his annual vacation. My unexpected presence led to the two of us catching up and for some reason she hit my soft spot. Next thing I knew I was back in the site and taking control of things once again. I had to make an appeal to the other vj who left the site after I did...... It took more than a day before he would reply.......  We all heaved a sigh of relief after that.... and we took to our tasks like nothing happened. I, however, had to stressed to my friend the essence of teammanship and supporting each other ...... I guess she understood.........

So the rest of the week, I was back to the site manning my board, making friends, snooping around and thinking how we can make the site better. I guess once a music lover, always a music lover........

The week also marks the end of another term in the school.... I will have to go through the motions of deciding who should make the cut once again.......

In the weekend, a hurtful remark between ED and I coupled with poor timing turned ugly. She was teary-eyed and dashed to her room banging the door behind her.... I was hurt and mad..... Hubby had to ask me what made ED cry. I was like a fallen fighter on the defensive..... I told him I simply asked ED why she was mad....

I had to go some place and meet up with friends right after that.... My brother texted that he was coming over upon the invitation of MS. It was too late to change plans and I went on meeting up with my friends telling my brother to just come over... We spent a couple of hours catching up over coffee. I told them I was in a hurry because I will be seeing a movie with MD.... a plan I made last weekend thinking that I have more free time as I was out of the music site. Last weekend, I had a movie date with MS....

When I went back home, my brother and his family were in our home. ED was gone. She went back to her condo with nary a word. I felt a pinch in my heart. We quickly had dinner as MD and I were trying to go for an earlier sked of the movie. My brother and his family had to cut short their visit. They went with MD and I to the mall and we parted ways. MD and I went to see Sex and the City 2. Well, it was not quite what I expected. I like the first more that this one.... The song number in the flamboyant videoke bar was a bit tacky and overdone.... I hope they didn't have to do the singing. I was cringing in my seat. The clothes and styles were something else, however.... I think I will try out one of those hairstyles....

After we went back home, I hurriedly set up the lappy on my lap table and propped myself on the bed to man my board. I was hoping to receive a text message from ED like she used to do everytime she goes out and reach her destination..... nothing.... I thought to myself, "fine", if that's how she likes it..... but I was hurting.... With tears in my eyes, I manned our board just like I used to.........

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May 31 - June 6, 2010: The Dreaded C

Early this week, I would learn about a classmate condition.... The guy, a casual friend, has the Big C. He is supposed to be at the prime of his life..... with a wife and growing kids surrounded by family and friends. He has his own business with a great potential. The sad news also brought to mind the condition of two of my uncles who are also struggling with the dreaded C.

Both my parents succumbed to the Big C at their prime age. With all the news I am getting lately, I can't help but think I might be next....... I hate entertaining the thought but the possibility is not entirely remote. It sucks to know that.......

Another friend's dad died unexpectedly early this week.... Our friends, son and daughter-in-law of the deceased, will be coming from the US on Thursday. V..... and I immediately made our plan to visit the wake towards the end of the workweek.

Vexed by the demands on my time by our music site and the lack of commitment by some of us in keeping the site operational, I quit my role at the site by midweek. It felt liberating......

On Thursday, V..... and I went to the wake of our friend's dad.. Our friend, son of the deceased, hugged us tightly to probably hide his tears upon seeing us.   He and his wife, both are friends way back in college, though obviously grieving, were only too happy to see us.  Even for a brief moment, we put a smile to his face while we were there.  We had to leave shortly because V..... had to visit a sister in a hospital.

Even with all this, I managed to put together people who hardly knew each other but were drawn to one another because of their love of music.. On Friday, I finally met up wih my musically-inclined cyber friends.... Food and singing were the staple that made the evening...... There were not many of us but we had one memorable night that made new friendships in that eyeball.

Some college chums were bunched with us to discussed what we could do to make the burden of our cancer-stricken classmate lighter. There are some issues though...... Later, S......., my friend who just planed in from HK, arrived and joined the group.

After we bade goodbye to our friends, S...., her hubby and son; and a couple of friends and I went for coffee at a nearby Mcdo. We discussed the plight of our classmate and agreed that we would pool resources to help. We went home around 4:30am......

In the weekend, with no more responsibility in the site, I was able to go to the spa with my friend V....... and to see Shrek with MS......

