ελπίδα, πίστη, αγάπη

I am not happy with what's going on. I don't like it at all. I also hate how FarmVille becomes troublesome.



Music:
Sarah McLachlan - Time

Today is the last day of 21. Tomorrow is the first day..

o_o

I had a phone conversation with my sister earlier. We're not biological nor legal sisters. Sorority sisters? I wouldn't call it like that though we belong to a group that quite of a fraternity. There are also other people I consider as brothers. Simply put, we're a family.

I called Neko to ask about Jay's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAY! Neko asked me what happened here during the "rain" and if we were flooded. To make it short, we ended taking about the administrative system in our country, especially in Metro Manila.

It's actually always like this. When Neko and me have the chance to talk, our conversations end up in politics and governance. We do have different views, but we don't talk about it. We respect each other, and it's healthy to have such conversation.

Later will be the gathering in Jay's house for his birthday. I want to come and I wish I'd be able to. I haven't asked for permission yet. Woot! :D

I miss our other sister, Qheem. She's in St. Louis now. I hope she's doing fine. I haven't hear from her since the MLB All-Star Game.

Music:
The Corrs - I Never Loved You Anyway

I have a lot of things on my mind right now. I also have a lot to accomplish. As for today, I want to do something worthwhile. I still want to help, not just the victims but also those who help. Classes are back. It's finals and defense week, for those I've helped with.

Later this day, I will be in HotL, Pasong Tamo Ext. for our A Life Worth Living course. I've been absent twice. Woot!

There is one thing I ask today: That I will have wisdom. I really need wisdom and understanding. I feel so insufficient. I've seen enough and been through quite a lot to know that I am not yet accomplishing what I should accomplish.

By the way, how I wish I can have McCafe's Cocoa Steamer today. I miss it!

Music:
The Corrs - Runaway

Most of my friends know that I do not eat pork. I am not a Muslim nor a Jew, but I somehow observe their diet when it comes to pork. Somehow because I can still eat pork.

It all started when I was 7 or 8 years old. I've always been fond of reading. We had enough books at home to keep me interested. One day, when I was quite bored or perhaps just curious of the books we had at home, I checked our cabinet and looked for something informative and interesting.

I found Modern Medical Guide. I decided to read anything from the book. As I was turning the pages, I found something about worms then I saw a picture of a pig and how it is fed. A pig eats anything and almost everything it can put into its mouth, including what goes out of the body. With such piggy character it is not impossible for the animal to have worms. These worms are not easy to be eliminated. They even settle beyond the digestive system.

I remember a picture of pork that has not been cooked or prepared properly and the pork was about to be ingested (or eaten) by a man. It was when I decided that I shall eat no more pork.

Whenever I refuse to eat pork, people usually ask me if I am a Muslim. What a pity. Muslims are not the only people who do not eat pork.

Of course I have eaten pork in the past two years. I broke my "oath" when a friend of mine told me that I only live once. I was craving for a Siomai but the only Siomai available was Pork Siomai.

When I bought the Pork Siomai, I was bothered. First, because I broke my "oath" and second, the taste was quite bothersome. It's been years.

During summer last year, I also ate pork. It was barbecue. To my surprise, I liked it. Perhaps eating barbecue with friends was a factor why I liked the pork barbecue. But I think those barbecues were the last pork I consumed.

Oh, not actually. I had another pork a couple of weeks ago. I wouldn't have eaten it if it wasn't because of someone who prayed for the food. I only refuse to eat pork if the person knows that I don't eat pork or, at least, he can understand that I don't eat pork.

If I happen to come to a house where I will be served with nothing but pork, I shall eat it. I give justice to the food served for me. It'd be impolite.


If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake.
-1 Corinthians 5:27

It feels like forever since the last time I made a blog entry here. I haven't even written one in my other blogs, except for deviantART. I've been quite busy lately, plus our internet connection is being a troublesome so it's hard to stay long in front of an almost useless computer.

What concerns me write now is my "sports-writing" hobby. I haven't written an article since the first week of the month. Speaking of sports, ESPN is annoying me right now. They don't have weekday coverage of MLB, except for Fridays. So the Baseball coverage is on Fridays to Sundays only.

Thank God they had a live coverage of the MLB Homerun Delby and All-Star Game last week!

I think this will be enough for today. I still have to study and memorize.. o_o But I'm fine with it. :)

Music:
Mika Nakashima - Stars

My circadian rhythm is messing again. I wonder if watching too much Baseball made my body adjust to New York time. I may be quick to figure out the real time in Manila, but my body is having a little trouble following. I must work this out.

