It's 2008 already!?

I don't know if time flying is more of a modern day phenomenon because of the frantic pace of life these days, or if every adult in all the generations past just feels this way the older they get.

2007 came and went before I could really sit back and enjoy it. Yes, there were a few moments of relaxation here and there, but it was mostly a blur. Maybe just taking off on long weekends and not taking a long vacation of at least 1 or 2 weeks during the year is to blame but there were hardly any STOP signs as far as our life was concerned this year.

Nevertheless, there were a lot of things to be thankful for - the energy and health to work throughout the year to be able to pay our bills; Katy and George, our two quadrupeds who have brought a bucketful of fun and cuteness everyday in our lives; doing the King & I and making new friends at the last quarter of the year; securing a job in a great line of business in the company despite the restructuring; family members in generally good health, etc.

No doubt there will be the same kind of blessings and some surprises in 2008. I just hope we remember to take the time to reflect and thank God for all His constant lovingkindness.

A blessed 2008 to all!

'Twas Two Days Before Christmas Eve

-my successor remains unnamed,
-projects at work remain undone,
-the tree and house remain undecorated,
-the Christmas shopping list remains unchecked,
-the house remains cluttered,
-my energy remains unreplenished,
-the spirit remains unfelt.

Stop, time! I'm not ready for Christmas!!!

Slowing Down

It's been a while, I know. I've had thoughts I wanted to write down but my schedule has been pretty intense in the last two months. Things are slowing down a bit though. Thank goodness for the holidays as people take time off and the work pace goes down half a notch. Work and show stress will be replaced by holiday shopping stress. Well, at least for a week. It's really just one thing instead of the other, I guess!

The reason for a very intense work schedule is, I am in the process of transitioning from one job to another. I have recently switched to a new role in another line of business but I'm still doing my old job until I can find a replacement. All this with one paycheck, of course! I spent a couple of days in Chicago trying to do just that early this week. Hopefully, we will have identified someone for my old role by next week because I don't know how much longer I can stay sane being stretched this way! Please, Lord, let one of the candidates I've identified be the chosen one!

As for the King and I, our show wrapped up today. Not in the way that we all would have liked it, but because of a storm that pummeled New England and the whole Northeastern US. So we had no last show nor did we have a cast party. What a shame! Hopefully, we will all get together once the holiday craziness is over to properly say our goodbyes after a great run. It was a great cast - no divas, just warm people who have good attitude. I'm certainly going to miss them!

So instead of a fun cast party to top off a great experience, Hubby and I spent half of the day digging our car out and shoveling our pathway and driveway. Being the gem that he is, Hubby went on to help a neighbor who was shoveling her long driveway after ours was done as I went in to prepare a late and hot brunch for us. He did the same for the elderly neighbor next door during Thursday's storm. Her husband just had a heart attack so she, ill with cancer, was trying to shovel the front of her house.

Leave it to my Hubby to do such heart-warming deeds despite the arctic blast. It sure warms up my winter.

Deeply Touched

I woke up today and found Hubby acting strangely. He was sitting in front of my computer instead of his and when he saw me approaching, he asked me how long I would need it. I frowned and asked him why he needs my computer when he has his own, plus a laptop. He didn't respond and just worked on his computer as I worked on mine. I stepped away from our office to get ready for the day and went to the bedroom to make the bed. I lifted up my pillow to find an I-Touch box! I ran back to him and the following conversation ensued.

Me: "I can't keep this. It's too expensive considering all the expenses we've had the last year!"
Hubby: "But you've been wanting one for some time now."
Me: "Yes, but that doesn't mean I always get what I want. It can wait until our finances have more breathing room. I can't keep this."
Hubby: "You deserve it for tolerating me the last 7 years. Happy Anniversary!"

He then reached under my desk and showed me the I-Touch, which he had already taken out of the box, all charged and ready for the day for my use. I couldn't argue after that. I just started thanking him profusely and playing with my new toy.

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. My hubby and the way he just is will probably fill the first 100 in that list.

Happy Anniversary, Hunni!

We're Open

I never usually invite people to the opening night of any theatre performance, but last Friday was an exception. Aside from Hubby who's always there to support me, I had my mother-in-law, who could not watch the later shows because she was flying back to Florida, and my friend Melissa from Germany, who happened to schedule a visit the same week we were opening.

The King and I opening night went much better than I expected. We had a great crowd and an almost seamless show. The standing ovation in the end was gratifying and so was the first review that came out the following day. The critic was generous in his praise to everyone. Here's his kind snippet about me.

"Pia as Lady Thiang has a phenomenal voice. Her majestic delivery of "Something Wonderful" is breathtaking with the lyrics and music moving Anna to return to the King. Pia gives the role of the head wife the necessary backbone to reprimand Tuptim for her betrayal of the King as well as to convince Anna to stay in Siam."

Hopefully, that inspires all of us to keep peforming with the same energy in the next five weeks although I feel a bad chest cold coming on. I really hope I can recover by the time Thursday rolls in.

Things Better Left Unsaid

I am lifting this off someone else's blog. The rules are to list (20) things you want to say to 20 unnamed people but know you never will.

I thought I'd have some therapy making this list. Since I make it a point to try and always verbalize whatever is good and encouraging, you will find that my list only contains the not-so-good stuff unlike the other lists I've read. I usually am straightforward to close friends who are secure in the fact that I love them enough to tell them the truth. I expect the same from them about things I need to work on. But as you can imagine with the rest of the world, there are a gazillion sarcastic/honest remarks that remain where it should - in my head. :)

1. Stop lying to yourself and the world. Just admit it and move on. Others have.

2. Believe me, you're not all that. The sooner you realize it, the more you can focus on the qualities that you do have.

3. Grow up and get a self-esteem. Adding women to your cap like feathers may win you the approval of shallow and chauvinistic men such as yourself, but it doesn't win you the admiration of people with integrity.

