Of the Family Felidae

a b c


d e f

Tigra (f), the matriarch, is getting senile these days. There are times she would be running wild around the house playing with Ursula(d), her grand’kitten’. Ursula (d), confused perhaps, would run bananas,too, then later, when tired, breastfeed from grandma’s breasts. She is not a baby anymore but a feline coming of age. Really confused.

Ursula(d) does not suckle from Karen(e) anymore. You might ask why. Because Karen(e) had given birth last January 1 to three little kittens. The kittens are all healthy. Only one is a male and I call him Dagul(a) while the kids wanted to name him Aslan. One of the females looked like the rest of the gang – with black stripes and a beautiful face and I call her Mayumi (c). The other female kitten looks like Dagul and I wanted to call her Tomasa(b) but the kids (again) wanted Jadis for a name. Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia, presumably.

The matriarch gets into my nerves sometimes. I don’t know what is up with her. When she gets the chance into Kay’s room (where the kittens are) Tigra(f) would get one of the kittens and bring them to one of the corners or rooms of the house, away from Karen or from Kay’s room. These attempts drive me crazy most of the time.

We tried to transfer the kittens to the kitchen area or the living room area (under the sofa) but Karen(e) would not allow. She is a very caring mother and even though it seems like it hurts when the babies suckle she would still lie down and nurse them.

Papsie want them neutered.

Icebreaker

I always keep files of funny emails from friends and acquaintances. This one sure cracked me up. It was sent last September, 2004 with the intention to make me smile. I didn’t only smile.

I was reminded of this also because of a post by jepoi and TK’s answer to the recent meme. Here goes… BRA TYPES.

What Religion is Your Bra?

A man walked into the ladies department of a Macy's and shyly walked up to the woman behind the counter and said, "I'd like to buy a bra for my wife. What type of bra?" asked the clerk. "Type?" inquires the man, "There's more than one type? "Look around," said the saleslady, as she showed a sea of bras in every shape, size, color and material imaginable. "Actually, even with all of this variety, there are really only four types of bras to choose from." Relieved, the man asked about the types.

The saleslady replied: "There are the Catholic, the Salvation Army, the Presbyterian, and the Baptist types. Which one would you prefer?" Now totally befuddled, the man asked about the differences between them. The Saleslady responded, "It is all really quite simple...

The Catholic type supports the masses.
The Salvation Army type lifts the fallen,
The Presbyterian type keeps them staunch and upright, and
The Baptist makes mountains out of mole hills."

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Have you ever wondered why A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, G, and H are the letters used to define bra sizes? If you have wondered why, butcouldn't figure out what the letters stood for, it is about time you became informed!
{A} Almost Boobs...
{B} Barely there.
{C} Can't Complain!
{D} Dang!
{DD} Double dang!
{E} Enormous!
{F} Fake.
{G} Get a Reduction.
{H} Help me, I've fallen and I can't get up!

Now to the ladies – which type is yours? And gentlemen, you will need this depending on your preference so keep informed.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen!

Neil Sedaka
(Neil Sedaka / Howard Greenfield)

Tra la-la-la-la la-la-la-la
Happy birthday sweet sixteen
Tra la-la-la-la la-la-la-la
Happy birthday sweet sixteen

Tonight's the night I've waited for
Because you're not a baby anymore
You've turned into the prettiest girl I've ever seen
Happy birthday sweet sixteen

What happened to that funny face
My little tomboy now wears satin and lace
I can't believe my eyes you're just a teenage dream
Happy birthday sweet sixteen

When you were only six I was your big brother
Then when you were ten We didn't like each other
When you were thirteen You were my funny valentine
But since you've grown up Your future is sewn up
From now on you're gonna be mine, so

If I should smile with sweet surprise
It's just that you've grown up before my very eyes
You've turned into the prettiest girl I've ever seen
Happy birthday sweet sixteen

REPEAT LAST VERSE
Tra la-la-la-la la-la-la-la Happy birthday sweet sixteen
Tra la-la-la-la la-la-la-la Happy birthday sweet sixteen
FADE: Tra la-la-la-la la-la-la-la Happy birthday sweet sixteen

And the World Stood Still

Unlike my previous post about the Pacman's 2005 bout, I salute Manny Pacquiao for a job well done with the results of last Sunday's match. As always, this homegrown man from General Santos City brought again pride, honor and glory to the Philippines. Even if his counterparts reject the idea, it is our Manny Pacquiao who always draws the crowd during fights. He is the one most awaited and confidently believed that will win the prize fight. Worldwide, the match was famous, and this is because of the celebrated Manny Pacquiao bouts.

