Jet

Lola Menang, my grandmother, Mom’s Mom, died in her sleep on April 4, 2006 at around 7pm, Philippines’s time. She was 93. She was operated about a month ago after she accidently fell from her bed. She has a "steel" in her leg and was in physical therapy. She can walk now BUT she didn’t eat and had no will to live after the incident.

Filomena Andico Samulde was born on November 29, 1912. She was born to Andres and Paula Samulde. She had 4 other siblings. They lived in Bugasong, Antique.  She married my grandfather, Pablo Inocencio Faciolan (of Dumalag, Capiz) in 1937.

They had 5 children, 1 girl and 4 boys. My Mom is the eldest and the only girl. Lolo Pabling worked in Victorias Milling Company (VMC). She was an obedient daughter, a wonderful wife, a great mother and a loving grandmother who loved to sew.

She saw her youngest son Antonio die when he was only 29 years. He drowned in Ceferina Beach (Victorias) on Easter Sunday 1981. She became a widow in 1984.

Lola Menang and Lolo Pabling have always been a part of my life since they lived near us or with us. She was my second mother. There was a time when Mom went to study in UP Diliman for her Masters and she was there to guide us.

I feel sad and in "shock" that she died. I think being AWAY from home makes it harder to accept. She discouraged me to come back in USA since she feels lonely that most of her granddaughters are out of the country. I remember now that I did not even say goodbye to her before I left. I hate goodbyes. I know she’ll cry and I’ll feel really bad. I talked to her in the phone since I’ve been here. During the last phone call… she asked me when I’m going home. We’ll have a big party when I come home, she said. She misses us cousins, her granddaughters… Me in New York, Jiji, Tina and Wendy in Maryland and Sweet in UK.

I want to go home.  I am not expected to go home. Mom’s says it’s okay not to.

GOD,
Grant me the SERENITY
to accept the things
I cannot change

and the
WISDOM
to know
the difference.

Lola M’s body lies in Rolling Hills Memorial Chapels (in Chapel F) in Mandalagan and will be buried on Sunday (Palm Sunday), April 9, 2006.

Thank you for all your prayers.

Today, March 15, would have been my third "death" anniversary! But my friends, Janette and Dits (with his group) were able to bring me to Doctors Hospital on time. We were met by the ER doctor, Dr. Ray & staff outside (so they tell me since I was already unconscious). Janette knew Dr. Ray (Her "Abyan " in their fraternity/sorority) and he was notified of our arrival. He made a quick decision to intubate me. I woke up after about 2 hours because of the painful tube. Was placed in the ICU for the next 6 hours. The next morning, the consultant praised him for his decision. He said: "20 minutes late and you would have been brain dead or worse - DEAD." I checked out 24 hours later.

Three years ago…  but still, the memory is still fresh. I can imagine the feeling of "running after my own breath." I told Janette to pass by Dits place since his kids has a nebulizer (I was told later that the inhaler and the nebulizer has the same effect). My head was hurting. I remember praying to GOD, telling Him that I was not ready to die. Or if I die, I didn’t want to die in Janette’s car. We made it to Dits’ house… I ran to the house for the nebulizer… and then, I fainted. They told me I was already black and blue. Next thing I knew, I was trying to pull the tubes (it’s very painful). Was out for about 2-3 hours.

I went to mass today and had dinner in Olive Garden with one of my best friends, Jows. I was so conscious of the day, was really extra careful, BUT, I fell from the pavement of the restaurant’s door. No harm. My Metrocard fell from my bag and I laughed so hard at myself.

God works wonders. I believe and know He still has plans for me.

I’d like to share one of my favorite songs sang by the Bukas Palad Music Ministry, "I Hear My Name.."

Lord, I walked one cold night
And heard the wind call my name
I closed my ears, still I heard
The call of the wind from within

Lord, I’m weak and small
What can I do for You, my Lord
I fear to be called, to behold
Jerusalem awaiting me

Lord, I heard my name
And in shame I turned away
But I felt so cold to be far from my Lord
Far from You, my Lord

Lord, I hear my name
Now I go before You, my Lord
If it is Your will
Let it be, let it be
Let me be what You will
Let me do Your will

Thank you GOD for life, for my family, my friends and for your blessings always.

Glory Be to the Father and to the God and the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen.

The month of October has been full of blessings, as usual. But this month gave me a job in Dean and Deluca; a week later, work in a doctor’s office. I also moved to my own apartment.

Dean and Deluca is a gourmet store and cafe. The main location is in SOHO and the store is about half a block. I was encouraged by JPY to apply since this is one of his favorite stores, so I did and they called me for interview after two weeks. The branch was in Columbus Circle in Time Warner Center (where CNN is) and inside Borders Bookstore. The area is in 59th Street near Central Park West. I was impressed with the place. The assistant manager/lead supervisor interviewed me. They called me the next day to ask me when I’d like to start. I started on October 9. Working in a cafe is a humbling experience. I work in the counter/cashier, standing the whole time (7-8 working hours). Tiring but fun!

