What’s in a rolled thread?

Posted on September 4, 2008 by chrissaire

When I first started blogging, I had the idea structured in my head as to the subjects my blogs would contain.  I have been trying to be consistent on that goal, and that is to share to everyone my experiences here (in the United States) and synthesize it with the life that I once had in the Philippines.  And though there maybe times when my association with these two different worlds have been obscure, I assure you that I tried to at least find the perfect set of words to grasp my goal.

Minute things happen to me day by day.  And I am fully aware that it is in those small details of my experience that gave me deep appreciation of life.

Last night, after finishing a glass of water I started to have hiccups.  Until then I could not really explain why it occurred.  I was just reminded that during those times when my siblings and I were growing up and one of us had it, our Nanay (Mother) would roll a loose thread from her clothes, moisten it and put it on our forehead.  As a child I thought it was the real cure.  But as I grew older I began to appreciate it to be just a superstition.

And when Dad noticed my hiccups last night, he suggested that I should take the deepest breath that I could make and hold it for as long as I can.  And true enough, hiccups were gone.  But when I asked him where he learned the technique, he told me he just learned it along the way as he at some point tried to get rid of such an annoying occurrence.

In the eMedical Health website it explained that hiccups occur in relation to eating and drinking.  It is sometimes thought to be a reflex to protect one from choking.  When you eat too much (especially fatty foods) or drink too much, you will get hiccups.  If you eat too fast, you can swallow air along with your food and end up with a case of the hiccups too.

See, with just a simple subject on hiccups science is shattered with superstition on the other hand, and an effective practice on the other.  As much as I was really impressed at how effective Dad’s advice was, I still am fascinated with the superstition that Nanay applied on us.  Maybe I should call her today and ask her.  Maybe by now she can already explain where that rolled thread came from.

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An American Experience

Posted on September 3, 2008 by chrissaire

I remember what my younger sister used to say to me.  She told me on one occasion when she was still living in Jacksonville that for almost two years that she has been in the United States, she was not fully convinced that she was already in the United States.  That shook my thought too.  And I realized that I feel the same way.  For someone who traveled across the Pacific Ocean to settle down in the United States, our idea of America is parallel with a fast-paced life.  And shallow as it may sound, but the only way for me to be truly convinced that I am already here is when I see the Lady Liberty, or if I take a pose outside The White House, or if get the chance to stroll down Hollywood.  Truly I was not living the American life, until last Sunday.

It was Dad’s idea- his invitation and his treat.  He has been dying to see the Tampa Bay Rays’ game in person.  And as for me, although I only know a little about the sport of Baseball I just couldn’t let that invitation pass me by.

rays21 300x240 An American ExperienceSo there we were outside the Tropicana Field- lined up to claim our tickets that we purchased online.  Outside the stadium was filled with people despite a gloomy and windy weather brought about by Gustav.  And even when we were just walking towards the venue, jostling streams of people were also marching in.  In Cebu, we could only have that exodus during the feast of the Sto. Nino and the Sinulog Celebration.

I tried to savor the experience as I could.  This is an American experiencerays1 300x240 An American Experience that I only see in the movies (remember how Juliane started flirting with Michael in the stadium in the movie My Best Friend’s Wedding?).  The next thing I knew, I was already taking the last few steps leading me to our seats.  And that very first time that I looked up and realized that I was already inside this vast dome (it’s an indoor stadium) with seats and a huge field, I was absorbed by my own American thought.

It was indeed amazing.  The stadium was filled with jamming crowd who clapped, yelled, cheered and booed when called for.  It was like being in a big children’s party.  There were mascots dancing or racing around the field every breaks.  They play different music for each and every Rays’ player who was about to bat.  And like in Cebu (and the Philippines) there were also vendors.  Cotton candy for four dollars.  Roasted peanuts for five.  And then, once you buy soda it will be in a Rays tumbler.  Then Chris also bought ice cream- one that truly proved Americans’ ingenuity.  By mere looking at it, you are looking at tiny balls of white and mint green.  All three of us agreed it looked like tiny bits of styrofoam.  And it was placed in a plastic Rays baseball cap.  Isn’t that cool or what?

rays31 300x200 An American ExperienceTampa Rays vs. Baltimore Orioles.  That was the game.  But I went there not just to watch the game.  I was there to enjoy an American experience.  No doubt Major League Baseball is part of an American lifestyle.  I cheered, clapped and dance along with the crowd.  I am not an American.  But since we breathe the same air and I just enjoyed being with them, I have to say that such an experience became an affirmation that indeed I am already in the United States.

