Up  Up  &  Away!

      My big girl comforted me as I cried by the gate 228 of Hong Kong International Airport. 

Why did I cry?   Ah, the frustration, self-disappointment, tiredness, anticipation of home, the many duties that beckon, and the defense mechanism to my stupidity.  We missed our flight! 

What do you do when you have a flight?
Check tickets, check passport, check baggage weight, check IDs, wallet, meds, check currency for the next destination & check the boarding gate number. 

We were early for the flight.  In fact, the night before we were so ready.  We even bought extra baggage to be sure.  At the airport, we had brunch since we will arrive in Manila by 2pm.  Airplane food is not cheap and not sure if it will be good. We were relaxed and traversed the many walkways of HKIA.  

Then I suddenly felt something amiss. Panic button!   I do not know how I flew through the long walkways of HKIA and shouted for the elevator to hold so we can go down.   To my surprise, we were to take the train to the gate!   Stupid me!   I knew there was a train but I thought it was not for all the gates.   Running to it, forgetting that my big girl was running too behind me, I was like a predator after the prey.  Heavy breathing, panting and all!  With a carry on that felt light as a paper, I ran like my life depended on it!
Finally, off the train...up the escalator where I almost pushed everyone out of the way.   O my, three flights of these escalators!  Kidding me?   From time to time I checked on my big girl.  But determination to get to our gate was more powerful than checking on her.  I thought I was Hermes with winged heels or Flash or the wind!
Thank God I saw the huge sign to our gate 228 as we jumped off the last escalator step which opened to a huge lobby of gates, shops and the airline service help desk!!  In frenzy, I asked the airport guy where it was.  He said we were called but I did not wait for him to finish as we dashed off to the gate.  What?! Another flight of escalator going down!! I ran down literally dragging my carry on.   When I saw the closing gate of 228, I showed our tickets and the ground crew said we cannot enter anymore. The plane left!
I was out of breath apologizing for being late and forgetting about the flight time.   He told me to calm down.  Then he turned to my big girl and gave her instructions on what to do next. 
I believe he reckoned that she was the adult then.  I was a lost child.

I found a quiet spot beside the escalator where a few minutes ago I almost jumped from to reach gate 228.

I sat and big girl quietly followed me pulling her own carry on. She sat beside me as I loudly caught my breath and tried to stop the tears from falling. I whimpered and then felt her little hand pat my back.
" It’s ok, Mom.  There is a first time for everything.  God must have a reason. "
That jolted me back to reality.

I was crying because I was so ashamed of myself.  I always reminded everyone of these things. I was always in control and following rules so nothing can go wrong.   Days before, we brought my husband to the same huge airport so he will not miss his flight.  Imagine, I missed ours! Over confidence? Negligence?  Or distracted by the duty-free shops? 

I called my hubby who sounded irritated at my stupidity; but comforted me when he realized I was in despair.   I called my daughter who laughed at me and assured me all will be ok. 
“We will just have to re-book.”, she said in jest.

My kids told me days after that they were in frenzy where and when to book the flight. 

The airline services desk guy said we will not be allowed by immigration to go out of the airport.  Panic button.  Then calming myself, it makes sense to stay inside the airport as the kids booked me online. Thank God for internet thru which my daughter, son-in-law & hubby kept me abreast and comforted me.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE LEFT BY YOUR PLANE?

With 2 other groups of Filipinos who were in my same predicament, these were the things we did and you must do at HKIA when the plane leaves without you ( hope it does no happen to you!):

 1.  Go back  to Terminal 20 where the Airline Assistance desk is. There are 2 from both sides.

       2.  Tell the person of your situation. That stupid guy  #1 told us to book online as we cannot stay in     the airport for more than 24 hours. We cannot leave the Airport too. Panic mode again. (He was wrong!)
       3.  Give your tickets, considered null (what a waste of hard-earned money)

       4.  Give your baggage claim.

       5.   After an hour, kind airport personnel will assist you to Immigration Office.  It is opposite the       immigration when you arrive in HKIA.

       6.   Give your passport to immigration guy.

       7.   Immigration officers ask if you have booked.  In my case, we stayed there for 14 days so they  have to confirm if I have tickets and not overstay.  He checked the tickets sent via messenger then left us all.  We were still with the 2 groups.

