My Journal -- July, 2006

July 1, 2006

This is the first day of the month. Mj and I started the countdown for our daughter's upcoming party. It is actually 15 days to go. We're also worried that Tito Jay and Tito Nick might forget to send money for the party. Aside from this worry, I was worrying this whole day why they didn't come to make our kitchen. It's already rainy season. We badly needed it. And, of course, I was so uneasy to our financial. We only have P40 plus in my wallet. We have no more rice and canned goods to be cooked. In fact, I don't know what to do, what to cook, what to buy and 'what-not'. I realize that we're living here like we're living with our families.

I thanked God for the afternoon rain. I don't have to water the plants anymore. However, it almost made me insane when I was cooking. Despite the devastating rain and wind, I have cooked in a jiffy.

Mj and I, again, pursue the scrapbooking.

Prayer Concern, tonight: The stoppage of rain and financial blessing.

 

July 2, 2016

I lazily woke up at seven, so as Mj. We both knew that we're almost penniless and we almost have nothing to eat. I then think closely what the best thing to do to P43. I finally, decided to buy egg for pancakes. Thirty-nine pesos was left.

After breakfast, I told Mj what she must do, must explain to her family. She knew that I have no money at all. She didn't know that I have the intention of breaking our bamboo bank which was filled with P10-coins.

I was glad to see them leave me at 10:30. It's a happiness for a concern husband and father. I don't want them to starve here. I could manage my hunger, but I couldn't when we're three.

My lunch was boiled glutinous rice and fried 'tuyo.' I realized that the two were not meant to be partners. I just took then in. "Sayang, e."

For the first time in my history here, I have had an afternoon sleep.

Three-thirty, I broke our bamboo bank. Then, I bought Milo sachet, matches, Skyflakes and two mixed nuts. It costs P13 only, that would give me strength till tomorrow.

Evening, I took in my favorite rice cake. it was enough for me. Then, I made an advance 30th month anniversary letter for Mj. on July 6, we're already 30 months together.

Prayer Concern, tonight: Going home of my mag-ina tomorrow.

 

July 3, 2006

I haven't had a tight sleep last night. I wonder why. Yet, I still woke up early.

My breakfast was coffee and left-over glutinous rice. I eat it with sugar which I've found yummy. Satisfying!

I partially watered the plants ---the chosen plants. Then, I did some grass-uprooting.

Nine, I waited for them. I lost my patience after 1 and 1/2 hour. I cooked instead my lunch-- which was 'pasta ala pobre'. It was the poorest pasta I've ever tasted in my entire life. Yet, I ate it with gladness. I thanked God for that blessing.

Eleven, I already planned that if no one would come, I will go to Bautista and stay there for a night. I don't have something to eat here anymore.

Past twelve, a surprising arrival of Calove with a big Retriever dog and my 'mag-ina' gladdened me. Calove left immediately after few instructions about his dog. He left us blue big Orocan and gave me tomato and pechay seeds.

The dog's name is Jazzy. She's so big thus it scares me. I have a phobia over dog because was bitten once. I only love dog if I was the one who took care of him/her from the start.

One-thirty, I left the house for a marketing purpose. Annoyingly, I waited so long in the terminal. Four, when I arrived in Gate 2. Thus, I did marketing in a hurry. Good thing is I've almost bought everything we need, except for the juice, baby lotion and viand. P1000 was almost spent today. Never mind. At least I've Hanna a can of Nido 1+

Quarter to six, I arrived home. I quickly explained to Mj was late. She must not be angry. I then noticed the disadvantage having Jazzy in our lives. One thing is her filthy 'poopoo'. It was the reason why flies increase in numbers every time, when Lassie was still in the cage. Second, the fear of being bitten she has a big mouth.

Before I forgot, Tito Sam and I rope in the same jeep this afternoon. He paid my fare, actually. Another good thing is he learned that I did a grocery-job in Pagal grocery.

Tonight, I will thank God for the blessings and for the answered prayers. Then, I will ask him to help me in my daily chores.

 

July 4, 2006

I was awakened by hungry Jazzy. I fed her still despite of my irksome towards her.

