Madd World

I’m sure that those of you out there who have children and/or spouses are very familiar with this term.  There are times when you just don’t know whether to laugh or cry at the absurdity of it all.  At times, it makes me want to scream in frustration. 

It just never ceases to amaze me how children can tune out their parents so easily.  They will only hear what they want to hear especially if the TV is on.  I can rant and rave all I want and no one will hear me.  I can be asking for help with something and there will still be no response.  All this changes the minute I mention a treat, like say, ice cream, then they all come running.   :  )

All this may sound amusing but, it is the truth.  In households where children live, this is a relatively frequent occurence.  You may want to take your child to their doctor to have their ears checked but, it will be a fruitless exercise.  The doctor may find a little ear wax but everything else will be in order.  What is a parent supposed to do?! 

This not only applies to children.  It also applies, in my case, to husbands.  All it takes is one good movie or show and, it is like, I am all alone in the house.    Quite honestly, I can’t complain about it too much because there is a good side to this. 

Can you keep a secret?    Huwag ‘nyo ako ibuking, okay?  These are the moments when I get to enjoy some peace and quiet.  What keeps them all so occupied, leaves me with some free time to enjoy my trashy novels.  Isn’t that just so divine?   :  )

Thank goodness for TV.  Don’t tell my mom I said that.  ;  ) 

Until next time.  Take care.

I do not know about you but, I hate when I hear young people having a simple conversation and every other word that comes from their mouths is a  "bad" word.  I would just love to wash their mouths out with soap.  This may be another sign that I am not as young as I used to be. :  )   I cannot help but wonder if their parents know that they talk like that and permit it. 

No matter how much I try to protect my children from hearing the use of this type of language, there is no getting away from it.  Whenever we go out, and a group of kids are hanging out together, we hear it. 

I can think of only one instance, a few years ago, that left me quite impressed.   It was totally unexpected because it completely shattered a commonly preconceived notion about young African American kids—and kids of all races.   I was at a mall food court killing some time.  Not many people were around.  A few tables down from mine, was a group of five young African American teenagers. 

They were the typical boisterous group.  Surprise of surprises, these boys may have been a bit loud but, not a single foul word came out of their mouths.  I sat there for a while just listening to them.  I was stunned!  How was it possible?! 

My hat goes off to the parents of these boys!

This just goes to show, that it is possible for kids to interact without the use of foul language.  What purpose does using these words serve?  Does it make them "cool" in the eyes of their peers?  Personally, when I hear kids talking this way, I think that they come from an uneducated family.  There is no justification for the use of these words in normal conversations.

Just last year, I encountered a really obnoxious 15-year-old boy.  We live across the street from a small park, so when the windows are open, you can hear the children playing.  One afternoon, this boy was just shouting and screaming all sorts of "bad" words.  I could hear it all the way to the back of the house.

I was getting upset with his language because my kids were at home and there were small children playing in the park.  I asked him to tone it down and, being the cool guy that he is, refused, so I called the police.  I told him that the cops were on their way and he started to walk away.  He was scared. He did not think that I would call his bluff—boy, was he wrong.

Kids know that it is wrong to be talking like this.  I guess that it would help, considerably, if their parents would set the example.   Oh well, that is another story. 

When I hear young people use foul language, I cannot help but feel that these kids have no respect for common manners.  They are also showing a total disrespect for everyone around them. 

Until next time.  Take care.

Do you think that being grateful can lead to happiness?  Interesting concept, isn’t it?  Studies have shown that people who focused on things that they are grateful for are happier, healthier and more successful.  It may sound strange but, I tend to agree with it.

Let’s consider this for a minute.  If you look around you and see all the wonderful things around you, doesn’t it make you feel good?  If you get a call or an email from a long lost friend, doesn’t that make you feel good?  If you’re driving on the way home from work and all the traffic lights are green, don’t you feel good? 

I believe that these good feelings are synonymous to gratitude.  When you feel good, and realize that you do, you also have the feeling of appreciation for your good fortune.   Your spirit is lifted and your heart is light. 

The rationale behind the theory does make sense.  Gratitude can make you happy.  We need to, consciously, make it a point to count all of our blessings and appreciate all the little things that life has to offer us.

We do have a lot to be grateful for.  There are so many small things that we take for granted.  We have so many advantages that are not available to others.  You don’t believe me, take a look at this link:

You Are So Blessed.   

This train of thought is also similar to the power of positive thinking.    I believe that the two ideas can be applied simultaneously.  If we focus on the things that we are grateful for, we will have a more positive outlook in life.  These positive thoughts will generate a feeling of well-being within us, enabling us, to be happy and content with our lot in life.

Until next time.  Take care.

When this show originally started, I was a great fan.  After the second season, I lost interest in it.  Apparently, I was justified in doing so if the writers of this show are now resorting to belittling Filipino doctors.  If you have not seen or heard about the season premier, take a look at this clip:

Teri Hatcher Insults Filipino Doctors

With all the Filipinos working in the US health care system, that was a low blow.  There is now a petition being circulated that demands an apology from ABC and Desperate Housewives.  The success of this campaign is all dependent on the willingness of the Filipino’s to unify against a common cause.

