A fathers love misunderstood...

I guess at times, your children mistaken you for being a tough, self-centered person when instilling discipline. It is funny however that I try as hard to teach only what I was taught as young boy growing to be man.  Expectations are meant to be broken and you know what, I understand. I just hope they understand me as well.

My wife has taught me to love in different ways, discipline with love was new to me as that was something I did not endure growing up, it was either you messed up and will be disciplined or you don't and probably still get disciplined. Ha ha ha....

Anyways back to my subject, I feel that there are times when a fathers love is misunderstood.  I personally feel that my strictness makes my children feel that I don't love them, but I do, different strokes for different folks is what it is. I came into my children's lives with my 2nd wife after they have already experienced a different lifestyle. Nevertheless, I try to show my unconditional love for them, by doing what I feel is best.  It is a challenge, but I am hoping that in the future they will see that I never once looked away and treated them any different from that of my own blood.

To all my children, daddy loves you all!

Surpassing Expectations Update....

With my expectation stated in January of this year through this blog, I mentioned areas of challenges and dreams come to reality. Well, the couture of things are this:

1. BISON Relations is operating and taking off. It's time to fine tune and reorganize to build equity with the business model. Our name is out there and clients are so pleased with the professional work provided.

2. National Guard was what I really wanted to get into, certain issues affected my enlistment, nevertheless, I am still eager to find myself as a service member in the future.

3. Non-profit group for Humanitarians is kicking butt! Although still in its infancy stages, through proper leadership we have accounted for many fundraising activities and are now looking at growing the organization for international sponsorship of children. Recently we have just opened up in the Philippines whereas, 3 children are being sponsored with $30.00 per month each for their livelihood, health and education.  It isn't much, but it surely helps.




So in essence, I am buzzing like a buzy bee, but that's fine as long as I make time for my family.

HELLER :) Yes, yes, its been a while!

I officially welcome myself back to the world of blogging, I kinda miss it and then again, a great way to keep tabs on the developments that have been a part of me and those who are in my life good and bad, but more so the good from here on out!

Ok, I thought I'd make myself look funny and yes, i should close my mouth, but I was multi-tasking at the time. Try this, hold your camera in one hand and a popcorn or m&m in the same hand and toss, catch with your mouth.... Hahaha, wait a minute, then you question how was the photo captured, see that was the amazing part of it!  I tossed high enough to refocus on the shot, hoping I would have caught in time as the photo was taken... Unfortunately, that was not the case...

Good to be back!

Changing Tides...New format for Blog

I've decided to use this blog for recording instances of my divorce problems with my ex-wife who seems to create more problems than needed for particularly a record of Child visitations and everything else.  I will start posting only those that need to be recorded as eventually, one day, my children will see the what had transpired over the days, months and years of my intent to be with them only to be distraught from my ex-wife's actions.

It may hurt, but I need to start the recording process for the better good.

Unequivocally surpassing expectations

Throughout life, there has been many obstacles that hindered progress. I know it will never subside as these hurdles and challenges plague me horrendously. However, my luck has changed.

Why do I use the term luck? Well, I am a firm believer that the woman in your life resurrects or better yet, vehemently entices one to progress. In my case, I am with my perfect match. Unequivocally she gives me the motivation, the drive to succeed in what I do. To date, my accomplishment listed is not of a huge number, but an accomplishment of what I intend to do or become as I surpass my expectations.

They are:

1. Opened my own business once again, a PR company called BISON Relations. Funny how I thought of this name only the very purpose of the actual animal. Used as my company name for its strength, cunning mobility, gracefulness, embodied stature, then again, when considering my wife's name Boni, the letters in BISON has Boni written all over it. The perfect name for my business.

2. Joining the armed forces. I have done so much in my short life to date, yet I have not been challenged by the Armed Forces. I am curios and eager to find my calling, it may not be it, but I would want to try. What have I got to loose, aside from being deployed to dangerous grounds, then again, I lay my life in the hands of our almighty.

3. President of a non-profit group called Empty Vessel. A humanitarian organization helping others to find stability and financial solvency for themselves. I am proud to serve in this capacity, however not easy with my duties and tasks at hand.

