The sun is out

 The sun is out

But it’s cold in Lake Chabot, which makes the surroundings appear gloomy. I expected the sun, but not the gloom. I was close to shivering when i realized I didn’t bring a sweater.Good thing Amarind always brings one, even when the sun is high. He said the weather in the Bay Area is fickle. Now I know exactly what he meant.

In the tropics, I wouldn’t be caught sitting under the sun. I’ve never ever seen anyone willingly sit under the sun. We do everything so we’re not exposed to the heat: we use umbrella as our portable shade, wear scarves and wide-brimmed hats, or stay at the mall until dusk. People don’t like the sun. In fact, when I was in grade school, my teacher made those stubborn students — those who didn’t do their homework and didn’t listen to the lecture — stand under the sun and, if they’ve been stubborn the nth time around, kneel on mung beans under the lunch time heat and endure the pain. I dreaded that punishment so I tried my hardest to always be first in class.

Now, two decade later, I bask under the sunshine especially when it gets colder. I love it: it’s like having your own heater system outdoors minus the bill.

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Off to the lake

We’re off to Lake Chabot today to see how much water has increased in the last 24 hours of raining. I bought a light reading material just in case I get tired walking and feel like reading.

I wish the ground were not too wet so I didn’t have to wear rubber shoes. Meanwhile, I’m dreaming of these:

 Off to the lake

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A Series of Breakthroughs

My husband on top of a hill, facing Lake Chabot
My husband on top of a hill, facing Lake Chabot

I had a series of breakthroughs this week; I encountered some eye-openers that I may have known before but didn’t really bother to apply them in my life.

I was one of those who always say, “I have no time” or, “I am busy.” I always had this silly excuse that I am swamped with work and couldn’t be bothered to do something else. There were times when I felt that my days were too short and wished that I could stretch them longer so I could accomplish more. I had a habit of equating a fruitful day with how many hours I spent working. I forewent time management and ignored other things that equally demanded my attention. I had little time for my family even though I work from home. I was just there with them and not really for them. I always walked fast hoping that I’d reach the finish line sooner.

I completely missed the point: I forgot to walk slowly and feel the air pass through my nose — I even forgot how clean and fresh air is on this side of the world. I forgot how water can be so refreshing and how soap suds help wash out a day’s worth of problems. I forgot to wear a big smile on my face when walking — it was all about walking with my head up high, literally. I forgot how to smile and appreciate smiles from new acquaintances. Yes, I was missing out on so many things.

Then I received news that a close relative died last week. He was 31 years old. Only two years older than I am. [Read more...]

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