When I look to my right, I’ll see the sky and the mountain, to my left is a pink swing that seats two. Beside it is the water pump, old-style.
Right outside the fence sits a family of goats. All white. Mom and kids waiting under the shadow of the neighbor’s fence. And some stray dogs waiting for some leftovers. One of them—a female dog that always looks like she’s just given birth, again, my mom calls as ‘Friend’ when she throws pieces of bread towards her. A new one, a dog with a black slightly sinister looking face looks up to me. Nah, but he didn’t really look all that bad. He had good eyes.
We’ve got a lot of trees around here. Not too much to make the house all dark and gloomy, but enough to cool the air around and give enough shade for when we take the tables outside to eat pretty much all our meals except for dinner, because it usually gets too cold. Hamog.
We’ve got 4 dogs. Bruce guards the forefront. Spike and Labang roam around. Cali’s on the other lot. Old Cali. Going down the same path as Kayla and Simba. I hope not too soon though. But I wish he’d still enjoy the precious time he’s got.
You’ll hear the birds chirping. Not only in the mornings, but even in the afternoon. And Blackjack, I forgot about Blackjack, the cat that roams outside pretty much the whole day finding mates, then comes back home to eat and play for awhile.
When you’re here, time drags its feet. And there’s nothing much to decide except whether to sleep or eat…or maybe watch dvd’s or downloaded videos. Time. Precious time just lying around for the taking. To be used for the things you’ve never had the time for. I forgot to bring books. Maybe because I’ve got a whole slew of videos all lined up.
Mom and dad are out. When they get back (with Tita Agnes, maybe), we’ll probably eat again…then talk about stuff. Different things, anything, but usually going around on a happy tone.
Ate Yolly and I just finished lunch at 3pm. Sat down and ate under the trees. With the birds giving us music and the slight moaning of the dogs asking for more food (they’ve already had lunch and still got a lot of dog food in their pans, but I guess it’s a matter of habit to ask for more). And we sat there talking about how she had been spending her days here while she tended the home while Cristy & Angie--her nieces who usually take care of the house, are on Christmas vacation.
Its icky to admit, but I’ve thought that maybe I’m experiencing a hint of withdrawal syndrome from work…Okay, and now, the thought has passed.
I guess with all this wonderful, precious windchimey chirpy chirpy state of idleness I find myself at a loss as to how I should handle it.
But as I washed my feet to get ready to get back to bed, I told myself to just enjoy it. That’s the art of idleness after all. And now I’m back, deciding on whether to sleep or watch more videos—but I chose to write this down first lest I forget about the ‘specialness’ of this wonderful gift…of idleness, and peach. Peach. Peace I mean. (Peaches, that I love too.)
Thank you God for this gift. This is Christmas. Arayat style.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Dreams do come true, even in the real world.
Astig!
===
(From money.cnn.com -Business 2.0: My Golden Rule)
Ivan Seidenberg
Chairman and CEO, Verizon
My first boss -- he was the building superintendent, and I was a janitor -- watched me sweep floors and wash walls for almost a year before he mentioned that I could get tuition for college if I got a job with the phone company. When I asked him why he'd waited so long, he said, "I wanted to see if you were worth it."
The message: Work hard, have high standards, and stick to your values, because somebody's always watching.
===
Janitor to CEO. Totoo pala yun :)
Things to be thankful for today:
1. Google
2. Amazing (free) reads on the internet...fortune.com, cnn.com
3. twitter. para sa mga tamad maghanap ng trends.
4. Friday night.
5. Pears
6. Amazing sunshine
7. Bioflu, Decolgen, and the cold that didn't turn into a weekend bummer.
8. moved deadlines. yey!
9. love
10. Godwhispersclub.com
11. No-work weekend!
12. Acceptance
13. Counting blessings
14. Big Bang Theory
15. Tofu
16. Waking up without the alarm clock!
:)
Naalala ko bigla yung mga Sabadong gumigising ako't excited kumain ng taho. Tapos tutunganga lang sa harap ng tv at uubusin ang mga cartoons sa umaga bago maligo...Masaya lang, masaya.
Anong kinalaman nun kay Ivan Seidenberg, kela Warren Buffet at sa iba pang kasama sa article sa taas, beats me. Pero masarap lang isipin that the world is filled with so many inspiring people, at mraming rason para maging masaya kahit hindi Sabado bukas.
Pero Sabado bukas! Yeeehaw.
p.p.s
sabi ni pareng ivan 'somebody's always watching.'
Uhm God, pwede matanong...I know you're watching, uhm, so how am I faring? Wala na kasing classcard ngayon e...di ko alam kung anong grade ko. Thanks.
===
(From money.cnn.com -Business 2.0: My Golden Rule)
Ivan Seidenberg
Chairman and CEO, Verizon
My first boss -- he was the building superintendent, and I was a janitor -- watched me sweep floors and wash walls for almost a year before he mentioned that I could get tuition for college if I got a job with the phone company. When I asked him why he'd waited so long, he said, "I wanted to see if you were worth it."
The message: Work hard, have high standards, and stick to your values, because somebody's always watching.
===
Janitor to CEO. Totoo pala yun :)
Things to be thankful for today:
1. Google
2. Amazing (free) reads on the internet...fortune.com, cnn.com
3. twitter. para sa mga tamad maghanap ng trends.
4. Friday night.
5. Pears
6. Amazing sunshine
7. Bioflu, Decolgen, and the cold that didn't turn into a weekend bummer.
8. moved deadlines. yey!
9. love
10. Godwhispersclub.com
11. No-work weekend!
12. Acceptance
13. Counting blessings
14. Big Bang Theory
15. Tofu
16. Waking up without the alarm clock!
:)
Naalala ko bigla yung mga Sabadong gumigising ako't excited kumain ng taho. Tapos tutunganga lang sa harap ng tv at uubusin ang mga cartoons sa umaga bago maligo...Masaya lang, masaya.
Anong kinalaman nun kay Ivan Seidenberg, kela Warren Buffet at sa iba pang kasama sa article sa taas, beats me. Pero masarap lang isipin that the world is filled with so many inspiring people, at mraming rason para maging masaya kahit hindi Sabado bukas.
Pero Sabado bukas! Yeeehaw.
p.p.s
sabi ni pareng ivan 'somebody's always watching.'
Uhm God, pwede matanong...I know you're watching, uhm, so how am I faring? Wala na kasing classcard ngayon e...di ko alam kung anong grade ko. Thanks.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Blues out. Yellows in.
There's nothing like getting 8 hours of sleep on a work night. That sounds...urk...sad? Reeks of some complaining even.