Over the years, I have succeeded in many occasions as well have failed. That has never stopped me from getting up and rising to the occasion once again. I've used my failures to strengthen myself, I mean, my failures are not your common failures in life. I strangely placed myself in such predicaments that would need a crane with large spools of cable to pull me out of the depth I dug myself into. Funny how life composes and defines you as a person.

Closing out this post has got me thinking of where I am today. What have I become? Who am I in this world? I am simple and hardworking and I know that only good things come from those traits. I am a family man, a father, a dad, a lover, a partner, a businessman, a speaker, a confidant, and a friend to say a few. Hence without encouragement from my family, I would never have done what I am doing today. My wife supports me in my endeavors and for once in my life I was told "I am proud of you". My wife said this to me last week as I spoke on behalf of MLK and the non-profit group I head. I love my life, I love the people around me, I love my children, and most of all I love my wife as she defines me.

Karma hits 10 fold on Mouth!

Last Monday, January 11, 2010, the inauguration of my father in law was staking place at the legislative senate chamber. Boni and I were there since the beginning. Low and behold, my ex-in-laws sat right in front of us. I did not really care to feel indifferent, I worried more on my wife who sat right next to me. I wondered what was going through her head as she sees these individuals, one who has spoken ill of her when in fact not knowing her at all. Carelessly, my ex-mother in-law as in her own arrogant ways opens her mouth for attention. I have always realized that she craves to be on center stage. Today was yet another day to showcase herself that way.

I was pleased with my wife's attitude, she is truly a respectable and honorable woman. I on the other hand cannot compare to her standards. Nevertheless, the mouth who sat in front of us opened, she giggled on and on hideously as others kept quiet listening to the procession taking place. No one understood why she giggled like she did. I looked around and saw that others were looking at her with bewilderment. Baffled as to what is so funny and then turn away as if she did not exist. Well she really did not exist and no one really cared of her presence where she probably believed they did.

As my father in-law announced his replacement, he spoke of words indicating a transition. He spoke in English as not everyone in the room would have understood our native tongue Chamorro. As he stepped down from his post as the Senate President of the 16th Legislature, the new President presided for the 17th legislature. He then now spoke in our native tongue and what I heard from mouth in front of me disturbed me. She opened her foul invasive mediocre mouth that was intended for my wife and I to hear, she says, "I am glad to hear this speaker as the first one could not speak" (in Chamorro). She failed to realize that her speaking is that of an elementary child, yet she criticizes one who understands the English language very well and practices the use of the language.

My wife did not hear this, but I told her what she said. On and on we watched the proceedings take place. At one point, mouth decided to move to seat next to her which places her in closer distance to both Boni and I. Immediately, Boni says, "What's that smell? It stinks?", of course I was not listening at the time, but I did notice a few heads turn to see what Boni was talking about. As she explains to me, it related to mouth now sitting in front of me, the person sitting two chairs away from her turned and giggled at my wife as she made the comment.

Interesting enough, Karma hit 10 fold in that short moment. Funny how things turn around so quickly. be careful mouth as the next time, it will not be that subtle.

Transition...What does that mean in life?

It was last month, December 2009, that I pondered on thoughts about my current position, my job, my income. I thought to myself, although I enjoy the people I work with, I believe I am coming to a closure of this part in my life, my roots have been uprooted and I am blowing wherever the wind's direction is going, but not until I can secure financial means for my family.

Of course I am not that free moving like the wind, but have the drive and motivation to move on. My responsibilities for my family hold me planted and re-rooted to where I am, well at least for a while that is. How far do I go? I plan to enlist with the Guam National Guard, a career change? No, I do this to support my family, I know it is not an easy decision to make, but it is one that will enable my family with a life I am longing to provide them. I have started my business in August 2008, a Public Relations company and now I have just signed my first yearly contract with the Public School System. I am grateful for the blessings and particular the support I have received over the past months from key people who have entrusted my company and my companies talents. My excitement and challenges begin.

