Staying Upbeat Even Though It's Raining: Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head By BJ Thomas

Though it's a bit hot in the morning, don't be fooled.  After lunch, the clouds start to turn dark grey and a rumbling sound coupled with a scent of water in the wind fills the air.  Before you know it, it starts pouring buckets as the rainy season has finally arrived.  It's a downer especially when you got a lot on your mind and no money in your pockets but it won't stop from being hopeful.  Staying during the rainy season reminds me of the song "Raindrops Are Falling On My Head" by B.J. Thomas.

This was taken from the soundtrack of the movie "Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid" during famous bike scene.  Going back to the rainy season, it could be a hassle when you have to commute to work most of the time logging around your rain gear and trying not to get wet.  Apart from that, you got problems at home and at work hanging on your head.  Still, you have to set that aside and concentrate on what needs to be and what you can do.  Rain or shine, it'll always be with you but if you hang it there, it will eventually it will be resolved.

Well it's starting to pour again and I try to get a ride as quickly as I can.  Though, my coat, trousers and shoes are soaked, I'm sweating inside cause of thickness of my clothing.  Another hard as ended and the only difference is that I come home wet instead of sweaty.  Still, I made it through and am still hopeful that something good will happen if I keep on trying.  Not even the rain can prevent me from doing that.

Well Another Summer Has Passed: Summer Is Over" By Dusty Springfield

I've been so stressed out lately that it just dawned upon me that it's not as hot as it was two months ago.  Apart from that, when I pass by the local mall, they are now posting sales on school supplies and uniforms while removing all the beach balls and inflatable pools.  It all point to one thing:  Summer is now over.  That means that over hear, apart from getting ready for the rain, half the year is now over.  I guess the song "Summer Is Over" by Dusty Springfield is appropriate for this post.

Once again, I failed to enjoy the summer and instead got a lot whole lot of heat.  It was bad enough that I had a lot of problems to deal with only to find myself in a really bad situation where I and my friends are hanging by a thread.  It was a cruel let down after working so hard and experiencing one disappointment after another.  The long dark shadow casts by that one bad development still hangs heavy as rumors and gossip fill the air and we prepare for the worse.  It's a disappointing verdict but those were the cards we were dealt with.

I don't like dwelling over spilled milk but when the thought of what could have been really cuts like a knife, especially when we thought it was a sure thing.  It was a brutal reminder that you have to expect the unexpected and this was something nobody expected.  Now the air smells of water as the rain starts pouring hard whenever I go home.  After bearing the summer's heat, we now have to deal with both our personal storms and the elemental storm brought about by the rainy season.  The summer's gone and the rainy season is now here so I have to put this pass me and just move on.

That's All I Want To Do: Back On My Feet Again By The Foundations

The last five days have left me drained  mentally, emotionally and physically.  Apart from that, I still have to deal with this situation where I have no control on.  I swear there too many unpleasant things that are happening around here lately.  All I want is to get back on my feet and have peace of mind.  Listening to the song "Back On My Feet Again" by The Foundations always reminds me of that wish.

I wish I was like the character in that song where he had someone help him to get back on track.  The sad reality is that you have to do that on your own.  That's what I've been trying to do all these years and I still can't get it right.  Just when I think I spot something that might help, it turns into dust and I back to square one.  Now that I'm getting older, things just keep getting tougher.

Though it's gets harder, I still am determined to keep going till I find it. To be able to stand on my own and have some peace is all that I want right now.  I've been through too much tumultuous and disappointing years and though I have accepted the end results, that doesn't mean that I'm quitting.  I still believe that I will achieve that even though my good days have passed.  That's all I want to do right which is why I'm trying to do all that I can to get it.

I Stand By My Family Forever: He Aint Heavy He's My Brother" By The Hollies

My aunt did something really amazing on Facebook.  She posted a slideshow that depicted old photographs of my late father.  They were so old and so rare even I haven't seen them before.  Apart from the photos, there were some music from their era that was also played along with the slideshow.  One of the songs that was there was "He Aint Heavy, He's My Brother" by The Hollies.

I guess I mentioned this because this month we celebrate Father's Day but sadly it's been three years since he passed away.  I still miss him to this day and what hurts the most is the fact that he died just when things were starting to look up.  Apart from my father, this song applies also to my brothers and my mother. Their joy is my joy and their sorrow is my sorrow.  Right now they are the world to me and all I want is to see them happy and safe.

As I've mentioned time and time again on this blog, my family is everything to me.  I don't mind having it tough so long as they are all safe and sound.  Even when we disagree at times, I will always stand by them.  If I help them, I don't ask for anything in return because they're my family.  They are never a burden to me because I care about them and they care about me.  No matter I stand by my family forever.

Can't Even Feel The Rain: Walking In The Rain By The Ronnettes

Well the transition from summer to rainy season has now begun.  Just when you think it's going to be a hot day, a down pour comes out of nowhere and you have to run for cover till stops then it gets hotter as the heat from the concrete starts to rise up due to the rain.  Right now I am oblivious to it because of what happened this past few weeks.  After all that'sst past, I wouldn't mind walking in the rain.  That's the reason why I'm the song "Walking In The Rain" by The Ronnettes for this post.

Throughout the previous week, each and everyone of us felt like we were shot in the chest with a shotgun at point blank range.  Even now we're still shocked at what happened.  It's been a long time since I felt this paralyzed yet I have never forgotten how crippling and how scary it hits you.  Everywhere I look, the facial expressions are the same.  To add insult to injury, the rain starts pouring when you're about to go home.

Well right now, I'm just preparing for the worse.  I went through crap twice and I don't want to go through that again.  I just hope I make through this storm and that others around me do the same.  It's gonna be a heavy rainy season.  I guess I have no choice but to brave the down pour till storm has passed.

It All Hit Us At Once: Everybody Down On Me By Lightnin Hopkins

Just when things couldn't get any worse, they already did.  Last Monday, I received some news that made my knees buckle.  I turned pale and couldn't sleep and the fact that people were light of the situation only annoyed me further.  The next day, what I heard last night confirmed my deepest fears.  The looks on people's faces made it very clear.  The way the news hit all of us very hard reminds of the song "Everybody  Down On Me" by Lightin Hopkins.

Everywhere I looked, the answer was the same.  Nobody had the strength to speak or talk about it.  All you could hear were the would've or could'ves.  Some offered their own explanation on what happened but it did little to ease the pain.  As the clock struck 5:00 pm, we left with our heads hung low as the rain clouds started to form and the smell of water filled the air.  It was if we were shot and our souls left our bodies.  It was a hollow and empty feeling that I have never forgotten and to feel it again really hurts.

Right now, there so many problems that we have been dealing with and now another one has come along which only serves to knock me hard on my chest.  Once again I have to dust up a few sheets and make a few calls.  This is going to be another dark year.  Just when I thought that things were going to get better, they got worse.  It really hit us all very hard.

Questions About Nearing 60 And Up: When I'm 64 By The Beatles

I remember the first time I saw white hair on my beard and in my sideburns.  It was an indication that I was really getting old . The fact that it was now more prominent and multiplying really reminded me that my time is now past.  For a guy who still can't get it right, that sure is depressing. With so much uncertainty, I wonder if I'll ever make it to my sixties and if I do, will I have getting act straightened out by then?  Asking that question reminds me of the song "When I'm 64" by The Beatles.

Those thoughts have been weighing heavily on me lately.  Having had so much disappointments as well having a hard time making ends meet as well as seeing dreams crumble to dust is the reason for it. Apart from that, things just keep getting tougher and tougher. Just when the year started out well, things happen and problems just get dumped on you ruining your outlook.  I'm starting to wonder if I am going to make it my sixty's.

I know this is supposed to be a love song where the couple asks if they will still be together at 64.  For single and stressed out guy, I'm wondering if I'll get stable or at least have peace of mind by then.  So many questions but no clear answers in sight.  Oh well, if I want to make to that age, I guess I better eat right and work hard.  If  I do that, I might reach my seventies or eighties.

Better Change Before It's Too Late: Evil Ways By Carlos Santana

A lot of times, I blog about urging people to change their ways when they do people wrong.  There are times  when you look out for yourself so much, you start treating people as if they were expendable.  You take that "take the money and run" attitude and just care about what you can get from that person yet leave them in the dust when they need your help.  My advice for them is to change while you can before it's too late because those bad things are gonna catch up with you eventually.  This warning was inspired by the song "Evil Ways" by Carlos Santana.

I've seen it happen to a lot of people before.  They take what they can get but give nothing in return.  They let their own greed and ego get the better of them and the worse part of it is when they don't know nothing to nobody.  Then without warning, it all falls apart.  They find themselves stranded and alone with no one to help because they treated people like crap so now they have no one to turn to.

Whether it's in the movies or real life, it happens.a  They don't even know it but they're digging their own grave.  These people need to stop and think hard about what they've been doing to themselves and more importantly to others.  They better stop while there's still time.  If not they'll just be digging their own grave.

