Intro Note: We just had our dinner, folks. As I'm writing this blog post, I'm listening to playlist songs of the American acoustic rock band Boyce Avenue. (I've mentioned about this band in my previous post, if you guys remember.) I like listening to their songs. Alejandro, Boyce Avenue's lead vocalist among the Manzano brothers of Sarasota, Florida, is cool. He sings well. I like his clear, mellow, melodious voice, with his guitar or piano accompanying him. I like his version or interpretation of some (adapted) songs that he sang or recorded, like this one by Coldplay. Listen for yourselves, folks. Isn't he good or what?
Today, 03March2012, starts the "early" one-week Spring Break for a number of colleges and universities in our State. I wonder if other states' colleges and universities have their early spring break, too, like my daughter's. Perhaps they'll have theirs later.
Anyway, I had to cut short my blogging this morning. Guess why? You bet, my wife and I had to pick up our daughter in her college dorm. Though she's got a driving license already for a year or two, she doesn't drive yet for she doesn't have her own car. Not 'til she graduates this May. She'll get one, a new one, possibly a Toyota, like his brother's, as our graduation gift to her.
We left the house past noon, not having lunch yet at that time. I, for one, didn't feel hungry yet, anyway, for I just had a bowl of home-cooked oatmeal with organic milk, 2% fat. (I've mentioned this in my first blog post this early morning.) I usually eat brunch, especially during weekdays that I'm alone at home, you know.
Thanks to God. We arrived home safely before 8 p.m. today from C-ville. That's almost six hours, round trip, on the road to and from C-ville. Though I was not the driver (my wife was, as usual), I still felt kinda tired from sitting long, with back spasms. I admit, my lower back has been acting up, hurting again today. (This has been my ongoing problem of mine---chronic lower back pain, that led me to "early" retirement from work in the Service. Thankfully, I was able to finish 20 years in the Service that entitled me to retirement pay, etc.) But, I can manage the pain, you know. God helps me, via His Son, Jesus Christ. I believe so. My pain isn't that bad, after all. Thanks to God.
Until next time around, folks. Thanks for your time. Take care. A nd, good night, everyone!(Now I can listen more to the Boyce Avenue, in our bedroom, while resting.) Thanks YouTube and Google and Blogger. -chris a. quilpa, 03March2012
(P.S. I haven't figured out how to adjust the posted time of my laptop. As you know my laptop was given to me by my nephew Tony who lives in California. Posted time of this blog post is incorrect. Since I live in the East Coast, add three hours to the posted time, okay, my friends? Thank you.)
Showing posts with label Blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blogging. Show all posts
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
A Blog Post That Wasn't But It Is Now
Congratulations to Eli Manning and the New York Giants! They're the World (Football) Champion in last night's Super Bowl XLVI, played between NY Giants and New England Patriots, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN, and Giants' Quarter Back Manning the MVP (Most Valuable Player). Final score: NY Giants-21, NE Patriots-17.
I was a bit disappointed last night. Don't get me wrong, folks. No, it wasn't about the Super Bowl per se. Here's what happened: I started writing my blog post while watching the Super Bowl since dinnertime @ 6:30 pm. In between commercials, my eyes shifted to my laptop. On my first paragraph, I was noting or describing or annotating how cold, chilly, cloudy, and drizzly yesterday was while my wife and I were out to attend the Sunday Mass. I also mentioned about our parish pastor, Rev. Fr. David who officiated the Mass. Worth-mentioning, too, in my post was our gratitude to have him with us the fact that he has gotten well from colds for the past one or two weeks that he was suffering from.
Then I continued with my post, chronicling what my wife and I did Sunday morning, after the Mass. I wrote that we went to the Commissary to buy groceries. We were supposed to eat lunch at Subway restaurant there in the NEX but the restaurant was closed. I don't know if it has something to do with the Super Bowl. So, where did we end up dining? At Captain D's Seafood Restaurant in Chesapeake. It's good that I had that coupon (from our mail). That means a dollar or two savings for us.