Ah, what a life.................

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May 24 - May 30, 2010: Summer Rain

The heat is killing me and it couldn't be more intense than it is this week.........

On the first day of work, I wasn't keen on working but was anticipating our meet up with our high school teacher later that day.  In the evening, a friend and I met up with Mr. B....... , our math teacher who is now  based in Canada.  He would always tell me to gather our batchmates and meet up with him.  We started this tradition about four or five years ago.  When we meet up with HS friends and teachers, the pleasant memories of the past would always give way to our youthful follies.  There would be occasional sprinkling of current preoccupation or relations which is seen more as a way to catch up but always the past is reminisced with a tinge of bittersweet nostalgia.  Like the giddy teeners we once were, I and my friend would dig into the bag of goodies that Mr. B..... had for us everytime he would meet up with us.  Funny how even if we could now afford to buy these things, gifts like this still warm our hearts.  In time, the evening would end in kisses, hugs, and goodbyes........  uncertain when the next one would be ........

Too much heat gave way to some showers on Tuesday.... a pleasant and awaited occurrence by people in the metro.  But as soon as the showers are gone, the temperature would rise giving us the feeling of those delicious Chinese dumplings..... and it doesn't feel good at all.....  Could this be the harbinger of the rainy season?

The little nuances among our househelp helpers are beginning to show..... Our pet caregiver told her fellow helpers that she would leave once her husband finds work. I am beginning to really feel uneasy about our gay helper.... Kakay would tell me her shenanigans when we're gone.

There are alternatives fortunately. MIL actually told me that a townmate of her helper would like to apply for the pet caregiver job just last week. MIL's other assistant also told us that four ladies looking for work will be arriving from a southern province.  That would give us enough options if anyone from our employ decide to leave us or if we let them go.  However, I don't want to fire anyone just to accommodate a new  person. We actually wanted a male helper because he can do odd jobs around the house. Although there are also disadvantages. Hubby said that our new pet helper is actually tidy in our kennels compared to the last employee, a male helper. But what can we do. I do not want to beg her to stay. There have been complaints about her. I personally witnessed her rough handling of my dogs that I had to sternly warn her of the consequences if any dog gets hurt. We couldn't manage without help for the pets because of their number. We work and the other helpers are also stuck with other chores.  I would see how things turn up in the next few days......

Kinkee, the last of hershey's litters was rehomed which is a good thing because she went to a nice family.  Since Meiji gave birth to two male pups last weekend, I was actually praying that the remaining pups be rehomed soon.  Another pooch, Missy, is due to give birth anytime.  With numerous pets coming in and getting out of our life, I still can't help feeling blue when a pup leaves our home.  My heart sank learning that Kinkee appeared distressed when she was taken away..... awwww

A friend would inform me about the passing of the dad of a classmate.  After my class on Friday,  I would navigate the long road to visit the wake of my classmate's dad with my youngest brother in tow.  As expected and dreaded, parking was a problem.  I smiled as soon as I saw a new structure beside the funeral home, a multi-level parking.  I happily entered the building until I navigated an incline, probably 45 to 50 degrees, and my engine would cry and my tires were screeching.  All in all, I managed about five of these inclined passageway giving me a new level of driving performance which unfortunately my vehicle was not used to.  I was complaining to the guard in the level where I parked and he told us that the engineer made a mistake in his calculations...Huh,  should I even leave my vehicle there?  well.....   Another friend was in the wake.  My brother and I were surprised to be greeted with music and a little dancing as we entered the chapel where my friend's dad lie in state.  It was a pleasant surprise and the light mood somehow betrays the tears behind the passing of a loved one.  Pardon my irreverence but I actually enjoyed the music we were treated to.  They are a family of singers......  My classmate said that they wanted to celebrate her dad's life instead of mourning his death..... which makes sense.  We bade goodbye after some time.....

The weekend was my usual..... dogs, music site, organization, monitoring, clean up, errands, vegging, eating and all those niceties....

