Friday, April 29, 2011

The Prince Weds

...a commoner, and it ain't me. As everybody knows, she is the lovely Kate Middleton. She's got the looks, the grace and the guts to be Princess.

Mom and I have been tuned to the TV for hours now, watching the "Royal Wedding of the Century". And so did millions of people worldwide.

Prince William looked handsome in his red uniform. But he seemed rather tense and nervous.

Kate was stunning in her simple yet elegant gown designed by Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen (how apt!). She looked more relaxed than the Prince.

So the couple exchange vows. The Prince says, "I will." I thought Kate would say, "I Kate".

There was one Filipina invited to the lunch reception. She took care of William and Harry when they were growing up. How kind of the couple to invite her.

The couple kissed to an eager audience. Once...then twice.

The weather was perfect to match a perfect wedding. I'm happy for them!

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My friend from Cebu is here in Manila and invited me to go out with a common friend. Too bad, we're all set to go to Subic tomorrow. Mom and I have already packed our bags.

My friends and I may just see each other next week.

Hope I do get to enjoy our trip to Subic. Just being with family is fun enough.

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Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has resigned. What can I say? Yay.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Change of Plans

There has been a change of plans. Instead of Tagaytay, the family is going to Subic. There's not much I can do there either. I really don't want to do much walking so I will just stay some place and read a book or solve Sudoku. Try to enjoy the view and the cool breeze.

My mom bought me a pair of shorts and a sleeveless shirt for the outing. She adjusted the length of the shirt and added swatches on the armpit area because my bra would be showing. Thanks, mom!
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I revised a report today. It is not that badly written...except that I saw a few errors in analysis. I will take another look before passing it on to my boss.
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I was chatting with a friend who just came from Singapore. I looked at their pictures and saw some of the food. Hmmm, how mouth-watering! Made me really hungry. But there's not much to eat because mom is too tired to cook. So I said I'll be fine with corned beef.
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I looked up serendipity on the Internet and definitions include:

- the faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident
- an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident
- good fortune, luck
- when you find something that you were not expecting to find
- the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for
- a seeming gift for finding something good accidentally
- the act of finding something valuable or delightful when you are not looking for it

I watched the movie "Serendipity" several times and it does justice to the word.

My thoughts are that people who have this faculty, aptitude or gift, are those who are open to the wonderful surprises of the universe. These are the people whose minds, hearts and spirits are eager to absorb the pleasant discoveries that come their way.

I would like to think that I am one such person. Funny though, I cannot remember of an incident of my life which is serendipitious. Maybe because the valuable, desirable, and fortunate discoveries were not usually by accident but sought for by me.

Either way, here's adding to your vocabulary. And gift or no gift, may good fortune fall upon you.






Wednesday, April 27, 2011

So-so Day turned So Nice

For the past few weeks, I have been experiencing breast pains. Last night, my left breast was extremely painful. So I rose from bed and googled "breast pain, symptom of". Thank God, it is not likely to be breast cancer. What it is probably in my case is a sign of menopause.

Yup, my menstrual periods are three months apart now. And when they come, the flow is not that strong. Oh I hope they stop already so I will be free at last!

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Today, what was a so-so day turned out to be a so nice day.

I got to see two friends I haven't seen for quite some time. And met their friend.

I first accompanied my female friend to the salon where she had her hair blow-dried. I browsed at the magazines while waiting. I realized that I just wasn't the market of those glossy mags.

Then I walked to Papa John's from the parlor. Boy, that took much effort on my part.

When we reached the restaurant, I was so relieved. The aircon was soooh cool because I was really perspiring.

While waiting and while eating, we composed a poem entitled "The Joyful Life". Turned out to be a religious poem.

We had pizza, ribs, unlimited Coke Zero, and sundae. Nice food.

My friend was supposed to stay in the condo for a while but she saw a cab right away. So she took it to go home. Which is just as well because I was tired already.

Back home, I took my medicines and dressed up.

Altogether, I had a great time with good friends.

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There is a Japanese restaurant downstairs which has not been operating for over a year now. They put a sign on the door which says, "We're temporarily close". Ha ha
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My son is home. Time to be a mom. Till next time.





Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Looking Back

Today, two clients consulted me. Boy, I feel great being a "consultant"...makes me feel important. (Like the rhyme? Ha ha)

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I was craving for french fries so I inquired downstairs. But it costed P56.50 and I had only P18 in my bag.