Our breakfast was 'puto'.. It also annoys me.

All these annoyances of life were gone when I was doing my visual field works. I realized that gardening is indeed a therapy. It heals. It soothes.

Since cooking through timber was really hard, Mj and I agreed upon buying a sack of coal which costs P110. Besides, it was so hard to gather dried timber this season. In fact, I've already got the dried posts of the fences.

Mj was more than 5 weeks delayed. I could now feel the birth of our dream-- Sean Kinley. At first, I felt ashamed to the fact but later I'd accepted it proudly. It is a divine gift.

Afternoon, I have planted tomato and pechay seeds. I have also transplanted papayas--which were not yet supposed to be transplanted.

This day, I felt contentment. I fulfilled what I wanted to. It makes me glad --not to mention the presence of my 'mag-ina'.

Prayer Concern, tonight: Support for taking care of Jazzy.

 

July 5, 2006

Again, Jazzy has disturbed our sleeps. It was quarter to six when I got up just to feed her. Then, I prepared hotcake for our breakfast. Actually, it wasn't hotcake because it looks and tastes like 'puto'. I don't know what the problem.

Hanna has been so cryingly starting last night. She also has slight fever. I wished it will not get worse. Her birthday is approaching.

Prayer Concern, tonight: Healing of my baby.

 

July 6, 2006

I could still remember my last night's dream. I was hardly tilling the ground or preparing it to be planted with, when my friend, Efear surprisingly came. I, then embraced him tightly and cried hysterically, as if I have had an unfortunate, pitiful life here in Calove's property. It was such like a real scene.

All day long, it rains. Thus, my field works were pending. However, I have planted corn seeds and I've prepared garden plot for pechay.

Today is our 30th monthsary. I gave my letter to Mj--- which I prepared four days ago. She was so glad to its content.

Hanna was feverish. We suspected that it was due to her frequent fall to our sole step.

Afternoon, the rain becomes wild. Our surrounding flooded. We both knew that there was a storm named Esther.

We sleep early due to the loss of electric current. I prayed first to God about the stoppage of rain.

 

July 7, 2006

I woke up at 5:30. Mj frets. Her and Hanna's sleep were disturbed when I opened the door.

Eight-thirty, my 'mag-ina left home for two reasons. One, Hanna is 'ipapahilot'. Two, Mj is going to prepare the invitations for the upcoming party.

When they were gone, I did some field works and kitchen chores. At ten, I tried to manipulate the grass-cutter, but it doesn't run.

After lunch, I pursue the scrapbooking. One PM, I napped. My feeling was bad. I felt nausea and vomiting.

The weather was windy. Thus, I stayed inside and forgot the field works.

My dinner was tuna pasta-spirale.

Prayer Concern, tonight: Success of Mj's invitation-making.

 

July 8, 2006

Last night, 9:40, I have written a poem entitled "Isang Taon Ka Na, Parang Kailan Lang". It was dedicated to Hanna Margaret, who's turning one this July 17, 2006. I would post it to her scrapbook.

Six, I was wide-awake. It means I could do so many chores. Eight, I've transplanted ten papayas. I've visited my veggies and ornamental plants.

While the great rain was pouring down, I was cooking. It jeopardizes my chore. I have just remembered Ka Sonny's close handedness. Our makeshift kitchen must be made permanent very soon.

I was doing little Hanna's scrapbook when Flor arrived. It was 18:45. She supposed to stay here for a night but my mag-ina wasn't here. She brought a can of corned beef, sugar, instant noodles and pancit canton. At three, we left the house. I've fed Jazzy and Lassie. I also have kept and organized the valuable things.

In Bautista, I did some letter-cutting for Marge's banner. I then, told Mama about Mj's delay of her menstruation. I didn't know if it made her glad or what. I just don't want to keep it secret. The more it is open, the better!

Eight, I decided to go home. I just ate there.

When I was about to leave, Jano arrived. I confirmed to him about our payment to Gie.

When I arrived here, I then pursued the scrapbooking till 10. I finally conversed to God. I asked him to stop the rain and make Hanna Margaret's birthday party a success.