       8.   After an hour, he returns to allow us all to go back to HK.  Guy number 1 was wrong!

       9.   Kind airport personnel guides us through to claim our baggage.

       10. In my case, he was kind enough to wait till I got our baggage and showed us where to exit.

       11. Then we found our way (by asking all the time) to the blue taxi that brought us back.

     
           In our flight now, we heard the cabin crew calling names of passengers.  Those not yet on board.
"So that‘s how it was to be called when you are not on the plane yet!", I told big girl.
Several acknowledgements and public address announcements.  Big girl and I were snickering! Yesterday the cabin crew must have called our names too while we were frantically running to catch our plane, in vain.

When we walked and went to the same motions to get to the boarding gate, we laughed till tears came. We imagined how crazy we looked to others the day before. How did we ran so swiftly?  Aboard the plane, we can laugh heartily at my folly.

The plane took off and we were in it!  Yey.   A sigh of relief.   Relieved to be on the way home - for school, for duties, & relieved to be on the right track and not mess up the plan!  Another lesson learned! 

Whereto next, big girl?

  

Refresh

Ah!! It has been a long  time, my dear friend.  I miss you so much.  I miss those times when you just listen to my unending woes and brags.  I miss those times when you kiss my face and touch my hair with gentleness. I miss the quiet music you  sing to me and how it keeps my heart calm.  I am so glad to be with you again.
O sun and sky, you are forever the beauty that illuminates the breathtaking panorama before me. You complete the warmth my friends make me feel.
O look at the white fluffiness I love so much. The fluffiness that seems to give bounce to my thoughts and spirit!  If only  I can jump up and down in the unending shapes of your white fluffiness.  I wish I can hug you!
What is really beyond the vast blue sky? The mystery of the horizon gives me unending hope-as far as my eyes can see.   And meeting
of the vast sky in the horizon with the azure stillness. There is life beyond. There is heartbeat. There is beauty.
O wind and sea, my heart is at peace again.  My mind is calm.  The lapping sound against the giant rocks fill my being with great thankfulness to be alive.  The gentle rhythm rocks my soul to peace.
O, my gentle breeze.  O, friend who touches my skin with such gentleness and warmth.  Thank God for you! You let the leaves dance in thanks for their Creator. 
Let my spirit dance with you.  Let me sing praises as gentle as the sea breeze.
Ah, 'tis good to touch base.  Genesis.

Day 13: DIET STRATEGY

        

              I have been planning to lose weight on August...of every year.  I don't know why. Maybe to prepare for the Christmas gastronomic indulgence.  So today is the middle of August.

              I am sitting here, alone, in the dining room planning my next weight loss strategy.  Since it is a difficult battle, I should mentally prepare myself and "bribe" my psyche. I tell myself the health benefits of losing 10 lbs-  blood sugar will go down, cholesterol will go down, my spine problem will ease, hopefully I will lose those maintenance meds.  Naah- since heart issues are in the genes, my cardio said maintenance meds are for  life.  So, losing those pills is off the table.  Ah, how about the physical benefits?   Woot woot! 😉😉   My size will go back to a 6!  Come on!  I can never go back to the 2 or 4!  I am midlife and some things are just there!  Body sculpture and liposuction are not my cup of tea.        
               Back to my planning session.  First I brew a good Italian arabica, LaVazza. This is perfect after lunch treat! My mood gets excited.  I can do this diet thing!  O well, since I will really go on a diet, I just take a peek at the pantry for something to go with the good coffee.  Hmmm, a chocolate cupcake will do.  My mind goes back to plan A- lose the rice.  Easy-peasy, I can do that.  Next, lose the sweets.  Well, after some negotiations, it will have to be a slow and sweet reduction. I love cakes, pastries ( especially Segovia's or Purple Oven).   And because I will start tomorrow (yes, I promise tomorrow), and my cupcake is almost gone, I will do my last bread and condensed milk combo.  I did not put sugar and creamer in the coffee anyway.  Just one. Then there is the exercise.  Twice a week we have dance rehearsals for our Velada. Check on the exercise! The universe is congruent with my plans! 😇  I am so optimistic.  Size 6!