4. Stop living vicariously through her. Go out and get your own life.

5. Do yourself a huge favor and leave him. He's not good for you...or anyone else.

6. I am not the darn Help Desk. Please call them instead of me!

7. Hunni, the Elvira look went out of fashion decades ago.

8. Stay away from me. I already told you I'm married, creep.

9. Enough side remarks and prattle. Let's just move on to the next, please!

10. One of these days, you're gonna get what's coming to you and it's too bad I won't be at the ringside watching and eating popcorn.

11. Your wife is not your slave and baby maker. She's a human being with her own needs and dreams that you should help nurture.

12. If you're so brilliant, how come you're living off the state?

13. You think you're being sly but people can read you like a book. Everyone's just too polite to say anything.

14. I think everyone has a purpose in life. Yours is to serve as a warning to others.

15. Keeping your wife from getting her legal status so you can control her says a whole lot about what's inside you. You need serious help.

16. It's just something I normally do for everyone so please don't mistake it for anything other than friendly consideration.

17. You truly do your children a disservice. I hope they don't turn out like you.

18. Er...how did you do your job before I came?

19. I'm glad you've become a humbler person. I really couldn't stand you before.

20. After decades of being here, you still don't get it. The world does not revolve around you.

Whew! This took me longer than I thought. But there, it's done. Will I ever say it? Who knows. Haha!

High and Dry

Lately, I haven't been able to focus my thoughts long enough on any particular thing to put them down in writing. It is definitely not for a lack of opinion, or emotion, or things to write about. I guess I'm just going through a dry spell. Sorting my thoughts out and putting them "on paper" is just a real effort these days.

Although the things I've mulled over the past few weeks range from general stuff like the Filipino self-esteem in terms of the Desperate Housewives brouhaha; people who don't put any value to their verbal commitments; my current involvement in the company's campaign for the United Way (non-profit); to more personal stuff like career next-steps, as I've been asked if I would consider moving to another state for the company; and analyzing motivations for a character I'm playing in a show I'm doing. I can expound on each one of these but somehow I am just not in the mood to do so.

I'm just in a rut.

Add me, add me not.

I enjoy social networking sites because it makes you realize how long and varied the arms of friendship you have established. It also makes you realize people are connected in many ways. The first one I ever signed up for way back in the mid 90s was sixdegrees.com. At that time, the internet was only beginning to flourish in the Philippines so not a lot of my friends were that much into it yet, so the people I connected with were mostly in the US and 'nerds' from different countries who owned computers and were used to subscribing to electronic bulletin boards and chat servers. Six Degrees started charging after a while so I didn't renew my subscription.

A decade later, I can't even count how many free networking sites I am a member of and I can hardly keep up. I get so many persistent invitations to connect with a certain set of friends from different times in my life that I eventually sign up for it. It's always fun to reconnect and know that when you want to reach out to someone, they are only a mouse-click away.

Once in a while though, I get these questionable add-me notices or requests from men that I don't know from Adam. Reading the profile of some can be quite entertaining, and sometimes a little uncomfortable, because you know that they're there for one purpose - and that is to pick-up people. Of course, I just try to ignore these requests and not respond lest I draw more unwanted attention. It can be exasperating though.

I guess there's always going to be a downside to a good thing, huh?

Sledgehammer

Remember this?



I think it's one of the most memorable music videos ever made. It's definitely one of my favorites alongside "Take On Me" by A-ha.

So Long, Teri

Today, God embraced a good friend into His bosom. After years of battling cancer, He has given Teri peaceful rest in His arms.

Teri, we will miss your smile, your affectionate ways, your sweetness and your laughter.

Oh, and tell Monique we said hello. We will surely see you both again some day.

In the meantime, we will strive to live the way you did - in faith, in love, in joy and in hope, no matter what the circumstance.

We love you, Teri. We won't say goodbye, just "...so long!"

Darn Boston Pedestrians

Bostonians take rights very seriously. They abuse one in particular, and that is the pedestrian right-of-way.

Massachusetts Law of the Road, Chapter 89, section 11 says, "No driver of a vehicle shall pass any other vehicle which has stopped at a marked crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross, nor shall any such operator enter a marked crosswalk while a pedestrian is crossing or until there is a sufficient space beyond the crosswalk to accommodate the vehicle he is operating, notwithstanding that a traffic control signal may indicate that vehicles may proceed."

Boston pedestrians, however, jaywalk with relish, with no regard to the crosswalk or whatever the nearest traffic light indicates. They expect cars to stop for them, no matter if the traffic light says otherwise. We have been stuck at many intersections going through two cycles of green lights, just because pedestrians here just proceed to go on crosswalks without even looking up while they're on their cellphones or busy talking to whomever they're walking with. And even when they realize that they're blocking the whole intersection, they still take their sweet time to get across with not a care in the world. One time, a car to our right dared to toot their horn to get a guy to move quicker because the light was about to change to red again. The pedestrian actually had the audacity to look offended and scream at the driver of the car. In frustration at one point, I rolled down my window and reminded a pedestrian to look at the traffic light before crossing so she won't get into or cause an accident, and she flipped me the bird.

I wish Boston cops would give jaywalking citations, just as easily as other traffic tickets. Yes, people need to drive carefully, but pedestrians need to cross lawfully and responsibly, as well.

