How the rich cope

RIGHT NOW, I’m discovering the vocal stylistics of The King’s Singers. I’m playing from Amazon Music, of course.

I mean, if I got Amazon Prime membership, why not enjoy the other benefits?

I like the selections in the album currently playing.

Their music is new to me, even if I know some of the songs they cover. I love it. I’ll probably sit with them for an hour while enjoying my coffee and lox bagel.

*** Yesterday was pretty hot. Someone died at the Brooklyn HalfMarathon.

I mean, why in hell would people run in such temperatures when clearly the weather forecast has issued an advisory?

I called t he heat yesterday oppressive. I showered five times in 24 hours. Of course, we got air conditioning!

*** Anyway, the weather was so bad I couldn’t write.

I probably couldn’t think or be inspired, but that’s pushing it.

In fact, I watched at least five movies.

Or my cousin played movies, and I watched along.

Cousin kept asking me what movie I wanted to see. I just said, Play whatever you want. I hate to think for the two of us. Or three, to include my aunt; four, if you count the dog.

*** We had a lot of food yesterday. Despite the heat, my aunt had cooked pancit molo, and fried liempo (pork belly), and mackerel paksiw for lunch and dinner. For breakfast, she did spam and eggs. Leftover from the previous day included pancit canton and Swedish meatballs with cranberry sauce, and watermelon.

My meetup with a guy who lives 30 miles away got cancelled, so I was not really in the mood to eat. But I ate plenty anyway. There’s something about sitting with the family and eating on a hot day, and talking about the miserable choices Filipinos make.

*** Yesterday, I also just got out my iPhone and took at least 24 photos of the purple irises blooming at my aunt’s garden.

Irises are not my flower. But they were pretty, and begging to be photographed.

And some days, I just study things that I haven’t paid full attention to before.

In addition to the purple irises, the yellows and the white and purple varieties are also in full bloom today.

*** Early this morning, when I took the dog out for its morning routine, I startled a deer in the backyard.

And it galloped away, but in a beautiful way.

The clouds were also beautiful early on, so I had a glorious sunrise photo. But everything went so fast. In less than five minutes, the clouds changed; and in less than three, the lights changed.

I always feel lucky that I could see these things, and just marvel at the beauty of creation.

*** I’m pretty sure that I’m not

the only one who has seen these glorious things. But to see them everyday! And to be aware of the beauty around us 24/7, that’s just me.

I mean, I’ve also seen people my age wake up at the same time I do, but do they have the time to admire the sunrise?

I’m sure, the sunrise is also pretty on their way to work, or on their way home from the night shift, but do they stop to admire it?

Do they take photos to have proofs that they did stop?

*** And that’s where I am different. My life is pretty documented. On social media, my diet is posted on Instagram; my sunrise and sunset series are also on Facebook.

I have a pretty good reputation of being transparent.

And in all things, I endeavor to be truthful.

That’s why I’m pretty happy and content. I hide no secrets.

*** Occasionally, and for good reasons, I could be sad.

But not for long. I cope pretty well. I cannot be depressed. I always have an option for a more active lifestyle.

The only reason I still haven’t booked my Peru trip for a tour of the Machu Picchu is that I am now considering a group tour to include Brazil, Argentina, and Ecuador.

A month long on the road for a quarter of a million pesos? I’m thinking, Why not?

*** Last month, I did consider investing in the Philippines.

Something conservative, small scale. Just five million pesos capital. Just to help employ a few people.

Maybe give a little livelihood for those who have nothing.

And then, the May elections happened. So, baby, No. I’m good! There is a bigger world. And before you can think it, I’ll say it—

I’m not bitter. I’m just coping. Haha!/