I had to attend a baptismal on Sunday where I was one of the godmothers.  Can you imagine that :-)........ A friend unexpectedly but pleasantly gave birth to a bouncing baby boy a couple of months ago.  She was a few years younger than I am which is young, I guess........ MD tagged along with me on this affair.  We arrived at the church early.  It was a long travel and we had to find a restroom assisted by a former officemate who is also one of the godmothers.  Since we couldn't find any, she suggested going to the nearby restos.  MD and I had to eat snack so that we can earn the right to use their bathroom.  Actually, it was not necessary but I thought it was fine to linger in the resto since the affair hasn't started yet.  When we came back the baptismal was in its full celebration.  I managed to be part of the altar ceremony only to be told by an elderly lady that I should pull up my V-cut neckline.  I didn't realize that my clothes would cause such a fuss.  I didn't realized further that a church in a province would have more stringent rules that churches in the metro where people don't mind what the parishioners are wearing.  I didn't feel offended though as I and the entire entourage laughed off the incident.  I pulled up my neckline and pulled it down as soon as I was away from the altar.  We went to the reception after the church ceremony where I guess my attire would not be a matter of concern.  After a hearty lunch, we left with some other guests when it was time to go.......  

I had another business to take care of this Sunday......

As soon as we reached the village, I saw Mang Boy's familiar green car made a turn just as we were passing that road.  He would pick up his birds and other bird stuff which he ordered from hubby.  I love seeing this good man enter my gate because he makes things alright for me.  He has been my iron work contractor since our new home was built about four years ago.  But he is different now, darker and thinner, from the treatment for the cancer he was diagnosed with late last year.  He has been in treatment since.  He was in one of his recuperating periods when we communicated about my balance on the last job order.  After settling the issue of balance, he told me he wants to get birds from hubby to be paid with my balance.  Of course, I said said......  Driven by compassion for this man, I told him I'd give him a pair even without consulting hubby.  He can't say no....  I think that hubby shares my compassion for this man.  I told hubby about Mang Boy's request.  He worked on it and finally the cages with all the stuff needed and the birds are ready.  I would have delivered it to him but Mang Boy said he would like to pick it up.

While waiting for hubby, I engaged Mang Boy in conversation.  He told me he is still undergoing treatment and would be subjected to CT scan after completing his treatment.  Depending on the results, another treatment program might be made for him.  He also said he could feel new growth in his neck.....  Soon, hubby emerged....  We led Mang Boy and his grandson to the aviary.  I could see the excitement in his eyes as soon as he saw the birds.  He and hubby talked about care for the birds and other things.  After a while, hubby would load the cages in Mang Boy's car.  Hubby was looking at me as Mang Boy was leaving telling me he bought the pair I gave Mang Boy.  I gave him the look that said  let it go.......

Late afternoon, the kids requested to go to the mall to buy stuff they would need for school which will open week after next.  In the evening, a dog client who has become a friend would get another of my male pups, Fury which they renamed George.  Kinkee was taken by the sister of this dog client.  They have been dog lovers since getting a pup, Keana, early this year.  I guess we would have a very long relationship........

That how it is for me this hot rainy week.........

Related Post:
Coming to Terms

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American Idol Season 9 Upset Win?

This just in..... Lee DeWyze is the new American Idol pulling an upset win over frontliner, Crystal Bowersox, in this season's American Idol.

Unlike in previous seasons, I was not as engaged in watching AI9 this year. I even took the morning off last year to watch the grand finals of AI8.  Blame it on my punishing schedule which seems to take the lights out of me when I'm home from work. I hardly have time watching TV. In the past, AI viewing was the girls and my bonding time as we all lie on my bed in my room intently listening and then being judges of the contestants at the same time. We could be Simon, Randy, or Paula.

This is also the season that Paula was unceremoniously cut from the judges panel. Ellen Degeneres replaced the cocky judge. This would also be Simon's last season in Idol. But did the judges' opinion matter this season?

Earlier in the competition, Simon, the most irreverent but believable Idol judge, said that a girl could take home the crown this year. In fact when the final 12 made it to the competition, audience were led to believe that this batch of female contestants were better than the men. Yet the girls except for Crystal succumbed to early elimination.  The boys still ruled through out the competition.  Later, Lee seemed to be the favored contestant along with the yummy Casey James.

