March 29 - April 4, 2010: Battle of the Sexes

This is the season of lent and I was faced with tough decisions.....

It's the Holy Week and some people might have decided to vacate Manila early..... Some of us still have to report to work for two and a half days. We were sent home early on Wednesday to give more time to those leaving for the provinces to prepare for their trip. Traffic was a breeze. This is one of the better times to be in Manila saved for the heat and the envy one feels for those frolicking in the beach or enjoying the cool breeze of Baguio or Tagaytay.

On Thursday, I was forced to accept a helper out of exigencies......I have been looking for a helper since my other helper left us some months back. We were able to manage because our boy helper and his common law wife helped in some chores. Now, that they are gone and there is only one female replacement, I am having trouble figuring out how our household of 9 people can manage with the impending vacation of my other helper, our main woman. That would leave only the new female helper who are tending to the animals and MIL's assistant to do all things in the house...... probably not humanly possible if my standards are to be followed. There has got to be a solution......My back up plan was to contract a stay-out helper for the duration of my helper's vacation. I was thinking of MIL's other assistant and my woman dog shooter. I made arrangement already.

In the weekend, MIL's other assistant, the one who goes with her to her appointments, came to the house with an applicant. My helper went to my room to tell me about the applicant. She added that the applicant is gay. I was both amused and curious and surprised. I didn't know how to react but I went down to see for myself. MIL's assistant made the proper introductions and I went on with my own preliminary interview. I asked about his experience but I couldn't get myself to ask him about his sexuality. He was in woman's clothes, btw. My helper earlier told me that we wouldn't be able to tell that he's gay. After my initial probe, I told him to report on Thursday which is the start of our long holiday.

I wasn't thinking about the reaction of my other household members. When I told hubby the following day, his immediate reaction was that of irritation as he expressed his concern for MS. That got me thinking too.......... To make the long story short, hubby wasn't so happy. I asked my helper and she also can't make anything out of it. She will be sleeping with him/her in their quarters. I was concerned. But it is something I do not want to ponder on for so long or overanalyze...... I am in dire need of help.......period. I let the issue linger avoiding further discussion.........

Early morning on Thursday, Mandy, a member of the third sex, reported for duty to an unenthusiastic household. I welcomed her and our newest member of the household was accompanied by my helper to their room where she deposited her stuff. They came back shortly and Mandy was ready to start her day with us........

It was also MD's birthday..... We were contemplating on going out later but since it's Holy Thursday we decided against it.......There were not many restos opened as the malls are closed.....So we have to reset the celebration on Saturday.....

Our household was quiet the entire lenten holiday....saved for some bickerings when we get into each other's nerves due to overexposure to each other.... The bedrooms would serve as retreat quarters..... Eating, prayers, chores, relaxation were the preoccupation of choice....... On Good Friday, I was awake at dawn thinking about the station of the cross. We were chosen to be one of the stations, the 12th..... I don't have much experience in these things..... I do believe that some traditions passed on to us deserve to be relived if only for the chance to feel like it's part of being a family. On lenten season, we try as best as we can to infuse some old practices into our prayers and meditation.

As dawn gave in to sunlight, I quickly jumped out of bed. I asked my helpers to start early so we could prepare the altar for our station. Things sort of fell into place. Later that morning, my friend V..... called to ask if we want to go some place. Frankly, we were bored to death staying in the house. I told her we would like to but I have to attend to the our lenten activity first. V...seemed to have no problem with it..... so we agreed on a time she would come to the house.

Before lunch, hubby fixed the space outside our gate for the altar. I brought out a crucifix, 2 candle holders, and the 12th station picture frame. We put some plants beside the altar. Everything was done in accordance with the instructions of the members of the religious group in our community. V....... would arrived right after lunch. The devotees were supposed to be in the 12th station around 1:00pm.....