This is the link to the petition.   I urge all my fellow kababayans, and those who oppose any form of discrimination, to rally against the derogatory remarks made on this show.  We, Filipinos, must stand together so that our voices will be heard.   Please, please sign this petition.   Remember, united we stand, divided we fall…..

Until next time.  Take care.

P.S.

6 Oct 2007

A few days ago ABC issued an apology.  They are considering deleting this line from future re-runs and the DVD release.  :  )

Donald’s Better Self

Seeing this cartoon made me think about how often we make choices in our lives.  Some really simple ones. Some that are more complicated. Who really determines whether these choices are good or bad?  I believe that only time can be the judge of that.

What if, at face value, we chose to do something "bad"?  What if the result, of what we thought was a "bad" decision, makes life more meaningful in the long run?  This being the case, sometimes, what looks to be a bad decision, is not so bad after all.

In making these day-to-day choices, we try to weigh all of the consequences.  Sometimes we have to make an instant decision and at other times, we can sit and reflect on our choices.  Whichever the case may be, we try to do what is morally and ethically right for everyone involved. 

As the two angels sit on our shoulders, when we try to make decisions, do we listen to the good angel or the bad angel?  I wish that all our choices were that simple.  The world we live in is, at times, very confusing and complex.  The reality of life tends to skew perceptions and attitudes.

After all is said and done, I think that what we all need to do is to try to listen to our guardian angels.  They are our conscience. 

Until next time.  Take care.

Last weekend we went to a birthday party for the teenage daughter of one of our friends.  We met these friends in Guam 15 or so years ago.  Since we are all now in the NJ/NY area, we try to get together as much as we can.  Our children are all good friends.  It was just really surprising to realize that the birthday girl was already 14.  We’ve all known her since she was a baby.

As adults, we tend to be jaded in our birthday celebrations—I think that it is because we would like to forget that we are another year "wiser".  From the adult perspective, nothing really marks the passage of time quite like these "children’s" birthday parties.  Their age is directly correlated to ours–they get older, we get older.  I think that every year that a child celebrates their birthdays,  we are hit with a sense of accomplishment and pride in knowing that we are a part of the formation of this young person’s life.  It is fascinating to see the growth—physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually of these young people from year to year.

It was like only yesterday when we were celebrating the Baptism of these kids, now our conversations are about the colleges that they are thinking of applying to.  Before we know it, we will soon be going to the weddings of these children.  Not too soon, I hope—they still have a lot to accomplish.  :  ) 

While the kids were playing, the adults were catching up on all the latest events.  One of the questions that was raised was, "When you were young, what did you want to be when you grow up?".  There was a wide range of answers varying from a priest to a chemist.  For me, that was an easy one to answer—I wanted to be a lawyer.  This dream never came to fruition because I to took a detour on the road of life that never could quite lead me back onto my original path.  :  )

Another question that arose was "What would you like to be now?".  This one required introspection.  My answer—I am where I would like to be.   I have a wonderful life.  I have no worries—I can do what I like, when I like (all within reason, of course).

My life is quite perfect as it is now.  I’m happily married for over 16 years and I have two very beautiful daughters.  What more can I ask for?  I have a husband and children whom I love very much and who love me, as well.  I am living the happily ever after that many people dream of.  :  )

Until next time.  Take care.

"When two people are under the influence of the most violent, most
insane, most delusive, and most transient of passions, they are
required to swear that they will remain in that excited, abnormal, and
exhausting condition until death do them part." [G.B. Shaw]  :  )

A few Sundays ago, the Knights of Columbus were circulating a petition to ban same-sex marriages.   I, naturally, waited in line to sign it.  The thought of legalizing same-sex marriages is quite distressing. I have grown up in the tradition that a marriage is a union between a man and a woman. I guess on this subject, I stand firm and remain a traditionalist.

One of the purposes of marriage is to legitimize the procreation of children. This being the case, same-sex marriages goes against the very law of nature. There may be a lot of medical advancements in reproduction but, biologically, it is still impossible for two people of the same sex to be the natural parents of one child.   

I know that sexual preference is what drives this campaign for same sex marriages. Is it really necessary to legalize this type of a union? It is my understanding that they are after the same benefits as that of a traditional couple.

Instead of altering marriage laws, can the laws regarding spousal benefits be changed?   Can we just give them their benefits without destroying the social structure, as we know it?  Or, can another name be applied to this joining other than the term "marriage"?   As defined by the American Heritage Dictionary, marriage is a legal union of a man and a woman as husband and wife.   

Personally, I think that the majority of this country may share this same opinion. I think that the people in our great nation are just sitting at home, shaking their heads at the commotion that these people are making. You know what they say about empty cans—they make the most noise. I think that this is a case of the noisy few and the silent majority. When push comes to shove, I am optimistic that the average joe would like to keep the status quo regarding marriage.

