Madd World

Something scary happened to me Friday morning.  I am a normally light sleeper.  I was awakened by something a little after 3am.  I couldn’t go back to sleep so I decided to read–my usual trashy romance novel with a macho latin hero.  :   )  It took a few hours for me to feel sleepy again–by then it was 6:45 (I checked the clock).

This is where it gets strange.  As I was drifting off to sleep, I could feel something happening to me. I could feel myself leaving my body.  I sat up and turned around to see my body still lying down. 

To make matters worse, I saw a male figure dressed in a black cloak standing beside my bed.  I felt like he was trying to draw me out of my body. I could not move.  I could not breathe.

My body was frozen but my mind was screaming. I started praying the "Our Father" but it was difficult.  I could not seem to finish it and had to keep starting again.  While I was trying to pray, I could see the dark figure pacing at the foot of the bed.

It seemed like hours before I was able to break free from that "spell".  I woke up and saw that only 6 minutes had passed since I dozed off.  What had just happened?  The Filipinos would attribute it to bangungot.

I really do not know what it is.  All that I know is that I was scared.  That dark figure  lurking by my bed was pure evil.  I have had many experiences with this feeling of temporary paralysis–although, without the dark figure–when I was in college and living at home in Angeles. 

My sister and I shared a room but she was going to college in Ateneo so I had the room to myself.  There were weeks when I fought off sleep because I would get these attacks every single night.  I spoke to someone (I forget who it was) about this and they told me what I had to do.

I was told that because my sister’s bed was not being slept in, "something" was occupying her bed.  All that I needed to do was to put stuff on the bed so that it would not be slept on.  So I did it, I put books and other things on the bed.  You may think this is crazy, or that I may even be crazy, but, it really worked!

It may all sound like a bunch of hocus-pocus mumbo-jumbo.  But for me it was real and I had to live through it every night. I may be a result of being superstitious but, it was a relief to have those dreams come to a stop. 

Do I believe in restless, wandering souls?  Absolutely, YES.  I have never seen a ghost but that does not mean that they do not exist.  I have heard, from credible people that I trust, that they have had experiences with the "other" world.  For the record, I hope that I never see one!

I have mentioned this before in a previous post.  I believe that the  souls of all those that have gone on before us are out there.  How else are we able to still feel their presence long after they have gone?  We all just manage to coexist peacefully–or, maybe, not so peacefully, in this instance–together. 

So what about that dark lurking figure that I saw?  Was it all a dream or did it really happen?  I don’t know.  I just hope that he does not come by again.  I’m just glad that he did not have a sickle with him and that I am still here to tell you all about it.

Until next time.  Take care.

This past week was really wonderful for me since school has started.  I finally got the peace and quiet back.  Screaming and shouting have left the building—or so I thought.  The district where we live celebrates the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah.  This means that Gabby does not have classes for two days—Thursday and Friday.

Today started off in grand style.  Ally found one of Gabby’s long forgotten toys and Gabby decided she needed it the minute she saw it.  As a result a screaming match ensued.  Vic and I were not even out of bed yet.  It all went down hill from there. 

Why is it that these two girls cannot get along?!  Could it be because of their five year age gap?  I really don’t think so.  My sister and brother also had a 5 year gap and they did not quarrel like this!  What shall I do?!  Supernanny, where are you?!! 

I wonder what the return policy is on them.  Do you think that I could get a full refund at the store if I can find my receipt?   Why do kids not come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee?!  :  )

If only parenting could be that easy.  Hopefully, they will eventually grow out of it and love each other the way sisters are supposed to.  I’ll keep my fingers crossed.  Other than their constant bickering, they are really wonderful kids. 

Thank you for taking the time out to read about my issues.  Until next time.  Take care.

Before I start, I would just like to make a point that these "observations" are just that, observations.  Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. :  )  In plain English, Vic was not my guinea pig for this "study".  (Vic, does that make you feel better, now? )  I would also like to add that I know that not all men are created equal.  :  )

The first on my list is the disgusting habit of picking their nose.  It does not matter where they are, who they are with or what they are doing.  They just do it.  You can see this more prominently when you are stuck in traffic.  If you take the time to look around, you’ll be sure to find someone "reaching for the gold".

The second is their disgusting ability to "pass gas" anywhere, regardless of who is around them.  They are shameless! Then they try to pass the blame on to someone else–like….the dog.

The third would be their ability to go to the bathroom and take care of their business without washing their hands afterwards.  Ughhhhh!  I do not even want to think about it!

Another would be their ability to drink straight out of a soda bottle—or any bottle, for that matter—without finishing the contents and having the next unsuspecting person pour a drink for themselves from that same bottle.  Yuck!  Cooties!!!  (I actually saw someone do this at a party!  I went to the table after he drank and threw out the bottle.) 

