Whether we admit it or not, the people that we most take for granted are usually the ones who have given to us freely and without measure.
It has weighed on my mind lately because I keep seeing individuals who are in need of help not even ask nicely, but instead expect it - and if they don't receive it, actually demand it. People have extended their hands to them all their lives that they now think of it as a right, and no longer a privilege. They feel a false sense of entitlement, simply because people who love them have met their needs without them having to ask. They even forget to show appreciation after they get what they want.
Consequently, no matter how much they are loved, that kind of behavior never fails to cause that well of love and generosity to start to go dry. There's no faster "drying agent" than ingratitude.
We are all guilty of ingratitude. From the people who try to live solely on welfare or government assistance, to the help given by our extended and immediate family, and finally to the guidance, provision and love of God.
Sadly, for most of us, the only time the cold reality of our callousness and ingratitude will only dawn on us, is when we lose that supply of love and generosity that we have so depended on but sorely taken for granted. That is the only time we realize how much our loved ones and others have enriched our lives.
So before that happens, we should practice some humility and show our appreciation. Try to remember the very basic lesson that hopefully all our parents have taught us. Say "please" when we need or want something that we cannot do for ourselves, and "thank you" when it is given or offered to us. Two simple but powerful phrases. Be reminded that people owe us nothing. Whatever they do for us, they do out of kindness and sometimes just unconditional love. Let us try not to abuse it, but to respect and reciprocate it.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Pissing Matches
I've come across a few people who love to have pissing matches. A fierce need (a.k.a. insecurity) to display their supposed mental prowess probably drives them to always show off their acquired knowledge. They will argue points that you're not arguing with them about, and they will play devil's advocate to any issue discussed disregarding whatever personal experience you have had about the subject matter. They want to convince you that your experience was somehow faulty, or just plain imagined - because really now, they know better.
I get tired listening to such people. That's why when I hear them starting again, I shift my attention to something or someone else and leave them to the other conversation participants (a.k.a victims). I consider them conversation perverts - those who like people to watch or listen to them while they do mental and verbal masturbation as the pleasure in the discourse is theirs alone.
Pissing matches really solve nothing because in the end - no matter who pisses higher, all you have is a whole lot of piss.
Can you tell that I am royally pissed? :)
I get tired listening to such people. That's why when I hear them starting again, I shift my attention to something or someone else and leave them to the other conversation participants (a.k.a victims). I consider them conversation perverts - those who like people to watch or listen to them while they do mental and verbal masturbation as the pleasure in the discourse is theirs alone.
Pissing matches really solve nothing because in the end - no matter who pisses higher, all you have is a whole lot of piss.
Can you tell that I am royally pissed? :)
Monday, July 17, 2006
Waxing Nostalgic
I was in the kitchen cooking when I heard this very familiar song blaring from Hubby's hobby room. Memories came unbidden and brought me back to the younger, crazier, carefree days of my life. He apparently stumbled upon it online while researching on Tagalog. It just so happened that it was a cut from one of Gary Valenciano's concerts of years ago when I toured with him as back up and guest singer. I started singing, dancing - basically going wild. Hubby was quite entertained, but still a bit puzzled. In between verses of singing, I managed to spit out that I was part of that live recording of the concert, that at some points, one of the voices that he was hearing was mine.
Before he could express more of his surprise, I went to look for the CDs of the concert. Now, here I am in my room with that concert blasting along with the recorded screaming of the Araneta Coliseum audience in my ear, recapturing the goosebumps that would envelop us onstage before when 30,000 people started screaming, dancing and stomping their feet during a concert.
It seems like another person's life when I look back. Now I'm here, in a totally different world, working in banking and finance, devoid of anything that colored my life back then. It's during times like this when I get quite homesick and miss everything I had going on back then in Manila.
I'm not ungrateful for what I have right now, not at all. God has given me a chance to explore other worlds and allowed me to flourish in it. Here, I have had the chance to discover and hone talents other than those in the arts. I have found another kind of satisfaction in what I do now, albeit different.
So here I sit, hoping that somewhere in this nostalgic moment, I find some inspiration to write two promised articles. But the way my mind gone off into memory lane, I don't think I'll have much progress tonight.
Before he could express more of his surprise, I went to look for the CDs of the concert. Now, here I am in my room with that concert blasting along with the recorded screaming of the Araneta Coliseum audience in my ear, recapturing the goosebumps that would envelop us onstage before when 30,000 people started screaming, dancing and stomping their feet during a concert.
It seems like another person's life when I look back. Now I'm here, in a totally different world, working in banking and finance, devoid of anything that colored my life back then. It's during times like this when I get quite homesick and miss everything I had going on back then in Manila.
I'm not ungrateful for what I have right now, not at all. God has given me a chance to explore other worlds and allowed me to flourish in it. Here, I have had the chance to discover and hone talents other than those in the arts. I have found another kind of satisfaction in what I do now, albeit different.
So here I sit, hoping that somewhere in this nostalgic moment, I find some inspiration to write two promised articles. But the way my mind gone off into memory lane, I don't think I'll have much progress tonight.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Boy, Girl, Bakla, Tomboy
Check out Pride & Prejudice, PINOYexpats’ latest edition tackling homosexuality. Tin did an excellent job in leading this issue. Meet our Pinoy brothers and sisters who share their deepest feelings about their orientation and lifestyle. Don’t miss this very poignant issue.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Le Tour Cliché - Conclusion
Chugging through the Rhine Riverbanks
As we were sitting on our last day of train travel in Europe, I was disappointed to learn that the train we were taking back to Cologne en route to Belgium was not the express one. However, the disappointment slowly dissipated as we chugged through small, sleepy towns along the Rhine River. On the opposite bank, we saw different quaint little hamlets with their respective church steeples, and the occasional old castle overlooking it. At one point, a train was going through one on the other side, in the opposite direction we were going. It brought to mind those little play towns sold during Christmas as holiday scenes that come with lights, which are set up as part of the Christmas décor. As I took in the very scenic ride, I couldn’t help but look back at the last two weeks that we had just spent. Traveling may have cost us a fair bundle, but one just can’t put a price on that kind of time spent with a loved one. I know I almost sound like a MasterCard commercial, but there’s really nothing like shared experiences to further build friendships and relationships.
