I was forwarded a cute email from a friend's daughter. She has difficulty spelling tagalog, tee-hee! She came to the US when she was two years old, just starting to baby talk. She's now 7 and in school. Here's an exerpt from her email.
***********
Subject: miss ko then ikow!
kamusta na! si k parang indipa ina ubos ang pagkaeng ya. miss ko na ikaw. anong
gingawa mo?
************
It felt like reading a text message from some barok texter in Manila. I found it cute though, because if you talk to her, she can still talk back in Tagalog. Her parents trained her well. They speak Tagalog at home, and they're only allowed to speak english when they're in school. Even her younger brother and sister (she's the eldest) can converse fluently in Tagalog. Great job - J and L! They truly haven't forgotten their roots.
I admire kids who grew up here but haven't forgotten how to speak, or at least understand tagalog. In the Philippines, people admire english-speaking children. I remember going to the mall with my then-bf-now-husband when we heard a little kid speak to his parents in english. Hubz said he'd make sure he'd have a kid like that - one who can speak fluent english. That's not impossible, especially since we plan to raise our kids here in the US. I'm sure they will even be better english-speakers than us. But, like my friend, I hope I can instill in them the appreciation of their roots. After all, being bilingual is definitely a plus.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Monday, August 23, 2004
I Asked God Why...
Just when I feel the urge to ask God "why" sometimes...
*****************
I asked God why I wasn't rich.
He showed me a man with the wealth of a thousand kings,
who was lonely, and had no one to share it with.
I asked God why I wasn't beautiful.
He showed me a woman more beautiful than any other,
who was ugly because of her vanity.
I asked God why He'd allowed me to become old.
He showed me a boy of 16,
who lay dead at the scene of a car accident.
I asked God why I didn't have a bigger house.
He showed me a family of six,
who had just been evicted from their tiny shack,
and were forced, to live on the street.
I asked God why I had to work.
He showed me a man,
who couldn't find a decent job,
because he'd never learned to read.
I asked God why I wasn't more popular.
He showed me a socialite with a thousand friends,
who all left the moment the money and parties were no longer there.
I asked God why I wasn't smarter.
He showed me a natural born genius,
serving life in prison for making ill use of his knowledge.
I asked God why He put up with a thankless sinner like me.
He showed me His Bible.
He showed me His Son
who took my place at the judgment.
I knew then how much He loved me.
*****************
I asked God why I wasn't rich.
He showed me a man with the wealth of a thousand kings,
who was lonely, and had no one to share it with.
I asked God why I wasn't beautiful.
He showed me a woman more beautiful than any other,
who was ugly because of her vanity.
I asked God why He'd allowed me to become old.
He showed me a boy of 16,
who lay dead at the scene of a car accident.
I asked God why I didn't have a bigger house.
He showed me a family of six,
who had just been evicted from their tiny shack,
and were forced, to live on the street.
I asked God why I had to work.
He showed me a man,
who couldn't find a decent job,
because he'd never learned to read.
I asked God why I wasn't more popular.
He showed me a socialite with a thousand friends,
who all left the moment the money and parties were no longer there.
I asked God why I wasn't smarter.
He showed me a natural born genius,
serving life in prison for making ill use of his knowledge.
I asked God why He put up with a thankless sinner like me.
He showed me His Bible.
He showed me His Son
who took my place at the judgment.
I knew then how much He loved me.
Thursday, August 19, 2004
Single or Married?
I received an email from a friend the other day. I was copied on the email - it wasn't sent to me directly. It read "mga misis....". She later realized that like all those on her list, I'm also a Mrs.
Do I feel like I'm married? I sometimes don't. My routine hasn't changed. My husband is not physically present with me here - at least not yet. I still have the same single friends whom I go out with from time to time. I'm not pregnant nor do we have kids yet.
When I got married last year, I thought my life will drastically change. Ok, don't get me wrong, it did change - though not as drastic as I expected it to. I now consult hubz on financial matters. After all, it's our money - not just mine or his' anymore. Before I buy anything valuable, I'd have to consult him first, sort of ask his permission, and he does the same thing too. I inform him of my plans to go out with friends, and he tells me of his whereabouts as well.