 

July 9, 2006

Four, I was awakened by my 'weewee' habit. It made me sleepless. Thus, I got up and pursue project till 5:30. Then I prepared our breakfast.

Eight, I've done several chores such as feeding the dogs, taking them a bath, cleaning and wiping the exteriors of the spoiling house, visiting the plants, and uprooting some unwanted weeds around the eggplants.

Half an hour later, I refreshed myself. Then, I go back to scrapbook, while waiting for Mj's arrival.

Ten-thirty, Mj and Hanna were not yet around. Thus, I started cooking 'pasta spirale' for my lunch. While, cooking, I washed the rubber tiles of Baby Marge.

Today is our 2-month stay here. I looked around and saw the big differences. I felt fulfilled. I could now see the products of my hard works. My sunflowers were in full bloom. My sweet corns were almost full-grown. My squashes were bearing fruits. My eggplants were growing fast. My bell peppers were growing, too. My "monggos" bear fruits and they were about to be picked in the soonest time. I don't want to mention the trees. I also have new plants such as imported tomatoes and pechay. Haay! They were only my consolation.

After lunch, I wiped up the floor in our room. I took a nap after. Then, scrapbooking, again.

All day, I was busying up myself in this project. I was over-timing because I wanted to showcase it during Hanna's party.

My dinner was 'puto' and sotanghon guisado.

Eight, I was so tired and drowsy. However, I conversed first to God. I told Him I wasn't worried that the party might be postponed. I thanked Him instead for we already were two months here.

 

July 10, 2006

Quarter to six, I got up and fed he dogs.

It's only six days to go before the big party, seven days to go before Hanna Margaret's birthday and nine days to go before my 26th birthday.

Past eight, after doing households and few field works, I faced the scrapbook which was almost finished. It gladdens me. I could now foresee the appreciation.

I waited for my 'mag-ina' till ten-thirty. I worry for them. Thus, I cooked 'puto' and instant noodles for my lunch.

Though, I was busy in scrapbooking, my mind still lingers on upcoming birthday bash. My worry worsened by rain and Mj's absence for three consecutive days.

My dinner was 'puto' (again) and sauteed tuna-sotanghon. I've seen Lassie's flat stomach. She's shivering too. Maybe, it's not due to cold but to hunger. Imagine, it's my 48 hours of non-rice intake.

Past nine, I packed up the scrapbook materials. I was so exhausted in a daylong working of it.

Prayer Concern, tonight: Going home of my 'mag-ina' morrow.

 

July 11, 2006

Today is the 4th day absence of my 'mag-ina'. It is also the 4th day of my non-rice meals.

Weather was bad still. I suspected; it was the reason why Mj wasn't home yet. However, past 12, they arrived. They brought me rice and adobo. I ate it hurriedly.

Two, we left home. Hanna and Mj were left. We first dropped by in Bautista for my pot and cement, then in Cogeo for Michele's going home.

Three, when I arrived at the National Bookstore in "Bayan" through the effort of Michael. Then, I quickly shopped for the party needs such as glitters, glue, prizes, pen, etc.

Four, after I've shopped, the great rain poured down. It delayed me.

In Gate 2, I bought film, birthday caps and longganisa.

Past five when I arrived in Bautista. My head was aching. Yet I still did my projects. I prepared the invitations and I've given one to Arones when I down-paid P150 for my debt.

Past 8, I was home. Mj and Flor did not yet have their supper. They suffered from my late going home.

Eleven, I was still scrapbooking.

 

July 12, 2006

Three AM, I was already awake. Maybe, it was due to excitement. Four, I got up and started scrapbooking.

Five-thirty, I was in Bautista. I've had a hard time convincing again Mama to personally invite Auntie Vangie and to talk about the cake she promised--not to mention Jano's disagreement. She's afraid of the rain. However, after a few reiterations of a reason why she must and I must not, I have convinced her. Thus, she left at 7, with bad heart. Yet, I bade her goodbye happily and told her a "Take care' farewell.

Mj, Hanna, and Flor arrived at 8:30 --in the middle of the pouring rain.

