"Sometimes I just don't know"

Bloody hell, I hate oversleeping.

Mom went out today to do run some errands in downtown Flushing. In a surprising move, she returned with a few small gifts for one of my bros who will be starting his first full-time job on Monday. We're all very proud that he's reached such a momentous and deserved occasion in his life. Now he'll enter the grind of busting his back at his occupation and hopefully it'll work out.

She also got some Colombian food from Jackson Heights which we devoured like Amazonian piranhas. Rotisserie chicken, beans, rice, fried plantain, and to top it off she stopped by Carvel to get an ice cream cake for dessert. Real good stuff.

Mom's on the phone now with one of my aunts in Colombia. I'm eager to find out how everyone's doing, especially grandma. I really hope she doesn't lose it though I understand if that happens to be the case.

So far I've yet to write to any long lost acquaintances/friends/colleagues. I better get crackin' on that tonight.

Though I don't regret the decision to miss the Joe Vasconcellos' gig last night, I've spent some time checking out concert footage of his on YouTube. Yes it would've been nice to go, but like the rest of the family I must pay my proper respects to Uncle Javy's death. He was one of the kindest, gentlest souls I've ever known and we all miss him very much.

MP3: Bill Withers - I Don't Know

A busy mind

I don't exactly know why but I've been thinking of her all day long. ("Her" = see the first anecdote in this post). Perhaps deep down inside I miss her immensely. Maybe it's the feeling of care towards her that reappeared suddenly. Whatever the case may be my mind has been filed with thoughts of her over the past 24 hours.

Hence, I cannot think of a more appropriate thing to post but the following. It just seems like the most appropriate thing to include.

Feliz Cumple, Abuelita!

No excuses folks. I promised yesterday to write about what happened to me while I was on the road last week but I never did. Maybe I'll write something up tomorrow, though knowing me I might not.

However, I'm in bright spirits today on account of my grandma's birthday. She celebrates 86 years of life and has always been a source of inspiration for me. All her life she resided in La Palma, Colombia (which I somewhat described here), and she has an inner strength that few can imagine. She is the quintessential doting grandmother with her family and is a pillar of unity amongst us. Sadly, age has sapped much of her physical strength though she tries to be as independent as possible. I sincerely hope that I can see her alive the next time I travel over there (whenever that is).

In reminiscing of all the good times with Grandma, I remembered the Bill Withers' song called "Lovely Day." She can be tough at times but for the most part she is one of the kindest, most generous people I've been fortunate and blessed to know. She has the uncanny knack to turn any day into a lovely day, and thus I wholeheartedly dedicate this song to her: