Live and Let Live

Crime doesn't pay.
And you are not the judge.
But you hold the key.
Heavens' doors open,
If you lived a life that is guilt-free.

"Don't Expect. Be Amazed. Forever be Thrilled." 

10 Commandments of Girl Friendship

“Dedicated to all my fabulous girl friends who are all equally Great, Irresistible, Ravishing, Loving, Passionate, Overly Emotional and Real. Cheers to GIRL POWER! Know that you can lean on me, as I know I can lean on you. Sharing with you my commandments of girl friendship as said the iLean way.”

The TEN COMMANDMENTS of GIRL FRIENDSHIP

I

I am your Girl Friend.

Thou shall honor our friendship like no other.

Whosoever may cast aspersions and call you a whore, slut or fashion victim shall be wise to fear me. Because I will rise up and lash out at the aspersion caster. For you are my girlfriend and whosoever asperses you, asperses me.

I will do unto you as you do unto me. But when you do unto me something that I will never do unto you, I will curse and denounce your name followed by temporary friendship amnesia. I will forgive but only at the right time as I deem fit.

II

Thou shall not allow others to use our name and be treated in vain.

When you have been mistreated by boyfriends, bosses, or bitches, call on me and we will curse them in the darkness together.

I will not mock you if you surrender to the trend of the moments and show up at an important function in a ridiculous-looking ensemble. Even when others deride you and scorn your fashions sense, I will defend your taste and admonish your critics by explaining that you are on a new medication that greatly impaired your judgment.

III

Thou shall honor the Sob-Bathed Day.

During times of trouble, you will be heard while you cry it out to me. I will listen while comforting you with your choice of food, chocolates, liquor and sedatives if you wish. Do not fret, as I will provide unlimited tissue supply and tons of jokes to make you smile.

And when Valentine’s Day approaches and you have no lover to ply you with flowers, diamonds, or chocolates, call on me and I will console you with encouraging words and rationalizations.

When the first fine line appears on your face and you are overcome with misery, I will point out my own fine lines and the fine lines of other women your age in order to ease your pain.

IV

Honor though Fatter and thou Mothers.

When we are invited to a grand feast and there is an abundance of meat, pasta, bread, and wine, and we help ourselves to this bounty and fill our plates upward toward the heavens, I will not remind you of your diet and you will not remind me of mine.

If you should lose control and go on a never-ending binge following a breakup or similar devastation, it shall be my moral obligation to join you and partake for as long as you partake.

And when I suffered a breakup and I hunger for a binge of gluttony and excess, and I know you are trying to diet, I will refrain from asking you to join me in my recklessness.

***

When it comes to pass that you decide to be fruitful and multiply, I will support your decision and not tempt you with alcohol, caffeine, or cigarettes.

And when you fear that stretch marks are taking over your body and causing your stomach to look like a roadmap of Jerusalem, I will comfort you with assurances that one-piece swimsuits never go out of style.

And when you are overcome with remorse because you question your maternal instincts, all because you failed to wipe off the pacifier after it fell to the floor, I will reassure you that too much sanitation is, in fact, an desirable thing, and that babies’ immune system need to be exposed to germs. And you will believe.

V

Thou shall keep our lips sealed.

Confide your secrets and I will take them to my grave. Be wise not to reveal your secrets to me when I may be under the influence of alcohol, anesthesia, sedatives or whatsoever, because all bets are off.

If you succumb to temptations of the flesh, confess your sins to me – in great detail, holding nothing back, -- and I will not cast stones or rush to condemn, but comfort you with tales of my own juicy indiscretions.

I will never reveal your sordid stories of your past, no matter how checkered, to your husband or new in-laws. For you possess as much dirt on me as I possess on you. And I am no fool.

VI

Thou shall not allow adultery.

If I witness your man coveting another woman, and you are not there to witness this for yourself, I will come to you and report what I have seen. For you are my friend, and he is but a snake in the grass. And friends are more righteous than snakes.

Should your man betray you for another, grieve you with his adultery, and abandon you on your darkest day, I shall seek revenge on that man and make him sorry he was ever born of this world.

VII

Thou shall not steal.

Man-stealers we are not. No man can come between us and put our friendship to asunder no matter how handsome or wealthy he is, even when he sports a photo-shopped like washboard abs.

If you come to me in search of a dress, shoes, or jewels to borrow, I will open my door to you and say, “Seek and you shall find.” But woe to you if you do not return what you find.

