Life is full of hits and misses. It's nature's way of making sure that everything's balanced.

Last night, I had one of my most wonderful nights of my life. It's there on the top with my giving birth to the kids and directing my first play. It's the kind of night that I'll be replaying in my head and will be calling it my "happy place".

However, there's a trade off. My oldest boy has the chicken pox and I'm here on the set in a street intersection in Quezon City, waiting for my scenes to be shot.

What's worse is that I have never had chicken pox.

Excuse me while I coordinate with Mr. D and my nanny and then retreat to my happy place.

Parenthood is not a joke. If it were, then why aren't a lot of parents laughing? It provides for moments of humor and mirth but trust me, most of the time, it's scary and nerve wracking and it's enough to drive you to the edge of insanity.

If you've been thinking about being a parent because you think your genes, mixed with your boyfriend's/girlfriend's would produce majorly good looking kids, I suggest you face a mirror and slap yourself 100 times or until your lip bleeds. Parenthood is not an erotic arts and crafts hobby, doofus! If you wanted to see how your kids would look like, there are software applications for that now! Sheesh!

Interestingly enough, there are a few people out there who do understand the trappings of being a parent. Then, there are a lot of unenlightened ones who still think that bringing home the bacon is enough to be called a parent. Your kids need to know that you are there for them, that you see to their emotional and psychological needs as well. Money can only take you so far. It's important, I know but it isn't everything.

The best part of being a parent is the love and smiles and kisses you get everyday, every moment you're with your children. There is no better word in this world than "Mommy". To my kids, I can do everything and anything - from kissing the ouchies away, to curing sick fishes, to kicking alien/monster/ghost butt. To my kids, I'm the funniest woman in the world. For my kids, I'm the best. Who wouldn't want that?

If you think being a parent is like having a job, sorry to have to tell you this but this is a job wherein you don't get paid and you're constantly on call and you can't quit. Just because your kids are 45 years old doesn't mean you stop being a parent. It's permanent, sweetie.

Now trust me when I tell you that you need that prophylactic. Just put it on...

Allow me to be totally geeky and nerdy at the moment. See, with all this talk about loving the environment and the psychological scares that we'll soon have no earth to speak of and the polar caps melting and such, seems rather quite ineffective with the vast majority of idiots people who are just taking up space existing in this planet.

To be totally frank about it, we are all just parasites. We infect, feed, ravage and destroy pretty much anything we manage to get our hands on. Spare me the defensive "That's not true! I help the environment by bringing my own shopping bag to the market" speech. We ARE parasites. Deal with it.

Now, knowing that we are parasites and accepting it, makes it easier for us now to understand what our true role is. According to parasite biology, for a parasite to be successful, it must not only refrain from killing off its host but also ensure that the host thrives. After all, parasites can only exist if the host does. Being a greedy little bitch won't do us any good. Once a parasite is taken off its host, it cannot survive. Once the host dies, the parasite will soon follow.

So, what does this mean?

It means, stop consuming more than you need, stop cutting down trees, stop polluting the rivers and maybe, we have a rat's chance in hell to make it through this lifetime.

This year, I'm going to make sure I keep at least 3 of my New Year's Resolutions:

1. Start living. Inasmuch as I love my FB and virtual friends, I think it's about time that I start living life out there in the world. I'm going to have to stumble and have a few bumps along the way (of course, given the fact that I have issues with people and the world at large) but I think I'll survive.

2. Travel more - Both local and international. I do have to visit my friends and relatives.

3. Start believing in possibilities - in all kinds of possibilities! Love, work, life and finances.

4. More positive thinking - I've proven that the secret does work. LOA. Positive thoughts attract positive situations.

5. Forgive more - Life is truly short for baggage.

6. Forget past transgressions - See number 5

7. Laugh more.

8. Make people laugh more.

9. Know my worth and ask for what's rightfully mine.

10. Start learning how to love and like myself. Nobody else can until I do so. (Isn't that right, Louise? *grin*)

11. Know what relationships to keep and what to let go of. Don't feel guilty about letting go of those who aren't healthy. Be a better friend to those who are true. Keep in touch more.

***

I think I'll be able to keep at least 3 of these, don't you think?