Beauty Pageant Q & A

I guess we, Filipinos, don't have the monopoly on funny answers to beauty pageant questions! Miss Teen South Carolina gives her two-cents' worth on why a fifth of Americans can't locate the the US on a world map.

Poor girl. We all have our embarrassing moments, but to have it happen on national television with millions of viewers watching and at least 51 girls forever recording the event for posterity - that must not be pleasant.

Doggie Spa?

Last night, I was finishing up painting a wall in one room that I had left undone over the weekend. I decided to take a break between the first and second coat to attend to other things in the house.

I walked into our bedroom a few minutes later and to my horror, saw Katy & George on the beanbag playing with the foam brush I had just left in the other room. There was blue paint on the beanbag, the floor and on them.

Nope, that's not make-up!

And, Katy does not have a pedicure! (She had the paint mostly on her paws, nails and legs.)

The initial feeling of shock was quickly replaced by laughter as we saw both puppies with paint and realized how cute they looked. Hubby quickly ran to get his camera and captured the moment for posterity before I washed the paint off.

These two have definitely wrapped us around their little fingers...er...I mean, paws.

House Stuff

It only took us nine months, but we have finally picked up the paint brushes and started painting the second level of the house. Last December, we finished all the rooms on the first floor, except those that we plan to remodel. That's when we parked up all the painting paraphernalia in the basement and decided to wait until summer to do the rest of the house. We have been dragging our feet since then.

Yesterday, we somehow found ourselves taping all the moldings at mid-afternoon. We've changed our minds on some colors and we've been perusing the Benjamin Moore site for alternatives. I'm glad we waited a bit to do this as the colors we chose before does not seem as appealing as the ones we have now. Hopefully, it will take only another weekend to finish.

We've also had our baptism of fire in lawn mowing, weed-pulling, etc. Home ownership and maintenance is not a picnic. Although when I'm killing weeds and I look across the lawn and see Hubby catch my eye and smile as he is trimming the plants and trees, it just makes it all worthwhile.

Little George

This is "who" I get on my special day. We thought we'd get another dog to keep Miss Katy, our playful Westie, company during those hours that Hubby and I aren't home. He's a Rat Terrier, all 1.9 lbs. of him. His mom was rescued from a puppy mill and happened to be on the way, so he and his littermates were all put up for adoption. We originally planned on adopting a rescued Westie, if we ever found one. However, Hubby and I, being the bleeding hearts that we are (read: suckers), could not resist George's puppy eyes.

I mean, can you?

Filipino Inmates do "Thriller"

This is so hilarious, I just had to share it.

Where else can you find inmates willing to do something like this? I think they did a great job, too!



Talk about channeling energy into something wholesome and positive. I applaud the prison warden!

Fresh Off the Boat

A lot of people here in the US need to develop a more global view. Many who are born or grew up here, and who have never been out of this country much, take on an attitude that if you're not from here, then you come from some backwater and that you do not know much. If you got here recently, whether it's to stay or just to visit, you will definitely get your share of questions. Here were a few of mine.


"You have a college degree!?" - I was asked in shock when I was having a conversation with someone about master's degrees and mentioned pondering over getting one.

"Are you willing to clean?" - When someone heard that my previous work visa expired and I was waiting for the new US work permit to kick in.

"You speak English so well!" - Someone uttered during a casual conversation.

"You came here on a work visa? How did you do that!?" - Incredulously exclaimed by someone when I answered his question of how I got here.

"So how much do you like it here?" - Someone asked me who assumes that nothing is better than being in the US.


Obviously, these questions come from individuals who lack some couth. In a roundabout way, I usually end up trying to pique their curiosity, and encourage them to read up on other countries, if they can't or won't travel and see the world. I am only too happy to have the opportunity to correct someone's gross misconceptions of people who are "fresh off the boat".

Kabayan Issue

Kabayan, PINOYexpats’ latest edition is finally online after a six-month hiatus. The spotlight is on our beloved Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) - their thoughts, their lives and the sacrifices that they make in order find a better life for themselves and for their families in the Philippines.

Please take the time to check it out. Thank you!

What is worth your husband and children?

A friend's wife just took off yesterday - leaving a goodbye note for him and for each of her children, a 1-year old and a 5-month old.

The main reason? She could never give enough money to send to her parents and siblings back in the Philippines, so she, in her flawed logic, decided to leave in order to earn more money to send to her family back in the Philippines. Her overblown sense of duty, as well as her father's demands, call for her to put both her siblings through school, pay off her father's debt and support her parents in luxury, even when both her parents are gainfully employed and has good social and community standing in their town.

When her American husband called her father to tell him what had happened, he thought he was going to get some sympathy. To his surprise, the response was, "Well, if you just send the entire amount for her siblings' tuition (which was about a thousand dollars each), then she'll probably come back. Where is that money anyway? She was supposed to have sent it already. She promised." That was it - no concern for the well-being of his daughter, his son-in-law and his grandkids. The money he's asking for is in addition to an average of $300 that they already send per month to her whole family in that little Southern town.

There's more to this story but I can't write more about it without offending sensibilities. I've seen this happen, time and again, to any small town Filipino woman who marries a non-Filipino. It's almost like their family starts to treat them like a charitable institution that will give them money at the drop of a hat every time they want something, whether it's a necessity, a whim or a luxury. And the shameless guilt-trip laying, the made-up stories that they concoct only to siphon off more money is embarrassing, to say the least. I get asked by many people why their spouse's families are like that. They think I can give them a little more insight because I am Filipino and I know our culture. Everyone hates to talk about it, but it's a harsh reality. And I'm finding myself having to try and explain it to people more and more. Believe me, it's not a great position to be in.