Today, I will find myself at the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation, setting up my power for my new office. A place of my solitude where I can focus and rethink strategies and move in a direction of profits, hopefully that is. My WIFE, who is my partner, best friend, and lover supports my endeavors. I appreciate her support as I want her involvement when the time comes, but then again, how far do I go with this? The challenges of running a business on Saipan, hence, everywhere else in the world is not easy. Global economic downturn is affecting everyone, including a small business like mine. Intervention, creativity will have to take place. Soon, I tell myself as I will enable more time to developing my business. I am career oriented, I am motivated, I am scared of what is there for me with what I am doing, but I wish to have no regrets and I will do what I can to say in the least, I have no "what ifs?".

I tend to see this as a transition in my life, does that make sense? can it be called a transition? All I can say is am hoping that with this new changes I tend to make, I would only hope for the best, but it is mere fact that actions are what depict your success or failures, I am not going to fail! I carry with me my cross, I will not drop it, and if I do, I will not dwell on how far it fell, I will ensure that i quickly pick it up and trudge along with lessons learned.

Wish me luck as I start on my transition...

8 is a lucky number, yes?

The eight (8) come together this past weekend. Boni and I shared a wonderful weekend as it played out a little hectic, but in the end, rewarding as new lessons were taught, feeling and emotions were let out to show how love was in the air at our family home in Papago, Saipan.

Our oldest, Tony, with his drivers license was able to go out on Friday to the movies, he saw the movie "SAW VI", I am envious I love the SAW movies... The rest stayed at home, relaxed knowing full well that we will have activities set up over Saturday and Sunday. A few days we have them all, this is the first picture of everyone together... They are all growing so fast, one day Boni and I will sit back and say to ourselves that we have accomplished so much for our deserving children and one day I look forward to everyone coming back to visit expressing their joy and happiness of a love that they share altogether that was instilled by both Boni and I.

The day continues as food, drinks, deserts and games entertained everyone at Mikaela's 1st birthday party held at the Giovanni's Hyatt Regency Saipan. Boni and I are her godparents, and low and behold I was asked to show exactly how low I can go... Without my girls, Peyton and Wayannie, I probably would not have gone that far throughout the limbo competition. In the end, we got second place, team work paid off.

Yup, it paid off alright, the payoff came with a soar back and thighs... Ooops, has it been that long since my last workout?

Set Your Examples...

“What’s good for the goose is good for the gander” is an American Proverb used over and over again in topics of sexuality, sauces, and in general lament terms of society. My use of this quote is on the basis of society.

Year after year our Commonwealth has faced many challenges, all of which require tough decisions to make and whether they are the right ones or the wrong ones, we must all remember we are a young nation learning to crawl before we can walk. Some may disagree in what I am about to say, but in my personal views, I address only what I believe to have seen and experienced.

On CDA

I would like to start of my comment on the very fact that the Commonwealth Development Authority (CDA) is working on the development of a business incubator, personally it’s about time! Isn’t this what the agency is spearheading, encouraging small business development? How far will this go? A set up of the incubator is a great move, but you must also remember that many people in the Commonwealth who may have a desire to establish a small business cannot fork up the necessary 20% requirement for funding, will there be a plan to stimulate this? I for one believe that it is the middle class men and women who make up the economy of any nation. It is solely on the basis that they are the hard-working individuals who look forward to the American Dream, but then again, dreams are complacent, and in most cases, what is already at hand is enough.

With CDA in this movement, I congratulate the positive reconfiguration of the defunct Pacific Gardenia Hotel. The next steps would be on how to maximize the use of this facility as well offer cash flow packages for serious small business entrepreneurs.