The feeling of pride always gives me goosebumps. When our national anthem, corny it may sound to others, is sung or played in such events, it gives me that sense of pleasure. It makes me proud that I am a Filipino. Those people who made imprints to the world that we are not the ‘indios’ as the Spaniards labeled us, and who worked their way out to let the world know that we are a talented and ingenious race, are truly worth our respect and honor. And this includes Manny Pacquiao even with his battered English speaking (remember ‘my right hands’?), not that I consider myself eloquent. Well, in his feat, it does not require the eloquence and literacy of the language. But it does not make him an ‘indio’.

Watching Papsie’s friends gather in front of a small TV set outside the house made me think that the whole Philippines stood still while waiting for the match. Even the world stood still, I bet.

Bull's Eye

Way back when I was still a younger woman, and not yet married, I was drawn into a vision of someone who has the following characteristics:

Looking for

A Male Homo Sapiens

Ingredients

Tall
Mesmerizing Eyes
Lean and Muscular (but not overly)
Intelligent or Smart
Funny, Not Boring
Principled
Hardworking
Humble

This is a product of a tag given by Aquamarine.

Let’s see… Can Corsi, Aurora, Dops, Jepoi, Jan, Rolly, TK, and Nony oblige?

HERE ARE THE RULES:

The tagged victim has to come up with 8 different points of their perfect lover.Need to mention the sex of the target.Tag 8 victims to join this game & leave a comment on their comments saying they’ve been tagged.If tagged the 2nd time, there’s no need to post again.

Bits

Kay asked me once, “Ma, bakit madalas kong marinig na may si-nalvage? Di ba ang meaning ng salvage is to save o di kaya to rescue? (Ma, why do I often hear that a person was salvaged? Isn’t it that the meaning of salvage is to save or rescue?)” Come to think of it, I even read from a tabloid newspaper a headline that goes like “Isang Salvage Victim, Natagpuan” (Salvage Victim, Found). It seemed to my daughter that people mistake the word as attacked or killed. Probably mistook the word, which they surely mean as ‘savaged’?
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An employee took some effort to remedy a current situation in the production area. Supplies were out to be able to continue the production of consumables for export. He thought of using the extra supplies of another consumable and utilizing a way that it would appear presentable. The job was not for his section but for the other section of a co-employee. They are both supervisors. When he was finished, he put the product on the table of the manager to discuss it with him the following day. The ‘other’ supervisor came and saw the product and stared at it for a long time. The supervisor who did it got anxious. He had reason to be. The following day, the ‘other’ supervisor was explaining the remedy that was made, and it was his idea that he was selling. There are still crocodiles in the work area.
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“Ano ang mali kung mababaw ang kaligayahan? (What is wrong if her joy seems shallow?)” went the sermon of Fr. Buddy. Does joy need to be deep to be able to possess and enjoy it? Isn’t it that pure joy comes from the simple pleasures in life? Isn’t it that wealth couldn’t afford its price?
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‘I think that infants did not enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery.’ This is a line that talks about the beauty of innocence. As one grows older, corruption takes place, whether we like it or not. But there are always choices.

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Papsie laments at the Imao character of Encantadia blurting horribly, “’Tangnang Imao, ‘to, e. Palaging naka-‘f**k you sign!” I had never noticed it not until he told us. Of course he said it to make us laugh, too. Well, the fans do not mind at all. He is not the bida, anyway. And what better could you expect from mediocre if not minimal production resources?
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All the tests are okay. All are within range. Then what could have caused the BP to rise? The genes probably. My father was in comatose because of hypertension before he said goodbye to the world. My father’s father also died of massive blod clot in the brain because of hypertension, too. It was like inevitable? God help me.

