Keystroke Journal

What is it with today? First, I scheduled a lab work near our place. For some reason, there was moderate traffic en route so I ended up using another route. My appointment was at 7:45 am and it was already 7:35 am. I arrived at 7:42am and while still at the parking lot, I already checked-in to ensure that I’ll still be on time. Once inside the lab, I waited for a few minutes and when it was my turn, I found out that the doc office hadn't done any orders into the system yet. So, I had to cancel it. I called the doc office, of course, they’re still closed because they open at 9am. I just left a message. Next, I went to Walgreens because there are pending medications I need to pick up. Google says it opens at 8:00 am. I arrived at 8:01 am and there’s a man standing outside waiting for the door to open so I parked nearby and  I waited inside my car. By 8:11 am, the store door automatically opened. I got off my vehicle and I got in the store, headed toward the pharmacy only to be told t...

I was summoned to attend a jury duty a month ago.  The night before my scheduled date, I was instructed to call the court circuit for instructions. To my surprise, our group was told not to report, but to call again the following day after 5 p.m. The next afternoon, I followed the instructions and called back. This time, the automated voice announced, “All must report by 7:30 a.m.!” That night, anxiety about the unknown kept me from sleeping well. I woke up early and, after my usual morning routine, left home by 6 a.m., wanting to allow plenty of time to find the courthouse. Navigating with GPS, I reached the county's court circuit for the first time but finding a parking spot proved to be a challenge. The garage I initially thought was for public use was, in fact, off-limits, so I had to circle the area searching for available public parking. Eventually, I discovered that the open lots nearby were designated for public use, though parking came with a fee. I chose a spot close to t...

This is the first time that I have been in three meetings at three different buildings on campus while managing to go to my office which is in another building! From my office, which is Bldg. I, I went to Bldg. II to attend to what I thought was only an hour but ended up attending it the whole day. With the breakout sessions, from Bldg. II I went to Building III. While on a break, I went back to Bldg. I to check my office before heading back to Bldg. II. By lunch time, I have another meeting so I left Bldg. II to go to Bldg. IV. Before heading back to Bldg. II, I went back to Bldg. I to take care of the forefront. Most of the afternoons were spent at the meeting in Bldg. II before heading back to Bldg. I. What added to the overwhelming walks was the rain. It was rainy in the morning but then it stopped by lunch time so when I head back to my office, I left my umbrella before attending the meeting in Building II. To my surprise, it rained again once I left Bldg. II! I was soaked by the ...

It was Thursday morning. Hubby was still suffering from a bothersome health issue that caused him to wake up late. He was sluggish but he still wanted to go with me. I was anxious but agreed to have him onboard. It was almost 6:30 a.m., which was already late, when we headed for work. My mind was rushing with different scenarios that might come our way: the heavy traffic, the unavailable parking space, and my 8:00 a.m. class. Lo, and behold, what I feared the most, happened! Murphy's law took effect with the heavy and long-standing traffic that caused us to arrive on campus by 7:40 a.m. Since we came in late, the usual parking spot that we used to park has already been occupied. We had no choice but to drive further away from my office building. Thank God there was still a number of slots open. Once we've parked, hubby expressed he needed to go; I ended up bringing all the stuff (two backpacks, one lunch bag, one hand carry and my shoulder bag). In a hurry, I walked ahead of hu...

 It's back to in-person work these days. And, yes, I still dread the commute but there's one more other thing that I don't look forward to --- meeting toxic people who try to control me at work. In my attempt to be helpful, I end up the most vulnerable yet least appreciated person to these toxic people. Well, we cannot really please everyone but for what I thought I was doing the right thing, I have been perceived as the antagonist. I wish this will end soon but I also know that there is always a reason why certain things happen. I have to admit that it's exhausting and exasperating on campus but I will not let these incidents affect my family life nor my spiritual life. This is just work and these are part of my job role. At the end of the day, I chose to go home and be with my loved ones without giving them any work-related burdens. Still, I lift up my eyes to the one and only Author of Life. For 'my help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth' (Psalm ...

Prologue: I found this attachment in my inbox which I sent to myself many years ago -- maybe it was intended for future posting but it took me years to discover it until now. The event might have been out-dated but the experience and the memories are still fresh ... South Lake Tahoe Highlights (October 7-11, 2008) One of the places that I've been to in America and fell in love with is South Lake Tahoe. Ever since I could remember, I've always wanted to live near a lake or a bay. I like the beautiful mountainous scenery that surrounds it, as well as, the calmness of the lake. It has an ambiance that refreshes me whether it's morning, noontime, afternoon or at nighttime – it's picturesque! For somebody who loves nature, the South Lake Tahoe is a place to be in. It was papa who was on the drive wheel while mama and I busied ourselves taking pictures of whatever breath-taking scenery we came across. During our stay, we experienced the four seasons of the year. It was summer...

