LOVE & INTERRACIAL RELATIONSHIPS...Are Filipinas most often misconstrued?

ON LOVE & INTERRACIAL RELATIONSHIPS

Love. It has been through time, defined, described and alluded to in so many ways. It has been the subject of many a poet's lines, included in lovers' ethereal dreams and is the ultimate tie that binds human beings. Here, to aptly put it, Love has no boundaries, no race, no culture or religion... OR DOES IT? I often ask that short and straightforward question because we know that it is not true in some cultures. It is a known fact that there are still some races that do not condone exogamy (ie, marrying outside one's social group). Before Generation X (circa 1965-1979), interracial relationships and even interactions were considered taboo. Which somehow reminds me of the Nazi days of Germany, Apartheid era of South Africa and Caste System of India.  The main reason of these so-called "race or group segregation" believers is that there are inferior groups that should not mingle with the "upper class" or "master race" because they might influence, or some term it as "infect" them with inferior beliefs, ways and characteristics (talk about being paranoid).  As I look at it, they are more mindful of the wealth, monetary gain and affluence that they should only share with their own. This is one of the reasons why I am writing about it. Excuse me for the pun but I am really thankful that with the advent of industrialization and advancement in education, the ignorance on multicultural relationships is slowly losing its turf... for some anyway.  Now the question is, are Filipinas spared from this ignorance? Yes I should say so, but not quite.  It is a fact that there is a rise in the number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) abroad. I do not mind. I am even proud of them because they are very much sought-after due to perseverance, honesty, excellent work ethic and top-of-the line skills (be it white or blue collared jobs).  First world countries often seek Filipino workers. Heck, Filipinos are even excelling in the world of art! Foreigners are now proud that they have Filipina wives in tow but... discrimination still exists. In some texts, a Filipino is defined as a domestic helper (So what? Do you know that they wash your yellowish undergarments in which you do not even dare touch?).  What ires me the most though is the fact that there are still some races who think Filipinos (especially Filipinas) are money-grabbing, wealth guzzling people. Excuse me, gone were the days when Filipinas (or women at that) were left at home to tend to household chores and were not allowed to be educated.  Men and women share the same rights now.  Alot of Filipinas are educated and skilled.  It's sad though that in this era of test-tube babies, robotics extraordinaire, bio genetics-gone-haywire, eco friendliness, biodiversity, social media upsurge and brain drain,  Filipinas are most often misconstrued, even in our own country.  In our country? Why do I say that?  Hello, while foreigners who visit us are proud of their Filipina partners, some shallow-minded people, look at them with raised eyebrows, as if to say... "He must've met her in a girly bar of some sorts". Shut up! You, who are proud to say that you are Filipino, should be ashamed of yourselves. You join the ranks of those ignorant people from abroad who think that Filipinas are out to get their money (when in reality, some of these Filipinas are by far, wealthier than their foreign partners).  You should not be called Filipinos because you have become the people you hate the most... people who degrade Filipinos and consider them second class.  But wait, I have only just begun. I have tackled the hate but I am also here to look at the brighter side of things. Yes, there are educated, intelligent and loving foreigners who think Filipinas are A-class. I salute you guys. You have, in so many ways won my admiration for respecting my beloved sisters. You have not only respected me, in essence, but our moms and the moms of our moms (and so the list goes on)!  Filipinas are loving, respectful of elders and mindful of manners. We are, as others describe us, the epitome of the so-called hearth of the home, light of the family and tip of the rosy-fingered dawn.  We love you for who you are and not for what you have.  If we were only out to get your money, we would not allow ourselves to grow old with you, wash you dirty laundry, feed you burly dogs, mow your bushy lawn, keep up with your tantrums and tend to your needs when you are sick in bed (half-dead from intoxication).  Yes, most are dreaming of a wonderful household, sleek cars, rosy colored or blue-eyed children and an endless supply of cheerios for breakfast but... Filipinas will not let you work alone. In every step of the way, we are willing to give everything we've got like convert to your religion, care for you, manage your household and even boost your existing businesses, all in the name of LOVE.  So you, yes you, who have the utmost respect for Filipinas, have given me the ultimate description of love...that LOVE is without boundaries, without race, without culture or religion. Again, I salute you! :)

