The best Mother's day gift... both my son, Axel, and daughter, Kyla joined this essay writing contest... can you imagine the big grin on my face? :)
Community : Mother's Day Special
Weekend BALITA (May 12-15, 2007)
In celebration of Mother's Day, BALITA publishes the winner of our "Bida si Mama" essay-writing contest - the piece that follows, by Axel Tolentino of Alhambra, California. We also decided to publish three other entries that we feel have stories to tell. Together, these four paint a portrait of motherhood at its best: ordinary mortals rising to a sublime dignity through dogged commitment. Parenting, especially for mothers, is a life's work, and the way these women throw themselves at it day after day is one of mankind's most underrated achievements. It's all about love, as they say. Take a bow, mothers. And to everyone who contributed, many thanks - Ed.
The Unsung Hero
by Axel Tolentino
She begins life like any ordinary person. She goes through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. At times, life can be hard, but she perseveres, her faith never wavering, believing that she is destined for something greater. She trudges on uncertain but determined, searching for that one thing that can complete her. She goes through life, makes friends, forms relationships, has a career, achieves recognition, but still she searches. And then... Life begins unnoticed, followed by morning sickness, a growing belly, some weight gain, stretch marks, picky eating, hormone imbalance and finally the pain, the kind that one remembers through the numbing effects of anesthesia. Relief immediately follows, but only momentarily. She heard you cry for the first time, saw you in a haze, and as she fell unconscious from fatigue, she knew. Next will be years of sacrifices, often unappreciated, but nevertheless given.
Finally, she holds you in her hands, her own child. She is now a mother. Gone was the uncertainty as to why she exists, in its place a new uncertainty: Will I be a good mom to my child? Suddenlt, everything else paled in comparison. All that she has achieved was nothing compared to what she now holds in her hands. She feels blessed.
Who can deny the hardship of changing diapers late at night when all she wanted was sleep? And even while sleeping, half her mind is alert to the tiniest cry coming from the crib. She might be tired, but she still sang a lullaby to offer comfort. Wake up early to prepare for another day, never mind that she hasn't really slept the night before. All these she did, never complaining.
As the years go by, she watched with mixed pride and a touch of fear as her bundle of joy grows up. She works hard to make sure you have everything-good food, good education, clothes to wear, and toys to play with. She was there to kiss your tears away, comfort you when you're sad, guide you when you're lost, offer a helping hand, and just be there when you need her the most. Time came when you needed her even less. You grew up, she had to let you go. You wanted to try it on your own, be the one responsible. Her advice fell on deaf ears. This is your life; you can do as you please. She watched and prayed that you would be okay. She kept quiet. She cried when you cried, felt all your hurt, but never said a word and waited. For you to remember her, maybe hear her voice telling you, "It's okay, I'm here for you. I will carry your burden if you will let me. I can be your shield, just like when you were little." You never really forgot, but neither did you remember. She was your unsung hero. She is always there for you no matter what. Waiting patiently for you to be her son once again, for you to need her, and for you to call her "Mother."
Ode to Tita Beth
by Kyla Tolentino
Mother's Day is fast approaching and I'd like to take this opportunity to write about a mother who has been very loving and caring to her family and friends, but is now inflicted with great pain. No, she's not my mother, she's my aunt.
I was a few months old when my aunt left the Philippines to work in the United States. My two cousins left the Philippines to live with their mother when I was two years old. I'm already 16 and I have only seen her for more than six months now since my brother and I came to America to live with our mom. My aunt may have been a strabger to me for the past 16 years, I having no means of seeing her i8n person. Still, I know things about her; most, for which I admire.
She's Elizabeth Magaru, "Tita Beth," as I call her. She's 12 years older than my mom and she's a mommy's girl. She attended grade school and high school in the same place as I did. and my grandmother used to boast tha Tita Beth was a consistent honor student. Mom, too, told me things about her sister. Though both my mother and I manage to get accepted at the University of the Philippines (UP), the fact that my aunt made it to UP with nursing as her first course of choice always leaves me with great respect for her whenever I think of it. She's also a very great mother, evident in the fact that my cousins grew up to be good persons.
She's a very caring daughter to my grandparents. She would call two to three times a month just to say hi and catch up with what's been happening at home. She'd send money to my grandparents whether they need it or not, always sending something extra on special occassions. She'd send balikbayan boxes for Christmas, always filled with tons of goodies for everyone. She never forgets to ask about celebrity gossip in the Philippines.
She's been an great aunt, albeit an absent one for most of my life. She never forgets a birthday or any special occassion. She always asks how we're doing in school and reminds us to study well. She'll send money to our grandma so she can get us something we want as a reward for doing well in class or in some competition. There's always something under the tree at Christmas time.
