Celebrating Friendship - Nov 29, 2007

Treasure the friendship you receive above all. It will survive long after your gold and good health have vanished."
— Og Mandino


Let me dedicate this post to a dear friend. I have not met her personally but she became as dear and as close to my heart as any bestfriends would ever be. Ours is a unique story. Each living a world apart, met through the world wide web and together began a journey of sharing and caring worthy of telenovelas and the likes. Today marks our first chika, the commencement of a long line of letters, emails, calls and chats. The beginning of a great friendship oblivious of time and space.

I have a box I call “jules box” filled with goodies from her. Whenever I am lonely or sad… I go to my jules box to find something that would lift my spirit up. It works everytime… until now I can still pick up one thing inside the box that would bring me to smile and bring me inspirations. It gives me countless ideas of what to do or what to write about. She is everything a friend is about and if Ibegin to describe her, I would not be able to finish my post. :) Hopefully ... i'm not promising anything ..hehe... that I would beable to bring her out in some of the future post I make.

She knows me enough to write my life story. And I hope I know her enough to write hers. A lot of times I long to hold her hands and to feel her warmth beside me. To share a cup of coffee and talk about anything endlessly. I wish I could always run to her house just to see her and say hi. But I guess that could wait.

I hope to meet her someday. Give her a huge embrace enough to catch up on those times we are apart. Until then.....

Thank you for being my friend Jules!!

Cast your burdens upon me.. and I will give you rest.

This song has always inspired many. The many I mentioned includes me of course. But never in my life have I really felt its meaning than during my recent moments of crisis. A crisis so overwhelming, so tragic that like a heavy boat in the midst of torrent waves, I must unload some of the weight to stay afloat. I have to cast my burdens so I can focus on living. So, I did. One night, I prayed to God and asked Him if He could take these lumbers off my shoulder. I don’t want to think and worry about them from now on and He may do whatever he pleases with them.

Little do I know that He not only took the burden and carry them on His own shoulder but He is also working on them. One day, He sent me a note saying… “Your burden No. 1 has been taken cared of”. It’s that easy… the burden that I’ve been carrying for years have been taken cared of. I am a testament to His grace, wonders and blessings. Praise the Lord!

I believe

A scandal by the pond

There I was, beside the pond, basking in my own reverie,

When my eyes were caught by a malicious duck not far from me,

He's doing something you see, not once or twice. I lost count after three,

You'll know what I mean, If you see him you'll agree,

Is this duck mooning me?!?!

I think he is!!! Oh! Scandalous to the Nth degree!

_

________________________

I should apologize to the duck... I know I'm the one with the malicious mind. Guilty, your honor!

But I did asked permission from the duck so I can post this .... :D But he's just so busy doing that.... I think he's talking to a mermaid... but he should know that people above the water are blushing everytime he does that!

Kaklase ko si Jim Carrey..... NOT!

Ganitong ganito ang kanyang mga ngiti... hanggang ngayon akoy nakikilig..ehehe

Nakita ko si Jim Carrey nakaraang Martes.
Pero ang pangalan nya according sa kanyang nameplate ay Paul.
Kaklase ko sya sa isang training na ginanap sa facility namin sa Burlington.
Nakaupo sya sa malapit sa harapan at diretsong opposite ng kinalalagyan ko.


Sa ganyang arrangement, hindi mahirap na mahagip sya ng paningin ko sa tuwing titingnan ko ang aming guro o ang malaking projection board.
Talaga naman na nakakaaliw dahil sa striking similarity nila ng tunay na Jim Carrey.

Parang sya ang nakakabatang kapatid ng tunay na Jim Carrey.
And kanyang taas at balinkinitang pangangatawan,
Ang hugis ng kanyang mukha, ang kanyang mga mata
At higit sa lahat ang kanyang bukod tanging ngiti.
Ngiti ng tunay na Jim Carey sa maniwala ka at hindi.

Sa tuwing daraan ang paningin ko sa kanya, parang may magnet na magpapako ng aking tanaw … ulit ulit na namamamngha sa lapit ng kanilang mga mukha.
At mula sa wala, napapangiti ng bigla.
Hindi maitago aking pagka aliw at pagkamangha
Umaasang isang sandali na sya ay magpatawa.

Sa aking isip at imahinasyon… sya nga ang tunay na JimCarrey
Sa kanyang normal na buhay na empleyado at estudyante.
Pero kahit na gayon, kahit gaano na kapormal
Nakakatuwa and nakakatawa parin.

Siguro napansin nya mga ngiti kong puno ng mangha
Subalit kahit minsan hindi nya pinunlakan
Ang aking mga lihim na hiling
“Magpatawa ka naman, kahit man lang kaunti.”
Isang ngiwi ng labi habang naduling ang mga mata
Mga contorted na mukha ng comedian na si Jim Carrey

Pero sa huling sandali
Nang ang lahat ay patapos na…
Bola ng comments inumpisahang ipasa
Nagulat na bigla ang lingkod nyong tulala
Bola na hawak ni Jim Carrey
Binato sa akin … ako ang pinili

Baka naman nagkataon lang..
Baka naasar sa kakangisi ko…
Pero tuwa naman ako
Dahil napansin din kahit paano

Maganda pala kaklase si Jim Carrey
Di ka maaantok at di mabubwisit
Pero wish kolang na sa susunod
Na makadungpalad na maging magkaklase kami ulit
Na paunlakan nya aking mga nasa….

Ganito man lang sana…
Palihim at pansamantala…
Awesome talaga
Papa autograph na!

____________________

To my friends who cannot understand a word I wrote on this post... I apologize.

I'm on one of those tagalog moods.

I promise to make it up on other posts.

Emo Time....

"Pag may mahal ka at ayaw sayo, hayaan mo. Malay mo sa mga susunod na araw ayaw mo na din sa kanya, naunahan ka lang."

(When you love someone and he/she doesn't like you, let him/her be. You'll never know, in the coming days you will find yourself not liking him/her too, he/she just beat you to it).

"Hiwalayan na kung di ka na masaya. Walang gamot sa tanga kundi pagkukusa."

(If your not happy anymore, leave. There's no medecine to stupidity but self initiative.)

"Pag hindi ka mahal ng mahal mo wag ka magreklamo. Kasi may mga tao rin na di mo mahal pero mahal ka. Kaya quits lang."

(If someone you love does not love you, don't complain. Because there were people that you don't love but loves you. Its only quits.) Hehe... i admit i suck in translating tagalog to english.

"Hindi lungkot o takot ang mahirap sa pag-iisa kundi ang pagtanggap na sa bilyon-bilyong tao sa mundo, wala man lang nakipaglaban upang makasama ka."

(It’s not sadness or fear that is difficult in being alone but the acceptance that out of all the billion people in the world, not a single one fought to be with you.)

____________________________

Mga quotes mula kay Bobby Ong. Nag snow kasi kanina... medyo nakakalungkot. Malamig na naman... makulimlim nanaman ang mga araw at mahaba ang gabi. Sabi ko... EMO time again....

The Lowly..nah.. Noble Galunggong – and its memories

This was our dinner last night. I was able to find some frozen Galunggong fish (Maquereau Mackerel) at one the Chinese store near our family dentist clinic. I looked at its familiar features. Remembering the numerous times this fish has graced our table when I was growing up. During those needy times when everything is so expensive that we have to tighten our belts more than ever. I used to hate this fish during those times. It’s either fried galunggong, or paksiw na galunggong (cooked in vinegar), or daing na galunggong (sun dried), or ginataang galunggong (cooked in coconut milk). I think we have practically overused this poor fish for the longest time. We cook it in all possible ways. I can still hear myself and my siblings saying in chorus “ Galunggong again??!!”. But now... I am sure that if it weren’t for the lowly Galunggong, I would not be where I am .. right now.

It’s been awhile since I last tasted the Galunggong. We call it “Gigi” then. I don’t know why we call it with that name and I did not ask for I just had enough of it to even care. I guess it’s safe to say that it’s been 20 years since I last tasted it. Now, when I saw it, I decided that it’s time for my kids to meet the fish that has fed and nourished us during tough times. It maybe lowly then but now I only think of it as a noble fish ... an unsung hero. Worthy of being weaved into life stories to be told and passed to future generations.