      The big challenge is the eating out to try new restaurants and hotel food.  Well less trips for the curious palate is good on the pocket. Easy-peasy again.  But good food and good company is perfect harmony.  I am a sucker for such.  

      I have heard so much of the vegetarian diet.  Many friends prod me to start slowly. The benefits are astounding.  Clear skin, losing of weight, improved immune system, and good number 2, among others.  I will seriously include that in my meal plans. But my hubby cooks good adobo, humba,  and sinigang.  I sadly need  a separate entree. How about cheat day?  Just an excuse.😊 

     Have you tried checking on the diet meals or the food that causes cancer, or removes belly fat and the like?  They are so so many out there you can never tell which is real!  At the end of the day, you get confused with so much info, you end up eating the comfort food you love.

     Just to warm up for tomorrow, after my post lunch snack cum planning, I will move about doing house chores.  Burn the calories!   Negative on that.  Right within the planning moment, I had to rush up and sit in front of the computer.  I have to blog and share my wonderful plans with you! May be you have plans to share too. I will listen or read them happily. 

    The thing is this.  I will face up to my challenge because I want to be healthy and enjoy my life longer with less joint pains and spinal issues.   The object is not to be sick. To enjoy life.  If this is what it takes, I will eat healthily.  I will start right after this blog. Meantime, let me finish my snacks. It will be a waste to throw them.  

                                                   

                                                              X    X    X

Day 12: In Sickness & In Health...

Nobody wants to get sick or see their loved ones be sick.   But it is a fact of life. It is painful, emotionally & psychologically trying, physically draining.  However, in this dark hour, we chance upon the shining light of God's love. That light gives us hope and the faith that we are not alone. Whatever happens, God is with us. We surrender; we trust, COMPLETELY!

Do you know the poem, FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND?

The memories when my hubby was in the hospital bring chills to my spine until now.  It started with a headache. How we survived the horrific experience is a miracle. The same miracle, in another breadth, happened recently to a very good friend whose partner suffered the same fate. When I learned of his emergency, I just had to let him know I understood how he felt in that moment of uncertainty, fear, and despair.
Thus, flashes of memories came as quickly as my pulsating heart.
We were in a boat trip for Manila.  As usual, many people went to my hubby for quick chats or serious discussions.  Midway through the trip he complained of a terrible headache which concerned me because I had already given him anti-high blood medication and painkillers, to no avail.  Another scary sign was when we docked, he did not mind all the people greeting him as we went down the boat. I was bewildered because all those people were his friends & staff.  I just excused him to be tired and with a terrible headache. They also expressed concern because my hubby was usually talkative and full of life.
The 5-hour trip to Manila seemed an eternity.  When we got home at 3AM, I told our eldest son my observations and so we brought his dad to the nearby community hospital for first aid.  My hands became clammy, my heartbeat seemed to burst my ears when the doctor said his blood pressure was 200/120!  He was also disoriented.  He was under observation till we could transfer him to a tertiary hospital.  Instinctively, I whispered prayers. Then I  got in touch with my stepsister who is a doctor as I didn't know what to do next. She gave instructions and assured me she would wait in the ER.  But she warned that if my hubby starts to vomit, I have to go to the nearest hospital, STAT!  And it happened!  My daughter was with me and we rushed to the ER of The Medical City, the nearest hospital. Everything was so fast; the next thing I knew all my children (except for another son who was studying in the province) and I  were huddled & asked if we had a neurosurgeon.  My hubby's  headache was caused by the 70cc of blood dislodged in his head due to aneurysm.  My stepsister, waiting in the other hospital, gave a name and wished me the best of everything.
I went to the early Mass the  next day and was surprised to be asked as the First Reader.  How God assured me was overwhelming! The reading was about Abraham's offering of his son, Isaac, to God. It was about Abraham's trust test. I tried so hard to control my emotions.  As I went to my seat, tears rolled down my cheeks. I felt the immense love of God in that moment. Footprints in the sand! The Lord was carrying me! I wanted to share the ineffable feeling with everyone there but clasped my hands to my chest instead. Thank You, Lord! Here I am, Lord!  What do You ask of me?
Since we entered the hospital, friends, family, my HS best friend, high school classmates, priests and 2 bishops assured us of prayers.  Imagine, a province-wide Sunday Mass for my hubby!  Even the contemplative nuns of the 2 Convents of St. Clare were praying for him!  Profound kindness abound. How can  I not trust the Lord?  How can I question His Will?  As I have done in my adult life, Thy will be done, O Lord!
 After a week in the ICU, and  a month & a half in the hospital, my kids and I cannot believe we survived!  My hubby survived despite countless seizures and near death stages. My amazingly steadfast children inspired me and gave me strength.  So many helped us emotionally and financially. I will never forget them. Their names are all forever etched in my heart. Our neurosurgeon and cardiologist were God-sent.   In those moments of uncertainty and darkness, God was my light.  I just followed Him.  He sent wonderful people, inspiring situations, and even funny moments.
I think all normal people live surrounded by families and friends. We laugh and celebrate the peaks & milestones with them. We go through the deepest valleys of our lives with them.  We are all bound and inspired by God's agape love. No conditions are needed.  No judgments.  In sickness and in health, love strengthens everyone.  Through the people who truly love and care deeply for us, God is truly alive.  If you know what I am talking about, lucky you!  Let us spread this goodwill. Everyday is crucial for somebody, somewhere; or a time to celebrate.  Whether in sickness or in health, spread love. It is the best gift God bestowed on us.  It begets miracles.