Hubby was kinda looking out for them. In a while, he said that the devotees were already in the adjacent street. I hurriedly lit the candles. V....... removed her car from my frontage. Hubby and V...... were already with me outside when the devotees arrived in our station. MD and MS joined. ED was probably in the bathroom. Prayers were said and at some point I read a portion...... under the intense heat of the afternoon sun. After prayers were said, the head of the religious group asked if there was someone who could carry the Cross.... I looked at hubby and there was an awkward moment. The religious group seemed to understand and they said it was ok. They left... everything was over in a breeze. Thank God. But I was uncomfortable about the last scenario. Hubby was not at ease as well. He said that they should have told in advance. They actually did and I told him. But they also told me that it was ok if there wouldn't be a volunteer from our household. Hubby probably banked on that......... tsk, tsk.....

Vangie, ED, MD, and I left for Tagaytay after the last of the devotees was out of sight. It was a nice leisurely drive...... traffic was sooooooooo light... V.... and I have an unwritten pact on driving. She drives in the day while I drive in the evening. We went to Bag of Beans..... and not surprisingly, it was bursting to the brim and people were still coming in droves. Everyone must be bored. The original plan was to order hot raisin bread with butter and jam and hot choco. But being surrounded by gastronomical delights proved too much for the four of us, we had to order pasta...... three kinds..... In keeping with the lenten season, we ordered pasta with seafoods and veggies sauce. The planned light snack turned into an early dinner. I was inviting V...... to have dinner in our home. She had to beg off this early........  After our unplanned dinner, we headed home.......

In the weekend, there were some irritants as the whole household adjusts to Mandy...... It's the first time we're having this kind of a set-up...... Probably, we don't know what to expect, how to react..... I am actually cool to the idea..... But I know some people in my household have some discomfort and I just would have to accept and address that..... I actually made a compromise ....... That we'll decide Mandy's fate once my main helper is back from her vacation. I had to stress the fact that options were limited for us at the moment....

On Easter Sunday, we went to mass. The day went quickly as everyone seem to gear up for the departure of Kakay, my main helper. The house was spruced up. There were some organization chores done.... I am not sure if Kakay actually brief our remaining helpers on the routine in the house. By evening, I was contemplating how it would turn out the next day when Kakay takes her break...... I am all stressed out just thinking about it........

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March 22-28, 2010: Life's Two Faces

It's beginnings and endings for most families today....It's graduation time...... We have our own candidate.....MD is graduating from HS with honors.... MD surely deserves it working so hard all her four years in HS. I sensed dissatisfaction when got wind of her placing in the honor roll.... She's 11th in a batch of more than 400 students earning herself a bronze medal. She didn't need to say it loud but I noticed she was not as excited as when she was still waiting for the final outcome. ED placed 9th and got a silver medal in HS and also placed highly in elementary. My girls are achievers and just can't take any outcome. MD's honors capped a brilliant performance throughout her entire stay in her school. Although she was one place shy of the honor roll in her elementary years..... 16th and the select group would stop at 15th...... a repercussion we would get when I stood my ground fighting for her with then adviser and guidance counselor for an action taken against her and another classmate which was unwarranted, unfair, and frivolous. The incident would be a lesson in courage that made her aspire, work for, exercise prudence, and develop the right attitude in her life as a student. I couldn't be any prouder. I wanted to tell her that with her attitude she's a winner with or without the medals she got...... I am sure this will be her approach to life as it comes....

Earlier on, she asked me to attend their baccalaureate mass to be held a day before their actual commencement exercise. I already made plans to take a leave on their actual graduation day on Thursday. I forgot about the baccalaureate mass. She has a special award and was one of the readers. I was haggling with her to have her grandma attend it in my and her dad's behalf. She wasn't too happy. I could understand...she'll end up taking care of her mama instead of breezing through the ceremony. I have no recourse..... my one day leave had to be extended to two..... actually, I savor the idea afterwards..... and made plans....

I couldn't think of anything but commencement activities and graduation ball this week. On Wednesday, I was being rushed by MD to make it to their baccalaureate mass in time. My gasoline indicator says it's almost empty but I couldn't even stop to gas up... It's nice that the affair was held in their air-conditioned chapel... I was early and got vantage position. However, since it is only myself, I am disadvantaged when taking pictures. After the mass, the recognition came about.... MD's name was announced...silver for being part of the management of their school paper. After the affair, MD was like shooing me away discreetly. The school cafeteria is hosting a free luncheon for the graduates who have been eating in the same cafeteria for the past 13 years. It is but apt..... Like any day when things are gay, MD would be going out with friends after. I have my own plan as well..... a much needed trip to the saloon and a dinner date with a friend and his hubby who wanted to talk to me about a possible investment. But first, I went home for lunch and caught up on sleep.... After rejuvenating, I was off to the saloon.... As soon as I was comfortably propped up on a chair, I would call and talk to my friend, S......, for dinner arrangement from time to time. I was able to sway her to get some services too. Soon, she was at the saloon.... MD who was planning to get a nail job would also join me later.