Cobwebs In My Mind

On my way to work this morning in the elevator, I looked up at the elevator screen Captivate network just for the latest news and tidbits. The one-liner that I chewed on long after was, "Chronic pain hampers our memory-making process." It was a sort of a confirmation of what I've been thinking happened to me in my 20s.

My 20s were the busiest, and most turbulent, times of my life. A crazy schedule because of two careers, different gigs and a marriage on the rocks made it all a blur. At that time, I went around feeling like a had 300 lbs. of ACME steel (the kind Wile E. Coyote always tried to use on the Roadrunner) sitting on my chest because of what was happening to my marriage then. Emotional pain was a constant companion, but I somehow managed to function, keep myself busy and find solace and joy in God, my dear friends and work. I remember the highlights and the worst moments, for sure - but everything else seems to have gathered cobwebs in my mind until someone manages to clear it off.

Mom: "I heard from you cousin, V. She and her husband now have a little girl."
Me: "She got married!? When!?"
Mom: "What are you talking about? You sang at her wedding!"
Me: "I did?!"

And I really could not remember a thing even when I saw the evidence - a photo of the beaming bride with me smiling beside her. I have had similar conversations with my friends when I had to dig very deep in order to remember. I assure you, I was not on any mood-altering drug then or at any time - no valium, no Prozac.

I guess the energy my body poured into keeping my state of mind on an even keel then didn't leave much for my memory-making process. I'm not certain it's working that well now, but I think age is to blame this time.

Pants On Fire

Are you a liar? I am, at times.

What causes us to lie?

Laziness?
Cowardice?
Fear?
Shame?
Malice?

Or do we like to tell ourselves that it's kindness because we're sparing someone's feelings? Is it because we feel that the other person can't handle the truth? Are they emotionally or intellectually inept? Would it be better to continually lie to someone and keep them enabled and in the dark or tell them the truth even if it might hurt and give them a chance to deal with it? Like when someone tells me I'm fat, it might sting but then I can lose weight and look and feel better physically. Just please don't let it be the first thing that comes out of your mouth when you greet me! :)

Yeah, we're all guilty of lying, at one time or another, and some more often than others. It's so insulting when we're the one being lied to. We feel disrespected - taken for a fool.

Maybe that's what we should think of before we lie to someone next time.

My Weight According to Everyone

"Fat," Mom uttered when I showed her our new photos - Katy's, our pup, and my latest headshots, which I think were nice to say the least. She also said, "Your dog is so cute." That's it. No other comment was made.

"So, are you fat?," is the first thing that a sister-in-law said when I talked to her over the phone for the first time in three years.

"You got fat," a former schoolmate nicely volunteered after looking over another set of photos.


What is it about Philippine old school ways and their obssession with everyone's weight? It's practically the first utterance out of someone's mouth the moment they see you if you haven't seen or talked to each other for a while. I know it's meant in affection most of the time and I usually take it in stride. However, it can be quite annoying when I'm not having a good day.

I'm not as slim as I used to be when I was in my 20s. I see it everyday.

I get it. Thanks for the concern. :)

The Nerve of Paris

"No! It's not right!"

Tell me, Paris. What's not right - the fact that you drove under the influence of alcohol and endangered other people's lives or the fact that you ignored the law twice after that and drove with a suspended license?

Oh, wait - you think it's not right that you're going to jail? Why is that not right? Is it because you're special? Why, you're Paris Hilton and you are above the law! Your family's wealth can buy you out of any trouble!

"I must also say that I was shocked to see all of the attention devoted to the amount of time I would spend in jail for what I had done by the media, public and city officials. I would hope going forward that the public and the media will focus on more important things like the men and women serving our country in Iraq and other places around the world."

Now suddenly, you want people to have selective attention and look the other way while you're trying to weasel your way out of serving your jail term - telling everyone to focus on "more important things"? Why, you lapped up and made money out of all the attention showered to you by people and the media before!

When are you and your buddies going to stop drinking and driving - when you've maimed and killed innocent people? Believe me, you'll live with that much longer than a 45-day jail sentence.

If you use the time right, this jail term might actually be the best thing to happen to you. I just hope your parents don't continue to mess it up for you. I hope that instead of teaching you that there is always a way to circumvent the law, that they would go buy themselves some parenting skills. They can certainly afford to do so.

Very Merry Month

The merry month of May was made merrier by the visit of two special people to our home. It is very rare that I get a visit from anyone in the Philippines so to get two in a month is such a treat!

First, my friend Sheila Francisco dropped by after her NY visit en route to San Francisco. It was a short three-day visit, but like a typhoon touchdown - very memorable. Those of you who know Sheila know much of a riot she is to have around. Even our pup, Katy could not leave her alone. She even kept Sheila company in the guest room for a couple of nights. Thanks for taking the time, my friend. We'll see you in London!!!

Our second visitor was my dear niece, Trixie. She spent almost a week with us, which was good because we got the chance to get to know each other better and have some bonding time. I was too busy balancing two careers when she was growing up, so I really didn't see her much except for the infrequent clan get-togethers. I had such a nice time just getting to know this well-adjusted young lady whom I last saw only as a teen five years ago during my last visit to Manila. We had a true meeting of minds, from one adult to another. I got to know her joys, angsts and I must say I really like the woman she has become. I am very proud to be able to call her my niece.

It's always a treat for me to see family and friends from back home. It gives me a sense of connection to the things that are happening there. They bring a piece of home to me.

Blonde and Purple

This month has been a flurry of activities and I haven't found the time to really unwind and just blog ever since that weekend my friends and I had in New York.

