[ T - T R A i N ]

Toys

The other day, my sister and I were able to convince our mom to dig up our old toys. We've been feeling a bit nostalgic since the Transformers movie came out. Although I thought that my sister's idea to bring the toys to the screening screams too much of being a fanboy or a fangirl, I did understand where the sentiment is coming from. (Besides, they were MY Transformer toys she wanted to bring. LOL.) Unfortunately, our old toys were so skillfully stowed in our parents' cabinets with Tetris-like precision by our mom and only the same hands would be able to disassemble and unload all the boxes. It was only after they had returned from their successive trip to Spain and Davao was the operation performed. I was so glad to find a lot of our favorite toys still in good condition, notwithstanding some discoloration here and there and some broken parts that could only have be brought by the passing of time and not mishandling. We have always been very careful with our toys--somehow, we were one of those children who were able to enjoy our toys without destroying them.

So, I did find my Transformers. There was Grimlock, my very first, along with Jetfire, Shockwave, Laserbeak, Perceptor and Thrust. I also found my G.I. Joes, He-Mans, Matchboxes, Star Wars action figures, other robots, and model trucks and cars. They were my prize possessions 20 years ago. Looking at them with adult eyes, they are still special. I took photos of them, but I also played with them a bit, but very carefully. They are not only valuable because they conjure joyful childhood memories, they might also fetch a very handsome price on eBay.

Miami Log #2: Boo-boos and Dedications

T-Train major boo-boo. I brought my laptop and other accessories to Miami with me so that I could update my blog regularly, give a daily account of what's happening, in words, photos, and videos. All was well and good. Even if there's no internet connection in the hotel room, I found out even before I checked in that there's a stray wireless signal in the lobby. Shweet, right? Well, despite the unmistakable heaviness of my bag, I discovered only belatedly, after my laptop has almost lost completely its juice, that there was one important thing I forgot to pack--its charger. Oh well. That's life, right (as one friend would most definitely say).

So now, I'm using the computer at the lobby where I have to pay $0.25 per minute for the internet. But you know I can't be out of touch for long? Then here you go. Just wanted to explain the situation.

I'm just waiting for the pasta party to start. I've been to the Health and Fitness Expo. I've already gotten my race packet. I've pinned the bib on my singlet and laced up my ChampionChip. I've bought supplies--two 1.5 liter bottles of water, two packs of trail mix, two energy bars, a large bag of salted pretzels, three bananas, and a box of Ziploc (for the goodies I'll be taking with me to the run, and the trash). My parental units flew in late last night. We had a late dinner at this Italian place where the chef, apparently, went crazy with the salt shaker but it was good nevertheless. Then we're having pasta again soon. It's all good.

Okay, that's it for now, folks. I'll see you at the finish line. But before I go, I would just like to say that I dedicate this run, this marathon to my dad. I remember taking walks with him when I was a kid. I would try to match his pacing and his cadence. (I guess I was a natural for the Army? Hmmm, maybe that's why I signed up for reserver officer training.) My dad, sister and I have very long strides. We're naturally good walkers. I'm just taking it a bit further.

I most especially dedicate this to BM. The reasons don't matter now, but I'm doing this for you as much as I'm doing this for myself. Be well.

See you at the finish line!