The Culturing of My Sibling

Okay, so since my sister-in-law is in the Philippines with both my parents, my poor little bro, Princess, is home all alone. Awwww.. poor baby.

Anyway, he's been feeling lonely so I took him to lunch on Monday... and on Friday I'm taking him to see a collection of plays at "Tales from the Flipside 2007: an evening at tita cora's". It's being put on by Toronto's very own filipino independent theatre group, the Carlos Bulosan Theatre. I've been frequently attending their productions since last year, and every time I'm moved and inspired to create art in whatever way I can.

It'll be a good Friday night. Bonding with the baby bro, immersion in our culture and our artists, and living outside our heads for a little while.

The production is on for two nights: Feb 23/24, 2007. Go check it out if you can!

The Friendship Email

On this hallowed day of love... let's celebrate the relationships in our lives that all have purpose... whether or not it is a romantic one.

This is one of my favourite email forwards:

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

The Absence of Chinese Groceries

Saturday night I crashed at my family's house and hung out with the sibling and his wife. It was nice. We don't get to hang out as "siblings", and with my folks in the Philippines, it was a good opportunity.

We spent the night watching TV, which included the first four episodes of J. Lo's new "faux-reality" show about dancers called "Dance Life". It's so horrible that it's good! Like watching a gorgeous car wreck, with good choreography!

In the morning, we woke up, had breakfast, and they took me to the nearest No Frills to do some groceries before driving me home. All I can say is this: I heart No Frills! After living in my new apartment for a few months, I really miss the Asian demographics of Scarborough. I drooled over all the fresh Asian greens, the various gizzards and hocks at the meat counter (mmmm tripe), the selection of tofu, and more importantly Asian condiments! I really wanted a bottle of filipino spicy vinegar so bad. Anyway, I got my fix for now, and the next time I make Spam, I have my spicy vinegar to go with it! Yay.

The Family Visit

So cute.

My parents are in the Philippines right now, and since they heard from my brother that I've been sick for such a long time, they have been calling a lot more.

Anyway, due to some parental pressure, my brother, sister-in-law and my aunt came over today to "check up on me" and spend time together. Thankfully I'm no longer contagious. So we hung out in my tiny bachelor apartment, ordered in Chinese food, and watched the videos from the family Philppines trip in November 2004 for my brother's wedding.

This day made me miss my family being close by, but at least I know I can take care of myself. And I know that they'll worry from afar. :D

I really enjoy missing my family. It's a nice feeling. I like it better than missing the missing feeling. LOL.