Lito Villareal, Sheila Francisco and I spent the time just eating, catching up, discussing their upcoming auditions and watching shows. We caught the matinee of Legally Blonde the Musical on their opening week and all I can say is "Omigod, you guys!" We did nothing but laugh during the show, and those of you who know this trio know how we can laugh. Starting from that funny opening number in the sorority house, I sat there in disbelief that someone actually penned an entire song called Omigod, You Guys - we were carried through the surreal story of Elle Woods ending up as a Harvard Valedictorian with flawless choreography, witty writing, incredible singing voices, solid ensemble, and two heart-melting dog actors.

Our next stop was the evening performance of The Color Purple, headlined by Fantasia. We were able to get first row seats and were treated to one of the greatest displays of vocal prowess upclose. Fantasia is a natural. Some train all their lives to be on Broadway stage. This is her Broadway debut and she just nails it. She headlined the show with the same passion that won her American Idol, and the support cast rose up to the ocassion and matched her emotion per emotion, note per note. There was not a dry eye in the audience from beginning to end as the show felt more like a religious experience than anything.

I left New York the next day wishing Lito and Sheila well on both their auditions and hoping that one day, I'll be back to watch their opening nights.

Can't Wait

Tomorrow, I'm taking the early train to New York city to meet up with two close friends. It's been a very long while since the three of us were all in one place. I can't count how many shows and other kinds of gigs Sheila Francisco, Lito Villareal and I did together through the years, but there's nothing like doing something you love with people that you really enjoy being with. It forms a bond that remains unbroken by time and distance. So tomorrow, amidst New York city's background noise will be heard the same guffaws and laughter that regaled our Trumpets theatre family in Manila many years ago.

I just can't wait!!!

Girls Will Be Girls

One of our big bosses dropped by our offices yesterday for some meetings. This man, in his 50s, is the epitome of a Southern gentleman - tall, fit, handsome, confident, intelligent and just emanating charm. He made sure he greeted everyone in each work area he passed. One young grandmother, who's been with the company forever, greeted him and he gave her a fond kiss on the cheek. She blushed and positively glowed. She then asks me shyly if he was going to hang around our floor as she didn't want to risk him walking by her desk as she ate her lunch. I thought it was adorable how a nice, elderly lady still felt like a little schoolgirl beside an irresistible man. I teased her and asked her if she swooned, she said, "Did I ever!"

In the townhall meeting, I observed how he had the same effect on most of the women that he would talk to. Try as they may to hide it, one could not ignore the little girl smiles that they wore after. I even heard a giggle escape a few times. It's fascinating how a worldly, sophisticated man can turn even polished women to mush with the proper attention. It was very amusing to watch!

Friendly No More

I'm a friendly person. I usually acknowledge a friendly look with a nod, a slight smile and sometimes, even a casual greeting. I've noticed though that when it comes to men from a particular region of the world, an acknowledgement is mistakenly taken as an encouragement because they start to get fresh with the way they give me a look right after or the next time they see me. Sometimes, it even comes with an accompanying, "Hello, baby!" or some other lame come-on. Creepy!

Because of this, I'm less courteous, less friendly. It's safer than feeding the ego of these men who strut about like roosters, puffing up their chests and always trying to gauge how attractive they are from the reaction of any women who might just give them a glance. Grow up, you overgrown boys! There are less juvenile ways to gain and maintain self-esteem. :)

Umpteenth Blog Posting on Virginia Tech

I was reading about the victims of the Virginia Tech shooting and it is so sad to see how many meaningful and purposeful lives were cut off by a single person whose life did not hold much. Their lives, full of promise and hope for the future of a world they dreamed of changing, ended by someone whose life was spent in silent, simmering anger that finally boiled over - the usual scenario of almost any mass shooting.

Tragic.

Nevertheless, it is not uncommon to hear how individuals, who inspired others in life, galvanize everyone who knew them even more in their death. It shows that no matter how short their lives here were, their bright light still illuminates everything that surrounded them, long after it's been extinguished. Their death, no matter how unexpected and ugly, will somehow serve as a catalyst for change.

Snooty Old Lady

A colleague and I were chatting about work in a local Starbucks across our building. As she was talking about the new line of business that we had, an old lady who was reading one chair away from us at the counter, tapped her on the shoulder.

Lady: "Excuse, me, could you keep your voice down....?"
Colleague: "Oh...sorry..." She looks at the lady in surprise and turns to me in puzzlement.
Lady: "...it's a public place!" She adds haughtily.
Me: "Exactly. So if you want a quiet place to read. Go to a library."

There was music blaring and the baristas were taking orders loudly. I didn't understand why she thought my colleague's voice made it any worse. After simmering for a bit, she gathered up her stuff in a huff and took her little bum out of the place.

I know it was not good of me to snap. I just couldn't stand the little attitude and tone that she had when she addressed my colleague, not to mention her very lame reason for asking her to hush up. Grrr...

A Morning Like This

Christendom's reason for existence boils down to this day - the celebration of Jesus' resurrection symbolizing His victory over all our sins - past, present and future. It was a morning like this, centuries ago, that gives me the foundation of who I am and helps me define what I want to be every day of my life.

To me and many others, this day goes beyond the Easter bunny and Easter egg hunts. It is a reminder that if not for this day - nothing else holds much meaning, no matter who we supposedly are and how much we have.

