Overcoming Adversities

With the economy spiraling down, it’s beyond words to describe how badly we are affected by the recent tragedies in Asia especially to my kababayans (countrymen) in the Philippines. It’s quiet depressing to watch the news on TFC and I can only give my fervent prayers to those who were affected and to those who lost their loved ones.

On the brighter side, I’m all the more impressed by the generosity of so may people who helped in one way or another, big or small. Once again, the nation rose amidst adversity and was firmly united. It’s sad to know that we had to be tested first to realize we can do a lot of things if we are united. True enough, every tragedy is another door being opened into something bigger. I’m just hoping that it’ll be an eye-opener for all to continue taking care of each other without dwelling so much on some vanities and cynicism. We all know that the latter doesn’t work, right?

Fight Over Nothing

B had been out of town again for a series of meetings with buyers. Basically, I had to sit, work and answer phone calls at the office. When DH called, I was in the restroom and so A had answered the phone for me. DH freaked out when A told him that he doesn’t know where I’m at. He’s working at the back in the warehouse. Then DH called me on my iPhone but unfortunately, I didn’t hear it. I put it on silent mode. I called him back the moment I saw a missed call. He then asked me, where did I go? Innocently, I said- I’m right here. Then he snapped at me. I didn’t even have a clue why he got so upset. Anyway, he apologized after I explained what happened, why I haven’t answered his calls. He knew I was hurt.

I went to the bank, did some deposits and I arrived with this flower and a post-it-note in my desk.

Still hurt, I managed to ask him if the flowers are real. He said it is real coz his apology is real. That put a smile on my face and we made up! Okay, so much of the dramas, lol!

Just a Quick Note

I would like to apologize to my avid followers. I know there’s still some, hehehe… I have been caught up with work lately. We came back on my birthday. Yeah, I spent my 32nd birthday at the back of the plane, lol! Good thing, it’s from Hawaii. I haven’t had a chance to blow my birthday candle but I did open my surprise present from my husband (of course) which I personally picked a month before. Yes, that’s a lot of surprise for me, lol! I loved my new Cartier watch, very simple yet elegant.

Anyway, our Christmas sales started right after we arrived from vacation. That’s why we took that vacation in the first place (wink). It was a perfect timing for us! We know it’s going to be a hectic weeks ahead of us. Aside from my daily routine at work, I helped A with his paperwork. It’s very tedious since one of our major accounts doesn’t have a distribution center. I worked 3-whole day for that since it has to be shipped right away. I couldn’t complain though, A had been sweating in the warehouse. He had more tough things to do. I’m just happy to assist him. And in a week, three- 40’ container arrived and most of the items will be shipped in 2 weeks. We’re darn full and to solve the problem, we rented two-40’ container and were parked right outside our warehouse. Oh boy… what else can I say? It’s a blessing! Thank God!

Oh, how I missed you all! I definitely will get back to you soon as I get a chance but for now, please accept my apologies! Hugs!!!

Another Day in Paradise

The morning is very uplifting and the plumeria smells are so inspiring. We were enjoying our breakfast that I cooked (bacon and eggs) at the balcony and saw bunch of people having fun at the pool.

Yes, it’s pool time once again but we decided to walk at the beach to the black rock first. We had a little action with the gushing waves. Geee, I wished those waves are not that wild, lol! The neighboring island covered with cotton-candy clouds looked like Camiguin to me.

We had a great time at the pool and guess what? I joined the kids with the slide adventure, lol! It was so much fun!

We drove around town and saw the “pride and joy” of Maui, the Bunyan tree- the biggest in the world. Wow! That tree occupied the whole block! It gives a cozy shade though, very interesting!
We walked through the harbor and saw some submarine adventure signs. We bought tickets and off we went for the underwater quest for the first time. Yeah, that’s very exciting! We rode through a little ferry to where the sub is and as the tour guide counted 1 to 5… and oh, we were so ready with our camera.

The submarine getting ready to surface:D

Oh, there it is! Awesome!

We went down as far as 150 feet. It was very cool!



As we sailed back to the island, there is this familiar smell of the ocean and the sticky feeling from the salt water. Ah, the island life! I remember that (wink, wink).

We went back to the hotel, soaked in the pool. Grab some Italian dinner and shared a glass of MaiTai with the hotel's spectacular view! Yes, another day in paradise!

