THE MOLE MAN

I'm sorry I haven't posted any entry in the past weeks. The reason for that is, it has been a very stressful time in my life. Anyway, my life was full of stress, worries and uncertainties ever since I can remember. Growing up I was a pessimist. I was one who can let myself be very happy for the moment for I know there will be sad moments to follow. This was especially true in my childhood into my high school years and part of my college days.

Let me start in Project 8 when our old house was being renovated. The construction guys were taking off the asbestos tiles roofing and one piece fell on my head. Or so I thought. Years past I didn't think about it much and also completely forgotten if I was treated at the hospital or not. More years past, in the early 2000's, that I noticed a wound at the back of my head and it would bleed and ruin my pillow cover. I thought it would heal. But, before it would completely heal and once I happen to scratch my head it would bleed again. So last January, I went to my dermatologist to find out what it really was. The doctor saw me and called the other doctors to take a look. I told him a got the would when an asbestos tile dropped on my head. They were all smiling. They would say: "Isn't pretty?" The doctor said: "You were born with it." "What?" I said. How did that happen? Anyway, the doctor scraped off the top part and sent the piece for biopsies. After seven days, the diagnosis was: Benign Neoplasm of the skin. Boy, was I relieved.

But, I have to go under a operation to close the wound once and for all so it wouldn't turn cancerous if left at that. So, February 24, I went under a short out-patient process where they punched 12 staples on my head after being injected with a numbing solution so I won't feel the pain. It was very inconvenient for me because for 10 days I have to be careful how I sleep and wear hat at work. After 10 days on March 6 I went back again to have the staples removed. And this time they didn't have to numb my head, but, just have the staples taken by the use of a staple remover!!!

I thought that would be more painful, but, the doctor was very good. "Konting aray lang naman! But, only 8 staples were removed because the other 4 staples covering the skin wasn't completely healed. So, it was only this morning that all the remaining staples was taken off. It was "NEVUS, SEBACEOUS" by the way. Sangko would know about it. So, ask him. For me, I'm glad it was finally over. Moral of the story: "When you see something growing, don't let it grow too much. See the doctor at once." Lalo na pag malapit na sa ulo! 

KONG HUE FAT CHOI

Last Monday, New Year came for the many Filipino-Chinese and many Chinese everywhere, called the Year Of The Ox. As how traditions go, we collected round fruits, wore red and I had a round earing--no, no, no. That was a pair of cuff links given to me by Fletcher. Me, being in the year of a different animal, I think the Rabbit, am cautious of what the new year has for me. Hula says it would not be a good year for me. That must be true because I am right now sick twice in the past three weeks. Where before I only get sick two, three days the most in a year. But, astrology forecast also says that Pisceses are the darlings of the Gods. Meaning, by saying or praying to the God or gods for better health and better wealth, I would be blessed anyway. And with that I leave the start of the year--remember it's still January-hoping I'll be okay. In fact, I'll be going back to work tomorrow. Have yourself a great and fit new year. Enjoy every bit of the days with your family and friends.

THE FORUM 2

That's Gino in front of J. Jill, in front of the directory and later... inside Nette's Accord--dead tired and I think, snoring. Hehehe!

THE FORUM

Hey, that's your shop, sister. Unfortunately, it was closed, butI can see thru the windows it sells unique teen clothes and accessories and shoes. 

NEW YEAR AT THE FORUM

With the financial crisis worldwide, you think the last place we will be on this day is the Mall. But, with the very warm weather, few customers and lots of sale items, we couldn't escape the temptation of window shopping. The 70% off the goods who would not try to look for these bargains--that's what I did a good shopping for now or future uses. And this place is pretty cool and it's our first time here, but, if the plan pushes through, we'll have one just like this near where the old swap meet area in Mission Avenue and I-76 in Oceanside. 

NEW YEAR'S EVE

In all these years in the States we have this tradition of celebrating this night with close families sharing familiar food fair. That night we had native Pilipino panghimagas. Yun nga lang wala ritong mga paputok--sa PinoyTv marami at marami ring mga naputukan. 

DECEMBER PRESENTS

DECEMBER SHOWS

A house is not a house in December without Christmas lights. Why? Ask me! Do you have any idea?

DECEMBER STILL

You might have guessed, it was really, really COLD. But no snow. Not in Oceanside.

DECEMBER THAT WAS

December started with Nette's classmates ihaw-ihaw party, ala kamayan style also. Only the weather did not cooperate for it rained that day. But, it was fun that lasted thru the night.

We had decorated the house a little like the last time. The difference was Gino's in a fine mood and excited about the San Diego Charges football team getting capturing the AFC West championship and later reached the conference playoff where they were defeated by the Pittsburg Steelers of Mabelle. 

We had Noche Buena at Mommy's place after the 9pm Mass at St. Francis Church. Christmas Day was spent in our house with food and gifts opening. One of the gifts I got was a neck and head electric massager and that was a sign they think I'm getting old or maybe it was just the more colder weather. I'll find in 2009 if indeed I'll be lucky being the Year Of The Ox.