Okay, erase, erase. Of course there are a lot of things much like getting 8 hours of sleep. It's not the greatest thing in the world, but it does make one see the better things in life easier. Like say, not being too tired to read, or write, or see that the sun's up and the dust particles are dancing around once more basking in what Ms. Tiambeng described as the Tyndall effect. I don't know if I remembered it right, but the happy memories of seeing sunny Sunday lighting feels just about right.
Thing is, last week's been quite a downer..for no apparent reason. Of course there are reasons, but not legitimate ones, not reasonable enough to feel sad. But who's to say what's reason enough to feel sad? I can. I should. At least for my life, I should know what should and shouldn't get me down. Sometimes I feel like a living a movie with the director giving real-time commentary. The director says don't do this, don't feel that, but the actor won't listen. The hard part is, they're one and the same person. HAh, sounds schizo to me.
Must've watched too much of John Nash. (Mental Note: Truly touching documentary from Jenny. "Brilliant Madness")
Weniwei, to get off the overly-dramatic mode, I said, "I resign."
Not from work. But from being the diva director. Sometimes I get too engrossed with making this opus turn out into a blockbuster that I forget to have fun. So I told God, "I resign." Turned over the reins to Him once more, and took my seat as asst. director of this show called life.
It still hasn't been all bright and sunny Kermity-froggy all happy happy lately, but things have been coming along well. Cue in, uplifting music right about...here. :)
Things to be happy about on a Wednesday:
1. 8 hours of sleep
2. choco-chip mini empanadas
3. Jenny liking the story (me, finishing the story!)
4. good people around
5. chicken bbq
6. happy daddy & mommy
7. knowing that things will be all right
8. approved boards
9. Bo Sanchez!
10. appreciation
11. beautiful sunsets even on foggy days
Okay, erase, erase. Of course there are a lot of things much like getting 8 hours of sleep. It's not the greatest thing in the world, but it does make one see the better things in life easier. Like say, not being too tired to read, or write, or see that the sun's up and the dust particles are dancing around once more basking in what Ms. Tiambeng described as the Tyndall effect. I don't know if I remembered it right, but the happy memories of seeing sunny Sunday lighting feels just about right.
Thing is, last week's been quite a downer..for no apparent reason. Of course there are reasons, but not legitimate ones, not reasonable enough to feel sad. But who's to say what's reason enough to feel sad? I can. I should. At least for my life, I should know what should and shouldn't get me down. Sometimes I feel like a living a movie with the director giving real-time commentary. The director says don't do this, don't feel that, but the actor won't listen. The hard part is, they're one and the same person. HAh, sounds schizo to me.
Must've watched too much of John Nash. (Mental Note: Truly touching documentary from Jenny. "Brilliant Madness")
Weniwei, to get off the overly-dramatic mode, I said, "I resign."
Not from work. But from being the diva director. Sometimes I get too engrossed with making this opus turn out into a blockbuster that I forget to have fun. So I told God, "I resign." Turned over the reins to Him once more, and took my seat as asst. director of this show called life.
It still hasn't been all bright and sunny Kermity-froggy all happy happy lately, but things have been coming along well. Cue in, uplifting music right about...here. :)
Things to be happy about on a Wednesday:
1. 8 hours of sleep
2. choco-chip mini empanadas
3. Jenny liking the story (me, finishing the story!)
4. good people around
5. chicken bbq
6. happy daddy & mommy
7. knowing that things will be all right
8. approved boards
9. Bo Sanchez!
10. appreciation
11. beautiful sunsets even on foggy days
Thursday, October 29, 2009
If cars had souls
10.28.09
This morning I pushed a car. Not just any car, I pushed Tatau. For the first few seconds I did it alone, until a helpful sidewalk vendor and his friend Ate Metro Aide came to my rescue. I didn’t know how to jumpstart a car, so dad had to take the wheel.
So we crossed Buendia, me in my glorious lemon yellow shirt, pushing a red car for all the world, well, for all the frontliners along that intersection, to see.
Embarrassing? Not really. Early morning work-out, definitely.
Weniwei, I still can’t get over the fact that even as cars have no souls, Tatau seems to care. Yes, the fanbelt wore out that’s why the battery didn’t charge. But it still carried on until it couldn’t run no more. It stopped a few meters from dad’s office.
And in the evening, the engine overheated…while we were still near dad’s office. So the necessary first aid was administered. Dad taught me a lesson about not opening the radiator cover when it’s smoking hot. “Wag kang matataranta pag nag-overheat” He said. Just pour some water on the radiator. Wait for it to cool down a few seconds. Wrap your hands to protect yourself when you carefully open the radiator cap—provided you’ve already let it cool down a bit…you’ll know once the steam stops from blowing over. Much like handling some hotheaded person, like say…me.
Dad had car troubles 3 times over. Twice with Tatau, once during midday when he took an office service to visit their Manila office. On all occasions, the cars conked out a few meters from his office---just at the right place & time (if there ever is a ‘right time’ for something to conk out) if you may.
And as we drove home we talked about Tatau. How he’s never let us down. He’s an old car. I’ve had it since college, and we bought it second hand. We didn’t meet the right way. I was still in love with Pacha—my first car (technically not mine, well, neither is Tatau—they’re both dad’s really), the blue macho Galant which we had to sell because supposedly, it guzzled gas. But really it had reasonable consumption levels. Anyway, that car never let me down too. I’ve had numerous trips to the repair shops, befriended mechanics from Servitek to the hole in the wall talyers. And everytime it had to stop (I say had, because I feel it tried to go on for as long as he safely could), it always happened in a safe place—either a few meters off a repair shop, or in a well-lit spot just right for towing. I loved that car. Felt like driving around with a sala set. I felt safe in its bigness. But we parted so suddenly. And the Blue car suddenly became red. Corolla red, as red as my eyes the day I first saw it and cried for dear Pacha.
First time I put the key in the ignition, it wouldn’t even start. Apparently one had to pump the gas pedal thrice before it starts. A quirk which only Tatau’s friends knew. But we soon became friends. And soon, the same trust I gave Pacha, Tatau earned.
I name my things. It makes them easier to talk to. I don’t know if they can hear me, but it feels like they do. Because all these years, they’ve always seemed to talk back. When Tatau’s sick, he sounds different. But normally, he’s just the type to have the quirks which probably first-hand car owners would worry about, but second-hand car drivers get used to.
(Side note: Other object names: Guitar—Billiken. After the Buddha figure in Nick Joaquin’s Woman with Two Navels, Bike—Bucciel. I’ve no idea where I got this name. Suited the bike just right. Dad’s Bike—Utoy. Pacha’s named after Cuzco’s trusted friend in The Emperor’s New Groove, Tatau…got it from the plate number. I wasn’t too fond of him when I fist met him, hence the lack of personality of the name…but as he grew on me, the name took on a happy meaning).