Jano and I did a sharing for our viand.

My scrapbooking was postponed due to his presence. Alas!

Five, my worry grew. The wind was so furious. The rain was terrible. Jano and Flor almost blamed me. I shouldn't have permitted Mama. I couldn't pardon myself if something bad happens to her.

Primetime. I just thought Mama was not permitted by Auntie Vangie to go home. I pursued my project when Hanna fell asleep, so as Jano, till eleven. Then, I prayed to God for Mama's safety.

 

July 13, 2006

My 'mag-ina' and I left Bautista, very early at 6. Jano was still asleep. Mama wasn't home yet. The rain has stopped, yet the clouds show sign of rain.

Seven, we arrived home. We immediately organize the clutters made by the storm. We also did some picture-taking.

Past twelve, I discovered that one of the four iron tube was stolen. I then went to barangay hall to blotter the incident. There, I was forced to tell my suspects to my intuition. I paid P30 for blotter fee.

Past one, I convinced MJ to go to 'bayan' to enable her to broadcast the robbery and to know if the 'padala' has arrived. She was worrying that there might something bad happens to me. I really wanted to catch them in the act, like what the 'tanod' suggested.

I cooked early just to prepare at my plan. However, I changed my mind. I would only put myself in trouble or to death. Thus, I clicked on the light bulb outside.

"Lord God, thank You for this incident. Through this, Calove will learn a lesson. Thanks also for Mj's fare till Cogeo was saved when Ivan told her to come with him (by his van). Please, Lord, stop the rain. It will adversely affect the upcoming party. I hope Tito Jay's 'padala' was already there. Pardon us, too. Amen!"

 

July 14, 2006

I woke up early to face scrapbooking. It's just two days to go before the party. I took a nap when I felt drowsiness.

Five, Mj arrived happily. Hanna was not with her. She had a plastic bag of party goods. According to her Tito Jay's 'padala' has arrived.

While I was cooking our dinner, she told me about her grievances toward her family. Her family, so as Lola wanted the parry to be simple --a simple to the point that there's no clown, no invitation cards and souvenirs. It irked me. She also related how much Nanay asked from the money. She asked P500. And how about her previous debt P500. That's our budget, huh!

After dinner, we prepared the give-away and other party must-haves. I also finished the scrapbook. Tomorrow, it would only be covered.

"Lord God, thank You for You heard my prayer of stopping the rain from pouring. I could now see the success of the party and the happiness of our guests. Tomorrow, we will be very busy and I'm going to market and shop for other needs. Please, guide me, protect the money from lost or snatchers. Give us strength and wisdom while doing my activities. Amen!"

 

July 15, 2006

Six, I was already in Bautista to do some preparations. Mama and I did garden works.

Nine, I asked Tito Boy if he could lead the thanksgiving prayer morrow. He did not decline. Then, I contracted Lani about the wet goods. I down paid P1000 for it. Finally, I went to Sta. Lucia to buy souvenirs. It was a long time since I last entered the mall. I bought 15 Chinese pig figurines for P15 each. Then, I contacted Rocky. He has a show that time.

Past 12, I was in Gate 2 --marketing. I have had a hard time doing it. Yet, I managed.

When I was home, I did some party decorations ---a hanging 'banderitas'.

I could see the success of morrow's party when the rain has stopped, and the sun has risen.

Eleven, after worrying so much about the unconfirmed invitation of the clowns, Jano and Gie arrived. I borrowed their cellphone. The problem arises afterwards. Thanks, God, Jenny contacted clowns and referred it to me.

Twelve, I closed my eyes, and I took a deep breathe because clowns were now okay. I then asked God for the success of tomorrow's celebration.

 

July 16, 2006

We all rose up early. we did horrible works. All of us were busy.

Eight, I went to Veterans to get my meat orders. It totaled to P1509. So, I paid P500 only.

Next thing happened was cramming preparations. We're all occupied, so as Mj. She texted Rocky, the Clown.

While doing my stuffs, I realized that a home party is such a hard thing. It's harder than JenTai's Nuptials last January.