Summer Bummer: Sunny Afternoon By The Kinks

Usually when it's summer, people are excited as they go out and put their vacation plans in motion.  These guys are lucky as they have cool place to spend the summer and some cash to spend it with.  Unfortunately there are some of us who have to grapple with a lot of problems this summer.  It's putting a mental, emotional and financial strain that has us struggling to keep our heads above water.  The only luxury we have left is some free time to laze in the afternoon sun.  That kind of summer reminds me of the song "Sunny Afternoon" by The Kinks.

What's supposed to be the best time to relax and enjoy is now turning into the most tense and stress-filled time of the year. It's bad enough that's blazing hot both day and night and now we have to deal with all this summer bummers.  When we hope that things would get better, they get worse.  Right now an afternoon nap or a boring day is the only luxury we can get.  I heard of turning up the heat but this is too much.

Well it's night time again and thing's have quieted down a bit.  Well that's a momentary break from the stressful developments that life throws in our way.  As I get myself ready for bed, I do so hope that this bad juju will pass away.  This summer is turning out to be a real bummer.  I just hope next year won't be that way.

Why It's So Hard To Get Up In The Morning: Morning Blues By Famous Last Words

Whenever I feel comfortable in my sleep, that's when I know it's time to get up and if I don't get up, I'll probably be late.  Though I'm an early bird, I'm beginning to wonder if it's worth waking up early or waking up at all for that matter.  Whenever I hear something bad going down, it makes it harder to get any sleep at night.  When I finally do feel good, it's time to wake up and I wonder what heart attack the day will bring as I  grapple with the bad news that I learned the previous day.  I know this isn't the right way to start the day. Feeling blue in the morning reminds me of the song "Morning Blues" by Famous Last Words.

Like I said in my previous posts, the only time I feel relief is at the office and that's the last place a stressed and troubled person should feel at ease.  Those six to eight hours when your mind drifts at night are the only hours that I feel some comfort.  Except when it's a workout day, I try to sneak in a an hour or two of sleep before forcing myself to get up.  Even when I stay focused at work, something comes up and tension starts.  It's only when I finally lie down and close my eyes that I am finally able to give a sigh of relief.

This cloud of bad luck has sure been hovering over us a little too longer than it should. The fact that I find it hard to get up or don't want to get up is proof of that.  Man how I wish things would get better cause waking up and going to sleep feeling worried and tense is not doing me any good.  You should greet the morning with a big smile on your face and be excited to face the day.  In my case it's the opposite and that's because you feel down in the evening and that's why it's so hard to get up in the morning.

Reminds Me Of My First Quentin Tarantino Film: Little Green Bag By George Baker

Just watched Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained" again last night.  Loved the way Tarantino elevated the Spaghetti Western Genre to an Oscar worthy film.  That was probably Tarantino's best work since "Pulp Fiction".  He did other films with various genres after that and all had critical acclaim.  I remember watching his first film that launched him to stardom called "Reservoir Dogs".  The song that played when they walked out of the diner was George Baker's "Little Green Bag".

For a former video store clerk with a limited budget, Tarantino came up with a masterpiece.  Instead of showing a linear or traditional form of story-telling.  He re-arranged the segments to make it like there were several small stories in the film.   I also love the fact that the dialogue was something us guys can relate to and conversation was no different when friends would gather and talk about anything under the sun.  Then there's the interrogation scene with Mr. Blonde culminating to the Mexican stand-off resulting in the deaths of three characters,  I still watch from time to time.

I remember a television program where Tarantino explains why he doesn't churn movie after movie and that's because he wants to make sure that he creates something really good that people would never forget.  I remember when he was here in the Philippines and before he accepted an award from the President, he commuted by riding a jeepney rather than riding some fancy car.  He's a really down to earth guy who really makes great films.  Despite the violence and the vulgar words, there's method to the madness and I love how that all comes together in the end.  More power to you Quentin and hope you keep churning up more classics.

Riding The Waves: Wipe Out By Sufaris

When I last spoke to one of my niece on what she is planning to on the weekend, she said she's heading to the beach.  I guess it's not surprising since people want to bask in the summer sun.  Right now people are  making a splash and getting a tan as they relax on the beaches all over the country.  For others, it's a chance to catch the waves with their boards and right now it's the best time to do it.  When it comes to riding the waves, the song "Wipe Out" by Sufaris comes to mind.

As I have said before, I was never a beach person let alone one of those surfer dudes who make the beach their home and ride the waves all day.  Still, I can appreciate the thrill that drives them to do so.  Seeing a wave form and rushing to meet it.  As it rises and they get on that board and ride the wave all the way back to the shore is some rush.  There ain't nothing like it and they do it while the going is good.

