Death Anniversary

Today is the ninth death anniversary of my dad.

The family had a get-together at our condo.

Food was lasagna, chicken inasal, and barbecue. There was chicharon, lanzones, bibingka, suman, and mais con hielo, too. Food trip!

I gave away some stuff to my nieces. My youngest niece no longer wants dolls so she didn't get mine. My brother got the leather case that my dad owned.

As usual, I kept quiet as everybody was busy talking. My Kuya took pictures.

I didn't go with them to my dad's crypt because I wasn't feeling well. My back hurt.

It's great to see my family!

Manna

Last night, my brother and his wife visited us. They brought Max's fried chicken and kare-kare. Yipee!

Today, my sister brought Causeway pancit canton.

What are siblings for?

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I've started reading the Bible. I'm done with Genesis. I love the stories of Noah and Joseph. I'm now reading Exodus. Interesting!

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I helped mom make chicken salad today. Yummy!

A God of Surprises

I was feeling down today. I had only two projects this October. Not enough even for my medicines.

And then late this afternoon, I saw my Client online. I asked her about our project. She said she will just finish it due to lack of time. I don't have to work on it anymore (I was supposed to clear the report). And yet, she is willing to pay me the balance next week! Praise God!

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Mom had a party today. She was supposed to take a cab. But then her classmate called up to say she will pick her up. So my mom was fetched early today. And somebody else brought her home. Not only that, they gave her fried rice and roasted chicken with garlic, which we had for dinner.

God is indeed a God of (pleasant) surprises!

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I saw this in my inbox:

"Greedy"

Does dreaming about winning the lotto make one greedy? I can only dream because I don't even have money to buy lotto tickets!

Anyway, I just watched a movie by Michael J. Fox and Kirk Douglas entitled "Greedy". About a rich uncle pursued by his greedy nephews and nieces. Nice one. Funny and I like the nice twist of an ending.

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Got to work today. I didn't expect the project although it's just a small one. I was able to finish in just a few hours. Every project counts. Thank You, Lord!

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I resolve to study the Bible more thoroughly alone and with my son. It could draw the two of us closer together and towards God.

More Movies

Yesterday, I watched three movies.

The first was "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" a comedy about two cash-strapped friends who live together. They decide to make a porno. It's not that bold a film. Good enough for me to finish it till end.

The second was my all-time favorite, "Sleepless in Seattle". I watched it in YouTube. Ten parts of about ten minutes each. One never gets tired of romantic comedies such as this.

The third was "The Uninvited", a horror movie. Very suspenseful. I like the ending.

Today, I watched two movies so far.

One was "Pasukob" starring Ai Ai de las Alas and Ruffa Mae Quinto. About two sisters, one was ill-fated while the other seemed always lucky. Funny in the typical Filipino way.

The other movie was "Someone Like You", a romantic comedy. It's about a heartbroken woman who comes up with a theory about men, comparing them to cows. Enjoyed the movie.

Movies...great time fillers.

Another Filipino Movie

I had time to watch another Filipino movie today, entitled, "April, May, June". It was written by Jose Javier Reyes and directed by Manny Castañeda. The leading roles were played by Agot Isidro, Chin Chin Guttierez and Alma Concepcion.

It's about three friends (named April, May and June) and their relationships with their husbands/boyfriend. I think I've seen the movie before but I didn't mind seeing it again. Some drama, but not too much. Enough funny moments. And a happy ending. My kind of movie.

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I look at pictures in FB and I just love those my friend posts about his trip in the US. It's autumn there so I found the colors of the trees so lovely!

Then, my niece posted pictures of food - cakes of different kinds! Yummy!

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October has been a very lean month. Despite that, I turned down a project I am not qualified for. I don't want to over-commit myself and not be able to deliver.

God will provide.

Another Really Nice Day

Today was a really nice day.

I woke up early because a family friend was coming over. She was asking help on her speech for the AVP presentation during her daughter's debut. I just corrected her grammatical errors and added humor to her speech. I also tried to shorten it because it was too long. Together we made finishing touches.

We ordered breakfast from McDo and she paid for it. I had Big Breakfast with garlic rice and orange juice. I ordered hot chocolate and hash browns for my son. My mom had egg mcmuffin and our friend had pancakes with sausage and coffee. Great breakfast!

After she left, I went back to a deep sleep.

After lunch, I slept again. When I woke up it was already past 4!

Then, my friend called me saying that her driver and car are available. I can be picked up so I can go to church.

At long last, I was able to go to Confession, hear part of the mass,
and receive Communion.

I was brought home.

For dinner, I had tocino, rice and gelatin with nata de coco.

What a day!

Song for God

Today I was inspired to write the lyrics of a song for the Lord, entitled, "Song for My Lord and King". Here it is...

All glory be to You, my King

Highest praises to You I sing

For You have been a faithful God

During trials, You were my rod

Refrain:

Thank You, for blessings big or small

Thank You for Your love above all

Who am I that You care for me so?

To whom but You, I always go?

With every deed, and every word

May my life give You honor, Lord

Forgive me for times I hurt You

You always welcome me back, true!