I’m not sure if this qualifies, but, another is their disgusting ability to tune things out.  They can only focus on one thing at a time.  Let’s say, for example. they are watching TV.  They are unable, because of the circuitry in their brains, to hear anything else other than what they are watching.  I find this disgusting! 

Why are women capable of hearing everything?  Does that mean out circuitry in our brains are far more superior than that of our male counterparts?  :  )  Thank you, Lord!

Okay.  I am done with my male bashing.  Should any of you feel the need to comment, object, support, or add on to this list, please feel free to do so.  I look forward to it.  :  )

Until next time.  Take care.

P.S.

This post is a result of one of Vic’s "light bulb" moments. 

Today is the sixth anniversary of the day that has changed all of our lives.  It has left an indelible mark that will always enable us to always remember what we were doing and who we were with, when we heard about the events unfolding in New York, Washington, DC and Pennsylvania.

We were still living in Guam.  It was after 11 pm and I was getting ready for bed when I decided to turn on the TV and see what was happening on CNN.  The first plane had just struck the tower and it was making the headlines.  I was actually watching when the second plane flew around and struck the second tower.  Like everyone else, I could not understand what I was seeing. 

I was completely stunned with all that was happening.  I could not comprehend how this could happen.  As I watched the towers collapse one by one, my only thoughts were with the people who were trapped inside the buildings.  I cannot imagine the fear and desperation that they must have felt.  Some were so desperate that they felt that they had no other choice but to jump from whatever floor that they were on.

Having been to the World Trade Center in 1992, seeing it crumble was totally unimaginable.  Those two towers were massive.  It was just incredible to see them fall apart like they were nothing but match sticks.   

This was a large scale office building.  Practically everything in the building was pulverized.   How can two sky scrapers be reduced to rubble and dust?   The impact of this collapse also disintegrated the bodies of those who were unable to escape.  I just hope that their deaths were instantaneous and without any pain.

I was working for the airlines when this happened.  It was an unprecedented event for the FAA to shut down all of the US airspace to any and all traffic.  Knowing the events that led to the destruction, that was a very wise move.

We moved to New Jersey in January 2002, four months after September 11.  After all that we had seen and heard, we needed to pay our respects to those who lost their lives at Ground Zero.  To know that over two thousand people died in this one spot leaves me with a great sense of loss. 

I would like to share some pictures that were taken at Ground Zero. I found two pictures taken before the towers fell.  It should give some perspective as to just how tall these buildings really were.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them, may they rest in peace….

Until next time.  Take care.

Taken in Jersey City 1995

At Liberty State Park 1997.  I was pregnant with Gabby.

                                                                   
This pile of dust was taken from the site of the building collapse.

The gaping hole is where the towers once stood.

Visitors were leaving tributes for those who died.

This cross was found in the rubble.

The memorial lights.  They were placed where the towers should be standing.

As we were driving into New York today, I noticed the beginnings of fall.  The past few days have been fairly warm but, still, mother nature has already started to change her colors.  You can see peeks of color in some of the trees.  In about a month’s time the green leaves will be history.

Of all the four seasons, my absolute favorite is fall.  The foliage is spectacular.  I love the colors.  You have the bright reds, shocking oranges, brilliant yellows and the rust browns.  When you go up into the mountains, or even just for a drive along the highways,  the colors can just take your breath away. 

Fall is a great time for nature walks.  The summer heat is gone and the air has that crisp, clean feel to it.  It is a great time to be outdoors if even just to sit and enjoy the colors around you. 

Another thing that I find enjoyable about the fall are the fallen leaves.  I love the sound of walking on crackling dried leaves.  I find it very relaxing to listen to the crunching of the leaves as they are being stepped on.

Enjoying fall is a truly sensory experience.  You can see the colors, feel the leaves, hear the sounds, and smell the air.  You will be left with the feeling of appreciation for the beauty that God has given to us through His creation.  I’m looking forward to this annual treat.

Until next time.  Take care.

I don’t know if you heard about the Mega Millions jackpot for last week which was $330 million.  I planned to buy some tickets but, I never got around to it.  There were four winning tickets in four separate states—Texas, Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey. 

I makes me happy to know that the winner from New Jersey was not another rich man.  In fact, the first thing that he bought was a new pair of pants for the press conference.  I just love stories like this.  It’s like a fairy tale with a happily ever after ending.

He and his wife are retired and live in southern Jersey.  The one-time cash value of their prize is $48.6 million before paying 25% to Uncle Sam.  That is still a lot of money. 