I moved to the city near 193rd Street in Manhattan in Washington Heights/Inwood area. Most of my neighbors speak Spanish. How I wish I do, too! I’m trying to learn. I think the next book I’ll buy is "Spanish for Dummies." The apartment has 2 bedrooms and my roommate is from Davao. She rarely stays there since she works in Scarsdale, NY. My room has a beautiful view of Empire State Building and George Washington Bridge. I dont have my computer yet… so I don’t email much (rather don’t reply much). I use the computer at work, in the library or in the internet cafe in Times Square.

My roommate knows a doctor who needed a Medical Secretary. She recommended me and I applied. I was interviewed on a Thursday and started working on Monday. The clinic is in Brooklyn! It takes me about an hour and a half to go to work. I got long hours too. But it’s okay.

Mondays-Fridays, I work in Brooklyn. Weekends, I work in Dean and Deluca. I am thinking of giving up the weekend job but it’s too soon.

When it rains, it really pours!…. Thank you for the additional blessings.

I have been TAGGED by Paz and this is the first time that I have been tagged. It’s fun (being a beginner and all). Here are the answers to the "quiz" titled LUCKY SEVEN…. Why seven?

Seven things that scare me: dying young, losing a love one, receiving a phone to come home ASAP, rejection, knives, losing my cellphones, to be betrayed again

Seven things I like most: ice cream, texting, internet surfing, reading, watch movies, talking/texting to my family, Charmed (TV show)

Seven random facts about me: am very close to my family, only friends call me JET, I love Snoopy, I love PINK, I took communion from Pope John Paul II-WYD 1995 in Manila, youngest of 3, am the only one in the US

Seven important things in my bedroom: my rosary, pictures, books, alarm clock, my phones, TV, bed (with the pillows and blanket)

Seven things I plan before I die: find the real Mr. Right, have a child, travel to Europe, become a US citizen, live in Bacolod, get a Master’s degree in Psychology, visit other States (Florida, Texas, etc)

Seven things I can do: bring people together, text fast, talk in the phone for hours, keep a secret, forgive and forget, smile a lot, stay home for days

Seven things I can’t do: drive, say NO (most of the time), cook, bake, swim, be not a friend to anyone, wait for long (impatient)

Seven things that attract me to men: sense of humor, thoughtful, has a dimple, loves children, loyal, close to family, endearing

Seven things I say the most: "Hehehehe," "What," "Tuod?," "Hello," "Duh," "Hala," "Gosh"

Seven celebrity crushes: Aga Muhlach, Martin Nievera, Ethan Hawke, Brad Pitt, Julian McMahon, Christopher Reeve, Rico Yan

Seven people I want to take this quiz: Geraldine, Rogielyn, Jows, Joy O, Charmaine, F, and whoever is interested.

AUGUST 20 - I am 35 years old today. Wow, I have lived this long! I always thank GOD for life, for gifts and numerous blessings! I have a wonderful family. We are very close.  I don’t have secrets from them. My parents are easy to talk to. My sister Joy is like my "barkada," her friends are also my friends. My brother Gee and I often joke around. My sister in law, Maricar and I gossip. My three nephews, Rico, Gio and Franz are my dearest loves. I regret that I don’t spend much time with them with since I am here in NY. Most of my relatives and cousins are also my friends. I also have many treasured friends… friends who I talk, chat or email almost everyday; and friends who I may not see or chat or email often but they are in my heart.

I have survived a betrayal (it really hurt) but I have moved on. But this has caused me to be clinical depressed (I went to a psychiatrist) and it’s hard for me to trust people easily especially the guys (sorry guys).The annulment has finally been granted this year. I am still waiting for the legal papers to reach me here. A chapter really closed now. Long overdue.

Friends (you know who you are) tell me that the right guy is there waiting for me. Maybe by the time, he is ready to show himself or to tell me how he feels, I’ll be ready for him. Ahem!

I also survived a "death." Two years ago, I had a close call because of my asthma. Janette and Dits had a good sense to do CPR, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation… and the abilty to drive fast. I was unconscious and blue in Dits’ home but they reached the hospital in Iloilo in time. I was OUT for about an hour or two. I was in the ER and then ICU for 8 hours, then moved to a regular room but still using an oxygen. The consultant doctor told me that if not for the resident, Dr. Ray Alindong’s quick decision and early first aid, I would have been brain dead or worst, really dead. No, I did not see the white light or the tunnel. I woke up too soon. The tube was painful.

Just a week before my birthday, I suffered unexpainable headaches! It turned out to be a migraine! I never had it before it was undiagnosed for awhile. Papa kept telling me to go see a doctor but his stubborn daughter went on the 5th day. The doctor gave me a pill and it was gone. My atopic dermatitis is back (my skin really doesn’t like the east coast’s weather) but I’ve accepted it as part of my life… a little more sacrifice before getting my goal. I’ll be back in Bacolod before we know it.