Twila Paris singing "The Warrior is a Child/Do I Trust You"

Live Like A Dog

The other day, we were driving around with Katy in the backseat of the car. As we waited for a light to turn green in an intersection, a homeless woman approached our car begging for some money. Hubby rolled the window and put some in the cup she was holding. As the woman walked away, she stopped by the backseat window and started waving and talking to Katy, who looked up at her while happily curled up on a soft pillow. Instantly, I felt my throat tighten as I realized that the little pup seems to be living such a comfortable life compared to this woman.

These days, to live like a dog isn't necessarily a bad thing especially in America. A study I read said that the estimated total pet expenditure in the US in 2007 is $40.8 billion, that includes the pet purchase, food, supplies, vet care, medicines, grooming, boarding, etc. I wonder if that figure includes the ridiculous things that people who've gone overboard buy - i.e. pet strollers, complete pet furniture sets, wardrobe, designer collars, leashes and carriers, etc. That staggering amount can feed thousands of families in third world countries. Heck, it can pay a small country's debt.

It's a sobering fact that we, humans, sometimes tend to go overboard and get our priorities all wrong. There's something wrong with the picture when dogs and cats in the park are better dressed and accessorized than some of the people that are hanging out or sleeping on the park benches; when our four-legged companions are well-fed when some people are foraging for whatever food they can find in the trash .

It's difficult not to dote on our pets, especially when they sometimes behave with more loyalty and unconditional love than some people. We have been hurt so much by our fellow human beings that a lot of us have channeled our affection to our pets.

I guess all this is a symptom of an even deeper issue in society... and I have barely scratched its surface.

Midnight Caller

My sleep has been continually disrupted by the phone ringing in the last couple of weeks. For several nights now, my phone has been ringing at the ungodly hour of 2:00 am. The ringtone indicates to me that the caller ID is unavailable or unknown, so I would just slip back into my morphean state with no hesitation. I figured if it was really important, the caller would either leave a message or call again. However, in the last three days, I've been a sleep-starved business traveler and hearing that phone ring at night just drove me to distraction. I actually attempted to answer the phone two nights in a row to remind the caller what time it was with as much politeness I could muster at that time of the night. Every time I picked up, there was no answer and the line would go dead. It's creepy - but really, I'm really more irritated than fearful.

I guess I either need to change my number or just turn my phone off at night. My concern is missing a real emergency because of this inconsiderate bugger who has nothing better to do in the wee hours of the morning but dial someone's number. Grrrr!

Responsible

Responsible.

I've always been described as such by teachers, friends, bosses, etc. It felt good to be thought of that way. I have avoided a lot of unnecessary trouble in life because of that trait. However, it can be such a burden too, especially when you're one of the very few among a number of foolish and irresponsible individuals. I sometimes wish I could just be carefree like everyone else and not worry about other people's feelings and circumstance or the future. Maybe I will be happier.

I always knew being responsible was not easy, I just didn't realize until now how it can be so incredibly lonely, too.

My Dog Ate It...Really!

If you've been calling us on our landline this past week and we haven't been picking up, we have an explanation. Our little Katy ate our phone - well, not exactly.

I was wondering why the phone was not lit up and charging. I looked down and saw that it was firmly plugged. I looked at the connection at the base and it was securely fastened. So I did the next logical thing. I followed the cord and found what the pup did. She had chewed on the power supply cord clean and it's now in three pieces. Now, we have to look for the correct adapter for this phone, or buy a new set. *Sigh* If she wasn't so cute...

Our dog eating something is not an excuse. Not in our case, anyway!

A Dose of Faith

Katy, our adorable (or so I say!) little pup, has made me even softer when it comes to puppies and dogs. I saw a clip on this dog on CNN, and it led me to this one. My throat was pretty tight at the end of each clip.

This amazing two-legged dog has bipedally walked into people's hearts. Hers is another poignant lesson on the importance of having hope in seemingly bleak situations because extraordinary joy can actually come from it in unexpected forms.

Her name is Faith, and we all definitely need a little dose of her.

:)

A Young Man's View

Meralco Theatre Backstage

A young male friend, who I think of as my little brother, wrote this. I found it to be a breath of fresh air in this age of "hook-ups" and casual sex. Today, being the day of "love", I thought I would reprint his view.

Wackie, or Joaquin Valdes to everyone in the Philippines, opens up on his views on love, dating and courtship.

WHY I'VE NEVER HAD A "REAL" RELATIONSHIP

People often ask me why I‘ve never been in a relationship. Why I’ve never committed myself into a lasting romantic engagement. Why I’ve never had a “girlfriend”. Let me attempt to encompass in this short blog the answer I’ve waited 22 years to tell. In a lot of ways, I don’t necessarily think that the answer is complete just yet, but let me share with you what I have so far. Before anything else, let me hazard a disclaimer. My thoughts are mine, share in them as you wish; but if you choose otherwise, no offense will be taken. And vice versa.

