Jeopardy

While resting in the living room with the boy, he told me about a new song he heard on YouTube. But the problem is he couldn't remember the title and the artist behind it. 

He said it's in Tagalog, and probably a newer song. 

He described the one in the music video of a guy with long hair, and he had a wife.

So, I tried to help him, and searched Google using the search words, "Filipino singer with long hair."

And what the heck! 

Top answer was Freddie Aguilar, and I am pretty sure it wasn't him the boy was referring to.

But eventually, he found song. 

It was this... 

Hehehehe. It's 'Pag-ibig sa Tabing Dagat' by Orange and Lemons.

The long haired guy he was referring to was Empoy Marquez, and the wife is Alessandra de Rossi. Both are actors and, I think this music video was for their movie. 

I told him that the song reminded me of Eraserheads, and some songs of Parokya ni Edgar back in the day. 

He agreed, but added that he haven't heard any Parokya ni Edgar songs yet.

I recommended 'Harana.'

"Harana? But I thought Eraserheads sang that?"

I honestly didn't know that the latter had a song with the same title too. 

We listened to Parokya ni Edgar on Spotify. He loved them.

I was trying to close my eyes when he asked for help. He said he couldn't read the title of Parokya ni Edgar's first album.

He even asked me if it's in Tagalog and what does it mean.

Hahaha. I, for one, had a hard time reading it. I think they just made this word up.

"KHANGKHUNGHERRNitZ"

"But Ma, the second album has a longer title. It's Buruguduystunstugudunstuy!"

 

"Oh my gosh, 'doy! If there is a Filipino Jeopardy, and it's the final round where you have to wage your money and spell your answer, and suddenly the final jeopardy is ...

"The title of Parokya ni Edgar's second album."

...and then you waged everything you earned, but then you missed one letter of the correct answer. What is Buruguduystunstugudunstuy!

"Patay!" (You're Dead!) was his response.

We're Moving?

 I was fuming mad at the mister. It's final that we're moving to North Carolina on Sunday.

Wait.

What?

Why the urgency? Are we running away from someone?

Are we in the witness protection program that I am not given time to even say goodbye to my friends?

North Carolina?!

I don't have friends there. 

In this town, I know several sales clerks that I call friends at the thrift stores in 3 different locations-- in Willowdale, Buckeystown, and in Middletown. 

I also love the local independent businesses in town. 

Our house has the biggest lot in our hood, which is perfect for my greenhouse and several garden plots that the mister built.

Plus, my kids' friends from elementary and high school are all from here. On Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks, these kids hold their reunions at our house over Filipino dinner that I plan and prepare. 

My heart was so heavy while packing all of my money pile in the basement (read: my vintage items for sale). I couldn't grasp the thought of living somewhere other than this town---Frederick.

I hated the mister so much. He didn't even let me weigh things out with him.

I felt betrayed. This hurts a lot.

I can't believe he had the audacity to just pull us out of this house that we call home since 2002. 

Then, I suddenly woke up at the loud creak of our bedroom door. He came rushing in and said...

"Let's go! It's Thursday. It's dollar day at the thrift store!"

I sat up, and breathed a sigh of relief. The time on my watch was 11:15 AM.

 

I Need a Picker Upper

That's what I told the boy yesterday. 

On Monday I went in for my immunotheraphy. I was told I was due for my shots again in 3 weeks. 

Yehey! 

For awhile it was done every week. I honestly don't mind the pinches of 4 needles, and then feeling the pain, then holding myself from itching my red, swollen and hot arms after. I just don't like going out of the house. 

I haven't been feeling my best self for 2 days.  I didn't have fever, but I felt tired, and sleepy.

After I had my coffee and Spanish bread yesterday morning, I fell asleep in the living room. I didn't go to work at all. 

I felt the boy putting a blanket on me. Then I felt his head resting gently on my leg.

"I need a picker upper, 'doy!"

"Have an iced coffee, Ma." he suggested. 

Honestly, nothing in mind made me get so excited--- not even the idea of gardening, having a cup of Joe, sewing, thrifting, going to the fabric store, or watching an uninterrupted KDrama. 

In the afternoon, I felt the same. My natural pretty and energetic self was just so elusive.

Then just after dinner, the universe brought it back. 

I sold 8 vintage items worth  $500 from 2 of my online stores. That is 1900% profit.

The chaching chaching got me so excited. That is indeed a wonderful picker upper. 

Today, I woke up early to ship 8 items. Although the boy offered his help, but I declined. I had to because no one else really knows how to do my job, not even the mister. It is a one woman show. 

In a world full of millions of choices, these buyers from all over the world bought an item from me--- just a speck of dust within the online world. 

And with that, I am truly blessed, and sincerely grateful.