Thanks to all viewers, commenters and silent readers. I appreciate.
The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.
-Robert Frost
December 20, 2008
December 19, 2008
December 18, 2008
Helpful teens, walks and night drive.
It happened last night. I was to meet Embee near Heart Center. We agreed to eat out after meeting. Times like that, I don't oblige him to fetch me especially when he is from work and I am not. I walk or commute, meet him where. After all, he is busy person and I have ceased to be busy.
The jeepney was half full. Beside and in front of me, a teenager and his friend. One was reading, the other was intermittently commenting obviously had read the same thing. The little boy, probably the driver's son, was listening to them.
The jeepney refused to restart after a stop in Kamuning. Two ladies and a man went out to transfer to another jeep. Another man asked his fare back before going. I waited. I was not in a hurry. Embee's meeting was not to finish soon yet. The two teenagers did not move but stopped talking about the book. They offered to push the jeep. They tried but it was too heavy. I motioned to go down, they wont let me. Instead the driver came down. The little boy assumed the driver's position. At first I was horrified but I saw the boy knew what he was doing. The father climbed up and resumed his position when the jeep regained consciousness. The readers came up again and we were all off. We all laughed. I said, I didnt help. All of them said it's alright, I was a woman. On hindsight, I thought it was a dangerous thing. Another hindsight thought: bring more batteries.
Today is a fine Thursday again, although a very warm day (in December!). Walked below greens and wires near Forestry.
It is good our trails are not visible.Otherwise, I would have mine drawn over and over this area in Quezon City. Tonight we drove and drove , actually he.
It happened last night. I was to meet Embee near Heart Center. We agreed to eat out after meeting. Times like that, I don't oblige him to fetch me especially when he is from work and I am not. I walk or commute, meet him where. After all, he is busy person and I have ceased to be busy.
The jeepney was half full. Beside and in front of me, a teenager and his friend. One was reading, the other was intermittently commenting obviously had read the same thing. The little boy, probably the driver's son, was listening to them.
The jeepney refused to restart after a stop in Kamuning. Two ladies and a man went out to transfer to another jeep. Another man asked his fare back before going. I waited. I was not in a hurry. Embee's meeting was not to finish soon yet. The two teenagers did not move but stopped talking about the book. They offered to push the jeep. They tried but it was too heavy. I motioned to go down, they wont let me. Instead the driver came down. The little boy assumed the driver's position. At first I was horrified but I saw the boy knew what he was doing. The father climbed up and resumed his position when the jeep regained consciousness. The readers came up again and we were all off. We all laughed. I said, I didnt help. All of them said it's alright, I was a woman. On hindsight, I thought it was a dangerous thing. Another hindsight thought: bring more batteries.
Today is a fine Thursday again, although a very warm day (in December!). Walked below greens and wires near Forestry.
Later, I climbed the overpass near Q mart. The positive thing about sunny days: vendors can display up to near the overpass.
Everything was moving, northbound, southbound.
It is good our trails are not visible.Otherwise, I would have mine drawn over and over this area in Quezon City. Tonight we drove and drove , actually he.
Kamuning, Timog, approaching and below fly-over, U-turn, East Avenue-->Malakas.
There he sees what he is looking for.
A 24 hour car wash.
Yes, just a car wash.
Is his windshield clearer? Looks the same, but I assure you the driver feels better.
Just an ordinary day. Too ordinary I like it.
Another ordinary day is over.
December 17, 2008
On sari-sari stores, sardines and reasoning.
Only a few streets in the Philippines show no sari-sari store. That is a generalization. Well off subdivisions don't have. Remote places may have one per town or barangay.
Where I live, there is a sari-sari store almost every corner to every twenty houses approximately. They range from small to extra small. They are not like grocery stores but when I need soap for my laundry, there is no need to go Rustan's or S&R. It is not too much if I say I don't even need to comb my hair to go there, or change my clothes. The apartment compound where we live is flanked by two small sari-sari. Literally our gate touches one.
Care for a noisy Nagaraya? Let's have some Hansel. Or some quick cooking pancit canton? Eggs in retail, who knows when they expire... or do they? Noodles of the "not quick cooking" type or is it misua? And yes, they even have rock salt.