On my third paragraph, I was already writing about my reaction to the Super Bowl which was on it's last quarter game. I noted that it was such an exciting game because it was a close fight between the two notable football teams to the finish. At that time. On the third quarter, the New England Patriots were winning but eventually the NY Giants had a touchdown that led them to the victory. NE Patriots didn't have much time already to score even if it was their turn. I felt bad for Tom Brady, NE Patriots' QB. Well, time was ticking and moments later, the game was over! I was congratulating Eli Manning and the NY Giants, on my post. Then, on my last paragraph, I was signing off with something like this..."This is all for now, folks. Thanks for being with me...Until next time around."
I was about to publish it (my blog post) when I realized I failed to mention about Madonna performing for the Halftime Show in the Super Bowl XLVI. I scrolled down my almost finished post and did try to insert a small paragraph about the Halftime Show. I wrote about Madonna who performed well with her entourage. I mentioned how she dressed decently compared to other celebrity performers in previous Super Bowl. I noted how I liked the choices of songs she performed, her old recorded songs that are still popular yet "danceable."
What happened next? OMG, I accidentally press one of the key buttons on my laptop! I tried to retrieve the data but nothing came out. In other words, I failed to save it. I thought it automatically saved it! Sigh. Nada.
Soooo, I didn't bother writing a new post. You bet, I wasted my time. A little frustrated, I was! But, I didn't sweat! I let it go. I thought to myself, well, it's probably God's will that I don't have a Sunday blog post yesterday. Fine with me. No sweat, as I've said.
Now, here I am, folks, with this post that you're reading today, Monday, a cool, mild Monday! How are you folks doing, by the way? Still enjoying life this winter season? Hope so. I wonder how many called in sick for those who have had Super Bowl XLVI Postgame party. My wife did go to work.
Well, this morning, I had to go to the post office to mail a bill. No, I haven't fully enrolled in this so-called electronic payment plan for our bills. I know, that would save us $ for postage stamps. Actually, for a couple of our utility bills we've been doing it. But, as far as for other bills, we're still patronizing the US Postal Service, you know. Going green, you say? I'm for it. That's one thing that my wife and I will seriously consider.
From the post office, guess where I went next? I found a coupon that prompted me to go have brunch at a "popular around the world" franchise eatery where I had buy one get one egg muffin sandwich and a dollar cup of hot coffee with cream and sugar. Let me tell you, I haven't been there for a while, though. While having my brunch, I was watching TV (which was mounted on the ceiling in one distinct corner of the eatery/restaurant) and also reading, in between commercials, a local publication for the military in our area. One of the featured news article, on the front page, caught my attention. A baby was born on the hospital compound (near the garage) or lawn of this military hospital where I used to work for eleven years before I retired from the Service. The parents of the newly-born were both in the military, but different branch of service. The mom is in the Army, the dad in the Navy. I couldn't help but be thankful to God for the safe delivery of the healthy baby, with the assistance of that female Navy OR nurse and other passersby who were ever-ready to assist at that time. I felt good for that whole evolution/process. Thanks to God that it went well for all the people concerned. Kudos and more power to our U.S. Navy for doing an excellent job! I know so well how we're ready and prepared always to serve and to assist and to protect in time of peace or war. You betcha, I'm proud to have been a part of this institution. Teamwork is one of the keys to our success. Getting the job done well, with excellent customer/quality service, is everyone's business. That's one thing that we service/uniformed men and women have in mind, always! I'm just sharing with you my opinion and my experience, to clarify my point here regarding the views I just shared with you, folks.
One thing that made my day today interesting was that I came to meet again an older fellow retiree and an older female friend of his (who works there) in this restaurant. Likewise, while at another store shopping for roasted peanuts on a shell, no salt, (I'm so nuts for peanuts or "goobers"!), I happened to stumble a retired but looking "young at heart" couple who eventually became my acquaintances. How did I come to "know" them? Well, this man's ball cap caught my attention. The cap's university logo is so familiar with me. (My two kids have studied in this excellent-prestigious public state university.) I did the first move, of course. Then, our conversation followed. We had a good rapport. I was a little bit carried away with my telltale. I don't know why but they seemed to be nice people and I was thankful to God for having met and talked to them.
