Visiting with Johann

I felt the disappointment. And the hurt. I wasn't able to speak of it immediately as I tried to deal first with the overpowering emotions I haven't experienced for a very long time.

That Saturday morning, I saw myself sitting on the chair I rarely use. There I felt comfortable. Slowly, my fingers found their way to the dusty ivory keys. And the notes came to life. I closed my eyes to feel each movement, each transition, each crescendo. I feel exhilarated attacking the chords with such vigor. I sensed my body swaying, the music coming to its own.

From Arabesque, I continued on to Ballade. The works of Johann lending its magic to me. And I smiled.

I know I have lost my fingers' dexterity due to my endless experiments in the kitchen but then, I seemed to be transported back to Adante - to that little corner where I've spent countless hours dealing with Hanon and John Thompson. Seemed nothing changed. Playing relieves me still, music soothes my soul.

Tin's Request

I just finished chatting with Tin - a very good friend of mine temporarily residing in Dubai. We were updating each other with the ongoings in our lives when she just said, "Do you know how to make cheese pimiento?" Surprised, I said yes. Cheese pimiento happens to be one of my favorite sandwich fillings. She asked if I could give her the recipe. According to her, she smelled cheese earlier in the day, hence, the craving.

So here it is, frend. Two simple versions. Take your pick...

Cheese Pimiento

Ingredients:

3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1 can (sml) red bell pepper, finely chopped
1 1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/8 tsp sugar

Procedure:

1. Mix the cheese and milk thoroughly.
2. Blend in the red bell pepper.
3. Add sugar to taste.
4. Transfer to an air-tight container.

Buttery Cheese Pimiento

Ingredients:

3 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1 can (sml) red bell pepper, chopped
2 cups butter (room temperature)

Procedure:

1. Cream the butter with a wooden spoon.
2. Add the cheese. Mix thoroughly.
3. Add the bell pepper. Mix.
4. Transfer to an airtigh container.

Between the two versions, I have always preferred the one with the milk. I just find the one with the butter too dry for me. But we have different tastes, right?

MBM

With a smile she greets you

This mother of two

No matter what you do

She'll always be there for you.

Way back in 2004. I called her up to ask something. When Marvin answered, I asked for his Mom. "Hi Marvin, can I talk to your beautiful Mom?" I know he was quite stunned for there was dead air there. Quickly recovering, he politely told me to hold on. But I sensed his smile - ear to ear.

There on, she was frequently referred to as MBM - Marvin's Beautiful Mom. Belle even signs some of her emails as MBM. Gutsy? Yes. But I don't have any objection. For this woman of substance is indeed beautiful, inside out.

Met Belle through my former employer, Lisa. Really didn't expect to be friends with her. Didn't think there's anything common between us.

However, time proved that this smiling lady is worth calling a friend. Even more than that as I consider her and her family part of my Canadian family.

Belle is a warm, loving, thoughtful person. Very sincere and sensitive, logical and smart. She's not judgemental. Affable and has a pleasing personality. Last year when I was at the lowest point of my life, she was very supportive and I know and I felt she was just a phone call away.

I am fortunate to have met her and I thank the Lord for that!

Secret Affair with HC

I need to confess this. Badly. Been keeping this secret for the past month.

It all started one Saturday on my way to the new office. The bus hasn't arrived yet so I wandered a bit around the terminal. Then, I saw this devilish, yummy-looking brown bod. So hot I can imagine steaming encounters. If I can only taste. Just what I needed for this pang of hunger. Gathered my nerves, I approached and introduced myself. And I felt what I had imagined. Sinful pleasure.

The following Monday, I forced myself not to glance so I won't be tempted. But human nature wins. I'm not that strong. So I turned again to where the first encounter happened. There within reach is satisfaction. I slowly walked towards that inviting enclave knowing that once again I will give in to an unnecessary need. That became a ritual. Every morning. For the past month. It became my secret.

I have noticed the change those encounters brought me. It did give me satisfaction, temporary satisfaction. But when I look at the mirror, I can see the effect on me. Not a good one. My boyfriend already asked me because he felt something has changed. I can't tell him, not yet.

Now, here I am. Feeling guilty because I know I shouldn't be doing what I was doing.

I hope I will be able to avoid temptation. I don't want the consequences that will happen if I continue. It will take discipline, I know. I might falter once a week, hopefuly not more than that.

PS. The once-a-week pleasure can probably be acceptable if I take it without whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

Softdrinks, Soda or Pop?

Nico, a third year high school from F. Sevilla Elementary school, just finished practicing for the district volleyball league. On his way home, he stopped at a sari-sari store. "Aling Maria, softdrinks nga. Kahit ano, basta malamig".

In another continent, a government employee, Eloise, is on her lunch break. "Ooops, I forgot my water. Oh well, I'll just get a soda from the vending machine".

Farther north, Katie just finished watering the lawn. "Mom, just to remind you...I can have a can of pop tonight for dinner".

Three English words but all referring to that addicting calorie-laden thirst-quenching beverage.

In Manila, it's softdrinks (yes, most of the time with an s). In the US, soda it is and pop for neighboring Canada. I knew about the soda thing in the States but pop in Canada? "What's the big deal?", I asked myself when Sangko briefed me.

Apparently, what you'll get from the server when you say soda is a puzzled look. I experienced it myself. And when I explained what I was asking for, the answer I received was: "Oh, you want pop!" Yes, I want pop!

Being the stubborn person I am, I tried the same thing two more times at different restaurants. Just to see. Did I get the same answer? Oh yes, I did. And what else? My niece's I-told-you-so look. So to spare my party from further embarassment in the future, I resolve to use pop.

With a heavy heart. Because I still prefer Sarsi!

Million-Dollar Question!!

I came to Canada a few years ago. Quite a scary decision for me as I was used to having my family right beside me all the time. I did have a brother I can turn to just in case something went wrong or a problem arises - but it won't be the same as having an armada of supporters!

Eventhough I had psyched myself a few months prior to leaving, it really took all my reserve to board the plane that September afternoon. For not only was I leaving my family and friends, I was also leaving behind me all the comforts I was used to. Flashing in front of me, then, were life-sized letters: W-I-L-L-I-S-U-R-V-I-V-E?