Wanderlust
Our last day was supposed to have been spent resting and recouping from the hectic trip. Our wanderlust though, wouldn’t let us sit still. We found ourselves walking to the station to buy a ticket to the Belgian coast of Ostend. There, we had a relaxing time by the seaside, walking, people-watching, eating and drinking in the sights. We treated ourselves to a mouth-watering lunch by the shore, capped with Kassis and of course, to a last serving of authentic Belgian waffles for dessert. I expected a normal size waffle but I was served one the size of a huge plate. When I expressed surprise at the size, the woman happily chimed, “Big waffle for a big woman!” LOL! She meant well I think, but it made me think even more that my pant-ripping episode was indeed due to the increasing size of my derrière. Then and there, I resolved to go on a diet the minute I set foot in the US. What a highlight that was of my last touring day in Europe!
Au revoir
The next day, we bid Europe goodbye as our Belgian host, Marina dropped us off at the airport. I was relieved that we made it through 15 days of traveling without any incidents. As it happened, not long after we arrived at the airport, Hubby looked at me with his baby browns and nervously whispered, “Er…Hunni, I don’t have my wallet.” Our minds were awhirl with all the phone calls we needed to make and things we needed to do if the wallet was lost or stolen. We simmered for an hour before a call to Marina was made as she was only getting home and could only confirm then that Hubby indeed left his wallet under the bed. It didn’t end there. Our flight to London was delayed so when we arrived in Heathrow, we literally ran from one gate to another to make our connection to Boston. There went my plans to go shopping at Heathrow’s Duty Free shop! And despite reassurances from the ground stewardess that our luggage made the plane as we did, it arrived two nights later after we did.
A less than ideal ending to an almost perfect vacation, but we really couldn't complain. Better that those things happened then than at any other time during our trip. Besides, these little incidents seem to just add character to any event in life when one's looking back. This vacation has given us more beautiful and funny memories to tuck away in our hearts.
As we were sitting on our last day of train travel in Europe, I was disappointed to learn that the train we were taking back to Cologne en route to Belgium was not the express one. However, the disappointment slowly dissipated as we chugged through small, sleepy towns along the Rhine River. On the opposite bank, we saw different quaint little hamlets with their respective church steeples, and the occasional old castle overlooking it. At one point, a train was going through one on the other side, in the opposite direction we were going. It brought to mind those little play towns sold during Christmas as holiday scenes that come with lights, which are set up as part of the Christmas décor. As I took in the very scenic ride, I couldn’t help but look back at the last two weeks that we had just spent. Traveling may have cost us a fair bundle, but one just can’t put a price on that kind of time spent with a loved one. I know I almost sound like a MasterCard commercial, but there’s really nothing like shared experiences to further build friendships and relationships.
Wanderlust
Our last day was supposed to have been spent resting and recouping from the hectic trip. Our wanderlust though, wouldn’t let us sit still. We found ourselves walking to the station to buy a ticket to the Belgian coast of Ostend. There, we had a relaxing time by the seaside, walking, people-watching, eating and drinking in the sights. We treated ourselves to a mouth-watering lunch by the shore, capped with Kassis and of course, to a last serving of authentic Belgian waffles for dessert. I expected a normal size waffle but I was served one the size of a huge plate. When I expressed surprise at the size, the woman happily chimed, “Big waffle for a big woman!” LOL! She meant well I think, but it made me think even more that my pant-ripping episode was indeed due to the increasing size of my derrière. Then and there, I resolved to go on a diet the minute I set foot in the US. What a highlight that was of my last touring day in Europe!
Au revoir
The next day, we bid Europe goodbye as our Belgian host, Marina dropped us off at the airport. I was relieved that we made it through 15 days of traveling without any incidents. As it happened, not long after we arrived at the airport, Hubby looked at me with his baby browns and nervously whispered, “Er…Hunni, I don’t have my wallet.” Our minds were awhirl with all the phone calls we needed to make and things we needed to do if the wallet was lost or stolen. We simmered for an hour before a call to Marina was made as she was only getting home and could only confirm then that Hubby indeed left his wallet under the bed. It didn’t end there. Our flight to London was delayed so when we arrived in Heathrow, we literally ran from one gate to another to make our connection to Boston. There went my plans to go shopping at Heathrow’s Duty Free shop! And despite reassurances from the ground stewardess that our luggage made the plane as we did, it arrived two nights later after we did.
A less than ideal ending to an almost perfect vacation, but we really couldn't complain. Better that those things happened then than at any other time during our trip. Besides, these little incidents seem to just add character to any event in life when one's looking back. This vacation has given us more beautiful and funny memories to tuck away in our hearts.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Le Tour Cliché - Part 5
PINOYexpats Meet
Early the next day, J dropped us off at the downtown Starbucks for breakfast. I could hardly contain my anticipation in meeting Ruth and Raquel. Meeting two of the brilliant thirteen (naks, syempre kasali kami ni Melissa doon! Hehe!) that make up PINOYexpats was something I was really looking forward to. It was like seeing old friends. These are the people that I probably have emailed to the most in the last couple of years because of all the brainstorming email sessions that we have before each issue. So there we were eating all the fatty Starbucks pastries and chatting on, sometimes reverting to Tagalog, as Hubby patiently listened and looked on. The conversation did not disappoint, and I didn’t really expect it to. After all, how can people who are such fun to read be bad conversationalists? :) Too bad, the other nine members couldn't join us!
Early the next day, J dropped us off at the downtown Starbucks for breakfast. I could hardly contain my anticipation in meeting Ruth and Raquel. Meeting two of the brilliant thirteen (naks, syempre kasali kami ni Melissa doon! Hehe!) that make up PINOYexpats was something I was really looking forward to. It was like seeing old friends. These are the people that I probably have emailed to the most in the last couple of years because of all the brainstorming email sessions that we have before each issue. So there we were eating all the fatty Starbucks pastries and chatting on, sometimes reverting to Tagalog, as Hubby patiently listened and looked on. The conversation did not disappoint, and I didn’t really expect it to. After all, how can people who are such fun to read be bad conversationalists? :) Too bad, the other nine members couldn't join us!
Ruth, moi, Melissa and Raquel
After our cups of Joe and sweets my body could have done without, Raquel and Ruth had to run off to their respective commitments. After making reservations for the Thalys for our departure the next day, Melissa took us on a walking day tour of downtown Frankfurt. We stopped for a taste of the local frankfurter and some beer in the square called Römerberg, where Ruth met up with us again after class. It’s a beautiful, historic square that was leveled during bomb raids in 1944, but was reconstructed after the war.