Effeminacy, a Sign?

At times I am bothered with the indifference and harsh words effeminate boys or men receive from some others. In the Filipino culture, where the third sex is still not fully accepted, signs of effeminacy always send panic to the parents.

But is effeminacy enough to tell that a boy is homosexual or would become a homosexual? I don’t believe so. Effeminacy, seen with its feminine behavior characteristics, does not define entirely the possibility of homosexuality. I believe that there are many factors why boys or men are effeminate. The early stages in life imprint some things that children cannot forget.

I do not have anything against homosexuals, not on the personal level. And this is not about homosexuality. This is the unfair treatment some boys or men experience because they are more refined, or they do not have vigorous characteristics, or they have delicate looks, or their dress does not indicate manhood, or they may even be extravagantly fashionable.

I am saddened because it is being judgmental to think that something is wrong with a boy or a man only because he has this feminine touch. And sometimes they become object of ridicules because their actuations or words or manners conceal what they truly are.

Well, no doubt that some signs of effeminacy being manifested also tells that the boy could become a homosexual. But it is more of help if we do not condemn. It requires understanding, exploration, and acceptance of the individual. It would be better to tell a boy or a man what you think about how he expresses, for example, which is more feminine than masculine. His reactions will tell more the inclination and frequent conversations will help remedy an identity crisis instead of aggravating the situation.

As to why some are effeminate, there are factors, as I have observed. The environment where a boy or a man grew up to be with must have comprised with mostly women. And up to the time where his motor skills and speech had developed, the women were those who had been his company. Another possible reason is the boy or man grew up to be so refined being well-heeled. Or maybe the boy or the man simply is experiencing a crisis.

I fully know that despite counseling and therapies, homosexuality in some prevails though this fact should not also be condemned.

Say What You Mean, or Mean What You Say?

Mr. Tubby has this show of greeting people always with smiles, and flirting with women with his eyes, big-jerk grin, and words of praises. Once he saw Ms. Cynical and greeted her in front of Ms. Butty (the one he hankers after) with “You look prettier today, Ms. Cynical.” And the latter replied with, “Thank you, Mr. Handsome.” (They both don’t look either pretty or handsome.) Ms. Butty smiled to herself with the thought, “What poor creatures.”

Here is another one.

Mr. Crater believes this lie that women are after him. Being a widower, he resorted to illicit affairs with marrieds, widows, quickie relations, and those years younger than him. One day, he met a widow thru an online community. The woman happened to be a smart, successful but lonely lady. He got interested, being intelligent, too, with the exciting and impressive text messages and emails. The long distance communication resulted to an affair even without yet seeing each other. Mr. Crater did not forget to text words of love and did not fail to reply. Then the smart woman decided one day to send a picture. Mr. Crater lost his interest.

And another one.

Ms. Square is a married woman who toyed with online chatting treats. She met a guy on the net and developed this desire to always talk to him. The frequent ‘typing’ of erogenous words increased the desire of the man to meet with Ms. Square. Later, the man was telling ‘I love you’ to her. Weird it may seem to Ms. Square, she gave in to the requisites of the situation and later told him that she feels the same though not really convinced. The moment came when they had to meet, and it was the worst day for Ms. Square. She didn’t feel the excitement but a feeling of terror. The guy's not actually hideous nor's he that charming. But he had the air of a stranger that seemed incapable of loving.

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Say what you mean. Is that the same as meaning what you say? From the stories above, it just proves to say that some people do not mean what they say. The ‘I love you’ for example is a sacred word. But is misused for many reasons, and that usually is to the favor of the one uttering.

It is also easy to say ‘I am your friend’ but most of the time is very hard to prove. Friendship does not actually need confirmation. It is felt.

These days, words are becoming more untrue and unkind. People always say what they mean even if they hurt. On the other hand, some people hurt us because they do not mean what they say.

I choose that you mean what you say.

Jewels in the Crown - My Rainbow, My Evening Beam and Prophetic Ray

These three are the best examples of people with positive outlook in life…

Be thou the rainbow to the storms of life!
The evening beam that smiles the clouds away,
And tints to-morrow with prophetic ray!