I remember answering sone of her calls for my grandparents, which were the only times I get to hear her voice. Though I can't remember the kast time I saw her in person since I was too young, I was familiar of her face; pictures were akk around our living room. A particular photo stuck to my mind like a caller ID photo in a cellphone. Every time I hear her name or thought about her, I saw her as that image. I never thought I'd be so surprised when I saw her after all those years. Last October 12, 2006, in my grandfather's funeral, my aunt went home for the first time in 16 years. I came home from UP that particular Thursday, aware that mom went home with Tita Beth. When I arrived, Mom hugged me, then returned to her seat, and i quickly looked around to find my aunt. Of course, the particular picture in my mind was the one I expected to see. Mom then pointed to the woman beside her and told me she is Tita Beth. She looked so different.
My aunt is sick. She's had kidney failure for more than five years. The sickness made her look older than her age; she's so bony now. She still works; sometimes, she even works o vertime. She's a very determined. She needs her body to be stronger to be able to undergo her operation. She needs to be operated as soon as possible before the time comes that she can't be operated on anymore.
To help her feel good despite her condition, my grandmother, mother, brother and I take her to places whenever my aunt's day off is the same as ours. Our family, together with hers, has gone out to dinner a few times. She enjoys going to het favorite places here in Los Angeles. On eimprovement that I see is her appetite. Whenever she eats her favorite dishes, she eats like a bear. It's good that she's gaining weight.
I hope the time comes when she'll be free of her sickness and she'll look healthier and happier. I hope for the day when I'll see her looking as beautiful as she was in that photo taken before the sickness struck her.
Happy Mother's Day Tita Beth! Get well soon.
My Mother's Miracle
by Shiela Perez
When I was a little girl, my mother performed a miracle, though she doesn't know it. It's something I never told her. Maybe because it's one of those stories you never really tell anyone; you just keep it with you, like a charm in your pocket-so small but holding so much significance. Now I'd l ike my mom to know about it because she made it happen. And I wouldn't want it to disappear untold.
When I was growing up in the 70's, I thought miracles had to be huge, like the Red Sea parting for Charlton Heston, or the Virgin Mary appearing before the three Fatima children. To me, miracles were so much larger than everyday life that didn't happen these days-that is, until December of 1977, when my mother's miracle did.
It was a sunny winter in Los Angeles when my older brother, my younger sister, and I came down with the flu. We caught it every winter, sure as leaves fall. All three of us were quarantined in my brother's room, while my mom watched us from the nearby kitchen. She went back and forth, sitting us up to feed us, giving us medicine, taking our temperatures, and emptying out the bucket we'd been sick in. And in between, she would sit by our bedside, watching tv with us, or taking a nap on the small cot.
As kids will do, we never thought what it was like for our mom to take care of three miserabbly sick children. We never heard that phone call she must have made to her office, using her sick days to look after us. We never thought what it was for her to wake up all hours of the night to check on us. We just slept and ran our fevers, uncomfortable and waiting to get better.
Usually, as we did begin to feel better, we'd become impatient to get out of those sticky pajamas, put on our day clothes, and play outside. That week, my brother and sister broke their fevers on schedule, while for some reason, the flu kept it's hold on me.
They were in their play clothes before I knew it. From my bed, I could hear the screen door slam as they ran in and out. Even though I was only 10 years old, it puzzled me why I wasn't well. My health was one day overdue, and then three days. I was still weak and achy, all alone in the room. I heard my brother and sister just outside the bedroom door asking my mom if I was still sick, and my mom telling them to leave me alone if they didn't want to get sick again.
New Year's morning, I woke to the sound of the Rose Parade on our little black-and-white set. I saw my mon sitting in a chair beside me watching it. When she saw me, she smiled, asking, "Oh, how do you feel?" Then she put her cheek to my forehead. Sick as I was, I noticed a slight difference in her. I felt a different kind of tenderness emanating from her now that (as I've thought about it over the years) must have come from a worry and feeling of helplessness that only a mother could feel after doing everything she could, yet having to watch as this one child of hers suffered.
She took my temperature, which must have been very high, because she made a little sound that told me she was worried. And without a word, she did something she hadn't done before: she lay down and put her arms around me. At that very moment, I felt the fever leave me. My head and body cleared, as if all the illness had drained away. My mother noticed it , too. She felt my forehead, and was surprised that I was suddenly alright. I remember her saying (and I didn't have to look at her to know that she was beaming with relief): "Aw, you just needed your mama to make you feel better."
And I did. It was that simple.
She held me a little longer and then got up to make breakfast.
"It's your birthday tomorrow, huh?" she asked. Jan 2-I would be 11. (She always made it sound as if my birthday snuck up on her, though I knew differently.)
