FROM THE FORWARDED E-MAIL DEPT.:

I am thankful...

For the wife who says it's hot dogs tonight, because she is home with me, not with someone else.

For the husband who is on the sofa who is being a couch potato, because he is home with me and not out at the bars.

For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes, because that means she is at home, not on the streets.

For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed.

For the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.

For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.

For my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine.

For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.

For all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech.

For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking and that I have been blessed with transportation.

For my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.

For the lady behind me in church that sings off key, because it means that I can hear.

For the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.

For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means I have been capable of working hard.

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I am alive.

It's the holiday season once more, so me and my wife, Kuki, decided to go to Greenhills for some Christmas shopping.

You know those vendors in the streets who sell candies, newspapers, and the like? Some even sell toys (like those animals with the bobbing heads) and mini foldable seats. Well, there was this one vendor who really had us laughing hard. It was along Wilson St. going to Greenhills. Take a guess at what this guy was selling.

Made your guess yet? Believe it or not, the guy was selling FISHING RODS. What the hell?!!? Who sells fishing rods on the street walking around while the traffic light's red? Better yet, who's gonna buy them? I can't imagine anyone seeing this vendor and saying, "Hey! Fishing Rods! Just what we need while we shop at Greenhills!"

I'm still wondering how many fishing rods that guy sells in a day (if ever).