Anyway, Mrs. K wrote down my name and said that we'd be glad to be FB friends. I said that would be nice, Ma'am. I had to cut short our conversation that was getting lengthy and I told them that I didn't want to take much of their time and that how glad I was to have known them. It was such a pleasant experience, you know, to be talking to strangers, initially, who you feel at ease with one another, even for the first encounter. Thanks to God.
While driving around our first residential area, I parked temporarily along the right side of a not-so-busy street when I saw a familiar figure. It was Grace, one of two children of a friend and fellow retired military hospital staff-personnel. her family and mine were all neighbors for years before we moved to another neighboring city. Anyway, I was glad to see her and talk to her, asking info about her brother and dad, and her mom. She was so happy and gracious to talk to me and to call me "uncle." I felt so honored, too. Before I proceeded to drive along, I told her, "say Hi to your dad and your brother, for me." She said, "I will, Uncle."
On my way home, I dropped by at a gas station to fill up our van, even though I still have half-full tank. Then, along the way on a busy street, as I was driving home, I passed by a young man smoking while he was in the middle of a bridge looking down at the cars below. I silently prayed to God for him to have an enlightened mind whether he's thinking of something or just merely watching. I told my wife about it when she gave me a ring on my old, regular (not fancy) cellphone as I got closer to our house. I was praying really hard that everything will be all right for that young man. In my silent prayer, I asked for the intercession of Blessed John Paul and Venerable Fr. McGivney.
Well, my friends, this is all for now and I thank you for your time being with me. Take care. Until next time around! Ciao! Have a good day, everyone!-chris.a.quilpa, 06February2012
I was a bit disappointed last night. Don't get me wrong, folks. No, it wasn't about the Super Bowl per se. Here's what happened: I started writing my blog post while watching the Super Bowl since dinnertime @ 6:30 pm. In between commercials, my eyes shifted to my laptop. On my first paragraph, I was noting or describing or annotating how cold, chilly, cloudy, and drizzly yesterday was while my wife and I were out to attend the Sunday Mass. I also mentioned about our parish pastor, Rev. Fr. David who officiated the Mass. Worth-mentioning, too, in my post was our gratitude to have him with us the fact that he has gotten well from colds for the past one or two weeks that he was suffering from.
Then I continued with my post, chronicling what my wife and I did Sunday morning, after the Mass. I wrote that we went to the Commissary to buy groceries. We were supposed to eat lunch at Subway restaurant there in the NEX but the restaurant was closed. I don't know if it has something to do with the Super Bowl. So, where did we end up dining? At Captain D's Seafood Restaurant in Chesapeake. It's good that I had that coupon (from our mail). That means a dollar or two savings for us.
On my third paragraph, I was already writing about my reaction to the Super Bowl which was on it's last quarter game. I noted that it was such an exciting game because it was a close fight between the two notable football teams to the finish. At that time. On the third quarter, the New England Patriots were winning but eventually the NY Giants had a touchdown that led them to the victory. NE Patriots didn't have much time already to score even if it was their turn. I felt bad for Tom Brady, NE Patriots' QB. Well, time was ticking and moments later, the game was over! I was congratulating Eli Manning and the NY Giants, on my post. Then, on my last paragraph, I was signing off with something like this..."This is all for now, folks. Thanks for being with me...Until next time around."
I was about to publish it (my blog post) when I realized I failed to mention about Madonna performing for the Halftime Show in the Super Bowl XLVI. I scrolled down my almost finished post and did try to insert a small paragraph about the Halftime Show. I wrote about Madonna who performed well with her entourage. I mentioned how she dressed decently compared to other celebrity performers in previous Super Bowl. I noted how I liked the choices of songs she performed, her old recorded songs that are still popular yet "danceable."
What happened next? OMG, I accidentally press one of the key buttons on my laptop! I tried to retrieve the data but nothing came out. In other words, I failed to save it. I thought it automatically saved it! Sigh. Nada.