"What kind of cake do you want?" she asked.
"Strawberry," I answered, as I always did, "with pink frosting."
She nodded and disappeared into the kitchen. I listened to the familiar sounds of pots, dishes, and running water, and I thought about this minor miracle of my mother's that released me.
Then a word came to me-the only word that seemed to fill my mind and the air around all around me. That word is "Love."
'Nanay' is my heroine
by Marife Esguerra
I was born the seventh among nine children of my parents. Most of us have been delivered by my mama at the Mary Johnston Hospital in the Tondo district of Manila, the Philippine capital.
Upon graduating from high school in 1982, I found out that my mama has secured teh approval of then Manila Mayos Ramon D. Bagatsing, Sr. as well as president of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila to accept my enrollment in the university's College of Nursing.
Obligingly, I strove hard to absord the nursing subjects for about one year, and then without my mama's permission, shifted to the mass communications program of Philippine Women's University and graduated with a bachelor of science.
Sometime in 1987, after finishing a short course at the Cora Doloroso Modeling School, I got a working visa to Japan and joined a group of Filipino entertainers as a solo singer in Japanese nightspots. From my meager earnings I was bale to send cash and non-costly presents to my mama and three sisters.
While working in Japan, I met a Japanese gentleman and an Arab student who both befriended me. When I ended my working contract, I went home to Manila where my Japanese boyfriend regulkarly sent me several love letters, one of which was convincing to get married with him, which I respectfully declined. My Arab boyfriend followed me to the Philippines and enrolled in a Manila college to pursue medicine. He was too persistent in seeking my favor to get married and live with him.
In order to evade such delicate situation, I managed to secure a tourist visa to Chicago, Illinois. There, I stayed briefly with known officers in our church, the Iglesia Ni Kristo. Having verified the current whereabouts of my mama, I moved to Long Beach, California, where she migrated in March of 1986.
In Long Beach, I took up odd jobs, including that in a Kodak films wholesaler office, where I worked the afternoon-midnight shift, my mama fetched me and I rode with her home. Another job was working as a salesgirl in a video rental shop.
My mama, who was a licensed certified nursing assistant, managed to get me hired as a temporary aide at Marlora Convalescent Hospital on Anaheim Street, Long Beach. This is also where I obtained my certificate as a certified nursing assistant. Having thus qualified, I was able to get a job first at Akins Convalescent Hospital, the Colonial Empire Hospital.
Since 2000, I have come to realize that my mama is my bida because of her inspiring maternal advise-that I pursue the nursing profession. Now I have advanced to becoming a licensed cocational nurse after completing a course at the Long Beach City College. I have achieved this with very strong moral and financial support of my beloved mama.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
because of you...?
I walked out the door and into the night,
I feel unafraid, unnaturally calm.
I stopped for a moment and looked into my heart,
And there you were, watching , keeping me safe from harm.
... and you asked, "is this meant for me?"
I replied, "Don't know, but I had to write it down somewhere. I never question what comes naturally. Besides, an honest answer given the implication can be considered inapropriate."
... that was when you called, sounding confused. You asked me what I meant, then said it could be because you're tired and it's late.
I said, "Could be, I'm also tired."
... then we spent the next half hour or so talking.
In the light of day, I'm the one who got confused reading back on my messages and going through our conversations. But only for a moment... and then it became clear, because of you.
I feel unafraid, unnaturally calm.
I stopped for a moment and looked into my heart,
And there you were, watching , keeping me safe from harm.
... and you asked, "is this meant for me?"
I replied, "Don't know, but I had to write it down somewhere. I never question what comes naturally. Besides, an honest answer given the implication can be considered inapropriate."
... that was when you called, sounding confused. You asked me what I meant, then said it could be because you're tired and it's late.
I said, "Could be, I'm also tired."
... then we spent the next half hour or so talking.
In the light of day, I'm the one who got confused reading back on my messages and going through our conversations. But only for a moment... and then it became clear, because of you.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Reading Week
Reading Week (or the weeks before final exams) officially started last Friday. This means that everyday for the next 3 weeks, the library will stay open till midnight. This is to accomodate our law students preparing for their final exams. Usually, before this "toxic" weeks start, we get an email telling us to prepare ourselves too, as in please try to summon as much patience as you can kind of thing. We'd have an array of cranky students due to lack of sleep, to some who are downright rude, we'd have some drama over who gets a study room, and who gets kicked out of one, students being creative as to which student can bring in most food without getting caught, etc. But these gets balanced with students who are really nice whether it's a regular day or its finals week.