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Down the Road

Posted on August 30, 2008 by chrissaire

In this economic crisis that the United States is facing, people have tried their best to shift to a lifestyle far different than their norm.  In this side of the world where having a car is a necessity and vacationing is a way of life, the high price of gas is truly a burden and a compelling reason to make sacrifices.

In our household alone, everytime I am called for a part-time job, I take the bus.  Working for five hours on a job that pays seventeen dollars an hour, I have only invested a dollar and fifty for my fare.  And this morning- after several weeks of convincing, finally my husband gave in and decided to ride his (road) bike to work.  It took alot of persuasion and in turn I got alot of procrastination.  On his part, it also was not easy.  The trip would be a long twelve miles.  And ever since we got our new car, he had been very complacent on our gas budget after learning that this minivan that gives us too much space and comfort actually had a better gas mileage than our old Infiniti.  But then came an opportunity.  I just laid down an effective bargain.  Finally I had found his waterloo (to watch Batman again only when he rides his bike).

For some other people there’s carpooling.  The first time I heard about that was from my sister in the Netherlands.  Her husband- together with his colleagues organized a carpooling as their everyday means of going to work.

But if there is one means that amazes me the most, it is SLUGGING.  Started in the 70′s and most common and publicized in Washington D.C., this casual or informal carpooling is basically like hitchhiking.  Only that in this case, they have designated slug lines which are open during rush hours in the morning and in the afternoon.  And just like hitchhiking, slugging is free.  In turn, passengers must also observe unofficial rules to the arrangement like, no eating of drinking inside the car, driver has full control over the radio, no opening of windows unless all passengers approve.  Briefly stated, the value of being considerate should be possessed- after all, this is a win-win situation for both parties.  Drivers can gain friends along the way, passengers get a free and more comfortable ride to work.  Drivers will have access to High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes thus making their trips faster, while passengers will not be late for work.

The soaring gas price is truly a burden.  On the other side, it is also a test that brings out the best of a person judging on our response to the circumstance.  Taking the bus makes us feel self-reliant and independent on cars.  Riding the bike is a good work-out (but just practice all necessary caution like wearing a helmet on your ride).  Carpooling and slugging expands our acquaintances and improves our sense of consideration.  Indeed, this crisis is a pain in the neck.  But it also enables us to realize how far we can go in being a good person to ourselves and to others.  This is a test of our priority and character down the road.

***more information on slugging at www.slug-lines.com

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One Spring

Posted on August 27, 2008 by chrissaire

She was my Gardenia…my tiny flower whose beauty is reflected especially from the pureness of her heart.  In her most solitary days, she brought tranquility to the limited hours that I spent with her.

I met her in a time when the sun’s warmth was just too perfect to be allowed to embrace one’s whole being… at a time when squirrels’ agility were at its peak to climb up and down the trees… when flowers bloomed so magnificently, either dancing with the breeze or at times just looking up for another gulp of rain from the sky.  Yes, I met her at the start of Spring.

Fragile, sitted almost curled to her wheeled-chair- my heart was instantly drawn to this petite lady.  She had the shiny gray hair reflecting the milestone of her age.  Most of the time she had her eyes closed, but she would always maintain a constant smile on her face- giving me a hint that she is paying attention to me.  In between the silence of her company, I would be mused by her natural expression like “oh boy.”

Our friendship was an instant click.  Her natural sense of humor compliments with my inherent comtemplative view on life.  She was the ninety-five year old lady who has gone past the prime of her life.  Someone who at some point had felt the world just passed her by and that God had just forgotten her.  I was the twenty-nine year old lass who has yet to see what life has to offer.  A rookie in the race for endeavor here in the United States and perhaps one who sometimes became impatient of what the future lies.