The ever present item, among canned goods, is the Sardinas. I eat Sardinas de Noypi, may it be spanish style or sari-sari store style (pictured above). I hear a lot of horrifying anecdotes about canned and bottled foods but it doesn't move me. As long as I remember that vinegar is some acid (I put vinegar on it or calamansi or cook it in oil) and that I have hyperacidic stomach, I don't seem to care. My previous microbiology teacher will be dismayed, not by sardine eating, but by my concocted acid protection reasoning just to eat what I like. She might retrieve my grades and fail me. If that happens, I may have to change my reasoning to: I just trust the BFAD. don't you? Anyway, it is obvious, I like sardines.
Marlyn was busy that day.
One more customer before I left. Do you know what he wanted? I guessed silently, "E load."
No, he was not buying anything.
He wanted some coins in exchange for his bill.
So, in a way, a sari-sari store can work like a bank too?
Oh yes, it can. Not just for coin-bill exchanging but for the lending it does, the latter beyond the scope of this post.
Only a few streets in the Philippines show no sari-sari store. That is a generalization. Well off subdivisions don't have. Remote places may have one per town or barangay.
Where I live, there is a sari-sari store almost every corner to every twenty houses approximately. They range from small to extra small. They are not like grocery stores but when I need soap for my laundry, there is no need to go Rustan's or S&R. It is not too much if I say I don't even need to comb my hair to go there, or change my clothes. The apartment compound where we live is flanked by two small sari-sari. Literally our gate touches one.
Care for a noisy Nagaraya? Let's have some Hansel. Or some quick cooking pancit canton? Eggs in retail, who knows when they expire... or do they? Noodles of the "not quick cooking" type or is it misua? And yes, they even have rock salt.
The ever present item, among canned goods, is the Sardinas. I eat Sardinas de Noypi, may it be spanish style or sari-sari store style (pictured above). I hear a lot of horrifying anecdotes about canned and bottled foods but it doesn't move me. As long as I remember that vinegar is some acid (I put vinegar on it or calamansi or cook it in oil) and that I have hyperacidic stomach, I don't seem to care. My previous microbiology teacher will be dismayed, not by sardine eating, but by my concocted acid protection reasoning just to eat what I like. She might retrieve my grades and fail me. If that happens, I may have to change my reasoning to: I just trust the BFAD. don't you? Anyway, it is obvious, I like sardines.
Marlyn was busy that day.
One more customer before I left. Do you know what he wanted? I guessed silently, "E load."
No, he was not buying anything.
He wanted some coins in exchange for his bill.
So, in a way, a sari-sari store can work like a bank too?
Oh yes, it can. Not just for coin-bill exchanging but for the lending it does, the latter beyond the scope of this post.
December 16, 2008
Detour (late upload)
It was a busy day. The small sari-sari store adorns the end of Mapang-akit St., inviting me to stop.
"Ano sa inyo 'te" (What do you like to buy, ate)
"Unsa inyo softdrinks, Lyn?" (What choices do you have for drinks?)Yes, she speaks Cebuano, like me.
"Coke, Pop cola, sprite, tan-awa diha 'te, naa gani C2 (Coke, Pop cola, sprite, please look we even have C2).She point to the display.
Isa ka Coke, palihug.Pwede sulod, Lyn. (One coke please.Can I come in, Lyn?) I invited myself...
O sige te. (Okay, 'te)
Gwapo imo Sari-sari, store. (You have nice sari-sari store)
Usahay gwapo. Usahay sad kapoy. (Sometimes I like it. Sometimes it makes me tired.)
Then she added: "Usahay pabantayan nako sa lain para kalakaw sad ko" (Sometimes I ask someone to watch place for me so I can go out.)
I did not ask why. Everyone needs a detour.
I-plastic, te? (Shall I put contents in plastic container) for me to bring.
Huwag, inumin ko dito kung ok. (Don't. I'll consume here if okay with you.)
Okay.
After drinking my Coke, I went back to my work. Detours are short.
Today was no different. A busy day with some detours.
December 15, 2008
yearly incentive.
A teacher regularly experiences bliss. Every year, on the year.