There was another lucky lottery winner in the news today.  This man is a millionaire who is a US Representative.  Although he may have only won $1000, it is not something that he needs. 

He was born into the family that helped to build Kimberly-Clarke Corp–the very same one that makes Kleenex and Scott paper towels.  His recently reported net worth is at $11.6 million and yet he still spends $10 a week on lottery tickets.  Some people are just really lucky.

I wish that some of that luck would rub off on me.  I guess it would also help if I actually go out and buy some tickets.  I could have been that winner from New Jersey.  :  )  That would have been really nice.  Statistically, though, I would have better chances of winning if I wished upon a star….

Until next time.  Take care.

“Our life is what our thoughts make it.”
              — Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher (121-180 A.D.)

I am a firm believer in the power of positive thinking.  If you walk around with a frown and are constantly complaining about something or another, your life is miserable.  If you go around thinking "happy" thoughts, you will be a more cheerful person with a positive outlook in life.

Did you ever notice that your mood rubs off on the people that you interact with?  Let me say, for example, while you are checking out at a store, you approach the cashier with a smile and a greeting.  She usually returns it in kind.  If you approach her without saying a thing, you also get nothing.   Which would you rather prefer?

A simple smile can unknowingly make a persons day.  It really does not cost you anything and it definitely does not hurt.  The rewards of that one action is returned in many ways.  The best reward is the "lift" that you feel in your heart when that smile is returned.  This leaves a "happy" feeling in the soul.

Positive thinking is reflected in ones life.  The energy that it generates can fuel all your actions in a positive way.  You are able to appreciate all that you have and all the beauty around you.  Be grateful for all that you have and try to focus on all the good that you see.  It truly makes a difference.

A friend passed this to me and now I would like to share The Secret  with you. 

Until next time.  Take care.

I am going to share with you today an essay that Gabby wrote in the 3rd grade.  I found out yesterday that she won 2nd place in the 3rd grade division with this essay.

The Mysterious Forest
Gabrielle    January 11, 2006

Sarah was thinking about how difficult it would be to identify Snowflake in the snow.  Suddenly, Sarah saw two transparent blue butterflies.  They started buzzing around as if they wanted her to follow them.  So she did, and she dragged her little brother along.  The butterflies led them to Snowflake!  She barked loudly.  After that, the mysterious butterflies led them back home.

Great job, Gabby!  We are very proud of you! 

Until next time.  Take care.

I would like to share an inspirational story that I heard when we went to mass last Sunday.

In 1953 reporters gathered  at a Chicago railway station waiting to meet the 1952 Nobel Peace  Prize winner.
          

He was a big man,  six-feet-four tall with bushy hair and a large mustache.          

Reporters were excited to see him and expressed what an
honor it was meet him. Cameras were flashing, compliments were being
expressed—but seeing beyond the adulation the visitor noticed an
elderly African-American woman struggling to carry her two large suitcases.          

"Excuse me," he said as he went to the aid of this
woman. Picking up her cases, he escorted her to a bus and then
apologized to the reporters for keeping them waiting.          

The man was Dr. Albert Schweitzer , the famous
missionary-doctor who had invested his life helping poor and sick
people in Africa.          

A member of the reception  committee remarked to one of the reporters, "That’s the first time I ever  saw a sermon walking."         
The measure of any man or  woman is not their name, their fame, nor what they say—but what they do.

This story is a lesson in true humility.  I believe this is a standard that we should all strive to reach. I read Dr. Schweitzer’s autobiography years ago.  He was a great man dedicated to helping the less fortunate.

Until next time.  Take care.

Young people are in a condition like permanent intoxication, because youth is sweet and they are growing.
Aristotle (384 BC - 322 BC), ‘Nicomachean Ethics’

Looking through my friend list, I see that more than half of you have known me for at least 16 years or more.  (If it helps to figure it out, I’ve been married for over 16 years.)  I had an idea for one of my future postings and I needed to find some pictures.  In doing this, I found some other pictures for this posting. 

For all of you who are over 30 (and willingly admit it!), you will understand the meaning of "fleeting youth".  I know, it seems like only yesterday when we were all teenagers in our physical prime.  Now we can all see and feel the effects of father time.  We are still a long way from being senior citizens but, rest assured, the true teenagers think that we are already there!

On my trip down memory lane, I found these pictures which I would like to share with you.

These pictures were taken during my college days at UP Diliman.  I had a blast in those days.  I was finally free to be able to spread my wings.  It was during my stay here that  Vic and I met.  :  )   It was really nice to be young. 

Here’s one more taken during an open house at my dorm. My two guardian angels watching over me–Vic and Snoopy  :  )

Until next time.  Take care.