Until next time.  Take care.

People here in the States love their dogs.  It is quite normal to see people kissing their dogs.  They treat these dogs like they are actually kids.  In my mind, a dog, no matter who tries to say otherwise, is still just an animal.  I don’t care how cuuuute and adorable it may be, it is still an animal.

I think that the perception of some people need an adjustment.  Help me try to understand this because this is one concept that I just cannot grasp.  How can a human being place more importance on the life of an animal versus that of a fellow human?  Were we not created to be a higher species than that of animals? 

An example of this happened a few years ago when Gabby and her cousin were at a store.  I don’t know if you are familiar with this but, at some stores, people place cardboard signs asking for quarter (25 cents) donations.  These signs have pre-cut slots where you can just put a quarter in it.

Anyway, there were two signs. One was for a starving child and the other was for the prevention of animal cruelty.  Gabby and her cousin both asked for a quarter each.  They both chose to give their quarters to animal cruelty.  If my children are going to grow up to be this apathetic to their fellow humans, something is very wrong.

This is the mindset of a lot of the people here.  I find it to be very disturbing.  Call me cruel for turning my back on animals but, my heart will break at the sight of a sick, starving child before it gives a damn about a dog.  I could care less if cats and dogs are dying of starvation.  I care a lot more about the condition of our fellow humans who are dying of disease and starvation in America and, more importantly, in the very many developing nations.

There is a bigger world out there with more serious problems than animal cruelty.  This should be one of the least of our worries.  I really think that people need to get out of the bubble that they are living in and open their eyes to see if they can do their part–no matter how small–to help alleviate human suffering in our world.

Until next time.  Take care.

Before I start, I need to emphasize something.  I am not making "parinig" to anyone in particular, this is just a general observation.  Although, if you start to feel guilty, I have accomplished what I am setting out to do.  :  )

We all have friends, right?  Some we see a lot, some we hardly see at all.  Some who just love to keep in touch and some who are just too busy.  Some really close friends and then some who are just acquaintances.

Of all the varying levels of friends that we have, the "friends" that tend to irk me are the ones who know you only when they need something.  Then, magically, they become your best friend.  Sound familiar to anyone?  Do you know anyone like this?

If you really think about it—actually, you don’t even have to think about it, these people are not "true" friends.  They have become friends of "convenience".  What they say or do should not really bother you since they do not really value your friendship.  Your value to them, is only, what you can do for them.

Do I sound too harsh?  Sometimes the old adage is true— that you have to be cruel to be kind.  Life is too short to have to worry about people who do not sincerely care about you.  Focus on those real friendships that come from the heart. 

Why worry about the opinions of the insignificant people in your life?  It is important to think positive, happy thoughts.  It is also important to maintain positive, happy friendships. 

Who needs users?  Not me! That’s for sure.

Okay, have I made you feel guilty?  This posting is not directed at any of the friends on my list.  If you still feel that way, you can always remedy the situation by trying to improve those friendships that you have been neglecting—while you still can.

Until next time.  Take care.

It never ceases to amaze me how utterly miserable some people are!  While I was at the store today, I met up with such a lady.  Let me first say that when I get mad, I really get mad to the point where I can feel my blood boiling and a blood vessel is about to explode.  A total stranger made me feel that way today.  Urrrghhh!

As Ally and I were heading to the car, we were on the second floor and we needed to take the elevator to the ground floor.  Believe me, if there were stairs, we would have gone that way.  We were waiting for the elevator (there was only one) with an elderly lady.  When doors opened, the down light outside of the elevator went off.  We got in the elevator which was occupied by one other lady.

The elderly lady followed us in saying that she will just get on and ride back up.  As the door closed, the other lady pressed the 3.  Seeing that the 1 was not lit, I reached over and pressed it.  Just as I did that, the elevator started to go down. 

This lady then looks at me like she would like to kill me and in a really mean tone of  voice says "Thanks a lot.  I was going up".  I was stunned.  I then told her that the light on the outside was pointing down.  The older lady supported my claim.  I was seeing red. 

I could not believe the gall of this lady!  Did she think she owns the elevator?!  When the doors opened I just walked out and left it at that.  It took a while for me to calm down but, I got over it.

The sad part about all of this, is that this lady’s attitude is quite typical of the people that live here in Jersey.  A lot of people here are unwilling and unable to tolerate a delay of any kind.  I’m not saying that all the people here are like that, because that is not true.  A lot of people here just do not know and understand the meaning of patience .

These people need to see life from a different perspective. I wish that they could see all the human suffering in the third world countries.  I think that if they see this in reality, they would, hopefully, learn to be more tolerant and appreciate how fortunate they really are.

So, what if you have to wait an additional minute or two in the elevator that only services three floors?  Where is the big deal in that?  Is that reason enough to justify rudeness?  If it does, then, her life must really be miserable.  Patience is really a virtue.

Until next time.  Take care.