- Time indeed does fly-by

- That I will play “bad cop” when I have children

- What I once thought I was supposed to be doing with my life, may not be the case after all

- That that last statement makes me feel older than I do

- There’s more to life than the bubble I’ve created for myself

It’s been an interesting start to 2011 and I’m wondering if these self-realized blurbs are typical of one about to be acquainted with 30, or possibly the start, or even end, of something.  Everything I’ve known for the last 10 years (listen to me, as if I’m this old hag!) has turned on its head and showed me the middle finger.  What I once thought, wasn’t the case, and what I knew all along is laughing in my face.  Why is it so hard to do what you want to do?  The pursuit of following a dream is breathtakingly scary and anxiety-laden.

I’m being purposefully obtuse and it’s because I’m afraid if I announce it, and fail, someone will laugh and ridicule me.  Someone like me.  How cliche for myself to be the one that gets in my own way.  *sigh* I need to figure out what to do and fast.

1). Ah, sh*t.

I can curse like a sailor and would like to rid or lessen the salty-talk.  This was a New Years Resolution I achieved success with many years ago and hope to revive.  Besides, replacing f*ck with funk made me the coolest cat on the block.  If anything, I suppose I can do it for shits and giggles (one more for the road).

2.) Write more

It’s a concurring problem.  I can’t count how many diaries/journals I’ve had over the years where I successfully write entries for several weeks straight, then around 10-12 weeks, it drops off significantly until finally stopping completely.  So, I hope to get in the habit of writing more.  I’m not the busiest gal around, but can procrastinate like no other.

3.) Speaking of which…

No more procrastinating… in all things!

4.) Fat-ass

I’m done with the expectations to lose weight as a resolution and the inevitable disappointment that comes with it.  I’m not built like Kate Moss, but what I can do is have more realistic expectations by not gaining more, eating healthier, and be more active.  I’ll weigh-in on 1/1 and strive not deviate more than +5 lbs from it.

5.) K.I.T.

I’m horrible at this.  While my everyday circle of friends and family are easy enough to keep in touch with, it’s those that have escaped that inner-sanctum that I’m going to try to reach out to and stay in touch.

So… that’s that!  I’m off to a good start with #2 & #3.  Calling my best cousin to wish her Happy Birthday on 1/1 will get the ball rolling on #5.  #4… that will have to wait until after I return from vacation (More Swedish pancakes?  Why not!)

We take our seats and after many ads and previews, the show starts and I’m getting anxious… the excited kind.  Since it’s directed by Rob Marshall (director of “Chicago”) and I’m a lover of musical theater and film, I know I’m not going to be disappointed.

(Beware of spoilers here on out … you’ve been warned!)

The first musical number reveals exactly what you should expect from this film: fishnet stockings, infidelity, debauchery and sexually charged females with the flexibility of ballerinas.  For several moments throughout the film, you get the sensation that your eyes bug out of its sockets. Part shock and awe due to the choreography, and partly due to the beautiful direction, cinematography, costumes and production/set design.  “Nine” is really a breathtaking moving picture.

The plot, courtesy of The Massie Twins on IMDB:

Arrogant, self-centered movie director Guido Contini finds himself struggling to find meaning, purpose, and a script for his latest film endeavor. With only a week left before shooting begins, he desperately searches for answers and inspiration from his wife, his mistress, his muse, and his mother. As his chaotic profession steadily destroys his personal life, Guido must find a balance between creating art and succumbing to its obsessive demands.

“Nine” has an all-star line-up, featuring Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Judi Dench, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Sophia Loren, & Fergie.  The cast is talent-exemplified.

Day-Lewis as Guido does an extraordinary job and he even has a decent singing voice to boot.  I’m still shocked that the introverted, quiet and sometimes recluse actor manages to morph into these various characters, making his acting look so effortless.  His body of work and respective awards speak for themselves.  Playing Guido, the conflicted director in need of inspiration and seeking it everywhere but the most important place, is so rewarding.  His character’s surmounting anxieties, anguish and artistic bravado are such a pleasure to watch on the silver screen.

Cotillard plays Luisa, the charming, devoted, but overlooked wife of Guido.  She’s in an unfaithful, but not loveless, relationship and we follow her sympathetically as she comes to the realization that she will never be truly appreciated by her husband until he realizes what he’s lost.  Her passive strength and longing for her husband’s unfaltering attention is the real attribute she lends to this character.  We’re not compassionate towards Luisa because she’s neglected, but because she betters herself in the end by doing what she knows she must; she leaves her man.