I have no idea if talking to cars helps them ‘care’ more. Dad’s car seems to love him too. I’m not so sure though if he talks to him. I haven’t named that one yet because I don’t get to drive it often…But when I do say sorry for hitting a pothole I say ‘Sorry baby.’ Works just fine. It’s been a good one too, all these years.
Yes, they have conked out. There were times when the aircon went out in the middle of summer. Or the alternator just broke down. Or the power steering kit leaked in the middle of EDSA, yadayadayada…but today I still write about them, because they’ve all gotten me and my loved ones from point A to Z safely, happily, gratefully, and in 99.9% of the time, with me inside and not pushing from behind. Good...no, kind cars. Kind, trusty wheely friends.
Things to be grateful for today:
1. Long weekend coming up.
2. Good, trusty vehicles.
3. Productive meetings
4. The head cold that didn't develop into a full-blown downer
5. Great books from the second-hand bookstore at UP SC--found Richard Bach's One & Antoine de Exupery's Wind, Sand and Stars!!
6. Dates with myself.
7. Macmac
8. Love all around
9. Pillows on my bed
10. Kermit, rainbows, chocolate chip cookies.
11. Oh, and helpful people! (special thanks to manong vendor and ate metro aide on the corner of Malugay & Buendia!)
This morning I pushed a car. Not just any car, I pushed Tatau. For the first few seconds I did it alone, until a helpful sidewalk vendor and his friend Ate Metro Aide came to my rescue. I didn’t know how to jumpstart a car, so dad had to take the wheel.
So we crossed Buendia, me in my glorious lemon yellow shirt, pushing a red car for all the world, well, for all the frontliners along that intersection, to see.
Embarrassing? Not really. Early morning work-out, definitely.
Weniwei, I still can’t get over the fact that even as cars have no souls, Tatau seems to care. Yes, the fanbelt wore out that’s why the battery didn’t charge. But it still carried on until it couldn’t run no more. It stopped a few meters from dad’s office.
And in the evening, the engine overheated…while we were still near dad’s office. So the necessary first aid was administered. Dad taught me a lesson about not opening the radiator cover when it’s smoking hot. “Wag kang matataranta pag nag-overheat” He said. Just pour some water on the radiator. Wait for it to cool down a few seconds. Wrap your hands to protect yourself when you carefully open the radiator cap—provided you’ve already let it cool down a bit…you’ll know once the steam stops from blowing over. Much like handling some hotheaded person, like say…me.
Dad had car troubles 3 times over. Twice with Tatau, once during midday when he took an office service to visit their Manila office. On all occasions, the cars conked out a few meters from his office---just at the right place & time (if there ever is a ‘right time’ for something to conk out) if you may.
And as we drove home we talked about Tatau. How he’s never let us down. He’s an old car. I’ve had it since college, and we bought it second hand. We didn’t meet the right way. I was still in love with Pacha—my first car (technically not mine, well, neither is Tatau—they’re both dad’s really), the blue macho Galant which we had to sell because supposedly, it guzzled gas. But really it had reasonable consumption levels. Anyway, that car never let me down too. I’ve had numerous trips to the repair shops, befriended mechanics from Servitek to the hole in the wall talyers. And everytime it had to stop (I say had, because I feel it tried to go on for as long as he safely could), it always happened in a safe place—either a few meters off a repair shop, or in a well-lit spot just right for towing. I loved that car. Felt like driving around with a sala set. I felt safe in its bigness. But we parted so suddenly. And the Blue car suddenly became red. Corolla red, as red as my eyes the day I first saw it and cried for dear Pacha.
First time I put the key in the ignition, it wouldn’t even start. Apparently one had to pump the gas pedal thrice before it starts. A quirk which only Tatau’s friends knew. But we soon became friends. And soon, the same trust I gave Pacha, Tatau earned.
I name my things. It makes them easier to talk to. I don’t know if they can hear me, but it feels like they do. Because all these years, they’ve always seemed to talk back. When Tatau’s sick, he sounds different. But normally, he’s just the type to have the quirks which probably first-hand car owners would worry about, but second-hand car drivers get used to.
(Side note: Other object names: Guitar—Billiken. After the Buddha figure in Nick Joaquin’s Woman with Two Navels, Bike—Bucciel. I’ve no idea where I got this name. Suited the bike just right. Dad’s Bike—Utoy. Pacha’s named after Cuzco’s trusted friend in The Emperor’s New Groove, Tatau…got it from the plate number. I wasn’t too fond of him when I fist met him, hence the lack of personality of the name…but as he grew on me, the name took on a happy meaning).
I have no idea if talking to cars helps them ‘care’ more. Dad’s car seems to love him too. I’m not so sure though if he talks to him. I haven’t named that one yet because I don’t get to drive it often…But when I do say sorry for hitting a pothole I say ‘Sorry baby.’ Works just fine. It’s been a good one too, all these years.
Yes, they have conked out. There were times when the aircon went out in the middle of summer. Or the alternator just broke down. Or the power steering kit leaked in the middle of EDSA, yadayadayada…but today I still write about them, because they’ve all gotten me and my loved ones from point A to Z safely, happily, gratefully, and in 99.9% of the time, with me inside and not pushing from behind. Good...no, kind cars. Kind, trusty wheely friends.
Things to be grateful for today:
1. Long weekend coming up.
2. Good, trusty vehicles.
3. Productive meetings
4. The head cold that didn't develop into a full-blown downer
5. Great books from the second-hand bookstore at UP SC--found Richard Bach's One & Antoine de Exupery's Wind, Sand and Stars!!
6. Dates with myself.
7. Macmac
8. Love all around
9. Pillows on my bed
10. Kermit, rainbows, chocolate chip cookies.
11. Oh, and helpful people! (special thanks to manong vendor and ate metro aide on the corner of Malugay & Buendia!)
Monday, October 19, 2009
HBO on a monday night
Richard Gere lifted Paula up. Kissed her passionately. Held onto her til the credits rolled, and the image was forever paused. Definitely one of the best memories for a Monday night.
She was swept off her feet. It was an image of unabated adoration. Stuff movies are made of, daydreams are painted over with, and versions of which are created in varied, albeit contextual moments in real life.
Things to be grateful for this monday night:
1. Richard Gere. Definitely an officer & a gentleman!!
2. Monday night movie with mom & dad
3. Finally watching a kilig movie and realizing that I no longer have the "I wished I had that too" feeling.
4. Because I know I already have 'that'.
5. Regi
:)
She was swept off her feet. It was an image of unabated adoration. Stuff movies are made of, daydreams are painted over with, and versions of which are created in varied, albeit contextual moments in real life.
Things to be grateful for this monday night:
1. Richard Gere. Definitely an officer & a gentleman!!
2. Monday night movie with mom & dad
3. Finally watching a kilig movie and realizing that I no longer have the "I wished I had that too" feeling.
4. Because I know I already have 'that'.
5. Regi
:)
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Thoughts on Bers, Dogs, Hello & Goodbye
Yesterday was the first day of Septemeber. And already, Unang Hirit had a choir singing Christmas Songs. Kahit feeling summer pa din dahil biglang umiinit ang umaga, it's undeniable, Christmas Season's just around the corner. Yep, may default happy thought na for the coming days.
===
Things I haven't been able to write about:
2 weeks ago, I went with Chaw, Atan and the Husky pack: Charlie Brown, Rainbow Brite, Luna & Firefox to BHS on an early Sunday morning to go for...ta-dah...a walk. We met up with Jace, Blu, Angus & Hershey, plus Doc & the amazing half-dog half-bear, Cash.
I haven't been around dogs for quite some time (all the doggies are in Arayat). So being with a bunch of Siberian Huskies, a beagle, a lab, and a huge golden retriever was a wonderful treat! If there was a virtual age counter that followed me around as I played with those doggies, I could've sworn that I grew younger by about 10-15 or even more years. Just thinking about them makes me want to squeeze something really hard. Gigil galore.
Quality time with some friends I haven't been with for a long time...plus playful, unbelievably malambing doggies= wonderful wonderful Sunday morning!!
Chaw asked me why I won't get my own dog. I said I didn't want to. I can't stand the thought of having to lose another dog. My first dog died last year. She was 14 years old. Kayla (whom we first thought was a boy so we named him 'Lakay'--only to find out that she was a girl so she became Kayla instead) was the kindest dog I have ever met. She would stay up with me during exam review nights that turned into days, sometimes she'd like to play outside, but I can't take her. But still she'd greet me with the same enthusiasm as if I did nothing wrong. Every single time she'd make me feel welcome, awaited, and very much loved. Even when she grew too old to stand up fast & jump. Even when her eyes had cataracts and her ears grew deaf. She would try to walk towards me and just be happy to be there. Baduy as it may sound, but simply thinking about her has got me crying. She was such a good dog. And now she's gone.
I don't want to have to go through that again. I hate goodbyes. Who doesn't. But hello's aren't forever. And the two often go together. It all depends on when the other one comes. And while it may not come abruptly or bitterly, endings for me are usually sad. Which only brings to mind the poignant truth that the hello's have been wonderful, in fact too wonderful to let go of, and say goodbye to. Better to have had that I guess than to have to pray for goodbyes right in the middle of hello.
Still I'd like to think that when we'd have kids, and they'd want to have a dog, I'd say yes. Better to have bitter goodbyes than to have nothing to cherish.
Back to some happy thoughts. Ber month's here.
===
Things I haven't been able to write about:
2 weeks ago, I went with Chaw, Atan and the Husky pack: Charlie Brown, Rainbow Brite, Luna & Firefox to BHS on an early Sunday morning to go for...ta-dah...a walk. We met up with Jace, Blu, Angus & Hershey, plus Doc & the amazing half-dog half-bear, Cash.
I haven't been around dogs for quite some time (all the doggies are in Arayat). So being with a bunch of Siberian Huskies, a beagle, a lab, and a huge golden retriever was a wonderful treat! If there was a virtual age counter that followed me around as I played with those doggies, I could've sworn that I grew younger by about 10-15 or even more years. Just thinking about them makes me want to squeeze something really hard. Gigil galore.
Quality time with some friends I haven't been with for a long time...plus playful, unbelievably malambing doggies= wonderful wonderful Sunday morning!!
Chaw asked me why I won't get my own dog. I said I didn't want to. I can't stand the thought of having to lose another dog. My first dog died last year. She was 14 years old. Kayla (whom we first thought was a boy so we named him 'Lakay'--only to find out that she was a girl so she became Kayla instead) was the kindest dog I have ever met. She would stay up with me during exam review nights that turned into days, sometimes she'd like to play outside, but I can't take her. But still she'd greet me with the same enthusiasm as if I did nothing wrong. Every single time she'd make me feel welcome, awaited, and very much loved. Even when she grew too old to stand up fast & jump. Even when her eyes had cataracts and her ears grew deaf. She would try to walk towards me and just be happy to be there. Baduy as it may sound, but simply thinking about her has got me crying. She was such a good dog. And now she's gone.
I don't want to have to go through that again. I hate goodbyes. Who doesn't. But hello's aren't forever. And the two often go together. It all depends on when the other one comes. And while it may not come abruptly or bitterly, endings for me are usually sad. Which only brings to mind the poignant truth that the hello's have been wonderful, in fact too wonderful to let go of, and say goodbye to. Better to have had that I guess than to have to pray for goodbyes right in the middle of hello.
Still I'd like to think that when we'd have kids, and they'd want to have a dog, I'd say yes. Better to have bitter goodbyes than to have nothing to cherish.
Back to some happy thoughts. Ber month's here.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Rainbow Connection
Jenny just came from Japan and she bought me a rainbow. It's a little black flipbook with a little strip of rainbow colors, which, well...which you flip and wonderfully watch the colors arch into a rainbow. And that's it. That's all this little book does. Rainbow in your hand by Masashi Kawamura. Funny how the Japanese can think of such things. Crafty. Nifty cool.
It was a little black book that came with no instructions, so Jenny put a note saying I should come over to her cube so she could teach me how to 'use' it. And when she was done showing me how, she nonchalantly said, "I just thought of giving it to you, so you'll always have a rainbow everywhere you go." And the best part was, she wasn't trying to be mushy or cute. She just said it as it is. And it felt great to hear those words. Inexplicably nice. Much like the feeling I get when I do see a rainbow in the sky.
Thanks Jenny :)
Things to be grateful for today:
1. Sincere people
2. Love
3. Health
4. Quick trips to Tagaytay
5. Alfajor
6. Waking up, knowing I can move every body part that's supposed to move
7. Family
8. Sleep
9. Milk
10. Rainbows.
p.s.
it's uncanny how the law of attraction works. For the past few days I've been watching & 're-watching' Kermit's Rainbow connection. And look what I got. :)
It was a little black book that came with no instructions, so Jenny put a note saying I should come over to her cube so she could teach me how to 'use' it. And when she was done showing me how, she nonchalantly said, "I just thought of giving it to you, so you'll always have a rainbow everywhere you go." And the best part was, she wasn't trying to be mushy or cute. She just said it as it is. And it felt great to hear those words. Inexplicably nice. Much like the feeling I get when I do see a rainbow in the sky.