So in between those spoonfuls of fish and rice are conversations of times of old and the lessons to be learned. My kids actually like it. I even told them, it’s good with catsup. They won’t try it though.. L

That’s the story of the noble Galunggong fish.

I'm Free!!! :) Oh! the taste of liberty!

Finally! I'm free from studying, free from listening for hours, reading textbooks and from impromtu reports. At least for some time until I get the next subject. To top it all ( just like a cherry on top of an ice cream...yummy), I am now on vacation for one week. Yup! The no working hard to the bones, no overtimes, no pressure from the boss who wants everything shipped no matter what kind of vacation. For a brief momment, I can do what I love to do (if I'm only rich, I could do this everyday for the rest of my life). I am looking for days of sleep ins, long walks, good books, cooking my heart out, movies and blogging.

Well, ideally every vacation should be that way. But in between those relaxing activities are chores that are waiting for my attention. Like getting ready for back to school for the kids fixing and redecorating the house. I will choose not to think about these and focus on the more interesting part of the vacation. ... relaxing and detoxing of the mind, the body and the soul. How? i dunno yet... no need to be organized...let each day plan itself as it comes.

I have so many things to post about. There's this Filipino Making Waves Festival at Ontario Place that we saw last August 17, the Chinese Lantern Festival which is absolutely awesome! One sample is the picture above. It's actually a lantern shaped as the Liberty monument. Plus many more.

Can't wait!

Peek a Boo!!

Silip lang po! Just a peek! My finals will soon be over and after that I am looking forward to blogging full time again! :)

I have already accumulated numerous photos that i'd like to talk about and share.

See you !!!

My kind of grade... finally.

We received back our write up report from our class instructor. I was pleased with the grade I got. It somehow compensated with the grade I got from my mid term exam. Next meeting will be finals exam. I will soon have a blog shut down to focus on review. After that, I will finally have a week vacation!!! No work...no studies... no stress. A week of sleep ins... long walks (preferrably on a sandy surface or a wooded area)... watching movies... online anytime... *sigh* can't wait.

*slapping self* wake up! focus on current matters! final exam... final exam....

Post Henna Tattoo Update

An interesting question was asked when I posted mine and my daughters first Henna tattoo. Apparently there were cases of henna allergy characterized by blisters and rashes. So, i've decided to take a picture of our tattoo after 4 days.

This picture was after the application of henna on our skin. During this time, there were no itchiness or anything weird felt by both me and my daughter. The henna paste dried after an hour and it started peeling off. Nothing out of the ordinary felt.

This is after 4 days. We were told it will last 2 weeks but I had doubts about that and I am slightly correct. My daughters tattoo is fast fading. Faster than mine which is probably because she had two swimming sessions already. Somehow chlorine does something to the stain.

This was mine when henna was applied.

Here it is right now. As you can see my skin is lighter than my daughters and our tattoos are located in different part of our body. I don't know if those differences counts but both skins are as clear as it was before the henna paste was applied.

Shall we have another?? If we do have allergy to the henna paste, we would have felt the reaction on the first time. And small quantity applied to the skin will let us know if we are allergic. Unless we want to have a full body henna tattoo, we will still consider getting one without much worry.

PS. a friend of mine got henna tattoo too when she went to Boracay, Philippines. She got a bigger design but she did not complain any allergic reaction.

That's it for the update! have a happy tattoo!! ;)

PASANG AWA! ( Pitiful grade??)

I really don’t know how to translate that into English, hence the question mark. I just got my mid term exam result yesterday and I would really call it “passang awa”. It is the term we use to describe a pitiful grade. Some may not say so but in my standard it is. I could have done much better. But to defend myself…it is our first exam and I still have to learn, excuse me, re-learn the tactics of exam taking (hehe… tactics?? Sounds like cheating…lol). I definitely do not do cheating. After 20 years away from being in a university classroom, I guess I’m not doing so badly. I just need to get used to things and I’m pretty much on the road. Hopefully my finals will not be as bad.