JAN and MAYALU

I am not married to a foreigner. Some who know me might think that because my husband looks Arian but he isn't. He is a full-blooded Filipino while my blood line is a mixture of Spanish, Chinese and Filipino, so we are not alien to interracial relationships.  Some of our aunts, cousins and friends are either married to or in relationships with foreigners and we have borne witness to their happy and blissful unions. My best friend, Mayalu, and her beau, Jan, is one of these couples. Mayalu has been my best friend since God-knows-when and I hold her dearly in my heart because it's as if we have known each other forever.  I have been with her through her roughest and toughest of times and have supported her in all her decisions, with a few reprimands here and there from me, when needed (and she, the same).  One incident though that always comes to mind when I think of both of them, was the day she came to my house for a visit. She was more beautiful than the last time I saw her, more vibrant and with a very obvious twinkle in her eye.  It was then that I thought: "my best friend is in love" (sigh) and so with much bravado (as expected), she began telling me about her new relationship with Jan, a foreign Cardiologist, working in Dammam.  Of course, as if on cue, I was gushing and couldn't wait for the story on how they met and finally conquered love.  I was, like she was, ecstatic with the news. You see, Mayalu is a free-spirited and intelligent woman, who loves to travel and experience new things. And for the longest time, she had been planning to go out of the country to practice Anesthesiology in a foreign hospital.  We were both hoping against hope that someday she would, so she began applying for placement as an Anesthesiologist outside the country.  I have met Jan when he went for a visit here in Manila. He looked like what every Cardiologist looks like, clean, intelligent and straightforward.  He was, in every sense of the word, a real gentleman like my husband and was very eager to share his different views on things.  They looked so much in love then and I know that they still are now.  When it was time for Jan to go back to Dammam, Mayalu continued her work here and waited for that one important phone call. Much to her delight, she finally got a call that she was accepted in a hospital in Riyadh. That moment was magical, she felt as if everything had fallen into place.  She had even converted to Islam and I was so proud of her for taking that leap.  Now she is there, happy and hopeful that soon, all her hardships will be rewarded with blessings. Admittedly, life there is not simple. Discrimination is still very obvious not only for women entirely but also for Filipinas. You see, some still think that they are after monetary fulfillment especially when they are engaged or married to the men there. Unbeknownst to them, Filipinas, like my best friend Mayalu, are really capable of true love, and are striving to work hard to show them what true Pinays are made of.  However, much to my consternation, I have heard that some Pinays "allegedly" hook up with foreign men, not because of love but for the money. I hope that somehow, the minority of Filipinas who are being misconstrued would prove them wrong and would uphold their values to forever erase this stigma that is as old as time. I am just thankful though, that Mayalu was accepted by Jan for who and what she is... a lovely woman with a beautiful heart, full of life and verve... willing to conquer all, in the name of love. I miss you so much Mayalu! Keep the faith! :) 

BETTA BETTAS (Better Bettas)

PET: (Blue Lace Half-Moon Plakat)

*The title wishes to convey the essence of the article, to have better bettas (BETTA BETTAS). Any likeness in name to a specific store or betta breeding organization is not in any way associated with the author or article written herein.

PET:(Turquoise Mustard Gas Half-Moon Plakat)

*Our dear pets personally bred by our friend,Team Bettas Pilipinas member, Mr. Jason Elmore.



Betta splendens (Siamese Fighting fish)