As we tried to figure out the best way to go around the city, Ruth had the great idea of taking the Ebbelwei Express (Apple Wine Express) for a tour. They are these festive and colorful trolleys that serve the city’s famous Apple Wine or cider, the city’s drink of preference and some pretzels while they take you to all the sights in Frankfurt. It was a really fun way of seeing the city without wearing out your feet. We couldn’t have had a more enthusiastic tour guide who, in my book, is the German with the most winning and endearing smile. We asked him to take our photo and he actually asked the driver to stop so that his hands wouldn’t shake. The driver happily obliged. :) In preparation for the World Cup which was to open the next day, there were humongous television screens scattered all over the place, even in the middle of the river. There was just no way anyone in this city could miss the game unless they lived under a rock.
Our feet put on some more mileage after getting off the Ebbelwei Express going around the shopping districts and the Alter Oper, Frankfurt’s beautiful old opera house. I wasn’t surprised when our feet (or was it our stomachs?) led us to the local Häagen-Dazs to cool off kuno with different delectable ice cream concoctions. Our day of sight seeing might have ended there but our day of eating didn’t.
In the evening, Melissa and J took us to the apple wine tavern, Adolf Wagner for a truly German dining experience. Pinoys that we are, Melissa and I ordered their version of the crispy pata to share, the Haxe. When she ordered one for us to share, I gave her this look that clearly said I wanted my own piece. She laughed and assured me it was big enough. I’m glad we shared because I was waddling like my pregnant friend when we left the place. All my misgivings about eating after the *pant-ripping episode I had the previous day, which I conveniently forgot to mention in the previous entry, were tossed aside. Ang sarap sobra! It was a great way to cap our very memorable German experience.
Early the next morning, we tearfully said our goodbyes and told Melissa and J that it shouldn’t be another eight years before we saw each other again, and that it was our turn to host them in Boston. O ano, Melissa, kelan?
*After our day in Heidelberg, I carried JP up the stairs into the flat. As I bent to set him down, we all heard a loud rrrrrrrrIIIIppp! Of course, everyone started laughing as I felt a cool breeze envelop my rump area. My lime green undies showed under the 5-inch rip of one of my favorite casual pants. It's a good thing that it happened when we got home. Obviously, all the romping, tumbling and falling I did in Heidelberg stressed my worn out non-stretch pants. The non-stop eating didn't help either. Or maybe it's the other way around. Whatever it was, my butt was obviously more than my pants could handle at that moment. Melissa and J now have a souvenir of our stay with them.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Le Tour Cliché - Part 4
A Friend in Frankfurt
I squatted down near the phone at the Frankfurt Main train station rummaging through my carry-on to look for her number. I glance up momentarily and right into my sightline waddled this extremely familiar woman with her husband and child in tow.
A very loud “HOY!” escaped from my lips before I could stop it. The only thing that prevented me from running to her were my bags. Melissa and J had not changed one bit. Maganda at guapo pa rin! They were as I remembered them years back, except for the fact that she had a round belly and that they had their little retazo, JP who I was setting eyes on for the first time. He proved to be even cuter than the photos I had seen.
J prepared a delicious welcome dinner for us, as he contributed here and there to the endless chatter and laughter as Melissa and I caught up. Hubby who was busy getting to know JP as they played with his castle and knights, tuned in and out depending on what he understood as Melissa and I switched back and forth from English to Tagalog.
After the sumptuous dinner, we headed off to the World Cup Sky Arena, a light and sound show in downtown Frankfurt that started at 11:00 pm. It was quite an experience as they closed off some roads and shut off all the lights and illuminated all the skyscrapers by projecting on them a 25-minute retrospective of the FIFA World Cup. We were among thousands from all over the world that watched and sometimes cheered as the faces of their favorite players appeared on one skyscraper or another. All in all, it would have been an even greater experience had there been some more audience participation. I could not believe that, with the amount of people there from different countries, there was no wild cheering, jeering, binge drinking or dancing. Amazingly, everyone was just a little too well behaved and polite for an event like that. I almost expected to hear an echo when I let out a little whoop when they showed Pelé, at one point. Just the same, we enjoyed the experience. I guess as fanatic as soccer fans are, they only really let loose during an actual game.
Heidelberg Hike
The next day, J and Melissa took the time off to drive us to the old town of Heidelberg, a charming city that sits along the Neckar River. We decided to sample the local cuisine before walking around. After a nice and hearty meal of sausages and schnitzel, we, along with Melissa, almost 7 months pregnant, gamely hiked the 300 or so steps up to the Heidelberg Castle. The Castle is definitely worth the climb, not to mention the spectacular view it offers of the city. We ended our little tour with a stop at a tearoom where Melissa and I gorged on four different pastries “to refuel.” :)
As Pinoys are wont to be, we discussed dinner as we were stuffing our faces with cakes! We decided we were going to go Pinoy for dinner. So the rest of the early evening was spent getting the ingredients from the Asian store. At dinnertime, two meals were prepared. J and M had chicken teriyaki and Melissa, Rhoda (Melissa’s sister) and I had Sinigang. JP had a sampling of both, a true mix of his Asian mother and his European father.
Ipagpapatuloy...
I squatted down near the phone at the Frankfurt Main train station rummaging through my carry-on to look for her number. I glance up momentarily and right into my sightline waddled this extremely familiar woman with her husband and child in tow.
A very loud “HOY!” escaped from my lips before I could stop it. The only thing that prevented me from running to her were my bags. Melissa and J had not changed one bit. Maganda at guapo pa rin! They were as I remembered them years back, except for the fact that she had a round belly and that they had their little retazo, JP who I was setting eyes on for the first time. He proved to be even cuter than the photos I had seen.
J prepared a delicious welcome dinner for us, as he contributed here and there to the endless chatter and laughter as Melissa and I caught up. Hubby who was busy getting to know JP as they played with his castle and knights, tuned in and out depending on what he understood as Melissa and I switched back and forth from English to Tagalog.
After the sumptuous dinner, we headed off to the World Cup Sky Arena, a light and sound show in downtown Frankfurt that started at 11:00 pm. It was quite an experience as they closed off some roads and shut off all the lights and illuminated all the skyscrapers by projecting on them a 25-minute retrospective of the FIFA World Cup. We were among thousands from all over the world that watched and sometimes cheered as the faces of their favorite players appeared on one skyscraper or another. All in all, it would have been an even greater experience had there been some more audience participation. I could not believe that, with the amount of people there from different countries, there was no wild cheering, jeering, binge drinking or dancing. Amazingly, everyone was just a little too well behaved and polite for an event like that. I almost expected to hear an echo when I let out a little whoop when they showed Pelé, at one point. Just the same, we enjoyed the experience. I guess as fanatic as soccer fans are, they only really let loose during an actual game.