***

Happy New Year, everyone! A better 2010 for all of us.

Most of the time, I really don't get bothered by people teasing me about certain physical inadequacies I have. I often poke fun at myself anyway to be bothered by it. I may lack self esteem but I can definitely brush off certain comments and I'll never even give it a second thought.

Sometimes though, it catches me at a bad time and I just have to bite back. The following are real life conversations:

Scene 1
Her: Hay naku, wag ka nga! Maliit naman ang suso mo eh!
Me: Wag mong pakialaman ang maliit kong suso. Pinapakialaman ko ba ang maluwag mong pekpek?

Scene 2
Him: Bakit wala kang boobs?
Me: Kasi mas madaming utak ang binigay sa akin ng Diyos. Ikaw? Bakit kaya puro titi lang ang puede mong ipagmayabang?

Scene 3
Her: Parang ang laki ng boobs mo ngayon ah! Siguro maraming padding ang bra mo.
Me: Parang ang bango ng hininga mo ngayon ah! Siguro natuto ka nang mag toothbrush.

***

Sometimes I hate myself for being such a witty sarcastic bitch.

I had a conversation with a friend about six months back about how homosexuals here in the Philippines will never be given the right to marry. He says that there are too many hindrances and roadblocks for this. I find it so hypocritical of us Filipinos to say this and I also find it pathetic for us to believe this. Religion, he says, is the biggest of all the roadblocks and it will always be the baseline to anything that would negate any other demands homosexuals would require from Philippine society. "Buti nga tanggap na namin ang mga bakla eh. Mas mahirap ang kalagayan ng tomboy, mas di sila tanggap." (Be thankful that we've accepted the gays. It's worse for lesbians as we still cannot tolerate them)

Right...Here's my immense gratitude for you. *insert your preferred visual here*

Just now, Brew gave me this link for me to seethe over. Okay, I have two things to say about this.

1. Homosexuality does not equate to immorality. I do not say this because I want to defend myself for being bisexual - I say this because as far as I'm concerned, my sexual orientation and preference is none of your damn business. It is religion that dictates and defines morality. Now, religion, is something that man created. It is an interpretation of their chosen deities' teachings. Didn't your god say that it's immoral for you to judge people? (Those of you who has not sin shall cast the first stone...) Didn't your god teach tolerance and love for ALL of his creations? Didn't your god create us as well? Ano kami? Kabuteng umusbong na lang sa sanga ng kahoy? So, until the Powers That Be come to me and speak to me directly (without the help of any chemicals), I cannot accept your opinion and judgement on how immoral we are.

2. Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transgendered, Transsexuals and the like, I say this to all of us. We have brought this upon ourselves as well. I mean, you expect these people to take us seriously when you have an online newspaper that has the name "Bulatlat". Yes, it's creative and it has a wonderful double meaning, and you can argue with me until you turn blue in the face but the fact of the matter is, we're painting targets on our asses with this kind of immature action. If you want to be taken seriously, you better get their attention on a level they'd understand. Think of it this way: If you want a 3 year old's attention, you don't talk to them like you're talking to an adult. Level with them. Play their game first, play by their rules then change the rules. Soon enough, they're now programmed to play by your rules. No violence, no resistance with optimized results! Ano ba? Basic psych war rules!

***

Change will happen. It's inevitable. The sooner we all accept that, the better we will all be.

My twins were fighting over a toy and the older one, Z got frustrated and screamed.

"Say sorry to me, T!" He said, tears brimming and lips out to a pout.

"Why?!" Retorts the brother, still holding on to the toy.

"Because you hurt me and I don't like being hurt"

T then looks at the toy in his hand and hands it over to his brother and gave him a hug as well. "I'm sorry, Z..."

Z takes the toy and looks at T. "You can have it when I'm done with it, okay?"

"Okay." T says with a smile.

And everything was right again in their world.

***

See, kids have got it right. They have honesty and they have concise logic. We should stop saying "You're so childish" like it was a bad thing.

I'm a firm believer that in life there are always two lists: The first would be a list of all the dumb things you've ever done in your entire existence - each item being dumber than the other, of course; and as you go down (or up) the list, your body tenses more and your face gets more and more distorted. That's normal. I've got that list - it's so long that I can probably use it for carpeting.

