I Love/Hate America

THERE'S NO TOILET PAPER IN THE BATHROOM?

(THIS IS NOT A PAID POST BUT IT'S  A COMPARISON OF AMERICAN AND PHILIPPINE PUBLIC BATHROOMS)

Pardon me for being a little bit blatant about this topic  but one thing  I love in America are the public bathrooms which they call "restrooms." Okay, they don't really provide rest nor comfort as what Philippine public bathrooms are similarly called "comfort rooms." Coming from a 3rd-world country where frugality is a second-trait, I find American restrooms more "pleasant" than the ones in my tiny land.

This post is  not to demean my countrymen's  toilet accessibility but to point out the disparities of how could an economic condition can explicitly reveal even the most trifling matter. For almost 5 years, I had not gone to  my motherland and so I was horrified to realize that most public bathrooms do not have toilet papers, or soaps or paper towels when I came to visit in 2007. Imagine, how I was totally grossed myself for finding such an egregious "reality" since wiping is impossible without any paper in sight at the 4 walls of those bathrooms. My brothers found me  griping why is there no TP available on public bathrooms here. Even my  sis-in-law reminded me, "Didn't you just forget there is no TP in most comfort rooms here in the Philippines?" After then,  everytime I went outside the house I made sure I have brought TP and hand sanitizer in my purse----just in case.

To be fair, not all public bathrooms are devoid of such conventional amenities because there are some posh restaurants,  hotels  and other upscale establishments that do have them available for those who need comfort and rest. But most enterprises such as malls, movie theaters, bars, some restaurants and coffeeshops lack those must-have tools in "doing your business" in public bathrooms.  However, there are some of them that do have vending machines providing toilet paper and tissues. And to those who are not aware of the Filipinos' toilet habits, this must come as a little bit "strange", as they wash with water. So sometimes, a foreign visitor sees  a pail and a dipper right beside the toilet bowl and would wonder what are they for. Uhhmmm....now you know. But it's like hitting the jackpot when some comfort rooms do have soap --either a bar soap or a liquid soap. Although liquid soaps are mixed with massive amounts of water, at least there is soap.

That is why I totally appreciate what I see here in America. There is a paper and soap galore luring people to waste them away. Now that I am used to the Americanized ways, I get thrilled whenever I find toilet seat covers---those flimsy, onion-like oval-shaped papers used to cover toilet seats. These covers make me feel more "assured" while sitting there.  After washing,  they either a have hand dryer or paper towels and  I find any of these two  convenient rather than coming out of the restroom with wet hands. Some do have vending machines too for tissues and sanitary napkins. And most of them are generally clean. (The ickiest filthiest bathroom I ever had been is the restroom in Toad's Place, a concert venue/bar in New Haven, CT) However, there are some exceptions; avoid the bathrooms at gas stations. Most of them are dirty and reek  of a stinging,  nauseating "I thought I would die" odor.

IS THIS AN EXCUSE TO BE LAZY?

Right now as I'm staring at my monitor screen, I just could not find the the right "thought path" that would lead me to write something interesting and of course post-worthy. This might be termed as the "writer's block." However, I do admit I have some ideas waiting to be written and I am shoving myself to write it now. So, technically, it is not "writer's block, " because I do have something to write. The whole ordeal is how to finish it or how to go beyond the 1st paragraph. Honestly, I have 4 ideas now with titles,   and 1st paragraphs all with no "middle" and "ending." Such as something about bathrooms, about stress, about atheism, and about seafood.


Maybe it is because the real problem is I'm always dispirited by what's happening outside, and what I feel inside here in my own dwelling. For the nth time, we have another snowstorm. Just as last week's snowpile was melting into dirty puddles of water and crumbly icky grounds, another day comes with a winter wonderland to  wake up to. And as you peer outside your window, you would see that it looks like a black-and-white photo postcard. Very morose sight.

Turning up the heat to the max again and curling  up under fleece throws  while lazily watching TV or vegging out is what I want to do on days like these. I wanted to write but it seems the vile carried by the winter storm dismays the verve and zeal that  usually accompany me whenever I have great ideas to write to. I know I have posted several entries how I loathe the cold weather  but this time, it's quite sickening because the storms keep coming and there are 2 and a half more months before the not-so-called weather sets in. But this seems like it can go on forever.