Penelope Cruz as Carla, Guido’s mistress, does an amazing job.  Not only does she sing remarkably well, but I’m certain her sexual prowess makes her an idyllic goddess for horny teenagers to fantasize about while masturbating.  She has a solo dancing/singing number which is insane!  Do you see what she’s wearing?… the ropes??  Wow!  I think this is when my eye popping amusement and disbelief started.  She literally makes love to the camera and her sultry singing makes the proverbial cherry-on-top an understatement.  Carla’s crass humor and a woman wanting class and distinction (which Guido finds easily in his wife but not so much with Carla) is actually enchanting.  Especially with that famous line:

“I’ll be waiting for you… with my legs open.”

In the theater, there was a father with his 10 year old daughter sitting in front of us.  At the beginning of Cruz’s number, they were sitting there.  After it was over, they disappeared; walking out of the theater, unnoticed by me and my cousin… that’s how entranced we were!  It’s PG-13 too!

Judi Dench plays Lilli, Guido’s infamous costume designer and confidante.  There’s not much more anyone can say about the Dame’s talents, who doesn’t love her?  But what I didn’t know is that this Lady can sing!!  I was so shocked and impressed… as if she couldn’t get any better!  I love and appreciate that woman even more, if it’s possible.

Kate Hudson as Stephanie, the American Vogue editor, and Fergie as Seraghina, or “gypsie by the beach” as I’m coining her, have great musical numbers that are a couple of the best and most enjoyable in the entire film. We know Fergie can belt it out, but Kate is nothing to sneeze at either!  I remember when Fergie first appeared onscreen, I turned to my cousin and said to her, “Of course, Fergie plays the dirty whore.”  And I meant that in the nicest way, truly!

There’s one moment in the film that stuck out for me.   In the scene, 9 year old Guido runs to an excluded part of the beach with his friends to pay Seraghina (Fergie) money to do an exotic dance.  She sits on a chair singing, and the director/choreographer/WHOEVER!, timed it exactly with the music and lyrics where during a succinct pause, she spreads her legs and squeezes the inside part of her thigh that touches her ass!  It was short and brief, but I’m certain everyone in that theater either inhaled or exhaled the breath they were holding afterwards.  I asked Pinky if she remembered that moment, and she recalled it easily.  I tried to explain this special part to Mike and wondered if I might have turned lesbian the way I was describing it!  Haha… I can easily see how one could!

THAT moment, combined with everyone’s accumulative performances, summarized this movie for me on a whole.  Not only provocative and sensual, but humorous and achingly astute of longing and needing something to look forward to/cling to, whether it be a physical-something or the idea of it.

While there were some issues with the film, like a thin and predictable plot that takes a backseat to the musical performances (where Chicago blended the two perfectly), “Nine” is truly entertaining and a piece of eye candy on the screen.  No doubt, many were as absorbed as I was, and Marshall truly has another achievement that can honorably follow in “Chicago’s” wake.

I was conflicted when they announced the Ravens would be playing the Pats for the first round of playoffs, like how Mama Manning must feel when the Colts play the Giants; she pretends to root for both, but in actuality, she’s silently pulling for Eli because he’s forever living in Peyton’s shadow (and appears to be the bigger dunce of the two … haha), and someone needs to throw Eli a bone every now and then.  But in my case, I am pulling for the Ravens because although the Pats have a special place in my heart, the Ravens are my team.

I watched Welker get injured last week and knew what kind of impact that would leave on the Pat’s offense.  It’s a big advantage for the Ravens and the Pats will be hard pressed to fill that need.  Edelman’s got big shoes to fill and he’s so far proving himself (whoa, he just returned a punt for 28 yards to their own own 46 yard, or something, in the 2nd qtr!) But never count out the Pats!!  If there’s anything I know about Belichick and his poised group, it’s that they play 60 minutes.  They’re always calm under pressure and never lack confidence, even if they may be trailing.  They always manage to get points on the board and make huge plays when it matters most.

I’ve been told by several already that the Ravens are a better team than their record, which I won’t disagree with.  There were at least 4 or 5 games where they only lost by 3 points, and 2 or 3 of those games were due to missed field goals when they still had Haushka kicking (OH!  how I was pulling my hair out for those games!)  They play hard and have some outstanding young players in Flacco and Rice, and I can’t fail to mention the veterans like Lewis, Reed, Ngata, Heap, Suggs, etc.; they’re full of talent, depth, and experience.