I still really haven’t settled in New York. I still have a part time, temporary position in Barnes and Noble. Next week, may be my last week. Although, my old position has become available just two weeks ago. I might apply, it could be given to me, or not. The staffing agency I applied to can also give me jobs. It’s good to have choices.

I am forever grateful for Daday, Geraldine, Jows and Rogielyn who are always supporting me and encouraging me. Others too…. (too many to mention)

Birthdays are special to me. I love to celebrate. I enjoy reminding family and friends of their birthdays.

Today, I have a quiet day. I am home, writing this blog and listenning to the Tanging Yaman movie CD sent by JP Y for my birthday. I am just relaxing or just being lazy. But, hey, it’s my day, I can do whatever I want. I am going to mass later.

I received numerous phone calls, text messages, emails, e-cards and prayers since the beginning of the month. It was my birthday yesterday in the  Philippines. Mom was the first to greet me. I thanked her for giving me life (with Papa’s help), for which, she responded,  you are God’s special gift to us.

Thank you everyone for your greetings and also for the gift of family, friendship and love.

GOD BLESS US ALL!

Finally! Have a job. The job is actually temporary, part time position for one month. Where? In Barnes and Noble, my second "home" in New York. I work as the HR Manager’s assistant during the back to school rush. It is so touching that my colleagues welcomed me with open arms. One said, it seems like I never left. Another said, "my migraine is gone" when she saw me. Isn’t that sweet? Some people I trained before are now Supervisors. Mayo lang buot man ko sa ila sang una sang ako ang Supervisor nila.

The job search continues…… more prospects this time.

I love birthdays, do you? It is a celebration of life. It’s another year of life, a blessing.

Do you know that different countries celebrate in different ways? In our country, Philippines, people call you and ask to be "treated" or "blow-out man da bi." Some give parties in their homes or have lunch or dinner in a restaurant. Of course, we go to church to thank our Lord for another year of life. In the USA, your family and friends treat you!Friends call you to make a date… bring you shopping or treat you lunch. So there is a tendency that you just dont celebrate your birthday on your "day" but the whole month. Wow!

Do you want to know who shares your birthday? Here’s the link to one… http://www.famousbirthdays.com. How about history on your day? http://www.historyorb.com/today/index.php.

Do you suffer insomnia? Insomnia is a chronic inability to fall asleep or remain asleep for an adequate length of time (Yahoo Reference). I am an insomniac. I have been since… seems like forever. It’s hard. I would really be "asleep" at around 4-5am. There are days when I can sleep straight but it’s rare. When I wake up at 10 or even noon time (I have leisure now since I am job searching), some people think I love to sleep. I tell them, I have insomnia. If I need to wake up early to job search in the streets, I can wake up, but will be sleepy after lunch. I learned to love naps. I just need 15 minutes or even less, and I’ll be okay.

Do I know any other insomniacs here? How do you deal with it? If you’re not an insomniac, any ideas on how to avoid being awake all night?

Natak-an na ko!!! I am so bored. I want to have a "normal" life. You know, waking up early so I won’t be late at work. I want to look forward to weekends and then say, ha? it’s Monday already??? Sometimes, after work, I would meet friends to watch movies or have dinner/drink or just window shop.

I have been job searching for about a month now. Printed many resumes, mailed some, uploaded most, attached them in an email and most of all, surfing the web all day long.

Mom, Joy, and many friends are telling me to be PATIENT. This is one trait that I don’t have much.  But I am trying. I know this is another test.

Can I forward time? You know, when I am working already.

Patience is a virtue, Jet!

I love watching movies in the theater. But I haven’t seen one since I arrived here in the United States. Back home, I was watching one movie a week (even more sometimes). What have I missed so far? The Interpreter, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Madagascar, Stars Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Batman Begins and more. I’d like to watch Bewitched. I like shows about witches, you know, like Charmed. Bewitched seems like fun.

Watching a movie relaxes me. I also like seeing scenes of places where I have been or where I want to go. Have you seen Hitch? It was filmed in NY. Nice to see familiar places. How about the popcorn? Hmmm… or the nachos?

How much does one pay for a movie? In New York, it’s $10.50; in Baltimore it’s $8.50 and in Bacolod, it is 50-60 pesos!! We have a movie theater here in Sunnyside, NY, that has specials on Tuesdays. It’s only $4.50. I better remember this next week.

Might as well wait for the DVD! No, some movies are better watched in a big screen. Oh well!

When I was younger, I recall watching a movie with my family (I think this might be the first time), in Little Cinema in Goldenfields, Bacolod. We watched The Champ. Ricky Schroeder was a still little boy then whose father was a boxer. I cried and cried. Good thing, it didn’t made movie watching a traumatic experience.

What movies have you seen lately?