Vacation at Last!

So, we got our ticket upgraded to first class. Unfortunately, our flight was delayed for 2 hours. I was playing Bookworm on my iPhone the whole time, draining its battery. Finally, we boarded and the flight was not bad at all. The seats are pretty reasonable size that I curled myself and covered with the blanket all throughout the flight. I drink my husband’s cocktail accidentally. I thought that was just juice and sure enough that knocked me.

Hawaii definitely reminded me of Philippines- humid and warm. We rented a yellow Jeep and off we went to our destination villa. It’s a very neat Ocean Resort (timeshare) and such a great deal for a 12D/13N stay. The kitchen is fully furnished with washer & dryer. I just love the kitchen!
Hurriedly, we changed to our beach clothes and swam a little bit on the sea. The water is very refreshing! Then, we soaked in the pool for few minutes. Got some dinner at Hula Grill. The foods are superb! We did some groceries at Safeway and I’m very excited that I still can cook. That surely saved us some money instead of eating out everyday. Suddenly, I felt like home!
Yeah, finally- we’re on a vacation! Cheers!

Excitements, Award and Escapades

Wow, how time flies. I can’t believe it’s about time to remove my conditional status here in the US. I asked both A&B to write a sworn affidavit for me and they’re both saying the same thing: “Oh I thought you’ve been here longer than that”. My husband and I both thought so too. It’s only been 29 months. I couldn’t say I blend in right away though. But for most part, adjustments weren’t that bad. Probably because I have worked in another country for years prior to coming here.

Life is good and I’m grateful for all the opportunities they gave me. I got a job right away and working for my husband is the best thing. Our marriage is not perfect but certainly, we are very happy and still in love (wink, wink). Couldn’t ask for more!

Anyway, I would like to thank Jackie for this great award. She’s always a modest, sincere blogger who’s not scared to speak her minds. I love her blog and it’s really worth stopping by everyday. It offers a lot of beautiful pictures in their area and some amusing tidbits of her daily life. Thanks, Jackie!

And oh, did I tell you that I'm now counting the days for our 12-day Hawaii escapade? Yay! We're soooo looking forward to that! Yes, 2 more days and Aloha, here we come, lol!

In the Depth of Toils

When in pain, one commonly be apt to gravitate towards people who have been there, done that. There is this feeling that if you bond with people who went through the pain themselves and recovered, we feel revived. This is what happened with Jim’s old friend. His buddy in high school unfortunately met an accident on his early 30’s and was bedridden for 3 years. He’s got a lot of stories, some unusual stories that are very heart-breaking. One time, his step son almost killed him with the telephone chord when he was in bed and can’t move at all. His wife sold his favorite Corvette for 1500 and some other stuff he owned. The most touching part was when he mentioned the story of his friend who’s paralyzed from neck down. His parents totally abandoned him. They left him in bed for 2 days with his legs crossed. One morning, he called his friend and he told him he doesn’t feel good. There are some strange things that keep jumping on his legs. He can’t move at all. And so, he called another friend to check on him. When they arrived at his house, there were rats eating his legs. They rushed him to the hospital and he died the next day of internal infection. I mean, how sick is that? On the lighter side, he spends a lot of times with friends who have the same problem. Sometimes they go to the lake on their wheel chairs and drink some beers. They find ways to make the most of what they’ve got. Still, he has not completely accepted it.

Oh, my heart goes to those people who are going through such rough times. Some people wasted their lives on drugs while some people never gave up despite their health limitations. How ironic that is?

Rants and Sighs

Certainly, times have changed and so has insights. What was once considered inappropriate and disgusting is now widely accepted or became a part of deluded culture. Lifestyles, relationships have been redefined. Or at least, that’s what media have been trying to press on in their daily shows. Ladies dancing like worms and almost naked on a noontime show. As what my husband used to comment, “It’s not so very Filipino”. Yes, watching this noon time show on TFC make me sick sometimes.

Things just went way overboard, ridiculous and uncontrollable since the explosion of cell phones. I remembered being shocked when I came back from Taiwan and found these young kids so busy texting while walking on the mall. I felt like a stranger and so left behind. It’s even more surprising to me when I found out that those kids that used to play on the streets; now on their early teens became Moms. Geeee! What scary news! It’s very sad to realize that the young generations never learned from the past. They’ve been trapped on the same cycle (sigh).

