dOgGoNe PrEtTy's DoOdLeNoOk...

Some Learning...

Who has not been subjected to pain? I'm sure not a soul. Whether physical or emotional, pain excuses no one for it is one of those factors that jog our memories of the reality that all human are one and the same. Only, our way of dealing with it is widely divergent. Some deal with pain on a positive note. Some on the negative - just like Jack.

Let me remind you of one important standpoint. Pain is an incentive. It is not given to mankind to set hurdles to our already complicated lives. It is in fact given to make us a person of superlative quality - a person who can prevail over anything with head held high. Pain is an added value in our lives. It makes us feel the hurt to understand the purpose of it and learn from it as well.

Oftentimes we blame other people for our misfortune. But what we habitually forget is that we are the direction-finder of our lives. How we go through different stages or events in our lives apparently depend on us and no one else. We are all answerable for our own actions and way of thinking. After all, life is what we make it, right?

The story of Jack and his dog, Slowpoke also reminds us of the imbalances that we experience in life. Absurd as it may seem, life has so much to offer that oftentimes, it brings confusion to all of us. Because of life's nitpicky situations, we tend to develop crisis in terms of our identity - of what we really want and what kind of person we really want to be. We endlessly search for the one true thing that can make us happy but because of life's many ups and downs, we end up not knowing anymore the importance and meaning of happiness in our lives. We then become victims of circumstances and most often than not, we let our weaknesses rule us. We let our flaws, our being imperfect manipulate us. And because of this, we allow a different persona to live within us - making us, all the more, get to nowhere. It makes us move one step backward instead of moving forward to reach our goal, to get hold of the happiness that we have always longed for.

Moreover, the story tells us of how we should attach importance to those who love us to a great extent... those who are truly dedicated to us... those who are tested to be true. We should not take them for granted just because we are apoplectic. Take into account that hatred is synonymous to being unworthy of one's affection. And that loving is in point of fact learning. Hence, we should learn by heart.

I just hope Jack and Slowpoke's tale will help awaken those who are lost in thought... and those who are blinded by their faith, their dreams, and their love.

Jack the blind and his dog Slowpoke...

* I once wrote an essay for my Journalism class way back in College and I just want to share it with you guys... hope you like my piece of writing and happy reading!...

Every dog has his day.

True, isn't it? I mean, everyone gets some luck or attention sometime in life. Only, we aren't too certain if luck would mean bad or good or if the attention we get is for admiration or condemnation. But what's important really is how we rise above the situation and to give justice to this saying, let me tell you a story about my childhood friend and his dog - and what we both learned from it.

Meet Jack. A regular guy who loved nothing but to take pictures of his dogs. Oh, he had many. There was his black pit bull named Champ who later on gave birth to Camilia. He had Michika, a female Shih Tzu. There's also Mortiz, his golden retriever who did nothing but flirt with the other dogs (and how they liked him!) and the star of this column, Slowpoke, a St. Bernard dog who had three siblings, Beastly, Goofy, and Boxer.

Of all Jack's dogs, though, Slowpoke was the most special. Despite of being slow (as the name says it) and languid, he was dear to Jack for the simple reason that he's the only dog who would stay beside him all the time. Nevertheless, all these dogs were treated like kings and queens. Jack made sure they get the best of everything, pampered and all.

Things changed though when Jack met a car accident a year and a half ago. One day, he just woke up in total darkness - the tragic incident made him lose his eyesight. From then on, Jack no longer was his usual self. He would get pissed off all the time. He hated everything around him, his dogs included. To avoid more tantrums, Jack's mom decided to get rid of her son's dogs. Well they had to retain one, though because Jack needs a leading dog. The grouchy man needs a dog that's big enough to shield him from any harm and slow moving so that he can still be in control of his "bodyguard". The description fits Slowpoke to a T and so he stayed on.

This dutiful dog stayed and served Jack to the greatest of his ability but the latter would all the more show barbarity to his once favorite dog. He would baste Slowpoke for its sluggish movement and frailty. He would bawl out on the poor dog like what he does to the other servants of their home. Yet, Slowpoke would allow his master belittle him as if he has a bearing of the poor man's condition. Although at night, when his master is asleep, Jack's mom would hear this poor dog weep, as if feeling the pain Jack inflicted on him. She told me once that if dogs could only speak, Slowpoke would probably yell out: "Whatever happened to dear Jack? Once my master, now a monster!"