But then, when my mom arrived, what did she bring? French fries! And double cheeseburger from Mcdo. Yehey.

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I was reading past posts of this blog but I did not finish all 667 posts. I saw typos here and there, and corrected them. Then, I realized...

...I discussed great times with family, friends and loved ones often

...I shared my feelings - when I was happy and when I was sad

...I talked about busy days and times when I had much time on my hands

...I tried to be funny, I tried to be inspiring

...I attempted to be profound but I could be shallow, too

...I described what I love to do and took time to do

...I exclaimed "Yehey", "Yahoo", "Yay" and "Thank You, Lord" often enough

Which leads me to wonder? Am I really doing justice to this blog entitled, "Humor and More"? Sure, I can copy jokes from the Internet but that would be cheating in a way, and less spontaneous.

When I am gone, will people re-read the stuff I have been writing?

And so, I resolve...

...to write with more love and devotion

...to be funny by being alert to the humor that each day brings, and to remember what made me or other people laugh in the past

...to come up with more food for thought without forcing it

...to be cognizant of the fact that there are people following this blog and they might need to be cheered up or inspired

...to allow God to use me as His instrument of love and joy through this site

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Here's a profile of my nose, but note my white hair ha ha.


Monday, April 25, 2011

Everything is Relative

Yup, everything is relative...

...What is heavy? To an ant, a teeny-tiny crumb of bread is heavy...to me, my old laptop is heavy...to most people, the weights that weightlifters carry is extremely heavy.

...What is delicious? To those who barely have anything to eat, almost anything is delicious...to me, I have my favorites (lechon, kare-kare, crispy pata, lechon kawali, etc.) but I am often "deprived" of eating food that are forbidden due to health reasons, or are too expensive...to those who can eat anything they want, they could either be grateful for such blessings or sick and tired of eating.

...What is fame? To those who want the attention and glamor of famous people, fame is something to aspire for...to me, I used to dream of being famous some day but not anymore (I just want to live the simple life)...to those who are famous, fame could either be a curse or something to cherish while they have it.

...What is beauty? To those who are not particularly good-looking, beauty is something to admire from afar...to me, I am glad I was pretty when I was young and though at 50, my looks have changed, I am glad that I still like what I see in the mirror...To those who are ravishingly beautiful, they can either be vain and proud or humble enough to know that their beauty is a gift from God.

...What is nature? To those who are too busy to notice nature, nature does not exist...To me who loves nature, I enjoy gazing at sunsets and looking at pictures of nature on the internet...To the nature-lovers, they take every opportunity to go nature-tripping.

...What are trials? To those who have led the smooth life, trials could be devastating...to me, with my share of trials, I am confident that God will see me through each and every tribulation but I could still feel depressed...to those who have learned to weather the storms in life, trials are faced with courage and hope.

What's my point? Wherever you are, whoever you there is always someone better or worse than you. So no need to be envious nor dejected. Let's call this the theory of relative thinking.

Did I make you feel better? Hope so.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Celebrating Easter

I remember when my son was very young, we would go to my ninang's place. She and her family would have an Easter egg hunt and what fun we had searching for eggs in the garden!

These days, my son is too old for egg hunts. In fact, he was not able to attend our family get-together because he had to go to work.

I wore the pants that mom gave me. Funny, she bought it not knowing it was for pregnant women. (That's how big my tummy is.)

Food was inihaw na liempo (a big hit), KFC chicken, lasagna, manggang hilaw with bagoong, ripe mangoes, chicharon, suman, and mais con hielo.

Pictures were taken, as often the case.

All too soon, people had to go places. But next week, we are going to Tagaytay for our summer outing. Yehey.

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Here are some nice messages, I received through text:

1) Always make your future greater than your past, always make your contribution greater than your reward, always make your gratitude greater than your success, always see God greater than yourself!

2) As Christians, we take delight in the gift of knowing Jesus shed His blood to save and to set us free. Let's rejoice for this is the day the Lord has made!

3) Put God on top of everything today, and let HIM take charge of all your plans. Then you will see how beautiful His ways are and how unending His love is.

4) Nothing pleases the Lord as much as praise. Thank God for the countless blessings He has bestowed on you. Praise Him even for the trials in your life, which are actually blessings in disguise.

