Excited for Christmas this year

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It’s too early, I know… but I’m in the Philippines and the start of ‘ber’ months signal the coming of Christmas here… it’s the longest celebration of the holidays that ends in January of the following year.

I don’t know why, but it seems that I’m too excited for Christmas this year.

Sure, we were able to celebrate it last year, we had our traditional Christmas party and the kids were happy… but I know in my heart that the spirit wasn’t with me then.

This year, I’d like to make it up with my kids… perhaps, make it one of the best, if not the best Christmas that they will have… even if there are only four us.

Does that mean that I’m through with the ‘emotional rollercoaster ride’ I was in? Have I overcome the feeling of loneliness and longing for my wife?

I don’t know, but what I know is that, the best way for me to show my love for my wife now is through our kids… and that I’ll do.

After going through a lot of firsts without her, I’ve come to realize that we were ‘not really without her.’

I see her through my kids… I even see her in me! Our ways, our actions… our relationships.

And this year, I’m going to celebrate it with her -- through our kids. I gave them a so-so holiday last year, and this time I promise to make up for it.

With the newfound zest and learning to know who I am and what I can do… I can make this year a better Christmas for them.

Yes, I really am excited for Christmas this year.

WOOF Contest winners August 28, 2009

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WOOF Contest – Top Picks

Fiction / Short Story

Zorlone – “The Night Duty” - A night like any other night at the Emergency Room, but not for Madelin. She is an extraordinary nurse with a generous heart.

Poetry

Jennifer M Scott – “A Night with Jupiter” - Another surreal poem on life.

Dragon Blogger – “Vagabond Murder” - A dark night where a homeless person's life is taken.

Roy – “This Too Will Pass” - A short poem about holding on...

Brought to you by PlotDog Press with the Serial Suspense Screenplay "Intervention"

(WOOF participants should re-post all the links above by next Monday. The following links may be excluded as long as you include all the above links.)

Presenting the finest of the writer’s blogs by the bloggers who write them. Highlighting the top posts as chosen by the August 28, 2009 WOOF Contest participants. Want in to join the next WOOF? The next contest ends September 4. Submit a link to your best writing post of the last 3 weeks using the form on this page. Participants, repost the winning link list within a week and you’re all set.

Other WOOF Contestants for 08/28/09

Fiction / Short Story

Roy – “So close...” - About a son's search for his mother...

Poetry

Zorlone – “The rat was a goner” - Finally, a clean house! Find out how a pest was rid of by a determined boy.

Do I really need glasses?

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It's almost 2 a.m. and I'm still blogging. No worry I feel my eyes strained most of the times. Do I really need to get eyeglasses? Can those $ 8 Rx eyeglasses from Zenni Optical really help me? I know, they're stylish and all, but what about performance?

I've read some reviews, maybe they are what they claim they are. Don't know really, cause I haven't tried it yet... maybe soon, when I can no longer read what I'm typing here.

But as for designs, these are My favorite high fashion eyeglasses:






Next to performance, another consideration is the price. With Zenni's $8 price, I guess that makes it practical.

Speaking of practical, here's an interesting article featuring practical tips from the interview of Greg Karp, author of Living Rich by Spending Smart. He even mentioned Zenni in the interview because he was one. The article is called How You Can Start Spending Smart. Nice read, do check it out.

I'm out of rhyme

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I'm out of rhyme, and what a time lose it
'thought I was on fire and my keyboard was smoking

I'm out rhyme, could it happen just like that?
Like I was just singing and my notes all went flat

I'm out of rhyme, now what could be worse?
Oh, did I mention I also have a running nose?

I'm out of rhyme, should I call it a day?
and hopefully tomorrow, things will be okay

I'm out of rhyme, isn't it obvious?
typing lines here like I'm feeling delirious

I'm out of rhyme, now where is my muse?
I can't find it, and it's giving me the blues

I'm out of rhyme, so I better just stop
as I step back... can you believe what I got?!

I got seven rhymes!

--------------------------
Roy
August 27, 2009
9:40 PM
Angeles City
Philippines


*an attempt to write a list poem, in

The Paluwagan at home

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With the prodding of my son Edgar Allan, we just started with our 'Paluwagan' today. This isn't actually the first time we're doing it. We did way back 2005 or 2006, when Mama was still with us.

What motivated to have Paluwagan at home then was that my eldest son, Ralph, joined a Paluwagan in school with his classmates. Based on experience, we know at most Paluwagan die after the first few members already received their 'salary,' to the disadvantage of other members.

To discourage him from joining, we had our own paluwagan then at home. It was only stopped because of the vacation from school, and we never got to start it again.

This past few weeks, Edgar has been egging each one of us to start with Paluwagan anew. Ralph and Angel, for some reason isn't really hot on the idea, but Edgar just won't give up.

So, to make all those begging and teasing stop, I finally decided to start it for them. I guess he needed money (cell phone load, I suppose). With only P5 per day contribution until Friday, the designated payee would receive P125 on Saturday (or Friday night).

Well, if it can teach them finance and savings, why not?

This Too Will Pass

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feeling down and so low
but I know it won't be long
like all the problem that has befallen me
this too will pass

like a storm that comes at night
destroying everything in its flight
but in the morning it gives way to a day so bright
this too will pass

for every night, there will be day
for every darkness, there will be light
for every doubts, there'll be assurance
for every pain, there'll be healing

the anxieties, the loneliness,
the burdens and the pain
pressures and all the tensions,
they too... will pass

----------------------------
Roy
October 12, 1999
4:00 PM
Subic, Olongapo
Philippines

The Truth

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In my previous post, I wrote about the poem “I'm not afraid” and said that it was written by my 14 year old son, Edgar Allan.

That was true, although, only partially. I also said that it was my daughter Angel Liza, 11 years old, who puts the poem into writing because Edgar Allan only commits the poem in his memory… unfortunately, I didn’t understand the last part of Angel’s declaration.

It was only when I talked to her again that the poem turned out to be a “collaboration” of sorts. Because Edgar Allan doesn’t know how to finish the poem, and it actually my daughter, Angel Liza, who provided the last two lines.

Here’s the poem again, with the correct credits provided:

I’m Not Afraid
By: Edgar Allan dela Cruz
and Angel Liza dela Cruz

I’m not afraid of flying
I’m just afraid of falling
I’m not afraid of water
I’m just afraid of drowning
I’m not afraid of fire
I’m just afraid of burning
I’m not afraid of dying
I’m just afraid you’ll cry

The authors

Angel Liza and Edgar Allan dela Cruz