I still have to receive my results in the report. I hope … I did well and I am hoping for a more decent grade. Decent? … like 85 and above. That is decent enough. If my instructor will give me 90 and above that would be categorized as excellent. 95 and above is …. Outstanding?? ….hehe…that will be wishing to much!!!! LOL That is way over my head. I’m already dreaming. The highest grade I got in my entire life is +99% on the NCEE exam. That is the exam all highschool graduates needs to take before going to college or universities. That was a fluke I guess but I enjoyed the chance to get called on stage, shake the hand of the principal, receive a plaque for my mother to keep (or show everybody?) and a bit of money in my pocket. It was a fluke for it never happened again…hehe. I should not talk about my board exam result. And please do not ask…hehe. Darn engineering course! :o)

Something to ponder on:

“The most unfair thing about life is the way it ends. I mean, life is tough. It takes up a lot of your time. What do you get at the end of it? A Death! What's that, a bonus? I think the life cycle is all backwards. You should die first, get it out of the way. Then you live in an old age home. You get kicked out when you're too young, you get a gold watch, you go to work. You work forty years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You do drugs, alcohol, you party, you get ready for high school. You go to grade school, you become a kid, you play, you have no responsibilities, you become a little baby, you go back into the womb, you spend your last nine months floating......

...................and you finish off as an orgasm.”
Mehgan
George Carlin quotes (American stand-up Comedian)

…… it does makes sense, doesn’t it???

It is Done.... and surprisingly I'm still alive! :)

The dreaded mid term exam has passed. I survived, true, but I can't say the same thing with my answers...hehe. Anyway, that's that. I hope what they say is true... once you got over the first hurdle...the next ones will be a piece of cake. For a class of 16 where I'm the only asian, I carry a big chip on my shoulder. Never fear! Darna is here!! LOL

Forgive my sarcasm...I’m just trying to entertain myself. It was adrenalin day today. I think my brain is still suffering from the aftermath of information onslaught. After the 2.5 hours of exam came two more chapters. Culminated by an impromptu report of 3 questions handed out by the instructor. I can hear my brain again saying... "Bloody 20 years ago!!".... and my body started sending more adrenalin to grandma brain to help it think and to calm my poor nerves while I deliver my piece of mind in front of the class. Only one thing I can say... asian rules!!! LOL

*sigh* I think I’m having ulcers.....

Ems pre-midterm exam inner conversations

here's the conversation in clearer words:

Ems Spirit: "Chop, chop guys! Hurry, faster! We are falling behind! Read more, understand more...."

Ems Brain: "Hold your horses! I have not worked this hard since university days! And that is bloody 20 years ago!!"

Ems Body: "Uh, guys??? Getting too much acid in the tummy department. Dizzyy, head aches...need to sleep..."


Em ended up at the doctors office which disappoints her spirits and bestowed relief of work on the brain. Everything will end tomorrow ...after the exam.... or so they thought...

only to get the news that exam was postponed for next week....... stress still prevails!!!!

Meet my little Pullo... and my anxiety :)

I am sooo excited….. and yet panicked. Excited because my new laptop came and I’m so eager to get acquainted with it. But… I can’t do that in full because in 5 days I will have my 2 hour mid-term exam. I have to review 9 chapters of grueling definitions, models, theories, and case studies. 9 chapters in 5 days gives me absolutely no time for me and my new friend “Pullo” (yup! I named my new laptop after my favorite character in Rome) to get to know each other as quickly as possible.

