WE ARE LUCKY TO HAVE A GOOD FACE

I was in the province the other week and this is an experience that I will never forget. I was standing, waiting for the bus going to Tacurong city. I noticed two visually challenged men sitting at the seats. I knew that they were blind because of their actions and gestures. Aside from that, they have their guide person and their stick with them. I pay little attention to their presence because it is already common for me to see these kind of people. They were also waiting for the bus and along with them is their guitar and piano organ. They were beggars and they travel to towns to perform and get little alms from the passing spectators.

As my bus arrived, I hurriedly to the bus loading area since there were so many waiting passengers. As I passed them, I noticed that they are not just blind but also have physical deformities. They don't have lips and their mouth were open. I was totally shocked of what I saw. I was speechless and my heart was broken of what I saw.

Immediately, I reflected. People go to the dermatologist or even plastic surgeon just to get their face beautiful. They have their complete face, eyes, nose, ears and mouth. They wanted to change it for them to look good in the eyes of the public. There are more people, majority are poor, need these kind of surgeries. They may be blind but they saw the world beautifully in their own world.

HARD TO FIND AN INTERNET STATION

Please for give for not being able to update my blog as often. it is because I am right now in the province and an Internet connection is hard to find. I am just inserting little time to blog right now just to inform you guys that I am alright. By Saturday, I will be back home again. By then I will be able to update my blog posts.

You know, traveling in the provinces can be worthwhile. I get to experience the things that our grandparents did experienced before. No internet connection, limited cellular signal and the lights of the firefly lights the night sky. The air is fresh and food is cheaper than in the city dining spots. The major means of transport is the tricycle no taxis and buses. Buses are used only for city to city destination.

Living in the provinces can be very good when retiring from work. By this time, I am already through with the city living and it is time to relax and just enjoy life with nature.

BUSY AS A BEE

My wife is preparing a bake macaroni for tomorrow. It is already late but I know she can make it before the chicken wakes everybody up. It is because it's my mother-in-law's birthday and they are planning to celebrate it by having a beach party. Unfortunately, I will not be around for tomorrow's event because I have to do my monthly field work in the provinces. I really want to be there but unfortunately, I could not make it by tomorrow. Tonight, I am preparing my things for tomorrow's trip. My wife it very busy right now because of the event for tomorrow. I need to make wash my pants and some clothes that I will be bringing tomorrow. I will just update you guys of the happening tomorrow.

MICHAEL JACKSON STAYS FOREVER

Now that the remains of the King of Pop has finally been rest, many are now missing his presence. I saw the funeral rites for Michael Jackson and I would say to the last day, many are still shocked with the death of the Pop Icon. I would say that the king deserved that kind of rite. There were tickets sold online to those fans that wanted to see last day of the King of Pop before it will be buried 6 feet under.

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson will remain forever in the hearts of all and the children that he helped in his charitable contributions. He will sure moon walk his way to the heaven. Michael, we will surely miss you. Gone to soon.

BIRTHDAY PARTY SUCCESS

My mom just celebrated her 57th birthday at Kuya Eds restaurant along Magallanes Street, here in Davao City. Most of her guests were relatives and extended families. The eating portion started immediately, since the food were already prepared at the eat-all-you can restaurant. Mom received several gifts from her sisters and friends.

Dining out and celebrating birthdays and other special occasions is better to be held in restaurants. In Kuya Ed, you would only pay around 99 pesos per person. There is no limit and minimum. After eating, anybody can leave without thinking of the washables. In this like this, we need to be practical.

ITS MOM'S BIRTHDAY

Mom is turning 57 tomorrow. According to her, she will celebrate her birthday by just dining outside. Usually when she say that, it means that we are going to her favorite eat-all-you can restaurant. She has already made some invitations to her sisters and brother. My brother from Tagum City will be arriving also. Birthdays should be celebrate because it is a celebration of life.

I would say and I am proud to say this that my mother is the best in the whole world. We were just in our teenage years when my father passed away due to a car accident. Since then, my mom raise us all and took over the role of my father and mother as well. She was only 43 years old when dad passed away. Without a husband to cling on, she was able to get us through school. We finished our schooling at a good school without delay. She may be full of mouth sometimes but I guess that really is a mother.

Happy Birthday Mommy Heda Rojas. May you have more blessing and birthdays to come. I know you are doing a good job. Keep it Up!

A NEW GAME IN TOWN

I have been badly hooked with the games called special forces. If you guys are familiar with counter-strike, then, this games is just the same. Maybe the best thing about special forces is that you earn ranks and able to play with different players online. The game is very interesting and fun to play with. My office mates are also hooked into this online game. In fact, we are planning to create our own clan and build our reputation in the special forces arena. I would say, this is a good game that everyone can enjoy playing.

LEARNING LOVE FROM A LABRADOR

I love reading stories and this story that I am about to share to you is one that I got from reading the book, Ripples of Joy. Learn and feel the love and share it to others.

My recovery from an intricate foot surgery was long and difficult, and I was feeling very sorry for myself, confined, as I was to wheelchair or hopping about balanced on a walker. I despaired of ever walking again and enjoying normal mobility. To make matters worse, it was summer, and I missed being near the soothing seaside and watching the waves roll in.