Have you ever felt like this before when there are so many things in your brains waiting to come out alive in the blogosphere but obstructed by a similar condition that I am experiencing, not necessarily winter? I should not be alone in this case. Or if I am, I'm probably just too lazy or trying to get an excuse to loaf around? Am I?

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DUDE, GOD BROUGHT THE PIE

I am dying to share this video to all. I think this is how we should look at our blessings. To give back to our source.

Most of us are blessed but we do not see it as blessings showered from the heavens where God reigns. What we fail to see is that our blessings are to be taken and offered back to God. In a world where most people  are stressed about finances, God is forgotten. But I believe, even amidst the turmoil brought by money, that I should be giving back to the source----my provider. I am a living testimony of a faith that "God provides" because of the financial hardships I had met since I was a child. Yet there was always food on our table, clothes to wear,  a comfortable home to shelter us, and even a little more to spend on little caprices such as books and movies.

God provides for His people what they need. The trouble is we do not need everything we have and see we lust for. We end up dissatisfied, unhappy, and periodically tensed about something we really don't need. We sink down in deep debt. We blame God  for our misfortune or we cry out to Him, "God give us more money!" He already had bestowed us more than we could ever need. But giving back and showing gratitude to Him is the least thing in our minds. So how can God bless us more , if we remain forgetful and ingrate for His graces and provisions?

Are you not serving him a piece of the pie he brought for you? Dude, He brought the pie.

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THE REWARDS OF BEING CUTE AND CREATIVE

It's only a week before January ends, yet the inexorably cold weather is still here to stay. Another month to wake up to winter wonderland. But as for me, it could be also raining. A downpour of awards. Awards that are rewarding for being "cute" and "creative." Well, I could say I am creative, but as for cute, I'm quite hesitant to take that. However, in all honesty, sometimes I like to think I am no matter how inappropriate it may be for my age and temperament. Cute is juvenile but because I'm progressing towards middle age, I would say that there are times I like to think I am cute. But people think otherwise. They regard my blog is cuter. Hahaha! Joyoz of "Words of Love" thought so, hence she passed this award on to me.


Joyoz, upon giving me this award, required me to do one thing; to list ten random facts about me that justify my title as a "Cute Blogger." This seems to be hard because I no longer think I am cute. Anyway here they are;

1) I love the color pink ---pink is a cute color favored and favorited by little girls and young ladies.
2) I love to goof around. Some people call me silly. Some people mistake it as being "childish". I call it just being "Me."
3) I watch the kid's  TV show , Rugrats on Nicktoons
4) I dance as my favorite form of relaxation. I just pump up the volume then strut and gyrate all by myself.
5) My husband calls me Loveydoveydoo, and Deedledeedledee. I call him Babylove or Bebe.
6) I have a fancy for  Japanese geisha dolls so I buy them every time I take a trip to Japan.
7) As vain as I am, I love taking pictures of myself. When I was a kid, I was scared of camera flashes.
8) I slip my legs inside the pillowcase whenever I go to sleep. Well, I have two pillows.
9) My blog is cute because I try to make it look nice and pretty.
10) I write from the heart, from experience, from pieces of my mind, from lessons ingrained as values, and from inspiration.

LIFE BEING A BIG WHALE IN A TINY LAKE

For once in your life, have you ever been a big whale in a small lake or are you currently living  like a tiny fish and an ordinary mundane life in a place filled with gargantuan dreams?

Apparently, I have lived both---as a big fish wading through  a small lake and also as an  infinitesimal specie eking out a living in an enormous ocean filled with varied colors of dreams, hopes and aspirations. I am blessed to distinguish the rewards of having lived both lives and lay them down as part of my wisdom to put me on solid ground.