Day 11: Why It is Cool to Keep Your Groove

Whatever and wherever you are , at this stage, you have somehow found your niche or your groove. The thing that makes you upbeat and perky.  The topic which lightens up your face.  Some lucky ones have known their place in the sun earlier.  The late bloomers are lucky too because they have rich stories to tell from their  journeys.  In any case, ain't it cool to keep your groove?

Life, as it is, has daily challenges.  Whether it is the traffic, the helper at home, colleagues at work, your kids, your hubby, your in-laws, even bad personal decisions pose all levels of hassle. Overcoming them on a daily basis keeps your spirit high. You keep fighting!    No matter what, you get back on your toes.

Your groove keeps you sane and grounded. It enables  you to  know what you want and where your place is.  It is your anchor when there is so much going on around you.

In this fast paced world, love yourself and how you improved yourself through the years.  There are many things to share and when you keep your groove, you love what you do. Besides, how cool is it that you are where you want to be and more!

Day 10: 5 Reasons Why the Grass is Greener on the Other Side

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      This is a phrase often heard when comparing decisions made by different people or assessing one's status in life.  Of course we want bright green grass in our lawn.  Some even plant flowers in the garden!

Here's why the grass is greener on the other side.

1. YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW

            It all starts with a seed or the roots.  Literally & figuratively.  They have to be planted.  Goodness, do not keep them in the kitchen or garage drawer!  Plant them!   As in life, we all have a  talent.  We must hone it.  Whatever it is, you own that talent.  Nobody can get it; so, improve  yourself.  Whether you are rich or poor, that talent is in you and you have to develop it.  At this time  and age, opportunities abound.  Do not keep your seed in storage.

2.  DO NOT PROCRASTINATE.  

         The time is NOW.  Stop giving excuses for postponing things.  Tomorrow may be too late or it may not even come.  All the very successful people I know have a common denominator; they all act immediately.

3. NURTURE YOUR GARDEN. 

       As printed up there, "Of course the grass is always greener on the other side- they water it!" Our mind should also be  nurtured. Cultivate your mind garden to have a positive mindset. Remove the weeds (literally & figuratively, again) everyday.  You will eventually attract happy thoughts. You will have the energy to do what is necessary to achieve your goals.  The sense of fulfillment will make you value yourself.  A ripple effect is inevitable and people will value you too.  People will be drawn to your wonderful world.  You may rest, but not stop cultivating your life.

4.  SHARE YOUR GREENS.

          When you are happy, you just want to share your joy with others.  You cannot help but grin. Smiling is infectious.  Even just thinking of your happy memories while reading this makes you smile.  A hilarious scene will even evoke a hearty laughter!  The green grass is nice to see. It is even a nice place to have a picnic with loved ones. Teach others how to plant in their lives. Imagine if the grass is green everywhere! 

