Bliss

Last week, I was very privileged to witness what heaven might feel like-- twice! Two celebrations of love— one happening a day after the other.

The Return

My sister, G, and her husband were ecstatic. 

Their “hijo unico”, P,  was on a one-month long vacation from his US base job.  And they made sure to pull out all the stops to guarantee the best ever one month visit for P.

Travels to the provinces were their favorite form of bonding as a family.  And travel they did.  It was like old times:  my brother-in-law’s keen interest on 4-wheel driving, my nephew’s love for photography and my sister’s adventurous spirit made for the perfect vacation and bonding experience. 

Naturally, Cebu made it in their bucket list.  My nephew had to check out the whale sharks of Oslob (a first for him), had to get his fill on steamed fried rice (his all-time Cebu craving), and  had to give my mother a tight hug (or else!). 

Part 2: A July Marian Pilgrimage

“Do we still have time?”, my Tita J asked.

“Yes, Tita.”  I answered. “We still have two hours. The mass does not start until 6PM and we are close by.”

“Then let’s proceed to Q Park.” Tita J requested.

Part 1: A July Marian Pilgrimage

Ever since I organized an outing to Busay for my mother and her sisters (The Road to Happiness), they now eagerly anticipate the next adventure. 

Knowing how much happiness the simple trip brought to  my senior travel group, I committed to come up with at least one activity a month for them.

After our excursions in May to the gardens of Busay along the transcentral highway of Cebu, I arranged an afternoon of ballroom dancing for June. I contacted my mom’s elderly DI (dance instructor) who we have known for the last 30 years or so.  Although 60 years of age, the DI managed to out-dance us all.  My mother, her sisters and the house staff twirled their cares away in the tiny living room of my mom’s house.  Of course, making it doubly fun was the merienda spread of native delicacies: bico, bibingka, bud-bud with mangoes and tsokolate, and empanada.

SYT: Save Your Teeth

I am scared of many things-- real and imagined. And visiting the dentist is in my top ten list of scary stuff.  But like death and taxes, visits are inevitable since losing a tooth is definitely more scarier.

When I finally got the nerve, I made a dental appointment for last Wednesday morning.  I was overdue for my annual dental appointment and the knowledge made me edgy.  Will the dentist find a cavity or two? Will I undergo a terribly painful procedure?

Can You Still Hear the Birds?

Every so often, I would find myself standing on the balcony of my mother’s hilltop home.  Sometimes I would gaze out into the distant mountains or check out a bird perched on a branch with my binoculars.  I am so fortunate that there are a variety of birds in the area. Why, just recently I spotted a Kokok (Philippine Coucal) moving from one branch to another of a pinetree outside my bedroom window. 

The Road to Happiness

The candles of my cousin’s birthday cake had been lit. After the birthday song was sang, the celebrant blew out the candles.  Good wishes were expressed and slices of cake passed around the table.

At the main table sat my mother, her two sisters, her cousins and a couple of nieces—me included. Over cups of coffee, the past was revisited. Of people long gone, of places close to the heart and road trips experienced. 

Staying Positive

My mom turned 79 early this year. With the celebration came the realization she would need more than her loyal home staff to manage her needs. Being retired and the most eligible among my siblings, I have taken on the task. And I have relocated to Cebu to manage as best as I can my mother’s affairs. 

I blogged about the mixed emotions my siblings, my friends and I go through when dealing with the care of a parent who, once was so independent, is now experiencing memory lapses. (The Quest ; Still Mommy; To Everything Turn Turn Turn).  A year ago, I would call her daily to check how things where. I also flew to Cebu at least four times a year to keep her company. And when she had to visit my siblings in the States, I would be her travel companion.

Getting Personal with Katy Perry

Yes, you read it right. 

It has become personal ever since that fateful May 7 evening when Katy Perry (KP) graced the stage at the Philippine Arena.

In the beginning, I was not sure that I would enjoy KP’s show.  After all, she and I are of a different era.  Yes, her songs are catchy but I never paid too much attention on the lyrics.  Besides, I noticed that her songs and most of today’s hits are better listened to than sang.  Too much vocal acrobatics.  Not the straight forward tunes of Carol King or the Carpenters… Opps, I am showing my era.

Be Cool- Final Story

Saturday.  

The continuation of our 3-day weekend adventures.

After some brainstorming with my kids, we finally agreed to continue with the relaxed pace of the previous day.   At the suggestion of my son, we booked a suite at Seven Suites Hotel in Antipolo for our overnight “stay-cation”.  A quick check on the internet confirmed that it had everything we were looking for: free wifi, air conditioning and a pool. Plus we were intrigued to check out the hotel’s claim of being the only hotel that had a powerful Sky-Watcher telescope and their very own in-house astronomer. 

Like yesterday, it was a late morning start.   The drinks we had the night before sure helped to ensure a restful night.

Beep, Beep.

I’ll be there in 30 minutes to pick you up.