The second list would be the dumb things that you will do or aka accidents waiting to happen. I like this list simply because I can use it as an early warning device.

But sometimes, we lose that second list - as we have a tendency to. And we're left in a panic about what we're supposed to do. When that happens, I suggest that you don't make any rash decisions lest you want to be screwed.

***

I think I might need to go back to therapy...

I got this post from Trixie (One of Manila's hottest bachelorettes, next to me, of course. *wink*).

***
We guys don't care if you talk to other guys.

We don't care if you're friends with other guys.

But when you're sitting next to us, and some random guy walks into the room and you jump up and tackle him, without even introducing us, yeah, it pisses us off. (I completely agree, but it's not about anything else but common courtesy)

It doesn't help if you sit there and talk to him for ten minutes without even acknowledging the fact that we're still there.

We don't care if a guy calls OR TEXTS you, but at 2 in the morning we do get a little concerned.

Nothing is that important at 2 am that it can't wait till the morning. (Again, I agree. It goes both ways too you know.)

Also, when we tell you you're pretty/beautiful/gorgeous/cute/stunning, we freaking mean it.
Don't tell us we're wrong.
We'll stop trying to convince you. (Yeah, okay but sometimes you tell us we're pretty/beautiful/gorgeous/cute/stunning when we've just woken up, hair all over the place or when we're sick and green like the damn Grinch or the Incredible Hulk! You have to kind of build your credibility there...)

The sexiest thing about a girl is confidence.

Yeah, you can quote me.

Don't be mad when we hold the door open.

Take Advantage of the mood I'm in.

Let us pay for you! Don't feel bad. We enjoy doing it. It's expected.

(Just)[sic]Smile and say "thank you".

Kiss us when no one's watching.

If you kiss us when you know somebody's looking, we'll be more impressed. (Voyeurism anyone? Hehehe)

You don't have to get dressed up for us. (We're doing it for us. We don't want to look like your nanny. Besides, at the perchance we bump into your ex or our ex, we want them to see us at our best.)

If we're going out with you in the first place, you don't have to feel the need to wear the shortest skirt you have or put on every kind of makeup you own. (Unless it's a costume party. Halloween is different story altogether)

We like you for who you are and not what you are.

Honestly, I think a girl looks more beautiful when she's just in her pj's.

Or my tshirt[sic] and boxers, not all dolled up.

Don't take everything we say seriously.

Sarcasm is a beautiful thing. See the beauty in it. (Oh we do.)

Don't get angry easily.

Stop using magazines/media as your bible.

Don't talk about how hot Chris Brown, Brad Pitt, or Jesse McCartney is in front of us.
It's boring, and we don't care. You have girlfriends for that. (Well, stop talking about how hot Jessica Simpson or the latest FHM cover is too! They're airbrushed and photoshopped anyway. And you wonder why we use magazines as our bibles...)

Whatever happened to the word "handsome"/'beautiful"
I'd be utterly stunned by a girl who greeted me with "Hey handsome!" instead of "Hey baby/stud/cutie/sexy" or whatever else you can think of.

On the other hand I'm not saying I wouldn't like it either ; )

Girls, I cannot stress this enough: if you aren't being treated right by a guy, don't wait for him to change! Ditch his sorry butt, disgrace to the male population and find someone who will treat you with utter respect. Someone who will honor your morals. (Amen.)

Someone who will make you smile when you're at your lowest.

Someone who will care for you even when you make mistakes.

Someone who will love you, no matter how bad you make them feel.

Someone who will stop what they're doing just to look you in the eyes....and say "I love you" ..and actually mean it.

Give the nice guys a chance.

Every Guy who isn't a jerk will agree with this,
so we hope that all the girls that read this will repost this.


ADVICE:

*Holding Hands
Girls: If you want to hold his hand, gently bump into it a couple of times.


*Movies
Girls: During a movie, if he puts his arm around you, tilt your head on his shoulder.
Guys: Lift her chin up and kiss her.


*Loving each other
Guys: When she tells you she loves you, look deep into her eyes, give her a peck on the lips, and tell her you love her too... And mean it.