For the last three years including this season, a guy emerged as the American idol, David Cook, Kris Allen, and now, Lee DeWyze. Personally, I think that the fans are leaning towards a certain type of idol given the results of the past three seasons.  All winners are from some obscure towns, with humble beginnings and have a story to tell.  Their music can be considered as mainstream.  To borrow from AI judges, these guys can make a song their very own.  Fans also feel for the underdogs which might explain the wins of these guys.  Another hunch is the big chunk of the fans base is female which might explain why the boys have an edge.  Even runners ups like David Archuleta, Danny Gokey, Casey James and probably the infamous Sanjaya Malakar benefited from the female vote.  And this should come as no surprise.... Women are always home and the boys are out there.......

Do you feel that this year's American Idol deserves the win?

Related posts:
American Idol
Lee Dewyze
Crystal Bowersox

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May 17 - 23, 2010: Take Time to Stop and Smell the Flowers

By this time, most of the elected officials have been proclaimed. Many of the losing candidates are noisily proclaiming they were cheated. By this time too, my election fever is on the wane. I am just interested in the outcome of the vice presidential race. And little by little, my hope is being dashed......

I took a leave in the middle of the week to take care of my car registration........ one of those things I dread doing based on previous experience with the LTO. For the past years, my car registration was taken cared of by a neighbor working for an insurance company inside the LTO. I just give him the money and with a little extra payment, I am spared from the hassles of going to that government agency.  Last time I went there was during my birthday last year when I renewed my driver's license and ED got hers. It took us the whole day.

But I am a month delayed in registering my vehicle and it's such a hassle driving an unregistered vehicle. Everytime I drive my car, I could feel my heart skip a beat when I see a traffic officer. And I couldn't bring it too far. And I have an affair to attend in the weekend. The last reason compelled me to finally register my vehicle.

My neighbor told me that the new process requires that the vehicle be brought for emission testing with a picture taken..... arrgh. I told her I'll have that emission testing in the weekend but would still have our neighbor register the car. But the emission testing center was closed in the weekend. Hence, I would be forced to bring my car to the ETC on a workday.

I was expecting the worst that morning I decided to go to LTO and got the shock of my life....... Here's my story....

Upon entering the LTO compound, a guard took my ID and gave me a number like they do in villages or subdivisions.  That's new but I complied sensing that it is probably a new rule.  I asked the guard for direction. A few meters away were a group of men in orange shirts. When I passed the tent they were housed in, one directed me where to go and followed me. He assisted me in the ETC. When I got the results a few minutes after, he took me to the area where the insurance people and the cashier are housed. After that, he told me to bring my documents to the evaluation and processing units. Surprise of all surprises, there were hardly any people. After a few minutes, I was paying my dues. The only bummer was I had to shell out an extra thousand bucks as penalty for late registration. I vow that this will never happen again. The whole process was over in less than an hour.

I was so pleased I told myself I'd buy pastries for the kids after I finished the registration process. Another bummer would happen which will be revealed later.......

I went home and had lunch with the kids.  I was restless so I asked the kids if they want to go out.  ED and MS would not want to go out.  These two are certified veggers.........MD, ,my constant companion, and I set out.......

I decided to do some make over with MD... eyebrows, hot oil... and buy some stuff afterwards.  We were having our eyebrows trimmed when I realized I forgot my ID at LTO.... sucks. I was planning on going some other places but I have to adjust as I would have to go back for my ID card...geeesh. After our hair waxing treatment, MD and I went back to the LTO compound and got my ID.  Funny but the guard asked how I was related to the ID holder.  I said that's me.  He laughed saying I look better in person.  My pic in that ID was taken when I had a really bad hair day.  Maybe, I should have just left that ID card with them.......  With some time shaved off my desired sked, we went to the mall to buy stuff and just went home.

By the end of the week, I remembered my promise to a former high school that my friends and I will meet up with him before he goes back to Canada.  I stalled on this for the past weeks and I realized that my teacher was going back soon.  I immediately made arrangements with some friends and our teacher.  We fixed our date the very first day the following week as our teacher is leaving by the end of that week.

The workweek came and ended..... Like clockwork, things happened as they should. I came home on Friday, tired, sleepy, but hopeful about my weekend. I am not entirely savoring doing the chores but look forward to extended vegging out....