We had tackled our differences in all our garden walks before and after lunch.  We found each other like a puzzle that made us complete.  I for one had seen the world through her.  And I saw it in a rather beautiful apparition.

Here she was, twenty-five years without a husband….seen the death of her friends and relatives…..and buried two of her children.  The earth had already captured ennumerable sunrises and sunsets- all these she had witnessed.  Changes happen minute after minute.  And all these were unfolded before her very eyes.  In her ninety-five years, everything was like a fleeting bubble.  People like time were like water that she tried to grasp in her palm.  In our talks, she longed to be just like that water- to be flown in the current to mortality.

Then came one Saturday, in her dim room she felt the comfort that she was not forgotten.  Her throat was finally satisfied with the thirst-quenching drop of her last wish.  It was her time.  In her fading breath, there she was laying on her bed one warm April afternoon…when the flowers were still fresh and the squirrels were still playing.  God took her before the spring ended.

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Eternal Slumber

Posted on August 27, 2008 by chrissaire

It was a rather lonely drive back home- especially for Mom.  She was still with us twenty minutes ago, covered in a pale brown blanket I wrapped her around my arms as her head tried to manage to stick out to the open window of the car to sniff what could have been her last inhale of the breeze.  And now I am sitted empty-handed on the passenger seat and the towel, crumpled to the backseat.

Angel is gone.  At around 9:32 this morning, Mom and I took her to her last trip to the Vet’s clinic after a series of recurring seizures in a week.  She was 17 years old, and had lived a beautiful life- more for her masters than herself.  She lived the longest life of all the dogs the family has had.  She witness the turnabouts of the family and just stayed with Mom when the latter’s children had to leave the house.  Angel was her bestfriend…and she embraced such responsibility and enjoyed just being that way.

Then after ennumerable seizures in the last three years of her seventeen years in life; Mom, Dad and Chris agreed to put her to sleep and end her suffering.  So this morning, with her vet and nurse, Mom held her in her arms and she was calm.  When her doctor finally found her veins and injected her an overdose of anesthesia, Angel’s breath faded until she was gone.

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Fulfilling Trip

Posted on August 27, 2008 by chrissaire

scat 225x300 Fulfilling TripYesterday afternoon I took the bus to meet Christian at Super Target down University Parkway.  And since the distance from Siesta Key to my destination is about 12.4 miles and there is no direct bus route from my place to Target, then I had to endure two bus trips.  I don’t mind that at all.  Since I started commuting last April I have always enjoyed my time in the bus- be it long or brief.  And in this case, I sat on the bus for approximately 63 minutes.

Taking the bus for me is fulfilling.  I was so happy the very first time I sat on a bench waiting for my bus ride.  In that well-paved sidewalk on the side of Beach Road, I felt like I was in one of those American movies.  I savored the moment of sitting there alone with a grin painted across  my face as I realized that I was there on time.  I was anxious.  Waiting can be worthwhile too.  And once I saw the bus at a distance, anxiety evolved into ecstasy.  Finally here it comes!

Taking the bus gave me that sense of independence.  Since I learned and acquired the guts to travel all by myself, I felt that I am not tied up to something.  I didn’t have to depend on my husband’s schedule just so he can drive me.  I felt self-reliant.  I can go wherever I want to as long as I have my three quarters (good for one ride) with me.  I became at home.  With the bus, I have established a connection to the city where I am living.  I felt comfortable because I feel like everyone I meet is my friend.

scat1 300x225 Fulfilling TripApart from the inner gratification, taking the bus is also a good thing for our budget.  If not for this public transport, either Mom or Dad (or Chris, when he is not working) would be compelled to drive me somewhere.  But because taking the bus is a very sound option, I still enjoyed the comfort of an aircondition like I am in my own car without having to worry about spending too much on expensive gas.

Here in Sarasota, we have SCAT or Sarasota County Area Transit.  With the economy in crisis, I noticed that the county took an extra mile to improve its services.  Although in some routes like Bus 11 here in Siesta Key bus only comes every hour, still we are pampered to have a new hybrid bus at our convenience.  These and all other buses used by the county are all elderly and disabled accessible.  Also, bike racks are situated in front of the buses for those people who take their bikes to commute.  And if a person will be taking a connecting ride and he is scared that he cannot catch the next bus because of just a short time differential, then all he has to do is approach the driver and inform him of his connecting bus.  The driver in his part will contact the other bus driver so they can both make trip adjustments.