Lord Byron (1788 - 1824)
British poet.

Creatures of Illogicality

What an early greeting for us last Friday morning last week…

A jerk was crossing the intersection of the street to Balintawak market and Kaingin Road together with his companions. He was walking slowly in the middle of the street like he was having a good time and mooning. Papsie had no option but to beep. They were a series of beeps impossible not to notice but the creature of illogicality went walking like he didn’t care causing Papsie to put on the brakes.

Papsie, being so irritated pulled over just beside that jerk, “May problema ka, boy?” (Do you have a problem, boy?). The man was taken aback but only for a while and retorted, “Masyado kang nagmamadali, e.” (You were such in a hurry.) I was trying to calm Papsie down because the left part of his body was shaking because of anger. I was mad at the jerk and at the same time worried about Papsie.

There was traffic and the man got by the car. That time it was him talking loud and repeating, “Masyado kang nagmamadali.” (You were such in a hurry.) “Para kang nananadya (You were doing it on purpose), a,” came Papsie’s remark, “Binubusinahan ka na nga, e (The car was beeping.)” The loudmouth exclaimed, “E, sa tumatawid pa ako, e (I was still crossing the street).” “Iyo ba ang kalsada? (Is the road yours?),” came Papsie’s angry reply. The man kept repeating in a loud voice, “Masyado kang nagmamadali.”

I know Papsie wanted to curse that man or step down from the car (if he is in normal condition) and give him what he deserves but was also trying to control his anger. I advised him to ignore such creatures whenever he meets them. It was not worth it really to spend words when a person thinks so much of himself. When the mind shuns reasoning, the discussion will not prosper. No amount of good will result from such altercation. The jerk is simply rude and illogical. If Papsie submits to the senselessness, he is more than that creature.

Even at work, or anywhere, there are also people who reasons like that illogical creature. They test one’s way of thinking, too.

When dealing with people, let us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudices and motivated by pride and vanity.

Dale Carnegie (1888 - 1955)
U.S. writer and speaker.

John Braine (1922 – 1986) said, “Pleasant people are just as real as horrible people.” I voice an also precise and true line, “Horrible people are just as real as pleasant people.”

Kind of Scary

I was brought to the hospital yesterday noon. The alarm of what I was feeling prompted me to ask Papsie to fetch me from work and bring me to the hospital. This was after the company nurse checked my BP which was 150/100. The fact that it’s gone high and I feel drowsy and my shoulders felt like there were weights on it probably caused it to rise more.

Papsie chose Capitol Medical Center because it was nearer than St. Luke’s. I walked towards the ER because he had to park the car. I might have not probably look like I am an emergency case that is why those at the info didn’t take notice at once. They continued talking for a while before asking me what I needed. The attendant was alarmed when I told her I need to have my BP checked because I feel awful.

My BP rose to170/110. It went down to 140/90 after an hour of administering a drug that I have to put under my tongue. Papsie was clowning during the time telling me that I must not worry too much about the kids just because he will be the one left. He told me that he’d probably send Kay to Japan or let Daryl be a manwhore. We laughed excitedly and he told me seriously afterwards, “Do not worry. Do not think so much about the kids.” I replied telling him that I am not worrying but I was not really good at hiding feelings. It was too late to keep from him what I was really feeling because a tear fell. He teased me all the more and told me, “Plastic!”

I tried to keep my attention from what I hear from the other bed which was separated from my bed with a curtain. An eighty-year old woman was there and she kept mumbling about things – from the medicine being given to her to the tests to who’s going to keep watch over her. She must have a still very active brain despite the age.

Then there was a woman rushed into the ER shaking like she has malaria. Papsie and I found it odd why the doctors had to ask silly questions to a patient not sound enough to answer. She was trembling and they were asking her ‘why she is trembling’ and ‘what is wrong with her’. Silly resident doctors. I know that there is an SOP but those questions are so ridiculous. Papsie was laughing silently and motioned a spiraling finger to his head to signal the absurdity. Then they gave oxygen that pacified the patient. They could have given that earlier.