There really is not much difference when it comes to my schedule. Most days I work till midnight, anyway. Only Sunday gets adjusted, I have to stay till 12mn instead of 10pm. Tough part is I have to be back at work at 6:45am the next day, hay! Lack of sleep, no problem... during times like this, patience is really a virtue ;p
There really is not much difference when it comes to my schedule. Most days I work till midnight, anyway. Only Sunday gets adjusted, I have to stay till 12mn instead of 10pm. Tough part is I have to be back at work at 6:45am the next day, hay! Lack of sleep, no problem... during times like this, patience is really a virtue ;p
Cheesecake of my labor...
This is what we got from our GC... YUM!!!!!
The kids opted for the Oreo Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory...
The kids opted for the Oreo Cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory...
OREO CHEESECAKE
Our Original cheesecake with lots of real Oreo cookies baked in a chocolate crust and topped with whipped cream.
... and this was my share... pity it was only a slice... :p
KAHLUA COCOA COFFEE CHEESECAKE
Kahlua cheesecake swirled with coffee and baked in a fudge brownie crust (no chocolate chips or nuts), then topped with a dark chocolate sour cream mousse. Finished with a beautiful design of white chocolate ganache.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
a job well done and a pleasant surprise...
Earlier today, my Boss from my part-time job asked me to come to his office to help him find some articles that he has been missing. We did not find the exact article but we did find the notes he made for that article, plus we found what he thinks is the draft of a book that he was writing (one that he thought he lost when his old house burned down). Needless to say, though we were not totally successful in our quest, finding his "treasure" made him happy.
He then told me to attend the class he's having because he wanted me to do some research for our fellows. He wasn't very clear as to what I'm supposed to be researching about, he said it will be discussed during the class as the fellows needed to choose a topic to concentrate on. It was 10:50 am and he told me to be there by 11:15 am... I am in a rush because I had just misplaced my keys and needed to grab one of our maintenance guys to let me back in the library.
When I got there, everyone was there. No, it did not ring any alarm bells in my mind as I thought it was a "research class" he's conducting that day. He asked where our secretary was and I told him I saw her heading to the next building to get our mail. So we waited till she got back. Meanwhile, he was showing the Roscharch Inkblot Cards to our fellows and was successfully fooling me that they were indeed having a class. Finally our secretary walked in.
Suddenly, everyone was quiet. It was such a great surprise when he said that we were all gathered there to say thank you to none other than... me and the secretary for a job very well done. To top this, we each received flowers, a card and a gift certicate (Cheesecake Factory, yum! the kids will be very happy;p ). Both of us were not expecting this and we felt so lucky that we found a Boss and co-workers who appreciate what we do.
Snatches of messages they wrote:
He then told me to attend the class he's having because he wanted me to do some research for our fellows. He wasn't very clear as to what I'm supposed to be researching about, he said it will be discussed during the class as the fellows needed to choose a topic to concentrate on. It was 10:50 am and he told me to be there by 11:15 am... I am in a rush because I had just misplaced my keys and needed to grab one of our maintenance guys to let me back in the library.
When I got there, everyone was there. No, it did not ring any alarm bells in my mind as I thought it was a "research class" he's conducting that day. He asked where our secretary was and I told him I saw her heading to the next building to get our mail. So we waited till she got back. Meanwhile, he was showing the Roscharch Inkblot Cards to our fellows and was successfully fooling me that they were indeed having a class. Finally our secretary walked in.
Suddenly, everyone was quiet. It was such a great surprise when he said that we were all gathered there to say thank you to none other than... me and the secretary for a job very well done. To top this, we each received flowers, a card and a gift certicate (Cheesecake Factory, yum! the kids will be very happy;p ). Both of us were not expecting this and we felt so lucky that we found a Boss and co-workers who appreciate what we do.
Snatches of messages they wrote:"... How nice for us to have our invaluable collection in such caring hands."
"I need to tell you how much I appreciate/respect your work with us..."
"Who could be successful without you?... My hearfelt thanks for your expertise and friendship."
"It can sometimes feel like a lonely isolated job being a librarian. You made it anything but that..."
At the end of the day, it was indeed a job very well done...
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
moved and settling in...
It's been almost a month since we moved to our new apartment. Tiny details keep popping up that needed attention (which I couldn't spare, no time). Had to drive to a payment center to pay the deposit for the electricity service. Had to do that one right away since they failed to mail the notice to me right away and there's a deadline, else I want the power to go out, tsk, tsk... Then the dish went out for some reason. It was up while we had a storm but when it turned sunny, it conked out on us. Hmmm... Good thing the people who installed it were kind enough to drop by later that day to fix it. My son wasn't too happy, though, he missed a Pokemon show... The sofa bed needed to be re-upholstered, one more cushion left to cover and I'm done... (it's a do-it-yourself project for me). Sometimes I blame my Dad why he had to teach me how to be handy, now I try to do all sorts of handiwork if I can... Nah! I love tinkering with stuff; I just wish I have more time for it.