A wise person told me once that a person could grow a week in a year or a year in a week. It was always awkward for me being a kid. I always felt that I was older than I really was. I got a long with the older kids; I listened to older music and generally felt I was older than my “body”. Oftentimes I’d wish that I’d sleep at night and then wake up an adult. Kids from broken homes can probably relate. It’s that pressure to “catch up” or to “deal” and adapt to things that make us grow up faster. Meaning to say, that even if I had gone through the normal “kid” stuff like XMEN, Batman, Voltron and The Visionaries, I still felt out of place. Its strange really, because while I enjoyed these “kid” things as a kid, I was conscious that they were for “kids”. Did I lose you yet? I thought so. Basically, I grew up all too fast and was exposed to a lot of things at too early a time in my life…too early. It’s a well-known fact that people reach a point in their lives where they are “awakened” to reality; it’s just a matter of when. Now some would easily translate this to the time they found out that Santa Clause was fake or that the Tooth Fairy was actually mom. Mine was when I found out that not all moms and dads stayed together. My turning point was when I saw that Love didn’t work out the way the books or the movies said it would. The prince didn’t always rescue the princess, and sometimes the evil witch did win. I realized that Love was actually just a word that people use, it wasn’t magical, it wasn’t special, it was just a word. I realized that some people didn’t even say it all that often. I realized that some people said it a little too often. Love had become a Hallmark card, a popcorn movie, a story and a song. Love was reduced to a commodity. But as the theory says: “for every action, there exists an equal and opposite reaction.” Instead of losing hope in the whole Love thing, I figured that Love must’ve had an unadulterated version of it before we people screwed things up. Love isn’t just Romeo and Juliet, Tom and Katie, Brad and Angelina, Dao Ming Tzu and Sunshine; I realized that if my picture was limited to Shakespeare, Neruda or even Wong Kar Wai, much less to the most recent love team, then my doubting “love” would turn out true. I didn’t want that to happen. As much as I wanted my doubts about love to be true, I knew in my heart that there was much more to the word than the feelings you get when she looked back. Love was more than the text messages of sweet nothings. Love was more than holding hands or even kissing. Love was more than sex. Love was more than a trial and error effort to find a “match”. I knew that there was more to Love, but still I doubted. I was jaded by the experience of this so-called Love falling short. But I was out to prove my cynicism wrong. So I made I vow to myself not to drop the L word unless I lived up to its original definition. Reading a lot of things, you more or less get a picture of what different people say about love. I read a lot, but no poet, novelist or even blogger pictured love clearer than this author: “No greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for a friend”. I was never one to spoonfeed so you’ll have to look for the author up yourself. Call me unreal or even preachy…but I couldn’t find a more perfect definition or picture of what Love really is. Then we go to my story.

I realized that being in a relationship is no joke. Dealing with your own life, soul and heart is hard enough, bringing another heart into the picture is almost dangerous. Fun, but dangerous. Don’t get me wrong here, I’m all for taking risks, trying adventures and even making mistakes; but I’d want to do that on my own first before I bring another person into the picture. I’ve had my own slew of “things” (not flings), that always almost ended up in a relationship, but as I look back I’m glad it didn’t. Why? Because looking back, my motivation wasn’t Love, it was loins. I wasn’t out to love someone, I was out to satisfy myself. To fill my need. Like a parasite that clings on a nother to feed its own cravings. That wasn’t love, that was just selfish. I could’ve easily fallen into that trap for the sole reason that it was that…easy. Like a game to be played. Except, I almost didn’t realize that this “game” was played with hearts not tokens, with emotions, not toys. Love was, is and will never be a game. The reason for not being in a relationship is my choice, because I feel that the only time I can actually be in one is when I’m ready to say “I love you”. The only time I’ll be ready is when I’m willing to put my life on the line. The only time I’ll put my life on the line, is when I know that She’s the one for sure. The easiest thing to do nowadays is to commit to something half-heartedly, the hardest thing to do is to withdraw when you realized that it was a mistake. I’m a big fan of Love and Relationships, in fact, I talk about it a lot (too much actually) with my friends, but at the same time I take it seriously. Heart issues are serious issues. If I’m not ready to be in a serious relationship, then why be in one at all? To get the benefits but not work for it? To eat an expensive steak dinner and not pay for it? To get a degree but not study for it? To take the easy way out? I’m not that kind of man. When I love someone, its full throttle. It may take time, and a lot of effort, but I’m willing to take THAT risk. I’d want to be the man that my woman deserves; ready to commit, ready to fight and ready to die for her. Until I’m at that point, I must focus on the fine tuning. When you love someone you want to offer her the best that you have, it may not be perfect, but it’s the best that you have. That’s what I’m working on now. I wouldn’t want to offer her anything half baked. There’s a lot of room to grow, in fact the growing never stops, it wasn’t until now, that I felt grown enough to even begin looking. But recent events have accelerated certain courses. I can’t fully say that I’m ready to drop the L word just yet, but I know that I can begin my real quest. A search that may or may not lead me to “Her” but it’s a search. Dating someone will NOT tell you if you’re ready to love that person, it will just open up a possibility…but the bottom line is you guard your heart.

I'm so proud of how our little Wackie has grown up to be a fine, young man. I pray that no matter what life sends his way, in the right time, he will find that special someone who will treat him with the same love and respect that he wants to offer.

Ain't true love grand? Happy Valentine's Day!

Much Ado

It's been the front page headline since yesterday afternoon in CNN, and it still is early this morning - the death of Anna Nicole Smith. It's sad that she's passed away and my sympathies go to her loved ones. However, it is making me wonder since there are so many things going on in the world - aren't there more news worthy of the front page of CNN?

Katy the Western Westie

The experts weren't exaggerating when they said that the West Highland White Terrier is a highly intelligent breed of dogs. Katy has just wrapped up her second day with us, and she has astounded us with the speed in which she learns things. This 9-week-old little Westie pup has already learned to "sit" and use the puppy pads when unable to go outside to do her "business". The challenge will be to keep this very sharp puppy constantly stimulated so she does not get bored and destructive.

It's been a very tiring but fun weekend getting to know this little thing - the morning and evening walks in sub-zero temperature, the cleaning up of little "accidents", etc. I don't know what possessed M and I to adopt a dog as having one is such a responsibility. I guess that's what couples do, whose nurturing instincts have overwhelmed them but are not quite ready for a baby just yet - they get a dog!

