Sunday, April 30, 2006
Week Past 04/24-04/30
House PreviewWed 04/27, a group of real estate agents in Farmington had a "pre-view" of our house. Hopefully they'll bring in some of their clients to check at our house. It's really been a slow two weeks. We only had three showings so far. Sat and Sun 04/29-30 we'll have another open house.
Curb Side Pick-up
Sat 04/29 was the curbside pick up day in our area. It's that time of the year when our garbage collectors picks up big items, e.g. old furnitures, beds, appliances, tv, computers, that you want to get rid of without being charged for a fee. As customary, homeowners start putting out these "junk" in front of their driveway as early as Friday. As they say: "another man's junk is another man's treasure". So you'll notice that pick-up trucks, and there's a number of them, even cars and SUVs, would start going around the neighborhood early afternoon until evening when it's still light "salvaging" what they can from the discarded items. I put out two outdoor wooden chairs with cushion and a small wooden round table. In less than an hour it was gone. Sigh, they were not interested with the rest of the wood planks. I shouldn't have disassembled the long table. Anyways, by the time I got home from work Sat everything has been picked up.
Mow the Lawn
I'll mark Thur 04/27 as the first time for this year that I mowed the lawn. Good timing for it rained Sat and Sun. But it also washed out the weed killer that I sprayed. It's almost May and I'll probably be doing this until Oct or Nov on a weekly basis depending on the weather. The season has its specific outdoor chores. Winter you shovel snow, it's not that bad if the winter is mild. Spring to fall you mow the grass and it's getting to be expensive with the gas prices going up.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Week Past 04/17-04/23
Half A Century
Half A Century: It reads old, it sounds old. I must be that old. I hit the golden mark Mon, 4/17. Just another working day with a closing shift. W brought home Chinese food for dinner. Then we went out for dinner Thu, 4/20. Better late than much later. They say golden years should be a bash or close to it. I agree, but it should be a bash with your close friends and relatives. That's the downside when you relocate in your later years. It's difficult to establish new kinship. You leave behind friends you've known half of your life. People you're used to celebrating your ups and drowning your downs. People you'd like to have a bash on your golden years. To my friends who did not forget: muchos gracias for your e-greetings. Yes, we'll catch up next time we meet. To W, thank you for a quiet dinner at Roasted Pear Restaurant. I guess at my age we should really keep it toned down and low keyed. Not even a single sip of alcohol. Just plain water please like the celebration. Housing Project
Loan: Slowly but surely the wheels are turning towards the constructioin of the new house. Thu, 4/20 I had to request at work to leave early. W forgot (wot?) to inform me that we were to sign the papers for the "construction loan". Deadline was at 4:00 pm so they can process it that day or it would be delayed. Had to leave work at 3:10 pm which meant I have to work 9+ hours the following day to make for lost hours. Ah, the travails of an hourly worker :(. It was a blessing though, it gave me and W the opportunity to have dinner, after signing the papers, to belatedly celebrate my birthday.
Open House: As posted in my previous blog an Open House at our home was scheduled Sun, 4/23 from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm. From what I learned afterwards from W (as told to her by the real estate agent) we had two visitors who looked at our place. We were thinking it might just be the neighbors satisfying their curiosity. So far no offers yet. Who me!? getting worried!? Before that, Thu, 4/20 another prospective buyer came to check out the property.
Ticket to Ride
My "bruders" (as Deo Macalma would pronounce in DZRH. Is he still there?) in college who are based in CA and SF have been planning this trip to Yosemite since middle of last year. And they have been persistent in asking me to join their "penitensiya" (at our age a hike no matter what category be it easy or difficult is not a walk in the park). Finally I convinced myself that it would be worth it. Of course with W's concurrence. Besides I haven't been to SF and I could drop by my bro-in-law to visit my parents on a side trip to CA. So I filed for a vacation leave for last week of May. Then Fri, 4/21, I did a major purchase by buying a ticket on-line going to SF and departing via CA on my way back to MN. It made me $500++ poorer but as the Mastercard commercial goes, because that's how I paid for it, it will be priceless (really! yes! truly!...I hope).