My weekend wasn't planned out concretely but I have some ideas how it would go. The dogs have to get their shots. Recently, one of my dogs bit a our water delivery boy. The importance of the dogs having updated vaccines couldn't be more appreciated. I had a bit of an explaining to do with the employer of the water delivery boy. However, after getting my dog's record, I didn't see the water delivery boy again. Another helper was assigned to deliver water for us. The employer nor the boy didn't asked me for anything. I am not exactly happy because I know we were wrong. I could have spent for his medical expense if needed even if I am short on funds lately.  I don't know why the boy didn't go to the doctor to have the dog bite.  I wasn't too worried about rabies because the dog that bit him has anti-rabies shot.  Then again, his wounds should have been treated.  I don't understand why he seemed to avoid going to the house when I am there and would show up when I am gone.  I guess nothing bad happened to him..  the dog is fine too.

An event, the baptismal of the son of my friend and officemate, was reset for next week. I thought that my scheduled talk with a reader of this blog who was interested in my experience in handling the difficulties of having a child with ADHD could happen this weekend instead of next as we originally planned. He and his wife were cool with that and we set Sunday afternoon as our meeting date.

There was also the planned dental appointment with hubby dentist-friend. I am trying to fit all of these events this weekend.

I called the vet on Saturday after the dogs had their bath and grooming time but they couldn't be accommodated that day. So we set it morning of the following day. I also sent a message to the parent of the ADHD child I am meeting and he and his wife agreed to set the meeting on Sunday. We still don't know yet if the dentist appointment will push through the following day. which means that we might have a cramped day on Sunday.....

The kids and I went to our usual anticipated mass on Saturday. Hubby went to his birds meeting. After the mass, there was an announcement on H1N1 vaccine to be administered sometime in June. MS and I registered for the vaccination. The girls said they will avail of free vaccines at their university. Going out of the parish office, I saw my 'suking' banana vendor waiting for someone at the parking area. His one and a half year old son just died. The boy is their only child. I asked him if the child has been buried yet. He said he was waiting for a priest and they might have the burial the following day. He was sullen and sad as I asked him about the circumstances of the death. He said a doctor told them of a disease which he couldn't make out. He and his wife found the child already cold one morning. He said he's worried about his wife and is bent on bringing her to a doctor after the burial. I felt his pain and I couldn't just go. My kids who were walking ahead of me, went ahead and I am certain are getting impatient. But I have to offer an ear and some support. My kids would emerged with those faces of impatience as I was searching for my wallet to give him some help. We parted ways after I told him to stay strong but to cry if he needs to and to look after his wife. I had to explain to the kids I have to stop to give comfort. Their impatience was gone and we would discuss the child's death in the car. I could not remember exactly what the vendor told me about the cause of death as I was telling the story to the kids. ED, whom we see as the closest thing we have to a medical mind, would have her theories.

On Sunday, hubby told us that our dental appointment will push through as we were having breakfast. I have things planned out actually. I waited for the vet while I was on the lappy manning our music site. Soon, the vet and her assistant would arrive. The appointment lasted several hours. It was lunchtime when they finished with all the dogs.

After lunch, we set out to go to the dentist. The plan was to pass by the pet store to buy dog food; have our dental appointment; and go to the grocery. I timed my meeting with my readers around the time we were doing the grocery. I was texting the dad of the child on the meet up. Just as arranged, he would text me while we were in the supermarket. I brought MD along. Finally, I met them in a resto. They offered to buy us food but MD and I couldn't take anything for the next hour or so or our dental ordeal would have been a waste. Our sharing was fruitful to say the least. Before we met, I told them I am no therapist and I hope they won't expect professional advise. It would simply be sharing of experiences having passed through the ordeals they might be experiencing now.  We still do occassionaly........   It was just that... an open and spontaneous exchange of experiences. There were points I could feel tears welling in my eyes. I told them that everything I written on my blog is what exactly we experienced as a family and I as a mom. The mom of the child with ADHD told me she actually felt what I went through and could relate well to my experience. She and her husband were just glad to talk to someone who has a first hand experience in this misunderstood condition of a lot of boys and girls out there. The time passed so quickly and soon hubby's text message to MD telling us that they were done shopping came. The mom and I kissed and I shook hands with the dad. We exchanged home phones and they told me that they would give a call again. I said anytime. I felt good and light after that meet up.