We went home when I was stable already. Papsie was puzzled what the doctor said when he asked if I needed to undergo tests. The doctor said that what is needed is regular BP monitoring only and the tests cannot help lowering the BP. I was not really myself that’s why I chose to be silent and not argue. I just told the doctor that I will return and talk to our medical coordinator. Also, I wanted to go home. I really do not like hospitals. Kinda scary.

At home I felt more protected. And got even more by this. But was a little troubled by this, and prayed to God to extend my time a little. They still need me.

Ang Halik

Maaga akong umuwi kahapon dahil dinala ako sa Capitol Medical Center. Tumaas ang BP ko – 150/100 noong nasa trabaho ako at 170/110 pagdating ko sa ospital.Pasado alas kwatro na nang dumating kami ni Papsie. Nakatulog pala ako sa sofa. Sa pagtulog ay naramdaman ko ang paghalik sa pisngi ko at sa labi pa. Naramdaman ko rin ang haplos sa likod ko.

Nagising ako maya-maya at nakita ko na dumating na pala si Kay. Birthday daw ng kanyang si Jay. May dalang yakisoba mula Tokyo Tokyo. Umakyat ako pagkatapos sa kwarto at nahiga. Maya-maya ay umakyat na rin si Papsie. Doon ko tinanong kung hinalikan niya ako sa sofa. Hindi raw siya iyon dahil naglalaro siya ng mah jong. Baka raw si Kay.

Si Kay nga pala iyon. Tinanong kasi ni Papsie. Touched naman ako. Mahal pala niya ako. Tumabi pa nga pala iyon sa akin kahapon at halos yakap ako at haplos haplos ang likod ko na nagtanong, “Ok ka lang, Ma?”

Hindi sweet ang panganay ko pero sa mga pagkakataong ganito, ramdam ko ang pagmamahal at pag-aalala niya.

Mas Malalim

Medyo sensitibo ito.Taun-taon ay nagkakaroon ng Sto. Nino festival sa simbahan ng Aglipay kung saan kami ay nagsisimba. Lumapit sa akin si Daryl noong isang araw at nagsabing hindi na raw siya interesado sa festival na ito. Sa wikang Tagalog (mahilig kasi magsalita sa wikang Ingles si Daryl), “Kailangan mo pa ba ipakita sa Diyos ang pagmamahal mo sa pamamagitan ng Sto. Nino?” Syempre nakakagulat dahil dating panatiko ang anak ko dito.

Sumagot ako ayon sa aking paniniwala. Hindi ko naman kayang magsinungaling sa mga anak ko. “Anak, katulad din yan ng panahon ng Kwaresma, hindi namamatay paulit-ulit si Hesukristo. Hindi na rin naman bata si Hesus ngayon. Ang Sto. Nino ay representasyon noong bata siya. Pero hindi na siya bata.” Idinagdag ko rin na ang lahat ay pagdaraos lamang at pag-alala. Hindi dapat sinasamba ang hindi naman dapat sambahin.

“Kasi sa tingin ko nga, Ma, mas mapaglilingkuran mo ang Diyos kung ikaw ay gagawa ng mabuti para sa Kanya. Hindi iyong kailangan mo pa ng Sto. Nino para ipakita na mahal mo ang Diyos.”

Natutuwa ako na malalim na ang pagtingin ni Daryl sa pananampalataya. Patunay na nakikita niya ang kaplastikan at pagpapakitang-tao sa ilang tradisyunal na gawain sa simbahan. Patunay na unti-unting nabubuksan ang kanyang isipan sa katotohanan.

Pero nalulungkot din ako kung paano nag-aalala ang biyenan ko na kailangan pala ay palagi niyang kasama si Daryl sa simbahan at baka matulad daw kay Kimpoy, isang batang kapitbahay na napakasalbahe. Nakakalungkot kung paano niya husgahan si Daryl dahil lamang hindi naaayon sa kanyang pananampalataya. Parang mali yata na si Daryl ang pinag-iisipan na baka maging masama. Hindi kaya niya nakikita ang ibang nabubuhay sa baluktot? Ang ibang may katumbas na presyo ang pagmamahal?