I am sure this is not just in Sarasota.  Local governments are aware that public transport is a way to go to lessen the number of cars running on the road.  They know that this is a good alternative to driving ones own car.  But then again, just here in Sarasota still not a big number of people are taking the bus.  Whatever their reasons are, it all has something to do with priority and sacrifice.  And if you are to ask me, these people lost alot.  They’d abdicated their chance of saving dollars on gas…possible friendships that could have been…and awareness that truly it is possible to live without a car once in a while.

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Conquering Asia

Posted on August 26, 2008 by chrissaire

michael v on cover of reader s dige Conquering AsiaOn old man in a Barong Tagalog posed for Reader’s Digest Asia this September.  The picture isn’t really one of his nice shots.  With his face covered with wrinkles, and a smile that’s barely there, who would expect that he would make it to the famous magazine, more so be the cover.  But judge not the face…. for such is part of his many masks.

Yes, the person that you will be seeing in the cover of Reader’s Digest Asia is no other than the multi-talented… and multi-faceted Michael V.  You heard it right guys!  This gifted comedian has spread his horizon adding another feather on his cap.

In the Philippines, he is an effective funny-man in the longest-running Gagshow, Bubblegang.  He also hosted the Philippines counterpart of America’s Funniest Home Videos titled Bitoy’s Funniest Videos, Yari Ka!  He has ennumerable tv ads and has been one of the effective product endorsers in the country.  As a comedian, his antics are both witty and funny.  Whichever side you are in the spectrum (of the Philippine television)…whether you are a Kapuso or a Kapamilya, both sides would agree that Bitoy is undoubtedly one of the funniest, if not the funniest comedians in Philippine showbizness.

And now, as the cover of Reader’s Digest Asia he has proven that he is capable of conquering Asia with his unique humor.  This is just the start of another milestone in his life… a wider scope for him to victimize.  Yari ka!

***Michael V. aka Bitoy is only the Second Filipino after Former Pres. Aquino to be put in the cover of Readers’ Digest Asia

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Born on the 25th of August

Posted on August 26, 2008 by chrissaire

cid 275 300x240 Born on the 25th of AugustWhen I was in Elementary, I took so much joy of the fact that I had another classmate celebrating her birthday as mine.  She was a rich girl.  And every year her parents would bring foods (including ice cream and cake) in time for our recess.  So at the end of the day I would wind-up with a birthday treat and my classmates would be too full to even remember asking me for a treat.

Then as I grow old and left my old school (and my rich classmate), I took pride in being born on the same day as Sean Connery.  In my head I thought I was also destined for greatness.  As is written in the stars, Virgo people- like this famous guy, has the character, the looks and the intelligent.  Must be that the person who wrote that was also a Virgo that is why he did not leave any room for imperfection as far as describing what Virgo people would be like.

Then as I grew older, I started to search for more people who were born on the 25th of August.  I thought that if I would know one or two people with the same birthdate as me, it would be easy for us to be comfortable with each other’s company because we were born under the same sign.  Just like how people with the same religion can get along very well.  And as it turned out, my search was not futile.  There was this guy born on the same day.  Accomplished and intelligent, just like what the sign said.  We became more  close when we realized that we share the same birthday.  He became my instant big brother, until now.  Then there was this girl, few years younger than me.  Beautiful and captivating.  She too was born on the same day.

And the list came on and on…..

Supermodel, Claudia Schiffer

Actor, Blair Underwood

Celebrity Cook, Rachel Ray

As for me, who just turned 30 yesterday I have yet to realize my being a true-blue Virgo.  I have yet to prove that I have the character that can make other people’s lives worthwhile…. intelligence, that will allow me to go places…. and beauty, that radiants from my inner self and will reflect to the outside.  Whew!  Now I am feeling the pressure of being a Virgo.