On Retirement Fund

An accrued liability of over $1B is so hard to swallow. As I was growing up, the government retirement plan was the way to go. Everyone wanted this security, the plan, the benefits, and the desire to live comfortably after serving your years of requirements have become the “Commonwealth Dream”. Today this dream has become the nightmare. There have been many talks on how to make this change from a liability to a profit generating agency that can be self-sustainable. Purchases in stock market to manage cash flow, but that’s a gamble, the new policies of a redefined class retirement plan, but that too still possesses the old class benefits if paid for to meet the required amounts, the increase in retirement contributions from employees today, but then again, will the fund survive? What will happen to the funds invested by each and every individual, and lastly the new DC plan, which is quite the same as a 40lK plan. There is also saying that “if it is not broken don’t change it? This is in reference to the 401K plan. Private companies use this form of retirement plan for their employees, it is merely the employees who decide THEIR contribution to THEIR pension.
I am sure there are many difficulties hindering movement with the fund, but with all due respect, it is the mere valued benefits that have sucked the funds dry over the years. These benefits include but are limited to the 20-30% increment bonuses, the double-dips when they were accepted, the allowance of the funds to transfer to adopted grandchildren or great grandchildren from those who have retired and have passed on.

These benefits are great for those families and individuals who are receiving it. It is not your fault that you are subjected to my topic, but again, I look at the Commonwealth and not on my very own interest.

On Commonwealth Ports Authority

The CPA had a qualified Executive Director walk out of its doors prior to his contract expiring on the basis of Board micro-managing. How shameful could this be? Has the Board forgotten what their fiduciary duties are to the agency and not that of controlling the very movement of day to day operations? I can see Former executive Director Camacho’s frustration, the Board is designed to regulate policies and procedures as well account for the expenditures of the agency at a certain level, but not to uphold the operation in the clasp of their hands. I recall several complaints about former chair Rex Palacios on how he was going to or has set up an office for his own at the ports. I find this quite odd. If he wanted that office, he should have applied for the Executive Director Position and not be a board member chair.

It is sad to see that the government through some agencies is moving as if they belong to an individual or group members of a board for personal gain or personal acknowledgment in power. Remember the Public Lands Board? Now that was ridiculous.

On New Investment for the Commonwealth

On and on again you hear about the sales of a green card in Asia if you set up a business here. Kilili addresses this as a concern, the government keeps a steady hand on the basis of nothing is done wrong as of yet.

However, we do not know exactly what is being said out their. A company would say “invest with us in the CNMI, $100K - $250K and YOU will GET a U.S. Green Card! Hmm, to me that is appealing if I so desire to have the green card. Yet under false pretense, this would have a negative connotation on the islands we call home, are we allowing outside influence to depict what the Spaniards call these lands many moons ago” Islas de los ladrones? Where is our national pride? In our current time, it is these foreign sharks that have a keen interest on making a quick buck by utilizing a rumor of green card opportunities in the CNMI.

The end result is, we are the ones who will be called the liars and thieves for sucking up the funds from the hard-working middle class citizens from other nations looking for their American Dream!

As I close out this post, there are so many other areas that have issues that could be addressed like our CHC, DPS, CAC, WAO, but I’ll save that for a later time. If we do practice and observe the American Proverb “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander”? We may be more susceptible to being mindful of our actions.

Taking it all in!

Grrr.... finances, finances...I received a letter from the CNMI Tax and Revenue Office stating I am needed to come in and straighten out my 1040 submission.. Hmmm, I wonder why? I asked myself.

I was so curious at the same baffled by what is the problem with my tax submission. I drove up to the Tax & Rev Office, parked, took a deep breath, oh....bare in mind I am not receiving this year, but paying on chapter 2, the first time it happened to me. Anyhow, I went in, picked a number to be seen, when I was called, the attending woman says politely, "good afternoon, how may I help you sir?", I smiled in return and greeted her as well and I responded, I received this letter as I showed it to her, she took one look and said, "oh my, may I get your social security number?" I passed it along verbally and she typed it in, now I started to sweat, her comment gave me a scare. My thoughts on having to make another payment haunted me...She grinned for a moment as she went over the computer screen looking at what's the problem. My sweat continued to downpour from my head, to cheek and other parts of my heated body from the pent up feeling of anticipation.

She said "Mr. Pangelinan, I'm afraid you did not report on your interest received for the year, there are bank interest on a savings account as well your CNMI Retirement Fund interest", she commented. Ok, a sigh of relief. As she wrote down the amount, I came to realize that my RF amount is huge in interest and said to myself, oh my, am I to cover these cost again? How will I do this?