New Addition

She's the new addition to our household. She is nine weeks old and we take her home tomorrow night.

Hubby and I have always wanted a dog. Everytime we see one, the desire just grew stronger. After dogsitting Chloe, a friend's extremely adorable Shih Tzu a couple of times, we decided we could not hold it off any longer. We did our research and decided on the breed that we thought would suit our personalities best. She's a West Highland White Terrier - a handsome little breed when full-grown, and definitely adorable as a pup.

We're deciding on a name. Since she's a Scot by ethnicity, we thought we'd come up with a Scottish moniker - but we're still open to suggestions. Any ideas?

Photo credit: Kingdom of Pets

Freezing Friday

An arctic blast envelops our nice little city today. As I write this it is 4F outside, -13F with wind chill factor. To folks who use metric, that is -14C, and -26C with wind chill factor. Invigorating weather, isn't it!? It's the coldest it's been in three years here. I felt its full force as I made my way to work this morning. As a person used to island weather, I have acclimated to this place better than I thought. Taking up skiing as a hobby helped as well, because the winter does not seem as long for us when we are out and about enjoying it.

It's a good, clear, sunny, albeit icy morning here. I hope you guys stay warm whether you're here nearby or farway. Before I go, let me leave you with something to mentally chew on this weekend from Helen Keller -

No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit.

'Nuff said.

What We Do For A Wii

Did wii get up in the cold and wii hours just to line up to get one?

Did wii wrestle with people physically or verbally just to get our hands on the last one?

Did wii suffer water intoxication and die just to try to win one?

How much do we want something and what are we willing to do to get it? Our culture is fast becoming one of quick 'fixes', materialism and conformity. Are we not cool or special unless we get something ahead of most people? And once everyone has it, where do our feelings of being special go? I guess it's gone until we find the latest and greatest to own ahead of everyone else again. Is that what it's all about?

It's so sad that Jennifer Strange in Rancho Cordova, California died trying to win a Wii for her children. Even sadder that a radio station, very much aware of the dangers and possible fatal results of water intoxication, still held the water-drinking and pee-holding contest to lure listeners and of course, advertisers. I don't blame her for trying to win one because of all the hype and over-inflated prices. It's heartbreaking that she felt she needed to do this to fulfill her kids' wishes.

Parents, we know we love our kids and would do almost anything to give them what they want - but have we carefully thought of the message that we send our children when they see us willing to fight anyone or do whatever it takes just to get our hands on a friggin' toy? We are telling them that having those material things matter more than patience, frugality, civility and life itself - that we're not good enough if we don't have the latest thing that everyone else has or wants. Is that where we really want our children to draw their self-esteem from?

What happened to teaching the value and wisdom of-

-being our own selves and not having to be like everyone else and give in to peer pressure?
-delayed gratification?
-having the patience to wait for a good thing?
-working hard to save up for something we want?
-building our self-esteem on more lasting things like character?

Oh, I enjoy playing the Wii when my nephew brings his over. I think it's a great videogame as it really gets us off our lazy butts. But, waiting to get something is good, too. If we still want it in a couple of months, then it just might be worth spending for because then we know it's just not going to be a very expensive passing fancy. If not, then that's hundreds of dollars more for our savings. And that can probably buy us something more lasting in the future - like maybe a good education for our children.

Frosted Flakes

I'm not referring to the cereal. I'm alluding to people who are unreliable - or as the slang says, "flaky". You can't depend on anything they say because no matter how much they assure you that they're going to do something, it just does not happen. The worse kind is the "frosted" - because most of the time, the words that come out of this kind of flakes' mouths are sugar-coated. It's almost like they add the sweetness to make the taste of their BS more apparent when you finally get screwed over.

Nothing gets my goat more than someone who has long promised me something and then not doing it. Especially when what I'm asking from them (which should not cost them money at all if it was planned ahead) is something that I need in order to do the costly favor that they were asking of me in the first place. I have experienced flakiness before, but this kind of took the cake.

Never again will I be scrambling at the last minute, on my own dime, to find what I need, in order to fulfill a favor that has been asked of me. If you don't keep your end of our agreement, no longer will I worry about keeping mine - no matter how much time, effort and money I've already invested into it. Go find someone else to flake out on.

First Week

I've spent the first week of the New Year fighting off a bad cold. It started as a little tickle in my throat a couple of days before the New Year. From then on, I've been downing medicines like crazy to stave off the microbes that were laying siege to my system. There was just no way I was going to give in as we were slated to host the family for New Year's Eve . We had everything all figured out - dinnerware, flatware, stemware, placecard holders, wine, hors d'oeuvres, appetizer, entrees, dessert, etc. Aside from the fact that I wasn't my usual kissy and huggy self to prevent the spread of my holiday germs, everything went great with the dinner, the countdown, the dancing, the Wii-playing. We had loads of fun! We had so much food left over that I invited everyone back the next day to pick up from where we left off. Am I a sucker for punishment!? This time though, we used plastic ware so we would not stay up washing dishes until the wee hours of the morning. The merriment continued until late into the night as nobody wanted to break up the party. It was torture getting up the next day to get to work - so much that I vowed to take the 2nd of January off every year from now on.

The first week at work was uneventful, thankfully. Given my cold meds-ridden condition, I probably couldn't take our usual crazy week. It was slow enough for me to decide to just work from home today and get over the cold and the extreme muscle ache from too much Wii workout. It's awesome to be able to work in my jammies and take a siesta at mid-day.

After the last two busy holiday weekends, we plan to just veg and chill this weekend to recover. It makes me giddy just to think about it! :)

A fantastic 2007 to all!!!