A Dew On A Blade Of Grass

I'm still trying to take in the events that have happened in the past week in Asia. The Tsunami death toll of 116,000 is staggering and is still climbing. That's not counting the people who died or will die of the disease that breaks out because of the unsanitary conditions in the affected areas. I can only think of it as a modern-day "Black Death". Also called the Bubonic plague, its death toll was estimated to be over 23 million. It killed an average of 6,300 people per day as it swept from Asia into Europe in a span of a decade. The difference is, all this happened in a few hours.

I feel helpless as I watch the people in their heartbreak and loss. Their lives have been changed drastically in a moment, its effects remaining with them for a very long time. We, however, could go back to living the moment we switch off the television or step away from the computer.

It, along with my father's second death anniversary today, makes me think of my own mortality and of those whom I love. I read a quote about how life is like a morning dew perched on the tip of a blade of grass. It either falls off or dissipates in the heat of the morning sun. Indeed, life is short. We never know when our tsunami will come. And when it does, how much imprint did we leave in the hearts of the people we have encountered? How many of the things we did actually made a difference in our lives and of those around us? How many of the things we considered important really are, in the light of God and eternity?

Have a safe and happy New Year, everyone! This coming year, be kinder, hug tighter, love stronger and pray harder. Those are deeds we will never regret doing.

Bah Humbug?

The day after Thanksgiving, I usually have my Christmas shopping done and all my greeting cards mailed out. This year, I seem to have lost my steam. Working during the day and going to rehearsals at night has taken its toll and we are just too exhausted to do anything. We even decided against getting a tree. Just thinking about the energy we have to expend in putting it up, decorating it and then taking it down and disposing of it after the holiday season was just too much.

A couple of nights ago, late after rehearsals, I decided to decorate a pre-baked Gingerbread House, just to wind down and also get me into the spirit of the holidays. I also bought some scented pine cones to give the place that Christmas scent, in the absence of a real pine tree. It seems to be having some effect on me as gift-wrapping is now halfway, albeit half-heartedly, done. I have half a mind to just give the gifts in their boxes, as is. We're pretty excited to give them as they're pretty good gifts that will stand even without the gay wrapping. Why wrap them so they can be torn away a few hours later? Besides, what's important is the gift and not the wrapping, right? And ultimately it is said that what's more important is the thought.

I would be happy with just that actually. I really do appreciate it, and most of the time wished they remained as they are, at least when it comes to me. I loathe to think that people spend their hard-earned money for something that almost always just gathers dust in cupboards. Let's face it, a lot of us have everything we need and a lot of the gifts that we get are "icing". Since I don't care much for most "icing", I really wish people would put their money to better use, maybe donate it to a charity.

I know I'm sounding like an idealist again but sometimes I look at a particular thing that I see in a cabinet that was given to me, wonder how much it cost and think what that money could have done for a child who needed that amount to be able to purchase his school supplies, or a poor and sick person whose medical needs are not being completely met for lack of funds, or a family who cannot even enjoy a nice, decent meal together. Pushing aside all that stuff, one can also consider how that little amount can grow if you put it in a child's college savings account.

I just think that we have all fallen victim to the ploy that retailers have made the Holidays to be, one big commercial event designed to suck out everything that's in our wallets! How many families actually make it a ritual or tradition to sit down and commemorate the story behind the celebration of Christmas or the events that led to Hannukah? How many actually bow their heads together in gratitude for all the blessings that we have? How many of us make sure that we share with the less fortunate before we start celebrating?

I know I need to do more. And that's something I need to ponder as I try to finish my gift-wrapping.

Nice Earrings!

"Nice earrings!" exclaimed one guy as we were both getting off the train. I said "Thanks," and walked away trying my very best to hide my puzzled expression. No, my earrings weren't big at all. In fact, they were just your usual-sized diamond studs that a lot of women wear here. Either the 3 C's (cut, clarity & color) of my earrings really impressed him (right...) , or it was one of the funniest pick-up line I have ever heard. I guess I should be glad he didn't say "Nice blouse!" It comforts me that he was looking above my neckline - not that there's much to look at anyway. I called hubby at work after, to ask him what that was all about. He started chuckling and told me that he had overheard the guy telling me that as I left the train.

One time after work, I was walking out of my office building. This guy falls in step beside me and says, "Hi, Neighbor!" My first thought was this was certainly not Mr. Rogers as this was not his neighborhood. I turned to see this unfamiliar face. I smiled politely and asked, "Oh, we live near each other?" And he said, "No, I work in the building next to yours!" and gave me this huge smile. I almost burst out laughing but kept a cordial demeanor, found a way to excuse myself from the conversation and fall behind as we walked to the subway stop.

Another was, "¿Habla Español?" I said no. Still, I was subjected to a mostly one-sided conversation, in English, until I reached the subway stop. ¡Que Barbaridad!

If those pick-up lines were anything to go by, I am glad I am not a single person living in Boston. For a university town, you kind of expect people to have better lines than that!

A Real Trouper

Hubby's been such an extremely good sport. Before I joined this show I'm doing, I asked him if he would be willing to come with me to rehearsals so I would not have to travel alone. He readily agreed and said that it would be a great experience for me. He has made good on his word and accompanies me to every single rehearsal. He seems to be enjoying the process of the entire thing and seeing the show slowly take shape. I know that he is really tired sometimes after work, but he gamely goes with me still. He has not complained one bit considering our rehearsals are four times a week. He says he's quite happy acting as my personal assistant, i.e. carrying my bag and accompanying me home, and takes pleasure in seeing me do what I love. What a sweetheart he is! And no, he's by no means a stage husband as he never interferes or makes demands. It's such a blessing to have someone who is secure with himself and not feel 'upstaged' at all by anything I do. I have seen relationships suffer and break because the partner is insecure and does not understand an artist's life or is threatened by it. Those of you who know me personally know exactly what I mean!

;)

Hubby accepts and loves me for who I am, morning look or not. He delights in my silly and weird ways, and takes pride in that. I know he'll be quite embarrassed when he reads this. But this is one small way I can show him that I am thankful I have him in my life.

:)

Oh, To Scratch An Itch!

Last night, I had a blast! It had been so long since I last sat down in a room full of talented singers as we figured out the melodies and treatment for the musical we are doing. Maybe few will understand it, but to someone like me, sitting there and hearing all these beautiful voices piping in on their cue, with the music director pounding on the piano keys is sheer pleasure. Some may not realize how much work goes into staging a musical. Months of working out the music, the harmony, the choreography and the nuances that go with the role you play as actors spend time together and play off each other. The journey to the finished product is long and difficult, but the experience and memories gained are inestimable.

You know how when you finally scratch an itch that's been bugging you? I have felt that itch for a long time but done other things to dull it. Last night, after five long years, I have finally started to scratch it. At least that's how it felt for me.

:)