Splendid. This is the word that best describes the form, make and colors of the different types of bettas seen around the world. The genus betta has more than fifty (50) listed species but Betta splendens is considered the most ubiquitous when it comes to aquarium life. It is the quintessential betta species to grace the aquariums of most hobbyists here and abroad. Originally from Siam (Thailand), this tropical freshwater fish has been bred and used as a "gladiator" of the fighting fish arena but has since been bred and re-bred by hobbyists to perfect certain colors, finnages and attributes for people to enjoy as a pet,gracing their aquariums at home and being included in shows worldwide. Betta splendens and other betta species are usually found in the rice paddies of Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia. Known for its cost-efficiency when it comes to maintenance (since it does not need an aerator for aquarium survival), it has been one of the top-selling freshwater fish in the market to date. Bettas have the so-called labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe atmospheric oxygen which is then absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Males are usually brightly colored, robustly finned and are kept in individual containers because they naturally end up fighting when put in a single container, except of course when they have not yet reached the adult stage. Females may also be brightly colored but have lighter shades or hues and with simple fins compared to their male counterparts (they may live together peacefully in a so-called "sorority tank"). Like most mouth breathers, bettas make bubble nests for their fry and according to some is one of the components of the mating ritual. When excited, males exhibit an aggressive behavior and begin to flare (ie, stretching of fins, opening of gill covers, exposure of gills and darkening of color). Females may also exhibit this characteristic but usually, especially when ready to mate, show vertical lines on their bodies. Their mating ritual is composed of showing-off colors, chasing around the aquarium and sometimes nipping of each others' fins (there are even incompatible pairs that end up killing each other). Their dance of love however, is a sight to behold. Also called the "nuptial embrace", the male entwines itself with the female while they both release eggs (female) and milt or seminal fluid (male). They then go into a state of suspended animation for a few seconds then go through the same process again until the female has released all of her eggs. During and after spawning, the male catches the fertilized eggs in his mouth and puts them within the pre-formed bubble nest. During this time, the female is removed because they, more often than not, devour the eggs but according to some, this notion is quite overrated since there have been reports that some females help their mates deposit the fertilized eggs into the nest. The fry stay in the bubble nest until the time that their yolk sacs have been absorbed by their bodies. By then, they are ready to swim freely in the breeding tank. This is the signal to remove the male. On the third day onward, the fry are fed any of the following: microworms, newly hatched baby brine shrimp or daphnia (some even give them hard boiled egg yolks). It is important though, to clean the breeding tank regularly by water change to prevent growth of any organism and/or prevent disease. In two (2) to three (3) months, they are ready to be jarred or transferred to grow-out tanks. Some even transfer fry to grow-out tanks as early as a week old.  I am not an expert, so I leave this part to them. :)

How it all began

For the longest time, my husband and I have been dog lovers (and still are, by the way).  However, through  the years we have been together, we have begun to love and take care of other animals as well. We've had our share of ants, spiders and worms (which have all passed away, except for the super worms which we also breed for our arowana). Yes, you may call our garage (which was once the lovely abode of our car, Sevaughn), a zoo of some sorts. It now houses two giant tanks (one for our arowana: Souki, the other for our feeder /comet fishies and seven Kois: Pare-Koi, Ping-Koi, Kolo-Koi, Kuya-Koi, Angeli-Koi, Atoy-Koi and Bumble Bee[?!] plus the comet fish which I would like to note, that we never want to feed Souki, the big one that looks like a Koi: "Sudo-Koi", ie, Pseudo Koi), a medium-sized breeding/sorority tank, tiered small containers for super worms, single glass aquariums for the adult bettas, a handful of plastic 1.5 soda bottles for our betta juvies and a dog cage for our duo of four-legged spices (ie, Dacschund: Laurel and Shih-Tzu: Basil). Four (4) years ago, 2007 to be exact, we chanced upon the lovely bettas (veil tails at that, the cute mongrels of the betta world) in a children's party. Although we have seen the lovely flowing creatures in pet shops a couple of times already, during the children's party, the children, including me and my hubby, were literally enchanted by the colorful creatures. They were by the way, the give-aways of the celebrant  (the bag included the fish, a small round aquarium and fish flakes). When we got home, I couldn't take my eyes off them... I was ENCHANTED! So I begged my husband to research on them so we can start breeding. We saw the picture on the net and my hubby joined a betta forum and met Mr. Brian Santos, who up to this day, is a good friend of ours. Brian, a betta and other creepy crawlies enthusiast/breeder, introduced us to the world of bettas. We have learned alot from him, met and hooked-up with fellow hobbyists and enthusiasts and got our first super red HMPK (one of the progenies of his show winner). We then joined the Betta Club of the Philippines, gained tons of friends and bred our first (epic fail) bettas (read: alive and kicking but did not have ventrals!). Sadly, the first batch survived for only a few months and only three (3) reached full adulthood. They too, eventually died. Because of our busy schedules then, we were not able to breed another batch but now we are both back and we have (thank God) successfully bred, yes VEIL TAILS, the juvies are now in 1.5  plastic soda bottles. Why veil tails? It's because we would like to hone our breeding skills and by December 22, on my hubby's birthday, we will be giving them to our dear Christmas carolers for them to enjoy. I am sure that those youngsters will also be enchanted by the flowing tails and bright colors, much like what happened to us four years ago and maybe, just maybe, inspire them to breed Bettas. :)

To date, we have new adult bettas courtesy of our friend, Mr. Jason Elmore (two [2] pairs of Mustard Gas, one [1] pair of Blue Lace and two (2) red female crowntails). By January, we will start breeding a pair of Mustard Gases. I am crossing my fingers because I am not sure if we will be successful but practice makes perfect right? I hope that like other hobbyists, we will be able to hone our breeding skills further and breed BETTA BETTAS for everyone to enjoy! :) ONE LOVE everyone :)