VIII

Thou shall cover up, covert and convert.

When you’re desperate for an excuse to escape a date that’s gone horribly wrong, send me a sign and I will call you on your cell and fake a heart attack.

***

When you need a place to rest and find no place to stay not even at your boyfriend’s place, I will give you temporary shelter, unless I am busy giving shelter to another needy night visitor.

***

When nasty rumormongers or jealous ex-boyfriends shake your confidence, come to me and I will build you up again.

If the love of your life jilts you with the age-old pathetic excuse: “It’s not you, it’s me,” I will make it my life’s mission to convince you that “Damn right, it’s him… because you’re fabulous!”

When you are afraid of a blind date, first day on the job, or anything else, I will bolster your courage with feeble pep talks.

When your appetite rages out of control and you crave an abundance of carbohydrates and fats, smothered in a pillar of salt, I shall restrain you until your will power is restored.

When you break your diet and succumb to gluttony, I will be there to accompany you to the gym and sweat with you until we both lose consciousness.

IV

Thou shall not covet thy friends’ goods.

If there is but one dress or pair of shoes in a department store that you find desirable, and I desire the same dress or pair of shoes, I will forfeit them to you because I am your friend. And because I know you will gladly loan them to me whenever I wish.

I will be exceedingly happy when you find a man that comforts, protects and pleasures you, and I will not feel envy even if the man is gloriously hot, and I have not have had such a man in a very long time.

If I should win infinite riches from a game of chance like the lottery, I will share with you my good fortune and treat you a spa vacation or Caribbean cruise, just as you would certainly share such riches with me.

X

Thou shall not bear false witness against each other.

When you come to me seeking the truth about your man, a new haircut, or swimsuit, ye shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.

If I see something out of place on your person – a stray hair, unzipped fly, or errant shirt tag- I will call your attention to the imperfection, without causing you embarrassment, so that you may rectify it and present your best self, just as you would do in return for me.

*The Ten Commandments of Girl Friends by Aileen Murillo; Excerpts are from the book The Girl Friend’s Bible by Cathy Hamilton.

What You See is What You Get?

I often wonder why they say, "What you see is what you get." Common sense tells me what you see is everything around you. If can't see them you're blind. If you don't want to see, then close your eyes. But seeing is getting? I don't get it.

I believe what we get is something we worked for, asked for or given. But we don't usually get what we worked for. Most often we don't get what we asked for.
And more often than not, we still don't get what was already given.

Most people work all their lives to get what they want. They ask God to give them what they want. Yet, they were already given what they need.
And still don't get it.

Then we often ask what did we do to deserve all these? Maybe nothing. Nothing yet at least. But instead, shouldn't we ask what are we doing to deserve what's not there yet?


"What we see, sometimes we forget. But what we don't see, we shouldn't forget. For what is not seen, is what we can get. I bet, it has been set. When terms were not met before our death, we may regret what we can't get."

Cats and Dogs.

Have you ever wondered why the dog was barking up the wrong tree?
Because the cat climbed up the wrong tree.

Looking down at the dog, the cat said, "Purrr doggy, can't climb up the tree..."
But the dog kept barking, "Ruf! Ruf!"

Then the cat realized, "Oww, you meant the roof!"

Donde esta Santa Claus?

Growing up I often wondered about Santa Claus. With what's left from the 300 years of Spanish colonization, I asked, "Donde esta Santa Claus?"

Where is Santa Claus?


My usual curious mind wonders if he still exists or probably never existed at all.
My common sense tells me if he did exist, he would probably be in Heaven.
He was already old in the picture I saw when I was seven.
I hope Heaven is like North Pole.
May God bless his jolly old soul.

When I think of Santa, this is what I know.
He is jolly but really old.
Old to carry and lives in the cold.
I was also told that if one just sat, one can grow fat.
Therefore I think it's a bit impossible,
For Santa to fit and climb down the chimney wall.

Everybody knows that children love to play.
But not all kids can write a letter,
So why can't they just pray?
Ain’t he Jolly St. Nick,
Who can grant wishes with just one click?

Santa makes a list and checks it twice.
To find out who’s been naughty and nice.
I wish he just gives everyone a present,
That would be such a wonderful surprise!

Santa Santa Santa...

How I wish gift giving was as often
Even when it's not Christmas.
It's sad that Santa is only remembered,
When it's almost December.

Poor poor Santa...

Poor Santa had to climb down the chimney.
I guess ‘coz no one gave him a key.
I'm sure it's hard to go down with a sack,
I bet he gets out with a face so black.