One weekend, my daughter Cindy, her roommate Georgan, and their two handsome Labradors came to visit. They had driven from central California in a van large enough to accommodate all of us, including my wheelchair. When asked where I’d like to go for a drive. I immediately responded, “To the beach!”

“Dog’s Beach” is a special section of the coastline nearby where, for stretch of a mile, dog owners are allowed to bring their dogs. Naturally this is where we went, especially as the dogs had never experienced the ocean and the girls were eager to see their reaction.

My wheelchair could not manage the sand, so the girls set me on the sidewalk high above the water, where I had a good view and could watch them play fetch with the dogs. It was fun to see the girls toss a stick into the waves and see the dogs happily bark as they retrieved the sticks and brought them back for more of the game.

Their play had gone on for about ten minutes when one of the dogs, Sky, suddenly left the water’s edge and ran up the bank of sand to the sidewalk where I was sitting. She came up to me, laid her head on my lap, and gazed into my face with her beautiful eyes as if to say, “Are you all right? I know something must be wrong if you’re not down by the water with us.” I gave her a big hug and encouraged her to go back to play.

A few minutes later, Sky was back again, checking on me, head on my lap, and telling me with her eyes, “I care for you.” Those eyes of hers, those soulful eyes, brought me close to tears.

When we got home and the dogs and girls were hosed off and fed, I was relaxing in an armchair with my cast-enclosed foot up on an ottoman. Soon, Sky was at my armchair, her head up and her eyes telling me that she was still on duty watching out for me. So expressive were her eyes that I could almost hear her words of concern and support.

When the visit was over and the girls had gone back to central California, the memory of Sky stayed with me. She had taught me a lesson: just the expression of caring and concern had a salutary effect. It made me feel warm and secure-and yes, loved.

Time passed. I healed and went back to my work as a school librarian.

Back at work, I used the lesson that I learned from Sky to change how I dealt with staff and students. Where once I had passed another teacher with just a quick “Hi,” I now slowed down, made eye contact, asked “how’s it going today?” and waited for an answer. When students seemed overwhelmed by all the books to choose from, I took time to ask about their interests and guided them to books they might like.

Taking time and extra effort to show caring and support was more than its own reward. The staff now comes into the library with big smiles, and the kid think it’s a good idea to give me a hug as a thank you for the experience of a book they enjoyed.

I hope this will be permanent way of life for me-showing that I care. After all, what should Sky think if I failed to put into practice all she’s taught me?

MAKING A POSITIVE MOVE IN THIS HARD TIMES

Everything in this world involves risk. That is a fact that we have to live with it. Considering the financial difficulty that many countries are experiencing right now making people to be hesitant to make a move with regards to their finances. We must making things work for us and make moves that would benefit our future. To have a Premium Finance is the first step to make positive impact for our future. This is what I learned when I attended a seminar regarding managing finances in this global difficulties. Instead of just keeping your money in a piggy bank, it would be best to place it in a premium finance investment to make it grow. After that seminar, I immediately place my money in a premium finance site to help me build my future. For those who are interested to have a premium finance, just visit www.marsh.com.au and you will find that things that you want to know.

MY COMPUTER NEEDS TO BE UPGRADED

I was checking the latest computer models and realized that my computer needs to be upgraded. The major change would be the motherboard and the processor. I am thinking of using Athlon as my processor instead of Intel. It is because Athlon processors are said to be best for gaming users and as well as internet users. As I was checking my motherboard, I noticed that it is still the socket type. It has a Pentium 3 standing and a limited space in its hard disk storage.

The upgrade would be very costly since there will be a change in the motherboard and processor. I wouls estimate around 4 to five thousand pesos will be spend to upgrade my computer unit. I have to save more so that I can reach that amount so that upgrade would be completed.

REDESIGNING THE COMFORT ROOM

We have been living in our house for the past 40 years already. Since it was built, there were no improvements made except the garage. It used to be made of wood and old tin sheets. But now, it has been reinforced with steel trusses. I think the house needs a little major improvement. I am thinking of renovating the comfort room. I want it to have new tiles on it and bowl that works. The door needs to be changed and the shower system is busted (figuratively speaking).

I have already been to City Hardware to check some new tiles and new designs for the comfort room. In City Hardware, you will find everything that you will be needing in your house. From tiles to hardware equipments are all there. I did not find any problem looking for the tiles that I wanted for my comfort room renovation needs. The sales representatives were very accommodating to my inquiry. By next week, I will be making the materials purchase so that the renovation will start immediately. I need to contact also some carpenters for the construction.

In my assessment, the renovation will last for about a month. I will be using the other comfort room in my mother's room for my bathing activities for the moment while the renovation is on going.

CELEBRATION GALORE

I was invited to attend a party that is going to happen this Saturday at Torres. For the information of all, Torres street here in Davao City is the best place to hangout with friends or just simply make the night best. This is also considered the food strip since there are so many restaurants and bars in the area. The celebration is the birthday of my college buddy. This is a double celebration since he will also be going to Dubai to work there for 3 years. This is based on his signed contract with the agency.

Like the old days, I am contemplating on going there or not. it is because I also have some important things to do this Saturday. I think some of our friends would not be coming also since they have their own life too you know. But still I am still thinking about it. I never confirmed yet that I will be coming. The important thing is that I am invited.