One Fine Day

Wow! What a glorious day today! One thing that struck me is the shapes of the clouds. I’ve never seen something like that before. It’s strange but very beautiful!

My husband had been so busy taking care of the garden. The gardener pretty much does the basic mowing. Even if you asked him to trim the trees and bushes and he’ll be paid extra. Still, nada. It’s frustrating.

Oh well, it’s Friday once again! I’m so happy that our housekeeper’s going to take care of my fish while we’re gone. Oh, so looking forward to that relaxing vacation in Hawaii next week.

Happy weekend, all!

Island's Timeless Life

When I was a kid, time appeared at a halt. I always find myself being impatient. I couldn’t care less of the present situation. Yet, as I thrust myself onto my middle years, time seemed reduced. I was trapped looking for justice and peace at some things that’s really disturbing me while growing up. No, I’m not talking about mysticism or holiness. I’m talking about the distinctive implication of a “timeless life” has for Kamigingnons.

To my neighbors and married relatives, “timeless life” is waking up with the chicken’s clucking so early in the morning and doing the laundry while watching their favorite TV shows in the afternoon. To my father, “timeless life in the island” is going to his farm in the morning and a “karaoke” time with friends before dinner. To my mother, “timeless life in the island” is eating sea foods, leafy vegetables and surrendering herself at the balcony on twilights while talking loudly to some neighbors that passes by. To Kamigingnons, “timeless life in the island” is a reunion with neighbors along the streets before sunrise and after sunset. To the innocent kids, “timeless life in the island” means playing on some empty roads, screaming endlessly in the fields, and swimming eternally on the blue seas. To tourists, “timeless life in the island” is exploring the paradise within.

So, why do “Kamigingnons” choose to stay in the island where life seemed so slow and opportunities don’t come so easy? Why do they prefer to come back after finishing a degree from popular universities in the country? Why do “Kamigingnons” love to retire in the island after saving so much money from working here in the US? Why do “Kamigingnons” decide to live in the island where there’s only one small theatre and no big shopping malls? Why do “Kamingingnons” opt to reside in the island when there’s not enough medical assistance available?

And for just a simple reason: life in the island is worthwhile. We love knowing our neighbors more and care for each other like a big, intimate community. We’re just happy knowing that eating a healthy meal is enough to worry about. And asking for some leafy vegetables, a small amount of rice or grain of salt from a neighbor is tolerable. We are assured that when we cry for help in the middle of the night, neighbors will be swarming around and are always ready to help. We’re not bothered so much about our health problems and wished to die not knowing the scientific terms. We relied so much that our faith will heal us. And if there’s no way to survive, we’re certain that life is worth living.

We don’t have to put through all the traffic jams and heavy pollutions. We may not have the largest productions/industries and highways but we enjoy our natural resources- the cold, hot springs, the two- smaller white islands, clean beaches and the breathe of fresh air. We take pleasure in its serenity.

All of these that I had enjoyed while growing up in a tiny island. The simple things that only simple and ordinary people can appreciate and if you’re grateful enough, you’ll learn to discern that living within your means is like living in paradise.

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"Camiguin is a small island province of the Philippines off the northern coast of Mindanao.It is composed of 5 small towns and a population of 81,923. The main occupation of the people is fishing and farming, with copra providing the greatest income contribution. Other plantations are rice, mangoes, lanzones and other fruit trees." ---Wiki

Sickness

I hate to admit it but I have been addicted to an online game lately. One thing that fascinates me with this particular game is I can design my own farm. I have been dreaming to own a farm someday and so, I just got hooked to it, LOL. It’s funny but I got my competitive spirit going. I spent most of the night farming when I should be relaxing, watching TV. It was entertaining at first but I got tired in the middle part but I just hate to stop. I wanted to get going and worse, I wanted to finish it right away, hahaha! Yeah, I know. It’s not real. It’s dumb and it’s definitely a compulsive behavior. Well, I got over it now. It was a big relief to finally have a peace of mind. Mind you, I am at the market but my mind was all about the farm. I’m worried it might turn to waste if I don’t harvest it right away. Geeeezzz! Well, that was the first time I get really addicted. I’m just glad I’m over it now. It’s really a waste of time. And what did I get from it? Oh well, just a mansion, a drawing, lol!