If there’s anything that will hurt the Ravens, it’s penalties. I’ve never seen them so undisciplined (in recent years) as I have this year.  Harbaugh has proven himself as a great coach taking them to playoffs these last 2 years, but I sometimes wonder why his team takes so many penalties.  Mike says it’s because a lot of football players are just dumb, so they don’t think first and draw stupid penalties.  I’m inclined to agree because I know Belichick makes a point to draft/acquire players with as much brains as braun, and it shows.

So it’s halftime… 24-7 Ravens!!  I’m still not counting out the Pats… they’re tremendous under pressure and play to win.  I’m sure Belichick is giving the team an earful in the locker room as we speak.  This is not the Patriots team everyone recognizes and I think they all know that and are going to bring everything on the field come the 2nd half.  It should be a doozy and I’ll write more post-game after all is said and done!

****AND THEN…****

RAVENS WON!  YAYYY!  I have to say, I’m quite proud!  The Ravens played great football–probably one of their best showings this season, AND against the contentious Patriots.  I was a little disappointed the Pats didn’t come back as hard as they could have—everyone wants to see a competitive game, after all, no?  Especially since Saturday’s games were kinda boring.

Edelman was a surprise; so was Brady (Edelman in a good way, Brady not so much).  I’m getting impatient with Moss.  We knew Moss when he was just as great on the Vikings, and it looks like he’s reverting back to his old ways.  I could be wrong, but when he turns into that complacent, quiet guy, something’s amiss.  Moss missed Friday practice (which apparently he does more often than not; maybe it’s in his contract?), which is disconcerting to hear before a big playoff game.

So next week, we go to Indy!!  I have a enormous dislike for Peyton Manning–maybe because I always see his stupid mug year-round with these Sony, DirecTV, Oreo and whatever-else-he-can-put-his-name-on, ads!  I respect him as a player, but that’s about it.  My older brother is an Indy fan (not sure why!) but I’m looking forward to giving him a hard time next week.

GO RAVENS!

Perhaps my crude description doesn’t best describe what actually takes place.  Often, one family member calls another, likely aunt to aunt, or cousin to cousin, then a time and date is set to “visit grandma”.  This doesn’t mean pack up the kids to sit through laborious speeches of yesteryear, sucking on butterscotch candies, or sitting on plastic covered furniture (I watch too much TV); instead it means packing up the camping chairs, a water jug, baby oil and used rags, umbrellas (in the hotter months) and flowers, as we alight our vehicles to make a caravan to the cemetery.

We arrive by the carload and the lot of us shift into a habitual routine; almost like a dance.  We unpack our trunks and walk to my grandmother’s grave site.  Camping chairs are removed from their nylon bags and positioned under what shade may exist from the young tree that providentially adorns her graveside. My dad typically heads for the water spigot first, to fill the water jug we brought for the flower vessel.  He’ll methodically start to clean the plaque and remove any natural overgrowth (it’s a dropped-in headstone, not the standalone variety).  He douses the plaque with baby oil and rubs off any excess with the used rag.  Flowers are put in place and arranged, everyone says their hello’s, including to grandma, takes their seats, and says silent prayers before everyone starts to relax and the real “fun” begins.

I know many people who honor deceased loved ones immensely, but never find occasion to visit them.  There’s no right or wrong in this; it’s all subject to perspective — to each his own.  However, I personally do not know of any other person or families who partake in a similar ritual.  Is this particular form of outing unique to my sometimes strange, but brilliant extended family?  I often wonder because it seems eccentric at the very least.  My observations of other cemetery visitors pale in comparison.  To the untrained eye, I’m sure all appearances would render us Gothic, even demented.  However, to us, it’s the most normal thing to do on any given Sunday.

I’m unsure how this behavior applies to all Filipinos.  In fact, I would limit my speculation to the Catholic-worshiping variety, which roughly accounts for about 85% of Filipinos.  That said, I plead the 5th on my lack of knowledge to the customs of other Christian, Muslim, Pagan, etc. worshiping Filipino heathens that make up the other 15%. (I jest for those who easily take offense).  I recognize it’s not uncommon for other nationalities to visit the graves of deceased loved ones on All Souls Day (Nov. 1) to light a candle and offer food.  I know Buddhist and Hindu cultures also make food offerings in makeshift shrines and temples they’ve created in-house.  Is my family’s tradition, however peculiar, so different because it can be ridiculed in public?

