Monday, 31st

Oh, I just realized, today is the last day of the month, and the last day of first quater 2008...
--
This morning, I was on my way to the bus station when the trike passed by a familiar face. In a split second I recognized the face—Kuya Julius! I instantly waved at my favorite cousin, who, I guess, decided to visit home for summer. Now, I want to go home too and have a chat with him!

As usual, buses on a Monday morning were like raindrops in the desert. After waiting under the heat of the sun for nearly 35 minutes, I jumped onto the first bus that came and suffered the “sardines-formation.” I was carrying an extra bag plus umbrella, which made it a lot harder for me to grab the railings. Being a passenger for several years, experience and observation taught me that inside a jam-packed (standing-room only) bus, you’ll find that 70 percent of the people standing are women; 30-40 percent of them are 50s and up. Disappointing but true. Anyhow, there are instances when “a gentleman” happens to be on the same bus and humbly offers his seat. However, that doesn’t happen everyday; at least not today.

The summer sun really dries us up. Ang init!!! (So hot!!!) The same reason I’m so determined to work on the laundry at home. I have just declared an all-out war against dirty clothes. When I’m through, my next battlefield will be the bedrooms.

The Godmother

Yesterday we went north to Tarlac City where my eldest brother’s family lives. It’s Geng’s graduation day. I have always called her “anak” which means “my child” since she is my niece and goddaughter. And I think I was even more excited than my brother and sis-in-law given the fact that our third-generation “first born” so-to-speak is graduating.

All of us drove there except Tan and Archie who had their final exams scheduled the same day. Instead, Wally and Fati came along. Tatay made some rice cakes (kalamay) while Ate brought spaghetti. It was a smooth, almost three-hour trip.

It was really nice to see the girls again. This was also the first time for me to see our youngest niece, Althea. She is such a character!

As always, I play the photographer part in the group. One thing is observable: if you hold the camera, you’re not in the picture. Anyway, I enjoyed every shot especially when my girl is in it.

And like icing on the cake, Geng had a surprise for all of us. We didn’t know she’ll be given a medal of excellence. How about that? So Kaka climb up the stage and received the medal with Geng. After the occasion, my nieces came home with us to Bulacan for the summer break.

On our way home, Geng said, "Ninang (godmother), your gift to me is a swimming outing for us this summer!" Everybody answered, "Yay!" O-oh! So, we have three little children running around the house starting today, and myself preparing for a summer getaway for the children.

I'm back

I'm back in the office after an extended (Holy Week) holiday break. Tomorrow, we will be heading to Tarlac City. It's Geng's graduation day and I don't want to miss it. She's my goddaughter.

--

My passport was delivered on Saturday. Kuya Arnel and I both got a 10-year visa. Amen!

Success!

Yesterday was the interview at the US Embassy. They approved our application. I, sort of, enjoyed the conversation with the consul. She didn't even ask a single document. This time they granted me a multiple-entry visa. Gee...

Thank you for praying for us. Praise the Lord for His goodness.

Updates...

Bank statement----check.
Church letter-------check.
Employer letter----check.
ITR----------------check.
ID pics-------------on Saturday.

Power of Appreciation

This morning, I received an email from a friend professor from FSU. He asked if I had a copy of a file I made for him two years ago. A couple of hours later, I was reading his letter of thanks. It was enough to make my day. He wrote:

“This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much. You are a gem! I hope Ma’am Lily (my boss) knows how valuable you are.”

Gee… nobody ever called me " a gem" before. Hehe... Thanks, Sir RB!