Soooo, I didn't bother writing a new post. You bet, I wasted my time. A little frustrated, I was! But, I didn't sweat! I let it go. I thought to myself, well, it's probably God's will that I don't have a Sunday blog post yesterday. Fine with me. No sweat, as I've said.
Now, here I am, folks, with this post that you're reading today, Monday, a cool, mild Monday! How are you folks doing, by the way? Still enjoying life this winter season? Hope so. I wonder how many called in sick for those who have had Super Bowl XLVI Postgame party. My wife did go to work.
Well, this morning, I had to go to the post office to mail a bill. No, I haven't fully enrolled in this so-called electronic payment plan for our bills. I know, that would save us $ for postage stamps. Actually, for a couple of our utility bills we've been doing it. But, as far as for other bills, we're still patronizing the US Postal Service, you know. Going green, you say? I'm for it. That's one thing that my wife and I will seriously consider.
From the post office, guess where I went next? I found a coupon that prompted me to go have brunch at a "popular around the world" franchise eatery where I had buy one get one egg muffin sandwich and a dollar cup of hot coffee with cream and sugar. Let me tell you, I haven't been there for a while, though. While having my brunch, I was watching TV (which was mounted on the ceiling in one distinct corner of the eatery/restaurant) and also reading, in between commercials, a local publication for the military in our area. One of the featured news article, on the front page, caught my attention. A baby was born on the hospital compound (near the garage) or lawn of this military hospital where I used to work for eleven years before I retired from the Service. The parents of the newly-born were both in the military, but different branch of service. The mom is in the Army, the dad in the Navy. I couldn't help but be thankful to God for the safe delivery of the healthy baby, with the assistance of that female Navy OR nurse and other passersby who were ever-ready to assist at that time. I felt good for that whole evolution/process. Thanks to God that it went well for all the people concerned. Kudos and more power to our U.S. Navy for doing an excellent job! I know so well how we're ready and prepared always to serve and to assist and to protect in time of peace or war. You betcha, I'm proud to have been a part of this institution. Teamwork is one of the keys to our success. Getting the job done well, with excellent customer/quality service, is everyone's business. That's one thing that we service/uniformed men and women have in mind, always! I'm just sharing with you my opinion and my experience, to clarify my point here regarding the views I just shared with you, folks.
One thing that made my day today interesting was that I came to meet again an older fellow retiree and an older female friend of his (who works there) in this restaurant. Likewise, while at another store shopping for roasted peanuts on a shell, no salt, (I'm so nuts for peanuts or "goobers"!), I happened to stumble a retired but looking "young at heart" couple who eventually became my acquaintances. How did I come to "know" them? Well, this man's ball cap caught my attention. The cap's university logo is so familiar with me. (My two kids have studied in this excellent-prestigious public state university.) I did the first move, of course. Then, our conversation followed. We had a good rapport. I was a little bit carried away with my telltale. I don't know why but they seemed to be nice people and I was thankful to God for having met and talked to them.
Anyway, Mrs. K wrote down my name and said that we'd be glad to be FB friends. I said that would be nice, Ma'am. I had to cut short our conversation that was getting lengthy and I told them that I didn't want to take much of their time and that how glad I was to have known them. It was such a pleasant experience, you know, to be talking to strangers, initially, who you feel at ease with one another, even for the first encounter. Thanks to God.
While driving around our first residential area, I parked temporarily along the right side of a not-so-busy street when I saw a familiar figure. It was Grace, one of two children of a friend and fellow retired military hospital staff-personnel. her family and mine were all neighbors for years before we moved to another neighboring city. Anyway, I was glad to see her and talk to her, asking info about her brother and dad, and her mom. She was so happy and gracious to talk to me and to call me "uncle." I felt so honored, too. Before I proceeded to drive along, I told her, "say Hi to your dad and your brother, for me." She said, "I will, Uncle."
On my way home, I dropped by at a gas station to fill up our van, even though I still have half-full tank. Then, along the way on a busy street, as I was driving home, I passed by a young man smoking while he was in the middle of a bridge looking down at the cars below. I silently prayed to God for him to have an enlightened mind whether he's thinking of something or just merely watching. I told my wife about it when she gave me a ring on my old, regular (not fancy) cellphone as I got closer to our house. I was praying really hard that everything will be all right for that young man. In my silent prayer, I asked for the intercession of Blessed John Paul and Venerable Fr. McGivney.
