Summer 2012 Get-Together

Summer 2012 Get-Together

There is no denying.

Excitement is building up.

Especially for you, a traveler.

Because you have not been with them.

And they have not been with you.

For a long time.

You have been busy with life.

They, too.

They have been trying to deal with their lives.

While you were away from them.

Working hard and trying to keep your family intact.

The same thing for them.

They are always in your mind.

Even if they are in the West.

And you are in the East.

You believe, you are also in their mind.

Always, because of the bond you have.

With them, you matter.

They matter, too.

Well, the right time has come.

For you.

For them.

For a reunion.

A get-together.

For families sharing the same goals.

Sharing same common blood and name.

Sharing one's heartaches and pains.

Sharing one's smiles and problems.

Sharing one's life for others.

Booked and waiting patiently.

Informed and waiting for the time.

To travel with members of the family.

To spend the rest of summer together.

While we can and while we are able.

We can connect and reconnect once again.

With our families, relatives, others.

The anticipation is obviously clear.

The preparation has begun.

To enjoy with each other and have fun.

We are all looking forward to this occasion.

A once-in-a-lifetime event, an opportunity.

To pass, to ignore, to forget.

This family get-together.

This last part of summer.

Surely, an event to remember.

Forever.

(c) 2012 by chris a. quilpa

Yesterday: A Long (But Blessed) Day Sunday

Good Monday morning, everyone! Thank you, God, for everything, my life, family, friends, all the blessings we have received from you! Thank you, Jesus!

Sunday, yesterday, I was too tired to blog after a long day away from home. It started when my wife and I, together with our young adult daughter and my sis-in-law, attended the Sunday Mass at our parish, St. Paul's in downtown Portsmouth. As volunteer Extraordinary Ministers for Holy Communion (EMHC), my wife and  I did the Cup 1 and 2, respectively, since we're scheduled to do the work yesterday. That is, we distributed, or gave out or shared, the consecrated wine or "blood" of Jesus Christ to our fellow parishioners.

Rev. Fr. David, our pastor of the four clustered parishes, was our priest-celebrant. As usual, he led us in the atmosphere of holiness. With the church choir, he sang with us. He led us, faithful believers, in prayer to and adoration, and worship, of our Almighty God. As always, he delivered a meaningful and inspiring homily, or "sermon," which dealt or touched on the main topic of yesterday's Bible readings  and the Gospel (from St. John 6:24-35): Jesus Christ, the "Manna" or True Bread from Heaven, the Bread of Life. As always, he sent us out, at the end of the church service, with the message "Go in peace" and be the Light and Salt of the world, an inspiration to others.

After the Holy Communion or before the Mass ended, our daughter and my sis-in-law were out of sight in the church. It's because the former was scheduled to play the piano for a church service in one of the Christian churches in the area. And, for that, she gets paid. As usual, her aunt accompanied her to the place.

Meanwhile, after a brief conversation with Fr. David at the sacristy (where he was preparing to go to the next church to officiate Mass), and with a couple of parishioners at the facade of the St. Paul's, after the Mass, my wife and I decided to go to a dollar store to buy Sunday's newspapers prior to going to Seafood Restaurant where we're going to have lunch. You see, even if you're mindful of the things that you've planned to buy, there is this human tendency that you buy something else that caught your eyes to be appealing or fascinating. I know what you have in mind, folks, the words impulsive buyer, no self-control. You know what, folks, aside from buying some munchies or snack foods, I ended up buying also three new hard-cover books. Two of them are National Geographic pictures-laden Long Road South (The Pan-American Highway) by Joseph R. Yogerst and From The Front: The Story of War by Michael S. Sweeney. The other new book is Every Other Monday (Twenty Years of Life, Lunch, Faith, and Friendship) by John Kasich. What prompted me to buy these books? Curiosity and inspiration, and love of books. And a passion to learn more as I continue living and trying to enjoy life.