Working in the glamorous spectacle-filled world of advertising, event organization and modeling professions in my tiny hometown of 1,000,000 people, had led me to become part of  what I am now. They are now lucid memories that make my  present life colorful even when I'm humbly settled and nestled. It was such a beautiful experience.  I had my share of more than a dozen 15-minutes of fame as well as my name printed on society pages. Photos of me were also spread on some daily journals as my name equated with anything fabulous. People recognized me,   who,  most of them, wanted to be associated with me There were exciting perks that came with "fame"--such as discounts on clients' businesses, expensive gifts every month, face-value free entry to bars, resorts , parties, and other establishments, free make-up, etc. Work did not seem to  be "work" anymore. It was so much fun.  I worked in advertising where my talents of brand recall and marketing are lauded. Event organization was also my schtick and every time my team and I produced shows and concerts , it always came out phenomenal. To add another feather in my cap,  I owned the most prestigious modeling agency in the whole region---so who would not want to cover me, to feature me, to showcase me, to be identified with me?  I was glammed, glossed, and I absolutely glistened. Ahh...I reveled those "glorious " days where I don't even have to steal the limelight. The spotlight followed me.

THE SIDE EFFECTS OF SUB-ZERO TEMPERATURES

It's been more than a week since the New England states in America have been bitten by the bitter freezing temperatures. From Montana to New England, winter freeze chows  down every bone and flesh in our bodies, as if tearing our ears and noses apart. Weather advisories caution us to stay most of the time indoors because these below-zero temps could not only devour you live, but could kill you instantly.

So what happens to our bodies if we are still alive but bravely fighting the cold? For some of my readers who have not experienced humid-less, wintry chill yet, I should say the effects of the frosty weather outside can even affect you inside even when you're toasty and warm nestled in your own abode.  One of the side effects of cold-brutality happens first thing in the morning. I would wake up facing the mirror with a tousled bedhead ---not an ordinary one, but like some strange spell is cast on it. Medusa's hair is replicated on my head, minus the snakes. Strands of my hair has a life of their own, striking  different  "standing" poses in different directions. Americans call it "static hair, " caused by a lack of moisture and lower humidity levels during winter.

6th FROM THE 6TH TAG

Ana, of The Train Thoughts  and Joy of Kikay Site had tagged me last week with an interesting fun thing to do and to post. It's the 6th picture from the 6th folder of your Photo Albums/Folders.

This photo was taken in late spring last year, May 2008. My husband and I went to North Haven to eat lunch in our fave seafood resto. The diner was located just a block away from the shores of Short Beach. We did not really plan to go there but the calmness of the waters and the seagulls floating by were beckoning us to stay and just take a little respite. So we lounged around and took pictures. My hubby took this pic of me rocking back and forth in this swing set. It was really a pleasant day. I can't wait for spring.

I HEARD A RUMOR THAT AMERICANS GOSSIP TOO

Filipinos themselves can openly claim that they are rumor-mongers.  "Mga Pilipino talaga, mga tsismosa." (In English, "Filipinos are really gossipers)". With a population of approximately 90,000,000 cramped in a 300,000 kilometer  (115, 830 square miles) total land area, most Filipinos in urban areas are closely living together or residing adjacent to each other. With its culture based on "familiarity " and "affinity", gossip is an inherent characteristic of the social elements mentioned. Experts have studied that reeling rumors is essentially "strengthening" bonds to establish such relationships and is therefore essential to our social, psychological and physical welfare. When we hear about somebody's bigger troubles, ours downplay. As we  learned about how others screw up, we feel that we're not all alone. We even learn from hearing others' mistakes  and might come up with fresh ideas from some news that titillates us. 

Gossip is something that we love to hate about us, Filipinos. We often wonder if other people outside our 7, 100 islands do actually gossip. There is the idea that Americans do not gossip at all. Pretty much because most Americans do nothing but work and do not have the luxury of time for idle gab. "Tingnan nyo ang mga Amerkano, kaya asenso kasi di sila nakikialam sa buhay ng ibang tao. Di sila nagtsitsismis. (In English, "Look at the Americans, they are rich 'coz they don't meddle in other people's lives. They do not blather.") I thought the same way. 