Considering I didn't plan out this weekend, it turned well..... more than what I expected. It was worth dropping the usual things I do and taking time out to ease someone else's pain.

This week I felt I also restored some order into my life....

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May 10 - 16, 2010: We Made History

For Filipinos, this is one important week as we elect our new President. In fact, it was to be the first order of the day for us and most Filipino voters as we will see later on the very first day of the week.  There is excitement in the air as we all want to see a change.  This is going to be our first ever automated election too.  We don't know what to expect but we are all hopeful that we will elect our new President peacefully.

I was closed to shock seeing ED up so early in the morning on a holiday. But there she was in the study room with her dad and MS, talking ordinary stuff.  I wasn't quite ready to start my day as I brought a laptop downstairs so I could do some stuff on the net and monitor things at home at the same time.  It seems that the helpers are having a heyday whenever I linger in my room tinkering on the laptop and go down late.  I have to do something about it.

I was just starting things ........ writing on my blog, posting songs on our music site, harvesting on my farm...... when ED and hubby went upstairs.  I was not involved in their discussion like I am non-existent.  I was looking out for them all the time sensing that they were getting ready to go to the polling center ......and the network won't cooperate.  It would quit on me or would be too slow.  I was able to write a prayer for a peaceful election on my blog and post a song but was not able to share the prayer I wrote in our music site.  I told a co-admin that I have to go out for a while to vote.  ED and hubby were ready after sometime.  I asked for them to wait for me .  I would be getting a dressing down for not getting ready soon enough.  But they waited for me.......

We were in our polling center in no time.  It was hot and hubby has no umbrella in his car.... just great.  As we neared the gate, there was a long queue already..... chaotic is the best way to describe what was instore for us.  We have to have a game plan.  We took turns standing on the line as we left hubby to get our polling booth details in the designated area.  As soon as he got it, we found out that we and ED have separate polling booths..... problem compounded.  I didn't want to leave ED because it's her first time to vote and with the thick crowd, something wrong could happen.  Hubby prevailed upon me.  So we went inside leaving ED in her line.  Inside, more chaos await us.  There were lines everywhere and people did not know where it led to.  We looked for our precinct number and easily found it.  But the route was teeming with warm, confused, and mad bodies.  We asked where the line led to and the people lined up only knew that it was going inside.  After that throngs who lined up, people converged by the room's entrance.  There was no crowd control.  I asked a PPCRV volunteer and she told me that there is no line.  I was getting dizzy. Hubby and  I stayed at the back.  Later, a guy joined me in suggesting that the volunteers should simply collect our precintct slips and call out names.  The lady volunteer proceeded to tell their leader.  He took some slips but left out some.  We insisted that he get all.  Still, the crowd remained at the door blocking the passageway to the room.  I told another PPCRV volunteer to exercise her power and get those people off the passage way.  Soon, the PPCRV leader were calling out names..   We clapped in agreement.  We were done ahead of the others who were still crowding the door.  It took a little more than an hour.

We rushed to where ED was and their line hardly moved.  She was inside the polling center but the line stopped moving.  I stayed with her as hubby roamed around.  It was taking so long and the snoop in me couldn't resist doing something about it.  First, I probed what could be the reasons after I heard one voter said that there were problemes with the pcos machines.   I verified with the volunteer controlling the entrance of people.  He said he doesn't know.  I told him he should know.  If he would allow me, I would find out.  He allowed me and I got in.  I went to ED's classroom.  The room was almost empty, maybe about 3 voters in there.  The queue wasn't too long.  I asked the volunteer assigned there why the line wasn't moving and if the pcos machine is working.  She said the machine is working fine.  I told her that there too few people voting inside the room adding that in our classroom, there were about 15 voters voting at the same time.  So it was fast.  With this information, I went back to ED.  I told the volunteer controlling the entrance that there was nothing wrong with the machine.

While waiting, another volunteer would try to explain the delay telling us that the line to where ED would be voting is circuitous.  I contested the statement as an untruth.  I told him I was there and there was a line but not long.  I told him they were allowing only 3 persons to vote which is the reason for the delay.  He wanted to insist but I told him we could go together and he could see for himself.  He vanished in thin air.  Soon, they would be calling voters for ED's room to get inside.  My snooping and bitching worked once again.  ED got in and queued in her room.  I waited at an area where I could see her.  Hubby would join us in a while.