Well, my friends, this is all for now and I thank you for your time being with me. Take care. Until next time around! Ciao! Have a good day, everyone!-chris.a.quilpa, 06February2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Exploring More About Blogging
Yesterday, I didn't do any narratives, except visiting Facebook and answering a question or two posed by one of our FB friends from Canada(asking me why I have two names and what name do I prefer to be called), posting a poem on my blog, and learning to use a video from YouTube on my blog (after several attempts, I did it. Yey! But I still have to repeat doing it over to really consider it a learning success.). Please see Vigan, Ilocos Sur: A UNESCO World Heritage Site (A Video), my blog posted yesterday, 26Jan2012. I'd like to mention that I don't own that video but the uploader or YouTuber, soundtrack08, et al. Thank you YouTube and Blogger and Google for the learning experience.
Likewise, yesterday, I visited and read and/or watched a couple of blogs. Worth-mentioning was this blog (in Portuguese) in which all photographs were shown. I tell you, guys, I was blown away watching the photos that were so clear, so natural and beautiful that I couldn't help but write a short comment commending the photographer and/or blogger. One of the photos that struck me was this picture he took while in Rome, Italy, particularly in Florence (Firenze). It was a nostalgic moment for me; I felt so good, so happy yesterday because I was reminiscing my days when I visited that place in 1980. The memory of being there was so vivid for me. Ah, looking back, it was such a memorable "first-time to travel abroad" experience for me. Truly unforgettable! Yes, such a learning experience in Rome, Italy has already become a "feel-good" chapter of my life story. Manuel, the blogger, is such an excellent (professional?) photographer. I wonder if some of his photos have been in National Geograhic magazine. I wonder, too, what camera did he use or he's using to capture life as real and clear and colorful as his photographs. He, undoubtedly, has the eyes or the vision for beauty and clarity! I love those flower pictures, too. And, other photos he took from other places in Europe. They're all exquisitely amazing and awesome! I'm so impressed of him. Anyway, kudos to him and I wish him the best. I wish to see more of his "obra maestra."
Now, today is a shady, rainy Friday in 757 or simply Hampton Roads. Still, I would say TGIF! Thanks (to) God It's Friday, that is! My wife doesn't have school-work or class, for they've just finished administering (to their students) final exams for first semester. She explained to me that today and Monday is their teacher work day, grading papers, and finishing up their students' grades. Tuesday, she said, is the start of their second semester. As a Chemistry teacher in one of the public high schools here, she said she's getting used to this kind of class schedule, like in college. I know the feeling because I have "been there, done that."
As I'm writing my blog post, it's raining hard outside. My wife came up to our room and handed me a big cup of oatmeal with organic milk for my breakfast. (She's such a sweet, thoughtful, loving, and understanding wife!)Alright, folks, I've got to park here, in the meantime, as I'm going to eat my oatmeal. See and talk to you, guys, later, okay? Thank you.-chris.a.quilpa,27Jan2012@1000
Likewise, yesterday, I visited and read and/or watched a couple of blogs. Worth-mentioning was this blog (in Portuguese) in which all photographs were shown. I tell you, guys, I was blown away watching the photos that were so clear, so natural and beautiful that I couldn't help but write a short comment commending the photographer and/or blogger. One of the photos that struck me was this picture he took while in Rome, Italy, particularly in Florence (Firenze). It was a nostalgic moment for me; I felt so good, so happy yesterday because I was reminiscing my days when I visited that place in 1980. The memory of being there was so vivid for me. Ah, looking back, it was such a memorable "first-time to travel abroad" experience for me. Truly unforgettable! Yes, such a learning experience in Rome, Italy has already become a "feel-good" chapter of my life story. Manuel, the blogger, is such an excellent (professional?) photographer. I wonder if some of his photos have been in National Geograhic magazine. I wonder, too, what camera did he use or he's using to capture life as real and clear and colorful as his photographs. He, undoubtedly, has the eyes or the vision for beauty and clarity! I love those flower pictures, too. And, other photos he took from other places in Europe. They're all exquisitely amazing and awesome! I'm so impressed of him. Anyway, kudos to him and I wish him the best. I wish to see more of his "obra maestra."