Finale:

When my life is over and done

I long to enter Your kingdom

Oh, to be with You without end

That is joy and bliss in heaven!

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May be crude, but comes from the heart.

Filipino Movies

My mom isn't fond of local movies. She doesn't like the stories.

I don't mind watching Filipino films. Yesterday, I watched the movie of Tony Gonzaga and Vhong Navarro. I wasn't able to catch the beginning so I don't know the title. It's a comedy. Sometimes corny. Other times, funny enough. The story? Something different. And I love the ending.

I also got to watch "Bahay Kubo (Pinoy Mano Po)" starring Maricel Soriano, Eric Quizon, Gloria Romero and a host of young actresses and actors. It was fun to watch with a good combination of light and dramatic moments.

Who says local movies are a waste of time? Not me.

Prayer

Someone texted to me the following:

"Prayer moves God into action.

When we call,

God promises to answer!

No matter what challenges you face,

the power of prayer can change your life."

I cannot help but agree. God has answered all my prayers with a yes, a no, or not now. Whatever the response, it is always the best for me.

Food and Heaven

My friend, Greg, emailed to me the following:

One day many many years ago, my daughter asked me, “Pa, what is heaven like? What are the minimum qualifications to get into heaven? If I can meet those minimum qualifications, why should I even try to be a Mother Teresa?”

I replied, “I’ll answer those questions later. But, first, it’s almost lunch. Let’s talk about what to eat. Think about three foods. The first one is one that you like and would not mind eating everyday. The second one is a treat that you love; sort of like a ‘comfort food’; a step up from the first one; one that you would long for in special times. The third one is the ultimate meal; the one ‘to die for’; the top of the three foods; a celebration. What are your three foods?”

“Ok,” she responded, “the first one is macaroni and cheese, I can eat that everyday…the second one is sushi, uh-huh…and the third one is veal newberg, deeeeeelicious!”

“Well, then,” I said, “you just answered your questions earlier. If you meet the minimum qualifications to get to heaven, you will experience heaven in the way you like mac n cheese. If you try to be a person better than the minimum, you will get to heaven and experience whatever heaven is like sushi. And, if you are saintly, you will experience heaven and God in all His glory like veal newberg! See, all those who pass the minimum qualifications will get to heaven but each one will experience it differently. Most with pleasure, some with intense joy and a few with trance-like ecstasy.”

“Yum?” I asked.

“Mmmmm, good.” she said. “So, are we having veal newberg?”

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I don't know about you but I would go for sushi or even veal newberg!

Whew!

I was "inspired" to fix my area with the aim of throwing away and giving away.

I was able to fill a whole black garbage bag of mostly paper, stuff I don't need, and even books I won't read anymore.

Whew! What an accomplishment! I took a bath to freshen up.

Then, my friend came over because I invited her to come and choose from the items I set aside for giving away.

She chose:

...a pair of rubber shoes

...a pair of beige walking shoes

...a black and brown bag

...some make-up

...a book

...a calendar cum calculator

...body wash

...soap

...post-it notes and note pads

...note holder

...and more.

It feels great to be able to give!

Now, I will surely have a good night's rest.
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Here's a "cheesy" photo for today:

Blessings for the Day

Today, my best friend and her mom visited me.

Before coming over, while they were still in Gateway, they texted me to ask what I wanted to eat. I said, "Anything." But in my mind, I wanted pasta.

True enough, when they arrived, they brought carbonara and spaghetti plus Coke Zero. We had merienda. Yahoo!

Then, Amy chose several shoes which I wanted to dispose of. I plan to give the other shoes she did not choose to my mom's masahista.

She gave me four lovely blouses for Christmas and New Year. They all fit. (Now, if I can just get rid of my big tummy.) She also gave mom a shawl.

When they left, mom arrived in a few minutes. She brought me a blouse for Christmas (she just came from Divisoria). She also brought food including dinner - mami and siopao from Ma Mon Luk, and castañas.

Thank You, Lord, for such wonderful blessings in one day!



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Funny conversation for the day:

My mom and I just came from my hematologist yesterday.

Today, Mommy asked "What did the doctor say will happen if the medicine she prescribed for your cough did not work after six days?"

I said, "Sorry, I wasn't listening."

And my poor aging mom simply could not remember!

Ha ha. We're a hopeless pair!

My First Feedback

My first feedback-giver on my book, "What I Think Heaven is Like" is one of my former students named Emman. Here's what he has to say:

"wow :) awesome book ma'am. i really appreciate the twist in the end :)) i mean, it caught me off guard. just thought that indirectly stating your purpose/desire for writing the book in the intro/preface or somehow in-between the chapters can help the reader to be encouraged to read on non-stop.

my poor-quality and quantitative-leaning of describing what heaven would be like is that it is one (1) raised to a quadrillion more than that of all the sum of the pleasures that we can ever experience or think of here on earth. in short, mind-blowing. i believe that's the reason why a person in the old testament was told to die upon seeing God. we cannot contain all the gooooooooodness and awesomeness and wonder and power, etc. of God, thus man is consumed (like a moth who approaches the sun's surface xD haha) and dies. buti nalang, as you've said; we'll be transformed,

"Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."
"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:51-55)

when we're given that 'heavenly body', (and yes, with a better singing voice and no illness ^^ wooohoooo!!) then we can take on that God-ly sight/experience beyond measure.

now, that keeps me holding on.

actually, i believe it's more like, He's the one who makes me keep on holding-on. ("...for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose" --Philippians 2:13)

that's why i call him Savior.

excited for heaven as you are"

He ended with a quote:

"There's nothing you can do for God to love you more,
and there's nothing you can do for God to love you less."