As you can notice, Americans love gossip too. That is why Us Weekly flourishes in its niche of mongering cheap talk, because Americans do love to hear rumors. Celebrity magazines and the presence of gossip blogs  imminently prevail as much as the Filipinos rumor-reading fare. Just like Filipinos, they gather around at times and mill stories about their friends, their neighbors, their co-workers and other people they commonly know. Just like in the Philippines where TV shows like The Buzz is watched by millions eager to listen fresh, juicy news about the  stars and celebrities, the Americans devour train-wrecks, divorce, civil-suits, pregnancy news and more.  The term girl-talk can also mean "back-fence talk."

BEAUTIFUL LIGHTS AT FARREYS

As I had blogged previously about my plans to move to a new home, and decorating it myself, I had spent some time looking for lighting fixtures online. Being meticulous in choosing lights around my home, I examined each site's fare. I found that this online lighting store  has a wide selection of lights, lamps, outdoor lighting  and other lighting fixtures in varied styles and available at discounted prices. As I wanted to create ambiance lighting in all the areas of my new house, I think I am definitely going for  these beautiful and spectacular Fine Art lamps this site sells.

FABULOUS AND INSPIRING...DID I MAKE YOUR DAY?

What a way to start the new year with an award, ain't it? Not one, not two, not three  but 4 awards.  To top it all with the previous awards I just recently posted a few days ago. Two of these awards, the "Your Blog is Fabulous" and "Inspiring Blogger" awards came from two wonderful bloggers, Joy of Kikay Site and Bill of My Piece of Paradise. The " You Make My Day " award was passed on to me from 2 bloggers;  again from Joy, and Ane of "Life According to Me."

 

 

Another "Butterfly Award : For the Coolest Blog I Know" was passed on to me by  two bloggers, Mara of Maras' Personal Bubble and the author of Mga Kwentong Ma-alamat . Although I already have this award, I never mind having three. The first Butterfly award was passed to me by Lori of Persevere.

I love all my awards and these make me think, "is my blog really fab? inspiring? and does it make your day?"

I think my blog does. Such accolades, big or small, have urged me to go on blogging---to keep doing what I love to do because people love it too. Thanks for these awards; Joy, Bill, Ane, Mara, and Maalamat.

And I thought being outspoken can be such a turn-off.

I would love to pass the Your Blog is Fabulous award to Chey of Stilettoed Praline; the  You Make My Day Award to Clarisse of Coffee, Anyone? ;  and the Inspiring Blogger Award to Louisa of Living, Loving and Coping.

BLOG LOVE AWARD

This week, I received 2 awards from other bloggers who are ardently following my blog.  One is the Blog Love Award from Mimot, a lithsome, vivacious young lass who authors "My New Way of Living".

According to her, "I pass this award to Ate Bingkee coz I really love her blog so much." I felt warmth inside all over despite the chilly wintry air here. Her URL is "warmthmissbliss" which aptly describes her personality---she gives warmth and radiates bliss to everybody.

I pass this award to 4 people;

Lori, Paige,  Jan, and  Mona

Check out their blogs and see why I love their blogs.

There are rules when posting the award on your blog;

1) Put the logo on your blog
2) Add the link of the blogger who shared the award with you
3) Pass this award to bloggers whose blogs you love
4) Add your link to the list of participants below
5) Leave a message on the blog of the blogger who passed this award

Bloggers Lair/The World of Nothing/ The Macky That Doesn't Exist/ The Spoiled But Not a Brat/ Holding On/ The Mark of an Explorer/ Feel Free/ Shout Out/ Proud to  be Filipina's Corner/ My New Way of Living/ I Love-Hate America

WHEN AMERICAN KIDS ATTACK THEIR CAREGIVERS

(Important Note : This post is not to point my finger at anything but generally this post is  based on observations and my own experience working with kids for 6 1/2 years. This post does not conclude that Filipino kids are good and American kids are bad. Filipino kids raised in America could actually be undisciplined as you can note in reading further.)

The USA is known for its "child rights" and the infamous 911 call for a suspected child abuse, educating kids as early as 1 to inform cops about any physical punishment they encounter. School authorities such as principals, teachers and even school nurses are implored to phone in 911 if they are suspicious of any physical harm done to a child.