While I normally don’t care what others may think of us, I am particularly sensitive to offending anybody in such a place of — yes, I dare use the word — worship.  Not of any Gods or Deities, but of people; at least their memory of them.  Why anyone would be offended to see our faithful display of affection, especially when a pretty sum was paid for the privilege (if you want to look at it at an socioeconomic standpoint), is beyond me.  However, I’m sensible that it might rub some humans the wrong way as they have the right to mourn their loss in peace. If the shoe were on the other proverbial foot, would it bother me?  Sadly, I’m too biased to be objective.

My extended family is conscious that we are not at the park, or in someone’s backyard.  We’re not so vulgar to tossing pig-skin around (a football, not lechon!), or playing music on a boombox.  We respectfully avoid stepping on other graves and headstones out of respect, and try to talk as little as possible if a nearby “neighbor” of grandma’s has family paying a visit as well.  Otherwise, 99% of the time, we’re conversing around her grave as if it were a campfire, laughing, cracking jokes, and discussing the latest happenings and drama in our everyday lives.

Surely, we gather enough in the comfort of our own homes just the same (read: “Eating at Filipino House Parties”). But there’s something ethereal about doing it with grandma in tow that can’t be replicated elsewhere.  I know what you’re thinking, “Ethereal? Of course! You’re at a cemetery, for chrissake!”  And now with my goddaughter partaking in the tradition as if all five year olds do the same thing on Sundays, we have three generations of family gathering at one time, four if you count my grandma!  Needless to say, we find the need to “bring the party” to her.

But it’s not only that.  As heartbreaking as her death was for my extended family (for many of us cousins who were teenagers at the time, she was our first experience with death), it also brought us much closer together when our families could have gone in completely different directions ten years ago, this December.  The cemetery has ultimately become the quintessential spot for my family to reunite in the most congenial way possible — symbolic of the day each family put aside any differences to pull together as a family unit.  So in hindsight, it was a loss for naught, which we recognized immediately.

I do hope that the continual devotion my family chooses to show by honoring my grandma with our presence warms her spirited heart.  She must see that we get along just fine and would be difficult to break the strong bond my cousins have, and our collective offspring will in-turn have.  We acknowledge that she’s still with us, and we’ll continue to seek her company like we would any living person.

By all appearances, we seem to lack decorum on these sacred grounds, but I’d much rather be gawked at for being there than live with the alternative.

My Grandma Josefina. L-R: Arlo, Me, Will, Alex, and Heath (not pictured, Ed, Pinky, Eva, Sandy, Andrea & Aileen)

For my next Flip-Flop Entry:  Filipinos and TFC (The Filipino Channel)

On Aug 17, I read in the NFL rumor mill an op-ed  stating that Brett Favre is definitely not going to consider the Vikings.  I show Mike the link, and as odd as it is to see this declaration from a sports journalists almost a month after Favre initially said ‘no’, Mike didn’t think he’d make the move either.  Tavaris Jackson wasn’t playing as good as he should be in pre-season, but hopefully he’ll come thru.  Then on the 18th, they announce that Favre is expected to sign a contract with the Vikings! A 2 year contract, no less!

…..I’m….. rendered…. speechless.  (Which is hard to do!)

I have so many conflicting feelings—I stare at Mike to gauge his reaction; should I congratulate him?  Wipe away his tears??  What to do?!  He seems to bear that same ambivalence as I do.  “Is this good news or bad news?”  We can’t tell.  This was information we literally had to sit on for a while to catch our breath.  I adopted his Vikes, so I’m concerned for their welfare as well.

Favre was  a damn fine QB in his hey-day; no doubt I respect him for his abilities, but he was the Packers personified!… for 15 years!  Granted, Greenbay’s management gave him the boot when he wanted to stay, but it is ingrained in my DNA to dislike this guy with a heated fervor.  Being in the Vikings division, they’d play often and hard.  Many unkind words are always exchanged between each fanbase, with no apologies made nor accepted.  His waffling on retirement was disconcerting, too.  So now, he would spurn the green and maybe his legacy there, to don purple?  The idea just seemed insane!  Packers fans can’t possibly like this news.  Heck, when Johnny Damon left the Red Sox for the Yankees, I’m still unable to forgive his decision.

Dear God! I'm still rubbing my eyes in disbelief!

The real dilemma stemmed from the fact that while we had a strong dislike for Favre, we couldn’t hate the Vikings.  Any true sports fan takes the good with the bad… but this just seemed ugly.  Fate has a funny way of showing his/her sense of humor. In stride, we came to terms that this was how it was going to be and try to keep company with the glass-half-full type.