A Brief Encounter

“Number 76, 77,78!”, the lady shouted. A middle-aged lady, always wearing her big smile. I’m not sure of her nationality but she looked Japanese to me. She doesn’t have any accent though. She’s always so nice and very helpful.

I was hoping she’ll call my number when suddenly a guy interrupted her. “I’m 60” he exclaimed. A middle-aged Asian guy, wearing some wrinkles on his innocent face. Darn, he really reminded me of my Dad.

“No, no... we don’t go back! Number 79!” the lady continued calling priority numbers. The Post Office is quiet full this time and I just waited patiently on the bench.

“No, I was just here packing my box!” he insisted while pointing on the box at the table.

“You didn’t go anywhere?” she asked. “No” he replied.

“Okay, come over here”, she requested. He didn’t write the labels on it and so she handed the papers he need to fill up. He was so slow. I’m not sure what’s going on but I was guessing, he can’t write it in English or he’s not used at writing alphabets. He’s Chinese, I guessed.

“Stop! Stop, stop!” she said in a much louder voice each time. The guy was so confused and he looked at her with so much innocence and disbelief.

“I’m not done yet” he said calmly.

“Okay, I’ll help you with that. It’s just there are too many people waiting” she said while grabbing the pen and the paper.

“We love you, you know that? So, keep coming back, okay?” she whispered. She realized she had hurt his feelings. "We love you" she repeated with a big smile.

I was touched by such gestures of hers and I could understand her stress at work. On the other hand, I can really see my Dad’s eyes in that guy.

I was a li’l teary when the Postman called my number and even when I told my husband about the incident. Ah, cry baby me, eh?

A Sad Story

DH asked our Dentist (who happens to be Persian but pretty much Americanized) about whether the story of the movie, The Stoning of Soraya M still exists or not in Iraq.

“Ah, more than ever”, he quipped. “It’s not even about religion. It’s all about money and power. Basically, that’s what Iranians are screaming about during their brave, long protests last June”, he continued.

In a world of secrecy, corruption and injustice, a single courageous voice can tell a true story that changes everything. This is what lies at the heart of the emotionally charged experience of The Stoning of Soraya M. Based on an incredible true story; this powerful tale of a village's persecution of an innocent woman becomes both a daring act of witness and a compelling parable about mob rule. Who will join forces with the plot against her, who will surrender to the mob, and who will dare to stand up for what is right. --Official Site

It was such a sad story- father against daughter, husband against the wife and son against mother. And at the end of the movie, when the picture of the real Soraya flashes on the screen, my heart breaks. I don’t know what I felt. I didn’t even watch the part where everybody’s throwing stones at her. It’s definitely hard to believe that it does exist.

Allergies and Coughing

DH has been sleeping all day last Saturday. It was so weird and I could tell he really doesn’t like it. His doctor gave him some steroids for his cough that’s been going on for over a month now. He had seen different doctors and the results are the same: he doesn’t have any infections at all. It could be that he’s allergic to something. I remembered having the same cough last year that lasted for 2 weeks. Then, he got it after me and he was coughing for 2 months. It’s very strange to get the same cough 2 summers in a row. There must be something that we’re both allergic too. We were thinking it maybe the paint coz we painted the house (inner) the same time last year. Ah, allergies. It’s an endless possibility.

Clean Fish Tank

A month ago, we bought fresh plant to put in the tank and it really looked good in there. But after a week, problems started to come up. The water becomes brown and shells are coming out like lice. It was such an eerie-looking fish tank. Plus, it became overly populated.

I’m glad my husband helped me out. Well, he always does. He basically knows better than me about aquariums. It’s my first aquarium (a Christmas present from him).

It was indeed a great relief that my fish tank is finally clean! It's a mission accomplished last weekend:))

Friday Lunch Madness

I kept reiterating that I really had to lose few pounds but sometimes eating healthy foods can be a real blah. Pretty much, I stay on the right track on weekdays except Fridays and weekends. That’s a treat to myself, LOL! Hmmp, sounds a lot, huh?

Every Friday, I just can’t resist not going to the mall’s food court. It’s only a 5-minute drive from work. So, it became Friday lunch madness to me:D I just eat any fatty foods at the Filipino restaurant. I can't stop thinking about the litson-kawali, adobo and puto.