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After Leaving the WaterCube

Posted on August 26, 2008 by chrissaire

mikephelps 300x201 After Leaving the WaterCubeI had never missed any of his swimming competition in Beijing.  Not that I was already a fan.  I was not.  He’s had advertisements for NBC in relation to the Olympics coverage, and that’s when I first saw him.  I thought he was going to be like some other young athletes who would just come and go.  I thought he was just one rich kid pursuing a goal he desired after being bored of having a life made for him.

Even before his first final competition started, the media- like an oracle had already anticipated an 8 gold medals around his neck. And since the cable network had the swimming competition covered and televised live unlike basketball, then I was drawn to the current of the pool leading me to cheer for Michael Phelps.

It was not during his first race even.  Back then I thought it should be easy for him to win that race since he was the record holder in the pool.  And true enough, in the midst of a cheering crowd where everyone came equal he lived up to all expectations.  And then came the 4x100m freestyle relay.  It was, in a single word- amazing.  The whole time I was standing infront of my television set cheering and yelling just like what Phelps was doing for his teammate Jason Lezak.  Right there and then, I knew that this guy- 23 years of age… seven years younger than me, deserves the worldwide admiration.  Deserves my respect.

Over a week now since he materialized his eight-gold medal goal, people are still talking about him. After the closing of the Olympics, Michael Phelps is still all over the place.  I for one still has my admiration for him intact.  It will never go away now.  His competition laid down moral lessons and values that any person can use even after leaving the Water Cube.  I for one am impressed at how he handled all the pressure in the competition.  I am awed by his humility amidst the success and popularity that he has right now.  In all his interviews he never said anything negative toward his competitors- be it the French Alain Bernard or the Aussie Ian Thorpe.  He took remarks- especially negative ones, to his own advantage.  It fires him.  But most of all, I am amazed at how he values his family.  He takes pride in being a loving son who would search for his Mom in the middle of the crowd everytime he finished a race.  In that Olympic week when the whole world was watching he stood up as an example of a good American son any son (or daughter) should have been.

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They Are Someone Else’s…

Posted on August 22, 2008 by chrissaire

In the midst of economic difficulty here in the United States where finding a job that is in-line with your profession is nothing but a test of patience and endurance, my path brought me to a place that I’d never expected… even in my wildest dreams.

I am born squeamish.  And nobody can alter that.  But in the last four months that I had been working as a companion of an elderly, that part of my personality never occurred to me.  Of course, my good friend who is a Certified Nursing Assistant have always been very kind and considerate in assigning me to a rather easy case.  But there is no easy case when you are dealing of the elderly.

Of course, I worked mostly as their companion- in the real sense of the word.  Take them to a stroll.  Sit with them over breakfast or lunch.  Or stay on their bedside when they are taking a nap.  But this people are just so fragile.  To me, they are as delicate as a new-born.  They have already gone past the prime of their lives… and they just live by their schedules, living life as they come.

Four months back, and even until now I look forward to the days that I get to spend with my old “friends”.  I cherish those times when I can hold their hands, and they are warm.  I wouldn’t trade the satisfaction in my heart brought about by their smiles when they are pleased with what I did for them.  I enjoyed the company of their stories- learning from the people who have witnessed the world that I can only imagine in black and white.

And then I have the sincerity of their friendship. One evening, when I was about to say goodbye to Clarence- my 100 year old friend, I leaned over to where he was sitting.  I gave him a hug and he embraced me asking, “when will I get to see you again?”  That just crushed me.  And with a dried throat I reassured him that I will be back.  Here is a man, clinging on with a score of his life.  Walking down the hallway I knew that was the first and the last, as I was only filling-in for somebody.

Of course, I get paid with the work that I did.  But work and money is just second.  To me, what I am doing right now (although I know is going to be temporary until I will be accepted for an office job) is a calling.  A vocation.  More than just reporting for work and counting the hours earned, I know I am doing something for this people not even their own family members can do.  Not because they can’t, but because they don’t want.

Right now, I live in a world away from my family.  Whenever I see this people I always remind myself that apart from doing them a favor, I am doing myself a favor.  In the gamut of distance that I cannot take care of my parents, I live watching over someone else’s.  Is it wrong?  It is not.  I live and work with my whole heart.  With a pat.  A smile.  This I would do as if they are my own.

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