After our impromptu saloon date, we headed to dinner at Kanin Club in nearby Westgate. It's about ending and beginning too for my friend, S.... and her hubby....Their donut biz is closing shop...but is in talks with an angel investor on another biz...and they want my opinion.....I am kinda wary about this proposed biz.....it's micro-lending that aims to assist people who would be attending bible study sessions. There is no definite target, no loan purpose, and even the implementation is in question. My friend's hubby was saying that the loan beneficiaries are family members of the borrower based in P.I. The borrowers are HK-based workers.... I was telling them that it is simply advancing the salaries of the borrowers. There would be no value-added as I would surmise that the proceeds will just be used for consumption expenditures rather than invested in a business. My friend's hubby was also not fully convinced about the idea. I broached the idea of implementing the project here and to tie up with an organized group like a cooperative or an NGO. Soon, we are filled with our hearty dinner of binukadkad na pla-pla, crispy dinuguan, sinigang na tadyang, crispy tenga, and crispy calamares. (Here's a link to a review of the club's specialties from fans and foes.....) The turon with the ube ice was a very delightful dessert. Then, it was time to go.....

I woke up a little late the following day which is MD's graduation day.... logged to the net, checked my emails, messages, listened to some music in between breakfast and some chores.... I thought this will be one of those worry-free days. Everything was going smoothly. We weren't rushing because the ceremony would start after lunch. I gave instructions to our helper to prepare lunch a little earlier than usual. Then, I got this text message from ED telling me she sprained her foot or something....She said she was going home. I prevailed upon her to stay and wait until I could arrange for someone to fetch her......My world tumbled..... Hubby prepared to fetch ED.... MD and MS would call ED to find out if she's alright..... I'll be monitoring things on my celfone as we prepare to leave .... We had lunch but hubby and ED weren't home yet..... We all prepared to go while waiting for them... Soon, they will be arriving....ED's right foot was in bandage...She explained that she tripped while playing a game with her classmates who rushed her to the ER. She said she's fine and could move around, albeit with a limp..... She and hubby had lunch..... Soon, we were off to MD's school.....

We arrived early enough.... MD would join her classmates as they assemble in their classroom for the last time. We proceeded to their gym, the usual venue for graduation. We checked the designated seats for hubby and I. Then, we went to the bleacher section to find a nice spot from ED and MS.... The ceremony started and we would march with MD with swords raised as if to herald the graduates...... We would be ushered to our seats soon. Then, there was the talks by the main speaker, the salutatorian, and the valedictorian..... After which, honors were conferred one by one ...... Proudly, we walked with MD..... We walked on the same stage a number of times in the past......we sat in a designated area reserved for parents of honor students.... Personally, I felt a deep sense of achievement for my daughters.....it as one of those shining moments for us.....

After the conferring of honors, the graduates would be called one by one to the stage to receive their diploma and for some, their loyalty medal. MD got a loyalty medal too..... Then, the ceremony became a drag..... it was almost an ordeal. It lasted 5 hours..... By the end, parents were equally sad and excited for their kids. There were laughter and lots of tears shed. It cuts deep inside.... I rushed to MD to take a shot as parents began clicking away. Despite the buzz, the air was filled with solemnity......only to be ruined by this teacher who blocked the path of the parents taking pictures saying the ceremony is not over yet. I had to restrain myself from pulling her long hair tied in a neat pony tail. Parents were pissed from being barred to capture an emotional moment... I was just so glad I was able to breach that 'security' before they even realized it. But I am pissed for the other parents......Cmon, give us a break..... it is all over as soon as the last of the graduate received his diploma.... except for the end of their farewell song, there was no more to go back too.... The graduates would soon be on their own destinations......