At Seafood Restaurant, we ordered Seafood Fest for all of us. The menu included 12 pieces of breaded fried fish, ten pieces of fried buttered shrimps, three pieces of breaded crab meat in a shell, ten pieces of hush puppies, a plate of french fries, a pint size of coleslaw. As always, for our drinks, we had a gallon of sweet iced tea. As always, too, we have 10% discount for attending church services, on Sundays.

Once our food was served, my wife and I prayed, as always before partaking and sharing the food. While we're waiting for the two, our daughter and my sis-in-law, to arrive, we started eating since the food before us was irresistibly tempting, sumptuous, and hunger-inducing. The aroma and smell of fresh fried seafood is, undeniably, a hit for me. The fact is that most of the time when I encounter a newly-cooked food, especially if I did the cooking, my tendency is to eat already and not to wait for, say, five or ten minutes or more. That's just me, you know. Anyway, we're mid-halfway eating when the two showed up. And their plates were ready for  them already. Hence, they joined us. No, we're not the only diners there. There were already older diners when we arrived there. And there were more diners arriving. No, we're not the only ones who love seafood. That's unbelievable. A lot of people, worldwide, love seafood, I do believe. Wanna bet, folks? I'm sure you guys out there love it, too.

My sis-in-law had to leave us earlier while we're still at Seafood Restaurant because of her part-time job. After giving thanks to God for the food we just shared and enjoyed, and to the ones who prepared and cooked for us, in our short payer of thanks, my wife, our daughter and I  agreed to go see a) the venue or place where my wife is going to attend a two-day seminar/conference, next week, sponsored by Pearson, b) at the airport, to inquire about some travel questions, requirements, and regulations for our forthcoming or future travel somewhere, c) if they still sell or carry Virginia peanuts on their shelves at a naval (amphibious) base Commissary, and c) if we have the time, to see that church in Norfolk where our daughter will play piano for the church services there next Sunday.

As always, for long trips/driving, my wife was behind the wheels. As usual, I tried to be on the lookout while enjoying being on the passenger side. Our daughter was in the back seat. On the road, we listened to the songs/music of the American Idol season 11 top ten finalists. I don't know about you, folks, but I have bought six CDs of the American Idol Season 11 at Walmart. I don't know why I'm so in tune listening to music of and watching the AI Season 11 singers as they're currently on tour and keep on performing and entertaining people like me. I tell you, I can't wait to buy the CD album of these young talented AI singers, especially Jessica Sanchez, once their individual album comes out in stores. I'd like to see what kind of singers they are going to be. I'm talking about their forte or style, their individuality as a singer, not a mere copycat of a famous singer. That's what I mean. I've got to find out, via their yet to be released album in the future. And with this note, I wish them all the best and success in their music career. I thank God for these young talented singers/musicians for sharing their musical talents and entertaining skills to us all. May God bless them and their families always!

Well, we accomplished our major objectives yesterday. We've seen the place/building where my wife will be next week for that Pearson-sponsored conference/workshop in Virginia Beach. We've been to the Norfolk international airport where our questions were satisfactorily answered, with help from one of the customer representatives of this airline. We've bought some peanuts and groceries at the naval base Commissary. We've filled the gas tank of our car. Now, the only thing we were not able to do (because I felt so tired walking around) was to go see that church in Norfolk where our daughter will play piano for the church services there next Sunday. My wife said that that can be done for another day. I said, Amen, to that idea.

It was past five in the afternoon when we arrived home. Though tired I was, I managed to cut slices of watermelon, in nibbling sizes. And, ate some. That was a relief for me---eating sweet, seedless, succulent, red watermelon. Crispy and fresh, so refreshingly delicious watermelon. I was able to slice three big bowls of watermelon, for the family. I can't imagine what life, in summer, would it be without watermelon. Thanks to God for fresh produce or harvest. Thanks to our hardworking, indefatigable farmers. May God bless them and give them strength and stamina to continue producing and supplying us with food in our table everyday!