I guess summer is the perfect time to do that.  The only thing I'm riding on is the jeep or bus I use to commute to work. Deadlines and commitments are the waves that keep crashing down on me.  Well for those having a ball while making a splash enjoy it as best as you can.  Summer is the right time for that.

Starting Over: Picking Up The Pieces By Poco

It's been 13 years and I'm still cleaning up my mess.  It hasn't been easy but I still try because I've seen other people done it and if they can do it, so can I.  Even though there are times when something gets thrown in my way sets my spirits low, I do my best to get back up and stay the course.  I know I'm not alone and I can sympathize with other people who lost it all and are trying to regain what was lost.  A good song that picks my spirits up is "Picking Up The Pieces" by Poco.

Nobody wants to see what they have gained fall apart but there are times when it happens and lately I've been seeing it a lot.  Still, a true test of a person is not by what he has gained but how he gets up after getting knocked down.  That's why I wanna change things around because I wanna be that kind of person and also because there are people that I look after.  It doesn't come overnight but if you keep at it, it'll all come back one piece at a time.  Before you know it, things are back to the way they were.

It's easy starting over but it isn't impossible.  That's the reason why I keep going on and despite how long it has been, I know this will work out in the end.  For all those guys who are trying to do the same, all I can say is don't give up.  Just remember there are people there for you and they believe in you.  So keep on trying and you will get it back and I'll keep trying too cause that's what I also want to do.

For Those Who Are Down On Their Luck: Born Under A Bad Side By Albert King

Why is it that when I pray for things to get better, they just get worse?  I try hard to avoid trouble but trouble seems to have for me.  Even when it seems that things are looking up, something happens and before you know itm you're in a heap of trouble.  It makes you feel that you were born to lose which is not a good feeling at all, especially when you don't know why it's happening.  For those who feeling down on their luck, the song "Born Under A Bad Sign" by Albert King really tells it as it is.

I try to be a level-headed person when bad things happen.  As annoying as it feels, I do my best to accept what happened and work it out as best as I can.  However, when too much crap is starts raining on you, it pushes you to wonder why this is all happening. It gets worse when people you care about get in some kind of trouble as well.  You have a hard time with your problems yet you want to help them but can't and that really hurts,

As I've said earlier I try to be level-headed when bad things happen going so far as to assess what happened and where I went wrong even accept the verdict no matter how unfair.  Still, the feeling that it's not right has been growing and growing inside me and I fight the urge to give in to it.  That said  I am thankful for the things that I still have and the people who are still here.  I just hope that I turn my luck around because lately, it hasn't been good.  They say that we can change our fate and that's what I continue to strive for because although it's tempting I refuse to believe any of us were born on a bad sign.

  

Time To Party Again: Papa oom Mow Mow By The Rivingtons

Last week, people were already packing their bags and rushing out of the office.  The reason is because the school year is over and summer break has begun and they are heading to their favorite vacation spots most likely the beach or any place where you can soak up to keep cool.  Partying won't start however, until the Lenten Season has ended and so for now people just going to relax and reflect.  Once Easter rolls in, that's when the party fun starts.  When the summer fun truly begins, the song "Papa Oom Mow Mow" by The Rivingtons comes to mind.

Usually when I hear this song, thoughts of the beach come to mind.  People rushing to the water and splashing around with friends and family.  Either that or surfers are riding the waves and practicing their skills.  Sand castles are being built and inflatable rafts now litter the pools and beaches as people try best to keep their minds of the pressure and stress from work and school and just relax in the summer sun.  After studying and working so hard, people need some time off.

As for me, a cold brew and stoogie while gazing at the setting sun is good enough.  I just need to breathe a deep sigh before I take a puff and a sip.  Well for those who are now partying, party hard but party safe.  Make the most out of these two and a half months and save time to rest up after the ends. Be cool and take care.

The Feeling That Memories Stir Up: Come Get These Memories By Martha And The Vandellas

As I've said before, the reason why I love 24K Weekend (formerly 24K Friday) is because it plays a lot of songs that I grew up with.  Many of these songs have now become so rare that you can only hear it on 24K. Apart from that it's the next best thing to a time machine as the memories come alive with every great song played on that program.  It sure stirs up the emotion whenever you hear them play on the airwaves.  The emotions that stir deep inside me whenever I hear these songs reminds me of the song "Come And Get These Memories" by Martha And The Vandellas.

