Tuesday, February 26, 2008

LIFE IN THE 1500s - Interesting!

We were told in high school, "When you learn, you share." Here's what I learned today. (Courtesy of JVA's mail)
The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be.

Here are some facts about the 1500's:

1. Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and still smelled pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married.

2. Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children. Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water."

3. Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip off the roof. Hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs."

4. There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence.

5. The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying "dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on the floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until when you opened the door it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entranceway. Hence the saying a "thresh hold." (Getting quite an education, aren't you?)

6. In those old days, they cooked in the kitchen with a big kettle that always hung over the fire. Every day they lit the fire and added things to the pot. They ate mostly vegetables and did not get much meat. They would eat the stew for dinner, leaving leftovers in the pot to get cold overnight and then start over the next day. Sometimes stew had food in it that had been there for quite a while. Hence the rhyme, "Peas porridge hot, peas porridge cold, peas porridge in the pot nine days old."

7. Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could "bring home the bacon." They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and "chew the fat."

8. Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death. This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.

9. Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or "upper crust."

10. Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky. The combination would sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial. They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see if they would wake up. Hence the custom of holding a "wake."

11. England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a "bone-house" and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been burying people alive. So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift") to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be "saved by the bell" or was considered a "dead ringer."

And that's the truth... Now, whoever said that History was boring ! ! ! Educate someone...Share these facts with a friend.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

A Poem

I had an urge to write a poem this morning. Here’s the first draft:


Woman
By Pinay, 21 February 2008

Each morning I wake up hopeful of a better today;
Whispering prayers of trust and assurance,
Gearing myself with smile and pride,
Walking in faith armored with love.

I am the one at the corner
Tying the ends left undone.
Many times I stay in the shadows
To push on and make you shine.

My words can be as gentle as a cat.
Listen when I speak to understand my heart.
I can be daring, yes, you’ll be surprised
Though I certainly know when to subside.

I like flowers and details of sorts.
I can enjoy petty things like a pot of gold.
Do not think I’m unreasonable once I made up my mind.
The logic of my action is more than what it signifies.

I am the defender of order since time immemorial.
I won’t mind your business just make sure it’s done right.
Company is enjoyable; loneliness is hostile
But for solitude and serenity I would pay a price.

I am called in many names;
I know that for a fact.
Within this revered sight
A soul endures to bring life.

Favors are not what I intend to have;
Respect is what is due me.
Love defines who I am.
Time belongs to me.

You find me strong, yes, I am.
My heart is full of courage though marred with strife.
No, I am not selfish; I know my rights.
Sacrifice, if I may say, understates my role and act.

I don’t really mind how you sound; I want you to sing.
Make me laugh and I will consider your whims.
It may seem absurd but ‘I remember everything.’
Treat me as a princess and I will be like your queen.

Who am I?
I am a woman.

THIS SAYS IT ALL:



Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.

BUT.........


Sisters are there,
no matter how much time and how
many miles are between you.
A girl friend is never farther away
than needing her can reach.
When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you
have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life
will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on,
praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on
your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the
valley's end.
Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk
beside you...Or come in and carry you out.
Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,
daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers,
Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended
family, all bless our life!
The world wouldn't be the same without women, and
neither would I.
When we began this adventure called
womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or
sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we
would need each other.
Every day, we need each other still.
Pass this on
to all the women who help make your life meaningful.
I just did.


--Adapted

Monday, February 18, 2008

Weekend Delight

Friday. I went to the ‘Nights of Obsession’ at Turn to Jesus. It was nice to see a number of kids attending the first event of the year. Of course, it’s a joy to find my MYF family; though I was hoping a lot more were present. Anyway, here’s an exciting news: Ate Eugene and Kuya Danilo ARE GETTING MARRIED IN MARCH!!! YAY!!! We earlier thought it would be in April though. She gave me the Wedding invitation and expected 100% attendance from all the core. Now I’m busy thinking of what gift to give the couple. I think I can come up with something unique. Que Romantic!

XXX

We learned a new song at church on Saturday night. I love the music and lyrics. I just couldn’t keep myself from dancing! Pa ra ra rap pap pa ra rap pap pa….

XXX

Yesterday at Church, we had a post-Valentine gimmick. One of the games was themed like the game show “Game KNB?” or simply survival of the fittest. There were only two pairs left: Fati and myself; and Ate Adel and Nana Remi (?). The last question was to supply as many definitions of LOVE based on 1 Corinthians 13. Guess what? We Won!!! Haha! My prize which I brought here in my office is a cute décor with an inscription, “JESUS: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.” Amen. I placed it next to the roses. XD

XXX

Ate is back. Tan has a new pair of shoes. The kubo is almost finished. Tatay is happy. The kids are enjoying themselves. I feel good after doing the cube. God is Awesome. Thank you, Lord.



XXX

Today: I successfully finished working on all six phases of the Rubik’s Cube.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Heart’s Day

Valentine’s Day is uneventful for me since time immemorial. I simply don't make a fuss out of it. Nonetheless, I’m happy for those who make this a special holiday.

This year’s Heart’s Day must have been the most accessorized one for me. Thoughtful PC sent me a card; sweet Biday gave me chocolates; I got flowers from our ever romantic Kuya Neil and “expecting!” some more later tonight (right, Aidz?!). I’m also quite sure Stephen will be generous enough to bring desert for dinner. But the best so far was the pre-Valentine lunchdate with the girls and our generous and charming Lolo, Sir Ben! How about that? Thanks, guys!

So, Happy Heart’s Day to all of you!

Cheers,

Pinay

The Kiss






(Photo taken at Lake Merced, Daly City, CA on May 10, 2007)

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Six years today

It happened on the eve of Valentine’s Day: a Wednesday. It’s been six years since Nanay’s been with the Lord.

I miss you a lot Nay. I love you.

Friday, February 08, 2008

Pinay’s January

Last month has been rather exciting and memorable for me (with a little sarcasm).

On January 8, we had the centennial kick off here in the University. It was an awesome event. That very night, I accidentally burned my thighs with a cup of boiling chocolate drink. It was hot! Thank God I didn’t have to rush to the hospital.

About two weeks later, on the 27th, my brother and I were merrily riding a motorcycle going to my friend’s house for a visit. On the way, another motorcycle overtook the car on the opposite lane and crashed on us. Surprised, the man instantly jumped off his bike unharmed and let the thing hit us. Next thing you know, my brother and I were in the hospital waiting for the x-ray results of our arm and leg.

I had to be off work for several days because the wound on my foot was too deep; it was hard for me to walk. My brother didn’t miss any because his injury was on the arm. Anyhow, we are grateful to the Lord for sparing us from any serious injuries.

My brother is almost completely healed. I’m still on the healing stage. Tell you what, it hurts a lot! Ouch!

One thing I learned from all these: God always protects us and gives us strength in days of trial. He loves and cares about us. Thank you, Lord. Perhaps it’s about time I take a little rest and stay home.