When Valentine’s Day Became S.A.D.

February 14. I know it’s supposed to be Valentine’s Day. However, I keep reading statuses on Social Networks about Single Awareness Day – S.A.D. The humor is in the abbreviation. No! No! No! We single people do not mean ‘”sad”. It does not mean we are woeful! Nor does it mean we have a seasonal affective disorder. Pssssh!  Huh! Seasonal? Wait….. Oh!

I’m single and game for any challenge this S.A.D celebrates, but I find it a little insulting to do it exactly on the 14th of February. Need I remind my single friends that the reason we celebrate Valentine’s Day is not only for the sole purpose of giving couples a reason to be overly mushy, affectionate and excuse the too sweet displays in public? Valentine’s Day is more than just dinner reservations, flowers, showering expensive gifts and words of promises or endearment, etcetera. You can do that pretty much any day you want – holiday or not.

Though, I don’t mean for couples not to celebrate it at all. No one is depriving anyone of how they want to celebrate this special day with their loved ones. But perhaps, to commemorate and be conscious that this is the Feast of St. Valentine?

Yes! Single people can celebrate them too. But, to give little respect to those who fought to marry couples that led to their imprisonment, isn’t that kind of disrespectful?

Even with a partner, I’ve never really been the type of person who make a fuss about how I spend Valentine’s Day. I never really liked getting flowers because I worry about whether I’ll upset my guy when I throw the flowers out when they start to wilt, or whether I should make potpourri out of them to keep as souvenirs. So, over the years, with or without a partner, it doesn’t really bother me not having a “date-night” . I always make sure though that my partner and I get to go to church and thank the heavens for bringing us together.

I don’t mind being stuck at home alone either – whether I’m writing, playing with my pets or cleaning my house or just video chat with someone on a different timezone – which I happen to think is my “someone special”. It doesn’t really matter how single people want to celebrate the hilarious made up feast that is S.A.D either. Cheers to that if you’re celebrating it better than I do! But, leave the sarcastic comments about Valentine’s Day to yourselves. It makes being single sound so pitiful.

Withal, S.A.D. is a celebration, a proof of how independent we are. How we are in control of our own lives and are happy. S.A.D. should empower us, and not make it sound as if we’re jealous or bitter. Why not celebrate our independence at a later time? Oh! Say, like most people who observe it on the 15th?

If being single is something that doesn’t bother us, we owe it to ourselves to give others a chance to be happy and in love.

And, because I am in love with pretty much everything about life, Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

Despite the Flood, Our Hearts Overflow With Hope

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Yes, this is currently what is happening in our country. It had been raining for two weeks now. I am safe at home, but my heart and thoughts are with everyone who is waiting for rescue, especially my family and friends who are stranded in the second floor of their house due to flood. I am powerless to do anything but monitor the situation, and pray that God will cover the sky with sun come morning. I pray for the life that was lost, the dangers faced by rescuers, the family who have no place to sleep, the family who fear sleep in this time of calamity. It is not a happy day. But I have faith that we will surpass this storm – for God made humans with hearts that is able to survive the hardest of trials. My love for you Philippines. Stay strong! ”This too shall pass.”

Some photos from http://ph.news.yahoo.com/photos

When Raindrops Fall Heavy On My Shoulders

I can’t complain! I shan’t sit here in all the world looking sorry and irritable. Being stuck at home in this dreadful weather? I thirst for that Jose Cuervo a friend promised me early today, that date I was keeping secret (whoops!) and looking forward to all week. No! I will not sulk and pout like a brat because my plans for the day went awry. I refuse to succumb to such childish temperaments.

It’s cold, it’s pouring, and unless I want to get sick, I can’t very well go out and walk or play fetch with my dog. Since I can’t wield changes to the weather, there’s not much I can do about it.

I skipped the need for a third cup of coffee, flipped through the channels and instead decided to watch CNN. All the while feeling I didn’t have any choice with today’s activities. NO CHOICE. Na-da! Stuck in my room, endlessly brooding – even Facebook, Pinterest and my few unread books left me no interest. Home, bored, frustrated. Did I mention bored? Yes. B-O-R-E-D!