I’m just so grateful that all the foods are delicious here (which was a problem when I was in Taiwan). Plus, I felt like I’m not so far from my country because of the availability of the Filipino products and foods.

Ah, can't wait for Friday once again:D

Webs and Spiders

It’s actually the spider season. I’ve seen not only one but a lot of these spider webs and big spiders in the yard. I’ve never seen really big spiders before. Here’s one that’s outside my office.

You know, when we were kids- we used to collect spiders. We name them according to their colors. We usually put them in a matchbox with a very creative kind of compartments that will separate them all. Each spider has their own hole (made of cardboard) in that small matchbox. We always go out hunting for spiders in the trees. We all brag about how fight masters our spiders will be. Then, the next hour we let them fight. That is, letting the spiders crawl on a stick (broom stick from coconut) and whichever is killed- the owner of that spider will be the loser. Then, loser will give one spider to the winner as an award. Well, when you grow in a place that has a shortage of toys- playing with spiders is so much fun, lol!

Anyway, when I came back from Taiwan- I was so shocked when I saw a group of adults circled together alongside the street and they seemed so serious about something. Curiously, I joined in and found out that they bet on the spider fights. What? I thought those were kid’s games. So much astounding when I found out they have real money for that. Geeezzzz, they make it like a cockfight. Hmmm, I wish I could send these big spiders from the yard just so my little brother can win money from it. Seriously, my brother did win money from that spider fight. So strange!

Summer Heat

It’s been cooking in the office these days. My part doesn’t get enough air from the AC unfortunately. I had the fan running too while the AC is already down to 59F. We don’t have that much cool air here in the office than at the house. It’s more inland here.

Talking about summer heat, the community had implemented a “watering schedule”. We are only allowed to turn on our sprinkles three times a week. Oh my, oh my. We had the biggest side lawn in the neighborhood, I guess. Our grass will all be brown in few days. It’s really frustrating. Some of the neighbors decided to pull their grass out and plant more flowers. Some did some kind of a “desert” landscaping with cactus and stones instead of grass. Oh well, we’ve gotta do it; otherwise, we’ll pay 1,000 if we’re caught.

Making History

A’s best friend is getting married soon. So, all the guys went on a bachelor’s party in Las Vegas while the ladies went to San Francisco for their bachelorette party last weekend. As you know, there’d be lots of drinking and who knows-what’s-next.

We were all wondering what news they’re going to bring once they get back. We were expecting the guys might likely be the ones to get in trouble. Well, according to the grapevine- it’s not. Actually, it was the bride that made the history. Just watch this video on YouTube and see for yourself (wink, wink). Parental Guidance is recommended here. I didn't mean to offend you. She ended up in jail for few hours coz of it, hek hek. Aha, maybe a fun tale to tell to your kids, eh?

Movie Date

It was a very interesting movie last night. My husband buried me in suspense when I asked him what movie we’re going to watch. He kept telling me it’s a SECRET and it’s a cute movie. Okay, I wondered why it’s an undisclosed thing. It sounded weird to me. We even went to a different theater. I just gave up asking when we were on the freeway. I thought we might watch movie somewhere in LA and it’s already 9PM. Maybe he didn’t realize it’s Monday the next day. We usually watch movies every Fridays or Saturdays.

Apparently, he chooses not to tell me about the movie coz he was afraid I might say “No”. I have always told him that I really don’t like horror movies. And the movie is all about dead people. Well, not really…

Departures follows Daigo Kobayashi (Masahiro Motoki), a devoted cellist in an orchestra that has just been dissolved and who is suddenly left without a job. Daigo decides to move back to his old hometown with his wife to look for work and start over. He answers a classified ad entitled Departures thinking it is an advertisement for a travel agency only to discover that the job is actually for a "Nokanshi" or "encoffineer," a funeral professional who prepares deceased bodies for burial and entry into the next life. While his wife and others despise the job, Daigo takes a certain pride in his work and begins to perfect the art of “Nokanshi,” acting as a gentle gatekeeper between life and death, between the departed and the family of the departed. The film follows his profound and sometimes comical journey with death as he uncovers the wonder, joy and meaning of life and living. --Regent Releasing

The story was quiet unique and a superbly creative plot. It’s an unusual and a peaceful look at a sacred part of Japan's cultural heritage.