Thanks Jenny :)
Things to be grateful for today:
1. Sincere people
2. Love
3. Health
4. Quick trips to Tagaytay
5. Alfajor
6. Waking up, knowing I can move every body part that's supposed to move
7. Family
8. Sleep
9. Milk
10. Rainbows.
p.s.
it's uncanny how the law of attraction works. For the past few days I've been watching & 're-watching' Kermit's Rainbow connection. And look what I got. :)
Friday, July 10, 2009
Merry marry.
We've parked the wedding preps for now. The church, venue, photog&videographer, make-up artist, day coordinator--have been booked. Mom's going to do the wedding gown & most of the entourage's dresses. We're just waiting for the caterer's accreditation. It's as if October o-10's just round the bend.
Since that's almost settled, it's time to move on to other matters. We've been planning for the wedding, now we're moving on to the marriage. Number one on the list: house. After all, where are we to build a home if we haven't got a roof over our heads and four walls we could call our own.
Admittedly, these next steps have gotten me thinking about a million what-ifs and what-nots. A million might be an exaggeration, but it gets the point across. There are a lot to think about. Is this the perfect location? Association dues every month? Mortgage payment. Where will the kids play? Will it be near their school? Will the neighbors be nice? Are we staying here for the long term? Would one parking slot be enough? Rent or buy? How much would monthly groceries cost? Will I be a good mom? 1 or 2 kids? Will I learn how to cook? Where should we put the treadmill? What time will we leave for work? Are we going to do the laundry there? 10 or 15 year loan? Bank or Pag-ibig?
Pag-ibig. In more ways than one I hope that answers the question. But even when there are a million/ soooo many uncertainties awaiting us; the prospect of facing them all as US still proves more attractive than staying put and basking in the comfort of predictability. A part of me doesn't believe that--that part which has always been iffy with change. But I know it's merely playing the part of the devil's advocate. At some point it's going to come around. I remember Sister Sol telling me back in college--when I was afraid to take on a position just because...I was afraid. And she told me, "Kung parati kang takot, wala kang mararating."
There are a million fears. At this point, more than a million. Nyar. But there are still more reasons to be grateful. And I'd like to think that these fears are merely a manifestation of how much I really want this. Of how much I want this to more than just work; but be that which I've always dreamed of. More than being paralyzing, I'm taking these as parameters for setting priorities. My excitement might be tempered, but my joy remains the same. There is comfort in knowing that everything will turn out right--with the right planning, unwavering faith, and a journey through this aisle of life with big leaps and baby steps.
I'm keeping my eye on the goal. This is going to be fun.
Since that's almost settled, it's time to move on to other matters. We've been planning for the wedding, now we're moving on to the marriage. Number one on the list: house. After all, where are we to build a home if we haven't got a roof over our heads and four walls we could call our own.
Admittedly, these next steps have gotten me thinking about a million what-ifs and what-nots. A million might be an exaggeration, but it gets the point across. There are a lot to think about. Is this the perfect location? Association dues every month? Mortgage payment. Where will the kids play? Will it be near their school? Will the neighbors be nice? Are we staying here for the long term? Would one parking slot be enough? Rent or buy? How much would monthly groceries cost? Will I be a good mom? 1 or 2 kids? Will I learn how to cook? Where should we put the treadmill? What time will we leave for work? Are we going to do the laundry there? 10 or 15 year loan? Bank or Pag-ibig?
Pag-ibig. In more ways than one I hope that answers the question. But even when there are a million/ soooo many uncertainties awaiting us; the prospect of facing them all as US still proves more attractive than staying put and basking in the comfort of predictability. A part of me doesn't believe that--that part which has always been iffy with change. But I know it's merely playing the part of the devil's advocate. At some point it's going to come around. I remember Sister Sol telling me back in college--when I was afraid to take on a position just because...I was afraid. And she told me, "Kung parati kang takot, wala kang mararating."
There are a million fears. At this point, more than a million. Nyar. But there are still more reasons to be grateful. And I'd like to think that these fears are merely a manifestation of how much I really want this. Of how much I want this to more than just work; but be that which I've always dreamed of. More than being paralyzing, I'm taking these as parameters for setting priorities. My excitement might be tempered, but my joy remains the same. There is comfort in knowing that everything will turn out right--with the right planning, unwavering faith, and a journey through this aisle of life with big leaps and baby steps.
I'm keeping my eye on the goal. This is going to be fun.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Monday Thank You's
1. Good Night's sleep (no more pawis, dahil malamigggg!)
2. Randy Pausch's Last Lecture...Youtube!
3. Cholo, Cor's cute chihuahua.
4. Dresses by Cor! (Couerclothing.multiply.com--shameless plugging!)
5. Understanding jowa.
6. Dark Chocolate
7. Tastespotting
8. Jackets on cold days
9. Unsleepy mornings
10. Health
11. Time
12. Hair
13. Honey Bunches of Oats w/ Strawberries
14. Choco chip cookies!
15. TopChef!
16. Boracay Memories
17. Sun in my mind
18. Weddings to attend
19. Happy people around
20. Cool Parents
2. Randy Pausch's Last Lecture...Youtube!
3. Cholo, Cor's cute chihuahua.
4. Dresses by Cor! (Couerclothing.multiply.com--shameless plugging!)
5. Understanding jowa.
6. Dark Chocolate
7. Tastespotting
8. Jackets on cold days
9. Unsleepy mornings
10. Health
11. Time
12. Hair
13. Honey Bunches of Oats w/ Strawberries
14. Choco chip cookies!
15. TopChef!
16. Boracay Memories
17. Sun in my mind
18. Weddings to attend
19. Happy people around
20. Cool Parents
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Surprise surprise.
A few minutes after the Zombie blog post below, I checked my mail to find this link.
http://bosanchez.ph/252/
Very funny, God. And thanks for listening. :)
http://bosanchez.ph/252/
Very funny, God. And thanks for listening. :)
Getting off Zombie Mode
Perhaps one of the laziest, but undeniably true prayers I have uttered lately goes like this, "God, I put today's concerns in your hands."
Lazy? Hmm, more like resigned. There are no specific issues, well, there are some, but none I would like to utter out loud; lest they become more true than I know they already are. But having to be content with 6 or less hours of sleep a day makes getting up even more of a chore. And just thinking about having to go through the day already makes me tired. That sounds so pathetic. More like ungrateful--which is probably one of those adjectives which I hate to be associated with or be around of.