Pullo became a necessity for several reasons, each one varying in degree. The cause that made push into shove is when I enrolled in a course sponsored by the company I work in. Well, who would pass an opportunity like that, right? All I need to put in is effort and cost of books. I have a company issued laptop that I use at work but it is so heavy that carrying it every day would warrant visits to my chiropractor as well. Among the other reasons is that I cannot do all the things I need to study if I continue sharing computer with my daughter at home. My son has his own desk top computer so he doesn’t complain. My daughter doesn’t complain too…it’s me who is complaining because I have to wait for her to finish her homework before I can use the computer. If I stay up late using her computer, she stays up late too, this annoys me since she would chat and talk while I concentrate on what I’m doing. Since there are three students at home now… it’s better for peace and order’s sake to have my own computer/laptop. I needed something that is small and light and not so expensive. Something that I can bring anywhere while multitasking like in the kitchen while cooking, or in the balcony when I needed some fresh air or while doing the laundry or while waiting on my kids during their extra activities. I saw the 13 inch screen laptop of Dell and I decided it was the laptop for me. And that’s what I got…my little Pullo. :)

And how is the education system in Canada?? My kids been living in it for almost six years now. Me on the other hand still have to experience it. I am excited and at the same time anxious. I have been a very good student during my university days. I hope I haven't lost the flair.

I will soon find out after my dreaded midterm exam. Ugh!! Crunch time!

Mirror or Lens?

Looks like a mirror but it's actually a lens. The kind used in cameras...for this particular lens, it is Infrared Camera (IR). It's made of silicon polished to a curve.

I had one scrapped from production and found a good use for it. It is now displayed on the wall of my cubicle facing me. It is so shiny that it looks like a mirror and the curve has allowed it to reflect a big area. Now I can see who's sneaking up behind me when I'm working on my lap top.

It's a lens but I am now using it as a mirror. Pretty sad for the lens fate. It could have gone airborne. Anyway...better than being in the garbage, eh?!

Super Smash ...what??

I can't really understand this game. I guess my son was beaten by the computer... how? why? which one was my son again? He was playing alone and watching the screen makes me dizzy already. Earlier in the day, his friends were here and four of them were playing at the same time. The screen was a complete blurr to me..... how can they enjoy it?

The game should have a warning and it should go like this.... "not for moms with heart conditions or are violence intolerant".

More Spring Madness

Some trees blossoms first before the leaves comes out. Like the tree in the picture. Why? I have no idea. I may have to get some readings on that. But they are sure pretty.

I wonder how plants feel during this time of awakening?? Does it hurt? Does it tickles? The growth rate is so fast that it is not comparable to my hair getting longer or to my physical growth when I was in my growth spurge. This change is super fast. And to think they can't even stretch! *sigh* If only they can talk! It would probably be a long interesting story. If only all the plants can talk.

The beauty of the trees,the softness of the air, the fragrance of the grass, speaks to me.The summit of the mountain, the thunder of the sky, speaks to me. The faintness of the stars, the trail of the sun, the strength of fire, and the life that never goes away, they speak to me. And my heart soars.

- Chief Dan George

Spring Frenzy

Spring reminds me of Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter movie. It’s that time of the year that plants and trees awaken to the warm touch of the sun. Sprouts abound everywhere, like there is some kind of competition or a mad rush to be first to greet and embrace the sky. The synergy coming from the plants is so overwhelming that I can feel it in my flesh when I walk along the road. It feels like they are murmuring, singing … glad to see each other again. It always make my inside swell with warmth and brings a smile on my lips. In my mind I am also talking to them (hehe…I can’t be caught talking to plants…well, not just yet). Telling how nice to see them again after a long winter and that hopefully they will make everything green and colorful. I can’t help it! I talk a lot to my Buddy and we always had good conversations. One day I will have my own small garden and I will spend frenzied spring days and lazy summer days talking to my plants.

As a matter of fact, the bush beside my window at work had some of her buds peeking on me this morning!!! Hehe. Peeking and smiling saying good morning! The sun is up and we’re here to play and sing. They are so cute; I just have to take some pictures! Since I’m in the other side of the glass, the picture is a bit blurred but just the same, they are sooo adorable!

Awww… I just love spring! The flurry of life rushing, quickening, contagious, bursting, overflowing!

Guilt? Obligation? Nah..... It's Just Love

I was routinely reading on my daily blogs when a certain topic has touched a sensitive part of me. Everyday opinions of this and that never really affect me. I read them, shrug and move on. Even the many colorful comments/opinions on Malu Fernandez or the famous 17 year old Bb. Pilipinas - World has never solicited more than a physical gesture appropriate to the emotion it has raised within me. Not enough to really write about it and pour with all intensity my thoughts and feelings.

