Maligayang Kaarawan

Maligayang Bati sa iyong Kaarawan

Translates to Happy Birthday in the Philippine language. The main language spoken is Tagalog.

I usually do not write about my family matters, but with my mother going senile, I felt the need to share her tale. My mother is a registered nurse, going on 30 years in the medical field. Unlike my father, who's a computer programmer, her passion is a driving force in how the rest of the family deals with love. She is the kind of woman who will get to know her patients, put smiles on their faces, and will gracefully don them with angel pins in their hour of need. She's got a big heart, and a charismatic demeanor. It's no wonder she's done so well for herself. It's cool she brings home more beacon than my father. ;)

Lately I've wondered if my mother has lost her marbles. Not so much in the sense that I have to check her in to a pysch ward, but she's losing what we normally call "common sense." I first took note of my mom's peculiar behavior when she asked me where she last put the dog. Yes, the dog. (She puts the dog down, and the dog won't move unless my mom picks her up again. We have a female Pomeranian. She acts like a cat, and is sometimes mistaken as my mother's second daughter) She'd ask me if she's seen her, make a pot of tea, and then forget she asked about the dog. And, scary enough, forget she was boiling water for tea. Maybe my mother works too hard. She does work the late shift, which is a shift that runs from 7pm-8am. (It pays more. A LOT MORE)

As far as I can remember, she was always working the late shift, where I would find my mother sprawled on the couch after a rough night. I was usually on my way out the door for middle school when I often found her passed out with her favorite stethoscope wrapped around her curly brown hair. My brother would sometimes put a blanket over her, only to find her in the exact position when he came home. We both didn't have the heart to move her. Two reasons: One, she'd be pissed as hell for waking her up. Two, she would have to go back to work in a few hours anyway. "Just let me sleep!" she would bark.

My mother's birthday is in a few days. She will be celebrating another year of birth on April 1st. I haven't decided what to get her as a present. (I do have the day off tomorrow, so I may as well get her something wonderful then) Is it not a mental struggle to figure out what to get people for their birthday? I say this because it's never easy to get the people you love what they want. Often times enough, these are the same recipients who don't even know what they want themselves! Making it only harder for us to purchase the "perfect present."

This weekend, I was given my birthday present from the same woman I have been writing about. The box is even dated "MAY 26, 2005" which is my date of birth. I'm still not entirely sure she felt the need to give me my present now, so early on, and so awfully close to her own birthday. I can only come up with my own personal theory on her actions, and that theory is her going loony. Of course it's nice to get birthday presents, but 2 months earlier is pushing it past the crazy line. Another theory I have is that she decided to give me an early birthday present, so that I can get her something nice for hers. Way to play it, mother. Touche.

If my mother, though bizarre in her own right, felt the need to offer an early present, I can only love her even more than I already do. Who am I to turn away her gifts of love? With that being said, I hope the woman remembered to take off of work the on April 1st. She has this uncanny way of working at the hospital during major holidays, family get togethers, and sometimes her very own birthday. I can only pray she gets over this "loony" hump. If ever.

I dedicate the song playing on my computer to my mother. (One of my most favorite songs from Ray) Love ya, crazy lady!

Ray Charles
Hallelujah I Love Her So

Damn it, someone challenge me...

Every so often, a test of brains & wits is needed. Here I am, without a fun, worthy opponent. I'm not talking about the Double Dare, "I'll take the physical challenge, Marc" kind of battle, either.

I heard a complete stranger use the expression, "In the nick of time" the other day. Out of boredom, I asked the person if he knew the story behind the phrase. Reluctant to come up with a guess, (any guess at that) I told him it was used back in the medieval days. It was used as a "tally" to register attendance in colleges and churches. The "tally" was a stick of wood and attendance was indicated by a "nick" or notch on it. The student or worshipper who arrived in time had his attendance "nicked"-and so arrived "in the nick of time."

His response, "Yeah, I knew that."