Heidelberg Hike
The next day, J and Melissa took the time off to drive us to the old town of Heidelberg, a charming city that sits along the Neckar River. We decided to sample the local cuisine before walking around. After a nice and hearty meal of sausages and schnitzel, we, along with Melissa, almost 7 months pregnant, gamely hiked the 300 or so steps up to the Heidelberg Castle. The Castle is definitely worth the climb, not to mention the spectacular view it offers of the city. We ended our little tour with a stop at a tearoom where Melissa and I gorged on four different pastries “to refuel.” :)
As Pinoys are wont to be, we discussed dinner as we were stuffing our faces with cakes! We decided we were going to go Pinoy for dinner. So the rest of the early evening was spent getting the ingredients from the Asian store. At dinnertime, two meals were prepared. J and M had chicken teriyaki and Melissa, Rhoda (Melissa’s sister) and I had Sinigang. JP had a sampling of both, a true mix of his Asian mother and his European father.
Ipagpapatuloy...
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Le Tour Cliché - Part 3
08 juin 06 - Trip Day 13
(In the ICE back to Cologne, en route to Ghent)
Ghent Bike Tour
Our Ghent host, Marina managed to get some bikes for us so we can do a bike tour of Ghent. I consider myself pretty adept at biking but it’s been many years since I spent a considerable amount of time on a bike, so I had misgivings, especially about biking in city traffic. However, Ghent, as with a huge part of Europe, has bike lanes all over and very strict rules about giving bikers the right of way. So off we went on an early evening tour Ghent seeing the bustling streets that lined the river Leie, beautiful medieval structures like the Belfry Tower, St. Baafs Cathedral, St. Nicholas Church, as well as the Gravensteen Castle which has a dungeon that houses medieval torture instruments. We made the most of the “evening” sunlight from 7 to 10 pm. Biking around this historic Flemish town can’t help but leave one impressed with its rich history. The best part of it is it remains undiscovered to your everyday tourist. The whole time I was pedaling, I was thanking God that it was not a hilly place so I managed to really enjoy the sights without catching my breath. We stopped for a slice of Black Forest cake in the town square before heading back home and resting for the night to recharge for Bruges the next day.
Beautiful Bruges
I got so much flak for missing Bruges during my last visit to Europe that this time, we made sure we included it in our itinerary. The “Venice of the North” is as beautiful and picturesque as we were told although boats are only used for tours and not as a means of transportation. Beguinage (Begijnhof) is an impressive little community that houses Benedictine nuns in the present day. It used to be the home of Beguines who committed to a life of obedience and chastity. They were not a part of any religious order, and there are only 20 remaining Beguines left today. Our Lady’s Church housed the famous Madonna and Child sculpture of Michael Angelo Buonoarotti. It is one of the very few Italian masterpieces that are outside Italy.
Bruges’ little houses, colorful marketplace, stunning town square, the centuries old churches, like the Chapel of the Holy Blood and St. Salvator’s Cathedral are truly enchanting. Its medieval charm is something not easily forgotten. All the fairy tales you have read with kings, princesses and paupers “in a land far, far away” will find a home in your mind once you see it.
Cologne
On the urging of many friends, we decided to skip our intended stop in Luxembourg and opted to visit Cologne instead. It was easier access by train and supposedly had this “dome” that was supposedly very impressive. Ignorant as I was about Cologne, I expected to see a big impressive dome. Upon arriving, we were greeted right away by this monstrosity of a gothic cathedral that was referred to by the locals as the Döm. Oh, and there was no dome. Heheh! I call it monstrous not because it is ugly, but because the way it towered over the Hauptbanhof. Impressive indeed. You would think that everyone had a neck problem as they craned to look up the moment the windows allowed them a view.
After managing to tear ourselves away from the jaw-dropping Döm, we walked around in search of lunch and wanted to sample dishes that we never had before. We settled on a restaurant called Restaurant Slavia that served Croatian food. We figured we would leave it to Melissa and J to educate us on genuine German cuisine. All I can say is, Marina, my dear Croatian friend, I am soooo in Zagreb soon! And that red sauce, oh my gosh! Does that come in bottles? Hint, hint! :)
As with any waterfront, the Alstadt of Cologne was bustling with activity. There was a flea market by the river which sold old records, books, and even a vintage car. Musicians were all over and families were playing in the green spaces you see everywhere. It was a pretty idyllic scene. It was really hard to leave and make our way to Frankfurt, but the thought of seeing Melissa in all her pregnant glory didn’t make it too much of a problem. :)
Abangan ang susunod na kabanata...
Thursday, June 15, 2006
So sorry...
I know, I know. This needs updating! It's just been so crazy since we we've been back.
-Our baggages didn't come home with us so we were tracking it and following up with the airline and courier;
-settling in at home, and stocking up;
-unpacking and laundry when our luggage finally came;
-major changes at work, albeit good, it involves me having to change work location the second time in four months! (same building naman);
- and dealing with jetlag.
I used to be quite immune to jetlag. But as I have "advanced" in years, I find myself having to deal with it a lot. :)
We're also choosing which of Hubby's 4,700+ photos are worth keeping, deleting and sharing to people. As you can imagine, that takes some time.
Le Tour Cliché will be back very soon. Pramis!
-Our baggages didn't come home with us so we were tracking it and following up with the airline and courier;
-settling in at home, and stocking up;
-unpacking and laundry when our luggage finally came;
-major changes at work, albeit good, it involves me having to change work location the second time in four months! (same building naman);
- and dealing with jetlag.
I used to be quite immune to jetlag. But as I have "advanced" in years, I find myself having to deal with it a lot. :)
We're also choosing which of Hubby's 4,700+ photos are worth keeping, deleting and sharing to people. As you can imagine, that takes some time.
Le Tour Cliché will be back very soon. Pramis!