Yesterday was a long, but blessed and productive, Sunday for me. What about you, folks? Did you have a restful, relaxing Sunday yesterday? Hope so. Anyway, I wish you all the best in life. Take care and try to enjoy the rest of your summertime. As they say, life is too short to worry about little things. I know, yesterday is gone. Now, it's Monday, another wonderful day, another opportunity to live and enjoy life. Thanks to God, we're doing well. Amidst all what's happening around the world, let us be grateful to be alive and well. And for those brothers and sisters who didn't make it, who became victims of unfortunate circumstances, may we pray Rest in peace, brothers and sisters! Peace to everyone!

This is all for now. I do hope you've learned something (about me or anything) from my blog post today. Until next time around, my friends. Take care and have a wonderful and safe summer, everyone!-chris a. quilpa, 06August2012

A Product of My Imperfection: A Poem

(Note: I'm not alone with this experience, I'm very sure. I know that others have experienced insomnia (or symptoms of it) in their life. Well, this early Wednesday morning, at about three, I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep until almost our alarm-clock-radio (set on at six, each morning) sounded off. So, what I did, while my wife was dozing off, was to do something productive, I think. Here's A Product of My Imperfection.)

A Product of My Imperfection

At three

early Wednesday morning

while half of the world were asleep

while the other half were busy and noisy

I woke up unintentionally

I couldn't sleep 

I couldn't get back to Slumberland

my senses were fully awake

my eyes were wide open

my ears could hear all the silence

all the sounds of crickets outside

the soft noise around me and my world

my heartbeat, my wife's regular breathing 

and mine, and sounds of gadgets in the house

and engines of cars, I believe, rolling down the freeways.

I feel tired but not weak

and not sleepy anymore

this early Wednesday morning

past wee hours or before daybreak.

I pondered, why is this happening to me

at this time where there's peace and quiet

on this very first day of August

I don't know...

but I have to get up

to capture my early morning thoughts

hence, this composition

a product of my imperfection?

Before six

I laid my back 

next to my wife

shhh...quiet, now, please

my eyes so heavy now

thanks, good God... 

bye, and see you all later

when the sun is up 

there, smiling at my window pane.

Good morning, everyone!

@0332, 01August2012 (c) chris a. quilpa

When A 'Loved One Passes Away: A Personal Perspective or Reflection

Aha, August is here! And before we know it, we'll be ushering in and welcoming the "-ber" months, starting next month, September. So what would this mean, you ask? Well, for all we know, my friends, summer 2012 will be over. And that means, too, that the regular school activities, academically and athletically, will start again for our dear students and dedicated, indefatigable teachers-educators. But, for now, let us all enjoy, while we can, our summer vacation. Shall we, folks? Good. Thanks to God, we're doing good.

I don't know why I have this topic to talk about. But please allow me to explain. Thank you, dear friends and readers of my blog post.

This morning, while I was sharing to my Facebook friends a blog post entitled Two Poems I've just written (maybe an hour or two ago) this Wednesday morning, I was saddened to learn about the unexpected passing of the Dads of two of my FB friends, 'pare Romy from Washington State and Michelle from Canada. As soon I read their announcement/s and/or message/s on FB, I immediately sent them each our terse message or prayers of condolence or sympathy..."With the passing of your 'loved Dad, may you and your family find courage, comfort, and strength...May he rest in peace. Amen."

You know, friends, each time I hear about sudden, unexpected departure of a loved one, I can't help but "feel" and understand what these friends of mine must be feeling for the loss of their fathers. Call it sympathy or empathy, I understand what they have been going through. You know why? I don't have parents anymore. They're gone. But they remain alive in my memory. Forever, for as long as I'm alive, sane and still sensible.

