Last year, I was more adventurous as I prepared my first fruit salad and cooked spaghetti the celebrate my wife's birthday. This year though, because I was thrown into a different time zone and couldn't really get the courage to take on another "kitchen adventure," there was no cooking done.
But that doesn't mean we did not celebrate the important occasion yesterday. I have already been picturing the event in my mind, even days before it came. I made sure I would be able to celebrate it with my kids.
In the morning, make that early morning, I woke the kids up at 5 a.m. and we took a walk... a long walk, from our house to La Pieta cemetery where brought orchids and lighted candles for my wife.
After which, we took a quick breakfast on our way home.
When we reached home, we just stayed long enough to take a bath and get dressed. We attended the mass where we asked my wife's birthday be included in the mass intentions.
We went home after mass, and it was then a routine day for us, going through our chores. But in the afternoon, I went out to buy what we need to celebrate the occasion.
The first thing I bought was a palabok. After I brought it home, I went out again to buy my wife a birthday cake.
So now, it's complete. We can celebrate the day. But Angel asked for an ice cream, so we went to buy in a nearby convenience store.
After arranging all the food, we gather around the table to share the feast. But not without saying a little prayer for my wife, a thank you for all the blessings, and of course, the blessing of the food.
Before I let my children eat, I told my children that we should sing the "Happy Birthday" song. So we did, with much gusto I may say. I know, my wife may not be here physically, but I'm sure she can see and hear us.
Finally, I let the children eat... oops! After a few pictures, at least. And then, we shared the food on the table.
It's simple I know, but that's how we celebrate. It's just me and kids... and the memory of my wife.
"Happy birthday, Mama!"
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Another birthday... without her
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thank God, it's weekend!
So I am employed.
Honestly, never longed for a weekend before like I did today. It used to be that any day of the week was a “weekend” for me, so to speak.
But since I started working, and have completed my first whole week as a regular-8-to-5-individual, I once again feel how important the REAL weekend is!
And no, I’m not complaining about working. Work is fine, I just need a little adjustment, that’s all. Maybe soon, I could recover from this “jet lag” that shocked my body rhythm… I only hope it’s soon… as in very, very soon.
Working doesn’t really pose any problem for me… I mean it shouldn’t. That is if I am willing to give up blogging altogether. But if you know me, you know I will not do that. NEVER!
Right now, aside from “adjustment,” words that play in mind include “vitamins”, “coping”, “working late”, “scheduling” and more.
Of course, there won’t be much of me online as I used to be. I need to set priorities. And right now, my work is a priority… next to my kids, of course.
That is why weekends, like this one, are a treasure! It gives me an opportunity to catch up on my writing, my whining, my ranting and so on, and so forth.
I may not be able to do “all” that I used to do, but at least it’s enough to scratch the itch.
Really, all I can say now is…”Thank God it’s weekend!”
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Woof Contest Winners - November 20, 2009
WOOF Contest – Top PicksPoetry
Jena Isle – “Terminus” - "Parting is such sweet sorrow."
dragon blogger – “Last Great Battle” - Fantasy poem about the battle of Ragnarok.
Zorlone – “Twin Souls” - Finding the other pair of an otherwise incomplete soul.
Jennifer M Scott – “Excuse me While I Unload” - A stream of conscious poem.
About Writing
RasoirJ – “Johnny Mercer and the Art of Reticence” - What fiction writers can learn from the great lyricist Johnny Mercer.
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 November 20, 2009 WOOF Contest participants. Want in to join the next WOOF? The next contest ends November 27. 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 11/20/09
Poetry
Roy – “Chapters” – “A short poem about different chapters in our life.”
Sire – “The Child Of God” - A poem of religion and zealots.
Jennifer M Scott – “Thanksgiving” - A poem for thanksgiving written in acrostic.
Jennifer M Scott – “Excuse me While I Unload” - A stream of conscious poem.