So in lieu of pining for convenient joys and ranting about the rut of adult existence, I'm making a conscious effort to see beyond the smog. Things to be thankful for:
1. I can walk.
2. I can see.
3. I can talk.
4. Mighty Bond
5. Strawberry Jam
6. The Chowchow I saw this morning
7. Concerned people
8. Flavored Oatmeal
9. Post Selects
10.Artichoke Tea
11. Jumping Jacks
12. Ferrero
13. Unsolicited Smiles
14. Bananas
15. Electric Fans
16. Pink Walls
17. Memories of summers catching dragonflies, making cake-designs on carabao dung, and
weaving urban legends about the old banana tree.
18. Backfloats on calm waters
19. Avocado Shakes
20. House
21. Soft Pillows
These periodical bouts with existential issues could be bothersome. But I know that they happen for a reason/s. And whatever those reasons may be, and while they lay hidden, all I can do is go through the day as best as I could with the prayer that He won't let go of my hand.
Lazy? Hmm, more like resigned. There are no specific issues, well, there are some, but none I would like to utter out loud; lest they become more true than I know they already are. But having to be content with 6 or less hours of sleep a day makes getting up even more of a chore. And just thinking about having to go through the day already makes me tired. That sounds so pathetic. More like ungrateful--which is probably one of those adjectives which I hate to be associated with or be around of.
So in lieu of pining for convenient joys and ranting about the rut of adult existence, I'm making a conscious effort to see beyond the smog. Things to be thankful for:
1. I can walk.
2. I can see.
3. I can talk.
4. Mighty Bond
5. Strawberry Jam
6. The Chowchow I saw this morning
7. Concerned people
8. Flavored Oatmeal
9. Post Selects
10.Artichoke Tea
11. Jumping Jacks
12. Ferrero
13. Unsolicited Smiles
14. Bananas
15. Electric Fans
16. Pink Walls
17. Memories of summers catching dragonflies, making cake-designs on carabao dung, and
weaving urban legends about the old banana tree.
18. Backfloats on calm waters
19. Avocado Shakes
20. House
21. Soft Pillows
These periodical bouts with existential issues could be bothersome. But I know that they happen for a reason/s. And whatever those reasons may be, and while they lay hidden, all I can do is go through the day as best as I could with the prayer that He won't let go of my hand.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
When Negative is Positively wonderful
Monday, I got a text message from my mom saying that my sister's biopsy result turned out negative for the big C. Praise God nga naman :)
I've tried to look nonchalant, well, at least not too bothered with the scare since I went with her to the doctors last month. But there were times when I just wanted to go to the batcave and just cry. Just cry; without care about what other people would say, about what to say when they ask why, or just basta, let it all out. Not just the scare but all those things that just clutter my head and end up frustrating me and making me ask the omnipresent question, 'Why am I here?' Not just 'office' here. But more like, 'world' here. Those things which probably not even the best choco-peanut butter brownie or the most amazing chocolate chip walnut cookies couldn't drown out. Well, maybe for a few seconds, but the nagging question would ultimately pop up.
Undeniably, the answer to that question still isn't clear. It's as blurred as the rainbow that popped up 10 minutes ago. I know it's bound to be colorful, exciting...actually at this point all I can do really is hope/trust. That someday it's going to come out again, long enough for me to appreciate it fully and believe that it's real.
But for now, I would like to be content with the fact that Ate's well; the family's doing good; and life--with all its riddles and obvious but ignored facts, shouldn't be complicated. One simple test could've turned my family's world upside down. Negative. And everything's back to normal...well, semi-normal because having been forced to look at life in a different perspective still left me a bit shaken. In a good way, that is. Uncomfortable, but still safe to say, it's wonder-ful.
I've tried to look nonchalant, well, at least not too bothered with the scare since I went with her to the doctors last month. But there were times when I just wanted to go to the batcave and just cry. Just cry; without care about what other people would say, about what to say when they ask why, or just basta, let it all out. Not just the scare but all those things that just clutter my head and end up frustrating me and making me ask the omnipresent question, 'Why am I here?' Not just 'office' here. But more like, 'world' here. Those things which probably not even the best choco-peanut butter brownie or the most amazing chocolate chip walnut cookies couldn't drown out. Well, maybe for a few seconds, but the nagging question would ultimately pop up.
Undeniably, the answer to that question still isn't clear. It's as blurred as the rainbow that popped up 10 minutes ago. I know it's bound to be colorful, exciting...actually at this point all I can do really is hope/trust. That someday it's going to come out again, long enough for me to appreciate it fully and believe that it's real.
But for now, I would like to be content with the fact that Ate's well; the family's doing good; and life--with all its riddles and obvious but ignored facts, shouldn't be complicated. One simple test could've turned my family's world upside down. Negative. And everything's back to normal...well, semi-normal because having been forced to look at life in a different perspective still left me a bit shaken. In a good way, that is. Uncomfortable, but still safe to say, it's wonder-ful.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Happy thoughts / Anti-mundane Tuesday
Thoughts of the beach in my head.
Snippets of happy conversations from morning mates.
Mongol pencils. Sharpened and with erasers intact.
Reservation availabilities.
Approved lines.
Potentially-happy JO. (Is there such a thing? Oh, but it's a matter of perspective.)
People who just work.
Family pictures.
Planning beyond the wedding planning.
Thoughts of hot chocolate and pandesal.
Friends who stay the same/ change with you.
Memories and the ability to channel them at will.
Peter Pan.
Snippets of happy conversations from morning mates.
Mongol pencils. Sharpened and with erasers intact.
Reservation availabilities.
Approved lines.
Potentially-happy JO. (Is there such a thing? Oh, but it's a matter of perspective.)
People who just work.
Family pictures.
Planning beyond the wedding planning.
Thoughts of hot chocolate and pandesal.
Friends who stay the same/ change with you.
Memories and the ability to channel them at will.
Peter Pan.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Things I am grateful for today
It's a Friday :)
The trees along Sedeno that gives the morning walk a UP vibe.
The dogs that are just happy to be.
Mommy and daddy at breakfast with me.
Regi on Perea.
Friends that linger.
The ring on my finger.
Swiss Miss and bananas.
Positive seatmates.
Spongebob and Patrick.
Mac that doesn't crash.
Chucks.
Eheads.
Kermit the Frog.
Health.
First Friday Mass at the Enterprise.
Friday dinners.
Peanut butter!
The pimple that's gone.
The search for purpose. (although that's a bit frustrating, but it rocks my boat and keeps things real.)
Itunes. Qradio.
Autosave.
:)
The trees along Sedeno that gives the morning walk a UP vibe.
The dogs that are just happy to be.
Mommy and daddy at breakfast with me.
Regi on Perea.
Friends that linger.