When finally it was over, the stage was filled with parents, friends, and graduated taking shots in every conceivable space. When the last of the laughter died down and the last teardrop fell, everyone headed for the exit.... Once in the car, we would soon be discussing our dinner options.... Chinese sounded good to the kids who were craving for something tasty. We went to Hap Chan Alabang branch ..... We ordered a feast of pata tim, friend chicken, squid, steamed lapu lapu, yang chao and everyone ate to their hearts' desire. Finally, we headed home.

It was another workday for me and I lazily dragged myself to work. My class was suspended as my students went to vacation a day too early.

In the weekend, it was the usual chores for me. Our helper are still not so adept with the pet chores and I had to give a hand. Our community's religious group also approached me asking if our home could be one of the stations during Good Friday's Station of the Cross. I readily said yes thinking MIL could take care of it. Besides, I have lots to thank for and this is such a small thing to do for all our blessings..... I would learn after i accepted the responsibility that MIL would be going to BIL's home or a week starting Sunday.....oh, oh..... It is not so hard a task I think and we should be able to manage without MIL.....

Palm Sunday came and we were among the crowd who brought palms to church for the blessing rites in Saturday's anticipated mass only to be told that the blessing of palms would be done the following day..... Hubby, who was not with us, brought the palms to church the following day when he heard mass.....

It's a full week and I am looking forward to the lenten season.......
Related Posts:
Graduating with Honor
Lessons of Love
Mommy's Hope
The Diary
Proud to be My Son's Mom

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The Real Deal

This is a treat for all readers of this blog who like my post, Letter to My Daughter. I notice this post always figures on the pages that visitors to my site like. I decided to let you all in on the real letter between MD and me...... Read on and enjoy the touching yet amusing exchange of love between my daughter and this mum while she was participating in the last retreat in her high school......

10 September 2009

My Dear Foolish Daughter I.....,

First, sorry because you had to carry our retlet to your retreat. I lost track of the time because of so many preoccupations kaya dina naipadala kunwari sa guard sa gate 6 para kunwari di mo alam na me retlet kami. In your case, alam mo na me retlet kami which you carried yourself…… that should make you feel proud na naalala naming gumawa ng retlet….. Please tell your adviser that we prepared a retlet, baka bigyan ka demerit eh……

Now that we got that out, let’s begin from the start………

I actually have no complaints about you being my daughter except that when you sleep on our bed ………..you occupy about ¾ of the bed and I cannot toss and turn in my sleep at baka maipit kita. As a result, I often sleep in just one position which gives me constant backaches. But that is alright…. With practice I have perfected the art of sleeping on only ¼ of the bed……

You have really been a source of joy to me all these 16 years, 5 months, 9 days, 10 hours, 23 minutes, 10 seconds (as I was writing this). You have been a good and responsible daughter at home, in school, and wherever you may be…… although you may be sungit at times (that’s another story that I had to discuss with O.....).

At home, I am glad that you look after your brother and would volunteer to cook for the family at times. You had not been doing the latter lately and we miss your cooking and baking kahit na ng eruption cake na lang. Please continue to look after O..... as he needs constant guidance with your Dad and I spending long hours at work. Your Ate A...... is also pursuing her dream. That is why, your brother has only you to look up to at home….. Maybe, your Mama too… but not as much as you. He really fears, I mean is in awe of you. He probably thinks you’re so great being both pretty (uy, vain!) and brainy at the same time. Please inspire him to develop the same study habits that you have so he can compare to you. I think that would please him. That would please me too….. if J...... can be half of what you and your Ate A...... can be. Of all of you, I worry the most for J..... not because he is my favorite. There is no such thing with me because you are all my children and I love all of you equally. My concern for your brother stems from his inability to adjust socially……….. he doesn’t have many friends, he doesn’t excel in school, he isn’t liked as much because of his constant outburst. I guess we can help him by making him feel secure and making him believe that he can do as well as anybody. Constantly give words of encouragement while at the same time correcting what needs to be corrected and instilling responsibility in school work. He really listens well specially if you talk to him heart-to-heart. I have always depended on you on this……