When we finally got over the shock, we realized that the Vikings needed a star QB.  They have a good team this year; with Favre they would undoubtedly be better and actually have a good chance to make playoffs and even the Superbowl.  Signing for 2 years means he can really nurture his WR’s, TE & RB’s.  If they keep Tavaris Jackson, he can learn a tremendous amount from Favre.  With all that football knowledge rattling around in his brain, one would be stupid not to want to pick at it.  Favre always has something to prove, more evident in these past couple years.  His bottom line is to win, which is all any Viking fan can really ask for.  Add a force to be reckoned with like Adrian Peterson to the equation, and the sky’s the limit!

We tuned in to NFL Network for his press conference and it was eye opening experience for me.  Any other time I would’ve chastised him for his tearing up comments or ‘legacy’ quips, but when he’s your QB now, you want to believe.  To put aside the years of criticism and disdain, and replace it with absolution and hope.   He’s a very likable guy—I just could never see past his regimentals.   I would argue that it’s supposed to be that way; you’re not supposed to like your enemy, but what then if foe becomes friend? Can allegiances be swayed so easily too?  It’s enough to make your head spin.

Already, sales on the #4 jersey have sky rocketed, the team stopped selling mini and half season ticket plans and enforced the full season option only after Favre signed, and the media is swarming the Metrodome like ants at a picnic.  Ad sales for their upcoming televised games are likely higher and they even televised Friday’s pre-season game against the Chiefs for Favre’s debut performance (Matt Cassel looked pretty good, too).  Announcers are already making a point about games vs. the Packers and building expectations of them.  Michael Vick must be glad for the timing.

Truly, this NFL season will be a contentious one!  I have the daunting task of rooting for the Ravens, Vikings and the Patriots.  Tom Brady’s back and he’s looking really good (on the football field–not just with Giselle on his arm!).  I’m soooooooo glad we didn’t cancel Sunday Ticket this year!

My biased and amateur Superbowl prediction:

…..Vikings vs. Patriots…..

If that is indeed the case, Superbowl party at my place!

This great find was at my local Fresh and Easy market, for a whopping $1.99+tax per box:

Tasty Bite All Natural Madras Lentils

The best thing about this product is that it’s “All Natural” (although, I know according to the FDA and consumers alike, this doesn’t mean anything at face value) and in this case, vegetarian.  Regardless of their all natural claims, all one needs to do is look at the list of ingredients:

Ingredients:  Water, Tomatoes, Lentils, Red Beans, Onions, Cream, Salt, Butter, Sunflower Oil, Chilies, Cumin. Contains Milk.

11 ingredients total!!  12 if you count cream and milk separately, and all I probably have in my pantry at this moment.  Most importantly, it tastes great!  It comes already made in a metallic, air-tight pouch that you can either pour into a microwave safe bowl and nuke, or you can heat the metallic package unopened in a pot of boiling water.  It tastes a lot like chili, but isn’t nearly as heavy or fattening.  Simple.  Fast. Easy. Delicious!

More to the label reading, it’s only 120 calories per serving, 5g of Fat, 450mg of sodium and 3g of sugar.  Not too shabby!  These processed foods tend to contain tons of salt and/or sugar, and while 450mg of sodium isn’t great, it could certainly be more, which I’m glad it’s not!

For dinner, I reheated some left over steamed rice, topped it with a salmon fillet (cooked in a frying pan with some Pam spray, tad salt & pepper), then poured a few spoonfuls of the lentils over the salmon.   Cooking/prep took maybe 20-25 minutes and I snarfed this down pretty quickly!!  Pair this with a simple garden salad for your serving of fresh veg, and you’ve got dinner!

I have also tried their TIKKA MASALA Simmering Sauce; also sold in a packet, which you saute and add any meat or veggie to.  I added cubes of eggplant (which I first halved, roasted, then drained), served it with garlic naan from Trader Joes (the frozen variety) and I was in heaven!  I’ve definitely had better Tikka Masala at restaurants, but this was a cheap, quick, and healthy alternative that I could do from my own home without slaving over a stove.  You’ll be happy to know this variety has only 45mg of sodium per serving, and this too, at Fresh and Easy Market, was under $2 per package.

They also had “Kashmir Spinach: Curried spinach lightly sautéed with cubes of paneer cheese” and a Thai entree that I’m curious to try as well.

