Amid My Silent Reverie

UPDATED: Sharing this article again in celebration of Father's Day (June 18, 2017). The poem I will share to you is from Francis Kong's One Day at a Time Book 2. If you are looking for motivational and inspirational books, scout for his works. This poem seemed to hit a soft spot in my heart because I never really grew up with my Dad around in most of my growing years because he is an OFW. Here it is. This is a letter of a father to his son who is a soldier during World War II. Dear Son, I wish I had the power to write The thoughts wedged in my heart tonight As I sit watching that small star And wondering where and how you are. You know, Son, it's a funny thing How close a war can really bring A father, who for years with pride. Has kept emotions deep inside. I'm sorry, Son, when you were small I let reserve build up that wall; I told you real men never cried, And it was Mom who always dried Your tears and smoothed your hurts away...

I admit that I am an obsessive compulsive when it comes to trips. And it's a bit hardcore I guess because I hate it when we don't have an itinerary or if we can't complete it as planned. I get disappointed big time to the point that it stresses me a lot. Let me share with you my minimum requirements when going out: 1) reading travel/food blogs so we can shortlist and prioritize the places we want to visit and the food we want to eat, 2) checking the weather so I could plan on what clothes I need to bring, and 3) making an excel sheet of expenses (this is especially true for out of town/ out of country trips) and other minor reasons. I would like to believe I am like this because first, the money I used in splurging is limited and hard earned; second, we don't always get to go to a particular place so it would be better if we make most out the trip meaning we follow the proposed itinerary; and lastly, I don't always have the luxury of time to go on vacation. But I a...