My little angel

May 22, 2009. My little devil’s counter part finally said hello to the world. My little angel, Rianna Maureen.

I was on my way home last night when I received a text message from my brother-in-law, “Maureen came out already”. I couldn’t have been more ecstatic! Finally the little angel decided to show herself though with a little help from science. My sister had to be induced. I replied, “OMG! Promise?! Congrats! Post pictures, I’ll see her in 3 weeks still!” All I could think about that moment was how much I wanted to take the 1st flight out tom. If only I didn’t have prior commitments, there’s a big chance I would have. I was seriously considering ditching my weekend plans but I decided to be rational. I’ll stick on my plan and come home on the long independence weekend. 20 days from now. Yes, I counted! I just can’t wait to see my little angel!

This made me realize how differently things are, well at least on my end, between Brandon and Maureen. With Brandon, I was there from the time he was swimming around my sissy’s tummy, from the time he came out, his firsts til he became a grown up little boy. But with Maureen, I was and will be practically absent. Sure, I had a few trips home during her pregnancy. But it was just either a couple of weeks or days. And receiving that text message, made me want to be apart of this miraculous event more than ever. I'd miss out on a lot of Maureen's milestones. Unless, I move back. hahaha goodluck with that.

Anyway, it got me thinking though. How strong me and sister’s bond is. Her anticipation and waiting probably channelled to me too. No wonder I was having an off week. It started Monday that for some reasons, I felt like I woke up at the wrong side of the bed. Awfully bad traffic, nothing seem to fit right, I was disoriented. To sum it all up, I felt I was pre-occupied by something, but I can’t seem to pinpoint what it is. So I guess, this answers it all. My sister’s anxiety, and probably mine too, was demonstrated by my bad week. Imagine that!

Now that Maureen’s out, another hurdle I have to deal with for the next 20 days is my own anticipation of finally seeing her. Good thing Mao will be here next week. At least I’ll see pictures of her as a teaser. But groaning out loud, I wish it was my real little angel already. =)

Santino-ish encounter

It's a common scenario along the streets of Manila that vendors risk their lives everyday selling bottled water, cigarettes, peanuts and what-not. These vendors we see are old, disabled, women holding a child, or just little kids going from car-to-car each time the stop lights turn red. Normally I don't give anything to them. I would just knock back on the window or shake my head.

But that particular Friday night on Makati Ave., stuck on the horrible weekend traffic, I was watching a young boy holding up his sampaguita as he goes car-to-car. No one was buying his sampaguita. Until he approached a girl who had her windows down as she puffs on her cigarette. The girl didn't buy sampaguita from him. But she gathered up her coins and gave it to the boy. There was a faint smile on the face of the boy as he moved away from the car. He probably felt me starring at him that he approached my car next. As he held up his sampaguita up, I shook my head, saying no, thank you. But then he didn't leave just yet. I was thinking, had I not consumed my Chips Ahoy yet, I would have given it to him instead. But too late for that. Then I remembered my change from paying my parking fee. I looked for my P20 then opened the window and gave it to him. He probably thought I was buying a sampaguita as he was getting one for me. I told him, no, keep it. It's for you. But then the little boy insisted, handing me the sampaguita saying, to give it to Papa Jesus. Wow! My heart just melt. He actually wanted to give me one more. I said, no this is fine. Then he said thank you and walked away.

I guess if it were any other boy, he would have walked away the moment I said to keep for himself the money. And perhaps would have rushed away without even saying thank you. But this boy, it was like he was telling me, if not for you, then for Papa Jesus. How can you refuse that? And more importantly, he said thank you. It may be just an overly used response, but for me, it is a big deal especially coming from little kids.

That brief encounter reminded me of a very important teaching. "No one is too poor that he can't give anything." He made me realize that everything doesn't have to be grand. Simple gestures are as enormous as long as you give with utmost sincerity.

I drove home with a light and smiling heart ready for the busy weekend.

Lawyered

It's almost a month since the release of the bar results. I have to say, my parents are still in euphoria. Mom especially. Calling me "Attorney" once in awhile. She likes the sound of it very much. And of course, I smile ear-to-ear everytime I hear it.

I have always been the type to easily brush things off. Whether it's something good or not. I'm like, "whatever". But being lawyered has this lingering effect on me. Sometimes, I'm deadma about it. but most of the time, I still do get that kilig reaction (discreetly of course) everytime I am addressed as attorney or introduced as a lawyer. As much as I want to sound cool about this whole thing, I have to admit that I am still overwhelmed.

Last week was a busy week for me. I did the three steps that would lead me to becoming a legit lawyer. First, secure clearance from the Supreme Court. I guess it is every aspiring lawyers' simple pleasure setting foot on that majestic ground. I beam with pride having reason to go to the SC. It makes me feel lawyer-like. I took the day-off from work. I was supposed to go in the morning. But the tamad that I am, I held it off until after lunch. Parked at Robinsons then walked my way to the SC. Upon entering, I took out my ID then told the guard that I was going to the OBC. The guard said, "new lawyer po kayo?" I couldn't contain myself from smiling, giving a little chuckle and said "yes". Nakakahiya. but what the hell. He didn't get my ID anymore and he made me log in my name, etc.. Then one guard asked for my family name. He was looking at the list, checking. For some weird reasons, my heart began to race a bit. In my mind, i was thinking, "oh shit, my name better be in that list". Then the guard was flipping through the pages, said he couldn't find my name daw! Shet ha. I practically froze and stopped filling out the log book. Then he laughed and said, "dito pala ma'am. Nahanap ko na." Pakshet diba? I had to let out a relief laugh. Yes, it's really official now. Second was the oath-taking. Again, i was deadma about it. I know that it will just last for about an hour. The examiners would be introduced, the top 10, and you recite the lawyer's oath. Done. So I wasn't really looking forward to it nor making it a big deal. but man, it's different being there. Being in the same room with all the justices, goosebumps! I was trying to take it all in. Justice Tinga was entertaining. I love it that he highlighted the achievements of the examiners. It somehow mapped out the vast things that you can do as a lawyer. Only if you choose to do it and if you actually invest time and effort. Truly amazing! The third was the signing of the Roll of Attorneys. The last step of becoming a full-fledged lawyer. The whole process lasted for about an hour. This time, my signature means more than just a mechanical thing to do. Affixing my signature to any document puts my license on the line. Note to self: I have to be careful and read every document I sign from now on.

So I guess this is as official as it gets. Having completed those three steps allows me to affix my bragging right before my name. I love it! =)