While some universities and other schools send off their successful students on March, December is when some resident physicians graduate. Embee is happy to see one of theirs become a colleague tonight at the Manila Hotel. While they had the ceremony, I killed time by eating at the other side of the hotel.
Going home, it was good to see a prominent landmark of Manila. How come it was never something I longed to see when I passed by this place nearly everyday years ago?
Oh, blurred!
Please slow down. Oh the tower is disappearing.
I can't just go so slow. We are in inner lane and there is someone behind us.
More blurred.
A teacher regularly experiences bliss. Every year, on the year.
While some universities and other schools send off their successful students on March, December is when some resident physicians graduate. Embee is happy to see one of theirs become a colleague tonight at the Manila Hotel. While they had the ceremony, I killed time by eating at the other side of the hotel.
Going home, it was good to see a prominent landmark of Manila. How come it was never something I longed to see when I passed by this place nearly everyday years ago?
Oh, blurred!
Please slow down. Oh the tower is disappearing.
I can't just go so slow. We are in inner lane and there is someone behind us.
More blurred.
December 14, 2008
Sun, sob.
Weekend walk with Embee brings more sun in already sunny day.
Tonight though, we heard a sob from the table behind us. Just a few seconds of helpless release. My heart melted. Was it disappointment flavored in the sob? Was it fear? or anxiety? I don't know. But I'm sure it was not physical pain.
Why does my heart melt faster and reconstruct slower when I hear a man (yes, man as male I mean) cry?
Can you see the names of the establishments at the other side of the road?
It's a little blurred,too.
At the other table, a woman laughs and loudly brags how she outwits her parents and sister. It drowns all conversation, even ours. Perhaps some triumphs, however misplaced, was needed to make the whole place a little lively, even funny, than sad.
But really, it was sad.
Weekend walk with Embee brings more sun in already sunny day.
Tonight though, we heard a sob from the table behind us. Just a few seconds of helpless release. My heart melted. Was it disappointment flavored in the sob? Was it fear? or anxiety? I don't know. But I'm sure it was not physical pain.
Why does my heart melt faster and reconstruct slower when I hear a man (yes, man as male I mean) cry?
Can you see the names of the establishments at the other side of the road?
It's a little blurred,too.
At the other table, a woman laughs and loudly brags how she outwits her parents and sister. It drowns all conversation, even ours. Perhaps some triumphs, however misplaced, was needed to make the whole place a little lively, even funny, than sad.
But really, it was sad.
December 13, 2008
December 12, 2008
reminder on the table
Some people are remembered unexpectedly.
I remember him.
Him who?
The cadaver in anatomy.
He was tall. Every group wanted him. Big muscles to study. Later we realized "Lola's" body with the group nearest us can be dissected more easily.
Did you know his name?
No. Why, did you know yours in your class?
No.
We drank our shared Sola in silence.
A robust man, able-bodied, young.
Probably younger than us now.
Tall, dark, he had a...gunshot? was it a stab? I would have to ask Ann (my classmate now in Cebu), our group leader. And so she remembers too.
There are persons who help us learn. Some who are fortunate to be alive, experience the joy of teaching, and may even live long enough to see where the learning leads us. Others, lifeless, have equally noble roles. Unsung.
Some people are remembered unexpectedly.
I remember him.
Him who?
The cadaver in anatomy.
He was tall. Every group wanted him. Big muscles to study. Later we realized "Lola's" body with the group nearest us can be dissected more easily.
Did you know his name?
No. Why, did you know yours in your class?
No.
We drank our shared Sola in silence.
A robust man, able-bodied, young.
Probably younger than us now.
Tall, dark, he had a...gunshot? was it a stab? I would have to ask Ann (my classmate now in Cebu), our group leader. And so she remembers too.
There are persons who help us learn. Some who are fortunate to be alive, experience the joy of teaching, and may even live long enough to see where the learning leads us. Others, lifeless, have equally noble roles. Unsung.
December 11, 2008
thursday
I like thursdays (it's my most turtle-paced day), especially when it's not so sunny. A little rain is manageable as long as there are no hostile winds. Good for me and my vitiligo. I get to walk farther, longer without appearing pink in some areas later.