ON MARRIAGE & AGE GAP (includes questions on Ashton Kutcher & Demi Moore's break-up)

(Photo by David Shankbone via Creative Commons search) 

[http://www.flickr.com/photos/shankbone/4587483193/#DiscussPhoto]

ASHTON AND DEMI

So it's official, Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore has finally split-up.  Talks of infidelity on Ashton's part and worsening fights between the two have pushed their six (6) year marriage to the breaking point.  For years they have defied the onslaught of speculation that marriage between a couple with a huge age gap would not last.  They have even proven that exes can be good friends and hang-out with each other (thanks to Bruce Willis and his forever-doting-father image).  Let us tackle this one by one. First, Ashton's infidelity.  We cannot say that his infidelity has stemmed from the fact that his wife is not taking care of herself (and has lost all her beauty) since Demi is a VERY beautiful woman with a gorgeous bod and an amazing self image.  One would ask, why the ---- has he strayed?!  Why did his excitement for Demi dampen?  Most would answer that his "young" blood is looking for someone more his age, full of energy, mettle and oomph...someone who can electrify his senses.  Boo!  Demi is not without mettle... she is as fit as hell with all those cuts on her bod!  She is someone a woman would want to be like when she reaches her forties.  But well... to each his own.  Let us go to the next issue then... their worsening fights.  What could have triggered these?  For sure we all don't know.  They have their own issues but infidelity may be one of the factors.  Financial?  I doubt, because cumulatively, they are both worth millions.  So regarding these two issues, can we safely say that age gap is the culprit?  I leave that question for you to answer.  :)

AGE & MARRIAGE

In olden times, men were encouraged to marry women five (5) to ten (10) years their junior to ensure their progeny.  It is because younger women would have a greater chance of bearing alot of children (read: "go forth and multiply").  Also, since women were often left at home to tend to their children and do tons of household chores, they should be fit and full of energy to be able to tend to their husbands' moral and carnal needs.  Some experts say, men should marry younger women because women's EQ and intelligence are more mature than their peers of the opposite sex.  But these days, where pregnancy may be aided by scientific means and contraptions, older women are given the chance to bear children despite advancement in age.  There are also alot of supplements to "allegedly" boost energy and libido.  And of course, education and social experience are two factors that aid men (and even women) in the maturation process.  When it comes to physical attributes, I beg to disagree with the saying that men, like wine, get (or taste) better with age and women like grapes become prunish with age.  Women also get better with age! Please know that there is the so-called hormonal replacement therapy for women that help them get the revitalization that they need.  So the big question remains... is AGE a determining factor in the success of a marriage? My answer is NO.  Because LOVE, RESPECT & UNDERSTANDING are the three big factors that influence marriage.  In love and marriage, age is just a NUMBER... a number that reminds you that yes, you are getting older but more often reminds you that another year is added to your calendar to be with the love of your life. :)

ON SPUNKY AND SPANKY

When I hear the word marriage, an image of my husband comes to mind.  An image of a loving man coming home from work, tired but smiling, eager to tell me what transpired during the day, eager to listen to what I have to tell him.  When I think further about marriage, an image of me comes to mind.  My image lovingly waiting for him at home with a cooked meal or waiting for him to pick me up from work, eager listen to him regarding what transpired during his day and eager to tell him what transpired during mine.  We have been married just short of four (4) years and had gone steady for another four years before taking our vows.  We have been best friends since and still are now but our relationship is not perfect.  We've had our share of ups and downs but have always managed to make it through because of respect, understanding and genuine love.  I am flawed... I talk too much, gnash my teeth when I sleep, often rearrange things at home or misplace some and get excited over the littlest things which more often than not, piques his ire.  He is flawed... he talks too much, snores when he sleeps, tinkers with our home gadgets or misplaces their parts and shushes me when I am excited over the littlest things (and tells me not to sweat the small stuff) which more often than not, piques my ire.  But despite the incessant talking, cacophony of sounds during sleep, misplaced and lost items, excitement and shushing, our relationship is getting stronger.  And as we go through the crossroads of "OUR LIFE", we never forget to be thankful for having each other because the incessant talking are intelligent discussions that see us through... the cacophony of sounds is the symphony that lulls us both to sleep... the misplaced or lost items are the ones that help us be together for days or hours on end looking for them and... the excitement and shushing, well, they are the typical Spunky and Spanky attitudes (the storm and the calm) that make us blend like coffee and cream.  ONE LOVE! ;)

WHY I LOVE MICKEY D's (Mc Donald's)

(Photo courtesy of theplanetd.com)

McDonald's! 