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Le Tour Cliché - Part 2
03 juin 06 - Trip Day 8
(In the TGV to Antwerp)
Mga Kaibigan
All sorts of reunions took place in the Netherlands. In The Hague, I saw friends that I hadn’t seen since my last visit in the fall of 1996. Some of the Miss Saigon cast in the Netherlands have stayed and made the Netherlands their permanent home. One of them graciously hosted us during our visit, Shweng Lancion. We started off our first day in The Hague walking around the Royal Palace, the Binnenhof of the Parliament and the town square taking our usual photo ops. By midday, we had to make our way to Nordwijk to meet Shweng for lunch and have a tour of the European Space Agency where she works. We saw rooms where they manufactured parts for the Hubble Space Telescope, and what looked to me like a huge camera, apparently for deep space viewing. One of the rooms was for the Design Verification of Spacecraft Acceptance Testing of Flight Hardware. We saw men in shower caps and gowns, obviously engineers working on some space hardware few have ever personally set eyes on. Pretty kewl stuff!
We made our way back to The Hague by early evening to meet friends for dinner at the Dim Sum Palace. Three friends, Patty Manahan-Santiago, Raymond Pacis and Risa Gregorio have sprouted extremely cute Mini-Mes Lucien, Kianna and Zoe respectively, and brought them along. Raymond was accompanied by his lovely wife, Cystine who apparently is a contravida in one of the local Dutch soaps. No one really changed much after ten years. I don’t know if it’s the Dutch climate or just great youthful Asian genes. Ours was the noisiest table as we reminisced about the past and also filled each other in on how life has been to us in the last decade and as with any Filipino gathering, there were lots of raucous laughter and great food. It ended all too soon as it was getting late and the kids were getting tired. Lucien was saying, “Let’s go home na…” with the typical Pinoy kolehiyala accent inherited from his Mom. Too cute!
05 juin 06 - Trip Day 10
(In the TGV to Cologne)
Svenska Tjena
After the Hague, Hubby and I made our way to Amsterdam by late morning one day. We intended to leave earlier to make the most of our day but our days of walking around were catching up with us. We found ourselves getting up later and later. And since this is supposedly a vacation, we decided we would cut ourselves a break and let our bodies rest for as long it wanted.
After a tour through the canals of Amsterdam, we disembarked at Anne Frank’s House. It was the one thing we really didn’t want to miss in this city. Unlike all the other great museums that we have seen, there are no beautiful works of art in this one. Yet, there is none more moving and thought-provoking than this little three-storey house beside a canal. It was a sad and poignant hour as we walked through the secret annex that hid Anne Frank’s family and some friends during most of the Nazi persecution. It was quite a testament as to how cruel intolerance can be at its worst form.
The next order of the day was to meet our two Svenska Tjenas, Helen and Helena who at that time were just flying in from Sweden to get together after six years. We met them for lunch at Dam Square and stuffed our faces with pancake pizzas while getting updated on each others’ lives. We continued on as we walked around checking out Amsterdam’s famous red light district where you find prostitutes on window displays similar to retail storefronts. Like retail, there was variety as you can find women of all races. Save for one, all of them were super-sized. That one exception was the one who actually had a client come-a-knocking as we walked past her “office.” I remembered it being a little bit busier than it was but I was told that the “fun” really started toward early evening. Our next stop was the Rijksmuseum where they housed works by Rembrandt and other well-respected Dutch painters. That day was when they premiered a short light and sound show called Night Watch which highlighted one of his paintings and the whole story behind it.
We ended our time together with our Swedish sisters by having drinks at the Guinness Restaurant near the American Hotel. It was a short reunion, but sweet and fun nevertheless.
to be continued...
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Le Tour Cliché
28 mai 2006 - Trip Day 2
(Ghent, Belgium)
The Heart of Europe
Our first couple of days in Europe were spent in the heart of it. Belgium is referred to as the Heart of Europe. It may be small but like the heart, it serves as the center of the European Union. We explored the historical streets of and Ghent looked over the archeological diggings where they found three medieval tombs in the process of excavating for a parking lot. The rains made it just a wee bit colder than I had packed for, so we made our way to their smaller version of Fifth Avenue, Veldstraat and bought myself a little cardigan to tide me over for this trip. The afternoon showers prevented us from exploring any further so we opted to stay indoors for the rest of the night for some dinner and drinks.
The next day was spent in and around Grand Place getting to know its history in the Hôtel de Ville, seeing the Manneken Pis and his hundreds of costumes. We had lunch at the famous Rue de Bouchers where we had some mussels, escargot and rabbit among other things. Of course, it would not be complete if we didn’t have the very well-known Belgian waffles to top off our day before we made our way back to Ghent.
31 mai 2006 - Day Trip 5
(In the TGV to the Hague)
Blog du Jour
Our days in Paris went by quickly. The weather forecast was not promising, but the showers were intermittent, short-lived and mostly happened when we were indoors. :) The sun, which the weather forecast said would not make an appearance, managed to show itself for a good part of the time – more than we expected anyway.
As expected, Paris did not disappoint. It is truly a sight to behold no matter the weather. In the short time we had, we managed to cover most of the Musée du Louvre, the Impressionists’ section of La Musée d’Orsay, La Notre Dame, Le Sacré Coeur, L’Arc de Triomphe and La Tour Eiffel. We also took the Bateaux Parisiens to wrap up our cliché little tour. We figured we would hit the sights and return later on for a more meaty stay.
One thing to which we had to adjust here in Europe is smelling like an ashtray after leaving a restaurant. There’s just no escaping the “fragrance” of tobacco in any place. The smoking ban in public places that has swept the US has spoiled us. I guess having L’Air du Tabac mixed with your perfume or cologne du jour is acceptable, so smelling fresh is something we simply gave up on.
Hubby and I decided that given the chance, we would live in Paris for a year or two. Its accessibility to other European countries is one appeal, as well as the way things are run. The US can learn much from the French when it comes to city planning – mixed-use development, transport system, etc. In turn, the French can maybe learn a thing or two about customer service. We had our share of snooty waiters who simply did not attend to us after seating. A couple of times, we left after fifteen minutes of twiddling our thumbs and watching others who came after us get service. Ça m’est égal – we just gave our supposedly generous “American” tip to the waiter in the next restaurant. One happened in Champs Élyseés, and the other near the Eiffel Tower, close to where we were staying so I’m not sure if location had anything to do with it. I find it curious that the ordinary citizens walking by are more helpful than those who are in service-oriented stores or businesses, who give you almost nothing but the basic assistance. However, our impression of French hospitality is not based on these few incidents. Many other occasions in both my first and second visits were très positif and that makes Paris still rank high in my list of favorite cities to visit.