Today, I discovered that some people in the heart of Quezon City make garden plots, like I did in grade school. (Yohoo! Do you remember YCAP? i forgot what it stands for. Youth...something. If you remember or know the meaning, you are either a teacher or as old as I am, approximately). We planted pechay, kamatis, beans, camote, and many others. The difference between work and delightful occupation was to me, at that time, unheard of.
Perhaps the owner of the plots is happy it rained. Even the trees on the other street look good after their bath.
Later, I got tired so I rode in a tricycle.
Please don't appear to notice the wrong spelling. Please don't. The driver is not just strict regarding where you should put your feet. The tricycle is armored. Hold your tongue, or else...
I like thursdays (it's my most turtle-paced day), especially when it's not so sunny. A little rain is manageable as long as there are no hostile winds. Good for me and my vitiligo. I get to walk farther, longer without appearing pink in some areas later.
Today, I discovered that some people in the heart of Quezon City make garden plots, like I did in grade school. (Yohoo! Do you remember YCAP? i forgot what it stands for. Youth...something. If you remember or know the meaning, you are either a teacher or as old as I am, approximately). We planted pechay, kamatis, beans, camote, and many others. The difference between work and delightful occupation was to me, at that time, unheard of.
Perhaps the owner of the plots is happy it rained. Even the trees on the other street look good after their bath.
Later, I got tired so I rode in a tricycle.
Please don't appear to notice the wrong spelling. Please don't. The driver is not just strict regarding where you should put your feet. The tricycle is armored. Hold your tongue, or else...
December 10, 2008
Dating, defined. Never mind intermittently.
Later, the couple (and the baby, did you notice the stroller?) left.
Another set of crepes please. Chased by cups of coffee (tremors, anyone?). Blah, blah, blah.
xxx
Addendum:
Later, at home:
You blog it? They might think I bring you to dates too infrequently.
My dear husband, eating out is not the same as dating. But almost 4 hours nonstop talking, over restaurant food, on a weekday? That's a date and I thank you. You may refresh your definition, for future use.
(He smiles).
We had a date after work today. No, after work is too arbitrary. Actually, an inaccuracy. Intermittent date with some work (calls and texts to answer) inserted describes the activity better. But it's ok.
Under a solemn sky seen through glass, over sausage and crepes, to the left of a younger couple (typing on a PDA? or reading a text together?), and to the right of a lovely corner, we talked and talked and talked. Pure joy.
Later, the couple (and the baby, did you notice the stroller?) left.
Another set of crepes please. Chased by cups of coffee (tremors, anyone?). Blah, blah, blah.
xxx
Addendum:
Later, at home:
You blog it? They might think I bring you to dates too infrequently.
My dear husband, eating out is not the same as dating. But almost 4 hours nonstop talking, over restaurant food, on a weekday? That's a date and I thank you. You may refresh your definition, for future use.
(He smiles).
December 9, 2008
NGO in the queue
A priority number can be a fastener between strangers.
She was priority C99. My cousin and I, D14. They were serving C44 (out of 100)when our wait started.
Vilma works with an NGO helping abused children. It was good to talk to someone enthusiastic about what she does.
Later, my cousin and I rode on a jeepney. Somehow, it made me remember the
children.
A priority number can be a fastener between strangers.
She was priority C99. My cousin and I, D14. They were serving C44 (out of 100)when our wait started.
Vilma works with an NGO helping abused children. It was good to talk to someone enthusiastic about what she does.
Later, my cousin and I rode on a jeepney. Somehow, it made me remember the
children.
December 8, 2008
Monday in oblique position
Is it really Monday? But where are the other people? Are we the only ones at risk of heart attack today? (I don't binge though, in case you read the link)
Later, it's a Monday indeed. But really,
Manila is congested, Monday or not. And my naming it Monday in context just with traffic was erroneous.
I wonder what else have I subjected to this wrong logic (looking at things obliquely and in one part of context only).
Is it really Monday? But where are the other people? Are we the only ones at risk of heart attack today? (I don't binge though, in case you read the link)
Later, it's a Monday indeed. But really,
Manila is congested, Monday or not. And my naming it Monday in context just with traffic was erroneous.
I wonder what else have I subjected to this wrong logic (looking at things obliquely and in one part of context only).
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