As I continue to brood while watching the news, I started feeling guilty. A few more minutes of watching and my earlier attitude gnawed on me. Horrified at what I’ve seen. I don’t have any right to be grumpy! Not when people were running for their lives a few hours ago from a mass shooting in the United States. They went in for entertainment, but came out clutching fear in their hearts. Even if I just imagined it, I shivered at the thought of being in that theater.

When other parts of our country is currently under water that constantly bring reminder to those already traumatized by the tragedy brought about by Typhoon Ondoy (2009); when  the rain deprived those who want to sleep in their homes but find their beds afloat – I put my petty thoughts aside.

I can’t continue playing the victim just for reasons that I can’t go out, especially when some people out there might not have a blanket or a bed to sleep in! Nor complain about my dog unable to go out and play when some stray animals might be scavenging for food in the streets right this minute. And, when just a few minutes ago, a friend just admitted that she is in the darkest moments of her life. I fear for her and the choices she might make.

When lives are lost; When drops of rain along with their tears stain the cheeks of some, and familiar smile vanish; When worry eat the heart out of good people I know – I’m ashamed of myself and my selfish complaints. I have it easy. Why then do I complain? Yes! “Crazy-changing-weather”, you just turned me into some “biatch”. It’s raining outside, but I feel that even if I’m safe inside, the rainfalls heavy on my shoulder.

Here and now I will change my perspective. I did have a choice!  I choose to change my attitude. I choose to stay positive.

Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before, how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever.  –Isak Dinesen

Smile!

Reblogged from My Little Bexi and The Horrible Fox:

  Coffee and a smile! The blog that cheered me up this awful rainy day!  :)  

Dear Blog. Love, A Homemaker. P.S. Sorry for Procrastinating.

Hey there blog!

Oh! You are such a tease! Stop looking at me with that blinking cursor of yours. You mesh well with my stupid wall clock that goes, Tick, tock. Tick tock” that to me is sort of like, “Laundry, cook. Laundry, cook.”. If I didn’t know better, I swear you’re both conspiring to test my skill in the art of time management. Well, procrastination to my rescue!

I blame you blog…

I should start putting those dirty clothes in the washer, then make a lunch meal for three. Really! I should start now so as I would get the chance to do some of my errands after lunch that includes a bit of shopping here and there. Oh no! Not clothes or personal items (how I wish!), but shopping for my little pantry friend (she is in dire need of supplies) for our “mini” (roll eyes) gathering this weekend. My week will be an endless task of organizing, cleaning the house, moving furniture here and there, repainting old desks, and ho-ho the hardest – budgeting monthly household expenses! Yes, Boring! But, a must. Only, you are so tempting my dear old blogging friend. I’ve lost the will to get my butt off this chair!

Again, I blame you.

It’s not that I have plenty of thoughts to share. Possibly just random craziness. Add the excuse that I just want to sit for a while and enjoy a quiet morning alone in the living room, sipping my coffee with your lovely company. See, in a few minutes, the house will be awake, the TV monitor in high volume, laughter in full swing, and the living room in total chaos! After my cousin Grace leaves for work at about 8:00 in the morning, I enjoy two hours of respite from daily chores. This is the best “alone time” I can ask for without having to leave the house or lock myself inside my room. I never really thought running a household (and keeping it clean despite living with those who seem to make it their mission to mess the house!) is taxing, but, take note, rewarding! It’s like having a job without pay but with great results. And even if you feel stress sometimes, you can’t wipe that silly smile on your face when the people you love are happy and satisfied. You know you are giving the right amount of love (even if that love includes a bit of frowning and scolding from me from time to time).

Blog, it’s one of those things I have to share with you because other homemakers can read my posts. I want them to know that I’ve gained new respect for parents out there (including mine). And, despite that it is tiring most times, I enjoy it. Nothing can replace the warmth a heart feels every time it’s shown appreciation – those simple smiles that shows how you can touch their lives in some ways. Nope.  Nothing can replace that feeling. No paycheck I’ve ever received have ever made me feel that way (though paychecks is still my dire need for survival).

So, before I heed the time and finally stop procrastinating, through your help, I want to wish everyone a lovely day. Especially to those who run their own household, single Moms who works their ass off to ensure the best future for their kids, even to those who aren’t mothers but took the role of one (just like me) – this blog love letter is solely for you.

YOU ARE AMAZING!!! ;)