Ever wonder why Mickey D's remains one of the largest and most progressive food chains here and abroad, serving more than 63 Million customers daily? It is because they stick to ALL the corporate values they have formulated and abide by their social responsibilities. Mickey D's people value their customers, giving them quality food, a welcoming environment and clean facilities. They work ethically (conducting business honestly, fairly and with integrity), are committed to their people, strive to continually improve and give back to their communities. They even have a Mc Donald's System which employs a "three legged stool" business model, wherein they respect the balance of the three groups within (owners, customers and suppliers). Recently, they have dropped their egg supplier due to cruelty and unsanitary facilities, as seen in an undercover video (http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/mcdonalds-dumps-mcmuffin-egg-factory-health-concerns/story?id=14976054#.Tsd0_5Txrv0). This means that the company ensures that all members of their business model, employs all the same values they uphold and care for. Because of this, one should never wonder why it has remained at the top of its business genre for so many years. 

MEMORIES...

While growing up, Mickey D's or McDo (http://www.mcdonalds.com.ph/) (in our lingo) has been a permanent fixture in my family life. I remember the days when my dad used to cut-out ads from the newspaper on their 25 php meals (tagline : "25 pesos lang", ie, 25 pesos only). The mechanics at that time was simple, cut-out the add then present it to any chain for drive-thru or dine- in and you'd be able to get meal combos for 25 pesos only (boy oh boy, my favorite was Mc chicken, Sundae and medium Coke). Mc Donald's was also the favorite party place for birthday parties, get- togethers, meetings and even anniversaries (for the oldies reminiscing their happy childhood years). In highschool, college and med school, it was the penultimate comfort food provider for me. Even at this age, going to Mickey D's is like going home, being with friends, seeing familiar sights and smelling the aroma of a happy and bustling family kitchen (read: deep fried french fries, newly prepared burgers [and now] steaming hot brewed coffee). Even at the height of the Supersize Me video craze, Mickey D's fans here and abroad did not even flinch. Why? Because nothing can ever take away that wonderful experience of biting into something that has been lovingly and carefully prepared by a hardworking team for eager and comfort-seeking customers. Paparapapa, Love ko 'to! :)

I WISH...

How I wish that corporations or other companies in our country would employ their corporate values and stick to their standards. This will ensure quality and optimal fitness of all their products and services. Maybe if we allow ourselves to uphold our core values and company social responsibilities and expect them of our suppliers, no one would take production of their products and services for granted. We should, like Mickey D's, expect the compliance of suppliers to ethical practices and not allow sub-standard products to mar the good names of the companies we belong to. Too bad, some opt to scrimp on these vital things but unbeknownst to them, this bad attitude may boomerang in the future and leave their company in ruins. Like Mickey D's, they should set good examples to others and expect them of others as well.

 Guys, move! Wake up! IMPROVE! INNOVATE! :) 

These are my opinions, if you disagree, I RESPECT YOU so please respect mine ;)

My take on The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

       

EDWARD ANTHONY CULLEN 
ISABELLA MARIE SWAN
(The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn)






