Cloud 9

We had one-and-a-half hour to board our charter plane. Accompanied by my own entourage: my husband, my two sons and an arsenal of surfboards and we were ’stoked’! We were in Philippines and we’re heading to Cloud 9. One of the world’s best surf spot. Only one caveat – supposedly it’s not safe for ‘foreigners’ I looked at my American husband and two light-haired son then me ,the only one who fits in, and suddenly I’m not so stoked.

Our plane touched down and I caught a glimpse of my husband’s wonderment of the land. Endless rows of coconut trees, from a distance a man was walking on a rice patty path while his machete swings on his waist. My children laughed at at the sight of the water buffalo chewing on his cud. This was their airport. No concrete runway instead it was green grass, no security just a table, two attendants equipped with rubber stamps, an old fashion baggage scale and roosters running wild. I felt uncertain in a country where I was born. A tricycle driver yells, “Welcome Surfista!” and for a second I anticipated for him to blindfold everyone from the plane and ask for ransom money instead he smiled his toothless smile and says “Over der es where Abu-Walang-Bayag is hiding…” Lucky for me I understood his pun of joke and I laughed along with him but still I couldn’t help but looked at the forest of coconut trees. His joke was a way to reassure us that he’s on my team and not the one who was in hiding.

The next few days, I mastered the art of doing nothing. My husband happily surfed and hung out with ex-pat Aussies and my kids endlessly played on the beach under the hot-hot tropical sun. They found ‘Nemo’ amongst other sea life and they were particularly fond of chasing coconut crabs huge ones especially at night for which they came in drones. My children wore their headlamps and watched them ate and clicked-clacked their claws. We toured the island on a motorcycle with no helmets with my oldest sitting right on the gas tank. Was I worried that we did not meet U.S transportation standard? Perhaps a little thankfully we got back to our cottage safe and sound. The irony of the trip was as travelers we have all kinds of assumptions of people and places out of our comfort zone. We tend to feel worried and think of the negative and even judge. During my stay, I learned the true meaning of a Spanish saying “Via con Dios!” and I left all my worries behind and learned to live in the moment.

Happy Birthday

     Before my second child was born, I had a vivid dream that the Crepe Myrtles were in full bloom.  The branches wrapped around my house and grew through my window and in my dream pink petals covered my living room.  I woke up thinking our second child was going to be a baby girl instead I was blessed with another boy.

     This Friday my Leif is turning eight.  The palpable memories of scooping this child in my arms seem so distant as he grows.  On school days, I watch Leif hops on the sidewalk and stop short on the corner before he crosses the street sometimes he holds his older brother’s hand.   Long gone the days when he learned to crawl on the kitchen floor, the 9 o’clock shows of Max and Ruby on NickJr., me sneaking out of his sight so I can go somewhere – anywhere for that matter.  Before he turned 2, I’ve had to call poison control twice!  Once, he happily chewed on a watercolor pallet- turning his lips green.  The other incident involved a tincture of wart removal.  There was a third incident but I decided it would be to my benefit to not call poison control for fear of having him or my children taken away from me.  He is fine by the way.  Leif is always full of trickery and slow to anger.  I watch Leif go through his life so easily misunderstood, overlooked and often outshone by an exceptional older brother.  Yet Leif shines on his own.  This summer it was a joy to watch Leif surf again.  After his lips were badly cut from the fins he swore he wouldn’t go on a surfboard again but the family’s passion took over the phobia and now he is back with the rest of the family enjoying the ride. He is my comfort and his promise to push me on a wheel chair when the day would come when I would need more than just a cane is endearing.  In his presence I will never be short of company.  You are a treasure Leif and We love you so.  Enjoy your ice cream (as I would be happy to oblige) you don’t like cake, I know.   Happy Birthday!

Here is your favorite video with your favorite power animal

 

 

To offshore drill or not offshore drill that is the question

     During the election of 2008, I heard the Republican Party in a frenzy screaming “Drill Baby Drill!!!.”  This was the mantra that echoed in Sarah Palin’s VP’s speech and her and the Republican party’s words left me broken.

     I am oppose to off-shore drilling for simple reasons:

1.     Off-shore drilling will not significantly affect me financially. 

2.     The environmental risk by far out weighs the benefits the State would receive.

3.     Off shore drilling will only postpone the inevitable solution, which is alternative energy.

As I raise my concern, offshore drilling in the Virginia coast is moving forward with the push of the current Bush Administration.  I can’t say democrat Tim Kaine had no role on this issue he supported the bill back in 2006.  Currently, 50 miles offshore in Virginia is being considered for offshore oil and natural gas exploration. In North Carolina ocean waters, they are pushing for 100 miles offshore but Virginia will set the standard.    

     In closing, I want to say that I love the ocean.  I love the gifts the ocean bestows to families, my friends and me.  When the day comes that my husband and children cannot surf or swim or I can’t jog on the beach because of environmental issues caused by offshore drilling, yes I will be angry.  The vision of black slick oil accompanied by lifeless sea creature washing on shore isn’t appealing at all to me.  I have strong reservations with regards to nature.  Remember oil is a global commodity the price is set according the entire world demands.  Don’t be fooled.