 I can't believe I'm still writing about COVID-19!  It's been a year now since the pandemic started. And, in a year's time, a lot of things transpired; many lives have been transformed instantly. Although the inevitable change caused insurmountable losses in terms of property, jobs, travels, dreams and most of all the lives globally impacted by the pandemic, it has brought out good outcomes in my little corner. Working from home has its own challenges but, at the same time, I learned to do chores now with a grateful heart because if it wasn't for the year 2020, I wouldn't have realized how much I took these tasks for granted: cooking baking cleaning gardening Yes, it's a domesticated life in addition for the need to be tech savvy in this ever-changing digital work life. On the other hand, I was also able to hone my creative-side because of lesser time to be on the road and more time to focus. Connectivity has never been easier these days, too. Due to the pan...

COVID-19 came so sudden that no one was ever prepared to deal with this unknown novel sickness. It struck every one and every where. No one is spared of its daunting effects. Rich or poor, educated or uneducated, male or female, old or young, animals or humans, from the north to the south to the east and west. Only the strong and the fittest can survive. It's like watching a plot in a movie, only this time, we are all making our own reality TV shows.  It's been a month now that lives have transitioned from commute days to lockdown days. The year 2020 is indeed a year of vision. A time to realize what values most in life and rediscover life's passions. Nowadays, there are more days to  reflect, more days to clean up, more days to do what we can't usually do on an actual busy day; more days to juggle self-care, family/home care, online classes, and remote work, all in one roof. This, for now, is the new normal. Years from now, we will have our own lockdown stories to ...

Dear Me, You have been very patient with Mr. Cool's incompetence but you also don't want to put your job in jeopardy. Clients have been complaining and despite your efforts to assist Mr. Cool while bringing up your concerns to the next higher level, you are stuck to give him immemorial time to improve in his honor. Meanwhile, your department suffers quarterly setbacks. I know his weak work ethics irritates you. After probing Mr. Cool, he admits he has difficulty remembering things, for being disorganized, and having flights of ideas. He asks for leniency because of the disappointing symptoms. Admire him for admitting these symptoms but never cave in to his requests for easier tasks. He still has to perform his job well and submit those reports just like what everyone else does! The only difference is he is given ample time to complete and has someone to act as his personal assistant. Meanwhile, your department still suffers quarterly setbacks. At times, you were unappreci...

Back in my high school years, I remember answering one psychological completion test that really strung a note until now. The sentence went like this: My parents don't know this but _______. Then I filled out the sentence with this clause: I LOVE TO TRAVEL. Growing up, I was already exposed with boarding planes and ships to visit relatives down the southern part of our archipelago. I love the idea of looking forward to rekindle relationships and relish each moment in unfamiliar yet stunning places. As years pass by, the distance went farther and farther. I get to see and be in places which I only saw in magazines and postcards as a child. Not only that, I get to build memories with family and friends, too.  On the other hand, I know someone who argues that it’s cheaper and less stressful to look at pictures and watch videos of different places rather than you being there. Well, maybe it works for some but not for me. As long as time permits, I still see myself t...

The year 2010 has passed away with no writings posted on my blog. I sure miss writing down my thoughts, however, because of some abrupt (but blissful) changes in my life that took place, I never had a chance to sit down, think and jot down, until now. The strange thing though is that now that I have the time, I just couldn't think well -- sigh! I guess I will have to find time for inspiration from the majestic snow-filled scenery outside ... Slush, Sleet, Snow, Ice, Rain and Gridlock -- was a winter nightmare last night but today, it's a postcard picturesque sunny, fresh-air, white scenery. If only things will have to be just like in a postcard, the world would be peaceful and refreshing. If only ...

While trying to look for possible images for our upcoming church anniversary theme, I used the following keywords to google: moving forward, unity and hands holding. Out of the thousand images and web sites I checked out, I came across this endearing video of two Otters. The video clip was taken at the Vancouver Aquarium. Further readings about the endangered Otters stated that they hold hands as a survival instinct. It is part of their social group role to protect each other from easily drifting away especially in rough waters. Now, that’s a nice way to reflect something for our anniversary theme. We should be reminded to learn from the Otters -- to be there for each other especailly when times are tough. Or else, like them, such act of kindness will become extinct, too. If you haven't seen it, watch it and be amused as well. It made my day.