Nostalgia-wise, my beloved Mom Rosalia passed away unexpectedly, in another city, miles and miles away from my hometown. My Dad, Martin David, was with him supposedly to extend help and assistance to my pregnant older sister who was close to her delivery time. The year was 1977; that's also the year I graduated from college and my first time to teach professionally in a Catholic high school, away from home. (I  rented one of the rooms of the Salgado's house near the school. I just went home on weekends and would be back to my boarding house Sunday afternoon.) It was July, and we're busy with school. (School in the Philippines starts June and ends March or first week of April, each year. ) Unexpectedly, my brother-in-law showed up in my classroom and told me the news. I only knew at that time that my Mom was in the hospital fighting for her life. (I don't know if my brother-in-law was telling me the truth or he didn't want me to know that my Mom was already dead cold, helpless and hapless.) I was devastated. I left my students to our kind and understanding Sister principal who granted me emergency leave. Arriving at the city hospital with my brother-in-law, after two or three hours on the road by a passenger bus, I knew then that my Mom didn't make it. I still vividly remember, it was raining cats and dogs on the long road or highway, when we brought home Mom's. Same year when my eldest sister passed away earlier, in January. It was the same year 1977 when my Dad's oldest brother, Uncle Simpi, died in December.

Imagine, you know, three members of my family were gone on the same year! How unlucky/unfortunate we were? That year, those incidents made me realize that wherever and whoever you are, when the time comes for you to expire, that's it. That made me understand our frailties and vulnerabilities, our short, fleeting corporeal life we have here on earth. That for as long as we're alive, our mortality is inevitable when it's time to go. One thing also that reaffirms or strengthens my view about life-death is that notion that I learned from/with the Focolare Movement, especially when I went to Rome, Italy, in 1980. This view or dogma or belief in the Now or living the present moment well (with all that you can), without reservation is something that I have been trying to practice or to live with and won't forget. Now, the present moment, is the one thing that matters, the most important thing that counts in my life. Yes, the present moment of my existence. That's what matters to me. We all know that the past is past. It's gone and we can't undo what happened in the past. As they say, yesterday is gone. We can't recreate what happened in its originality. We can't copy or duplicate the past. We can only learn and remember from it, I believe. That's the reality. That's one of the truths, for me. Yes, we have one life to live. So we have to live it now, the present moment.

Now, as I recall, after staying/living with us, here in the States for less than a decade, our Dad left us after having decided to go back home to the Philippines to enjoy the remaining of his life and eventually or ultimately die. (Already in the Service that time, I was the one who accompanied him in going home when he was still kinda well, but not as healthy as before when he was in the States for the first time in 1977.) He was, at that time, under the care and responsibility of my older sisters, whom we entrusted the responsibility. That is, after a couple of years when he left the States for home, to be with my Mom together forever in another life-world. Representing my siblings from here in the States, my youngest brother and I buried our loving Dad "David" with a couple of my older sisters left behind with their respective families, other relatives and friends, in the Philippines.

You see, friends, how difficult it is or not that easy for me to deal with losses, especially when we're talking or dealing with immediate next of kin or members of the family. Emotionally, it's hard, but as I go on living I learn or have learned to come to grips with my life and mortality. That I leave it to our Almighty God my life now and beyond. After all, whether we like it or not, we'll one day fade away from the maddening crowd, that's the world, and face our ultimate destiny/eternity---to hopefully be reunited with our beloved dead loved ones, with our Almighty Lord, forever. That's what I think and believe now.

When a 'loved one passed away, we react to it or take it differently. How do we manage it is a matter of personal preference and belief. (I know, we have all sorts of thoughts and views. One example, probably, would be this: Too bad/sad, I wasn't able to say "Thank you," "how much I care about you," "how much I love you." Or, we ponder: "I should have given her/him a call, or written/sent her/him a letter or a simple note or a message of thanks and hope." Another one, like this: "how I wished I could have visited her/him;" "why did I not have hugged/kissed her/him, "I didn't have the time to call her/him and tell her/him." I know, didn't we have regrets for not doing something for our 'loved one before s/he's gone in our sight? Yes, we have regrets and last minute thoughts as to why we didn't let her/him know s/he matters in our life.)  But, overall, our humanity reigns supreme because we're all part of the one human family. My view is that we experience the same feeling and disposition when a 'loved one dies. To me, the only difference lies in the depth and intensity of your relationship to our beloved dead when s/he was still alive. What we can do is offer a short, simple prayer "May the soul of the departed rest in peace." Amen.