Let me introduce the background. I have been reading this blog for the longest time ever and I must admit she has a talent for writing. Since I love cooking, her cooking blog has occupied a place on my Explorer’s favorite’s drop-down menu. She also has a journal blog and a few other sites she maintains. She finished law and practiced for a few years and when she married she has decided to be a stay at home mom. She is a very talented writer and it shows by the number of comments that she receives on her blog. Like me, she is a Filipina, living back home, has a husband in a very well paid job and two teen aged daughters.

If I like her, how come her blog did not earn a place on my favorite site here in my blog? Well, let’s just say that we are not in the same league and that my feet are firmly on the ground and hers is several feet above it. There’s an air of arrogance in her that I am not interested to breathe in. Judging from years of reading her blogs I have deduced that she is very well off. She would show all the nice branded gadgets she or her family has like multiple high end digital cameras, lap tops, cell phones that are bought out of whims. She would write about her life living in a big house, about how good their food is everyday, about her complaints about government services or about her house help. She would paint her page with excellent pictures of their frequent vacation places and of expensive restaurants that they had just dined in. In short, she has created a pedestal for herself. Then, she would lash out at anyone who disagrees with her or her opinions. Never! Never did I read about her or her family helping the poor or participating on any volunteer work that would benefit the poor people around her. She definitely had the money and it would be nice to read for once that she has stepped on the ground and felt the earth on her skin. Well…maybe such is the life of socialites or what they call upper class mentality and that me, being in the lower class cannot really relate to. Maybe that’s just it. Or, it’s just a big prejudice on my part.

The other day, she posted a topic that has touched a piece of my heart. It’s about how Asians should loose the thinking that they owe something to their parents. Here’s an excerpt of her post:

"Your parents are responsible for raising you. You are not responsible for them. Although it’s honorable to make sure your parents have a good life, don’t do it out of guilt.
Remember, realizing that you don’t owe your parents isn’t enough. You have to accept it and get over the guilt. That’s the most important point you have to remember. You have to practice snapping yourself out of that guilt or you’ll end up shaping your life the way they see fit. To me, living a fake life or one that you’re not
happy with is worse than suicide. "

I am a mom and I would not want my children to feel responsible for me when I grow old. There is no question about that. Whether I was able to save money or not for my old age, I would not demand compensation for what I have done for them. Neither does my mom. She has never said anything that makes me feel obliged to give her money.

But you see, I am a child too. I’ve seen how hard life is with my parents and I’ve witnessed the fact that they have done all they could to raise me and my siblings. Mind you, unlike her who is rich and have never felt hungry in her entire life, we are poor. My parents have crawled, begged and broken their back to help me finish my education so I can have a better life. Through these, they were not able to save for themselves but they are happy to see me successful. I have now a better life, I eat good food, I live in a fine house, I have money in the bank, I can buy anything I like. I now ask myself, why am I here? I look back and I see my parents getting hungry, probably just waiting for death to take them away for they’re purpose is done. What do you expect me to feel?? Guilt feeling that I should overcome?? You said appreciation is enough and not obligation. But those were just words. What’s important is action. What am I to do?? Simple and for me no question at all, for a child who appreciate what her parents has done for her, I would obliged myself to now take care of them whether they like it or not. Whether it’s appreciation or obligation, I will not turn my back on them for I love them and yes, I will not be me if not for them.

For a different perspective, even if I grew up as poor as my parents, I still would look after them. Not a matter of conscience or obligation but the fact that I love them and that it is the right thing to do. Who ever is the stronger one takes care of the family. Ours is a closely knit family and we get our strengths from each other.

I now live in a country where old people are placed in special houses. My children are now exposed to another kind of mentality plus the fact that I agree that they should not worry about me when the time comes that they have to live their own lives. As long as they are happy, I will be happy wherever I am and will continue to love them with all my heart.

As for my mom, I’ll take care of her until death takes her away from me.