*Laying below the stars
Girls: When you're both laying under the stars, put your head on his chest and close your eyes as you listen to his steady heartbeat.
Guys: Whisper in her ear and link your hands with hers.

***

This is all nice and ideal. It is quite refreshing to think that there are men like that still existing in the world and not just in my head.

I guess the next questions are, WHERE THE HELL ARE THESE MEN??!! and HOW DO I GET ONE?!?!

My friend, Aya has this paradox he calls "The Taxi Paradox". Actually, it had another name but I just couldn't remember what it was, so I'm calling it the taxi paradox. He states "When you have a lot of money to spare for a cab and you're in a hurry and need to get somewhere rally fast, there are no taxis anywhere. However, when you ain't got no dough, taxis seem to be sprouting like daisies right in front of you."

The taxi paradox can also be used to explain my situation right now: I've got to lose a couple of pounds before Friday for a photo shoot and I just can't stop stress eating! I've scarfed down carbs, fat, sweets, chocolate and other horrible unmentionables and all the while I hate myself for it. If this doesn't start an eating disorder soon, I'll voluntarily declare that I have one.

It's the same case when I was younger. I used to crave for real love, the whole romantic "sweep me off my feet and name stars after me" kind of relationship. All I got were hot one night stands and a lot of phone numbers. Then, when I got a little older, I gave up on the fairy tale and just wanted to enjoy the hot mindless, passionate and animalistic stranger sex I was getting. It was at that time that I started meeting men who wanted to sweep me off my feet and the whole shebang.

I say, the world will screw with you no matter what. No use in complaining and no use in bitching about it. Ride the tide and enjoy what you got. Eventually, you'll get what you really want.

You're supposed to have clearer perspectives as an adult; you're supposed to have been equipped with a plethora of experiences and a lexicon of knowledge to assist you in making a smart, logical and sound decision. "Supposed to" is the perfect operative phrase because 98% of all bad decisions and wrong moves are done by adults. I guess that's why we have a capacious vocabulary as well - so we can call ourselves dumbasses in so many different ways (and languages too.) Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my world - where stupidity is a perpetual state of being.

What have I learned so far?

1. I don't do well in exile. Not only have I managed to successfully alienate people in real life (and proved that I do have the social skills of a toad). I have now cut myself off from a group of individuals who would give me the freaking time of day.

2. I really don't have a social circle to speak of. Either that or I have the timing of a perfectly broken watch.

3. Real life is rewarding - that's what I believe in every time I interact with my kids. However, sometimes I want to improve the level of conversation. I can only take so much Disney Channel.

4. Real life is scary and cruel. It's like a freaking horror movie in surround sound and high definition. I now know why I love the virtual world - no matter how badly I fuck up in here, it can't be as worse as when I do something right out there. I'm the queen of make-fucking-believe, I live the illusion. In here, I can create worlds, process through emotions without fear of being labeled. In here, I can delete and edit entries I've done and have been unhappy with. In here, I never fear being prejudiced without having the capability to fight back. Don't judge me just because I wallow in it. Remember that the best part of believe is the lie.

5. The gravity of my current real life situation keeps hitting me like little sharp pebbles. When I decided to go on "exile", it hit me like a Mack truck with a loader full of cement blocks. How's that for a wake up call? Maybe the virtual world has become my crutch - the "something positive" to look forward to at the end (or start or middle, doesn't matter...) of the day. It's cheaper than therapy and more interactive. I'm not ready to let go of it just yet.

***

In short, I'll be in and out, sporadically. Not too much and not cold turkey.

I'm alive, that you can bet your Vegas money on.

I've been going through certain epiphanies and realizations in my life that are both quite disturbing (depends on how you see it) and liberating. I'm not saying anything yet as I may jinx it, but so far, it's good.

***

To every end, there is a beginning. Growth and development requires some semblance of death or at least an end: The end of childhood ushers in the start of adulthood; the end of times starts the new future and so on.

The hardest part of anything is the end. The second hardest part is the beginning.

Life tends to throw weird shit at you when you aren't looking. Sometimes, it's better to go through the pain and the weirdness to be able to find something better; something more beautiful.

I used to like Facebook. I liked the way it's spread out, the applications and the fact that it is a social network that connects you to other people you haven't seen for such a long time.