My daughter's room, thank God, is finally finished (I think). Her bed's in place(with all the trimmings), we got a table, a bookshelf, a side table, a decorative lamp, table lamp, her special "wavy" mirror which she peppered with her pictures, and PINK curtains so when she opens her door pink light shines out (iks!). Whatever tiny details she wants to add, she'll have to do it herself, he he... The room my son and I share is half done... we need more furniture (I think), but most of the stuff's out of the way. The living room is finally taking shape, but still cluttered. The kitchen, I think, was the first one that got organized. Got to be, had to feed the always hungry mouths.
Moving is not fun... too much work. But I know it will all be worth it once everything is in place :)
My daughter's room, thank God, is finally finished (I think). Her bed's in place(with all the trimmings), we got a table, a bookshelf, a side table, a decorative lamp, table lamp, her special "wavy" mirror which she peppered with her pictures, and PINK curtains so when she opens her door pink light shines out (iks!). Whatever tiny details she wants to add, she'll have to do it herself, he he... The room my son and I share is half done... we need more furniture (I think), but most of the stuff's out of the way. The living room is finally taking shape, but still cluttered. The kitchen, I think, was the first one that got organized. Got to be, had to feed the always hungry mouths.
Moving is not fun... too much work. But I know it will all be worth it once everything is in place :)
Thursday, April 19, 2007
I love you, friend...
I love you. Three simple words never uttered by you or me. Could life have been different had we said those words to each other?
It all started innocently. You offered a ride to my roommate and we met. Then you kept coming back after that. You’d call in the middle of the night just to say hi, and we’d end up talking till the wee hours of the morning. You’d make a trip to see us and we’d go out for lunch or dinner. You’d send me letters and I’d answer back. Life was sweet.
Then one time while talking on the phone, you hinted at something I did not really understand at that time. And when I next saw my roommate, she told me that you had left for the States. Shock at the news, hurt that you never said goodbye, wondering what I did wrong… mixed emotions, really. I got one letter from you that I excitedly replied to, but after that, nothing. So I moved on.
I got married, had kids, got separated, almost forgot about you and came here, a little closer to you, but nevertheless still worlds apart. And then I found you by accident. I wasn’t sure, but I was curious if it was indeed you. Memories of the time we shared surfaced in my mind. I felt conflicted. I wanted to know how you were, but I was also afraid that you had forgotten about me, a girl from the province that you once spent some time with. Curiosity got the better of me, I sent you a message and you replied. It is indeed you, a long lost friend, an interrupted lover, a stranger.
Surprisingly, there was no awkwardness between us. It’s as if the distance and the years apart never existed. We are still friends. We exchanged stories, trying to catch up with each others lives. A question remained unasked. An answer never given. We talked of you making it here. The hardships you had to go through to get to where you are now. The sacrifices you had to make… and the love you found. We talked of me, how I ended up here, how my priorities changed, what my plans were… and the love I lost.
I thought of fate, of destiny trying to test our wills. Why did we find each other again after all these years in a foreign land, if we were not meant to be together? You had a fiancée and you have just gotten married. I had a husband and now I am by myself. Isn’t life unfair? And then it dawned on me. We are meant to be together and it will be forever, but not as partners in life, but rather as great friends. A pillar of strength when one is weak, the voice of wisdom in the midst of confusion, a hand to hoist us up when we are down, someone who believe when we doubt, someone to light the way, lead when we go astray, and yes, love, unconditionally, never judging, always accepting, understanding and forgiving.
I love you. There, I said it. Will saying it change anything? No, because we are to each other as we’ve always been meant to be, the greatest of friends.
It all started innocently. You offered a ride to my roommate and we met. Then you kept coming back after that. You’d call in the middle of the night just to say hi, and we’d end up talking till the wee hours of the morning. You’d make a trip to see us and we’d go out for lunch or dinner. You’d send me letters and I’d answer back. Life was sweet.
Then one time while talking on the phone, you hinted at something I did not really understand at that time. And when I next saw my roommate, she told me that you had left for the States. Shock at the news, hurt that you never said goodbye, wondering what I did wrong… mixed emotions, really. I got one letter from you that I excitedly replied to, but after that, nothing. So I moved on.
I got married, had kids, got separated, almost forgot about you and came here, a little closer to you, but nevertheless still worlds apart. And then I found you by accident. I wasn’t sure, but I was curious if it was indeed you. Memories of the time we shared surfaced in my mind. I felt conflicted. I wanted to know how you were, but I was also afraid that you had forgotten about me, a girl from the province that you once spent some time with. Curiosity got the better of me, I sent you a message and you replied. It is indeed you, a long lost friend, an interrupted lover, a stranger.