The other voters still lined up in the queue ED left hasn't moved a bit.  I think the pcos machine was malfunctioning in their room.  The voters were restless.  I wanted to meddle because I know that voters should be allowed to vote even if the pcos machines are not working because there is an allowance for manual counting.  But I meddled far too much and I am tired. I was just happy that ED was in and is assured of exercising her right to vote.   We waited for probably less than an hour.  While waiting, we would be hearing complaints from voters who just casted their votes after four hours of waiting.  So we must be luckier.  ED was in her polling booth and we were about two hours there since we arrived.  Soon, ED would emerged.  We were done in exactly 2 hours and  45 minutes.  Thanks to my bitching.......

In the aftermath of the election, I would learn that the average waiting time was four hours.  There was an account I overheard of waiting for 7 hours.  Some were so distressed, they just went home and not voted..  A friend told me that she andd her dad, a senior citizen, had to get home as her dad couldn't bear the heat and the thick crowd.  There might be a number of voters disenfranchised due to all the confusion and chaos in the precincts.  With the automated election, Comelec decided to increase the number of voters per precinct to 1,000 from about 400 in previous elections.  We surely felt the difference.  Election used to be a breeze.

With all the attendant problems associated with the maiden implementation of the first automated election, it was a successful election nonetheless.  It was not perfect and there is still much room for improvement but we were gratified about converting from the antiquated manual voting to automated voting.  While we blabber about waiting, it was all worth it because the election results were delivered so fast.  By evening, result would come in trickles......

The results, though, is another matter.  By midweek, a trend would be established.   Noynoy Aquino looks headed for an expected win.  The surprise is Erap still commands a following as he tightly held on to the second spot.  I am just glad he is a far second.  The vice presidency is hotly contested between Binay and Roxas.  I am hoping that Roxas can still make it although he trails Binay in both counting by Comelec and PPCRV.  It looks like a goon is going to join a simpleton president.  Are we in trouble?

From the looks of it., we have not learned as we kept most of the NPA (non-performing assets) in there.  Bong Revilla, the leading senatorial candidate, has the gall to tell us that the electorate probably saw his performance (sic) in the senate..... huh.... what the heck is this bum talking about!!!  All he did was sit himself pretty all the time without saying or doing anything.  Well, if he counts his privilege speech protecting a fellow actor from public humiliation as a result of her tryst with another entertainer as his biggest accomplishment, we all know what we can expect in the current Senate.  Another thug from the same industry shares top spot with Mr. (Non) Performer. An aging clown from a familiar trio is also assured of being a lawmaker.  A brainless reelectionist actor is yet to be proclaimed but will complete the ensemble of the eerily silent headless and clueless bunch.

The House of Representatives will be a spectacle when it convenes in July with the stellar appearances of stars.  The Champ will be there to dazzle his fellow Representatives with his jabs and hooks.  The beautiful martyr wife of reelectionist Mr. (non) Performer will also be there.... maybe sitting pretty too......Another beautiful wife of a famous actor made up for her husband's lost when he attempted to try politics some years back.  A lesser known actor who made a successful bid as a local official in a southern Luzon province likewise made it.

Several celebrities also made it to various local positions.  The most prominent would probably be the Star for All Seasons who won her reelection bid in her second-time senator husband's hometown.

I am not judging these people because they are celebrities but on the basis of their capabilities.  How can some of them aspire for these positions when they have no inkling whatsoever what they are supposed to think, do, and accomplish.  A string of them already showed their true colors in their previous positions.  What more proof is needed to show us that these people can do absolutely nothing!  They want to serve the people.... Geesh, get real!!!!!

Until the end of the week, reactions on the election were still the burning issues of the day.  By weekend, we are clear about who made it to this election except for the vice presidency.    Like most Pinoys, I have accepted the fate of my country with the results of the election as clear as the blue summer skies but remain optimistic about restoring sanity in the government if my favored candidate steals the thunder from the leading candidate in the hotly contested vice presidential race.....

I managed to do my chores while manning our music site in the weekend and even sneaked a snack with MD and my friend V....... in one of my errands.  I also managed to squeeze in a long overdue saloon trip.  On Sunday evening, I dreaded the thought of another workweek coming shortly.

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