Well, folks, I don't intend to change your views for you have your own. As they say, we can agree to disagree. I hope i made sense here with my post. If not, in your standards, I remain respectful of you and your views. As I've been doing, I just wanted to share with you my piece of mind, now and not later. Until next time around. Take care and Have a nice day, everyone!-chris a. quilpa, 01 August 2012

abitadeacon: Doctor of Church and founder of the Redemptorists

abitadeacon: Doctor of Church and founder of the Redemptorists

Two Poems

(Note: While blogging or writing this blog post, I've been listening/watching to musical performances of current and last year's American Idol tour concerts. Many thanks to those video uploaders. And, as usual, thank you, YouTube, and Google/Blogger.)

Happy Wednesday, everyone! How are we all doing this time of the year? How's summer treating you nowadays? So far so good, huh? Good. Ah, I didn't realize, it's first day of August today! Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Jesus! We've made it this far. Thanks to God, we are alive and doing well, despite all what's happening in our world.

Tuesday yesterday, being the last day of the month of July, I found myself scribbling the two poems below while in our (Master's) bedroom, alone. (FYI: My sis-in-law, my wife and our daughter were out. My young adult son is still in DC, busy with his work.) Looking out from one of the windows in our room that's open, as always the case especially if it's bright and sunny outside, I saw these meek creatures by the school playground. Ten of them, to be exact, in one group, just there in the newly-mowed school playground. They were all together as one flock, one family, unperturbed by the outside world.

I was experiencing uneasiness, yesterday afternoon, while trying to manage my stomach discomfort. (Due in part, possibly, from the food I ate from late brunch.) With tea in mind, I went downstairs. I "nuked" (heated on the microwave) a cup of tap water for two minutes and thirty seconds. Once done, I dipped in a small bag of tea on the hot cup of water. After a couple of seconds, I set aside that small soaked bag of tea which I could use it again later. Then I went back upstairs to my room, taking a sip one at a time while watching a Thai movie (with English subtitle, of course) on YouTube. Thanks to these amazing video uploaders for sharing their videos to us, the public. Hence, my second poem was created, in between watching the movie and drinking my cup of tea. Eventually, I had two cups of hot, but smooth, tea. Can you believe it? Thank you, God, for tea!

Here are my two poems I'd like to share with you all. And, thanks for having time reading this blog post:

The Canadian Geese

there

they are

ten of them

in the school playground

walking

trotting together

unaware of anything 

in their own world

this summery Tuesday afternoon

meek

and peaceful

like a flock

doing what they do

searching for anything possibly available 

to keep them alive, well and going

in this complicated and competitive life-world

where they roam and play, fly all day

while learning anything about everything in the world

now.

(c) 2012 by chris a. quilpa

Two Cups of Tea

two cups of tea

hot but smooth

were enough to calm me

down on my nerves and guts

so uncomfortable was I 

anxious and uneasy

about everything I see everyday

that makes me wonder and wander

and think critically (and quizzically)

but thanks God for tea

relieved I am and free

and not bothered so much now

about anything that is happening

(beyond my control)

for life is too short to always worry

when there's nothing that you can do

to stop the ebb and flow of life

and the changes and challenges that are taking place

everywhere you go...

two cups of tea make my day/life easy, you know.

(c) 2012 by chris a quilpa

Weekend Thoughts and Happenings

Good sunny Sunday, everyone! Hope and pray you're doing well, so far, as we continue to welcome, live out or embrace the offerings and surprises of Summer 2012. Let's hang in there and try our best to celebrate and enjoy life this summer with hope and Love.

Perhaps, to  some or most of us, we've watched on TV the opening ceremony of 2012 Summer Olympics in London last Friday night, July 27. I know that some of us are monitoring the games and progress of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. And that we're cheering, and praying, for our favorite athlete/s that s/he won one of the medals. Anyway, we wish all the participating athletes from around the world the best. In the spirit of sportsmanship, may they play their game fairly as they compete for the gold, silver, and bronze medals with their fellow Olympians. Personally, I pray for the safety of all---athletes, chaperons, coaches, celebrities and world leaders, and tourists, and residents--- in London as they continue to enjoy the Games and tourist spots and places of interest there. May the Almighty God bless them, and keep them all safe and sound always!