I was left, yet again, without a challenge. Or someone to help discover and dissect the answer. I have read a story about the expression, and would have enjoyed being proved wrong. If only for the fun of argument. Or right, at that matter. :)

I'm not searching to befriend the next Ken Jenning, but someone who doesn't cringe when I ask, "Who built the cotton gin?" as a warm up question. But then again, that's an easy one, Eli Whitney. Looking to find someone to help beat out the mundane activities of daily life. Don't bitch about the weather, don't tell me about maintaining your "sweet" car, and certainly don't tell me your stock just went up. I simply don't care. I'd much rather learn something new, and something outside the world of irrelevant news talk. I find this equally frustrating when chatting with both men and women in this DC metro area.

Not to say that I've acquired mass dosages of knowledge and can be mistaken for the Ghandi of "Know-it-all." I'm someone who is up for challenging ideas and sharing trivial factoids.(That was kinda dorky, I do apologize) From history to pop, I'm ready to battle. Battling of the minds can be quite fun.

*I remember asking a random bar patron to spell the word facetious. The amusing part of this, isn't the fact she couldn't spell facetious, but that she thought the word meant "To be scorn full of acne."

Can you define dumbass, sweetie? I'm pretty sure it's in your vocabulary.

Case closed; I'm done with people. At least those kind of people.

It would be nice to have conversation with someone who can exchange and share new ideas with. Thinking the only time I am challenged is when I read a book or jot down ideas. (Where my imagination and thoughts run rampant.) Too bad people don't normally come across that same way. Makes you think, though.

... because "knowing" is half the battle. :)

Newest book discoveries:
The Book of Laughter and Forgetting by Milan Kundera
Reasons to Live by Amy Hempel

There she goes

There she goes again
Racing through my brain
And I just can't contain
This feelin' that remains
There she blows
There she blows again
Pulsing through my vein
And I just can't contain
This feelin' that remains
There she goes, there she goes again
She calls my name, pulls my train
No-one else could heal my pain
And I just can't contain
This feelin' that remains
There she goes
There she goes again
Chasing down my lane
And I just can't contain
This feelin' that remains

The Las - There She Goes song lyrics
*I needed a theme for my post, and this song popped in my head. Figure I can work it in, and I always do. Much like my other ramblings.
There she goes. Again.*

I first heard this song from So I Married An Axe Murderer, the 1993 film starring Mike Myers & Harriet Michaels. I hear this song and I can't help but replay the scene in which it is played in the background. (As if my mind sets up its own movie projector in my head, and sets up shop.) I am happy to say it's one of the first dvds I have added to my stock that I have so humbly named the "GREATEST MOVIE/DVD COLLECTION EVER". Catchy isn't it?

(Please see my ever so growing list of dvds. Quite an impressive list if you ask me. I don't add ANY dvd to this timeless collection unless it has acquired my 3 check signature approval.)

-I laughed (check)
-I cried (check)
-I loved (check)

I'm sure all movie critics share this rating system. Actually, it's quite an honor to be added to my collection. From the art direction, screenwriting, cinematography, to music, and costumes, I look at movies from both sides. Didn't Joni Mitchell write a song about that? Well, she wrote Both Sides Now about love, and I'm referring to the camera lens. Then again, I'm also the same person that sits through the credits at the movie house. It's just what I do.

Much like movies, songs and novels are also tales spoken through or about love. Not so much about the fairy tale, happily ever after, beach house in the Hamptons kind of love, but about the struggles and highs of relationships. Just think about it, you know I'm right. Is this not what life is all about? Or was that song about Alfie made out of jest? ;) What's it all about Alfie? (Question: Better Alfie, Jude or Michael? My thoughts, Mr. Caine. Why? He's a great actor, and plays a womanizer more convincingly than Jude Law in the remake.)

By the way, Brit accents are wickedly ace. And oh, so bloody sexy.