Now let’s move to your other accomplishment…… as a student

You have given us honor that would MYMP (alam mo ibig sabihin nito, diba?). Even if in your elementary years you didn’t quite get the medal (because of the dirty politics in your school) that you deserve, you will always be an A1 student for me. I was a proud mom attending that graduation. I hope there are no hitches this time and with God’s grace you are on your way to getting the honor that had eluded you………. Nobody deserves it more than you as I see you burn the midnight oil studying for your exams or working on your requirements. You got the brains (which you got from me, of course!) plus the right attitude to make it. In time, you will be pursuing your own dream too. I would look forward to the day when my two doctor daughters and my vet son will be eating on the same dinner table as they talk about caring for their human and animal patients…. I will be happy to be getting free medical services at last from doctors who will really take care of me.

Now, let’s talk about G...... and N...... and all about the other boys that you will meet………

As you know, we are beginning to like N...... more (joke)…………. Both G...... and N...... (joke again) are ok,…… wala na bang iba?…………. Seriously anak, don’t get serious with any of these boys yet…. You’re young, beautiful, intelligent ……. The world is yours to conquer. Just to give an example, in your review class……. Isn’t it true that there were a lot of cute boys that you met…. If you are in a committed relationship, you limit your chances of meeting other nice, intelligent, good-looking, and most specially respectful to your parents boys. In college, you will meet a lot of these boys…. Some will be nice as you would like them to be……… be careful of wolves in sheep’s clothing…. They abound. Learn to discern the true intention of a guy…… not just what he is trying to paint himself to be……. I cannot dictate in this department …… but we have raised you to be a good person, God-fearing, compassionate, responsible, family-oriented………. Look for these same qualities …………. However, even if I say this, do not rush into things….. You are still too young…. 40 would still be a good age to have a boyfriend. The world has a lot to offer and it’s up to you to seize the opportunities….. Commitment would limit your horizon…. I trust you on this……….

Lastly, let’s talk about being my daughter……

I cannot be any happier than having you………. Our home would not be as bright and gay without you….. I just hope that the kasungitan would be lessened….. I also would be hurt by disrespectful words on those times……… All this aside, I am glad you are my daughter and I cannot ask for a better one…

I love you.


Mommy



And here is MD's response which I encoded verbatim (errors and editing marks included) from her letter written on a pink paper...


To My Dearest Foolish Mom,

Inaaaay! Thank you sa letter. Hindi naman ako magkakademerit nun! Grabe ka naman! Tawa ng Tawa classmates ko nung nabasa nila retlet. Ang baliw mo daw.... nagmana daw ako sayo ^ hehe. Okaay uhm. First of all, I'm sorry for all the headaches and back aches that I have given you. Sorry kung ¼ na lang yun bed natutulugan mo, sorry kung sumasagot po ako sa inyo minsan, sorry kung ang sungit ko, sorry kung you feel that I haven't been patient kay J......, sorry kung I disobey you, sorry kung (na) nakakalimutan kong magpo and opo basta sorry sa lahat. Sana kahit I hurt you in so many ways hindi mo iniisip na di kita love kasi kahit I don't show it often and kahit hindi ko nasasabi lagi na i love you, I really really do. I appreciate everything that you do for me. Yun pagbangon mo everyday just to go to work.....yun mga ganun. I appreciate all those things. (about) When I read your letter yesterday, di ko alam kung matatawa ako or maiiyak pero natouch ako. Lalo na yun may MYMP pa......ayieee.. I'm happy na kahit papanu I made you proud kasi akala ko dati nadisappoint kita nung di ako naghonor nung grade 6. Sorry kung ganun....tinatry ko naman bumawi ngayong hs eh..Ginagawa ko lahat ngayon para maghonor ako at makaakyat kayo sa stage ni Daddy sa graduation ko para ng kay Ate A...... Sana mommy kahit talino ni Ate A...... at kasing (expre) sweet ni J.....na kahit lakwatsera ako, (nag) me boys (oi isa lang yan ah! kaw sabi mo madami! Bad ka!), na ang sungit ko, na ang arte ko sana mommy di ka mawalan ng patience sakin. Sana maintindihan mo ako na ewan ko ba.... di ko naman sinasadya lahat ng yun eh. As much as possible, ayaw kong madidisappoint kita o kaya kinukunsimusyon (di ko alam spelling!) ka kasi dadami white hair mo! EWWW! Joke lang.

