Switching On the Sun

FB reminded me of my wife's birthday 2 days ago... Not that I have to be reminded of such special day... As a matter of fact, I already greeted her the night prior as soon as the clock struck out of Sept 1's last second while presenting my gift to her in all its "unwrapped" glory... I was reminded again yesterday as if urging me on to FB-post a birthday greeting however late. But then, the thing is that, I don't really FB-post a birthday greeting for someone I can actually greet personally... As to anything event-related, I usually post an acknowledgment instead or a testimonial, a recollection and the like; not for her directly but for others to serve as witnesses to what I'd rather express seemingly shouting it to the world... My wife then asked me how come I haven't greeted her on Facebook via any kind of posting... I was like "Huh?! Like I already greeted you last night..." Yes, that was totally "unsweet(ened)" or insensitive ...

In some gathering early yesterday, my mother lost her 2 phones to a thief. Having been informed through a text message from my cousin, she was somehow disheartened as 1 of the 2 was a gift from me. I texted back to perk her up with the assurance that I’ll just buy her a new one since, notwithstanding the unfortunate incident, it’s just stuff… Before heading back home forlorn, she decided to drop-by in a nearby church. After which and to her surprise, an apologetic woman who explained to have stolen her celphones out of desperation returned it in exchange for P500. Paying for what you own may sound absurd but getting back the worth of the attached sentimental value for such an amount could be relatively cheap… A timely occurrence in a time opposing views on worldly possessions is maturely mounting between the family… What makes material belongings really valuable is the story behind its acquisition. What is so special about having these things is not even clo...

Intense is how the RH (Reproductive Health) Bill has created quite a controversy. It instigated varied reactions and arguments. Each has something to say and a conviction to back it up. The problem with the concerned people’s line of reasoning is that it becomes a case of WHO is more precise more than the supposed contention as to WHAT is right. Focused on the ratification of a worldly regulation, does anyone between the opposing sides even consider and understand the law of nature? Debated to be passed into law with big names joining in as expected, it has become a credibility match (a heated one at that) as to who would sound more believable of which resolutions and decisions are dependent on. Would their decision for a belief be based on popularity as an assurance for support? Are they even taking advantage of the people’s lack of sense, as they claim (thus pushing the bill as an intelligent choice), to secure backing rather than educate? The reason behind every dispute on the mat...

We all have mothers. Consenting or strict, they are still mothers who probably differ in their approach in raising a family; particularly their children. Unless you’re too good, we don’t always get along fine with our mothers. Yet, one way or another, our mothers seem to always have the final say. It’s not that they’re being domineering; it’s just that, as the saying goes, “mother knows best.” Or do they? Well, we may not agree with them most of the time; but as far as anything concerning us ending up ratified by such mother-friendly adage is concerned, it may not look best in our books but it certainly is for her. Mothers only want the best for their children but it doesn’t necessarily mean children will receive the best. Motherhood is beyond ‘biological’ for it’s also about balance. She balances time and attention, luxury and necessity, yes and no, being a better-half and being the other half (except for single mothers), and other differing emotions. A challenging act like...

Regardless of how we see one thing, it’s bound to be viewed differently by others. That’s even in reference to others’ liking as compared to the inclination of those from it has a partial attachment. What if the matter at hand is pertaining to physical attributes of people? Needless to say, people have different tastes and inclined from that of different standards. Those with a soft spot for (say) the “assessed” person will probably be defensive of any criticism in contrast with how they positively consider the looks of that person they’ve kind of developed fondness for. Children for instance or babies for that matter, in most likely probability, they’ll be considered adorable by their own parents. Even with a decent disposition in line with accommodating the stark reality bequeathed among them or their children, it would still be hurtful for parents to hear (from other people) how “ugly” their children are. It may not be attributed directly but anything suggestive of an insensitive ...

Contrasting (too distinctive as a matter of fact) from the usual terms of endearment, I call my wife Spicy. It’s not as distinct as the reason behind it though. However like spice, aromatic or piquant, fragrant or pungent, she’s all that. With her nature seemingly seasoned with or containing spice, similarly, that’s her effect on me. She can be sweet; she can be bitter. Characteristically a preservative or as for seasoning, with a hint of basil or even curry, nevertheless, she adds flavor to my life’s cooking concoction. And while I’m on it and if it’s alright, I might as well add, she tastes good too! lol   Another thing, like normal (or abnormal) couples, we could be all over each other or at times, get into each others’ nerves. Spicy that she is, she could from time to time be too hot who needs some spanking. Not that naughty serving probably rationed in your minds. As fiery as some dish that you just want to spit it out once it stings your palate. Yes, while blandness from...

Having been asked to host an awarding ceremony for an event yesterday, notable realizations filled my thoughts. The occasion was with regard to babies as the stars of the moment. Conceivably, every parent , believe that their baby is a star. Yet, until when… Since the time sagacity served me right, I’ve reflected on some observations pertaining to parent-child relationship. While admirable are those who have shown unfailing parenting, on the contrary, it’s quite awkward to see parents seemingly harsh on their already-grown child. Whereas babies are so much cared for to the point of pampering them not j ust with the best ‘baby stuff’ but more than anything else, with invariable attention but they‘re rather dealt with differently once they’re ‘up-and-about’ and naturally manifes ting childlike-bothersome behavior. Reasonable indulgence in investing emotional attachment is acceptable but to apparently push that aside soon after one’s baby is a little older and understandably mischiev...

“Trick or treat?” would have been a more reasonable and a familiar greeting from a most likely costume-clad (identity-concealed) stranger during Halloween… However, with an apparent irate voice over the phone early on the other morning, a woman was complaining about our ineffectiveness. She was furious on how her grandchild’s finger almost got severed while seated on a moving escalator. Questioning as to why we haven’t placed a cautionary signage indicative of the unsuitability of such device to be seated on by a child as she was insistent that we do… She continued with her tirade by introducing herself as the owner of a prominent local establishment seemingly asserting her influence. Consequently, should we fail to comply, she’ll be addressing the matter on paper. Trick or treat? Well, she put emphasis on “not that she was threatening”, she just demanded that the putting up of a signage be done. Looking for a scapegoat to cover-up a parenting letdown, tsk tsk ... Fact of the matte...

Normally in a conversation when corresponding parties are amenable to talk about anything, such candor signifies an exchange of thoughts about “practically anything under the sun.” It’s a kind of openness usually shared by people with close ties. Talk about irony, “they’re close yet they’re open.” Speaking of which, there is nothing peculiar about this blog site’s title: Switching On the Sun . As candid as every article in here will be, it is initially intended to be my unsolicited guiding principle to my children. As of the moment, they’re quite young to even read this. Inspired by the movie “My Life” starring Michael Keaton, I thought of ‘blogging’ about possible views I could be exchanging with my kids when they’re both grown-ups however in a sad and unpredictable circumstance I might not get a glimpse of. I’m not dying just yet or so my current health condition says so. Then again, the incalculability of our being motivates me to be rather ready. What if I'm gone just when...