Listen carefully to songs by Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, The Beatles, Etta James, Sting, James Taylor, Al Green, Joni Mitchell, Jack Johnson (for all the youngins') and Ray Charles. You'll understand, or at least keep note that love isn't as "picture perfect" as some make it seem. Growing up, I listened to songs that were pleasant as a child, but were songs for the "grownups", as they would put it. I never truly understood why some adults felt the need to close their eyes as they hummed along certain ballads. Yes, some of these singer/song writers are a bit dated, but their music will always be timeless. I have listened to those same songs, music I never took to heart, and now I find myself closing my eyes and humming along just like the adults in my youth. I feel that certain lyrics, even the whole song, can penetrate the heart with every level of listening. Music does speak for the heart in indescribable ways. There are just songs that seem tinged with pain, and poetry. Also, certain songwriters sit perfectly with those that enjoy their personal torments and share the depth of the human condition with their listeners. Mostly we connect with music because it hits us where it hits us hard, our hearts. Whether it be about first loves, friendships, loneliness, or heartache, there's a song for everyone, for every mood, and just about every kind of love. It's not about the great singers listed above belting out "love" and "dove" words that have us clutching onto our chests, but for the simple reasoning that you know where they're coming from... Or at least for the duration of the song. (not that love and dove will ever make for spectacular lyrics) Enjoying a great song is also pending on your mood and current relationship status with those you care for the most. Not to say you wouldn't sway to the tune of My Girl by the Temptations if you just broke up with your wife. (I mean, it could happen. I saw it on the cover of Enquirer Magazine, once.)

Songs intimately express emotions and thoughts that we don't necessarily share in real life. I can't express myself, so I'll just take someone else's "song" for it. (You can e-mail me your thoughts on this one. You don't have to agree with me. It's actually better you didn't. Life would be boring if everyone agreed on everything, no?) Songs I just finished listening to this morning:

If I had any pride left at all by Etta James
Sitting, Wishing, Waiting by Jack Johnson
Don't worry 'bout me by Frank Sinatra

Could it be I was thinking about an ex-love? Or maybe I was giving thought to old friendships gone sour? Why can't I have someone belting out words of love and pain in song, for me? Just like those people Etta James & Billie Holiday sing about. Maybe Sinatra is right, "Look out for yourself, should be the rule... Don't worry 'bout me."

I could list a million other songs, and you can nod in agreement that it's a great melody, yadda yadda yadda. If you listen to the songs carefully, it's not about words, it's about something much deeper. Something beyond any movie, song lyric, or literary work can ever attempt to analyze. Love is an unattainable verse that no one can sing quite on key nor find the exact tempo. It would be nice to find the right ballad of love. You'll know when you find it, and without missing a single beat.

Slainte, bitch!

Head hurts...But I'll make it through the day. I have dealt with worse hangovers. Had to take Metro back in this morning. If it wasn't such a great day outside, I would have been bitching hell of a lot more. Enjoy your St. Patrick's Day? Drink Guiness like there's no tomorrow?? Or did you put shamrock stickers on your chest because that's what the Irish did oh so many years ago when they drove the snakes out of Ireland? Or perhaps you got yourself into a few bar quarrels and got kicked out... Yes, Good Times.

Switching gears: I had gone to Best Buy, after my fun trip back from downtown, DC to purchase the collectors edition of Hoosiers. Fantastic movie. Gene Hackman is a terrific actor, and I always enjoy his work. I also picked up a few other dvds that I know I don't need, but bought anyway. It's March Madness, so what better way to get into the spirit of hoops than watching Hoosiers?? At the register, the cashier pointed out that chicks rarely buy sports movies. Good observation, jerk. I wasn't sure how to respond, so instead of going on about "chicks" liking whatever the hell they want (I mean, ever since our "right to vote" and getting out of the kitchen and into the "real world" and all), I simply pulled out all 13 of my NCAA tournament brackets from my purse. Showing him not only do I love basketball, but I live for college hoops. Shocked, the cashier replied, "That's damn cool." You're damn right, nameplate=Bobby. What an ass. Well, almost as big of an ass as the bartender from Chef Ikes in DC last night. (I'm sure someone will shut him the hell up by sticking cock down his throat, replying, "Can you speak now, bitch?") I do apologize about this last part, you just had to be there.