Black black Santa...

Black faced Santa was able to get out,
Thank goodness someone put the fire out.
Just before everyone went to bed,
Or poor black faced Santa would've been roasted.

Lucky lucky Santa....

I waited all my life to see Santa.
But he always left our gifts under the tree in the sala.
I wish he knocked and used the front door instead,
I'd love to see Santa wearing his suit so red!
But he sneaks in and sneaks out,
That's when I started having doubts.

Naughty naughty Santa!

So where is Santa Claus now?

In our hearts is where he lives,
We don't need to see to believe.
Just ask and we shall receive.
When we think of jolly St. Nick,
Know that giving doesn't require magic.


We all get our chance on that magic sleigh ride. Young or old, rich or poor, black, white or brown, big or small, naughty or nice, regardless of size.

There's always a way, if we pray.

With or without Santa Claus.

I'm gonna write Santa a letter now…

Dear Santa,

I am sometimes naughty but I am usually nice.
Sorry to tell you that not all girls are made of sugar and spice.
Please don't make those poor elves make toys in a place where there's always snow.
Toys are made in China now, in case you didn't know.

xoxo,
Aileen


"Life is like a magic sleigh ride. It takes you up, down and around the world. A wonderful ride before we go up to the magical side. It takes off when you say Ho Ho Hope, led by a red light that 'nose', when it's time to take you back to Ho Ho Home!"

What Steps to Take.

I often wonder why they say take two steps forward one step back. When people ask me what steps I'm going to take, well, I don't like taking the steps, it's tiring. I'd rather take the elevator if it's available but I'd rather walk.

I don't know anyone who walks by taking two steps forward then takes one step back. That's kinda weird, isn't it? When I walk, I just walk. If I get tired, I sit. I stand up again then I continue walking. Running is rarely an option for obvious reasons especially for a lazy and curious person like me. I only run when it rains hard because I love dancing in the rain too!

Walking lets my usual curious mind wander far.
Walking allows me to see the beauty of everything around me.
Walking allows me to meet a lot of people along the way.
And walking is the best companion of Talking. There's nothing better than walking while talking with anyone walking with you.
The best part is, it's fun and healthy too!

So like my many usual fine lazy boring days, I'm gonna take a walk.
Because walking will definitely get me somewhere.
And that somewhere is usually a place interesting.
Besides, who ever said walking can't get you up there anyway?


"Talk is not CHEAP. It's FREE. Just walk and talk. But if you do the talk and cannot walk the talk, that's CHEAP."

Two Directions.

We were given two directions to take.
The LEFT and the RIGHT.

If we choose to go to the left, we will only end up going in circles.
If we choose to go to the right, then it is RIGHT.

Talent is a Gift.

Talent is a God given gift. For those who try to achieve the same talent will acquire a skill. People with talent do it because it has a purpose and fun!

We were all given gifts. And like any other gift, it is meant to be opened, savored, used and shared to all. And of course, we have to thank the Giver. Thanks Dad!

Happy Thanksgiving Day to all!

Seven Days of My Week.

"I thank the Father for a SON-day...
followed by a MOM-day...
Then it's my CHOOSE-day then
it's gonna be my WEDness-day.
I'll have THEIRS-day...
Then it's my FREE-day!
Next is just a SAT-TURN-day...
'Coz I can't wait for another SON-day."

A Father.

Three things that a father should teach his child.

One, Not to Die.

From the day the child learns how to walk and talk, a father should teach his child the concept of danger. The consequences of falling, fire and other avoidable situations or accidents that may cause death.

Up until the child reaches the age of 12, a father constantly reminds his child that not knowing the end result of any decision or action may lead to undesirable consequences. The child should know that when in doubt, it is unwise to just try or do it. It is wise to just ask.

During the child's teenage life, a father teaches his child how emotions and pride usually get in the way of a person's better judgment. Immaturity causes irrational decisions and it will always have severe consequences. In the midst of danger, walk away.

The day the child turns into an adult, he should already know the basic rule of how not to get oneself killed. And that is by listening to his father. He would have learned already the importance of humility and the value of life that his father gave him.

Two, How to Live.

Up until the child becomes an adult, a father should teach his child what he needs to live. By being a good child, a good brother or sister, a good friend, a good relative, a good citizen of the community and a good child of God.