How's my weekend, you ask? Well, friends, I have to tell you that I'm doing okay, resting and relaxing at home while managing my intermittent back and hip pain. Basically I'm just chilling out, staying at home napping, snacking while reading or composing short, simple poems/narratives, blogging or watching movies, enjoying listening to and watching music, on YouTube, of those Top 10 Finalists of American Idol 2012, Season 11, as they continue touring and entertaining their fans around the country. I'd like to thank the uploaders of those videos from the AI concert tour they've attended. Thank you, guys, for sharing and letting us watch and enjoy your videos on YouTube. Do appreciate your resourcefulness and initiative. Thank you, YouTube and Google.

Friday, my wife and I visited the naval hospital where I used to work and eventually retired. No, we didn't go there to see a doctor but to follow up a referral from our doctor to the Dermatology Clinic. In other words, we went there to make an appointment to see a dermatologist, and to schedule a periodic mammogram for her. We visited the chapel. We thought there was a Friday Mass there but they don't. So we just prayed the rosary while there. We ended up having lunch there at the Galley. From the hospital, we drove our way to the NEX where I had a haircut. Three months ago, I had that boot camp haircut. Three months after, I decided to have that haircut again. I saw the same barber who did mine three months ago (in April). Imagine, me having a military haircut again! (My wife said I look old with this haircut! Really? I like that!)
 
Yesterday (Saturday), I stayed home almost all of time, trying to manage my chronic lower back pain and a headache. Call me a couch potato, if you will. That's true. Just resting and relaxing while watching TV on PBS, listening to music and/or watching videos on YouTube. And, snacking crisps or potato chips and fruits. I have had to snack that glutinous rice cakes, too, that my sis-in-law bought from her friend and co-worker. Likewise, I didn't go with my wife and our daughter, and my sis-in-law to our friends' (Mike and Myrna) house where they held a first birthday party for their granddaughter Emily. I just didn't feel well going with them. I just issued them a check to give for Baby Emily.

Today, a sunny Sunday, my sis-in-law, my wife, our daughter and I attended the Mass at our parish with our new parochial vicar, Rev. Fr. Chris H. as celebrant. My wife and I were not scheduled to do any ministerial work. But, we're always ready and available to be there with our fellow volunteer Extraordinary Ministers for Holy Communion if one or two didn't show up for whatever reason/s. Well, unexpectedly, I did join/help those scheduled EMHC during the Communion rite because one fellow volunteer who's supposed to do distribute the host (the consecrated Body of Christ) didn't show up. I don't or didn't mind at all. It (my volunteering as one of EMHC) is all for the love, service and glory of God our Almighty Father. I try to do share my talents, skills for as long as I'm able, even if I've been having sort of physical disability.

One thing that my wife and I did after the Mass was to share a number of our friends, fellow parishioners, our weekend gate-away experience, away from home. We told them about our surprised visit to Rev. Fr. Jarek, now the pastor at St. Jude Catholic Church in Christiansburg near the City of Radford where we also participated in the Mass there last Sunday. We shared with them the joy and excitement we all have had at Fr. Jarek's residence where we experienced his kind hospitality with his Mom. We were excited to show them some of our pictures with Rev. Fr. Jarek and his Mom, and a couple from Suffolk who also visited Fr. Jarek that Sunday.

So, where we did we go after today's Mass? Since it's almost lunch time, as always, after Mass, we decided to have lunch at the NEX/Commissary where we had Subway sandwiches and sweetened iced tea.My wife and I shared that foot-long steak sandwich. Yummy! (My thanks to my sis-in-law who paid for our lunch today. Thank you, Rose!) At the Commissary, we bought groceries and some goodies, or snack food, and fruits like bananas, watermelon and honey dew. 

Now, here I am. Back home, in our (Master's) bedroom, with my laptop listening to music while blogging. The TV in our room is also on from the Olympics coverage a while ago to PBS again.

Well, friends, this is all for now. Until next time around. Take care and Have a nice day, everyone! May God bless us all! Peace be with you all!-chris a. quilpa, 29July2012