The thought of more hardship rattled my brain. She smiled as she gave me the documet wih the written amount on it, I looked at her in disbelief, I said thank you and walked away. By this time, everything is sinking in. My worries got the best of me and I was taking it all in, I feel like I am on my last string. Quite disturbing... Shoots, I did not ask whether I am to pay for all these? What would my wife feel about the debt I am about to share with her? Damn! I'm in another bind.

COMMON-WEALTH? In the Biz...(rambling off)

The business climate in the CNMI is taking a downturn come the slow months of tourism ahead. An expected 33% drop in airline arrival seats would cause a severe impact on the Commonwealth. A wise man whom I respect said this to me, "In order for a business in the CNMI to remain in business is the need to capture 40% of their usual inventory, hence we can survive". The play of words in COMMONWEALTH, is in fact best defined of its use when considering the people in a community, in this form, I see it as COMMON-WEALTH for all and not anyone particular.

Hence wealth in common for all, it is not easily justified when not all are striving for the same. Meaning, how can each and every individual achieve wealth if they are not willing to make that needed change in lifestyle? Or take the steps to enriching knowledge through a proper education that in turn will be beneficial in the long run?

Not an easy to respond to, yet we are labeled by many businesses on island as EMO or EFO employees. In the biz of it all, we are facing Federalization. This has caused much of the mixed feelings I am hearing today. Where do investors go? what do they do? Visiting the DHS office on Saipan, their person in charge could not and will not provide an answer due to DHS lack of regulations that will be imposed in the COMMON-WEALTH. The workforce is in a state of confusion, with the labeled local workforce, businesses are forced to look at added cost to insure the transition of employees. I have witnessed many different behavior patterns, oh how I wish this was not true, but reality sets in. I have had numerous local employees in the past, some of which I can entrust responsibilities whereas majority would be the EMO/EFOs. Can a business afford for constant turnaround of employees? With the word "training", the OJT is a costly factor indeed should employees intervals be a major factor in any large or small business.

Then there is the upcoming election. A hundred plus vying for 41 positions, wow, I am ecstatic to see the movement for change, but to some degree it is also frightening that certain individuals running may not have the slightest idea of what the job entails. Now we the people are entrusting individuals with our very own lives, can we afford or even accord a candidate based on family ties and popularity alone? Time for real decisions to be made.

I am not a person who sees our older, experienced politicians as the old guards that need to be changed, but I do see some of them as refined and able to see past personal ventures for the good of the COMMON-WEALTH. There are those that will and can have their points addressed properly when in office as they speak for us.

I have had numerous encounters sitting and speaking with legislators on their views, since I am in business for myself, of course, I wonder where would a small business fit in to survive this inclement business climate. A few I truly admire for their service to the people and most whom I simply disregard.

I for one, believe in my father-in-law, he does not say much, but does a lot to compromise through his actions. I was shocked when I found out he does not draw down his salary for years and contributed to the scholarship program, where I am sure, my brothers (younger) have been recipients for many years fulfilling their educational aspirations. I am not here to address his campaign, but more or less my views on what I believe as I think is an asset to insuring our COMMON-WEALTH is what it stands for. Hi re-election is not an easy one, it is actually a daunting task and I know it is taking a toll on him. Nevertheless, he does not give up and nor should we on candidates who can make the necessary differences in our lives. At least in this post, I place my vote of confidence in my father-in-law Pete P. Reyes to help guide our young politicians should they get into office what are the core values of SERVING the people.

A taste of solitude

It was not long ago when I imagined my childhood upbringing. It was hard, difficulty at its best that one would endure. The essence of molding a young boy soon to be man at his young age had dreams, big dreams that may have been impossible to reach. As young as I was, I remember the lifestyle that enhanced my understanding of believing in yourself, the joy of accomplishment and the demise of torment. I've longed for peace at mind, I wanted a good taste of solitude.

Years have passed me by and yet I still see myself in this ever-changing world eager to challenge what comes my way. I push, struggle, defeat or get beaten by my very actions. The lessons that I thought I have learned have only been a phase of what's ahead and that one day, all will come back to test my patience, my understanding, my character, but now as a man.