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Housing Project Special Edition
Home's front exterior. "For Sale" sign posted up front by the curbside. Far right is the rear exterior. Door opens to the three season porch. Since its facing east the afternoon sun is blocked by the house. Ideal for a bbq party during long summer nights.
Finally the house is officially on sale. The photos and specs are already up at Edina Realty's website. They initially installed a small for sale sign in front of the house Thurs, 04/13. Wed, 04/19 they installed a bigger sign with a brochure box so anybody interested can take one (top left pic). It has the summary of specs and photos of the house as it appears in the web. I also took photos of the house so anybody from MN especially at Dakota County that may be interested and lucky to stumble into my blog you are very welcome to snoop :). We have an open house on Sun, 04/23 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Promise we'll be out of the house so you'll be free to look around. An agent from Edina will be present to answer any questions. I'm a bit saddened when the sign was put up. The reality of losing the home you've been accustomed to is like, as the cliche goes, losing a part of you, memories of good times, and forgettable ones (who doesn't?) but mostly good. So I took some pics to help me recall and preserve those moments. You are welcome to tour our abode. Click on the pic to enlarge it.
Main entrance foyer going towards the dinette,kitchen and three season porch. To the left will be the formal dining and right the family room.
Picture at right is the basement as seen from the stairs. It is a witness to a number of videoke sing-a-longs. If the walls could speak it'll be saying: "Pleassssse give me a break"
Top is the formal dining which is to your left when you enter the main entrance. Painting at right wall was done Elaine Basa.
Right is another view of the basement as seen near the basement's toilet and bath.
Top pic is the kitchen with skylight. Built in ref, dishwasher, microwave and oven are stainless finish. Two butcher table acting as center island. Foreground is part of dinette.
At right is the office as viewed from the Family Room. Door at foreground exits immediately to the Family Room. Painting on the wall is also Elaine Basa's (EB).
Top pic is the family room with picture window as seen from the dinette. Glass block installed on top of the fireplace. To the right of the fireplace would be the office.
At right is the Guest Powder room located near the family room.
Top photo is another view of the Family Room as seen near the fireplace. Background is the dinette and kitchen. Glass block also installed at divider.
Pic at right is Basement's Toilet and Bath. Bathtub partly shown at left is a jacuzzi.
Top pic is the three season porch as seen from the dinette which is directly connected to it.
At right is photo of the "Common" or Guest Toilet and Bath at the second floor.
Top pic is the Master's Bedroom as seen from it's Toilet and Bath. Painting on top of headboard by EB
At right is the Master's Toilet and Bath. A walk in closet is included inside on its left side.
Top pic is Second Bedroom facing southeast.
Right is the stairs going to the Basement.
Top pic is the Third Bedroom facing northwest.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Week Past 04/10-04/16
Farewell To A Devoted NannyI never knew her real name. Since I first met her she was introduced as Yaya Pina or Yayang. She was the nanny of my sister in law when she was still a toddler. And when my brother and sis in law got married she moved in with them and became the nanny of their two kids both of whom are now in college. They called her Nana Pina.
She doesn't talk much not unless you greet or talk to her. But she always has that ready smile and help when you need something. She just stays in the background unobtrusive yet observant to your needs.
When my brother went to Canada about four years ago to work on his papers she assumed the responsibility of being the guardian to the kids and his wife. She was already old then but she assured my brother not to worry, she'll look after them. Thus I was also saddened when my brother informed me that she was sick and needs to be hospitalized about a month ago.
Before that, my brother applied at their office in Canada for a Field Manager position who will be assigned in the Philippines. The family and Nana Pina were happy about it. At last here's the opportunity for them to be reunited again. They hoped and prayed that he will get it. But they were also apprehensive because my brother's immediate manager who would also be one of those who would deliberate and approve the appointment is not keen on losing him.
Then the hospitalization of Nana Pina. Due to complications, weak body and old age she never recovered. She remained semi conscious but still fighting for dear life. And was in a coma in her last days.
My brother asked his wife to tell or whisper to Yayang not to wait for him. That everything will be okay. That she can let go and rest.
