Unusual Channel
By Ma. Renette B. Uy

My favorite things

These are a few of my favorite things but I don't like dog bites or bee stings and I am not going to perform a Julie Andrews song and dance stint though I love the classic Sound of Music movie, I just would like to write and tell you about it.

Favorite Thing # 1. The greatest feeling I can think of and hope everybody agrees with me is the feeling of being in love. One gets so excited and lightheaded. For a boy-girl relationship, it all starts with a special glance, then a sweet smile and it advances to small talks and walks in the park or mall is it? Love, after all conquers anything and everything. No matter how one loses sleep or loses appetite to eat, who cares? It's a feeling worth feeling and it is one of my favorite things because I am still in love.

Favorite Thing # 2. Have you laughed so hard lately that your face hurt? Laughed so hard that it brought tears to your eyes? It is such a groovy and giddy feeling. Last weekend was really a laughing experience. What made it more wonderful was that I was laughing with new friends and old friends. How about laughing at yourself? Stupid but funny mistakes or bloopers are more like it I guess. There was one time I was really in a hurry to finish some work and after coming from somewhere, I rushed to the bedroom, changed into comfortable clothes and started working on the computer when I realized my shirt was reversed. Not funny to you but I looked stupid so I started laughing at myself. Superb feeling! The laugh of course, not the stupid reverse shirt! Or have you tried laughing for absolutely no reason at all? Laugh in any form is a laugh. It's a joyful feeling!

Favorite Thing # 3. Nothing beats a hot shower after a tiring day. It is so relaxing and it takes away all the stress. Though, it's best to soak in hot water with oil essences, aromatic gels and beads, of course in a bathtub that is or a bubble bath is most invigorating. Since I don't have a bathtub and I cannot bubble bath, I am reduced to the usual “balde, tabo” and hot water but still nothing beats a hot bath.

Favorite Thing # 4 & 5. Though this may seem impossible, wouldn't it be great if suddenly you see no lines at the supermarket and department stores? Moreover, smiling and courteous cashiers, not those chatty ones that makes me upset. It would be a welcome change, don't you think? How about taking a drive on a pretty road? Nice, huh? No traffic, wider roads and clean too would really make driving easy and enjoyable. Street names and right road directions would also be a refreshing change. Oh well, it can be my favorite things even if I have to daydream about it. Its free anyway!

Favorite Thing # 6. When I was in Manila, the first thing I would do then is to turn on the radio and wait for my favorite song to play. It would start my day right and inspire me to do whatever task for that day. Whether I am about to go to work or simply staying home to do chores, my favorite song never fails to arouse my inner senses. I hope we have a local radio station here that plays jazz, funky or simply soothing music not those trashy pinoy music with trashy lyrics or pop songs with DJs talking all the time.

Favorite Thing # 7. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside is one of my favorite things. It clears my head of anything stressful. I am in a tranquil state just listening to the drops of rain outside my window. Sometimes we need the laid-back feeling to shake us out of our too nerve-racking and demanding day. To make us “go back to earth from our hectic planetary travels” and enjoy a good conversation with our love ones. Rain makes me mellow not to mention sexy, at some point almost “cat-purr.” I am sure a lot will agree with me out there. Try it! Enjoy the rain sometimes; you will be surprise at the goodies it will bring.

Favorite Thing # 8. Philippe and I always enjoy sharing our favorite strawberry milkshake. The best part is the “share” factor. We can always order for both of us but we would order just one and enjoy it. We are both strawberry flavor freaks. Every time we make our grocery trip, we would buy and try on anything that has strawberry flavor. It would be from candies to oat meals, anything at all as long as it's strawberry. It's our fun time together.

Favorite Thing # 9. Giggling is a pet activity. I love to giggle with my two sons. Tickling them till they giggle some more. Whenever Elijah (my nine month old baby), starts cooing, I giggle some more too. Or when Armand starts to flash his cute smile, nice teeth and all, giggle time. Of course, giggling with Philippe is a different thing (censored, hehehe) )! Another giggly feeling is that every time he tells me how lovely I am especially in the morning when we wake up, it makes my day! It makes getting out of bed every morning worthwhile and I would want to be grateful always to God for another beautiful day He brings to this world. Of course, he never forgets to say “I love you” every time. When he tells me he misses me when I am not in the house or when we are not together, of course, giggle! Giggle, giggle, giggle and giggle some more!

Another favorite thing is making new friends or spending time with old ones. Coffee and hot chocolate, watching a movie with the hubby, chocolate chip cookies, pasta and pizza, going to a bookstore. Computer games (not the counter strike, ragnarok, excuse me, duh!) , a beautiful sunset or a breathtaking sunrise. These are all my favorite things. I have a lot more favorite things before but things have changed and times have changed. Either way, those are still my favorite things.

Top on my list would be to know I have done the right thing, no matter what other people think. As long as it was helpful and made another person feel better and happy I don't really care what other people think. As long as my conscience is clear and I am not stepping on anybody's toes, then it is okay. And, for as long as I can sleep tight at night, I am really okay!

“To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.”