3 Words

3 words that sum up all that is contained in bibles and all other religious teachings. DO NO HARM.

I read this somewhere and it definitely makes a lot of sense. If we all followed this as THE basic principle in all we do, the world will be a better place.

Fatalism

I watched Must Love Dogs with Gin and Marta and we all agreed - it is a must-see movie. Only for our kind. We who enjoyed Notebook, Two Weeks Notice, Sabrina, When Harry Met Sally, Love Actually, My Best Friend's Wedding, Maid in Manhattan, Under the Tuscan Sun. Must Love Dogs deserves to be listed under the same category. Dialogues are unique. Pacing is just right. Yes, I know it is almost predictable. But who wants surprises when you have decided from the very start what you wanted?

The movie is fun because you see family dynamics at work. It is about moving on and learning to fight for the good that life throws at you. That is, if you recognize the "good". Do you believe in fatalism? I used to keep a scoreboard to tally those which I worked for and those which just landed on my lap. I do not remember the reason why I stopped counting. But I distinctly remember thinking, "No matter how much you work for it, if it is not yours, it never will happen". Thinking that makes life easier ... Does it?

Felicity and My Quiet Sunday

Nica and Noy went to the 6 Flags at St. Louis with friends. I was awake at 6am, saw them rush out and thought this is a good Felicity time. I started watching Season 4, their final season. Where Felicity will finally pick the man she will spend the rest of her life with! Consistent with my mababaw nonintellectual self, I so looooove this series. Never mind if most sequences are prolonged close-up shots of facial reactions. Felicity Porter is the most lovable imperfect character that television ever created. Ben is adorable ... his pained looks, shy smiles and awesome physique will make any girl say yes. Even if he has yet to ask a question!

I felt guilty watching episode after episode on my bed thinking about my need to hear mass. Should I? Or should I not? ARGGH! This should not even be a question! I finally got up and called Marta. I thought it has been a long while since I experienced their church's music ministry. Then Marta treated me with a home-cooked lunch! Her adobo was heavenly. I enjoyed our lunch, main course was her updates on her lovelife, dessert was discussion of "talented" characters. LOL!

I came home, continued watching Felicity and dozed off.

A friend called. I was so happy I made time to see her. As she poured out her grief, frustration and anger, I looked at her and thought, I would have never thought it would come to this. That is what life does. It tests you. Sometimes, it gets you to wonder ... If all were created equal, why are some tests more difficult than the others? My quiet Sunday became even quieter.

Excessive Heat Warning

We went to Walmart yesterday and for the little time that we were out in the sun ... OMG the heat was so overwhelming! They said the heat index came up to 105 F. Today, it will climb up to 109 F. And the warning issued is good till Sunday. Wow! Like I have never experienced heat like this in the Philippines. That was like me complaining to a blind woman that I need reading glasses! But really, maybe it is about time that the world powers provide more research money on global warming. That just got out right off the bat ... I really do not know what I am talking about. Must be the heat. Duh!! Bottomline is ... mainit talaga ang init dito sa America!!!!

Chick Lit

From Wikepedia - "Chick lit" is a slightly uncomplimentary term used to denote popular fiction written for and marketed to young women ... the implication that the reader is likely to be the sort of clichéd and nonintellectual female who chews gum and avoids "serious literature".

I am currently reading a chick lit. Title is Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin. I just wanted to see if I will enjoy reading the book and conclude I am one of the nonintellectual females. (shhhh .. this may come as a surprise to those who already think I AM!)

The storyline is already heavy with cliché. An unattached 30 year old lady lawyer living and working in Manhattan ending up in bed with her best friend's fiance on the night of her 30th birthday. In her attempt to convince herself that it was just a one-night fling, she begins eye-opening realizations of what have been right in front of her for a long time. Lame. Lame. Lame! But I am getting to the middle of the book and I am enjoying it! Does this prove I am nonintellectual?? If enjoying a relaxing feel-good read makes me one, then count me in. I am buying more chick lit. Did you know that the male counterpart is called "dick lit"? THAT is something else =) and I am not buying!

Just Because

Susan invited us to a karaoke party at their house. Just because!

Food was gloriousssss! Marta's dinuguan was my favorite. I almost ripped my sides laughing when I teased Marta on how Don also loved the dinuguan that she cooked. Marta rode the joke and said - had she known this she could have cooked dinuguan for Don everyday. Cracked me up to see Don's reaction to that!

I enjoyed the night dancing away as the children sang song after song. Songs like Yeah, Breathless, Numb and Pamela 1, Otso-Otso and such others. I so wanted Noy to sing his signature song, Mr. Suave =( He can really sing it better than the original. REALLY!!! Hearing him sing it tickles me to no end! Complete with the pauses, and the "emotion" - maiiyak ka! Sa tuwa! =) Nica reminded me na "binata na si Noy". ** sigh ** I hope my children do not think that getting older means they stop laughing at themselves.

It was such a fun night that we agreed on doing this regularly. Holding the parties at different houses. This gives me reason to clean up ... hahaha!

GOD's Favorite

This morning, while I was sipping coffee, Nica remarked with certainty that she is "one of God's favorites". When I asked her why she thought that, she shrugged and said she just feels it.

As her mother, I cannot even begin to describe how I felt hearing her say that. I want to be smug, give myself a pat on the back and say "Wow! I REALLY DID GOOD!"

Life's Best Adventures

Isn't it amazing that when we look back, the very best adventures are those which we feared had chances of NOT happening at all? What was it that made us go out of our comfort zones and take such risks? It is the other thought ... THAT IT COULD ACTUALLY HAPPEN!

My best adventures so far:

1. getting my first job - NEDA with TRAPOLI
2. approval of my Japan scholarship
3. getting my US visa stamped on my passport
4. landing my first job in the US with GE Capital
5. getting my first teacher placements in Chooshgai, NM and driving almost 1000 miles to meet the teachers
6. sucessfully getting the nod of NYCPS
7. getting my first visa approval for my placement in Australia

This list will not stop here. I will continue to stop and look at fear in the face, take more risks, and get MUCH more out of life!

A Keeper

This image is a creation by Jean. Such a precious gift from a dear dear friend. Our friendship dates far back. Back when all we worried about were if we will be assigned to travel to Iloilo, Leyte, Cebu, Davao, or Zamboanga. Back when the mere mention of "Japan" lighted up our faces. Back when GOOD food meant anything cooked by Madir. Back when I got a kick teasing Ray with Beng and Ed with her. Back when NEDA stood as the only "building" at Amber Avenue. Back when we were lean, tight and young-er ...

I shared silent confidences with Jean. I see her, and her sunny smile, and I understand. No words need to be said. Her eyes tell it all. I just know.

Now, when we travel by land and drive through Oklahoma, I think "Jean is here!" Several times I seriously thought of just dropping by her house and surprising her. I miss the girl! She is definitely a keeper too. Looking at our picture here, I must say we rocked!!!

War of the Worlds ... ho hummm

I am not a movie critic nor am I trying to be one. But I am sooooo disappointed at the movie, I just have to write about it. All the media attention, the worldwide premier nights, images of the smooching TomKat on the red carpet. All THAT cannot compensate for the minutes I lost watching the movie. It was a major let down. There may have been a story but it was poorly told. Even the special effects were ho-hum.

Or maybe I am just tired of Tom's goo - goo eyes while waiting for a tear to fall? Or his smile that seems to be plastered on his face permanently.

Give me back my $8!!!!