Although I've lost a lot of stuff that reminds me of the good old days, these songs help keep those days alive.  The songs that played when we partied with the pals on weekends and summer vacation.  The songs that remind us of the special girl that we once adored.  The songs that reminds us of the places where we all went to and hanged out where everyone knew each other.  So many good times that were kept alive by these cool songs.

Well even though the show has been taken off the air again, I still have my collection of 24K greats.  As I play them, I always get caught up in the songs as they take me back to the past.  I still can't believe how long it has been and how fast it went.  It gets me every time a song is played.  So many great memories that I will always treasure as long as I live.

It Will Come: A Change Is Gonna Come By Sam Cooke

If I remember right, I've used Henry Bergson's "Shipwreck Theory" twice on this blog now.  I fell in love with that theory because it reminds me that no matter how bad things are, it will pass. You just have to tough it out for a while.  Before you know it, the storm has passed and the good times are back.  That philosophy always carried me through the tough times.  Another good song that reminds that the tough times will end and a change will come is Sam Cooke's "A Change Will Come".

I read that Sam wrote this to describe the hardships and the hope during the Civil Rights Movement.  This could also describe the hardships that we face in our own personal lives.  When we're faced with so many problems and no one to give us a hand are times when life can be very hard.  Still, just like that line in Billy Joel's song "Second Wind", we just need a little faith to keep us going.  Before we know it, the worst is over.

I know I've been ranting a lot on my blog about all the things that get me down.  Still I believe that this storm is will past.  It's just taking a little longer than I thought.  That said, I still persevere through these tough times and I know I'm not the only one.  A change will come sooner or later and I will believe in that.

Things One Would Rather Not See: I'd Rather Go Blind By Etta James

Just because you're head over heels over someone doesn't mean that person is already yours.  This is especially true when you're the type of person who worships someone from afar.  You do that and that's all you're going to get.  It even gets worse when you see that special someone in the arms of someone else.  When I think about situations like that, the song "I'd Rather Go Blind" by Etta James comes to mind.

Love is a very competitive game.  You can't  win that person's heart by being timid.  If you have to step your game up and try to get to know that person.  You have to keep in mind that if you like that person, there are others who like him or her as well and they will do all that they can to win that person.  Stay timid and the next thing you'll be seeing is that person walking away with someone else and that's a bummer.

It's easy to say that you'd rather go blind.  Instead of doing that, you should go for it with all that you've got.  Nobody likes loosing out especially when it comes to love.  So if you don't what to see something like that, go for it.  It's a better choice than going blind.

Lot Of Break-ups" The Thrill Is Gone By B.B. King

A few weeks ago, I bumped into an old high school buddy of mine while I was at the mall trying to get home.  We sat down for a while talked about good times and how our classmates are doing. I was surprised when he told me that a lot of our classmates who got married have called it quits.  It wasn't just alumni from my old high school but lately I've been hearing news about people breaking up and it struck that in a country where people who feel strongly about marriage, it was sad surprise to hear that this is happening.  I guess it's like that B.B. King song called "The Thrill Is Gone".

It seems the modern concept of relationships has hit our shores.  No longer are people willing to stay together through good times and bad and  when the good times are gone, that's when they go their separate ways.  They argue that they're either being practical or realistic.  If they were being realistic, they should've known each other more before tying the knot.  Sadly, nothing's sacred anymore and and people aren't willing to go to distance just to stay together.

People still keep asking me the same old question "Why do you get married?!"  After hearing that, I don't think I want to.  I may be single but when it comes to tying the knot, I'm old school.  It's about being with each other till death do us part.  It's only when the thrill is gone, only then can you say it's real when they're stand by each other.  Sadly shallow marriages are on the rise and so are the break-ups and that kind of relationship I really don't want to be in.

That's Not Going To Get You Anywhere: Wishing And Hoping By Dusty Springfield

When you're a kid, people often tell that wishes come true. That's going to be a big let down when you get older.  This is obviously because wishing for something and hoping for it to happen is like waiting for elephants to fly or waiting for gold to fall out of the sky.  You're going to have to do more than that.  That's what I feel when I listen to the song "Wishing And Hoping" Dusty Springfield.

I know this is a love song but hey February is just around the corner and that means Valentine's Day or Christmas of the Heart.  Anyway just like love, nothing is going to happen when you just wish for it.  You've got to do more.  You know what you have to do and do it right.  Being shy is not going to help and that means you have to go for it, especially if you have the means to do so.  Only then that you can achieve it.

That's what I've been trying to do all this time.  It's easier said than done when reality dawns on you.  Still, if you really want to succeed, you can't let that stop you. It's only through hard work and perseverance that you can succeed.  Just wishing is not going to get you anywhere.