Surprisingly, there was no awkwardness between us. It’s as if the distance and the years apart never existed. We are still friends. We exchanged stories, trying to catch up with each others lives. A question remained unasked. An answer never given. We talked of you making it here. The hardships you had to go through to get to where you are now. The sacrifices you had to make… and the love you found. We talked of me, how I ended up here, how my priorities changed, what my plans were… and the love I lost.
I thought of fate, of destiny trying to test our wills. Why did we find each other again after all these years in a foreign land, if we were not meant to be together? You had a fiancée and you have just gotten married. I had a husband and now I am by myself. Isn’t life unfair? And then it dawned on me. We are meant to be together and it will be forever, but not as partners in life, but rather as great friends. A pillar of strength when one is weak, the voice of wisdom in the midst of confusion, a hand to hoist us up when we are down, someone who believe when we doubt, someone to light the way, lead when we go astray, and yes, love, unconditionally, never judging, always accepting, understanding and forgiving.
I love you. There, I said it. Will saying it change anything? No, because we are to each other as we’ve always been meant to be, the greatest of friends.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The day after...
One day after the Virginia Tech shooting, where 33 poeple died including the shooter and 15 others were wounded, poeple are going around with mixed emotions. And who can blame them? What happened is a tragedy.
My daughter is in college right now (far away from Virginia Tech), and my son is in 8th grade, but this incident could have happened anywhere. It brought back memories of another shooting incident in a high school, and I kept thinking, what has humanity evolved into? There is already so much violence in this world that we really don't need individuals going on a shooting rampage.
I was already scheduled to pick my daughter up from school yesterday. Once there, I kept walking around the area where her classroom is located. I was on the phone with a friend but my eyes kept roaming around looking at people walking by. Everybody seemed subdued somewhat. Can anybody really know if the person seating next to you is a potential homicidal maniac?
That night after getting home and getting food ready for the next day, I sat next to my kids watching TV. I said a silent prayer thanking God that my kids are safe, a prayer for those who died a senseless death, a prayer for their families, and one asking to spare us all from another tragedy like this.
My daughter is in college right now (far away from Virginia Tech), and my son is in 8th grade, but this incident could have happened anywhere. It brought back memories of another shooting incident in a high school, and I kept thinking, what has humanity evolved into? There is already so much violence in this world that we really don't need individuals going on a shooting rampage.
I was already scheduled to pick my daughter up from school yesterday. Once there, I kept walking around the area where her classroom is located. I was on the phone with a friend but my eyes kept roaming around looking at people walking by. Everybody seemed subdued somewhat. Can anybody really know if the person seating next to you is a potential homicidal maniac?
That night after getting home and getting food ready for the next day, I sat next to my kids watching TV. I said a silent prayer thanking God that my kids are safe, a prayer for those who died a senseless death, a prayer for their families, and one asking to spare us all from another tragedy like this.
Astrology Reading... relationships
Am trying not to be bored...Here's an excerpt of my astrology reading... kind of intriguing...
This is me...
When it comes to love, you are definitely not casual. You yourself may be surprised at the depths of feeling a close relationship brings to the surface. You love deeply and passionately and do not understand people who are incapable of making lasting commitments.
One of your great strengths is your sensitivity. You tune in easily to the psyches of other people and, while you may not notice the color of their eyes, have an almost eerie understanding of their private inner worlds. Your close ties are very private.
Your sense of humor is one of your outstanding qualities. It usually manifests as a rather wry wit. Anyone you're close to must share this sense of irony. You probably have a special talent or an absorbing interest. Your closest ties are likewise involved.
You are assertive without being overly aggressive and usually go after what you want with confidence and enthusiasm. You enjoy sex and your partners tend to be dynamic, successful people. Your natural energy and moxie is usually sexually interesting to others.
Your love nature and your sexual nature are happily in harmony. You're comfortable with your sexual role as you perceive it and rarely go for any period of time without an intimate relationship. You need love, go after it and always manage to find it.
However cool or cynical you may appear to be externally, you are extraordinarily sensitive and romantic. You are gentle and artistic and would rather do without a relationship than be part of one which does not measure up to your highest ideals of love.
My partner..?
You have a tremendous amount of energy and, in a relationship, are happiest when you and your partner are actively participating in something together. You tend to be quite competitive and can even be somewhat combative. You should always avoid the timid.
You have a quality people trust and you are often sought after as a confidante or an advisor. You have high moral and ethical standards and it is imperative that anyone you're close to is a person of the highest integrity. You prefer well-educated people.