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The other day, I watched a movie entitled "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past". I almost did not continue viewing it because the lead role was such a chauvinist p**, obnoxious and all. But then, I endured and turns out it was not a bad movie after all. One of the few guy flicks I've seen.

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I was in a bikini. On a beach. When suddenly I had to go...as in go to the bathroom! I couldn't resist it anymore so I...how shall we call it..."went" right there on the beach.

Was I embarrassed? Don't think so.

I was only about 3 years old then. Ha ha.
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Friday, April 22, 2011

Good Friday

Good Friday is a day when commercial establishments and offices are closed.

I don't have work either.

And I am at a loss on what to say on this day of all days.

This is supposed to be a day of fasting and abstinence...but well, I'm exempted.

I watched part of the 7 Last Words on TV but we reached the sixth word already. So I read some reflections on the Internet.

My own brief reflections?

1) "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

Jesus, in His supreme mercy, asks for forgiveness for those who tortured Him. Such great love!

2) "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)

A cry of agony on the cross. To be forsaken by one's own Father must be the deepest pain of all...yet He bore it.

3) He said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then he said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" (John 19:26-27)

Mary was right there as Jesus was dying and Jesus saw to it that someone would take care of her. Till the end, He was a devoted son, and she, a loving mother.

4) "I thirst!" (John 19:28)

Christ was thirsty...He thirsted not only for water but for the love of mankind. How many times do we make God thirst by the way we live?

5) "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43)

Words that give hope to those of us who lead a less than holy life. Sinners hang on to these comforting words when it seems they are beyond salvation.

6) "It is finished!" (John 19:30)

Mission accomplished. How wonderful to say these very words at the end of our life.

7) "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit." (Luke 23:46)

As Christ breathes His last, He surrenders to the will of His Father. From beginning to end, doing the will of God was His goal in life. What about us?

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We, Maryknollers, used to add the word "make" in every sentence such as...

...Hala ka, I will make you sumbong to the principal.

...Can I make you paki-usap something?

...I will make you pukpok in the head.

...Wait, I need to make asikaso something.

And so on.

Funny how an entire school of girls could mangle the English language that way.

But thank God, I don't hear my batchmates speak that way anymore...likewise, the younger generations.

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Back to Good Friday. Here's a picture worth reflecting on.




Thursday, April 21, 2011

Holy Week Reflections

Yesterday, I worked on a report. Short but interesting enough.

Then, I watched a nice romantic movie, entitled "The Deal". Starring my favorite actress, Meg Ryan. There will always be a market for romantic films so long as there are girls like me who are forever in love with love...no matter how vicarious.

I asked my mom what she wants me to do/be...be neat, learn how to cook, massage her feet. Her number one answer was be neat! So today, I started fixing and cleaning my stuff. Got to start somewhere.

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It's Holy Thursday and I haven't officially done any "rituals". Come to think of it, why does it have to take Holy Week to do "holy stuff".

I'd rather be close to God all year round than reserve special time with Him for a few days.

I am continually grateful to Jesus Christ for dying on the Cross for me and for mankind. We have a God who loves us immensely, tremendously, and unconditionally.

Unconditionally. What a word! It means, no matter who and what you are, you are loved.

I have done many things in my life which I am ashamed of. But the Lord has erased them all through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. And should I sin again, He is ever willing to welcome me in His arms again.

I remember two movies about Jesus which had a strong impact on me. One is "Jesus Christ Superstar". I was very young then when I first watched it. Boy, how I loved the songs! But if you listen to the lyrics carefully, they are not quite reflective of how things were then.

The other movie is "The Passion of the Christ". No singing. Some light moments. But mostly drama. I cried watching Jesus suffer. For me, it was the better film.

"Jesus Christ Superstar" is for entertainment. God did not mean to be a superstar.

"The Passion of the Christ" is truth and reality. It depicts Jesus as sufferer for and savior of all mankind.

Thank You, Lord, for Your supreme sacrifice of self.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Authentic Happiness

I came across a website called Authentic Happiness. They have lots of questionnaires to measure your degree of "happiness", depression, and the like. I have taken two of them and did fairly well.

So what makes me happy?

Oh, I can list many things that I used to enjoy which I no longer can't. Like coffee, chocolates, dancing. But no use grieving over such things because there are still plenty of other things that make me happy.