Mommy yun kay G..... ahehehe..... Thank you sa words of wisdom mo...I'll keep that in mind promise!

Sabi mo sa letter mo super happy ka na I'm your daughter, sana malaman mo na mas happy akong ikaw nanay ko! I'm so proud of you mommy (bagets ata nanay ko! yak ang baduy) I love you so much mommy. Namiss kita.....MMMMMWAAAAAAH! Super hug! xoxo --- alam mo yan? hugs and kisses yan. nax you learned something new! take care always!


D-a best chef in my heart!
A-rtistahin
L-ovable
I-ntelligent
S-exy (Nax!)
A-miable;)
Y-oung (bumibinggo na ko!)

From your beautiful anak,
I.....

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March 15 - 22, 2010: Bruised

Things at the office continue to be same old, same old.... But we are to be surprised with a news of change of the big boss. So our good secretary is out as he was transferred to the Monetary Board. Secretary Jesli Lapus is taking the helm of our department. The rigodon was Malacanang's response to the decision of the Supreme Court to uphold its ruling that deems resigned all appointive officials running for the 2010 polls.

With barely two months to go before election when a new president along with an array of new officials will see a new day dawning, do we really need this change???!!! A change in the cabinet is a necessary aftershock after a new president is installed. After all, the new dispensation should be able to work with its executive branch for an easy transition. Frankly, I do not see rhyme or reason in the change of leadership in our department. But what the heck, let's get on with it. These bosses will come and go but we are here to stay.

There hardly was excitement in the air when the turnover happened. I began seeing uniformed police officers in our floor lobby when the new boss took over. I still see some of the old bodyguards of the old boss. So what happens to the people of the old boss?

Much of the activities this week focused on updating and charming the new boss with fancy reports and all sorts of ass-kissing. The dancers and the suckers came in full force with matching musical accompaniments and booze and a modest feast. The secretary's office was bustling with inert energy..... nothing much but hot air.

I still lead the double life..... public servant by day and a moonlighter by night...... works wonder all the time. When things are not as I expect it to be in one, the other compensates for it. I was glad to be walking my old familiar route that Friday evening.......

I woke up early Saturday morning to prepare myself for my usual share of chores. I looked for our boy helper and was told by my other helper that he and his wife slept at his mother's. Lately, he has been frequenting his mother's place apparently to help build up their home. Their old house was demolished by the owner of the place they are occupying. Recently, he asked permission to take extra work in their place in preparation for the birth if his child. We allowed him with the condition that work at our home is done before he leaves.

I did not like the fact that my boy helper and his wife took off without asking permission. I guess he is testing the limits of my patience. It was late and he and his wife were still no show. I took matters into my own hands. I asked MIL's new assistant to help me in feeding and cleaning up the dogs. I was preparing to do this when they entered the gate. He didn't come in, it was just his wife who entered the house. I was greeted with a disastrous news by his wife telling me that my boy helper quits. I instantly felt anger but tried to compose myself. I told his wife to call him. He reluctantly entered staying by the door. I asked him what's the matter. Without facing me, he said he quits. His reason was MIL's intrusion on the matter of his absence the night before. He resented being reprimanded. I tried telling him to wait for hubby who had a training out-of-town the day before and hasn't arrived yet. I also told him and his wife to at least feed the animals. His response was silence. He and his wife then went out of the house and stayed in the store room they occupied while they were with us. I did not bother insisting and I called hubby to tell him what happened. MIL's assistant and I tended to the dogs. Later, my other helper fed the birds. My boy helper and his wife stayed for sometime but when hubby came they were gone.