I thought I'd be alienated from my single friends after I tied the knot. The fact is, they need to get used to the idea that I'm now a married woman - with or without my husband by my side. You can say I'm sort of "in between" being single and being married. I can't totally relate to married couples yet because our only challenge is the fact that we're far apart. We don't really argue a lot, nor do I get bothered by his unpleasant habits as we don't live in the same roof anyway. On the other hand, I've outgrown my single life and I sometimes feel I can't relate to my single friends either. I'm not "kilig" seeing handsome men around. After all, I'm really contented with the one I have.
So, am I single or am I married? I think it's just perception. People are just used to seing married couples "together". But they also need to realize that "togetherness" goes beyond the physical. I feel special because I have a husband who loves me dearly - enough to be faithful to me all these years.
In the end, no matter what others think, it's what hubz and I feel that actually counts. Our marriage is more than the wedding ring on our fingers, it's more than the intimacy and each other's physical presence. It's a feeling beyond words... beyond space... beyond distance...
Do I feel like I'm married? I sometimes don't. My routine hasn't changed. My husband is not physically present with me here - at least not yet. I still have the same single friends whom I go out with from time to time. I'm not pregnant nor do we have kids yet.
When I got married last year, I thought my life will drastically change. Ok, don't get me wrong, it did change - though not as drastic as I expected it to. I now consult hubz on financial matters. After all, it's our money - not just mine or his' anymore. Before I buy anything valuable, I'd have to consult him first, sort of ask his permission, and he does the same thing too. I inform him of my plans to go out with friends, and he tells me of his whereabouts as well.
I thought I'd be alienated from my single friends after I tied the knot. The fact is, they need to get used to the idea that I'm now a married woman - with or without my husband by my side. You can say I'm sort of "in between" being single and being married. I can't totally relate to married couples yet because our only challenge is the fact that we're far apart. We don't really argue a lot, nor do I get bothered by his unpleasant habits as we don't live in the same roof anyway. On the other hand, I've outgrown my single life and I sometimes feel I can't relate to my single friends either. I'm not "kilig" seeing handsome men around. After all, I'm really contented with the one I have.
So, am I single or am I married? I think it's just perception. People are just used to seing married couples "together". But they also need to realize that "togetherness" goes beyond the physical. I feel special because I have a husband who loves me dearly - enough to be faithful to me all these years.
In the end, no matter what others think, it's what hubz and I feel that actually counts. Our marriage is more than the wedding ring on our fingers, it's more than the intimacy and each other's physical presence. It's a feeling beyond words... beyond space... beyond distance...
Monday, August 16, 2004
Call me "The Bag Lady"
I get these funny looks everyday. Men, women, even children eyeing me with curiosity because I'm hauling a minimum of two bags a day. First, a shoulder bag which contained my necessities and valuables. Second, a bigger shoulder bag which contained a walkman (for the audio books I listen to while on the train), work papers that I take home with me daily, the book that I'm currently reading (mostly hardbound). You can just imagine the weight of both on my shoulders. Add to the pack my lunch bag. Then, from time to time, I'm trotting with me a gym bag as well! No wonder people look at me like I'm a little off. Even I know I looked hilarious!
Why all these bags? For as long as I could remember, I have carried with me several bags, and heavy ones at that! From my school days where I have to haul them up the stairs (to the 4th or 5th floor) up until now, and even when I travel. Some people have security blankets, I think I have what you call "security bags". I feel nude if I don't have even a single bag or a purse with me - even on little trips to the grocery.
I remembered being teased that I have our whole house in my bag. My classmates would even hush themselves (when talking out loud) because "I have my mom sleeping inside one of my bags". To pay tribute to all the bags - big and small - I carry with me everyday, I was christened by a teammate as being "the bag lady".
So, when you see someone as weird looking as I do with all those bags in tow, think of me, will you?