Now, it's fucking annoying me. It has become trite, shallow and as annoying as a valley girl talking about Leonardo DiCaprio.

Let me level the expectations here: If, after reading this post, you feel that you have to defend yourself and that you're slightly offended by what I've written, it only means that you're part of the annoying crowd I'm writing about. You only have three choices - Suck it up, Admit to it or Bring it on. However, if you laugh and agree, then there's hope for you yet - you still have a fucking life.

That said, let's begin.

***

First off, how many quizzes do you need to understand yourself? Do you seriously need to take 4 million quizzes just to know what kind of Filipino you are? Dude, that's just...pathetic. You don't need a virtual quiz to judge and label you into a category on your race. You should know what kind you are! Then there's the "What kind of bag are you?", "How good are you in bed?", "Are you a true LaSallian/Scholastican/Atenean/Matutean?" and the "What kind of (insert noun here) are you?" It's sad. So sad. You do realize what this means, right? It means you have no life whatsoever and you need to be validated by an virtual quiz. IT'S A VIRTUAL QUIZ! IT SHOULD NOT DEFINE YOU! Posting the results is the cherry on top of the pathetic sundae.

Okay, okay. I hear you saying "But Ian, it's fun! How dare you judge my choice of amusement and entertainment!" Yes, it's fun. Solitaire and Minesweeper is fun too. Watching movies with friends is fun. Watching grass grow can be defined as fun for some people. Understanding that there's life outside of facebook is essential. I'm not judging your choice (albeit poor) for amusement and entertainment. All I'm saying is, if you're Easter Egg hunting on Facebook and not in real life, we gotta talk about an intervention.

The games I get and even encourage. The vampires, YoVille rew and even the farm is pretty cute. Plus, it gives you the option of choosing whether you'd like to be part of it or not. I like that - options.

It's a social networking website, people. It means you SOCIALIZE. You CONNECT and RECONNECT. You don't barrage people with idiotic quiz results of how long your orgasm lasts. Too much freaking information.

With that said, I have now chosen to delete you from my news feed. Trust me, it's for our own good. I need a break from your insanity and you need a break from my sarcasm and cynicism.

This actually scares me. I mean, most people who've met me would probably say that I'm an open book, but truth be told, I tell them what I think can be told and keep all the good stuff in. Pretty stupid and paranoid for someone who preaches "Thou shalt not judge".

I'm going to go for 50 (Redjuelle, I can't match your 100 so I'm going for half) I'm facing my fear and subjecting you to it. Here they are:

1. I really hate reptiles and amphibians. I'd hold them on a dare but inside, I'm a screaming heap of mess.
2. I'm truly a walking contradiction. I like to make people laugh and I like to be around them for observation and writing ideas but I hate being around too much people as well. It's like I'm an agoraphobic anthrophobic extrovert.
3. Though I still hate my name (and the explanations that follow it) I'm starting to appreciate its usefulness in providing me with opportunities to be sarcastic and snarky.
4. My ultimate crush is still David Bowie from Labyrinth. Spiky mullets...ooohh..
5. I hate ampalaya with a vengeance.
6. I don't like reading text messages that are written in internet code. It's unnatural for words not to have any vowels. (with the exception of rhythm, of course)
7. I wish I could write prolifically. I want to be able to affect people with my writing.
8. I sometimes write letters to no one in particular and leave them in random places, hoping someone would find them, read them and keep them.
9. I won a (sorta) beauty pageant when I was a kid. I got to be Thumbelina and I rode on a huge ass flower float and waved my way around town.
10. I hate it when people say I'm beautiful because they're big fat liars. I'm smart, quirky and funny. Let's leave it at that.
11. My father taught me how to play the guitar. He also taught me how to sing. He also taught me how to break hearts.
12. I love smelling my kids' feet.
13. I have prophetic dreams. Not deja vu but dreams that sort of gives me a preview of what's going to happen. By the time I figure out that I saw this scene before, I may have made the same mistake the dreams were telling me not to do in the first place. Precognitive dreams for the really unobservant person. How screwed up is that?
14. For the first 8 years of my life, I was convinced that I was a boy.
15. I was 29 when I found out what an ellipsis is. I just called it "dot dot dot".
16. My new favorite place in the world is New York. Bali is my number 2.
17. I spend too much on DVDs, pens and blank unruled notebooks.
18. My craft box is overflowing. Methinks it's time for me to create something soon.
19. I miss acting.
20. I'm still gung ho about making my indie film. I just need someone who's willing to be naked in front of the camera.
21. I really don't believe in God but in times of desperation, I pray.
22. I'm frustrated that I can't even fill half of my 120G iPod. It makes me feel so uncultured.
23. I miss my best friend.
24. Sometimes I feel guilty that one of my "happy places" is within my children's arms. I should be giving them that, not the other way around. It's indulging though and I often cry when I'm there.
25. I believe my kids are freaking geniuses. Then again, most parents think that of their kids.
26. I didn't think I was capable of motherhood and domesticity until my husband came along and showed me the way.
27. I really love Filipino films. I just don't want to ruin my rep by admitting it publicly. (And now, the cat's out of the bag. There goes my rep)
28. I sometimes creep people out so they'd leave me alone.
29. I carry a multitude of pens and calligraphy pens with me all the time. They're my security blanket.
30. I believe that everyone should visit a psychiatrist/psychotherapist like they would the dentist - twice a year.
31. Sometimes when I go to a Starbucks I tell them my name is either "tune", "soothe" or "nication". I think I'm the only one that giggles when barista goes "White chocolate mocha, half soy, half non-fat for "nication"! Fornication!" (What?? I think it's funny)
32. I cook. Contrary to popular belief, they are quite edible.
33. I was 4 when I first tried to run away from home to join the circus. I came back 20 minutes later because I was hungry.
34. My head is a very dark place to be in. I haven't been paying the electricity bill for a long time.
35. I know why most people don't like me.
36. I wish I could hate my grandmother for what she did to my mom and her siblings.
37. I got giddy yesterday when Sera Gamble and Jim Beaver added me as a friend in Facebook.
38. I take my coffee sweet and my life experiences bitter.
39. My rose tattoo on my right wrist is there to remind me that IT is my RIGHT wrist.
40. My memory is often freakin' awesome.
41. I think I have great fashion sense. I just don't have enough clothes.
42. Between rhinoplasty and breast augmentation, no contest - I'd go for boobs. Who'd want to stare at and fondle a nose?
43. I don't really want to be a porn star - I just want to be a burlesque queen.
44. I don't drink beer unless I don't have money or there's no other alcoholic beverage available.
45. I sometimes read gay porn. I think it's hot.
46. I'd like to change my name to Urduja.
47. I've got big size 9 feet.
48. I really would love to have a cat as a pet. But my husband is a dog person.
49. I get huggy when I'm drunk. I also talk in a Texan accent. I then vehemently deny everything the next day.
50. I really do believe in love.

Ms. Dallal has tagged me and I wish I could write as lovely as her.

1. Yes, the Philippines is a developing nation and we do have serious socioeconomic political issues but we aren't freaking savages. We do have malls and lots of them and our McDonald's look like first class restaurants compared to what you've got in the US.

2. Not all Filipinos can sing. It's a freaking myth. Do you know how many people were murdered this past year alone for trying to sing Frank Sinatra's "My Way"?

3. Because of the Hollywood baby boom, a lot of women have decided on having babies of their own. Children are not tiny pocket toy dogs. They are not fashion accessories that you can wear when it's hip and stuff under a trunk somewhere when you tire of them. I hate seeing women show the world that they're the best mom but really, they're more into partying than early childhood development. Case in point: Stop drinking freaking mojitos and tequila shots when you're breastfeeding!

4. The stereotype of Filipina/foreigner relationships grate my nerves like you won't believe. Filipinas who marry foreigners are mostly on the extreme scale. You're either part of the ultra rich crowd or you're a former prostitute/maid/nanny. About 78% come from the latter so, people immediately assume you're a maid/nanny/former prostitute when you're dating a foreigner. Sheesh...

5. I don't understand the fascination Filipinas have with vampiric white complexion. They spend thousands and thousands of pesos to have their skin tone lightened to the consistency of flour. Why??!! Are you that dysmorphic about your own body? Meanwhile, our "white" counterparts spend equally obscene amounts of dollars to have their skin tanned (which most of the time comes out orange).

