Tuesday blues

I feel blessed!

Imagine sighting a "kornik" in a local grocery here ... it felt heaven! It is very seldom I get to see familiar knick-knacks remiscent of pinoy chicheria. And a spicy flavoured one, too! I just munched away ... with gusto!

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Last week's activities were just as busy. Last Friday, we stayed on to watch a friendly sail match participated by Alexander's group. We helped the kids rig and launch their boats. As they gathered up out along the channel, the parents crowded the bridgeway to watch the fun-run begin. As the whistle blew, the boats scurried past the first bouy trying to catch some wind to take them to the next bouy. There were a lot of shrieks, shouting and laughter as the boats sailed back and forth. It was a tricky route. Alexander placed 6th. He was, of course, disappointed but he was also quick to admit he made some wrong maneuvers and was accepting of the outcome of his match.

However, when Alexander participated his first-ever badminton match the following day(Saturday, 10 October), it was a whole different experience for him. During the course of his matches, he obviously enjoyed it a lot when he was winning ... he was even grinning from ear to ear. But when he was well into his later games and started losing, one can easily see the frustration on his face ... his frown so visible and his eyes welled in tears as he looked at us watching from the sidelines. He gamely finished his game ... losing both sets. After shaking the hand of his opponent and the game official, he came running to me, hugged me tightly and started to cry. He was upset over losing his games. I felt bad for him, but I somehow managed to give him some encouragement and reminded him the essence of simply being a part of the game ... that it is never about winning all the time. We lose some, we win some. He realised that there are other kids better than him in the tournament. This very realisation made him aware of his own weaknesses as a player. He vowed to catch up and make it better. Anyway, at the end of the tournament, he placed 3rd. Not bad, but he was not satisfied. And so he made me promise ... we have to practise a lot of badminton together!

I believe last week's exercises had been a great learning experience for Alexander. He now knows that one has to work very hard in order to be No 1, or if he wants to get the big prize. We all learn from our experiences - good or bad. Alexander learned a great deal. And I believe he will keep these in mind.

'Pinas style

I can't help re-posting this picture from the online version of today's papers from www.philstar.com .... and the caption read:

"President Arroyo, steps off a wooden platform after leading the distribution of relief goods for flood victims housed at a chapel in Barangay San Gabriel at Macabebe, Pampanga yesterday."

Forgive me, but as President of the Republic of the Philippines, Gloria Arroyo doesn't look a bit like anyone symphatetic to the plight of the typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng victims. Just look at her ... wearing a big smile on her face, and if I may add, wearing that silly get-up of a dress as if she's doing an outdoor runway show.

Well, okay, she gave a lending hand ... two weeks too late!

'Oooppps' moment of the day

Got caught by the strong wind on the starboard side ...

you should have heard his shrieking laugh ... it was contagious!

Lead boat to the rescue ...
they had to fix his sail as he'd lost its pin lock which secures the top of the mast.

In full gear ...

I am so proud to share today's video ... we really enjoyed watching Alexander during their practice run in sailing. He's taken their sailing exercises to heart and really give it his all.

Personals

Things had been awfully busy on my end the past weeks - both at work and at the homefront. You may also add the stress in knowing that there are people I personally know who are were hit terribly by typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines. My heart goes to the poorest of the poor who was left with nothing. Having survived the typhoon is one thing ... living with its nightmare is another.

I have been in contact with family and friends trying to find out what's happening back home. I can only hope for the best for everyone and that those who needed help the most would be helped.

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It's end of the week again. Our routine hasn't changed. Tomorrow is badminton and sailing after school for Alexander. Towards the end of the week, there's swimming and tennis. And then, same old Monday routine again.

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It's time for the school photo op again. Alexander was up early this morning and became frantic when he could not find his hair gel. He was excited ... so very excited. I know this because he spent extra time in front of the mirror styling his hair. I caught him applying the sticky gel meticulously on his hair ... it was a great sight. My boy is really growing up!

Here's the proof:

Caught-in-the-act!

And he struck a pose when he discovered the camera

Typhoon Ketsana

There is no way to describe the devastation left by typhoon Ketsana when it hit the Central Luzon area of the Philippines last September 26, 2009. It spared no one ... it spared nothing as it swooped into the country. The onslaught of this typhoon (Ondoy as it was called locally in the Philippines) was said to be enormous and was even claimed to be just as bad as typhoon Katrina which hit Louisiana, USA.

Directly after Ketsana, another typhoon followed (Pepeng) and at this point in time, another one is in the offing. Three horrible typhoons ... one after the other. What can one do? None but wait to ride it off its back. Only then can the Filipinos really start picking up the pieces of what was left behind.

How does one help? If you in any way you can have the means to donate anything, in cash or in kind, please do so. It will be very much appreciated.