While waiting to leave for the Netherlands at Gare du Nord in Paris, we noticed a lot of security personnel running around, as well as a camera crew clearing the center of the arrival area. When I inquired with one of the crew, he said they were filming a movie although it seemed to us that they were waiting for someone important to arrive because the cameras were pointed toward the platforms and security people were milling about that area. Just as the hum of activities seemed to be getting at a fever pitch, we were called to board the Thalys bound for The Hague. Too bad, I was really curious as to what was about to unfold. Oh well, maybe next time.
more to come...
Sunday, May 28, 2006
After Ten Years
Ah...after ten years, I am back on European soil. For years, I have been dreaming of flying back here. On Saturday, that long awaited dream came true. Hubby and I landed in Brussels and we've spent the last two days trotting around Ghent and Brussels. Tomorrow, we're off on an early train to Paris. The weather does not look promising but Paris is enchanting, no matter what season it is.
Hubby and I still need to deal with jetlag to synch our bodies with the local time so we're off to bed now to catch some ZZZs.
Bonne nuit!
Hubby and I still need to deal with jetlag to synch our bodies with the local time so we're off to bed now to catch some ZZZs.
Bonne nuit!
Friday, May 19, 2006
And A Child Shall Lead Them
Seldom do we see the act of forgiveness reaping some very tangible results. To me, it is further proof that we shouldn't doubt that forgiveness has a lot of intangible payoffs, sometimes unseen or unfelt, but undeniably real nevertheless. It sends ripples on the surface that turn into waves as it passes from one human being to another. Waves that cause defenses to soften, walls to crumble, takes out the thorns of resentment, inspires kindness, love and a desire to change for the better.
At six years, Kai Leigh Harriott has mastered what I still grapple with.
At six years, Kai Leigh Harriott has mastered what I still grapple with.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Deeper Than Skin
The idea of beauty that is always presented by the media is the big-eyed, narrow-nosed, high-cheek boned, light-haired, fair-skinned, long-legged models that you see endorsing every product, from candy to cars. Anyone that came close to that so-called ideal is considered a "looker". It bugs me the way it has shaped and formed young people's minds (and those who just haven't grown up) on what the definition of beauty is.
What's beautiful?
There are those who obviously grew up with such colonial mentality that they opt for drastic changes and go under the knife to "anglo-fy" their ethnic Pinoy nose, or constantly wear colored contact lenses to hide what they think are their ordinary black eyes or dye their hair with a color so drastically different than their original hue that the whole look just doesn't add up. And then there are those who choose to enhance and showcase their best features by sensibly using make-up, clothes and accessories that fit their coloring and body shape to achieve a nice and original look.
I think you can easily tell what people's idea of beauty is in the way we doll ourselves up. The degree in which we undertake to enhance or change the way we look denotes how we see ourselves and how comfortable we are in the body we're born with.
All I know is there are those empty shells who are stunning when you first meet them, but all you hear is one monotonous hum when you get to know them. Their attractiveness seems to wilt and fade under the glare of scrutiny. Then there are those who look okay, but then bloom before your very eyes the longer you spend time with them (Note to the boys - the type that has nothing to do with how much alcohol one has consumed, okay!? Hehe...). Looking good can only bring us so far. Beyond that, there's just gotta be something else.
As it has always been said - beauty is only skin-deep. Sure, there's nothing wrong with making ourselves as pretty as we possibly can, but let's not stop there. Let's invest in our minds and spirits, as well, as they last longer than our finite bodies. True beauty is way deeper than skin. It emanates from within and transcends our physical limitations or attributes.
What's beautiful?
There are those who obviously grew up with such colonial mentality that they opt for drastic changes and go under the knife to "anglo-fy" their ethnic Pinoy nose, or constantly wear colored contact lenses to hide what they think are their ordinary black eyes or dye their hair with a color so drastically different than their original hue that the whole look just doesn't add up. And then there are those who choose to enhance and showcase their best features by sensibly using make-up, clothes and accessories that fit their coloring and body shape to achieve a nice and original look.
I think you can easily tell what people's idea of beauty is in the way we doll ourselves up. The degree in which we undertake to enhance or change the way we look denotes how we see ourselves and how comfortable we are in the body we're born with.
All I know is there are those empty shells who are stunning when you first meet them, but all you hear is one monotonous hum when you get to know them. Their attractiveness seems to wilt and fade under the glare of scrutiny. Then there are those who look okay, but then bloom before your very eyes the longer you spend time with them (Note to the boys - the type that has nothing to do with how much alcohol one has consumed, okay!? Hehe...). Looking good can only bring us so far. Beyond that, there's just gotta be something else.
As it has always been said - beauty is only skin-deep. Sure, there's nothing wrong with making ourselves as pretty as we possibly can, but let's not stop there. Let's invest in our minds and spirits, as well, as they last longer than our finite bodies. True beauty is way deeper than skin. It emanates from within and transcends our physical limitations or attributes.
--oOo--
PINOYexpats' latest issue is now online. Homeward Bound tackles the joys of going back and re-experiencing our beloved Pinas.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Mother Said "Oops!"
I was an accident, the unplanned pregnancy after five kids (his, hers & theirs) - the "Oops!" My Mother said she and my Dad didn't plan on having any more kids after my fifth brother. I don't blame them. If I were in her shoes, I probably would have had my tubes tied by then. If I were conceived by a couple more modern in their thinking, I probably would have ended up in the bin of some abortion clinic somewhere.
Nevertheless, God thought that I should happen and I did. I try to imagine what life would have been had I not been around. Obviously, my parents wouldn't have had a dependable daughter, my brothers - an irrepressible sister, my nephews and nieces - a doting aunt! :) I wonder who would have been in my place doing all the things that I did in my work as a student, an artist, an employee, and finally, as a wife to my Hubby. He claims that he was bent on avoiding the altar until he met me. I have no doubt that he probably would have found someone eventually as I believe no one is indispensable. However, I do think that each one of us is irreplaceable, because we are unique and we leave our inimitable imprint on people and things.
If my Mother had decided to terminate me at pregnancy, life would have gone on for everyone else, but I do think it would have been different - maybe better, maybe worse, but definitely different.
Thanks for allowing me to make that difference, Mom. For that, I promise to strive to only make things better for everyone I come across. Happy Mother's Day!