Something to chew on, had a thought: (Thanks Pimp Daddy)

If people are transparent, by means of showing their true nature, are actions worth any consideration more than what people have to say? People can't help how they feel, they can only go through the motions and deal with them. If someone were to tell you, "I like you" would you much rather them show you or say it? Which would have you believe in that person more? And why? Or would you not believe them at all, whatever they do or say? People have this thing about saying something, but not really getting to the point. If people actually spoke their mind to how they really feel, about almost anything, we wouldn't have as many relationship issues. Men tend to avoid confrontation, yet women invite this without being "in your face" about it. Do women put more faith in words, and men in action? Hmmm. Just a thought.

Switching back gears:
Who's in your Final Four bracket? E-mail me your sorry ass picks. ;)

Fame hasn't spoiled me.

... I've always been a bitch! ;)

Today I have my 3rd improv comedy show at the DC Improv. It's been a great opportunity for me taking classes downtown. Class days have been filled with hours of laughs led by our wonderful principal (Allyson) and terrific professor (Shawn). I anticipate another great DICSC show tonight. It's always a great time. And there are plenty of laughs to be shared. Take a class, it's damn addicting I tell you.

Check out the DC IMPROV school cast show link if you're curious. Come on out! I promise it'll be a great time.

Thanks to all the wonderful e-mails and pre-show gifts. (not a requirement for attending the show, but always welcome) ;)

Special thanks to my best friend Pookie and the gorgeous flowers I received when I arrived home today. I got to leave work early so I could head out to DC for the show tonight. You're a sweetheart, and I'm sorry you're going to miss another one of the DICSC shows I'm participating in! It's funny, men aren't programmed to read women's minds. (Yet, I know of some ladies who think they are capable of such power) Inside and outside the romantic circle. Sometimes men will just catch you off guard, making you believe in the notion that not all men are evil. :) Thanks again. It was a sweet gesture. I know you feel bad about not going, but I'm telling you, it's ok. I promise. You truly are my best friend. You really are...

Thanks again for all the well wishes and kind e-mails. Thank you.

Here's to a great night! Hope to see some familiar faces.

On this day forth

Ray Charles playing in the
House Chambers at the Capitol in 1979.

Georgia On My Mind
Melodies bring memories
That linger in my heart
Make me think of Georgia
Why did we ever part?
Some sweet day when blossoms fall
And all the world's a song
I'll go back to Georgia
'Cause that's where I belong.
Georgia, Georgia, the whole day through
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.
Georgia, Georgia, a song of you
Comes as sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines.
Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you.
Georgia, Georgia, no peace I find
Just an old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind.


On April 24, 1979, "Georgia On My Mind," with music by Hoagy Carmichael and lyrics by Stuart Gorrell, was designated Georgia's official state song. It was performed on March 7, 1979 before a joint meeting of the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives by Georgia-born recording artist Ray Charles.

Rented the movie Ray the other night. Fantastic. A friend and I agree that Mr. Foxx definitely earned his Oscar for this film. (The second disc is full of fun extras.) A little spoiler: There's a clip of Ray Charles with Jaimie Foxx jamming it out together on the ivories. Fun to watch. Ray Charles is definitely one of a kind. One of a kind, indeed.

Liezel's corner of this movie: RENT IT! It's effin fantastic. Interesting to see the real Ray, behind the 'stardom' and get to know the man behind the notes. Only to find out, his life was his music.

Don't like my review? "Well, tell me what'd I say, yeah" ;)

(I apologize I couldn't give a better review, running late this morning)
There's a Washington Post and hot tea calling my name.

March Madness. Oh the insanity!

Loathe... Virginia Tech. Stupid Hokies. Who calls themselves Hokies??
Oh, and for all the e-mails and that one text message from a certain someone "stating" that they won over my team, the TERPS... GRRRRR. Bite me.

I hate VT. I hate the Hokies.


Let's pray the Maryland Terps still get that bid, eh? We did sweep Duke twice. If that even matters anymore.

ACC Tourney next week at the MCI Center! I have GOT to get some tix!

FEAR THE TURTLE

Maryland needs to beat Virginia Tech today.... We can sweep Duke twice, but we can't get another W. What the eff? Gotta love March Madness, baby!

Gilchrist, are you going to be our "SAVIOR" on the court?

~~GO TERPS!!!~~