Three, we're not yet done. We're all worried that guests might arrive early-- not to mention the arrival of my hungry in-laws.

Four, the party started. My invited guests were not around.

Everyone has had a happy moment with the clowns.

Lola, Tita Lo, Tiya Neng and Tiyo Ruben dropped by. They didn't dine yet. They asked for some food and stuffs. According to them they came all the way from Cadcad. They brought dog food.

Auntie Vangie arrived very late. Good thing they came exactly before the clowns finishes their show. I was partly disappointed to their cake. It's not the Hello Kitty cake. Yet, it satisfied me when I saw that it's a Red Ribbon Black Forest cake.

Gifts were only three-- from Auntie Vangie and Sassy, from Laurence and Denize and from Gie and Jano. But Lola Alice and Tito Joe gave P100 each.

I noticed Mama's hardship. She's so tired for sure. I pity her. I wanted to treat her after the party (on my birthday, maybe), but the excess of our money was only P500.

We all sleep at a very late time due to the re-organization --not to mention the videoke disturbance.

 

July 17, 2006

My 'mag-ina' and I went back home to Cadcad at 8, with some food. there, we did a terrible cleaning and organizing. I was so sleepy, but we have to finish the chores.

We talked about the last party-- the success, the problems and the what-not. I also told her what I felt towards the two sacks of dog food, Calove brought here. He disregarded us. He only regarded his useless dog. I, then decided to tell it to Mama so as the truth about our salary.

Five-thirty, we left Cadcad. On the way, Diana Go was supposed to come to our house. We met her on the way. She was on money crisis. She asked us for some amount. She received nothing from us. We're also on a crisis, we said.
Six-thirty, I told the problem to Mama. She got angry. And, when she had a chance, she gave Jano an idea of what our condition there.

We sleep early.

 

July 18, 2006

I realized that we have a tight sleep here in Bautista compared to Cadcad.

After breakfast, I was thinking and asking MJ what to do. She had also discovered that I was the one who paid the debt to Arones. She declined, too, to go to her family. I just wanted them to know my decision.

Nine, when we're about to go home in Cadcad, Mama stopped us and told to think twice. Thus, I left the house alone. I told Mj that after feeding the dogs I would go to their house to talk about the problem of salary and the same.

On the way to house, I met Tiyo Ruben. He told me to plant the coconuts. In return, I told him to drop by at our house.

My lunch was 'puto' -- a milkless puto. I also cooked monggo ---boiled with Kropeck, tomatoes, garlic and chicken cube. I haven't eaten it because I sleep till 3:30.

Four-thirty, I have planted seven coconut seedlings.

My dinner was boiled monggo and bread.

Eight, I set myself to sleep.

 

July 19, 2006

Happy Birthday to me!! It's my 26th year in this world.

Six-thirty, I got up, fed the dogs, and sipped in coffee. Then, I kept the things that were redeye to the robbers. It's raining today, yet it doesn't resist me from leaving. I was going to celebrate my first birthday with a one-year-old daughter. I guess, I was the happiest person in the universe, despite all these problems.

Past nine, I was in Bautista. Mama greeted me. She was cooking spaghetti. Mj handed me down her letter ---greeting me a happy Birthday.

Ten, we took pictures of Hanna using her two dresses.

Ten-thirty, my in-laws arrived by car. Nanay told us to go home, according to Lola, who was so worried about the dog. I could see Nanay's annoyance to my decision, while Tatay was quiet.

After lunch, I decided to go home.

Two, we're here again. I was so lazy to do my chores.

Six, Mj craved for softdrinks. Thus, I bought a family-sized bottle. Anyways, it's my birthday!

 

July 20, 2006

Quarter to seven, I got up. I still managed to feed Jazzy despite of this. Then, I followed cooking food.

After breakfast, I felt I was sick. I could feel influenza in me. Thus, I set myself under my blanket.

Ten-thirty, I got up to prepare our lunch-- which was tilapia cocido. While I was frying some of them, Tiyo Ruben arrived. He said nothing. So, I did. He just made sure if we're really here. He left after a few minutes. When he's gone MJ commented that I've been snobbish. It's because I don't know what to say. I was still angry.