I get these funny looks everyday. Men, women, even children eyeing me with curiosity because I'm hauling a minimum of two bags a day. First, a shoulder bag which contained my necessities and valuables. Second, a bigger shoulder bag which contained a walkman (for the audio books I listen to while on the train), work papers that I take home with me daily, the book that I'm currently reading (mostly hardbound). You can just imagine the weight of both on my shoulders. Add to the pack my lunch bag. Then, from time to time, I'm trotting with me a gym bag as well! No wonder people look at me like I'm a little off. Even I know I looked hilarious!
Why all these bags? For as long as I could remember, I have carried with me several bags, and heavy ones at that! From my school days where I have to haul them up the stairs (to the 4th or 5th floor) up until now, and even when I travel. Some people have security blankets, I think I have what you call "security bags". I feel nude if I don't have even a single bag or a purse with me - even on little trips to the grocery.
I remembered being teased that I have our whole house in my bag. My classmates would even hush themselves (when talking out loud) because "I have my mom sleeping inside one of my bags". To pay tribute to all the bags - big and small - I carry with me everyday, I was christened by a teammate as being "the bag lady".
So, when you see someone as weird looking as I do with all those bags in tow, think of me, will you?
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Dream with No Boundaries....
I watched the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece the other night. It's amazing to see the look of awe in each of the athlete's eyes. It's truly a dream come true for them. It's the culmination of all their hardwork, perseverance, and determination.
There is an athlete in each of us, if only because we have dreams. Big or small, they fuel our day to day lives. We work hard because we want to achieve them, and we are determined to reach our goals. There are times that we encounter bumps along the way. Times when we feel like giving up, but we continue to pick ourselves up and go on. We were taught that quitters never win, and winners never quit. As life's athletes, we share the same determination, perseverance, hardwork, faith, and patience like those that are in Greece to compete.
In late elementary through high school, up until college, I have been exempted from my Physical Education classes. I could never participate in strenous sports activities because of a vehicular accident when I was 11 that gave me my second chance to live. I didn't learn these values (including teamwork) from sports. I learned it from my journey through life.
If I listened to all the "you can't", "you won't", "it's not possible" comments, I wouldn't be where I am today. Instead, those same comments guided me to prove them wrong.
God didn't set boundaries on what we can dream of. He didn't set limits on what we can achieve. I believe in the power of the mind. When we say we can do it, and truly believe it in our hearts, nothing is impossible.
In Athens, they say "let the games begin". In life, we say "let the dreams begin"....
I watched the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece the other night. It's amazing to see the look of awe in each of the athlete's eyes. It's truly a dream come true for them. It's the culmination of all their hardwork, perseverance, and determination.
There is an athlete in each of us, if only because we have dreams. Big or small, they fuel our day to day lives. We work hard because we want to achieve them, and we are determined to reach our goals. There are times that we encounter bumps along the way. Times when we feel like giving up, but we continue to pick ourselves up and go on. We were taught that quitters never win, and winners never quit. As life's athletes, we share the same determination, perseverance, hardwork, faith, and patience like those that are in Greece to compete.
In late elementary through high school, up until college, I have been exempted from my Physical Education classes. I could never participate in strenous sports activities because of a vehicular accident when I was 11 that gave me my second chance to live. I didn't learn these values (including teamwork) from sports. I learned it from my journey through life.
If I listened to all the "you can't", "you won't", "it's not possible" comments, I wouldn't be where I am today. Instead, those same comments guided me to prove them wrong.
God didn't set boundaries on what we can dream of. He didn't set limits on what we can achieve. I believe in the power of the mind. When we say we can do it, and truly believe it in our hearts, nothing is impossible.
In Athens, they say "let the games begin". In life, we say "let the dreams begin"....
Friday, August 13, 2004
A Mean Comment
It's Friday - a day everyone in the team detest so much. Some of my teammates have been telling me they're losing sleep over the fact that today is the day they'd need to give their status to our boss. Not a pretty picture!
To make the story short, we got through the hour that didn't end up as bloody as last week's. Before the meeting came to an end, our boss made a comment that she's been working for the past couple of weekends doing some administrative stuff. I made a snide comment "so what's your status?". I know, cruel huh?! Jokingly, she asked why we're being mean to her, and that we'd actually miss her when she's gone. I regretted having said anything after that.