Two thumbs up for Breaking Dawn part 1! The plot was very simple but I never felt a lull in its movement. Let us start discussing the start of the chapter, where Bella was to wed Edward. I was expecting a little bit of emotional excitement on her part because she was about to march down the aisle with her father towards Ed but what I felt was anxiety and a little bit of fear of the unknown. I must admit, I was a little bit disappointed with her hair, make-up and gown during the actual wedding but so loved the dream sequence where she was wearing a tube gown and where she looked quite stunning. Anyways, I would've wanted some color on her cheeks but she was marrying a vampire who was by far, paler in features than her, so why bother? Her wedding gown was reminiscent of Kate Middleton's which was quite conservative but well, Bella's attitude is virginal anyway so there's really no problem. During the honeymoon sequence it was fascinating and funny that the couple's room was slightly wrecked from their night of love-making. Ed got scared the day after because he realized that he had gone slightly out of control (not to mention the hematomas Bella had on her body) but she loved every minute of it. During the duration of the honeymoon , Ed did not want to make love with Bella again but one night she insisted and said "please"...oh what a tease. Eventually, she got pregnant and they wondered if that was remotely possible since Ed is considered, well you know, DEAD. :)  Moving forward, the baby inside the womb was growing too fast and was slowly killing Bella. Jacob, as usual was there to the rescue but ended up fighting side by side with the Cullens to battle his pack that was out to kill Bella and the unborn child, Renesmee (derived from both Bella's mother's name and Esme Cullen's). And so the story revolves around this plot of wanting the child to die because she might bring death...Jacob's leaving the pack, fighting beside the Cullens and later imprinting upon the child (vowing to forever protect her)...Rosalie and Bella becoming friends, etc. My husband was quite disappointed (I think) when he thought that Bella was going to die and not transform into a vampire but was shushed by me because why would she, when she was the main character? I am so looking forward to part two where Renesmee or "Nessie" grows up just after seven days from birth. I became even excited when Bella was transforming on an operating table, with the chapter ending in her opening of her eyes and changing them color to RED (Vampire!). Well, so the first part ends and all I can say is that it is like the first twilight movies with simple plots made exciting by heavenly beauties, wonderful bods, Bella's "I - don't - care - what - I - look - like" attitude, Jacob's "I'll - do - anything - for - Bella" character and the Cullen's "doting - over - Bella" facade. Still two thumbs up but guess what, I voted two thumbs and two big toes up for Justin's IN TIME for overall production, essence, effects and mind-blowing plot. MY TAKE :)

JUST MY TWO CENTS ON THE GLORIA ARROYO ISSUE

If you are wondering why i only have a total of nine (9) posts in my blog...dearies, I have deleted the old ones. Now back to business, shall we? (Photo of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo courtesy of ABS-CBN)


Come on guys! Give the poor woman a break! Can you all see how emaciated she is? She deserves the right to better treatment options outside our country. Her family is asking for permission to travel because they want her to get the best treatment our good neighbors can offer.Who would not want the best for a family member? She was our former president and is the daughter of one of the most prolific former Presidents of our country. What message are we sending out to other nations, that most of us are ignorant of our own constitution? A hold departure order cannot be given to anyone who has no case filed against him/her. The solution? If you want her to stay in this country and face whatever charges you have against her, then file them first. We are a country that boasts of high Christian values. According to others we have the best family and social values but where are these so-called values now? Flushed down the drain because of anger, ignorance and frustration? We shouldn't act this way. There are people who have committed worse atrocities but what have we done? NOTHING. We are persecuting someone who has not been charged guilty beyond reasonable doubt of ANYTHING. Please remember, God is just. I don't want to sound preachy but people who have committed atrocities would face the consequences of their actions in the right venue, at the right time. Yes, yes, people might say that she may eventually sneak out and seek political asylum in God knows where but she hasn't. There are legislators, people of the cloth, educators and lay men who are anti-Gloria who are saying that she should be allowed to seek further treatment outside our country. To these people, I give my utmost respect and admiration. For me, these are the TRUE Christians. We all need to be level-headed and mature about these things. We are dwelling on a very petty issue when we have more important things to do, better legislations to pass and improvements that need to be focused on. Remember, RESPECT BEGETS RESPECT. She will respect this government and face whatever charges if respect will be given her. Just my two cents.

RAINBOW

"Take a little time baby. See the butterfly's colors. Listen to the birds that were sent to sing for me and you... can you feel me? This is such a wonderful place to be. Even if there is pain now, everything will be alright. For as long as the world still turns there will be night and day. Can you hear me? There's a RAINBOW always after the rain...." and so the song of Southborder goes. Ahhh rainbow. There is indeed a rainbow somewhere after the heavy downpour and it goes for even the metaphorical essence of the saying. After all that is said and done, something good comes out of every bit of sacrifice we make in the world. These good things do not always come in big packages BUT...even the minuscule particulate matter of good can make the dourest mood disappear. I have been in the dourest of moods so many times and yet, I bounce back like nothing has happened. There is indeed and interplay of balancing forces that in one end may jar you but when you get to the other end can submit you into the deepest calm imaginable. Today like most days of this month, I have been tired during the daytime because of financial issues. The irony of it all is that I didn't go to work eventhough the company has a no work no pay policy...will that even help a bit with the financial issues that I am having? NO. Am I sad now?...STILL NO. It's because I know that there will be something to lift my spirits up and what d'ya know, something did! I cannot pinpoint it yet but I think there is something lovely up in the air, glistening with bright colors, ready to be seen, enjoyed, admired and stared at...THERE'S A RAINBOW ALWAYS AFTER THE RAIN :)