April 13 my brother was informed that he got the position. He will be relocating back to Manila sometime June this year.
April 14 Yayang finally succumbed...as if she was only waiting for the confirmation that my brother would indeed be coming home...it was also my brother's birthday.
To Yaya Pina, may God grant you peace and eternal repose.
Easter Sunday
Sunday, 4/16 was Easter Sunday. Our church was packed. I told W that there are only two occasions when our church is packed: Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday.
After mass we had lunch with friends at the Vietnamese restaurant Cam Ranh Bay to celebrate Easter. There was Max and Eileen with their son Marti. Jay and Jovy with their daughter Jena. Jovy's parents who were finally issued visas after the nth try. And Ross and Lali and their two kids, Mimi and Enzo. W and I proceeded to Crystal Lake Park afterwards to meet with her staff who planned on having a b-b-q get together. The weather was nice with temperature hovering in the 60s. After the early morning showers and cloudy skies the sun finally came out later in the afternoon. I'll just let the pics speak for itself on how the afternoon went.
Since the park is not yet officially open for the season there were not much people on Easter Sunday. We were lucky to get this shed.
Prepping up for a touch football game. No idea how to throw the ball nor the rules of the game. But they learned fast and played it somewhat.
Hey hey the gangs NOT all here.
Game time! Hey guys why are you running in the opposite direction? Where will I throw this ball? Keith is holding the ball while behind him is Matt starting to make his move to pounce on him.
New addition to the Filipino community. Three month old baby Mikaela of Roche (right). Belle (left) taking tips for a soon to be mother in six months.
B B Q the reason for being at the park. Somebody has to do the smoky job. Seems like nothing is cooked. As soon as it hits the tray it's gone. The single piece remaining was gone after the pic was taken. The "predators" were waiting at the sideline. Don't want to be caught on camera :)
Friday, April 14, 2006
"Your Will...Not Mine"
In this season of Lent allow me to deviate this Holy Friday from my customary "Week Past" blog entries to share this link that I received from a high school batchmate. It describes, much like a medical examiner doing an autopsy, on how much Christ sufffered as foretold in Isaiah 53. If you knew the suffering you would have to undergo to save somebody worthless would you do it?
Christ knew the horrific ordeal he would go through and begged his Father: "If you could take take this cup of suffering from me! Yet not what I want, but what you want."Matthew 26:30.
But he did it! He faced the dreadful agony to save us worthless sinners. He did it for Peter who denied him three times and for Judas the traitor. The difference was Peter asked for forgiveness while Judas hanged himself. He did it for the two thief that was crucified with him. The difference was one asked for forgiveness while the other taunted and ridiculed him. Yet he never said anything against the unrepentant thief and quickly acknowledged the remorseful one.
Perhaps because of it's simplicity it is hard for us to believe that this is all he ask from us in exchange for his suffering and death: to believe and repent.
The door is eternally open to welcome us in. Let us not be like Judas and the unrepentant thief.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Week Past 04/03-04/09
W is Home
Picked up W at the airport on Tue 04/04. My timing was impeccable. Arrival was 5:24 pm I was at the airport 5:45 pm. She was already getting her two luggage at the conveyor belt. Parking at the airport can be expensive so we were out of there in less than 30 min. I got disoriented inside the airport building since the arrival screen indicated conveyor 3 for luggages on W's flight. The arrival screen was in front of conveyor 11. When I looked down the hall I saw it was only up to conveyor 6 and then a wall? Where is conveyor 3? So I walked towards the wall and got a glimpse of conveyor 4 and 3 on the other side. I knew it was there but for some reason a wall suddenly existed where there was none before. I realized as we were leaving that the wall enclosure was for conveyor 5 which was probably undergoing repairs. For a while there I thought I was on the wrong floor but I knew there was only one floor for all arrivals. They did a good job on that enclosure like it has always been there or part of the buidling's interior design. Duh!
Hospital Again
My sister in Boston called to inform me that our mother, who is in CA with another sister, had to be checked in again at the County Hospital. This time she banged her shoulder when she tripped on an object while puttering at the garage. She just can't keep still. She needs to be doing something. Good thing it was a minor injury and not a fracture. She did not need to undergo any surgery. I got the call Mon 04/03 and by Fri 04/07 she was discharged. All she needs is a rehab. Her three grandsons ages 9-13 who just arrived from Manila were so happy to see her back since no kids 12 under were allowed at the hospital. Despedida
Another despedida party on Sat 04/06. Two guys from W's company are scheduled to go home to Manila Thur 04/13 next week after nine months here in MN. Their replacements arrived last week in time for spring and summer.
Lloyd. Going home on Thu, 04/13. Plans on taking a week off before reporting for work in Manila. Thinking of Boracay.Nice. White powder like beach.
Jimmy. Same flight as Lloyd. Just in time to be with his wife who is giving birth to their first child. It's a boy. Congratulations. Now he can empathize with his Dad, a seaman. The asperity of being separated from your family.
Funny if not for...
Talk about cellphone technology. Here was a customer looking for a certain manager because of an appointment. He was talking to another associate who was about five feet away from me. My back was turned while attending to another customer so I was not even aware of him. Apparently the manager was out and he was upset about it. I don't know why he used his cellphone and called our store to ask the whereabouts of the manager. I was the one who got his call. When I told him that the manager was not in he started raising his voice. I told myself, man this guy's phone must be good. The clarity. He sounded like he's just beside me...wait a minute...I turned around and saw this customer mouthing the words I'm hearing over the phone. So I waved at him and pointed to the phone indicating I was the one he was talking to. Funny if not for the fact that the customer was visibly upset. Ayways alls well that ends well.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
AprilApril started this week. Sat, 4/1 is April Fools and Sun, 4/2 starts Daylight Saving Time. Must not forget to adjust the clock one hour forward before I turn in Sat night. Three months have already lapsed this year! At last it's really beginning to feel like spring. Soon annuals will begin sprouting and trees will start to show some green. Temperature is getting mild and as they usually say: "lovely outside" especially if the sun is up. Then again nothing is perfect because spring also brings with it tornado, rain, hail, thunderstorm and flooding. In the news is the round the clock preparation for flooding at North Dakota along the Red River. They had a bad experience way back '97 and they don't want a repeat. Because of the rains and melting snow they expect the river to overflow by Tue or Wed.
Early birds get the early worms. The birds are back (reminds you of Hitchcock's movie)hunting for worms,bugs and other insects that meets their fancy. And of course, their chitter starts greeting you in the morning after winter's silence.
Days are getting longer and animals are beginning to appear. Birds are having a field day pecking worms in the yard since the soil is wet and soggy worms tend to come out. I also noticed two ducks waddling in front of our neighbor's yard the other day. And my old "friend" the rabbit whose been nibbling on my daylillies every summer for the last four years is also visible nibbling grass at the backyard. He can't wait for my daylillies to sprout again. I think that's his "piece de resistance". I know he was around last winter since I noticed his tracks in the snow going around the house.
Housing Project
Started doing "detailed" cleaning around the house. Windows and window sills. Check all cabinet handles are tight. Cleaned the oven. Repaint some parts of the walls. Pack winter clothing. Day's work is never done.
What if They were Self-Righteous?
I'm referring to the teachers of the Law and Pharisees in John 8:1-11 when they brought a woman to Jesus who "was caught in the very act of committing adultery" (John 8:4). Jesus simply told them : "Whichever one of you has committed no sin may throw the first stone at her" (John 8:7). When they heard this, they all left, one by one, the older ones first (John 8:9). What if one or two of them were self-righteous would they have cast the stone? If they did, what do you think Jesus would have done? I presume that they were all males, the teachers and Pharisees. What if there were women present especially the offended party (it was her husband that was caught with the woman) would she have cast the stone? I would like to give credit to the teachers and Pharisees for admitting that they were also sinners. How often have we committed the mistake of quickly judging and condemning others. With haughtiness even. And deep within have cast our stone. In this season of Lent let us pray to be more understanding, forgiving and compassionate of others just as we pray that they would do the same in our moment of weakness. For everybody have sinned and will sin.