So, thank you TASTY BITE!  May you be an example to other food manufacturers everywhere that great food CAN be healthy, easy to prepare, and inexpensive!

“Oh, you cut your toenails??  Let’s celebrate!?”

Normally, I welcome the duties associated with having a tight-knit family.  After all, it could be worse and I do like how close my extended family is.  My dilemma begins when I have to extend that duty to my significant other; who by my mere intimate association, must accompany me and “show face”.  No, I don’t try to force him to go, but the barrage of questions and comments should he not be there isn’t worth the prodding and backlash I’ll receive when showing up alone, or what he’d face at future events when he’s mandated to make an appearance.

I should clarify that my wonderful boyfriend is not Filipino (see artists’ rendition in my ‘About Me’ section).  Even more so, he’s not a foodie.  He likes food, but a smaller percentage of it.  Call it what you will; a “meat and potatoes” guy.  Frankly, he’s awaiting the day where Soylent Green isn’t so far fetched an idea (sans the processed people part).  Suffice it to say; he likes maybe 2 or 3 things in a Filipino’s diet.  While I don’t blame or resent him in any way for not being as passionate about food as I am, this always poses a problem at family functions.

If you’ve never been to a Filipino house party, you’ll observe three things immediately when you walk in the door.

1.   A swarm of tan faces–stuffing said faces with food.
2.  A large table set aside with trays of food spilling over the edges.
3.  The host/ess, or your acquaintance, shoving a plate and utensils in your hands, telling you to eat.

I love Filipino food and even eat some of the delicacies that I’m surprised I still enjoy today.  Being raised on this stuff and learning what the ingredients are later in life, were key strategies set in place by my parents at a ripe age.  Dinuguan is DELICIOUS and don’t hate because I like it!

I can’t say the same for Mike, however.  In the beginning, I often had to guide him on what foods he should avoid and what he’d enjoy. He’d always take a little bit of steamed rice, lumpia (Filipino eggrolls) and any meats that look like they’ve been made with less than 5 ingredients; luckily for him too, we love to BBQ, so there was always something for him to eat.  As harmless as this should be, this was always a somewhat stressful experience for both of us; him for wanting to be in good graces with my eager-to-please family via his stomach, and myself for trying to ease him into the trappings of my eccentric and eager-to-please family.  I imagine there may be many others out there with a similar dilemma of wanting to please, but must draw the line somewhere.  So, I thought I’d put some thoughts down on our experience and some useful tips we’ve acquired thus far.

PUSHY AUNTIES WITH FOODS APLENTY
Our people are known for being very proud about our food and making a pastime out of eating it, so when a variety of Aunties are pointing to various dishes with their lips, wearing proud grins and anticipating his opinion on its taste, Mike would end up with a plate full of food that he never intended on eating.  Which also unfortunately meant I had to polish off as much of his food as I could as it’s encoded in my DNA to never waste it.

“Wilful waste makes woeful want”.  [1721 J. Kelly Scottish Proverbs 353]

We tried a few things.  First, he’d never take anything that he knew he wouldn’t eat, or myself for that matter.  Second, he’d get what he did like and eat it—slowly.  This would create the illusion that he had his fill and was still eating it too.  Alas, this tactic failed.  He was still being harassed by my relatives to eat more and try different things.  After many (failed) attempts on their end, I think they finally got the hint.  Furthermore, my mom sought further clarification about his eating habits and after that, he was nagged a lot less.

HOW MUCH FOOD COULD A NON-FILIPINO SHUCK, IF A NON-FILIPINO COULD SHUCK FOOD?
When it wasn’t so much an issue about getting Mike to try foods he wouldn’t like, he was then bombarded with questions about whether he had eaten, if he’d eaten enough, why he wasn’t eating or if he wanted more to eat.  After leaving one such birthday party one evening, he admitted to being asked at least 20 times some form of this question.  God bless my family; they mean so well!

We tried a different tactic.  As much as he didn’t want to waste food, he would get a little more so that it would appear like he was still eating, and just let it sit there.  Plate on the food = “yes, I’m eating, I will continue to eat, so no, I would not like more food”.  This actually worked somewhat.  The questions were posed less, but didn’t disappear entirely.  He would still get asked if he’d had enough to eat.

MIND OVER FATTER
Even 6 years later and numerous family parties later, Mike still gets nagged in the various ways already aforementioned.  Our latest, and most recent attempt seems to be the best proven method to avoid such inquiries.