This is what I hate about in America. Children, as a result, because of this policy blossom into undisciplined brats---becoming the world's scariest kids. Working with children has made me witness all the harsh realities of how most American mothers are terribly frustrated holding on to the reins of their children's lives. Instead of becoming their guides, their mentors and their "parents", American kids treat their parents like their friends; friends who are just like  "one of them" whom they can yell at, sass back and bitch around.  During my stint as a nanny, a 3-year old boy slaps his mother's face because he did not like the food his mother served him on the table. The mother wanted to slam back but in desperation, she broke down into tears. And instead of a reprimand, she apologized to her son. Oh, I could not believe what I'd seen. The boy hit her again and before he could summoned multiple "injuries" to his mom, I quickly took him away. She said, "You cannot discipline my child. I am the only one disciplines my child."  I was horrified. "Look at you, you were hit by your son and you think you can discipline your child." The next thing I knew, I was fired.

What's interesting in this frightening news story is that the authorities do not know what to do with the child. However, they can do something to parents who discipline their children. Read the story of this  babysitter shot by a 4-year old  and you will take notice that most comments are directed towards the  parents' fault about their possession of guns. Only a few voiced out over the lack of discipline as the catalyst for such crimes committed by children. I have posted a similar post about this a few months ago about American kids turning into as the world's scariest kids.

A TO Z TAG

An online friend, Marie, who authors  her fab blog, "Vanidosa Marie" tagged me last November with this A to Z tag that I  promised to post but simply forgot. I'm sorry Marie, but here it is now;

A -Attached or Single?  -Attached--married
B -Best Friend?  -I have lots of best friends but they're all in Davao
C-Cake or pie?  -Cake
D -Day of choice?  -Saturday
E -Essential item? -Toothbrush
F -Favorite Color?  -Pink
G -Gummy Bears or Worms? -Gummy Bears...who likes worms?
H -Hometown? -Davao City
I -Indulgence? -Long baths
J -June or July?  -July
K -Kids ?   -Zero
L -Life is not complete w/o -God

SHREDDING ACTION MANIA

My husband, adept at a lot of musical instruments but shows great expertise  and dexterity on the guitar, is a professional musician. He swears that he could not imagine a life not being a guitarist, musician and teacher when asked.

Here, I am sharing with you his first homemade video, with his own  composition "Shredding Action Mania."  Although, this piece is  rock, he is trained as a jazz guitarist.

Check out his websites to listen more of his music at his MySpace/SteveCoyne Music. Or for his original lyrical compositions, check it out at his professional site.

Also, if you're interested in his album, listen to the audio streaming here at No Ride Denied album.

For his guitar lessons of songs from  his album, check out FreeRider University.

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DATING ONLINE DIRECTORY---AN EASY WAY TO FIND YOUR DATE

A lot of the people I met would tell me my husband and I are inseparable. After almost 5 years of being married, it is still like we're dating. Though sometimes we get on each others' nerves, I know that our love always prevails. So, it's not a surprise that people ask me where and how did I meet him. I would answer I snagged him from a clothesline. Oh I am just kidding. Seriously, I met him through an online dating site. Within 2 weeks of registering in that site, I met him and then after 2 weeks, we started seeing each other.

So I'm often badgered with queries about which dating sites are the best to meet people for dating. They said they wanted reliable ones aside from the site that I recommended so they would choose the best options. It seems that they are really dying to date exciting people for romantic relationships.


At first all I could say was about 2 more sites until I discovered this  Dating Directory site that answers their bugging questions. It is a useful site that makes their searches easy. It helps them find the perfect site that suits their wants and needs. Because it categorizes your search by age, region/location, religion, shared interest, et al, this directory makes your search no sweat.

MY PAGE RANK IS NOW 3

I am jumping from floor to ceiling right now. Like a little girl so stoked opening up her presents. My page rank has increased. From 2 to 3 within just 5 months of blogging. What a great New Year's gift!

I owe it to you guys---my blogger-friends, readers and viewers. I am so grateful you are enjoying my posts.  THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE LOVE!

All I can do in return right now is to pray for you that you will be blessed in whatever endeavor you're undertaking and you will be prosperous in this new year. Muah!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR ONCE AGAIN!