Random Thoughts Hours Before My Birthday
My birthday is coming up, and I slowly inch my way towards the mid-30s. I know that I look it too, because I’ve been meeting a lot of new people and they couldn’t bring themselves to drop the “po” and the “ate” when talking to me. I still can’t believe it - I am now actually asking people to stop being “so courteous,” but their good breeding can’t make them do it. So what the heck, I decided to just see the bright side, and that is their parents raised them well.
Yes, I have peacefully accepted that I will be meeting more people who will feel compelled to bring out their good manners and right conduct by treating me like their grandmother. Good thing the grandmas of today are so fab. Wise. Elegant. Beautiful. Hmm. I now feel the courtesy is actually a compliment.
***
I have nothing special planned on my birthday. I mean, I did plan to invite our folks for a little get-together but our current schedule is a little crazy for that. No plans to shop for a gift for myself, too.
This year is one big gift already. My husband left his job for a risky business, which is now his new comfort zone. My son is doing well in his new school. I met a lot of new people, formed The Filipino Mom Blog with moms who are now among my list of closest friends, won a Love Struck contest, IMax tickets, an amazing cellphone, and got a chance to have a short stint on tv. (Did I miss anything?) These may not be much for many of you, but I feel greatly blessed.
***
Last year, my husband was busy at work on my birthday. This year, I will be the one doing some work on my birthday. I will be spending a good part of the day auditioning children in a pre-selected school who may guest on TV5’s upcoming show, Kiddie Kwela.
I was warned by Faye, our boss, not to give any emotional investment as the show will only run for 2 months. And I’m telling you, it’s difficult not to feel sad about it. I love, love, love everything about this experience, the job, the challenges, the people I meet, the team, the kids, even the guards at the complex. Sigh.
***
I promised to give basil to friends, but unfortunately, I will not be able to keep that promise. My stem cutting experiment is a failure, and I don’t understand why the seeds are taking too long to germinate. Oh well, now we know that my green thumb is not very green at all. Forgive me, birthday ko naman e.
***
I am going to do a little bit of ironing in a while. You may find this weird, but I actually enjoy ironing clothes. I usually do this by the front door, so I can catch the breeze and see the plants for a nice calming view. I turn on the fan because yeah, it can get quite hot. And then I tune in on my favorite cable channel. So I’m perfectly fine that I’m going to iron on the day before my birthday. I would have done the laundry this morning but there was rain.
noemi:
It was shocking to be called maam in my mid forties. I got used to it though. The shock wore off. you have accomplished a lot. advanced happy birthday
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6 November 2008, 1:59 pmjulie:
I feel diyahe hearing “opo” and “ate” I feel old though it feels good to hear such words.
julies last blog post..Maalaala Mo Kaya?
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6 November 2008, 2:19 pmmitch:
Haberdey, Cess!
Nakakarelate PO ako dyan. Yung mga nagiging kaibigan ko dati, mga ka-age ko lang so, feeling ko hanggang ngayon, ganun pa din. Medyo naloka-loka ako recently, meron akong mga ilang new friends, lahat sila ang tawag sa akin, Ate Mitch. E para namang, sabi ko wag na ate kasi magkaka-age lang kami. Pero hindi pala talaga. Mga bagets pa talaga tong mga to. Ang pinaka-nakakaloka, nung kinukwentuhan ko sila ng Bagets, hindi talaga sila maka-relate!
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6 November 2008, 3:44 pmLynn:
Advance happy birthday, Cess! Believe me, you still look like you’re in your mid-twenties. We met two years ago I think and you still look the same, prettier even with shorter hair.
I’m used to the “po” and “ate” na. Matagal na, haha. Pag tinawag ako ng first name, two things only - either colleague ko s’ya and we’re of the same age or di hamak na older sa akin.
If I may say this, I think this tv show just might be the start of something big. It’s very possible that you will get offers for writing jobs for their other shows. Why not as long as the concept of the show is aligned w/ your values, di ba.
Lynns last blog post..Dignity in Defeat
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6 November 2008, 5:15 pmsunshine:
dead-ma na ako sa ma’m, po and opo. all my staff call me that (kahit yung ka-age ko. haha).
anyway, happy happy birthday. hope you’ll enjoy your special day. miss you and see you soon!
sunshines last blog post..Supplier Ratings and Wedding Kuwento
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6 November 2008, 8:03 pmBambi:
wishing you a very happy birthday!
Bambis last blog post..Guest Room
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6 November 2008, 9:44 pmmarj:
Happy birthday! I don’t mind it when people say “po” or “opo” or “ma’am” pero yung tawagin akong “ate” di ko ma-take. I’m the youngest in both sides of the family kasi kaya walang tumatawag sa akin nun. Anyways, as long as we age gracefully it should be okay. Have a fantastic birthday anyways.
marjs last blog post..A baby no more
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7 November 2008, 4:04 amtikey:
U deserve everything that you got te Cess.. bait bait mo kc. hapi bertdey! muahhh
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7 November 2008, 7:46 amlhedda:
Happy Birthday po, Ate
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7 November 2008, 9:16 amJhoanne:
I am wishing for MORE blessings not only for you but also for your family. Love you cess!
Jhoannes last blog post..Pissed off!
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7 November 2008, 5:30 pmev:
happy birthday lady cess..may all your wishes come true.
take care..
evs last blog post..they bond..
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7 November 2008, 10:10 pmMari:
Happy Birthday, My Lady Cess. (curtrsey)
Maris last blog post..Back to basics
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8 November 2008, 7:43 amann:
Happy Birthday po Ate Cess…hehehe.
Wala bang spa ngayon?
anns last blog post..International Philippine School in Al-Khobar 20th Foundation Day
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10 November 2008, 12:54 pmRach (Heart of Rachel):
Hi Cess. Belated Happy Birthday! Hope you had a nice birthday celebration. Sounds like you’re enjoying your job and I’m happy for you. May it open more wonderful opportunities for you. Take care.
Rach (Heart of Rachel)s last blog post..Dog Emergency
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16 November 2008, 9:26 pmdeden:
Hi Cess.I am wishing for MORE blessings not only for you but also for your family.
dedens last blog post..The Secret of Universe
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18 November 2008, 8:52 pmchateau a.k.a. imom:
Cess, we will get used to the good manners soon, hehe. At least we are treated with more respect!
About the basil, it’s okay. hehe.
chateau a.k.a. imoms last blog post..Dashboard Lessons, Part 1: Mag-aral ng Mabuti
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20 November 2008, 8:22 amJO:
happy, happy birthday!!!
JOs last blog post..Do you have a Last Will and Testament?
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22 November 2008, 1:24 pm