Days and months have passed and the treatment of Jack to his dog didn't change. He would always find faults on this four-legged mammal and would criticize it to a disgusting extent. But Slowpoke kept true to his job. Yes, he stayed a good servant - sadly, to a bad master.

Then another tragic incident came. It was late Monday evening, and the weather was not on anybody's side. It rained heavy while Jack was at St. Monica's Clinic, undergoing a seminar for the blind. His facilitator advised him not to leave the clinic until the rain subsides. But being the hardheaded that he is, Jack insisted on going home, braving the storm with Slowpoke. Due to the downpour, all roads went slippery - Slowpoke found it hard to guide his master. He would slip and slip, making his master stumble just the same. Infuriated, Jack attacks Slowpoke with harsh words and worse, batters the poor dog. He would kick him and would shoo him away. But fearing for his master's life, this faithful servant disregarded Jack's cruelty. Instead, Slowpoke would let his body lie over Jack and push the hapless man forward every time he falls. All throughout the night, Jack would try to get rid of Slowpoke while the latter would try his best to get his master out of the rain. Slowpoke tried - but to no avail. Jack, hard as a stone, wanted to prove he could get out of the mess on his own. He also wanted to prove to his dog how useless he is to Jack. Too much force caused a great exhaustion and before they know it, Jack and Slowpoke both lost their consciousness.

Morning came and the weather went fine. It was the extreme contrast of the other day's meteorological condition. People who saw Jack and Slowpoke lying in one corner came to the rescue and took them to the nearby hospital.

This was the second time Jack would wake up in a hospital bed. When his consciousness returned, he already asked for Slowpoke. No, it was not because he cared. Actually, he didn't have a bit concern for the dog. He was even blaming the animal for his condition. Then I gathered all my guts to tell him what has happened to the dog he once found endearing. "Don't worry, Slowpoke won't disturb you anymore... He died trying to save you, Jack"

Jack's throat froze. Not a word came out. He tried not to look at me so I won't see this huge word SAD written all over his face. Then tears stung his eyes and all he said was "My dog, my poor dog..."

When I was waiting for Jack to come around, I was beside his bed, in deep thought. Slowpoke may have not been my dog but I felt for him. I wonder why a dog as good and loyal as he could die a sad death? I wonder why he had to die when all he ever wanted was to save his master. I even wonder why Jack the Cruel lived instead of the dog. Then, I asked, "Whatever happened to my childhood friend?" Jack made a drastic change that I feel I no longer know him. He's a totally different person and it really hurts me... It hurts me a lot because I miss the old him. I miss my amorous and compassionate best friend ages of years ago.

Then I came up with a few realizations. Jack made a lot of criticism on anybody and everybody, especially Slowpoke to cover up his own inadequacy. He didn't just go blind, he was benighted. He didn't just lose his eyesight, he lost every part of him. And that's sad because I know that things shouldn't be that way. I remember how we argue about this and he would always give me his standard statement, "You don't know how it feels to be blind." I may not be blind but I do know how painful it is to have lost. Yet, I never allowed it to stand in my way. I never stopped hoping for better things to come because if I do, then I will forever be cynical. Besides, why is it that when people hurt, they want everything to hurt?

I left him momentarily to be in mourning. I know part of me wanted to castigate him. It was all his doing after all. But Slowpoke was his pet - and he once loved the dog so that gives him every right to grieve. Besides, I know that he will always have Slowpoke's blood on his head and that should make him ascertain his lessons.

Now think about your loved ones and how you disregard them whenever you are unhappy... whenever you are displeased... whenever you are in pain... whenever you are so full of yourself...

Then think of the lessons to be learned.

Isn't it a wonder?

People say "do not be a turtle for it has a very poor pursuit movement ability". Yes it's true. But come to think of it, because of this inability, they see things happening at an extremely slow pace so they are able to perceive more and therefore have a clear understanding of things.

The Chinese believed that the turtle is a symbol of great patience, strength and value. With patience, you learn to apply the breaks... to seize the moment... to relish the now... to ponder... to learn and discover more from today so that you wouldn't come to nothing in the future... and while the turtles take a slow leisurely walk or travel, they see the bad and the good perfectly well. It's not true when people say there's no excitement in their subsistence. They see the beauty of life that most of any living beings do not even care to see... so what can be more interesting than that? But yes, there will always be that unpleasant feeling of fear caused by the presence or anticipation of danger... with their sluggish movement, the enemy could easily gain an advantage over them. But you see, that makes them stronger. Remember how clearly they see the bad and the good? This ability helps them weigh things even when adversity arrives. The tiger can just overpower anything or anyone from any angle. But their assertiveness most of the time leads to fierceness... worst, to hostility. And what happens is that they bite or put to death the least expected being at the least expected moment. Everyone else could be its very own victim... even its own cub. So there's no true friend to a tiger. And sadly, there's no definite future for this creature.

And as the tiger allows its killing nature to run its life, the turtle is just there... still wandering around while trying to learn... no wonder they have a long life span and tigers don't. That, for me, is the value of the turtle.

The Chinese also believed that the turtle can foretell future events. Why, there's no failing to see things when you're slow in movement... besides, experience through long journey can tell you what’s best to do and not to do.

I was once a tiger... But after all the hurts I've had and the hurts I've caused... I'd rather be a turtle from now on.

Year 2006

Year 2006.

Hmmm, my gut feeling tells me that this year will be a good one for me.

Not that the preceding year wasn’t. Well, I’ve had highs and lows last year but more than anything, I guess to be able to have a good year, one must go through more highs than lows. And I am not ashamed to admit that I did experience myself near to the ground on the whole.

For you guys to understand me in full, I have decided to let the cat out of the bag and give away a few episodes throughout my past year…

The downside of 2005 would be suffering the loss of two significant people in my life… one in the flesh, the other one in spirit. You see, there were copious of equally important people that ended up nowhere to be found in the past years but these two really left my heart broken into tidbits - Wenda and Fx…

Let’s start with Wenda… She has been my best friend since the epoch of innocence. But now that we are older, she has decided to leave for Ireland to be with her fiancé. She said it’s going to be pretty much permanently. You know, get married there, have kids perhaps and establish a career she could not find here in the P.I. It’s funny how I envisioned myself growing old with her since my marriage failed. I mean I am her independently dependent best friend after all. Call me unselfish but I always rush to her only when I am dismal… or alone… or bored stiff. And now that she’s far away from me, I cant’ help but get panicky. When will I ever hear her comforting words? Her boisterous laughter that is truly infectious? Her bickering that is almost no different to mine? When will I ever see her nods to both my sound and unsound reasoning? There are ways to communicate, I know like the net or mail or phone but being accustomed to the ever-changing time and to modern technology could not even compensate for the pleasure one gets when with a great friend… in the flesh.

Then there’s Fx… Francis Xavier Manzano was one of the three guys ferociously killed in Ortigas. Carjacking is a weighty crime and the police pointed fingers at him and his two other companions causing a fight to the finish with guns. It would be pointless for me to say that F is not guilty of anything… That he is nothing but a good friend… the kind of friend who would walk the mile with you and for you… the kind of friend who will be there to listen to your internal strife or to some shaggy dog stories… the kind of friend who would visit you and bring you food when you are sick… the kind of friend who will not get mad at you even when you are dead drunk and too dimwit to vomit inside his car… who would not hesitate to bring you to places you love to go to because seeing a smile on your face gives pleasure to him… it would be pointless, really because the other people who didn’t know him took his life straight off… without allowing truth to be known… without letting F defend himself… without giving my friend a much deserved respect… a more decent demise. I am one of the many people still grieving and still crying. Each one of us is in dire need of fair dealing in this country. I just hope F gets his justice soon. It really pains me how he exited. Nonetheless, nothing can ever bring back F’s life but I know, wherever I go, he being my friend, shall watch over me and I shall always attach importance to his friendship… in the flesh and in spirit.

* To Wenda, you will always be my most loved friend. Yeah, we will remain to be good friends ‘til hell freezes… And as for Fx… I love you F and you will forever have a special place in my heart. Where on earth I go and wherever you may be.

Now let’s not forget 2005’s upside. During this year, I was able to obtain my dream job. Yes, I have the most exigent and lucrative job one can only wish to have. I get pleasure from my work as one with the challenges and the perks that go with it. I usually wish for trifling things but I always pray for a job wherein I could actually show off my skills and make myself not only working on a daily basis but also beneficial to the company that I am working for. God knows how I became a Production Manager in a matter of months but it’s a privilege I cannot pass over and I am going to do my doggone best to be worthy of the position bestowed on me - So far so good, anyhow.

And as I’ve said, I smell more triumph and sweet stories this 2006. I will – without a shred of doubt - fill this year with hurrahs and high spots.

Watch me…

As Stated Matter-of-Factly...

1.      what made you happy this week?
--- My happiness is actually based on superficial things/events… My Francine got 2 stars (read: very good) in school!

2. what made you sad this week?
   --- My Angel was below par…

3.      are you content with your life?

--- With all the pieces of good fortune coming my way, who wouldn’t be satisfied?

4.      has someone/somebody hurt you lately?

--- Yeah and ‘twas too unsympathetic of him. Buhuhu…

5.      does he/she know that he/she has hurt you?

--- I dunno… the animal, er, person was too insensate to even notice it…

6.      what do you plan to do to him/her?

--- whack his face! Nah, that’ll be too callous… maybe I’ll just buy a voodoo doll and try some witchcraft… that’ll be fun!

7.      did he/she make an effort to ease the pain?

--- Nope. I guess he doesn’t even mull over it a tad… well, same here.

8.      are you missing someone?

--- Yep, my daddy! And I miss him like hell. Sigh.

9.      how are you feeling at the moment?

--- I’m in seventh heaven…

10.  what/who made you feel that way?

--- My Angel… Ditto, the guy who inspires me now… and who makes me the happiest (you know who you are… *wink*)

11.  are you the type of person who easily gets hurt?

--- Certainly. I’m Miss Thin-skinned.

12.  how do you cope up with the hurt?

--- The three things that I normally do: Weep. Ponder. Move on.

13.  do you cry?

--- As you would expect. Duh.

14.  have you ever been to a point in your life that you can say you got lost?

--- Yeah. More than a few times, actually.

15.  how did you go about that part in your life?

--- I took into account all the things that went wrong in my life and tried to rectify them…

The Truth About Me...

1.      You are mostly known as?

- The Glamorous Browbeater.

2.       What did u last do before filling this up?

- I watched T.V.

3.      Are you taken/single?

- I’m a single mom but my heart is by now, taken… sorry.

4.      Do you love your significant other?
- Yeah, I love him to pieces!

5.      People who are always there when u're bored?
- Kith and kin…

6.      What are you listening to?

- Maudlin songs…

7.      Tell me any part of the lyrics from what u're listening to?

- “I’ve been in love a time or two… I’ve seen the world when I’m with you,

  I wanna fly and spread my wings… I don’t wanna cry, I wanna sing,

  I want to live and take the chance… I’m not afraid to love again,

  I wanna fall, fall for you… and I want you to fall for me too”

8.      Who is

ur

last ex?

--- Abraham.

9.      How is your relationship with your last ex?

--- We’re still good friends. We’re not trying to kill each other, thank God.

10.  Do you hate him/her?

--- Nope. No way. Not ever.

11.  Prefer black or white?

--- Black. As I’ve said before, I never go wrong with black.

12.  What kind of music do you love?

--- Acoustic and R& B… I’m a Schmaltzy person. So that figures.

13.  The band/singer that u like?

--- Vonda Sheppard, Shanice

14. 

Chad

Michael Murray or Aaron Carter?

--- I’d rather not choose. Uh-uh.

15.  Who are you thinking of right now?

--- The two persons closest to my heart…

16.  Most people think that you are?

--- Condescending and standoffish - Opposite to my real persona.

17.  How do you release anger?

--- Screech. Whack. Shush. Hehehe…

18.  The cutest male teacher in your school?

--- Sir Falcis… No retorts, please.

19.  The cutest female teacher in your school?

--- Ma’m Jokee… isn’t she the cutest?

20.  You used to have a HUGE crush on?
--- Freddie Prinze Jr., Heath Ledger and Adam Lavorgna!... and kevavije too!

21.  Do you want to get married?

--- For Pete’s sake, I ‘wanna get married in a Minster!!!

22.  Do you often receive letters by post?

--- Yup, can’t help it if I’m well-liked. Harhar.

23.  Unforgettable letters that u ever received?

--- The first letter I received from my first boyfriend and the most recent…

24.  Did anyone give u love letter lately?

--- Yeah and ‘twas the sweetest letter I have ever received in my years of existence…

25.  On your last birthday, anyone gave you roses?
--- Yes and ‘twas huge and arranged beautifully. It seemed pricey. Hehehe.

26.  On

ur

last birthday, anyone gave you teddy?
--- No… I’m way aged for teddy bears…

27.  Do you know what ure thinkin’ about?

--- Naturally. Duh.

28.  One thing that you hate about yourself?

--- I’m doggone pretty and everybody thinks highly of me! harhar.

Sorry, guys... here's another Survey...

1)brand of

ur

handy phone?

* Used to be devoted to Nokia… but now, Samsung is the “in” thing. So there.

2) what'll you do if you see

ur

gf/bf hugging a
guy/girl?

* I’m gonna whack his face!

3) have a gf/bf?
* Yep.

4) have

ur

own room?

* Yeah… My room and my workplace combined!

5) fave pet?

* Zilch at the moment…

6) one thing you can’t live w/o?

* My God within!

7) where do you live?

* Project 8,

Quezon City

…

8) what would you do if someone tells you he/she
likes you?

* If I like the person then I would have to show my appreciation for the flattering remark… And if I don’t like him, I would thank him still but I would have to say goodbye… shoo… scram! Harhar.

9) how are you feelin n0w?

* Better than yesterday…

10) where do you hangout?

* Anywhere snug to be in… I dig acoustic so I guess you can find me in bars playing this genre of music. I also love clubbing with my friends.

11) what are you good at?

* I try to be good in anything and everything that I do…

12) what is it bout a person you cant stand?
* For one, phonies are not my favorite people… I can’t put up with a person who considers himself/herself to be high and mighty.

13) what do you want?

* A perfect life… but then again, you can’t always have what you want, right?

14) a word that describes you?

* Schmaltzy.

15) what is

ur

dream?

* To see my daughter grow up to be the woman that she ought to be.

16) day/nite?

* Night. I’m a nocturnal.

17) sunset/sunrise?
* Sunset. It’s the sweetest thing!

18) like a romantic bf/gf?

* I like a romantic boyfriend - Romantic beyond my understanding.

19) what is it about the opposite gender that attracts you?

* Their unbelievable way of making a woman hooked on them despite of their imperfection…

20) are you an independent person?

* I live an autonomous life…

21) do you like school?

* I have a strong commitment to learning.

22) are you stubborn?

* I am a self-regulating person so go figure!

23) believe in God?

* Immensely. I believe in God to a great extent.

24)

ur

favourite sport?
* Cardiofunk

25) believe in fate?

* I kinda believe in divine intervention… But my faith in God is still in the best position.

26) get pissed off easily?

* I’m the cantankerous type of person.

27) like

ur

parents?

* I love my dad to a great extent…

28) are you a materialistic person?

* who isn’t?

29) believe in love?

* Always and for all eternity. It keeps me breathing.

30) will you get a tattoo?

* I have one in my right leg. It’s a butterfly.

31) smoke?

* Yes, I do.

32) club / pub?

* Yes, I do. I started clubbing ages ago…

33) will you forgive

ur

gf/bf if he cheats on
you?
* I will definitely leave him wounded!

34) will you expect

ur

gf/bf to forgive you?
* Will he forgive me if I break his bones into pieces?

35) were you on a trip recently?

* Yeah, I’ve been to

Fontana

- the only place with fewer people in this present time. I had more time to take a breather.

36) fave country?
* ‘Pinas, of course. I am patriotic.

37) are you impatient?

* I’m the type of person who’s always raring to go. I hate to wait.

39) do ya organise parties often?

* Yeah, every so often…

40) do ya have good friends?
* I perfectly know how to choose friends so yes, I have good associates.

41) do ya think you r good looking?

* No, I don’t. But other people do. Hehehe.

42) do you care abt looks?

* Needless to say.

43) do you think that you're a good gf/bf?

* I try to be one… for ever and a day.

45) do you quarrel with people easily?

* Yes. I guess I’m too physically powerful for them to handle. Hehehe.

46) are you forgiving?
* I am forgiving but I forget by a hair's breadth.

47) do you get hurt easily?

* Yes. I’m thin-skinned and it’s something I’m not ashamed to admit.

48) do you prefer gurl wit long/short hair?
* A girl can never go wrong with long hair.

49) do you prefer guys w/ long/short hair?
* A guy can never go wrong with short hair.

50) is

ur

hair colored?

* Yeah, people say it fits me.

51) are you a romantic partner?

* I’m a schmaltzy person so yes.

52) do you wear a watch?

* All the time.

53) what color of clothes do you like?
* I can never go wrong with black. And brown. I go for dark colors.

54) will you choose love or money?

* logically speaking, I’d choose love with money.

Here goes another Survey...

1.      Name:

Jean Ma. Alvarez Uy

2.      Age:

28 years old

3.      Your family calls you:

Jean

4.      Your friends call you:

Jean… Jam...

5.      Favorite no./s:

04… 29…

6.      Are you more of a pessimist or optimist?

I am a sanguine person… though I can be

dispirited at times.

7.      The person you love most?

My daughter, Francine Sofia Ysabel.

8.      Does he/she feel the same?

I hope so… I mean, yeah… I’m her mom after all.

9.      Are you in a relationship?

I am in sync with everybody… hehehe

(Did I answer the query right??)

10.  What time is it?

9:55 p.m.

11.  Are you happy at this moment?

Yes, I’m blatantly happy…

12.  How are you feeling today?

Better than yesterday…

13.  Last thing you did before you used the
computer?

I had dinner…

14.  Last person who made you cry?

The person who puts a big smile on my face -- in this day and age…

15.  Last person who made you smile?

The very same person who previously made me cry my eyes out…

16.  The person(s) you trust?

The person who made me cry a number of times and at one fell swoop

gave me a gazillion of laughter…

17.  The person(s) who give/s sound advice?

The highly regarded, Tita

Lourdes

Ramos…

18.  Last book you read?

I have no time to read a good book lately… but given a chance, I would like

to finish reading “The Purpose Driven Life” (sorry to say, I’m yet in chapter 2…)

19.  What color of shirt are you wearing right now?

I’m wearing my pink jammies at the moment…

20.  Favorite places:

There are loads of significant places etched in my mind…

21.  Mark Herras or Hero Angeles?

Sorry but I don’t give a damn sh*t about them…

22.  Does someone bother you?

There are some who are really a bane in my existence…

We can’t steer clear of annoying peeps, right?

23.  You prefer to have long or short hair?

I prefer a nice, suitable hairstyle…

24.  Last person you texted?

Ainjanini!

25.  Creed or The Calling?

Beyond doubt,  The Creed…

26.  If you would describe what you're feeling in a
song, what would it be?

The song "I Still Believe"…

27.  Something/Someone you can't afford to lose?

Without a shred of doubt, I can’t afford to lose

my daughter…  Francine Sofia Ysabel.

28.  Last person who made a testimonial for u?

Jon…

29.  What time did you go to bed last night?

I can’t recall… later than usual.

30.  Weirdest Person:

I don’t want to pinpoint anyone, sorry.

31.  Choose Angel, Baby or Honey?!

Honey for my dearly loved and Angel for my daughter.

32.  Last person who texted you?

Wenda…

33.  Black, Blue or White?

Black… I, under no circumstances go wrong with black.

34.  What turns you off from the opposite sex?

Their mendaciousness, subversion and vainglorious nature.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

35.  What turns you on?