I was hopeful things would fall into place. Talking about it, we were actually relieve they are gone. They have been a load for us the past few months. I was the one who accepted them without seeking hubby's permission when they moved in with us late last year. My boy helper and his wife were having problems with her mother. Lately, I have been hearing loud complaints about them....getting louder and louder by the day. We were already talking about a possible replacement. I have been secretly scouting around. I have also told my other helper to look for a replacement when she takes a vacation to go to her province next month. But there is never a good opportunity to fire somebody. There are bound to be hurt feelings and bruised egos. It was good that the initiative to leave came from him. MIL's intrusion, gladly, was the stimulus.

It must be my lucky day. I chanced upon MIL and her other assistant talking about an errand in her room some hours later. I butted in..... telling her assistant my dilemma. She promised she'll look for a replacement.

Now that a replacement has not been found yet, I am in a bind. If I am not working, that should not be a problem. I always love tending to my dogs..... They are better that most people in my office. But then, I have to earn a living too. This occupied my mind the entire day. Still, I have to run to do my errands. We were out of dog food and I had to rush to the pet shop. My eldest pooch, Hershey, was following me as I got the key to my car. She knew when it was right to tag along. In the weekend, she is my constant travel companion for errands in nearby areas. On weekdays, she would just look at me as I make my way to the door probably thinking mummy is going to a boring place..... and she's right....

Hershey and I set out for the pet store. Inside the village, I would open the window because she loves looking outside sticking her head out. People are amused. But once outside, I would close the window. She would be uneasy and would pace the seat going to me. I would return her to her place reprimanding her. She does this all the time. Yet, I still would bring her all the time.

We got to the pet store and bought two packs of dog food. I was telling her we would buy their bananas on our way home. She and my other dogs love bananas. I would have to pass through another route to go to the banana vendor. Hershey was again uneasy and was all over the place. I had to restrict her as I was making a turn by the road's bend..... And then, I heard a slight tug.....oh, oh. I grazed a car park near the bend (why would he park it there, anyway??!!!) as I was making a turn and restricting Hershey... the bad thing is my insurance is lapsed.... The insurance company called home a week ago and my helper did not ask for a contact number. My car registration is due early next month. I was thinking, maybe the insurance can wait. I don't use my car everyday.

But it happened..... I have been in the situation before. I went down and look at the damage. It was just some scratches on the side of the other car. I did not bother looking into mine. As I was looking, I offered to have my insurance take care of it. I know it's lapsed but I just have to pay for it. The guy said it would take too long and he just borrowed the car from his aunt. I told him we can have it fixed tomorrow. He was insistent on having it fixed immediately. Being the guilty party, I have no recourse but to oblige. I told him I would just bring Hershey home and to just follow me. We reached home and unloaded the dog food and let Hershey in. MIL's assistant told me that the other assistant was inside the house with an applicant.

I went out to talk to the guy. He suggested buffing the grazed portion. Then , he said he would have to buy paint. I raised my brow thinking what does he want. Initially, he was asking for a thousand pesos. I told him that we should just have it canvassed and I'd take care of it. I requested we do it the following day because it's almost 5:00pm and the shops would be close when we get there. He finally relented after initially rejecting the idea.

I went inside to talk to the applicant brought by MIL's assistant. After an initial assessment, I told he to report the following morning. She can't stay with us because she has a baby. The arrangement was like that of my former boy helper. He would report in the morning and would go home early evening when the work is finished. I am just hoping that she would deliver.....

She reported to work the following day and I had to assist her initially. Then, I called on MIL's assistant to assist her. I was giving instructions all along. Later, hubby took over when it was the birds' turn. She even managed to clean up the entire place. I can't believe the volume of garbage she removed from the place....which goes to show how much our boy helper and his wife had been slacking off..... I heave a sigh of relief feeling lightness in the place afterwards. Our pets could breathe well too......

Having solve my problem, I was relaxing on my laptop, headset on, listening to good music, while doing other stuff on my last hours before I get back to the rat race. I would notice an ugly black and blue mark on my upper arm where the sleeve ends. I bruised myself in the weekend without realizing how.... ..The closest possible reason is my struggling with our lab as I was trying to get it out of the cage. It is hard to hide the nasty bruise in this weather when I would usually wear short-sleeves blouse or shirt.... It actually looks like the telltale sign of someone battered.... except that I am not. The person who can do that to me is yet to be born:)..... I have no idea how I got it......but I sure have some explaining to do....

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