Meow

This is my version of "cat blogging times." However, the pictures you see here were not taken by me but by Pam who sent them to me through email. Thanks, Pam. I've been asking her for pictures of her magnificent cats. There were three of them, and they're not itty-bitty small that you can just lift by one hand. No honey, you'd break your back if you carry them all.

Captions be provided by Pam. Oh, right, Pam?

English Professor wins Story Prize '08

An English professor at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts won this year's Story Prize.

Jim Shepard, 49, won $20,000 for his collection, "Like You'd Understand, Anyway."

Cards Galore

Thank you card for Mary L.

Thank you card for Dr. Lon.

Birthday card for Pastor David.

Little Isaac

I have never seen a baby as good as baby Isaac. He doesn't squeal when he's hungry or when left alone by his mom. He just plays with his toys. And he smiles a lot, too.

Scholarship

I am happy to receive an email today informing me that I was granted a scholarship from Barnes & Noble College Bookstore/BASC. The scholarship will help pay for my books for two semester.

Let's celebrate!

More Fun Times with the Smiths

Andrew and Elijah having a fun time outside the house.

Little Isaac is a wonderful baby.

Fun Time with the Smiths

David celebrated his birthday with his nephew's family Sunday. He surely had a grand time with the kids who are his bundle of joy.

David showing his cushy pillow, ops, no, the pictures in his camera.

Andrew, left, and Elijah enjoy having Uncle David around.

Sweet time with Elijah.

I, of course, had a great time playing with the kids outside.

Birthday Greetings to...

Mr. David W. Smith who celebrated his nth birthday Sunday, Feb. 24.

Pictures taken at Cocoa Beach, Florida.

The Truth and Nothing But the Truth...

so help me God.

I read this article in The New York Times today. It is about retired priest, Rodney L. Rodis who was sentenced to five years for bilking two churches in the US. It appeared that Rodis has a wife and three daughters. He is Filipino.

The news doesn't shock me. My mother's friends used to play mahjong with a lady who is the wife of a priest. They have a son. I also recall the confession of a Filipino actor that his father is a retired priest. The actor has four other siblings from the same father. I don't think there was anything wrong with having a wife and children when you are a church leader. However, Rodis's fault was taking out money from the church coffer to support his family and not being a family man.

I hope the Roman Catholic diocese will realize that to become an effective "father" you have to become one. It seems that the influence of Spanish friars during the Spanish occupation is still eminent.

The report also said that Rodis, 51, has diabetes and prostate cancer.

Will Rodis be able to save his name and reputation if he'll let people see him pray 1,000 "Our Father" and 10,000 "Hail Mary"?

Thank You Cards

I made thank you cards for those who offered comfort and help during my times of grief and need. I wish I could do more. I know my father would have loved to meet all of you.

Here are some of the many cards I made. I forgot to take pictures of the other cards.

Snows Falling on Brockport

My friend from the Philippines and I were able to chat last night through yahoo. He was asking me about snow and would like snow as a present if I ever get back home. Like, yeah, snow as a present. It is so funny because that is what I also told my former high classmate's mother when she came home from the States. She was telling me about snow and the weather. Then, I told her in jest, "Tita, bring me naman some snow when you come back from your next US trip." She ignored what I said of course.

In my first correspondence with other international students here one student from Asia was so excited to experience winter. "I love snow," she said. Well, she's not anymore enrolled this year. I wonder if she quit school because of the snow or has graduated. My American friends would ask me over and over if I love wintertime. Well, I honestly tell them that I was so excited with my first experience with snow but as the days progress I was cursing at the top of my head because of the coldness. Now, undestand why most people here in Upstate New York fly to Florida or Vegas during these months.

To give you a glimpse of what is it like during wintertime here, here are some pictures I took at SUNY Brockport campus.

I dare you to sit on this bench. I dare you!

Let it snow, let it snow.

Poor little tree.

Yeah, where's the snowman if you might ask. He is inside the building warming himself.

What if it is your job to shovel this area? Would you accept the job?

One of the oldest building at SUNY Brockport, the Hartwell Hall.

Here are your boulders of ice. Go make yourself some halo-halo.

Plants "die" and are reborn in Spring.

A Valentine from Home

My mother and father sent me a Valentine card. It was sent a day before my father died. Yea, it takes that long for the card to arrive.

School Blues

When it is snowing outside and being in the car, driving around somewhere who knows where is gruesome and you hate your professor, what more can one do than forget the world in a moment by sleeping...

in the library!

More Cards

More people have sent or given me sympathy cards. Thank you for the comforting words. I truly appreciate it.

From Freida, my 104-year-old friend

From Pam (again!)

Joyce P.

The Spillane family

Tammy C.

Mr. and Mrs. Moore

Ms. Norma P.

From David's younger brother, Mr. and Mrs. Tim Smith of Pennsylvania

Mrs. Norma G.

I would also like to extend my appreciation for the help extended by Mr. and Mrs. Shoots, Mr. and Mrs. Beniot, Pam Hall (it was really nice seeing you Tuesday, Pam), Joyce P., Dr. Lon B., my Mendon Church family, Norma P., Freida N., Mr. and Mrs. Steinglein, Mrs. Porter, Marianne, Tammy, Mary L., etc. I cannot fully express my appreciation.