--What's So Amazing About Grace?, Philip Yancey

Thanks, Emman, for your encouraging words.

What I Think Heaven Is Like

Yup, that long title is the title of my next book.

I was inspired to finish it today. It's just a short book. 24 pages typewritten. But with illustrations and a big font and smaller size paper, the book could come out thicker.

"What I think Heaven is Like" will contain an introduction and an afterword, a foreword hopefully by Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite and the following chapters:

I – Entry into Heaven

II – My Own Room

III – Activities in Heaven

IV – My Special Hour

V – Food, Glorious Food

VI – Things I Will Do in Heaven

VII – In Heaven, There Is ________

VIII – In Heaven, There is No _______

IX - Angels

X – Moments with Jesus

My intentions are pure. Not for fame or glory. But something as lofty as bringing many souls to heaven. If I can describe a heaven that is so beautiful, one would desire to reach it as intensely as I do, then that is mission accomplished for me.

I am asking some friends to help out. Give reactions to my draft. Make the illustrations. Write blurbs. Even publish the book outright.

I believe that if this is God's will, He will make "What I think Heaven Is Like" a reality.

I have no doubt about it.

See ya all in heaven! Ha ha.

And watch out for my book...

An Answering God

Just yesterday, I prayed for more projects.

Today, that prayer was answered. Not just one, but two projects. One is a 12-group FGD study for analysis. Another is an in-depth study wherein I will conduct 30 interviews and do the analysis for a total of 50 in-depth interviews.

Thank You, Lord!

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Apparently, my being part of diabetext is working. I'm more conscious of what I eat and drink. I still don't get to exercise though. My blood sugar is now normal. Yehey. (With a little help from Glucobay. ha ha)

Nice Movies on TV

Yesterday, I had the chance to watch two nice movies in a row.

One was an old movie (1994), entitled, "The Paper" starring Michael Keaton, Glenn Close and Marisa Tomei. It's a story of an editor torn between job and family. And the movie shows what goes on inside a newspaper company within 24 hours. Interesting, funny, with some drama.

The other one is, "I Wanna Be Happy" (2006) written and directed by Jose Javier Reyes. Stars include Eddie Garcia, Gloria Romero, Cherry Pie Picache, and Joey Marquez. It's basically a family movie combining comedy and drama. Fun to watch. Not a dull moment.



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I am now coughing. Caught the virus from my mom.

We went to the hospital today for my treatment.

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Even though I don't have projects, I had to turn down two projects because I am not qualified to do them. One was a market scan, the other is a feasibility study. I don't want to involve myself in things I don't have a clue about.

Oh well, I will just keep praying that God will send projects soon.

Diabetext

Since I don't have any ongoing projects, I've had plenty of time to watch movies on TV. I got to watch "The Ugly Truth" (romantic comedy about the battle of the sexes), "And I Love You So" (romance starring Bea Alonzo, Sam Milby and Derek Ramsay), "Biyaheng Lupa" (story of passengers of a bus bound for Legazpi), and "Tanging Ina ng Pilipinas" (comedy starring Ai-Ai de las Alas with Eugene Domingo)...not necessarily in that order.

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My son asked me to be part of his friend's thesis called Diabetext. I was asked to answer a pre-test, to record my blood sugar twice a day, and to record the times of the day I receive text messages from them. Basically messages like:

...add sources of starch like bread and crackers to your meal. Don't forget to drink water after.

...add a serving of fiber-rich veggies like ampalaya and/or fruits like banana.

...to keep yourself healthy, avoid eating foods high in sugar like jams, chocolates, cakes, pies, etc. A serving of these foods is enough (ex. 1 pc. of donut, 1 small slice of cake).

Well, I appreciate their concern for diabetic patients like me. It's beginning to work, I think because just today, I ate ampalaya and discovered that it tastes good after all.

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Here's a cute photo:

Still More Butterflies

Another lazy day.

Checked my inbox. Slept. Watched an episode of "Commander in Chief". Listened to Internet mass. Wrote in my spiritual journal. Listened to praise songs. Read things I've written in the past. Read a script my friend wrote.

My friend, Greg, sent me more pictures of butterflies. Here are some of them:

More Butterflies

I am no longer going to do the charts for one of my projects but I will still do the analysis. Well, it's a big load off my back. Yehey.

I might do the analysis for an indepth study with 32 respondents. Hope it gets approved.

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Here are more butterflies that are a delight to see. I believe that in heaven, there will be butterflies everywhere.

Thanks, Greg, for these lovely pictures!