I'm pretty sure I got more where that came from but I've just got up and my kids are begging to be put down for their morning nap.

1. I seriously need to get some sleep. I just can't seem to fall asleep lately. There's too much stuff in my head. Damnit. I thought I cured my schizophrenia!

2. I need a massage - like Wensha massage with eat all you can food. Fuck yeah...maybe a full body scrub too.

3. I want a really good 32 oz. medium rare porterhouse. I think my body is telling me to stock up on protein. Steak is the way to go.

Rabbit Overview

The past year may have provided the Rabbit with many challenges and difficult situations, but this year will be a relief. The Rabbit has a very favorable outlook this year. Though it is not part of your usual plan, you may find that being assertive and bold will allow you to achieve unforeseen success. Your attraction to the finer life may lead you to living it. Personal relations are of great value to the Rabbit and will be emphasized throughout the year. Put your best foot forward in the year of the Ox and you will reap many benefits and rewards.

Rabbit Rating

67% (7 favorable and 5 neutral months)

Rabbit Career

This year is one of change. Though the Rabbit is not prone to taking risks, you may benefit greatly from taking bold new steps in finding the career you desire. Complacency in your current job could lead you to such actions. September and October are two months that are favorable for a change. You may want to seek a position that allows you to utilize your social skills and your abilities to relate to people on a personal level. Set your sights high and you will get what you want in this highly favorable year.

Rabbit Relationships

The Rabbit's family and friends will be a source of great pleasure for the you this year. They will offer support, encouragement and will be the wellspring for meaningful and enjoyable times. Personal relations are held in high regard and could be taken to a new level. Rabbits seeking new friends or romance should make an added effort to go out more and come in contact with others-you will be well rewarded for your efforts.

Rabbit Health

The Rabbit should not encounter any major health issues this year, but you may want to take precautions during certain times of the year. The Rabbit's sensitive constitution may leave you vulnerable to colds and flu during the winter months. You may want to get a flu shot during this time and make sure that you get plenty of rest to avoid any setbacks

Rabbit Wealth

The Rabbit should enjoy a new level of wealth. If you are inspired to make a career change, this will prove to be a successful venture financially. You will be particularly pleased with some of your purchases this year, as many could relate to redecorating or changing the appeal of your home. Beware of any risky investments and continue to do the things that accumulate your level of savings.

***

So in essense, this was definitely a blessing in disguise.

Rakenrol...

It seems that reconnecting is this year's theme. Saturday night found me alone in a KTV bar in Makati, waiting for my childhood friends and relatives. Technically, they're my aunts and uncles but we're pretty much about the same age so we tell people we're cousins.

I was actually nervous about seeing all of them again. I had no problems with T since she is the closest thing I'll ever have to a biological sister but it was seeing the rest that made me feel so antsy.

I was never so happy to be wrong.

I never realized how much I've missed these guys. We were laughing so hard, reminiscing about the past that I've literally lost my voice. Seeing all of us together again in one place made me happy, melancholic and guilty. I was happy to see that we still are the same crazy people who cared so much for each other - 20 years have not changed that. I feel guilty and melancholic that I didn't try to keep in touch. I guess now is the time to change that.

I looked at all of us and I was proud of what we've become: husbands, wives, parents and friends. We now have entrepreneurs, a nurse, a lawyer, a corporate executive and a professional host in the mix. We've grown up and matured. But just for that one night, we let ourselves be kids again, just like how we were back in 1989.


We bantered, we retaliated, we laughed, we screamed, we teased and we all went home at 6 in the morning with a promise that we will do this again next week.

I'm making good on that promise. I can't let them slip away again.

"What's your birthday wish?" She asked. She truly was curious. It wasn't about implying something else, I mean she didn't know me from Eve.

I couldn't reply - not because I didn't have a wish but because I stopped believing in wishes a long time ago. Wishes are cruel because they give you hope. Hope is cruel because it makes you believe in things even if there's nothing left to believe in.

"I don't have one." I replied. "But if I did. I'd wish that wishes can come true for those who'd need them."