By the way, I made a new blog. It's sole purpose is for Baseball. I'm glad I didn't rush to make one before. It's hosted by MLB. It's JenShinrai in MLBlogs. But my blog name is Hope, Faith, Love ... for the Yankees, and Baseball.

I have a new entry posted there. The Yankees had their first game of the series against the Seattle Mariners. Too bad I wasn't able to watch that; not available on ESPN. At least the game yielded a positive result. First game, first win. 8-5. ^_^

A couple of hours before the game, Mark Teixeira had a chat with fans. It was fun reading his answers about some questions. Too bad I didn't have mine answered. Should've submitted my questions earlier.


Music:
Blackmore's Night - Ghost of a Rose

This was supposed to be just a blog entry, but it seemed like it's worth a post in b/r. I did post it there, marking my fourth post as a contributor. The link is here: The Yankees share history with the Mets in their 2009 Subway Series

But I'll still post the whole article, or supposedly blog entry, here.

-=-=-=-=-=-

The New York Yankees are rising like a phoenix. And they keep making legends.

The Bronx Bombers won the first Subway Series of the season with 2 out of 3 against the Metropolitans. It was in the Yankee Stadium. And it was an unforgettable one, especially the ninth inning drama of the first game when A-Rod popped up his team's last chance to stay in the game. Then it would be the final out.

But it's Baseball. Anything can happen. And something happened.

The popped up ball went to Luis Castillo's glove, and it went through. He dropped the ball and Derek Jeter scored with Mark Teixeira coming off the first base. Jeter tied the game but with Teixeira's attitude, the Pinstripers won the game.

The Yankee first baseman is known for being an athlete who never gives up. He reached the home plate wondering what just happened as their captain embraced and congratulated him. A-Rod even called Teixeira his MVP of the night.

It was an unforgettable night for everyone who watched the game, be it in the Yankee Stadium or in their homes, or even in pubs. The Yankees won that night with 9-8 against the Mets.

The game that followed may have been meant for the Mets. They won 5-2 against the Yankees. But that was all for them. The game that followed on Sunday night was won by the Yankees, 15-0.

The second Subway Series was held in Citi Field, home of the New York Mets. But the Yankees were not bothered at all if it's not their home stadium. They only have one goal: win. And they did. There may be no more Castillo clutch but the Yankees swept the Mets with 9-1, 5-0, 4-2, respectively.

The first game was an astounding 18 up, 18 down by CC Sabathia. He only allowed three hits and one home run by Gary Sheffield, all in the fifth inning. The relief pitcher Brett Tomko was also amazing with his 6 up, 6 down in the last two innings.

The Saturday night game was also an splendid one. Starting pitcher AJ Burnet accomplished a record of 10 strike outs, 3 walks, 1 hit but no run. Brian Bruney pitched in the eight inning and David Robertson on the ninth. Each relief pitcher had 3 up, 3 down.

The Sunday night game may have allowed the Mets for 2 runs, but the Yanks still won. But what made this game memorable is it's part in Baseball history, at least to the Yankees' history. Maybe for the New York Mets also.

Mariano Rivera had his 500th save during the Sunday night game, marking him as the second with most saves next only to Milwaukee's Trevor Hoffman who has 571 saves. Many Baseball players, team mates or not, consider Rivera as the best closer they've ever met.

The Sandman's career history didn't end there. It was also his third plate appearance and first walk slash first career RBI. The saving pitcher said, "The RBI is the best. It was my first RBI. It was my 500th save." His team mates probably thought the same. Everyone, especially Derek Jeter who is the captain of the Yankees, said nothing but praises for Mariano Rivera.

Mo was batting against Mets' Francisco Rodriguez, who was also the relieving pitcher when A-Rod had his pop up RBI to Luis Castillo. It's amusing how K-Rod's presence in the mound against the Yanks contributes to the Bronx Bombers' history. Perhaps it will also become part of the Metropolitans' history.

Mariano Rivera's force is recognized not only among his team mates. It extends to every batter who came to hit against him and to every one who knows him. He is not just a relief pitcher. His mere presence in the batter's box could even pull out every Yankee out of the bullpen and dugout, which rarely happens.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Music: Metallica - Enter Sandman

It was nice to watch an MLB game live, again. Felt like a long time ago since I did so. I even made a comment/article about it. I was compelled to do so because I want to hone my writing skills. Hopefully, it includes writing an article about sports. Here's the link: Yankees vs. Braves; Derek vs. Derek

The game was such a long one, but it the end, the New York Yankees won against the Atlanta Braves, 11-7. Tomorrow will be another game, against the NY Mets.

Btw, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAPTAIN JETER!