Now, today is a shady, rainy Friday in 757 or simply Hampton Roads. Still, I would say TGIF! Thanks (to) God It's Friday, that is! My wife doesn't have school-work or class, for they've just finished administering (to their students) final exams for first semester. She explained to me that today and Monday is their teacher work day, grading papers, and finishing up their students' grades. Tuesday, she said, is the start of their second semester. As a Chemistry teacher in one of the public high schools here, she said she's getting used to this kind of class schedule, like in college. I know the feeling because I have "been there, done that."
As I'm writing my blog post, it's raining hard outside. My wife came up to our room and handed me a big cup of oatmeal with organic milk for my breakfast. (She's such a sweet, thoughtful, loving, and understanding wife!)Alright, folks, I've got to park here, in the meantime, as I'm going to eat my oatmeal. See and talk to you, guys, later, okay? Thank you.-chris.a.quilpa,27Jan2012@1000
Sunday, January 22, 2012
What A "Shady" Yet Spiritually-Uplifting Sunday For Me!
Sunday today. It's time to give thanks to God for all the benefits and blessings we've received and continue to receive. Time to go to church to attend/participate in the Mass, and receive Jesus through the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. And, time to chill out, relax and rest, and live and enjoy life while we can, even if the weather is wintry cold, cloudy, drizzly and "shady" over Hampton Roads.
Yes, my friends, it's Sunday in English,"Sontag" in German, "Zondag" in Dutch, "Domenica" in Italian, "Dimanche" in French, "Domingo" in Spanish and Ilokano, and "Linggo" in Filipino. For Sunday in other languages, I didn't bother to find out. That would be your HW (homework), folks. Just kidding!
After my morning routine, I don't know what got me before 8 AM that I found myself logging on to my laptop computer. And visited Facebook. Thanks to God that I found myself watching an embedded video on YouTube about this Columbia Catholic Ministry. I ended up watching and listening to Columbia University's Fr. Dan O'Reilly's weekly update presentations. His were informative and educational, and inspirational, to me. I thank God for the opportunity to have learned something this morning.
Well, as I've indicated on the first paragraph, I think of Sunday, first and foremost, as a day to go to church to be in communion with my faith community. That's what my sis-in-law, my wife, and I did this morning at nine thirty, Eastern Standard Time. Our clustered parish pastor/priest, Rev. Fr. David officiated the Mass that has just started as soon as we arrived in church. (We were a little bit late, by two-three minutes probably.)
As usual, we all participated in the praying and praising and singing to our Almighty Father-God, and Jesus our Saviour. And serving for God. The last one was unexpected this morning but I didn't hesitate to say "Yes, I'm ever ready to serve you, God" and He let me be when called upon by Fr. David to serve as Extraordinary Minister for Holy Communion. (FYI: As regular member-parishioners of our church, St. Paul's Catholic, my wife and I have been volunteers as EMHC for years, and myself as volunteer Lector. We we're not scheduled for any assignment today but always available to fill in when someone or fellow EMHC doesn't show up.)
Before the Holy Communion rite, I was a bit apprehensive and perplexed, at first, when our pastor gave me that "come here" signal to join the complete eight EMHC on the altar. So without any hesitation, I joined the group to the altar. I was puzzled being an extra EMHC in the group. It was only after receiving Jesus, and about to give or distribute to our parishioners the "host" or "Body of Christ" that I found out that Fr. David has sort of colds or is not feeling well, he said. That's understandable, for health reasons. That's why he assigned me to take his place distributing or giving out the host or the Body of Christ to our fellow parishioners.