Tonight, a night like every other night, I find myself in complete solitude. A calm serenity fills my heightened desire for peace. Favorable noises I've become accustomed to. A cooling sensation of an air conditioner keeping the room temperature just the way I want it. Stay like that...Keep me cool...Help me to relax... and so it has, I sink into the bed, fluff a pillow and shape it nicely where I can lay my head with comfort. Just a few sounds lingering in the background, yet soothing. I am in a solitude state of mind, I am experiencing solitude at its best.

Papago Fogged Up!

Almost a complete week of rain, pouring days and nights, the nights are chilly and moist, the grounds are all soft and mucky, the winds carry scents of ocean spray, but what astounded me most was the Papago Fog... I have not seen fog since my last visit to Oregon, although I believe I came out a little too late in the morning to see the actual thickness of it, but I still was enjoying the drive.

A nice drive in the tropical fogged up papago winding roads on Saipan...

Shame on ME!

Shame on me as the hours turned into days, and days turned into months, shame on me on the most cherished days of mothers, I did not deliver. I kept to myself, knowing full well that I did not make the best of that one day for who I love dearly.

My regrets are deep, but not forgotten...

My dear love Boni,

I hope that my inadvertent shortcomings have not made you feel unappreciated. I have something for you, it just took a little longer than the date it was originally set for, the perfect gifts are usually a waiting process, but in the end priceless. In this I carve a permanent place in our home, in your life and with this, I share more than what is expected...

Happy belated Mother's Day!

Yes, the process took longer for this gift of love and affection, I did not forget and worked diligently to make this a reality for you Boni. The ambiance will change, it's precision built for convenience, the usefulness made to express itself on it's own, I hope you will cherish this...

Loving you in more ways than you can imagine, I remain,

your husband

A Daddy's Pride

It was not until last night where I let go of what I held in for so long. I broke down in tears after a few hours of deep thought on how much I am missing with the raising of my children. I am distant and yet so near, but several factors hinder my presence with them.

I see what my father went through, I am living it and now I know the pain. This is no joy ride, this is reality. It struck me hard as I don't want to be without them, but that is something that I cannot undo. I am a dad, not just a father...

This explains my unexplained despondency once in a while. Yesterday, on Face Book I wrote, I am "trying to find solace and tranquility" and then after I "cannot understand"... It is the feeling

in me for days. As the first tear rolled down my face, a river followed. I watched videos of the children on my phone as they laughed and shared their true self, no hidden agenda, just them in their imperfect form. This was a weekend atop the hill at the American Memorial Park, where Donny, Hope, Jayvier, Wayannie and Wade rolled down the hill from where we placed a mat and a coolers with refreshments to enjoy. Such laughter and joy on that particular brought my heart to feeling the pain of where am I in their lives, where do I stand as their dad? My sister says "I am sorry, but that is something you will have to learn to endure, they know who their dad is and they know what truly happened".

The weekend nears and I get to see them for a few hours on Friday evening, at least the four. I will enjoy every minute of it, I will make the best of the limited time I will have with them. I hope this will cure my despondency. A daddy's pride is subject to being tested just like everything else, and yes I can say it is not easy living through this ordeal. I truly love my family, I love my wife, I just wished I had all of them everyday with me....

Trying to find solace and tranquility...

Help!!!! I see a difficult path ahead and yet I stumble each time I take a different turn. What's got into me? This is not me in the usual optimistic, smiling, happy go lucky kind of guy. I've been feeling tired, stressed, unwanting to endure a good time, what is it? Is it the weather? is it my diet? Is it just me, am I making this feeling up?

It's been a while...Rambling off Now!

Yup, it's been a while since my last post, I've been busy, busy and so busy. What as happened that inspires me, well I must stop writing about speeding officers past me on the road as it occurred another 4 times since my last post on them, the job is hectic, yet rewarding when accomplishments are seen, life still throws curve balls, but definitely and indication that I am living and people around me...Let's go there for this post...PEOPLE.

The saying of six degrees of separation, how uncanny of this notion to be so true that when you least expect it, the person you knew through a friend is someone that will make or change the path you thought you were on, of course this sounds philosophical, yet if you really think about it, it is there and you don't always see it, bt it is there changing you, your movement, your path... What?? Do we live in the matrix? Well what is the matrix??? Let's not go there...