Nevertheless, God thought that I should happen and I did. I try to imagine what life would have been had I not been around. Obviously, my parents wouldn't have had a dependable daughter, my brothers - an irrepressible sister, my nephews and nieces - a doting aunt! :) I wonder who would have been in my place doing all the things that I did in my work as a student, an artist, an employee, and finally, as a wife to my Hubby. He claims that he was bent on avoiding the altar until he met me. I have no doubt that he probably would have found someone eventually as I believe no one is indispensable. However, I do think that each one of us is irreplaceable, because we are unique and we leave our inimitable imprint on people and things.
If my Mother had decided to terminate me at pregnancy, life would have gone on for everyone else, but I do think it would have been different - maybe better, maybe worse, but definitely different.
Thanks for allowing me to make that difference, Mom. For that, I promise to strive to only make things better for everyone I come across. Happy Mother's Day!
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
How Kaavya Viswanathan got happy plagiarizing, got a hefty book deal and got caught
It must have seemed like a simple formula to her. Why not make my own coming-of-age story? With some talent and an aspiration to get published, she probably sat down on her desk, put every book she loved in front of her, lifted the things she thought was great out of all of them, put them into her own little literary cauldron and voila... at seventeen, she had a half-million dollar book deal and was on her way to becoming a best-selling author. In all the back-patting, glory and fortune that followed after, I wonder if it ever crossed her mind that she would get caught one day.
When the story first broke about the similarity of her book, "How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life" to two of Megan McCafferty's, she appeared in the Today show to earnestly apologize for the similarities, claiming that she loved McCafferty's books so much that she had internalized and plagiarized them unintentionally. They have now found a third chic lit book that bears a striking resemblance to hers. So no matter how much she blinks her eyes innocently, which way she cuts and stretches her story, it just does not ring true anymore.
A lot of us do foolish things during our teenage years that we regret, but the repercussions of what Kaavya Viswanathan did may haunt her for the rest of her professional life. This whole thing has brought into question every single article she has done in the past, endangered her status as a sophomore student at Harvard University, and cast a dark shadow on her future.
The saddest thing is, she probably is really promising and brilliant. Hélas, the taint on her credibility has now dulled that brilliance. One thing that she has going for her is that she is young. She can always find outlets for her other talents if no publisher ever signs her again. Another thing going for her is her newly-found notoriety. She can always use this to her advantage in the future. Pop stars, celebrities and disgraced business tycoons in this country have done it. I'm sure she can, too.
When the story first broke about the similarity of her book, "How Opal Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life" to two of Megan McCafferty's, she appeared in the Today show to earnestly apologize for the similarities, claiming that she loved McCafferty's books so much that she had internalized and plagiarized them unintentionally. They have now found a third chic lit book that bears a striking resemblance to hers. So no matter how much she blinks her eyes innocently, which way she cuts and stretches her story, it just does not ring true anymore.
A lot of us do foolish things during our teenage years that we regret, but the repercussions of what Kaavya Viswanathan did may haunt her for the rest of her professional life. This whole thing has brought into question every single article she has done in the past, endangered her status as a sophomore student at Harvard University, and cast a dark shadow on her future.
The saddest thing is, she probably is really promising and brilliant. Hélas, the taint on her credibility has now dulled that brilliance. One thing that she has going for her is that she is young. She can always find outlets for her other talents if no publisher ever signs her again. Another thing going for her is her newly-found notoriety. She can always use this to her advantage in the future. Pop stars, celebrities and disgraced business tycoons in this country have done it. I'm sure she can, too.
--------
Smart-ass question of the day: What career can one have when you have an Ivy League degree but have no credibility? Hehe - I'm sure a lot of you are thinking of pretty juicy answers.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
He Chose Us
He will turn five this coming month. I don't exactly know which day. All I know is when we got him in September 1, 2001, he was about three months old. Figaro, my Senegal Parrot, was a surprise from Hubby who knew I missed having feathered friends. I once had Sydney, an African Lovebird; Chippy, a blue English Budgie; and Pepper, an Australian Cockatiel. They were hand-fed and raised from when they were still a bit bald and ugly.
Anyway, that September day, we drove up from Florida to Massachusetts. To my surprise, instead of taking the usual route, Hubby took Interstate 91, claiming it was the faster way to get to Boston. I thought that maybe he just wanted to try the scenic route since we were in no hurry. He continually urged me to get some rest and sleep, and I felt something was up. I was right. After driving around like we were lost, he entered a residential area, parked in front of a house and happily exclaimed, "We're here to pick up your baby!" It was the house of the parrot breeder I had corresponded with a few months before. Hubby and I had disagreed on the timing of getting one so I had shelved my plans to get one indefinitely. Apparently, he had asked the breeder to let him know when the next batch of hatchlings would be weaned. By then, she had three chicks that were just weaned so she showed us the three so we could make a choice.
We handled each of them, one by one, but Figaro stood out. Figaro had been taking a bath, so he was wet and funny-looking. He perched on Hubby's finger and just stared at him. He eyed Hubby quietly, cocking his head in wonder as he was spoken to - instant connection. My turn to hold him came and he perched on my hand contentedly as I stroked his head. He then put his beak on my cheek, went to sleep, purring happily, in complete trust. The choice was taken out of our hands. Figaro had chosen us.
That was five years ago. Almost everyday since then, we wake up in the morning to "Figaro! Figaro! Feed Figaro!", the reminder for his morning feeding. He says bye when we leave, and welcomes us home with a "Hi!" or "Hello!" He loves walking around the place. His ultimate destination though are always our shoulders. That's where he is happiest. He stays there for as long as we allow him, preening himself, and us.
Anyway, that September day, we drove up from Florida to Massachusetts. To my surprise, instead of taking the usual route, Hubby took Interstate 91, claiming it was the faster way to get to Boston. I thought that maybe he just wanted to try the scenic route since we were in no hurry. He continually urged me to get some rest and sleep, and I felt something was up. I was right. After driving around like we were lost, he entered a residential area, parked in front of a house and happily exclaimed, "We're here to pick up your baby!" It was the house of the parrot breeder I had corresponded with a few months before. Hubby and I had disagreed on the timing of getting one so I had shelved my plans to get one indefinitely. Apparently, he had asked the breeder to let him know when the next batch of hatchlings would be weaned. By then, she had three chicks that were just weaned so she showed us the three so we could make a choice.