After the Mass, Fr. David thanked me for stepping up for him. I said, "no problem, Father. Anytime." You know, folks, I felt so good and at ease at that moment while serving our fellow parishioners. It was such a wonderful feeling! Please don't misconstrue me if I tell you, folks, that my spirituality was uplifted that moment when Jesus in the person of Fr. David called me and I went to do wholeheartedly what he wanted me to do. My point is that we, as good Christians and/or followers of Christ, have to be always ready and available to serve when called upon.
I'm aware that I'm a sinner but, God knows, I'm trying to do what He wills me to do every day of my life. I'm inspired to be good and to do good for Jesus's sake. I try to please everyone without hurting anyone. In short, I try to be a good Christian, available and ready for others, when needed, without any condition or reservation. And, I'm sort of that person trying to live the present moment well. That's me, humbly and simply.
Well, now, where did we go after the Mass? We decided to go to NEX/Commissary to have lunch at a Subway restaurant there, courtesy of my sis-in-law. (As always, we prayed before and after lunch.) I had a foot-long sandwich of egg and bacon with fresh vegetables, no salad dressing. And, a cup of coffee with cream and sugar, and a cup of water, no ice cubes in it. (I only ate half of it for lunch, saved the other half for my dinner.) For my wife and my sis-in-law, they had the same sandwich as mine, except that they had salad dressing, and iced tea. They also saved half of their sandwich for dinner. Before I forget, we had pictures taken while at Subway's.
After lunch, we walked our way to the main NEX store. There I ended up buying charger batteries for our cameras and sets of DVDs (History of the United States Navy, Pacific Battlefront, and The World in Conflict). From there, we proceeded to the Commissary. But we didn't spend that much this time because I had bought groceries from there two-three days ago?
So cold and chilly outside as we walked out to our car in the open parking lot! Folks, don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining at all for it's the season---wintertime, you know! As you see (from our photos), I did try to dress up for the weather. Over here in Hampton Roads, the weather isn't that bad, compared to other cities or counties. On the other hand, other parts of the country are having wintery blast, snowstorm, such unpleasant weather conditions.
On our way back home, my wife and I dropped by a Dollar Tree store, in a neighboring city, to buy Sunday's The Virginian-Pilot edition and other stuff. I bought myself a new hard-cover book about Tuna: A Love Story by Richard Ellis. (Don't know why but I tell you, I have this fascination with books.)
At the open cemented parking lot, I was delighted to see these two seagulls on the ground that I decided to take a photo of them. I wondered if they feel cold. They seemed to be okay out there.
At home, in the kitchen, my wife did put away some of the grocery items from the Commissary.
We had a couple of photos taken before we settled down.
Then, I did read some selected news articles aloud while my wife was checking at the ads for coupons. I intentionally read aloud with hope that she benefits from it. In between our conversation, we agreed that I have to turn up the heat two degrees to 70. That's a mutual agreement between me and my wife who usually does her schoolwork in the kitchen. Then, after that I went upstairs in our room to get my laptop. Back downstairs, I started writing my blog. Eventually I decided to continue it upstairs in our room while watching TV about that NFL game in San Francisco between NY Giants and SF 49ers. I've had several interruptions doing my blog, you know. It's really kinda hard to concentrate doing two things at the same time. But I tried to manage it. I've been all ears to the TV while my eyes were on the computer. NY Giants beat SF 49ers. Score was 20-17. The NY Giants will face off the New England Patriots in the XLVI Super Bowl on February 5 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Okay, friends, I've got to stop here now. Thanks for your time with me. Until next time around. Good night!
-chris a. quilpa, 22Jan2012
Yes, my friends, it's Sunday in English,"Sontag" in German, "Zondag" in Dutch, "Domenica" in Italian, "Dimanche" in French, "Domingo" in Spanish and Ilokano, and "Linggo" in Filipino. For Sunday in other languages, I didn't bother to find out. That would be your HW (homework), folks. Just kidding!
After my morning routine, I don't know what got me before 8 AM that I found myself logging on to my laptop computer. And visited Facebook. Thanks to God that I found myself watching an embedded video on YouTube about this Columbia Catholic Ministry. I ended up watching and listening to Columbia University's Fr. Dan O'Reilly's weekly update presentations. His were informative and educational, and inspirational, to me. I thank God for the opportunity to have learned something this morning.