“I’m on a DIET.”

Why didn’t we think of this earlier?!  There are connotations to that word that seem to sink in better than saying “no thank you” or “I’m not hungry”.  For some reason no one believes you, but say you’re on a diet, and they back off!  Frankly, it’s a quandary for its simplicity, but maybe there’s a method to this madness.  Is it the sensitivity surrounding the state of mind of such a person practicing said diet?  Maybe it’s pity for the suffering and angst most commonly associated with it?  Or, maybe it’s the realization that some typical Filipino dishes can often be high in cholesterol and fattening?  Something makes me think it’s more the latter, but if you’re looking for a crutch, this might be it.  I would only recommend using this bit if you’re well acquainted enough with your hosts so as not to offend. Of course, little white lies aren’t encouraged either, but seeing as the both of us could lose a few pounds, it’s not exactly stretching the truth either.

Regardless of what sentiments one may extract from such ranting, eating of course is only part of the night surrounding a Filipino house party, however a big part.  There’s the line dancing to ballroom music, the occasional karaoke, and a couple pick up games of mah jong or poker.  Mike and I don’t take it as seriously as one would conjure up from such restraint portrayed, but the stress at the time was very real!  He manages very well now and my Aunties even go as far as teasing him just enough for how he “eats like a bird”.

If you’re a lover of food, you will be in foodie heaven stepping into a Filipino household for the first time. The smells, sights and sounds are truly something to behold and introducing these typical foods to people once ignorant is an experience worth tucking away for remembering later.  It can often times be a “badge of courage” as well; I’ve made mental notes of friends who’ve tried (and even liked!) dinuguan since sometimes making the gesture is more gratifying than actually liking it.

At a recent birthday surprise party for my brother, one of his friends mentioned how she grew up with a Filipino friend and the smell of the food cooking was reminiscent to spending time at her house.  That iconic remembrance and comfort it brings, triggering fond memories and happy times of yesteryear, and experiencing “Filipino-hospitality” at its best, is more or less what it’s always been about.  Maybe it even makes the food taste better?  At the end of the night, a mark of gratitude a Filipino will forever appreciate besides saying “Thank you” is saying “I’m full!”

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Check out my next Filipino themed installment: FILIPINOS IN CEMETERIES. 

Tempest - Independent Shakespeare Co.

Mike and I always like to hit up the theater and catch live performances, but I particularly love dragging him outdoors *evil grin*.  The sweetheart that he is, he mostly complies because it makes me happy, despite the fact he generally loathes outdoors-y stuff unless it’s winter.  I make all the arrangements; what to bring, what to eat, etc.

It’s only supposed to take us about 17 mins. to get into Hollywood, but damn LA traffic!, it took us nearly 50 minutes to go 11.73 miles!  (Big surprise, right?).  Of course, the parking lot is full, so we have to park at the nearby Kaiser Hospital.  That takes an addtional 10 mins.  We’re at the opposite side of the park and went up 8 flights of stairs, where the stage was.  Ugh, it became quite an ordeal.

We finally check in.  To my surprise (and I admit, disappointment) the whole area was really small.  It appeared to be about 2500 sq.ft. including the stage, risers with seats, and the “lawn area”, or what I refer to as the “space between the risers and the stage”.  The place was packed and we had to camp in the back next to a trash can and a pile of dog poo.  We could smell it. I could see on Mike’s face that he was annoyed already.

Then the most amusing thing to happen that night occurred—a homeless couple came over to where we were sitting.  They carried two clear plastic Kaiser Hospital bags containing bottles of medication and clothes (recently discharged perhaps?), and two hospital grade white cotton blankets with them.

The sight of these plastic bags and blankets instantly made me remember my grandmother, who was in-and-out of the hospital in her latter years during the late 90′s. They became so commonplace during that time in my life, the memories flooded my consciousness; I even recall that sterile, astringent hospital smell that emanated from it.

This homeless couple also brought cookies and other sweets, which led me to presume they were junkies, because you know how much users love their sweets.  It’s admittedly a terrible presumption, but that happened to be the pretty picture I painted that night.

I did my neighborly thing and pointed out the poo to them, and the guy rummaged through the nearby trash and pulled out a discarded pizza box.  Then the woman found a grocery bag and picked up the poo!  I turned to Mike with a reassuring look and whispered, “They’re going to pick up the poo; no more poo smell!”  I heard the woman say, “That’s disgusting, not picking up after their own dog!”  The irony of this statement made me smile.  The guy laid the pizza box over the poo spot, laid one of the blankets over it, which they both then sat upon.  My smile broadened even more.  Maybe it’s because the air was electrically charged with Shakespeare’s words lingering, or I was in a poetic, satirical sort of mood—but I found it amusing that the pile of poo was replaced by stinky homeless people—the “lesser of two evils” as it were.