It is disheartening to know that many innocent lives are once again lost from a gunman’s hand. The massacre at Binghamtom, NY is the latest. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. On the other hand, what was on the mind of the killer? Was he a mad man or was he a victim of social indifference? Police said he just lost his job; as a migrant, he had poor English skill causing him difficulty to find a more stable job. In another recent article, I couldn’t help but give out a big sigh as well. In South Carolina, a woman was found dead after 18 months in her house alone. There was no foul play, it was a natural cause. But she was never found out because no one bothered to check on her. “We do our own thing. We lead busy lives. We go and go and go ... and stay within our comfort zone,” was one of the comments made by a clergy in an attempt to answer on why neighbors failed to check on the 78 year old American woman. Neighbors said they seldom see the childless widow go out nor w...

An incident happened over the weekend. A boy and his family came from a four-hour out-of-state event. Before heading back home, they have to stop over at a relative’s house. On their way, they got off at a gas station and bought some goodies. After an hour, the boy realized something and he went hysterical at the backseat, "Mommy, I forgot the candy. It’s in my jacket’s pocket!” “What do you mean?” his mom said who was at the front seat. “It’s this,” showing off the hard candy. “You mean you had it all along and we never paid for it?” “Yes,” his face looking so worried. “That is not good." “What will I do?” and he started to sob. “Ask for forgiveness from God.” There was silence. And then, “But mommy can we just go back?” “We left the store an hour already,” then she glanced at the driver’s seat. The boy sobbed, looked at the front wheel and said, “Let’s go back, daddy, go back! Let’s go back, go back daddy.” The boy never stopped ranting until an hour later … “Now you know ...

I received emails from friends back home. As always, they’ve been all up with what everyone calls busy-ness. I understand. I remember a friend once said, “With so many things on my mind, there are times I just want to be thoughtless.” Yes, a busy life coupled with complicated personal concerns can sometimes make someone end up with blank-stare moments. Going back to my friends’ emails, in general, it's about overcoming blues, career transitions, and domestic decisions to future endeavors. It's as if everyone's on the same page. I can fully identify what they are going through right now. It's because that's where I am also. The levels of our concerns, however, vary but still the common thing is about coping with changes and moving on. Talk about developmental stages at a certain age …

Today, I came across a TV program about third world countries and the plight of the poor. Also on that show, I saw people not only making a difference but making outstanding services to people they don’t even know -- all because of their love for the Lord. Suddenly, something dawned on me. Years ago, I envisioned myself to be in the mission field, to be somewhere, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life; a place without too much commercialism and materialism; to literally feed the hungry, to heal the sick while sharing the good news. No matter how difficult life may seem to be in those countries, that is where I should be now. If only I -- I am certain someone will raise their eyebrows and say. “Are you insane? People want to be in your shoes for goodness sake! Why waste the opportunity?” Hold that thought. Personally, I came here for one reason - to be with my family - not to look for gold or a honey. If however, they come together with the family package I would gladly accep...

Recently stray cats have been sighted under a shed in a hilly back yard. They are always on the look-out for preys; they run after any living creature they see around them. But they run away whenever they see human beings. Two of the cats are grown-ups. One is colored black with white paws and the other one has a grayish fur all over its body, The third one is a younger version of the older black cat. Not sure if they're a family of three or more. Today seems to be a special day for the two black cats. They are out in the backyard literally enjoying the warmth of the sun as they lie down along the steps of the shed. It seems to be one of their lazy day out in the sun. The bigger black cat sprawled itself on the steps, looking like a statue since it hasn't moved for awhile however, the smaller cat is more active and playful; turning here and there until it finally fell down from the steps. After much effort to get up, the smaller cat was back on the steps again. They hea...

Today the sun is up with almost 70 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. It’s a fine day to be out at the National Harbor. It was a little breezy but the sun was a welcome treat for a change. Lunch was at the Potbelly's and while at the order counter, the sandwichmaker asked me, “And what would you want to have for your sandwich, young lady?” Young lady?! Did I hear it right? I looked around and saw only men except me on queue. And then he looked at me with his deep-set blue eyes and sparkling smile, "Mayonnaise, onions, peppers?" “Oh, with everything please.” "Ok", then he went on making the sandwich. Meanwhile, I looked at my reflection and saw myself in jeans with a red fitted, light knitted sweater, no make-up at all. I grinned as I was about to say to the young lad, Thanks for the compliment but my dear child, I could even pass as your mom! Then follow it up with a question, Do you have a single uncle who has the same set of eyes and smile as yours, instead? B...

Of choices and decisions; The circumstances and outcomes, Between comfort zone and the unknown. What's next? I'll be thinking ...

A friend of mine forwarded me this message: God doesn't give you the people you want, He gives you the people you NEED to help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you, and to make you into the person you were meant to be. -Anonymous