The Fragments of a Song: Life Metaphor

This morning reading something about life metaphor, I thought of a song I have always adored and that for me is life’s metaphor – the song Rainbow by South Border…

RAINBOW

Note how easily we have that tendency to argue or fight about the most trivial things in life and notice how during those moments we are so fervently emotional then admit defeat like greased lightning not long after- because we care. Notice how we try to cut loose from critical responsibilities but get in carefree situations. Then one day discover or realize that most of what we do are useless and does not have anything to do with life. It is because there are things we cannot fathom.

Fallin out, fallin in
Nothing’s sure in this world, no no
Breaking out, breakin’ in
Never knowing what lies ahead
We can really never tell it all
No no

We meet friends and lovers along life’s path. Then we say goodbye after saying hello. Why do hellos mean goodbyes? Why do we meet people we can never be with throughout the trek? Why can’t we have all the good things in this life, and all the good people, too?

Say goodbye, say hello
To a lover or friend
Sometimes we couldn’t just understand
Why good things begin then just end
We can really never have it all

But we have to move on. Come what may, we remain friends. We say goodbye then meet again then say goodbye again. And life is always beautiful when you are around.

Refrain:

But oh, can’t you see
That no matter what happens
Life goes on and on
So baby (just/please) smile
Coz I’m always around you
And I’ll make you see how beautiful life is for you and me

Maybe there is a time when all the good people will be with each other. Maybe there will be moments when you and I will feel each other even with the absence. Maybe someone thinks of somebody when the birds sing and the butterflies glide.

Chorus:

Take a little time baby
See the butterflies colors
Listen to the birds that were sent
To sing for me and you
Can you feel me
This is such a wonderful place to be

Life is a mixture of pain and glory. The blessings still abound, we need not worry. With every tear and longing, there is that wonderful, aching feeling of happiness later. The night will always end to greet a new day. Lo! We are little gods doing magic with our sentiments.

Even if there is pain now
Everything will be alright
For as long as the world still turnsThere will be night and day
Can you hear me
There’s a rainbow always after the rain.

Life seems unfair sometimes. But it is useless to brood. Life just seems to be ‘that’ but it is not ‘that’. We are better tried than tolerated. We stand the test with help from Someone bigger than we are.

Hittin high, hittin low
Win or lose you should go
Getting warm, getting cold
Weather could be so good or bad
But baby this is life
Now don’t get mad

(Repeat Refrain and Chorus)

It is so depressing to be deprived of something we want most. But we loose the desire when what we want is in our hands. What is important is we become strong with each ordeal. We are entrusted with power to overcome. We are to be faithful and trustworthy from the least to the greatest tasks assigned.

Bridge:

Life’s full of challenges
Not all the time we get what we want
But don’t despair my dear
You’ll take each trial
And you’ll make it through the storm cuz you’re strong
My faith in you is clear
So I’ll say once again this world is wonderful
And let us celebrate life that’s so beautiful, so beautiful

(Repeat Chorus except last chord)

What is your life metaphor?

Languages of Love

They say that there are five languages of love necessary for strengthening your relationship with your partner:

1. Acts of Service

Husband to wife: Honey, can you please brush my denture?

2. Words of affirmation

Husband to wife: You look like Cathy Zeta Jones if you slash a little of the weight. (sighs with exasperation)

3. Gifts

Wife to husband: (embraces and kisses) Thank you, love, oh, I love you, very, very much! Thank you for the hundred-grand birthday gift! (To self: Yuk, what is that smell? He must have forgotten to brush his teeth!)

4. Physical Touch

Wife to husband: Oh, yea… aim at the center… Ah, yes… that’s it. Success! You have succeeded fixing my earring. Thank you, hon!

5. Quality Time

Wife to husband: Wow, you’re early, hon! You did not render OT today?
Husband to wife: Uhuh…, yes. I wanna spend more time with you? (To himself: O, thank god, she didn’t notice the hickey on my neck!)

Acknowledgment: Thanks to Tina Monson-Palma’s radio series about the languages of love (oh, not the interpretation…)

Steeped His Senses in Forgetfulness

It is quite a number of times when Daryl would forget something important and this worries me.

Last December 30, we went last-minute supermarket running before the New Year, and some things were not yet bought for the celebration.

Before that, Nanay told Papsie that she would give P1,000. I told Papsie not to get it anymore but he persisted on asking her before we left. Coincidentally, Daryl was still inside the house, coming from the CR. He received the money from his lola then went out. We were aboard the car already and I heard him asking Papsie if he is going to close the door or leave it open because an uncle was around playing mah jong. “Just pull the door,” went the reply.

We had not gone far yet, about two minutes past, when Papsie asked for the money. I saw Daryl’s eyes grew big and groped his pants as if looking for something. Then without a word wanted to get out of the moving car, face lost in fear. Papsie was mad and told him to stay put and we will go back.

There was a frantic search but the money was nowhere to be found. Daryl seemed to have lost that memory from the time Nanay gave him the money. He couldn’t remember what transpired next. He told us that his attention was about the door.

Of course, Papsie and I got mad, and told him off that he was not careful. Daryl looked forlorn and couldn’t say anything. I started lecturing about being responsible but couldn’t afford to be so mad because I was feeling pity at the same time.

We went to the supermarket later, after realizing that the money was gone. Inside the car, Papsie was lecturing again to Daryl who was just silent and looking miserable. Kay went to the rescue by saying, “Malay nyo, pag nagkatrabaho na si Daryl, babayaran kayo, doble pa.” (Who knows when he gets a job someday, he will pay you double.) We all laughed.

All went well and the food from Pao Tsin erased the bad incident. But I was troubled and affected by the thought that my son is very young to be so forgetful. This prompted me to research about memory and was pacified by this statement: Memory (psychology), processes by which people and other organisms encode, store, and retrieve information… Whenever people successfully recall a prior experience, they must have encoded, stored, and retrieved information about the experience. Conversely, memory failure—for example, forgetting an important fact—reflects a breakdown in one of these stages of memory. © 1993-2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

With that, I explored the possibilities. The time when he received the money, Daryl must be imagining things again from Encantadia, or from the books I gave him – Chronicles of Narnia. He was holding a towel which he likes to play with his hands. Then the concern about the door came. He encoded all these things and failed to register information about the money that was in his hand.

I was content, afterwards, of the fact that this happens to everyone, old and young alike.

Like a Cock

He was like a cock who thought the sun had risen to hear him crow.

George Eliot (1819 - 1880)
British novelist.

There are those who conceive themselves since the day of youth as excellent, A-OK, incomparable. There are those who had just developed the air because they were recognized, or appreciated by a number. There are those who live simply even with the knowledge that they already belong to the superlative.

The trendy is drunk with fame and success. Then forget that they were once being sniffed at because they belonged to the common group. They become so full of themselves. Like horse flies who feed on the blood of animals and bit painfully.

Tsk. As J. Conrad said, ‘Vanity plays lurid tricks with our memory.’ The well-liked virtuoso forgets and confines himself in a nutshell of hidden flaws. To forget the not-so-special category is one aim and to believe in a myth is another.

Do not pit against. Be careful with your words. That would harm the reputation.

I remember. It is their businesses not mine.

Some Things are True Whether You Believe Them or Not

- Seth, from the City of Angels

New Year. Why is it that when new year unfolds, we always feel full of hope? We feel that everything is possible. We feel upbeat and shun the possibility of failure. We dream big. We feel exultant, jubilant or triumphant. Like building castles in the air.

There is Someone bigger than we are there. Believe it or not. He gives the hope, that exultant feeling, that optimism. Non-belief that there is Someone who gives the purpose of the life we have does not rule out the truth. Pragmatism and other philosophical views do not overshadow His existence. Believe it or not.

But this is not to compel you to believe and I wouldn’t want to play a physician telling the ‘truth’ to the patient, because I am not sure if the patient wants to hear it. (Richard Clarke Cabot (1868 - 1939), U.S. physician, 1963)

Paradoxically, THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE.