Cases of Mistaken Identity

Case 1

After braving the wind, the highway, the hills, the bicycle road rules, and the passing cars, I finally arrived at my destination.

With the enticement of my friend Maita, I just had to get hold of BBC’s North and South. And so I found myself one morning at Borders.

At the counter, I asked for my order. (I was told the night before they’d keep my order for me at the counter as it was their last stock.) It was not at the counter so I was referred to the information section. When I went to the information center, the lady assisting me could also not find my order.

She checked the computer. “Actually, we don’t have that but we could order it for you.” She then apologized how one of their staff mistakenly assured me that the DVD was available in their store. Then she continued, “Let me ask Barnes & Noble (a neighboring competing bookstore) if they have one so you don’t have to come back here in the area.”

Then I asked her Border’s address. She gave it to me. It was different from the address that I had with me.

I sheepishly apologized. I was at the wrong store. I ordered at Barnes & Noble and not at Borders. Sorry!


Case 2

In the middle of watching tv and checking my emails, I put a plaster on one of my hurting fingers (from paper cut). After doing so, I still felt pain when using the keyboard.

The cause: I placed the plaster on a neighboring unhurt finger.

Case 3

“Camille!” I excitedly greeted and approached a girl who was coming out of our International Law class. I thought for the longest time she was the Filipina JD (Juris Doctor, in other words, a law student) I knew enrolled at Notre Dame.

“No, I’m not Camille.” The girl said smiling and walking away leaving me laughing at myself.

The next day I happened to greet the right Camille. Yey!

Case 4

One night, a colleague and neighbor came by the apartment to bring me a book he said I left in our classroom a few hours before. Without question I accepted the book and thanked him.

The next day when I checked my bag, my book was there. The “found” book was lost after all. It reunited with its true owner one week later.

First "A"

Eeeeeee! (Shouting with great joy and gladness!)

Join me in thanks and praise!!! (to the heavens of course)

I got my first "A" on a paper today and I'm just so floating on air! I am seriously considering laminating the paper with the grade and comment written on it (after going back to my professor to have him sign it!) Hahaha!

"Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice! Rejoice!"

First Snow Fall in South Bend

5 November 2007 - My first snow in South Bend

People have been endlessly warning me about the weather here. And I have unceasingly prayed that it won't be that bad.

The first snow fall has come but it won't stick. I am certain we shall survive even with a negative one degree celsius forecast today, November 6. Brrrr!

Lamenting the Slow Death of the Philippines

On a flight from Cleveland to Washington Reagan, the guy sitting beside me on the plane said, "I'm very interested in politics. May I ask what are the issues facing the Philippines now?"

Before answering the question, I thought to myself, "Do you really want to know? Are you prepared to know? Do you have time to listen?"

I had to restrain myself from using up the whole one hour flight just talking about Philippine issues. They are just too many to mention! I told him a few things like the poverty, corruption, and lack of true leadership. I stopped there. It was too morbid to go on.

We started the conversation by him telling me the nice things he has heard about the Philippines. So before he completely forgets about the nice things and just remember my lament, I stopped.

I did not tell him about the extra-judicial killings, the disappearances, the plight of the marginalized groups, the comedy in the legislative and executive branches, the continuing need for reform of the judiciary, the brain drain, the "wars" during elections --- even the barangay elections, the drugs, the immorality, the splitting up of families due to migration, the bombings, etc etc.

And now, the most recent blow - - - the pardon of Joseph Estrada. For the good of the country? For reconciliation? Puhlease!

My head is aching. My heart is breaking. I am lamenting the slow death of the Philippines.

What should we do? What can we do? There must be something we can do.

Joy

Inspired by the message of the Gospel today, I biked around the campus with pleasure, delight and joy. "For this is the day that the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice!"

Here are some pictures

Tree by the Lake




The road less traveled



St. Mary's Lake



Some other highlights of the day:

Listening to and being in the same room with Former Ireland President and UN High Commissioner on Human Rights Mary Robinson.

Getting treated to a pizza for dinner! Hehehe

Pacquiao vs Barrera

Pacquiao won! Thanks to my friend Iyok, I was able to watch the fight "live!"

Thanks to technology too! Twelve rounds. Unanimous decision.

I can just imagine the jolly mood of the Philippines right now! Yeehah!

I am not alone

Just to make it clear. I am not alone.
My bike is the one in front with the basket.

The picture is taken at the side entrance of the Law School. To the right is the construction of the new building.

It's perfectly normal to go to school on a bike here- whatever your age. ;-)




Yes I do love my bike. And so do other people too!