The ring on my finger.
Swiss Miss and bananas.
Positive seatmates.
Spongebob and Patrick.
Mac that doesn't crash.
Chucks.
Eheads.
Kermit the Frog.
Health.
First Friday Mass at the Enterprise.
Friday dinners.
Peanut butter!
The pimple that's gone.
The search for purpose. (although that's a bit frustrating, but it rocks my boat and keeps things real.)
Itunes. Qradio.
Autosave.
:)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
And so he proposed :)
It was the first day of 2009.
I have been in Arayat for most of the holidays. And my mom, dad and I went back home to Mandaluyong to fetch Sky and Marty and bring them back with us to Pampanga. Regi was insisting that we go out for dinner, but I kept on telling him that we ought to postpone it since we’ll get back home late. But, he kept on insisting.
So. My parents and I got home at 9pm. Regi was there waiting for me.
Regi: Tara, dinner tayo!
Cey: Pagoda. San mo gusto?
Regi: Chocolate Kiss!
Cey: Hwe? Jan 1 ngayon, gabi na, sarado na yun.
Regi: Pustahan tayo, bukas yun.
Cey: Metrowalk na lang. Starbucks tayo, libre kita, nanalo akong GC sa raffle e.
Regi: ChocKiss na, please?
Cey: Hmmm…
Regi: Pustahan tayo bukas yun!
So we went straight to UP. Honestly, I was smelling something fishy. Well, baka assuming lang ako. There had been jokes about the engagement in 08, so this set-up, plus his persistence on this dinner, added to his uber-confidence that he’ll make it up to me because he’s missed our family reunion for the 7th consecutive year…yup he was uber-confident with the line: Pag di ako nakabawi sayo, suntukin mo ko! We’re not the violent type, so this kind of confidence, given the fact that I could be matampuhin about these kinds of things made me think…he’s got something up his sleeves. Ok, I digress.
Anyway, so on the way to UP, I was thinking, teka, ano ‘to, he talked to the ChocKiss management and asked them to open up the resto just for us? Tapos may flowers, and one table set for two? May candle-lit dinner na may personal serbidor? With matching may nag-v-violin? How very Regal Films! Proposal na kaya? Yup, these things played in my head. Cliché, I know. At assuming nga naman ako, hanep.
So from MassComm, we turned right going to Bahay ng Alumni. A few meters from Chocolate Kiss, I was already expecting the cheesy love story visuals….Ayan na!!
Cut to…sarado ang Chocolate Kiss.
Oh. So I must’ve assumed way too much. He’s probably got something up his sleeves, but it definitely wasn’t a proposal.
Cey: Dapat nakipagpustahan ako e.
Regi: Ay, sarado…
Cey: Tara, Metrowalk na lang nga.
Regi: Ok, pero tara daan muna tayo sa tambayan.
So we went straight to the UP Chapel. Ang dilim. It was already 9:30pm, on a holiday. Of course, Apacible was deserted. Slightly nakakatakot.
Cey: Uhm…mag-make out ba sa tapat ng simbahan?
Regi: Grabe ka, ang baba naman ng tingin mo sakin.
Cey: Joke lang, eto naman.
Regi (pointing towards the ICTUS tambayan: Diba dyan tayo una nag-meet?
Cey: Uhmm, oo. Bakit?
Regi: (gets his backpack from the backseat, takes a yellow box, pops it open)
Cey:…..
Cey:….
Cey: (cries, slaps her face innumerable times and asks) Teka, totoo ba ‘to? Totoo ba to?
Regi: smiles.
Cey:…
Regi: still smiles…(teka were those tears in his eyes?o baka assuming na naman ako.)
Cey:…
Cey: Wait, di mo ba ko tatanungin ng ‘Will you marry me?’
Regi: Uhm, diba the ring should speak for itself? Atsaka ang cheesy e.
Cey: Diba…romantic?
Regi: Ay….ganun ba? Uhm…Will you…marry me?
Cey: (still crying. Yup, akala ko sa pelikula lang yun, pero ganun pala ang feeling) Yes.. Yes!
Regi: Sorry ha, gusto ko sana lumuhod sa labas, kaso baka ma-hold-up tayo.
So there. On Jan 1, 2009, we got engaged ☺ After only a few minutes in UP, we went straight back home to my parents where Regi told mommy and daddy, while holding up the ring (we put it back in the box para hindi weird na suot ko na tsaka pa lang kami nagpapaalam ☺ ) “Nag-propose po ako kay Cey…pwede na po ba?” Mommy and daddy said yes!
*Sigh*
It wasn’t the usual sweety-sweety proposal I’ve had in my head. But it was so Regi, and so true. It didn’t feel so much as a man proposing to his would-be wife; more like my best friend telling me we’re on our way to spending the rest of our lives together. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
I have been in Arayat for most of the holidays. And my mom, dad and I went back home to Mandaluyong to fetch Sky and Marty and bring them back with us to Pampanga. Regi was insisting that we go out for dinner, but I kept on telling him that we ought to postpone it since we’ll get back home late. But, he kept on insisting.
So. My parents and I got home at 9pm. Regi was there waiting for me.
Regi: Tara, dinner tayo!
Cey: Pagoda. San mo gusto?
Regi: Chocolate Kiss!
Cey: Hwe? Jan 1 ngayon, gabi na, sarado na yun.
Regi: Pustahan tayo, bukas yun.
Cey: Metrowalk na lang. Starbucks tayo, libre kita, nanalo akong GC sa raffle e.
Regi: ChocKiss na, please?
Cey: Hmmm…
Regi: Pustahan tayo bukas yun!
So we went straight to UP. Honestly, I was smelling something fishy. Well, baka assuming lang ako. There had been jokes about the engagement in 08, so this set-up, plus his persistence on this dinner, added to his uber-confidence that he’ll make it up to me because he’s missed our family reunion for the 7th consecutive year…yup he was uber-confident with the line: Pag di ako nakabawi sayo, suntukin mo ko! We’re not the violent type, so this kind of confidence, given the fact that I could be matampuhin about these kinds of things made me think…he’s got something up his sleeves. Ok, I digress.
Anyway, so on the way to UP, I was thinking, teka, ano ‘to, he talked to the ChocKiss management and asked them to open up the resto just for us? Tapos may flowers, and one table set for two? May candle-lit dinner na may personal serbidor? With matching may nag-v-violin? How very Regal Films! Proposal na kaya? Yup, these things played in my head. Cliché, I know. At assuming nga naman ako, hanep.
So from MassComm, we turned right going to Bahay ng Alumni. A few meters from Chocolate Kiss, I was already expecting the cheesy love story visuals….Ayan na!!
Cut to…sarado ang Chocolate Kiss.
Oh. So I must’ve assumed way too much. He’s probably got something up his sleeves, but it definitely wasn’t a proposal.
Cey: Dapat nakipagpustahan ako e.
Regi: Ay, sarado…
Cey: Tara, Metrowalk na lang nga.
Regi: Ok, pero tara daan muna tayo sa tambayan.
So we went straight to the UP Chapel. Ang dilim. It was already 9:30pm, on a holiday. Of course, Apacible was deserted. Slightly nakakatakot.
Cey: Uhm…mag-make out ba sa tapat ng simbahan?
Regi: Grabe ka, ang baba naman ng tingin mo sakin.
Cey: Joke lang, eto naman.
Regi (pointing towards the ICTUS tambayan: Diba dyan tayo una nag-meet?
Cey: Uhmm, oo. Bakit?
Regi: (gets his backpack from the backseat, takes a yellow box, pops it open)
Cey:…..
Cey:….
Cey: (cries, slaps her face innumerable times and asks) Teka, totoo ba ‘to? Totoo ba to?
Regi: smiles.
Cey:…
Regi: still smiles…(teka were those tears in his eyes?o baka assuming na naman ako.)
Cey:…
Cey: Wait, di mo ba ko tatanungin ng ‘Will you marry me?’
Regi: Uhm, diba the ring should speak for itself? Atsaka ang cheesy e.
Cey: Diba…romantic?
Regi: Ay….ganun ba? Uhm…Will you…marry me?
Cey: (still crying. Yup, akala ko sa pelikula lang yun, pero ganun pala ang feeling) Yes.. Yes!
Regi: Sorry ha, gusto ko sana lumuhod sa labas, kaso baka ma-hold-up tayo.
So there. On Jan 1, 2009, we got engaged ☺ After only a few minutes in UP, we went straight back home to my parents where Regi told mommy and daddy, while holding up the ring (we put it back in the box para hindi weird na suot ko na tsaka pa lang kami nagpapaalam ☺ ) “Nag-propose po ako kay Cey…pwede na po ba?” Mommy and daddy said yes!
*Sigh*
It wasn’t the usual sweety-sweety proposal I’ve had in my head. But it was so Regi, and so true. It didn’t feel so much as a man proposing to his would-be wife; more like my best friend telling me we’re on our way to spending the rest of our lives together. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Daddy's Tales
I love it when my dad talks about his happy childhood memories. Over dinner he told me how Lola Nene brought him and his siblings aboard a trailer attached to Lola’s jeep, to Darabulbol. Yup, catchy name, just had to write it down.
Anyway, Lola Nene was my dad’s tita. Her family had a piece of land in Darabulbol (sorry, just had to say it again) in Concepcion, Tarlac. They grew sugarcane. And during harvest season, she’d bring my dad, his brothers and sisters and cousins along as she transported the harvest from…Darabulbol…to Hacienda Luisita to be processed. It would usually take a few hours for it to be done, so she’d make a side trip and bring along my dad and company to the nearby river for a swim.
Oh how his eyes light up when he talks about those good ‘ol days. And he’d always laugh when he’d talk about that time when he and Tita Angge went fishing on that same river. They were so excited to use their fishing rods that they failed to exercise much care in handling the potentially dangerous, but seemingly harmless-looking hook on a long rod. I forgot whose lips or cheek got caught in those hooks when Tita Angge whipped up the fishing rod too far back—hooking an unaware cousin in the process. Must’ve been painful, but for a bunch of 7 or 8 year olds on a summer vacation, it must’ve been so funny that it sent them on a laugh trip all the way back home to San Fernando. I guess it wasn’t that big an injury. None of them grew up to be Scarface.
Or that story about that time when they’ve grown tired of flying their kites, that they rested on the haystacks…not really haystacks but stacks of palay and they pulled at the harvest, eating some bits like butong-pakwan, up until the owner realized that there were intruders playing on his ricefields.
I suddenly remembered those times my cousins and I tried to catch dragonflies and grasshoppers. And that time when Joy, Chito, and I think LA too, found a huge pile of carabao dung on the road. We used grass stalks to draw on it and turn it into a mighty foul-smelling, but cute, birthday cake. We were careful not to touch it though. Who would’ve thought you could have so much fun when life brings along a huge pile of shit?
It’s a pity my nephews and nieces can’t have these same stories. Them with their PSPs and DS. But I guess they’ll have their own stories to look back on when they’re this age. I just hope I could do the same things for them, as those my daddy did for me.
Suddenly I feel I ought to write a piece on mommy as well. But that’s a whole new article altogether. Just as happy, and just as filled with love.
Anyway, Lola Nene was my dad’s tita. Her family had a piece of land in Darabulbol (sorry, just had to say it again) in Concepcion, Tarlac. They grew sugarcane. And during harvest season, she’d bring my dad, his brothers and sisters and cousins along as she transported the harvest from…Darabulbol…to Hacienda Luisita to be processed. It would usually take a few hours for it to be done, so she’d make a side trip and bring along my dad and company to the nearby river for a swim.
Oh how his eyes light up when he talks about those good ‘ol days. And he’d always laugh when he’d talk about that time when he and Tita Angge went fishing on that same river. They were so excited to use their fishing rods that they failed to exercise much care in handling the potentially dangerous, but seemingly harmless-looking hook on a long rod. I forgot whose lips or cheek got caught in those hooks when Tita Angge whipped up the fishing rod too far back—hooking an unaware cousin in the process. Must’ve been painful, but for a bunch of 7 or 8 year olds on a summer vacation, it must’ve been so funny that it sent them on a laugh trip all the way back home to San Fernando. I guess it wasn’t that big an injury. None of them grew up to be Scarface.
Or that story about that time when they’ve grown tired of flying their kites, that they rested on the haystacks…not really haystacks but stacks of palay and they pulled at the harvest, eating some bits like butong-pakwan, up until the owner realized that there were intruders playing on his ricefields.
I suddenly remembered those times my cousins and I tried to catch dragonflies and grasshoppers. And that time when Joy, Chito, and I think LA too, found a huge pile of carabao dung on the road. We used grass stalks to draw on it and turn it into a mighty foul-smelling, but cute, birthday cake. We were careful not to touch it though. Who would’ve thought you could have so much fun when life brings along a huge pile of shit?
It’s a pity my nephews and nieces can’t have these same stories. Them with their PSPs and DS. But I guess they’ll have their own stories to look back on when they’re this age. I just hope I could do the same things for them, as those my daddy did for me.
Suddenly I feel I ought to write a piece on mommy as well. But that’s a whole new article altogether. Just as happy, and just as filled with love.
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