With those important values, he will never create enemies and his life will never be threatened. He will create a strong family bond, friends and allies that will make sure he lives. Through humility one receives honor. With honor one earns respect. With mutual respect comes love. This is how one sets his own principles in life. And integrity is built around the principles he lives by.

Three, How to Love.

By teaching the child not to die, the father has already shown the child how much love a father has for his child.

By teaching the child how to live, the father has already taught the child how love is given and how love when given is given back.

The child now knows how to love himself, his family, others and God.

With love everything else follows.

"The basic social unit is a family. And trust is the foundation of a family. Your lives depend on it."

The Master of the Universe.

God is not only the greatest inventor, He is the greatest artist I ever know.
He painted this world so perfectly by using just three primary colors.
Yellow like the Sun, Blue like the Sky and Water, and Red - the symbol of
Love and Life.

Using His artistic talent, He mixed Yellow and Blue and it turned Green.
He went on mixing Yellow and Red to create the Sun. Thus, the breathtaking view of sunrise and sunset. Combining the Sun, Water and Air to create the plants, trees and Life.
He was so amused He mixed more colors to create violet, pink, brown and the rest, thus we have the beauty of flowers and the grandeur of nature.

Then He simply signed it with a rainbow.

"A masterpiece by the Master Himself. He is the Man. The Master of the Universe."

"I got it from my Dada!"

Letting my usual imagination wander far off, it brought me to our Dad's favorite spot beyond time. Maybe He was alone and it was dark, so He said,"Let there be light!" He was so pleased He went on creating air, land, water, nature, sun, moon, stars, animals and us. In the end, He probably sat down smiling while savoring the beauty and magnificence of His creation.

And then?

I don't think Dad is a real workaholic. He is GOD. So my common sense tells me if He is a workaholic, then why does He have all the saints and angels do the work for Him? In fact, He even sent His only Son.

Now if I was God, looking down now with what has become of my creation, I would just snap my fingers and say, I'm just gonna do it again. But then again, I'd think if I did, then I go back being alone in the dark. So why would I? That would just be wrong. Needless to say, the immensity of His love for all His creations is unfathomable. So maybe that was it! I guess by now, we just keep Him constantly entertained by our decisions and choices especially on those that we did and still do to His masterpiece. More entertained by the fact knowing that we are clueless of what's beyond. I bet He is a humorous Father.

I know I am not God. But then again aren't we all made in His image and likeness? In fact gifted with this thing called conscience?

Do you even wonder why it's even called Conscience?

Con science -- against science. It is something science can't explain. It simply knows what is right and what is wrong. Science will never have a mathematical solution to the equation of what is right and wrong. My common sense tells me there is no absolute solution to it. Because there is only one that is absolute - Him. And He is the only one who can give complete absolution.

"I think therefore I am...confused. I keep on thinking therefore I am...stressed. I am stressed therefore I think. I am therefore I think there is a God."

"Did Curiosity Kill the Cat?"

Do you ever wonder why they say, "Curiosity killed the cat?"
Well, I grew up wondering about that.
One, I don't think any cat will be that curious to put oneself in danger.
Two, who's cat got killed anyway because it was that curious?
Three, curious about what?

Curiosity gifted this world with great minds and thinkers.
Their curiosity obviously did not kill them, because common sense should tell you, they are not cats.

But I'd rather be a cat.

I cannot only see in the dark, I can sense paranormal activities, run fast, jump, climb up the trees, swim the river and lakes, be lazy all I want, then I have to 'prey', And they say I have nine lives too! That would have been close to purrrfect!!!

And now that I've decided to be a cat, being my usual lazy, curious and bored self made me think why they say,"Boredom Kills". They said my curiosity killed me and now my boredom killed me too? I would have been double dead. But since I'm still alive, common sense tells me that boredom definitely kills. It kills time.

And it makes my curious mind wander far.

Far enough to think that someone just like me was probably being his usual lazy, curious and bored self one fine day.

Take Newton for example. What was he doing waiting for an apple to fall when he could have climbed up the tree and get it? I think he was probably lazy, curious and bored enough to analyze why the apple fell. Thank goodness his curiosity didn't kill him and his boredom didn't kill him either. Still alive and kicking, he thought to himself, "How on earth did that apple fall from that tree?!!!" And so that one fine, lazy and boring day, now we know that there is such a thing called gravity.

Somehow the gravity of taking a break creates great knowledge to serve a greater purpose. Don't you think? ('',)

"I can purr but definitely can roar!!!"
- author was born sometime in 1974, Year of the Tiger.