You have an innovative turn of mind and may have a talent for an unusual subject. Your ideas are often considered to be ahead of your time. You can be somewhat impersonal and detached - even with close ties. You need to share controversial ideas with friends.
Hmmmm.....
This is me...
When it comes to love, you are definitely not casual. You yourself may be surprised at the depths of feeling a close relationship brings to the surface. You love deeply and passionately and do not understand people who are incapable of making lasting commitments.
One of your great strengths is your sensitivity. You tune in easily to the psyches of other people and, while you may not notice the color of their eyes, have an almost eerie understanding of their private inner worlds. Your close ties are very private.
Your sense of humor is one of your outstanding qualities. It usually manifests as a rather wry wit. Anyone you're close to must share this sense of irony. You probably have a special talent or an absorbing interest. Your closest ties are likewise involved.
You are assertive without being overly aggressive and usually go after what you want with confidence and enthusiasm. You enjoy sex and your partners tend to be dynamic, successful people. Your natural energy and moxie is usually sexually interesting to others.
Your love nature and your sexual nature are happily in harmony. You're comfortable with your sexual role as you perceive it and rarely go for any period of time without an intimate relationship. You need love, go after it and always manage to find it.
However cool or cynical you may appear to be externally, you are extraordinarily sensitive and romantic. You are gentle and artistic and would rather do without a relationship than be part of one which does not measure up to your highest ideals of love.
My partner..?
You have a tremendous amount of energy and, in a relationship, are happiest when you and your partner are actively participating in something together. You tend to be quite competitive and can even be somewhat combative. You should always avoid the timid.
You have a quality people trust and you are often sought after as a confidante or an advisor. You have high moral and ethical standards and it is imperative that anyone you're close to is a person of the highest integrity. You prefer well-educated people.
You have an innovative turn of mind and may have a talent for an unusual subject. Your ideas are often considered to be ahead of your time. You can be somewhat impersonal and detached - even with close ties. You need to share controversial ideas with friends.
Hmmmm.....
Monday, April 16, 2007
word wonder...
Saw this when I was blog hopping...
Food for the Soul
Silence doesn’t always mean yes. It may also mean no, but it’s better left unsaid.
Anger doesn’t always mean hatred. It could just be a means of coping up.
Laughter doesn’t always mean happiness. Sometimes it’s just a mask.
Tears doesn’t always mean sorrow. It may also be an outlet of joy.
Staying away doesn’t always mean it’s the end. It may also mean the best beginning.
Silence, anger, laughter, tears, separation... isn't it a wonder that these words means so much, yet we hide behind them to mask what we really feel and what we really meant to say.
Food for the Soul
Silence doesn’t always mean yes. It may also mean no, but it’s better left unsaid.
Anger doesn’t always mean hatred. It could just be a means of coping up.
Laughter doesn’t always mean happiness. Sometimes it’s just a mask.
Tears doesn’t always mean sorrow. It may also be an outlet of joy.
Staying away doesn’t always mean it’s the end. It may also mean the best beginning.
Silence, anger, laughter, tears, separation... isn't it a wonder that these words means so much, yet we hide behind them to mask what we really feel and what we really meant to say.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Sea World, San Diego part 2
Shamu (backstage)
strike a pose...
splash time!!!
round...
and round I go...
Up, up and away...
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
My Celebrity Look-alikes
My cool celebrity look-alike collage from MyHeritage.com. Get one for yourself.
He he, tama ba yun? May boylet... sabi ko na nga ba lalaki ako, bwah ha ha
He he, tama ba yun? May boylet... sabi ko na nga ba lalaki ako, bwah ha ha
Sea World, San Diego
Went on a trip to Sea World, San Diego last Saturday. We left a little after 7am and got there just past 9am as the park was opening. Good thing I bought our tickets online so we did not have to wait in line. Had breakfast there... good thing the servers were nice, if not I would certainly be pissed because the sausage took too long to cook... have no fear, coffee is here :p
Saw the star of Sea World, Shamu. Ended up buying a big stuff toy of him, Kyla got smaller versions of almost all the animals we saw there, and Axel got a Manatee.
Got Nanay to ride the Sky Ride, got somewhat wet from all the shows(they don't call it Sea World for nothing... you will get wet!). Was not able to ride Journey to Atlantis because my back started hurting towards the end of the day. Kyla rode it, then she and Axel rode the Shipwreck Rapids. We even got to see the night show Shamu Rocks. It's really amazing how these sea creatures can be trained. Did not ride Wild Arctic because the lines were soooo loooong, but we did a walk-through (you'll see the same things, anyway) and got to see the creatures close-up. Kyla and Axel went rock climbing (did not make it all the way to the top...shhhh) since Kyla has been wanting to do it for a long time.
