Playgrounds

Things I notice in these indoor playgrounds.
How wonderful is it that my kid can randomly pick another child and play together like they've been friends for decades.

It amazes me that with all the kids running around wildly and aimlessly in the playgrounds, they aren't running into each other. They can start and stop on a dime and then jump and leap from one obstacle to the next and avoid an incoming kid. Amazing.

There are paranoid parents who follow their child everywhere, and then there are those parents who aren't even aware that their child has left the premises because having an adult conversation with a complete stranger is so much more important.

Where were these when I was growing up. They're popping up everywhere...

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Playgrounds

Joey's Surgery

Joey needed surgery to repair a "defect" in his abdomen that is best described as congenital hernia. It's never easy to see one's own child go into surgery, much less see the after effects of it.

From Random 2008

As expected, Joey was grouchy and slouching for several days, but we were relieved to see that he was back to his two-year-old self soon thereafter.

Jake's Last Day at Kindercare

From Jake's Last Day at Kindercare

About five years ago, Trina and I had no idea who would care for our first child, Jacob, when it was time for Trina to return to work. It was difficult to find the right people and the right environment where we could leave our first born in capable and trusting hands. We found that place in the Kindercare Center at Franklin Farms.

We immediately felt comfortable with Jake's first caregivers. He started in the infants room where he was taken care of by Ms Bev, Ms Jeanie, Ms Rosa, and Ms Lorna.

Afterwards, Ms Nikki, Ms Leena, Ms Claudia, Ms Melanie, Ms Rada, and many other kind and wonderful teachers had a hand in developing his social and cognitive skills. Jacob thrived in Ms Rada's class as he began to learn and grow into his own. Special thanks to Ms Emily, Ms Paige, and Ms Beth for managing a fun and safe atmosphere.

Trina and I can't believe that Jake's time at Kindercare has finally come to an end. Jake outlasted most of his teachers there, but he leaves the center as a well-prepared pre-schooler ready to take on the challenges of Kindergarten and beyond.

Tess Arzaga Visits

My cousin from the Philippines recently came to visit the "States" on a business trip. Lucky for us, she was able to take some time during the weekends to meet our two boys. We were glad to see you Ate Tess; it's always good to see family.

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Tess Arzaga Visits

"[They] all go to eleven. Look, right across the board, eleven, eleven, eleven and... "

Paddi and Tyler are now eleven years old this summer. Wow, that's older than Lolo and Lola. Happy Birthday Paddi and Tyler.


From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog."

They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog," but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because they "just don't understand." - unknown