5.  APPRECIATE!

     Those whose lawn has vibrant green grass know what I mean.  You wake up and see, through your window, a relaxing sight.  Thank God for the sun and the rain that help sustain the wonders around you.  Appreciate the gardener who tends to your garden.  In your personal life, gratitude is uplifting.  It blesses both the giver and receiver.  Our mentors, our parents, family and friends who stood by us are like the gardener who weeded, watered and trimmed so the grass remains green.

       Whether in career, in personal relationships, at school, and all else, the grass is truly greener on the other side because they water it.  No reason to be envious; do the same to yours.

          

        

Day 9: Finding In-Law

          Many of us have children who are ready to leave the nest. That scares us, parents, unless the person they will settle with is somebody who can really "settle down" and provide the best for our children.  Again , we define provide as the act of supplying or giving what is needed.  People need love, care, house, clothes, money, attention, moral support, etc.  C'mon, all our parental life was devoted to ensuring that  nothing bad happens to our treasures! Getting married is a lifetime choice (cross fingers) for them- without us hovering over their shoulders all the time. So, after school & work, praying, hoping, and finding the right in-law is the next in my parent's list.
            I did a little research and found some engaging courtship & marriage traditions from the other parts of the world.  Here are some:
         1. CONGO:  Beware of those pearly whites!  The bride and the groom cannot smile on their wedding day lest they be accused of not taking their vows seriously.
         2. ARMENIA:  Men and women eat a slice of high sodium specialty bread baked by a happily married middle-aged woman or their grandmother.  When they sleep they can expect to see their future spouse in their dreams.
        3. PHILIPPINES:  This dream version in the Philippines is like this.  Every eve of the First of May, the woman should wait in front of the mirror for the clock to strike 12 midnight.  When it strikes 12, the woman will see her future hubby's image behind her.  (Ladies, hope  gallant men appear and not one from the Walking Dead!)
        4.  FIJI:  When a man courageously asks the hand of his beloved lady from her father, he must give him a whale's tooth.
        5. BHUTAN:  Called BOMENA, it is wont in Eastern  Bhutan where, in the dead of night. a man sneaks into the room of the lady he likes. It is an old practice of courtship.  If caught, three things face him: he will marry the girl, work in the family's  field, or leave her to be pregnant. Though still occurring in a few places in Eastern Bhutan, the people have enacted laws to protect women, DNA testing, and the practical steel locks have been inherent in the structures of the houses.
       6. SW CHINA:  During April, women cook sticky rice, and dress ornately to excitedly celebrate SISTER'S MEAL FESTIVAL ( Valentine's Day). The sticky rice cooked in four colors based on  the seasons in a year, is rolled in a handkerchief and given to the suitors. If a man gets 2 red chopsticks inside the sticky rice package, it means YES.  One chopstick means a kind NO.  A garlic  or a chili means a blatant NO. A pine needle means the girl will wait for the man as long as he gives her gifts.
      7. CAMBODIA:  In the  Treung Tribe, the father builds a love hut for his daughter.  She invites as many men  she likes to sleep with.  Although this may seem promiscuous, incidents of rape are low and divorce is not heard of in their tribe. Collect and collect and then select?
     8. EUROPE:  In some parts of Europe, a guy puts his handkerchief in his armpit before attending a dance. Thereafter, he will use this sweat-scented hankie to wipe off perspiration from the face of the girl he likes.   In Austria, the girl puts a slice of apple in her armpit  then feeds her unsuspecting prospect with the laced apple slice. Presumably, the prey falls madly in love with the person because of the sweat-scent. O my!  The nose knows.
         There are more ways to skin a cat, they say. The bottom line is finding the appropriate in-law.  Who doesn't want the perfect boy or girl for our child?  Is there such a thing?  All parents wish their children a stable, and happy family life.
        What would be your criteria for your future in-law? In my order of things I watch out for manners & language, respectfulness, integrity, attitude in life, attitude towards others, and tell tale signs to be wary (coached by some elderly in the family).  But of course, the most important is still love.  How about you?