Alas! the day has to end. Still had to drive back to LA (2 hours, less of course since I'm driving). Wanted to stop by Denny's for dinner, but got lost trying to find the right side street. Ended up at a McDonald's near the apartment since all of us are poofed. Good thing we did not have to wake up early the next day.
pics later...
Saw the star of Sea World, Shamu. Ended up buying a big stuff toy of him, Kyla got smaller versions of almost all the animals we saw there, and Axel got a Manatee.
Got Nanay to ride the Sky Ride, got somewhat wet from all the shows(they don't call it Sea World for nothing... you will get wet!). Was not able to ride Journey to Atlantis because my back started hurting towards the end of the day. Kyla rode it, then she and Axel rode the Shipwreck Rapids. We even got to see the night show Shamu Rocks. It's really amazing how these sea creatures can be trained. Did not ride Wild Arctic because the lines were soooo loooong, but we did a walk-through (you'll see the same things, anyway) and got to see the creatures close-up. Kyla and Axel went rock climbing (did not make it all the way to the top...shhhh) since Kyla has been wanting to do it for a long time.
Alas! the day has to end. Still had to drive back to LA (2 hours, less of course since I'm driving). Wanted to stop by Denny's for dinner, but got lost trying to find the right side street. Ended up at a McDonald's near the apartment since all of us are poofed. Good thing we did not have to wake up early the next day.
pics later...
settling in...
A little over a week after we've moved to our new apartment, the place is getting a lived-in feeling. We managed to squeeze in a trip to Ikea last Sunday and bought our dining table. We also got a few more knick-knacks that we needed. Kyla got something to put her clothes in, a reading lamp, an overhead light, and of course something she can't do without, a mirror.
Axel and I went to Target yesterday to get a water filter and ended up getting some more stuff. Axel almost forgot to check his Pokemon cards, and was elated when he got the rare cards he's been looking for. Passed by Blockbuster to borrow Happy Feet. Watched it with the kids before going to bed.
Spent the morning tidying up the place a bit. Got most of it sorted out, but still a lot more to do. Am so tired I should have just called in sick today. But alas, am at work and have to stay till midnight.
p.s. Kyla got 102 in her exam so it's McDonald's time for us (20 pieces chicken nuggets, so what else is new). No wonder we're all gaining weight, hay!
Axel and I went to Target yesterday to get a water filter and ended up getting some more stuff. Axel almost forgot to check his Pokemon cards, and was elated when he got the rare cards he's been looking for. Passed by Blockbuster to borrow Happy Feet. Watched it with the kids before going to bed.
Spent the morning tidying up the place a bit. Got most of it sorted out, but still a lot more to do. Am so tired I should have just called in sick today. But alas, am at work and have to stay till midnight.
p.s. Kyla got 102 in her exam so it's McDonald's time for us (20 pieces chicken nuggets, so what else is new). No wonder we're all gaining weight, hay!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
moving
Was finally able to move-in to a bigger apartment. It's a two-bedroom, two bathroom place with two small balconies, a nice enough kitchen and a big enough front room. The electric company came through so we don't have to borrow light anymore. Right now, the apartment only has the bare essentials, such as beds, fridge, tv, stove, microwave, convection oven and of course the most important, a coffee maker (not to forget my bookshelf for my ever growing book collection).
The sofa bed has not been cleaned so it's not in residence yet. We need to get a dining table and chairs, some more plates, bowls, etc.... also need shower curtain and rod, a study table for Kyla, maybe a coffee table for the front room... and the list goes on and on....
Kyla occupies one bedroom, Axel and me shares the other bedroom for now. AND everything is a mess!!!! Boxes/plastic everywhere... never ending array of things that needed to be put away. Of course this clean up has to be done while I still go to work (no rest for the weary). At least the kids seem to be having fun. I know they are tired from all the activities we've had the last couple of days. They've been very good sports though.
Something is missing.... sa mga kaibigan ko, alam nyo na yon.
The sofa bed has not been cleaned so it's not in residence yet. We need to get a dining table and chairs, some more plates, bowls, etc.... also need shower curtain and rod, a study table for Kyla, maybe a coffee table for the front room... and the list goes on and on....
Kyla occupies one bedroom, Axel and me shares the other bedroom for now. AND everything is a mess!!!! Boxes/plastic everywhere... never ending array of things that needed to be put away. Of course this clean up has to be done while I still go to work (no rest for the weary). At least the kids seem to be having fun. I know they are tired from all the activities we've had the last couple of days. They've been very good sports though.
Something is missing.... sa mga kaibigan ko, alam nyo na yon.