Well, as I've indicated on the first paragraph, I think of Sunday, first and foremost, as a day to go to church to be in communion with my faith community. That's what my sis-in-law, my wife, and I did this morning at nine thirty, Eastern Standard Time. Our clustered parish pastor/priest, Rev. Fr. David officiated the Mass that has just started as soon as we arrived in church. (We were a little bit late, by two-three minutes probably.)As usual, we all participated in the praying and praising and singing to our Almighty Father-God, and Jesus our Saviour. And serving for God. The last one was unexpected this morning but I didn't hesitate to say "Yes, I'm ever ready to serve you, God" and He let me be when called upon by Fr. David to serve as Extraordinary Minister for Holy Communion. (FYI: As regular member-parishioners of our church, St. Paul's Catholic, my wife and I have been volunteers as EMHC for years, and myself as volunteer Lector. We we're not scheduled for any assignment today but always available to fill in when someone or fellow EMHC doesn't show up.)
Before the Holy Communion rite, I was a bit apprehensive and perplexed, at first, when our pastor gave me that "come here" signal to join the complete eight EMHC on the altar. So without any hesitation, I joined the group to the altar. I was puzzled being an extra EMHC in the group. It was only after receiving Jesus, and about to give or distribute to our parishioners the "host" or "Body of Christ" that I found out that Fr. David has sort of colds or is not feeling well, he said. That's understandable, for health reasons. That's why he assigned me to take his place distributing or giving out the host or the Body of Christ to our fellow parishioners.
After the Mass, Fr. David thanked me for stepping up for him. I said, "no problem, Father. Anytime." You know, folks, I felt so good and at ease at that moment while serving our fellow parishioners. It was such a wonderful feeling! Please don't misconstrue me if I tell you, folks, that my spirituality was uplifted that moment when Jesus in the person of Fr. David called me and I went to do wholeheartedly what he wanted me to do. My point is that we, as good Christians and/or followers of Christ, have to be always ready and available to serve when called upon.
I'm aware that I'm a sinner but, God knows, I'm trying to do what He wills me to do every day of my life. I'm inspired to be good and to do good for Jesus's sake. I try to please everyone without hurting anyone. In short, I try to be a good Christian, available and ready for others, when needed, without any condition or reservation. And, I'm sort of that person trying to live the present moment well. That's me, humbly and simply.
So cold and chilly outside as we walked out to our car in the open parking lot! Folks, don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining at all for it's the season---wintertime, you know! As you see (from our photos), I did try to dress up for the weather. Over here in Hampton Roads, the weather isn't that bad, compared to other cities or counties. On the other hand, other parts of the country are having wintery blast, snowstorm, such unpleasant weather conditions.
On our way back home, my wife and I dropped by a Dollar Tree store, in a neighboring city, to buy Sunday's The Virginian-Pilot edition and other stuff. I bought myself a new hard-cover book about Tuna: A Love Story by Richard Ellis. (Don't know why but I tell you, I have this fascination with books.)
At home, in the kitchen, my wife did put away some of the grocery items from the Commissary.
We had a couple of photos taken before we settled down.
Then, I did read some selected news articles aloud while my wife was checking at the ads for coupons. I intentionally read aloud with hope that she benefits from it. In between our conversation, we agreed that I have to turn up the heat two degrees to 70. That's a mutual agreement between me and my wife who usually does her schoolwork in the kitchen. Then, after that I went upstairs in our room to get my laptop. Back downstairs, I started writing my blog. Eventually I decided to continue it upstairs in our room while watching TV about that NFL game in San Francisco between NY Giants and SF 49ers. I've had several interruptions doing my blog, you know. It's really kinda hard to concentrate doing two things at the same time. But I tried to manage it. I've been all ears to the TV while my eyes were on the computer. NY Giants beat SF 49ers. Score was 20-17. The NY Giants will face off the New England Patriots in the XLVI Super Bowl on February 5 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Okay, friends, I've got to stop here now. Thanks for your time with me. Until next time around. Good night!
-chris a. quilpa, 22Jan2012
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