We handled each of them, one by one, but Figaro stood out. Figaro had been taking a bath, so he was wet and funny-looking. He perched on Hubby's finger and just stared at him. He eyed Hubby quietly, cocking his head in wonder as he was spoken to - instant connection. My turn to hold him came and he perched on my hand contentedly as I stroked his head. He then put his beak on my cheek, went to sleep, purring happily, in complete trust. The choice was taken out of our hands. Figaro had chosen us.
That was five years ago. Almost everyday since then, we wake up in the morning to "Figaro! Figaro! Feed Figaro!", the reminder for his morning feeding. He says bye when we leave, and welcomes us home with a "Hi!" or "Hello!" He loves walking around the place. His ultimate destination though are always our shoulders. That's where he is happiest. He stays there for as long as we allow him, preening himself, and us.
Friday, April 21, 2006
A Late Bloomer
Back in high school, while all my girlfriends' bodies were slowly getting hefty at the right places, I was still a scrawny, little shrimp. I was short, thin and unladylike - Neneng nene! Definitely not ligawin like my friends, I was more of a buddy to the guys and often acted as their go-between to the girls. I was happy to help whenever I could and loved playing Cupid. But like any girl my age, I too had my crushes. Of course, the boys that I liked never gave me a second look. The very few that did like me never made a move because, let's face it - in high school, everything was about appearance and I wasn't really considered a catch. My singing voice was considered pretty, but not me.
By the end of my junior year, I was starting to get a little more attention from some guys. I wasn't used to it though. All those years that boys ogled my pretty friends I had spent daydreaming and creating in my mind my idea of how my knight in shining armor should be. Come the time I had a few of my own suitors, I really didn't know how to handle it and turned finicky. There was always an aspect or another that disappointed me. So as my girlfriends were going through the thrill of courtships and the heartache of breakups, I was the only one whose heart was yet unscathed.
I may have felt left out of the action then but now I am thankful that I was a late bloomer. I saw friends go through stuff that I probably wouldn't have handled well then. Later on in life, when problems did come, I was a little better equipped.
Oh, and of the boys whom I obssessed over but paid me no notice? I bumped into some of them through the years. Let's just say that our tastes do change and I'm glad that mine has done so for the better. I don't know what the heck I was thinking then! lol
By the end of my junior year, I was starting to get a little more attention from some guys. I wasn't used to it though. All those years that boys ogled my pretty friends I had spent daydreaming and creating in my mind my idea of how my knight in shining armor should be. Come the time I had a few of my own suitors, I really didn't know how to handle it and turned finicky. There was always an aspect or another that disappointed me. So as my girlfriends were going through the thrill of courtships and the heartache of breakups, I was the only one whose heart was yet unscathed.
I may have felt left out of the action then but now I am thankful that I was a late bloomer. I saw friends go through stuff that I probably wouldn't have handled well then. Later on in life, when problems did come, I was a little better equipped.
Oh, and of the boys whom I obssessed over but paid me no notice? I bumped into some of them through the years. Let's just say that our tastes do change and I'm glad that mine has done so for the better. I don't know what the heck I was thinking then! lol
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Bulag-a Item
It's a good thing I wasn't eating breakfast when I chatted with someone very dear to me online this morning. I probably would have choked on it if I was.
He said he was in love. Now, that fact didn't surprise me as he has always been in love with eros. It was who he was in love with that did. He dropped the name of a famous actress back home known for her beauty, as well as her extremely cantankerous image. When I managed to pick up my jaw from the ground, I joked that he better behave himself as he would not want to be in this lady's warpath, lest he suffer a fate similar to John Wayne Bobbit. He revealed to me that this lady's private persona is the total opposite of her public image. She is apparently very sweet, humble and kind. Either those are words from a man that's very much in love, or she really is the way he claims she is.
By the end of our conversation, he had me pretty convinced what a sweetheart she really is that I was reminding him to make sure he deserves and reciprocates the treatment she gives him. Life...it can get pretty darn funny at times.
*Sigh*
He said he was in love. Now, that fact didn't surprise me as he has always been in love with eros. It was who he was in love with that did. He dropped the name of a famous actress back home known for her beauty, as well as her extremely cantankerous image. When I managed to pick up my jaw from the ground, I joked that he better behave himself as he would not want to be in this lady's warpath, lest he suffer a fate similar to John Wayne Bobbit. He revealed to me that this lady's private persona is the total opposite of her public image. She is apparently very sweet, humble and kind. Either those are words from a man that's very much in love, or she really is the way he claims she is.
By the end of our conversation, he had me pretty convinced what a sweetheart she really is that I was reminding him to make sure he deserves and reciprocates the treatment she gives him. Life...it can get pretty darn funny at times.
*Sigh*
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Back from the Offsite
It all paid off - the hard work, the prayers, the endless rehearsals in my mind. The division offsite that I had been preparing for the last couple of months has come and gone. I hardly slept, was on my feet all day to make sure that everything happened seamlessly. Considering all the feedback, everyone thinks it was an unqualified success. It appears that no one noticed that I was running around like a headless chicken, putting out tiny fires. And that's how I would have wanted it anyway.
I've gotten congratulations and back slaps from all over. But there was one compliment that stood out from among the rest. A top executive approached me right after the last meeting, held me by the shoulders and said, "I wish I could clone you and send you off to the different divisions!" Embarrassed, I said my thanks and joked that I would do it for a fee. But I didn't feel the floor as I walked away and for a long time after that.
It's my fourth day at home and I'm still recovering from it. I don't know if it's because I lack exercise or I'm just getting old. It's taking me longer to recover from hectic trips, whether business or pleasure. Thus, it's taken me this long to post something here. I've had a lot of little things flit through my mind to write about, but this is as coherent as I can get right now - especially right after having to tackle something as mind-numbing as our taxes. Ugh...and I don't want to get started on that...
I've gotten congratulations and back slaps from all over. But there was one compliment that stood out from among the rest. A top executive approached me right after the last meeting, held me by the shoulders and said, "I wish I could clone you and send you off to the different divisions!" Embarrassed, I said my thanks and joked that I would do it for a fee. But I didn't feel the floor as I walked away and for a long time after that.
It's my fourth day at home and I'm still recovering from it. I don't know if it's because I lack exercise or I'm just getting old. It's taking me longer to recover from hectic trips, whether business or pleasure. Thus, it's taken me this long to post something here. I've had a lot of little things flit through my mind to write about, but this is as coherent as I can get right now - especially right after having to tackle something as mind-numbing as our taxes. Ugh...and I don't want to get started on that...
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