Though you're far away, I am here to stay...

For the last time, Michael Jackson has made it into the news, big time. The King of Pop is gone. The networks were quick to come up with documentaries about the King. Shortly, grief and tribute flooded the streets. For sure, sales of Michael Jackson memorabilia will be a hit at the box office.

I wish the King of Pop were still alive to witness firsthand the flow of love and support. It would have been overwhelming to be given accolade when it meant the most, not during one's funeral. Sadly, his last years were marred with hurt, isolation, and financial troubles.

I rarely go to funerals. I choose not to conform to tradition. I believe that it is immaterial to show concern at an inappropriate time. I have always argued with my mom and wife about such customary practice. While it is good for show, the dead will never know.

I am a big fan of Michael Jackson, but I am a bigger advocate of not waiting until the final curtain to express one's love. By then, it would be too late.

Once a pitcher

Apologizing after being on the offensive makes me feel so uneasy. To humble myself and ask for forgiveness is not my style. My approach is to make amends through actions. On the other hand, if I choose not to reconcile, it will automatically be a written off relationship. Either I have too much pride in my pocket or plain genetic predisposition.

Last year was the start of a new beginning. I slowly changed for the better. If I were to sum it up, my evolution took a little over three decades. I am thankful that it did not take forever. Still a lot of fine-tuning to be completed but I am glad to have finally learned how to admit my guilt. The channel is now static-free.

Lately, my communication with Dad 1 has become personal. After 35 years and a chronicle of an unpleasant past, Dad 1 relayed his apology. I did not expect it and found it unnecessary. I would have been content with a silent advance. However, he opted to execute something unfamiliar.

What can I say? Honestly, it felt good. It was noble. It healed my scars. Now, I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end. I thank Dad 1 for being Mr. Bean.

Not entirely pessimistic

According to a recent U.N. report, one-sixth of all of humanity is now hungry.

Not long ago, Ms. E and I were exchanging ideas about global undernourishment. Being the Good Samaritan that she is, Ms. E kept insisting that the pandemic could be resolved if governments and citizens of the world would all contribute to proper social programs. As far as Ms. E was concerned, "nothing is impossible."

Unfortunately, my position is different. I am not being pessimistic; however, nothing in this world will curb hunger. It is not my opinion. It has been written, and it will be done. How can we argue with that? I told Ms. E that we have to be realistic about the case; otherwise, we would all be frustrated.

Why do you think we deteriorate as we age? Another friend of mine once brought to mind that "aging" makes it easier for us (and for those who love us) to accept death. Straight-forward yet infallible. Similarly, at present, there are about 1.02 billion hungry mouths to feed. We can always reach out, but the course of our being will never be derailed.

I pray that if we have been undernourished in this lifetime, may the next be a festivity.

"Jock" of all trades

I went off to work today around noon. It is one of those lazy days. Not willing to jump out of bed and start my day as a proper provider, I had to drag myself and address my ambivalence. If only Adam held onto righteousness, we would not be needing to toil.

Four productive hours later, I was on my way home.

The streets were quite busy, as office workers queue up at atm machines for their half-month's worth of honest labor. I recall those days when I was one of them, looking forward to emptying my bank account twice each month.

For years now, I have been working for myself. My responsibilities have changed considerably. Frankly, it could get scary at times, when you consider the men and women who are expecting you to fund their accounts so they could feed their families. Yet, I prefer to take on such risk than to be on the other end of the table.

It is cool to be a jock, but my vision is to own the team.

Negotiate and live

To the untrained eye, my Stefanie is a pain. She will assert herself and argue. She will prove her point to the last breath. For her, it is "my way or the highway." Yes, it gets to my nerve. Why let a 4 year old run your house? Now, this may sound ironic but I think Stefanie is doing an excellent job.

In life, we are always negotiating. Depending on where you are coming from, you will either be viewed as demanding or obedient. The way my daughter carries herself, people will see her as someone who can throw the nastiest of tantrums. As her dad though, I am proud of her conviction.

Shiela and I do not know how to spoil Stefanie, but we can be democratic with our household management style. At times, we want our daughter to be a part of the decision-making process to produce a more positive reaction. All the same, we recognize the occasions when a directional style would suit Stefanie best.

In the real world, I want our daughter to continue negotiating. I want her to perfect the art of the deal. It will be useful in life and in business.