Are you ready for a long post?

Here's a partial list of things that make me happy (sorry, impossible to list them all)...

...it is seeing my son at the end of the day and bonding with him as he takes his dinner

...it is chatting with my mom during meals or at bedtime as she talks about the past or current incidents

...it is having get-togethers with the family and friends, just being with loved ones

...it is having one-on-one lunches or dinners with somebody I care for and vice versa

...it is talking to a friend over the phone or chatting with someone at FB

...it is catching the beauty of a sunset or a rainbow

...it is receiving a bouquet of flowers from someone

...it is solving a sudoku puzzle or winning a scrabble game

...it is coloring in my coloring book

...it is reading a suspense-filled mystery book without being told the ending

...it is watching a good romantic comedy on DVD or television

...it is listening to music I can sing along with

...it is eating delicious food (too many to mention) and refreshing drinks

...it is writing in this blog when I know I have nice things to say

...it is finishing a report, knowing I did a good job

...it is being able to make people laugh with my particular brand of humor

...it is spending quiet time with God, feeling close to Him and experiencing His love

I haven't said enough. But the important thing is the realization that despite all the trials in life, there is much to be thankful for.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Things I Learned From...

my boyfriends...

Boyfriend no. 1: There is always a first time. Things are sweet - not necessarily sweetest - for the first time.

Boyfriend no. 2: If you must enter a relationship, be faithful. It hurts too much to be somebody's girlfriend simultaneously with two other girls.

Boyfriend no. 3: Be careful of men who talk too much.

Boyfriend no. 4: True love isn't true love if it comes and goes.

Boyfriend no. 5: You must never be ashamed of your loved one no matter what.

Boyfriend no. 6: If you love a man enough to marry him, learn to serve him as a wife should.

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I have been playing scrabble again in FB but kept losing so my average is down to 49%. Oh no!

Been chatting with friends in FB. Good to keep in touch.

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I just learned that somebody died of cancer. She was the same person who approached Fr. Suarez along with me. Father told me "May pag-asa pa" (there is still hope). But to the young mother beside me, he said nothing. True enough, her time is up. Too bad, she had two very small kids.

God has a purpose for taking her this early. She lived a full life so they say. She did acts of charity. I am sure she is in heaven.
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Which leads me to ask - what exactly is a "full life"?

I would say...

...it is a life lived for others without sacrificing one's well-being

...it is appreciating all of God's blessings without failing to count trials as among such blessings

...it is taking time off to smell the flowers, gaze at the sunset, and drink clean, cold water

...it is knowing who your true friends are and being true to them as well

...it is listening to soothing music while relaxing on a comfortable chair

...it is putting your heart and soul on a job you love and enjoy

...it is thanking God always for your loved ones for without them, life is a less fun and more lonely

Oh I could go on and on. For indeed, a full life, cannot be described in just one post. It is best lived one day at a time.






Sunday, April 17, 2011

Finished a Report, Ready for Holy Week

Today, I completed my long two-part report. At long last!

Now, I am ready for Holy Week.

Time to meditate. Look back at what the Lord has done for me and for mankind.

Watch meaningful shows on TV.

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My friend says my posts are too short. "Bitin", in other words.

So here's my attempt at writing a lengthy post.

"My Life So Far"

At age 50, I could say I have lived a wonderful life. Full of joys and fun, with my share of sorrows and pains.

When we were growing up, we led a comfortable life. Since my parents were both lawyers, we belonged to the upper class but not the super duper upper crust of society. So we were not the target of kidnappers and carnappers and holdappers and other appers.

We went to good schools. My sister and I were consistent honor students. The boys admired us. And the girls envied us. We were both pretty. I could dance, my sister could sing. (I wished I could sing, too.)

Then the boyfriends came one by one. So were the heartaches.

Work was exciting and fun. I enjoyed marketing research - found it very interesting and challenging enough.

At work, I met my husband. Tall, handsome and handsome.

But it was a match not made in heaven. We split up after only five years.

Partly my fault. I didn't take good care of him. So he found somebody who did.

Our son, was so young when his parents went their different ways.

But life must go on.

My career was doing fine when the illnesses started coming. First was diabetes. Runs in the family.

