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! =)

Becoming a lawyer

The inception of my dream of becoming a lawyer, i owe it to one person, my late grandfather. The realization of that dream, i owe to 2 persons, my parents.

It took years for me to be prepared for it and took me 2 takes before finally realizing it... But all the years and takes are worth it. No feeling better than receiving a text message that says "congrats, you passed!" I could have fainted. hahaha Surprisingly though, I was calm. Kilig, very. But calm nonetheless. I just said under my breath, "omg, i passed." I couldn't stop smiling since.

Seeing my parents ecstatic about the good news was my proudest moment... Perhaps more than receiving that text message. I know nothing of this would be possible if not for them. They have been super supportive of me. Stood by me throughout my journey... This was the only way I could express my gratitude and appreciation of everything to them. Becoming a lawyer is not only MY dream, but OURS.

But the one person that came next to mind was my grandfather. He was the seed of this dream. He introduced me to the law profession. He was my influence. He encouraged me and instilled it in me that I have what it takes to be lawyer. Although I never really understood it then, I took it like I believe it. Thereafter, I couldn't imagine myself being in another profession. I only wish he lived long enough to witness this moment. But I know he is looking down on me now, smiling pleased.

This achievement I take no credit for. I am just the trophy of the 3 persons who planned and built this dream for me.

Two weeks of family time

It's been exactly 6 weeks, well, going 7 since I came home to Bacolod. My mom has been complaining that I have never found the time to set aside one weekend to come home and visit.. She started asking when I will come home after two weeks from my last trip! Imagine that! Anyway, I have managed to find an excuse, excuses actually. Had these extra-curricular activities that made me 'busy' ergo, i was legitly understood. By the 5th week tho, my mom got impatient. So she called me up one day and said she's coming over! hahaha with Brandon and my dad will follow a week after. She had this grand, totally touching reason. Bar results will be coming out anytime now and they wanted to be here with me. How can you possibly say no to that?! And of course I can't. Hell, my mom doesn't need to have a reason for coming to visit me, right?

So it's this weekend already, my mom will be arriving with my little devil. It means SAVINGS for me!!! My mom would be armed with her styro with my fave blue marlin and other stuff for consumption. I won't have to go to the groceries or shell out money for whatever. I have my mom to take care of things. I'll feel like a child pampered with maternal love! So looking forward to it. I miss being taken care of by my mom. I have gotten so used to being by myself, independence and that shit, it would be refreshing to feel helpless and dependent even for just awhile.

The downside tho, my house would be crowded. hahaha I live in a 2-storey, 4-corner box that is too small for 4 people, i think. We would be bumping around each other. I moved in the way we bought it. Just had minor repairs with it. It has 2 rooms with a provision for attic which we have not had done yet (because it means I have to move out the house to give way for the construction). This is also the reason why my dad hates coming here. He prefers me coming home to Bacolod. He feels suffocated in my house box. hehehe But hey, it's my mom and brandon for 2 weeks then my dad for a week. I think we can manage, tolerate the uncomfy-ness. =)

Conversation with Dad

A few days ago, i received a surprise phone call from my dad. Normally, when my folks call me up, my dad would just say a quick hello then pass the phone over to my mom. I would then end up chit-chatting with my mom with all the latest chismis and what-not. But this particular night, spent almost an hour talking with my dad, just my dad. I wasn't even sure if my mom knows that he was talking to me or where mom was. I didn't ask too. It's one of those rare days that my dad was probably feeling chatty. And of course I love it. Like I have mentioned in my previous entries, conversation with my dad is one of the things that makes me miss Bacolod.

As always, it was a good almost an hour talk. Shared a lot of insights, on both ends. Things that I have been bothered and confused about lately, I finally let it out. Only with my dad because he is a very good listener. And he gives sensible points. Doesn't jump in to drastic measures... It's only with him that i feel most comfortable sharing my thoughts without hesitations. Strangely, after our conversation, the succeeding days became light and fine. It's my father's touch. He assured me that everything will be alright soon. And it did.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

I must say, my entries have been pretty much about work and U.S. It shames me that I am about to write yet another story of my U.S. trip!

I can't help it. Almost everywhere I turn to, there's something that reminds me of it or connects with it. Take for example this movie trailer that has been showing for days now. Confessions of a Shopaholic. I get giddy everytime I see it. Because I actually witnessed its shooting! Yes, I did. Of course it was accidental. We were walking along the Madison Avenue (I hope I remember it correctly) and we saw a flock of guys with cameras and lenses. They seemed like paparazzis I see on E! News. And lo and behold. They really were! We saw a couple of director's chairs. It says, "Confessions of a Shopaholic". I was left in awe. Among the four of us, it was only me who know what it was! I was excitedly under my breath screaming it's a book! And they're filming a movie based on it! Our friend, Cookie, very Americanized ergo assertive of her right of passage, coolly walked passed the crew without looking back. Of course clueless of what to do, we tagged along behind her. We almost made it halfway when someone asked, "are they part of the crew?" The bouncers were alarmed and stopped her. She even answered back, "we are just passing thru". hahaha then the good man explained to her that they were shooting a film and it's about to roll and that we simply can't pass thru. They made us cross the street. It was amazing! I have not even witnessed a single shooting here in the Philippines but in my 2 weeks of stay in NYC, i did!

We did linger around for awhile. Across the street, that is. We watched alongside with the paparazzis clicking their cameras away like crazy! I remember the scene they shot. She was going out of the store (the name I didn't notice, I was too excited to pay attention) then the man was there and they kissed right on that street. It took several takes. We did have our photos taken too. but sadly I don't have the copy in my laptop, it's in Bacolod. I'll shall update it soon.

I think I'm going to watch this movie... Only to bring me back to that moment I was at an awesome city. =)