After lunch, I rested. Hanna disturbed me. She ate her own poopoo. I slapped her mouth twice. She cried endlessly. I thought she was not going to come with me, yet she still did.

Three, I cooked pancakes. Then, I visited my veggies --while thinking why my in-laws were coming here tomorrow. Are they gonna make our kitchen? Or are they gonna help us transport our belongings? I also ponder the Calove's plan of an outing before their American tip on the 30th.

Five-thirty, I felt cold again. Thus, I entered the mosquito net and laid down there till seven. I was okay, already.

"Lord God, thank You very much for this day! Bless us tomorrow. Help me in deciding whether I'll go or stay. Please change their attitudes toward financial matters. Pardon us. Amen!"

 

July 21, 2006

I got up at seven. Eight, when we took breakfast. Afterwards, I started to anticipate for my in-laws. They're coming today for a reason.

I've been so lazy. I didn't want to do works and chores till they arrived. I wanted to know what Calove's reaction about my decision.

Eleven, I thought they would not come. Thus, I cooked rice. Five minutes later, they arrived with Lola, Lolo and Tiyo Ruben. They're here to cut the grass --not to tell me to pack up or to restrain me from leaving.

Lola made me understand that our problem was not due to 'laidbackness' or stinginess of Calove but due to lack of time. According to her, he's willing to give us what we need, if only we talk to him personally. I don't agree. he already knew what the problems were. He was just clenching his palms.

I helped Tatay and Tiyo Ruben in their works. I overtook the dumping of the cutgrasses.

Lola tried to resist me from leaving. I could feel her willingness to help. In fact, she gave us P200. (Later, Nanay asked P100). Comment less!

Mj wanted to stay here. It doesn't mean that she doesn't agree with my grievances. She just doesn't want to live in Bautista. She's intimidated to Jano.

I was still in confusion. I told Mj that it's not just TV I was 'problemizing'. I also consider, kitchen, our salary, our health, so on.

Six, I cooked banana chips for business purposes. However, when I was about to repack it, my plastics were not here 'pala.' Thus, I kept it. I really wanted to do a micro-business while I'm here.

 

July 22, 2006

We're so lazy to get up this morning. We spent much time inside the mosquito net. it was 7 when we start our day.

After breakfast, I worked at the field for a few hours. Mj asked and teased me. I replied that I was just doing some grass uprooting. It doesn't mean I would stay here again. But in reality, she's right.

Ten, I've decided to go to Bautista. I've fried banana chips to be repacked there.

Quarter to 12, I left home.

Past one, I've been in Veterans. I bought Nido 1+, diapers and toothpaste.

I've made eleven pieces of plastic bag of banana chips. They are for P5 each. My gross income is P105. My net income is P30.

Mama talked to me. She asked me what had happened. I told her that my decision was on pending. She assured me that she's planning too, for us.

Four, I was home already. I brought home Bangkok santol and mangoes and ginataan.

Five, I prepared our dinner. I also have bought corn for P15 to Mang Mario.

Seven-forty, I've made a letter for Tito Nick. Actually, it was a Thank You letter.

 

July 23, 2006

Quarter to seven, when I got up. I stopped and thought for a moment, then cooked our breakfast.

Today is rainy day. We're expecting Calove and Espinosas, but due to rain, they would not come, surely.

Lunch time. Our viand was corn soup. It was my first time to cook that dish, yet it turned out good.

Four, Mj and I were in great confusion whether what to cook for dinner. I was so lazy to cook due to great rain ---which was brought b tropical depression, Glenda. Thus, we decided both to supper for bread and milk. We both like bread so it doesn't matter if we did it ---once in a while.

The rain pours down continuously. Our surroundings had flooded already. Good thing, there's no strong wind.

Prayer Concern, tonight: Stoppage of storm.

 

July 24, 2006

Jazzy's barks had disturbed my sleep. Thus, I got up early at past five. Instead, I cooked pancakes for breakfast.

The rain was still pouring down.

Nine-thirty, I've decided what would be our viand this lunch and dinner. I have been very careful in spending our money. We only had P142 on my wallet. And it's to be budgeted till August 9. I've told MJ that she must go to 'bayan' before this amount was spent to 'whatever'. I knew Nanay has no intention to pay her debt to our budget, but Mj and Hanna must leave here before we all starve.

I've also told Mj that she must not ask Me-Ann to pay us because Hanna lost Akisha's pearl earring.

Four, we listen to PGMA's State of the Nation Address (SONA), till 5.

While listening, I accidentally taught Hobee how to 'bless'. Thanks God, she already knew how!

We had an early dinner at 6.

Prayer Concern, tonight: Financial and material blessings

 

July 25, 2006

Last night, we experienced the fury of the storm Glenda (Gloria). The wind was so terrible. Our nipa hut was almost blown up and away. The downpour was so strong. Our interior sala was wet entirely.

After breakfast at 8, I decided to cut my hair. I really wanted it to shorten however I preferred it to be skin headed. Mj did the job. We both found out my secret-- dandruff. It was the sole reason why I came up to that decision.

Ten, I bought milkfish for our lunch. I cooked it into 'paksiw' dish.

Due to the coldness of weather, I felt I was hungry from time to time. In fact, we took our snacks twice. We mind not our tomorrow.

Before we dine our dinner, Mj and I made a stationery box for Hanna Margaret. We want her to have a stationery collection. We, thus, want her to be a sweet and a correspondent girl when she grows up.

Prayer Concern, tonight: Success of my 'lakad' tomorrow to Bautista.

 

July 26, 2006

Five-thirty, I was awakened by my weewee call. I got up at six. I immediately fed the big dog. (She’s my burden. Our disturbance.)

Seven, I visited my veggies and did some transplanting and cultivating.

Eight-forty, I have cooked rice and viand and Hanna's am. I left the house to Baustita.

In Bautista, I've learned that my banana chips were not yet sold by Flor. According to her, they're not crunchy. I told her they're crunchy, just the few.

Past-two, I went back home with bag of mangoes, bag of coals, two kilos rice, two pieces of diapers, a can of corned beef, 1/4 kilo of sugar, pop-corn (cooked and uncooked) and green peas. Some of them were owed by Flor for me. I was supposed to owe Nido 1+ or Bonakid, yet Ate Grace was not selling it. Hanna's milk was only good for tomorrow.

I was so disappointed today. However, I have convinced MJ to go to 'bayan' morrow. We only have P48 on my wallet. She will use P38 for her fare. It's just okay if she will leave me with nothing to be cooked. The most important is that our baby will not starve.

"Lord God, thank You for You stop already the storm. Thank You for what we got today! Bless us tomorrow. Please, let them come here. Oh, Lord God, I want to work in a company. Help me, please. We need to buy what we need so as what we wanted. Thus, give me an instant job with a fair salary and without conflicted workhours. Pardon me. Amen!"

 

July 27, 2006

I got up (again) early because I have had a disturbing dream. Besides, I had to tell Mj about my last night's realization-- that she must leave hone early.

Past six, Mj and Hanna left me alone. I have directed her of what to say if her family mock her about the July 16's party.

When they're gone, I did the chores she had left. I also visited my plants.

Eleven, after lunch, I took a nap, till 12:30. Then, I did something just to keep myself away from boredom.

Two, my in-laws arrived with my mag-ina. Their arrival irked me. They left, presto! Mj related to me about her 'lakad'. One, she was given P1000 by Calove and P1000 by Lola. Two, she was asked by Nanay (again) for P100, not to mention the P100 for fuel. Haay! It irritates me. Three she bought can of Nido 1+, 12's Happy diaper and Excel. And four, she gave me the remaining P1400 of P2000. It gladdens me but the fact that it would be (must be) budgeted till September 8 or 9, saddens me. I just then proclaimed that we will not ever permit Nanay or Mama to borrow from our budget because in the end, we're the ones who suffer.

Past 3, after buying fish and small shrimps, I started to cook. After cooking, I did some roofing in front of Jazzy's doghouse. I also put 'tulos' beside my 'sigarilyas' as supports.

Prayer Concern, tonight: Guidance for tomorrow' marketing.

 

July 28, 2006

Since I was scheduled to market today, I got up early to enable to do my chores before I leave. At 8:35, I left the house. I, first, dropped by in Bautista. There, I let Mama pay my debts to Ate Grace. I entrusted her P100. We had, a few, conversed topics such as our advanced wage and what happened to P600: Calove's stuffs and my plan of working in a company. According to her, Jano is willing to help me in searching for job vacancies. I must just prepare my resumes.

Marketing time. My first station was a school supplies store. I bought there pink papers, paste and staple wire. Next, in Pagal, I have spent P637.50 + P50. Next stop was Mercury. I bought Tiki-Tiki Star and baby lotion and bath. I have doubled-bought the vitamin due to confusion. I lastly bought other merchandise. It was ii.

Marketing is really hard!

In a jeep to Paenaan, I met my high school classmate---Michelle Vale. We're both speechless and startled seeing each other. She has now a one-year-old kid. I then realized that it has been a long time.

Twelve-something was my arrival. My head was aching. Yet, I happily showed them my three 'itik', I bought in Gate 2. I was craving to have an 'itikery' since then. And now, I have three. Some other time, if our budget is on the loose, I'll buy again.

Three, I was cooking because the rain starts to fall.

After dinner, I started again Hanna Margaret's new scrapbook.

I thanked God for this day and his blessings.

 

July 29, 2006

Jazzy is such a damn dog! She disturbed my sleep, when she barked for 5 minutes, starting 6:45. Thus, I was forced to get up. However, I didn't feed her yet as her penalty. I fed her at 8.

My ducklings are still here. Last night I was worried that Lassie might eat them. Thanks God, she didn't!

I, then, named Donald, Donna, and Daisy.

Today, starting from breakfast to supper, is a cooking day for me. I almost spent one hour each for it. However, I must be thankful that we have something to cook.

Afternoon, I went back to field working. In fact, Mj teased me.

Tomorrow, Mj and Hanna will be leaving. May God take care of them. I'll be left alone again. But it is just okay. I'm immune.

 

July 30, 2006

I was awakened by a bad dream. It was 5:45. I got up at 6:25. It was so cold.

Mj and Hanna left at 8:45, when the rain has stopped. She was hesitant to leave. I just pushed her to go due to our letter for Tito Nick which will be hand-carried by Tita Lo tomorrow on her US flight.

Right after they had gone, I faced scrapbooking. I tried to nap but I couldn't.

I've almost finished all including the cover when my mag-ina arrived--- in the middle of the rain. It surprised me. Afterwards, I got angry towards Nanay. Angst started to grow inside my heart. Why did she not understand the presence of her daughter? Why they were there? I thought of something she will be annoyed to. I also asked Mj what was happening to her mother. I then proclaimed that she'll never ever be permitted to borrow our budget. She doesn't know how to pay her liability.

As the result, Mj missed the 'despidida' party and the worse, she only spent P80 for fare.

I remember, today is Efear's 21st birthday. It's his 'debut'. "Happy Beer-day, best friend!"

"Lord God, pardon me. I've been very angry to how Nanay treated Mj today. She's unfair and inconsiderate. Pardon her, too. Just let me do what I've planned. I'll show her that I don't feel her anymore. Her attitude contributes to her flaws ---such as her. Hmp! I don't want to enumerate them one by one. Pardon me, us, Oh, Lord. Amen!"

 

July 31, 2006

We woke up raining. I tried to do chores even though the cold was penetrating.

This day has been a 'nakakagutom' day! We wanted all to eat and eat and eat! I just popped the remaining popcorn.

Three-thirty, after snacks, I went outside (in the field) and did a transplanting. I also put stepping stones through the gate.

Six, we already had our supper which was just tuna pasta.

Then, I made a personalized birthday card for Hanna on her 57th birthday, this August 2006. I also faced the scrapbook, did a few cut-outs.

Prayer Concern, tonight: Tita Lo's safe and sound U.S. trip and Calove's awakening from insensitivity.