Back to PEOPLE, how do you see others around you? One person told me today, Wayne, you are too nice and yet people who see you for who you are treat you nice and then trample on you only because they think they can...I smiled and responded, Karma has it's ways...One day, when I find out of what had transpired, they will get theirs ten folds...I am patient and understanding, but push me far enough and I will let go of all that I know to be humble, yeah, yeah, yeah, blah, blah, blah, sure many would say whatever Wayne and that's only because I am different today. The people around me, the influence, the strength of positive actions lead to my being the way I am.

I like who I am, I like the people around me, they make or break you and its choices that lead us to how we wish to live our lives. Love your family, love your wife or hubby, what else would matter?

Who stands for the Commonwealth?

A family gathering took place yesterday as we celebrated my youngest daughters 5th year birthday as well my two Jr. High graduates. It was the perfect day for an outing at the beach, the wind blew gently and consistently, the water seemed mirror like only until the jet ski rider rips through the water creating ripples as far as one can see. It was this perfect where friends and family gathered and shared concerns on the upcoming guberatorial election, only reason this came us is the Juan/Galvin duo were adjacent to us as they prepared for their campaign party. "Who stands for the Commonwealth?" asked an individual..

The question lingered in my head, but as I continued to listen, the discussion took a turn, where all candidates are of equal status today and no indiference is seen amongst them, this would be a difficult choice for voters to make. Again, the question lingers, who stands for the Commonwealth? Our candidates make promises, some may be kept and some not and we cannot hold them to it if they do not meet the promises as expectations always depending on circumstances. The question asked for who will lead us, who will endure the painstaking decisions that could affect their constitutents in the name of keeping the Commonwealth alive. The question asks, which candidate will make a change for better and stop this non-sense hirings of friends and family who simply cannot fulfill their basic duties and repsonsibilities when given positions at the helm of critical government agencies, and offices.

When placing your vote this primary election as well the actual gubernatorial elections, set aside preference, set aside, the 'I Know him", set aside the promised jobs for family and friends, but set your expectations on who will stand for the Commonwealth!

Joke of the week - Mr. Postman...

It was Postman Pat's last day on the job after 35 years of carrying the mail through all kinds of weather to the same villages and towns.

When he arrived at the first house on his route, he was greeted by the whole family there, who all hugged and congratulated him and sent him on his way with a gift cheque for £50. At the second house they presented him an 18-carat gold watch. The folks at the third house handed him a bottle of 15-year old Scotch whisky. At the fourth house he was met at the door by a blonde in her lingerie. She took him by the arm and led him up the stairs to the bedroom where she gave him the most passionate love he had ever experienced. When he had had enough they went downstairs, where the blonde fixed him a full English breakfast: Bacon, eggs, beans, mushrooms, sausages & fried bread with freshly squeezed orange juice. When he was truly satisfied she poured him a cup of steaming coffee. As she was pouring, he noticed a £5 note sticking out from under the cup's bottom edge.

"All this was just too wonderful for words," he said, "but what's the five quid for?"
"Well," said the blonde, "last night, I told my husband that today would be your last day and that we should do something special for you...I asked him what to give you". He said, "F***him. Give him a fiver."
She smiled shyly and said, "The breakfast was my idea."

Smiles from Bad Eyes!

This morning around 06:34am, I was outside and ready to head out for work when Boni slips out of the door dressed in ablack outfit. I thought to myself, wow, I have not seen her wear that before and it looked beautiful on her as I stood from a distance. I waited to comment on it as she walked closer and low and behold, it did look good on her except, it wasn't an outfit. Boy did my bad eyes make a great morning after I commented on it.

She was wearing a black slip silk robe that comes up just above her knees and without its waist tie, she had a hair clip pinned in the center to make it seem as if it were a fashion belt. From afar, it looked stunning on her and while she approached and I took a second look at what she wore, I smiled and commented stating exactly what I thought of the outfit as she came out from the house.

That was funny and yet sometimes having bad eyes could bring a smile and more at the right moments. Enjoy your day!