Then, bi-polar mood disorder. Over the years, I've had 18 confinements in hospitals and half-way homes. That's why, I couldn't have a full-time job anywhere. I could not be overly stressed. And my medicines make me sleepy.

There was a time when I was bed-ridden. I was initially diagnosed to have sciatica.

But later, it was linked to osteoporosis and finally, multiple myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow).

Where am I now? Sick and not earning enough for medical expenses and living expenses.

But God is good. He provides. He has given me friends and relatives who continue to help to this day in whatever area I need.

I don't want to exchange places with anyone. I am happy though not perfectly contented. In my own way, I think that the world has been a better place just because I existed. Through my books, through this blog, through my other writings, through my special brand of humor, through my genuine kindness, through my attitude of gratitude, through my positive thinking and more.

My name is Nimia. Age 50.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

A Quiet Saturday

My, what a quiet Saturday, I thought to myself. No rush to finish my report so I woke up late, slept after breakfast and then slept again after lunch. The lazy life!

I was able to do some work. I'm sure to finish by tomorrow.

My mom gave me a blouse and skirt. She fixed the blouse to make it fit me.

In the evening, I visited Facebook and chatted with an old friend. She said a common friend is online and wanted to chat.

So chat we did. I enjoyed the exchange of jokes. Learned that he had a crush on me way back in college. Ha ha. Now he is some big shot abroad. And happily married. So no names, as promised.

He gave me a piece of advice I ought to remember. I should stop using my illnesses as excuses. Thanks, friend.

Another reason I'm grateful for Facebook. It connects you with people in the past.

Friday, April 15, 2011

An Uncle Turned 70

Instead of finishing my report, I went with my mom to Bicutan. It was my uncle's 70th birthday yesterday. Mom helped in the preparation of the food.

I was tasked to say a prayer, as follows:

"Thank You, Lord, for gathering us all together on this 70th birthday of Danny del Prado.

Thank You for the many happy years you have given Danny and Nene and their two children, Dewi and Dallah.

We, the friends and family of Danny are happy to celebrate the fact that at 70, he is as handsome as ever.

Please bless this sumptuous food before us, bless those who prepared this food, and bless those who have nothing to eat.

Bleass us O Lord and these thy gifts which we are to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen."

They said it was a beautiful prayer but my voice and hands were shaking all the time! I must do something about my "nervous shakiness" (or is it shaky nervousness?).

Food was plentiful - chicken salad, lumpiang shanghai, kaldereta, lechon, lengua, fish, pancit, chop suey, chicken lollipop, and different kinds of dessert.

I watched a DVD of Celine Dion. Nice!

I barely slept during the night. "Namahay" as they would say.

We borrowed eight books. Yay.

As regards my report, the Client said no hurry. It's Holy Week next week anyway and they will not be able to see the report. Another yay.


Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Of Varied Stuff

I have just two more sections to go in my long report, Part 2. I can do some more work tonight or call it a day and resume tomorrow. Anyway, my personal deadline is Friday when I will get paid the balance for this project.

I clarified with a research agency if the fee they will be giving me is a monthly retainer or not (even if I don't have projects). Yes it is. Yehey. I have money to pay for my medicines. Answered prayer. Thank You, Lord!

Nothing's good on TV these days. That's why I've been reading a book instead. On mystery stories. Nice but I miss James Patterson, Mary Higgins Clark and the like.

Mom is back from the hospital. She had yet another procedure on her bladder. She's "stone-prone".

The mom of yet another batchmate died recently of cancer. Parents of people my age are dying. Lord, please don't take my mom just yet. I need her.

Okay, that's about it. I'm hungry. I guess I will eat the leftover tofu from Max's that my son brought home.

Here's a pretty picture.


Monday, April 11, 2011

One Down, Another to Follow

I'm done with the first of my two-part report. I am working on Part 2, which is easier.

It's past 6 pm. I have a choice of continuing to work or watching television.

I will see first what's showing.

Last night, I watched the Binibining Pilipinas Pageant. My choices did not make it to the finals. Means I am a poor judge of beauty. Ha ha.

Forgot to relate a funny story. One time when I was not feeling well, my mom took my temperature using the new digital thermometer she got from Citibank Rewards. She was wondering why my temp remained normal at 37.

When mom showed the thermometer to family members, turned out there was a sticker with 37 on it! Ha ha.


Saturday, April 9, 2011

Almost There

I am working on a two-part report. I am almost done with Part 1. Whew!

I am officially closing shop for the day.

It's dinner time. I will eat Chooks chicken again. (My sister and niece brought some for lunch and there was some leftover chicken. It tastes good! No need for sauce, as advertised.)

Later, I am looking forward to watching a movie on television. I hope there's something nice.

The family is planning a summer outing. Beach with swimming pool. I can't swim but I sure will enjoy the fresh air for a change. And the company, of course.

It's been ages since I last went to the beach. Yahoo!


Wednesday, April 6, 2011

A Vivid Dream

Last night, I had a vivid dream...of one of my former boyfriends. Let's call him Joey (not his real name).

We were in a sort of round room, big enough for a small audience. There was an on-the-spot dance contests and Joey and I were the first contestants. I apologized for not being able to dance well - my back ached.

There was a tray of all sort of products that can be sprayed on. They were shouting to the judges to use a spray on Joey's thing so that it will swell. But I said, "No, just give him something that would make him smell good." Then, I woke up.

Joey is my second boyfriend. But he hurt me emotionally because he "three-timed" me. The other girls were a sexy girl with big boobs who danced well, the other was a pretty girl with long straight hair who later became a bit actress.

On Valentine's Day, Joey made me believe he still loved me because he brought me three red roses.

But then, I insisted that he bring me to their ball. (He was the president of one of the student organizations.) We ate at the presidential table. We had the first dance. Then suddenly, Ms. Sexy Girl became his partner and Joey's best friend became my partner.

Later, when I was on my way to the ladies' room, Joey was on the phone with the other pretty girl who baked him some brownies.

It was Joey's friend who brought me home.

It was the most embarrassing night of my life!

But I'm 50 now. I think I dreamt that dream because it's a sign that I should forgive everyone who has hurt me in the past.

So Joey, wherever you are, I forgive you. You were young then. Insecure as you said. I remember we already chatted in Facebook and asked for forgiveness. And I said then that I forgive you. The dream? It's just a reminder that there are other Joey's out there who need my forgiveness.

And I need to forgive myself, too, for all the people I have hurt. There are many.

World, forgive me! I am but human.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Shaky Fingers, Family Get-Together

I'm working on a long report but my hands keep shaking! Hope it's not Parkinson's. I searched the net. It could just be tea. I've been drinking iced tea every afternoon while working. So I didn't drink any today. True enough. My hands became steadier.

Yesterday, we had another fun family get-together. It was for mom's birthday, our balikbayan cousin, and the graduates in the family. We will have another get-together for the other April birthday celebrants.

Food was simple - sushi/maki, Pancit Malabon, chicken inasal, chicken salad, manggang hilaw with bagoong, buco pie, and mais con hielo. There was picture taking as our cousin, Karen, brought her camera.

Funny, I wore an old pair of shoes. Before I knew it, parts of the sole started to come off! Pieces were scattered all over the floor!

My niece is asking help in doing her paper. She will come over on Wednesday. I'm proud of her! Her grade average is that of summa cum laude. So she was able to get a scholarship abroad for a year.

A research agency is finally signing me on starting April 1. Maybe they have work for me already. Yehey. I do need regular work.



Friday, April 1, 2011

A Great Day...

It's April Fool's Day. It has been a great day so far, and it's not over yet!

We were early for our presentation. The car got fixed so we didn't have to take a cab.

I started with "It's April 1. Happy April Fool's Day everyone". Of course, the audience laughed. But as usual, my hands were shaking at the start. Shortly later, I was much more relaxed and was able to answer the questions.

The top executive said "That was very good! Thank you!" and that made all the efforts and troubles worth while.

Since it is mom's birthday, we ate at our favorite restaurant, Sushi-Ya in Tomas Morato. We ordered bento box. Mom had pork teriyaki and I ordered sukiyakidon (thinking of the soup, but that meant rice topping if you have a "don"). I ate green tea ice cream. Not bad.

Mom was tired she went to sleep. (She is still sleeping now.)

I wasn't sleepy. I decided to reward myself by coloring in two of my coloring books. One was a picture of a pretty princess on a boat. The other was on a display of cakes, candy canes, and pastries. What fun!

Now, I have a choice of doing some work, listening to music, watching TV, reading...

Oh well, a great day and it ain't over yet!