I'm a very polite person - thanks to my parents who raised me well. No matter how tough my boss had been to us these past few weeks, she doesn't deserve a sarcastic comment like that. I felt guilty, and I wanted to say sorry. Fortunately, when I talked to her in the afternoon (to review the report), she was cordial about it as if nothing happened - thank God!
What can I say - I'm truly very sorry E! I promise to bite my tongue next time.
It's Friday - a day everyone in the team detest so much. Some of my teammates have been telling me they're losing sleep over the fact that today is the day they'd need to give their status to our boss. Not a pretty picture!
To make the story short, we got through the hour that didn't end up as bloody as last week's. Before the meeting came to an end, our boss made a comment that she's been working for the past couple of weekends doing some administrative stuff. I made a snide comment "so what's your status?". I know, cruel huh?! Jokingly, she asked why we're being mean to her, and that we'd actually miss her when she's gone. I regretted having said anything after that.
I'm a very polite person - thanks to my parents who raised me well. No matter how tough my boss had been to us these past few weeks, she doesn't deserve a sarcastic comment like that. I felt guilty, and I wanted to say sorry. Fortunately, when I talked to her in the afternoon (to review the report), she was cordial about it as if nothing happened - thank God!
What can I say - I'm truly very sorry E! I promise to bite my tongue next time.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
A Quiet moment....
We have a picnic today but I decided not to come to work. I haven't been feeling very well since yesterday but after popping in 2 nyquils last night, I'm feeling a little better. Still, I didn't want to expose myself and get worse. Everyone left work at around 11:30 to get to the park. It's almost 2pm and I'm still working - quietly for a change. It felt good not to reply to any emails, nor answer any calls!
I thought that after my teammates left for the park, I could give myself a break and rest. However, I'm trying to make the most of my quiet time to accomplish a lot more. Maybe around 3pm, I could log off and attend to my errands. I need to go to the grocery to buy a few toiletries and some key ingredients for a cake, then go to Michael's to buy a scrapbooking magazine.
It's J's 9th month birthday and we offered to celebrate here at home. Theirs is currently in a mess because they're having their flooring changed. We'll probably just buy dinner for tonight since it's just going to be me, my roommate, J's parents, and her elder brother. I'm planning to bake and decorate a cake, but this all depends if I'm up to it.
As far as the scrapbooking magazine goes, I'm planning to start on a new hobby. Hubz asked me last night where I am going to get the time to do it. I know he was getting worried about me, especially when I'm getting sick. He would remind me everyday to take my vitamins, sleep right, eat well. Those were my kilig moments. It's a great feeling to have someone care for you, even when they're afar.
I wanted to start scrapbooking because we have tons of wedding and honeymoon pictures, and photos from my most recent trip home unorganized. Besides, I love looking at scrapbooks. I call it a labor of love because it's not easy to put one together. Anyway, I have been told that it's a relaxing activity as well. Maybe I can call it a de-stressing activity.
I thought that after my teammates left for the park, I could give myself a break and rest. However, I'm trying to make the most of my quiet time to accomplish a lot more. Maybe around 3pm, I could log off and attend to my errands. I need to go to the grocery to buy a few toiletries and some key ingredients for a cake, then go to Michael's to buy a scrapbooking magazine.
It's J's 9th month birthday and we offered to celebrate here at home. Theirs is currently in a mess because they're having their flooring changed. We'll probably just buy dinner for tonight since it's just going to be me, my roommate, J's parents, and her elder brother. I'm planning to bake and decorate a cake, but this all depends if I'm up to it.
As far as the scrapbooking magazine goes, I'm planning to start on a new hobby. Hubz asked me last night where I am going to get the time to do it. I know he was getting worried about me, especially when I'm getting sick. He would remind me everyday to take my vitamins, sleep right, eat well. Those were my kilig moments. It's a great feeling to have someone care for you, even when they're afar.
I wanted to start scrapbooking because we have tons of wedding and honeymoon pictures, and photos from my most recent trip home unorganized. Besides, I love looking at scrapbooks. I call it a labor of love because it's not easy to put one together. Anyway, I have been told that it's a relaxing activity as well. Maybe I can call it a de-stressing activity.
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