The performance began and it was … fine.  It’s funny how sitting in the riff-raff section can ruin anything.   There was so many disturbances going on, it was pointless to watch.  Kids were running rampant and there were teenagers sprawled on the building ledge behind us, murmuring teenage things.  Then a couple in their early 40′s parked next to us and kept necking through-out most of the performance.  And, Mike was grumpy–I don’t blame him.  Ants crawling everywhere, the sight/smell of poo, stinky homeless people, and obstructed views from unsupervised kids running to and fro–it’s enough to frazzle anyone’s nerves.

The second half was better; we could actually follow the play, although we weren’t sure what was going on.  The homeless lady yelled at the teenagers for talking, then proceeded to yell out random things herself like, “The spirits are back!” or, “where did the spirits go?” and my favorite, “he’s supposed to be the Queen!”  However, male actors playing a woman’s role wasn’t as surprising as her ability to follow the play. I’ll remind myself not to judge a homeless person by their matted hair.

When it was over, we could see fireworks coming from Dodger Stadium. A nice ending to a tumultuous time.  On the drive home, we talked about the performances of the actors—Prospero (Joseph Culliton) did a really great job; kudos as well to Ariel (Mary Gulliams) and Caliban’s (Bobby Plasencia) performances.  But we probably spent more time rehashing about the homeless couple and distractions than the play itself.

I reserved seats for HENRY V in August.  I think we’ll make sure to leave 2 hours earlier instead of 1.

*free, but donations strongly encouraged.

Colby Curtin of Huntington Beach was only 10 years old and was diagnosed with a rare terminal cancer. She had seen previews of “Up” in April really wanting to see it.  A family friend recalls to have heard her say, “I have to see that movie. It is so cool.”’

June came around and Colby’s health began to deteriorate. On June 4th, they asked the hospice hospital if they could send her a wheelchair so they could bring her to watch it over the weekend, but the chair didn’t arrive.

By June 9th, Colby was too weak to leave her bed.

A friend of the family urgently contacted Disney and Pixar to see what they could do, and immediately upon hearing the news, Pixar planned to send a representative to Colby’s home the next day for a private in-home screening! (How awesome are they??)

Apparently, her mom had asked Colby if she could hang on until the movie arrived. Her daughter replied, “I’m ready (to die), but I’m going to wait for the movie”.

The Pixar employee came by on June 10th with schwag to boot. S/he had brought her gifts including plush dolls and other movie memorabilia. Colby was so weak at that point, she couldn’t keep her eyes open to actually watch the movie, so her mom had to describe the scenes for her. Afterward when she asked her daughter if she liked the movie, she nodded yes.

“When I watched it, I had really no idea about the content of the theme of the movie,” Colby’s mother told the Register. “I just know that word ’Up’ and all of the balloons and I swear to you, for me it meant that (Colby) was going to go up. Up to heaven.”

The Pixar employee left the family after the movie completed, taking back the DVD (it’s not yet released on DVD) and was described by a family member with “eyes…just welled up.”

Seven hours later, Colby Curtin passed away, with her parents and family nearby.

One of the movie memorabilia items was an adventure book, replicated after the scrapbook that, in the movie, is kept by the wife of the main character. “I’ll have to fill those adventures in for her,” Lisa Curtin said of her daughter.

***

How ones heart just aches after hearing about this kind of loss! I have an extra-special place in my heart for this young girl, and Pixar as well. I’ve always commended the great work they do, and even more so, I love them for acting with a sense of urgency.  Literally fulfilling a dying girl’s wish—I always get choked up thinking about her.  Of course, the publicity they have likely generated is a no-brainer—but I will give Pixar the benefit of the doubt that they did this out of decency and not for profit.

I know Colby’s in a better place now where there is no more pain.  I truly wish her family all the best and I join them in really celebrating her life.  I’m sure many others who were deeply touched by reading her story are doing the same in their own little way.

She’s one of many whose lives are taken much too early; meanwhile there are countless others who live long lives, but squander it away or are reckless.  It angers me, but that’s just the way it is.  She is, at the very least, a constant reminder never to waste my own.