Wicked party, Wicked hangover

Last Saturday we held our annual Halloween party "Wicked". I was already feeling a little sick earlier that day, but the event is always so much fun that I couldn't even think of not showing up.

As expected, we had a great time. The Jocks all showed up in costume. The listeners turned out to give their support (especially the Shoutboxers). The bands all did a great job. Our ex-DJ, Harry, even made an appearance.

I in particular, got a huge kick out of my costume. I came dressed as Jon Cena. I had a t-shirt with fake muscles painted on it, I wore the signature shorts and wrist bands, I had a real chain around my neck, and I even had a spinning WWE championship belt. (I'll post pics at http://djrick.multiply.com/photos)

Unfortunately, the all the fun came at a bit of a price. My condition worsened because the painted shirt caused me to sweat a lot and the chain was really heavy (causing my injured back to ache). I spent the whole day Sunday in bed and I didn't feel much better Monday morning.

My condition affected by boardwork. But all things considered, my only regret is not having the energy to stay longer and take a few more pictures with the DJs. Otherwise, it was all worth it.

That's it! I think I've had it!

I usually refrain from getting political in my blogs, but this is an outrage!

He was convicted of the highest of crimes and now he's pardoned?!? What kind of message are we sending to our politicians, or the people of other countries (who already think our government is a joke)?

Something like this is really convincing me to go back to the States ASAP.

I'd like to consider myself a bit of an optimist, but has this country really gone to the dogs?

Sigh... I need to calm down. If I don't, I might bust an artery.

Let's focus on something positive...
OK, there's great a cappella on my show "The Blend" on Saturday morning. Oh! And there's also our Halloween party "Wicked" Saturday evening!

Fine, I know it seems a bit trivial, but sometimes you've just gotta find whatever small pleasure you can to keep yourself sane.

"The Blend" CD still on sale!

A few days ago I was in a department store, and on a whim I decided to check and see if "The Blend" compilation album was still at the record bar. It has been almost two years since we released the CD, so didn't keep my hopes up.

After some looking (I had to ask the salesladies for the AKAFellas, so she'd know what I was talking about), they found it!

I'm not exactly sure how the royalties and contracts go for CDs like ours (the record label handles all those details), but I'm guessing that it might go off the shelves come December or January, when the CD hits its second anniversary.

I also just looked at the online store and found out that it's still there! Here's the link for those abroad interested in Filipino a cappella...
http://starrystarry.com/sss_music_details.asp?SectionId=001&ItemId=R011001293&New=yes

Me as Santa?

On air, I used to regularly do a segment called "The DJ Rick Weight-loss Challenge" (where I'd announce my weight every few days). Unfortunately I haven't done it in a while. I no longer have a sponsor as an incentive, plus I haven't been actively dieting or exercising.

There are actually several reasons (or excuses) for regaining the weight:
- After my operation, I had to load up on lots of calcium, so that might have made me heavier.
- My doctor says I still can't do any competitive sports or even just running
- I've been turning to comfort foods since my daughter left the country.

Over the weekend, an someone asked me if I'd be interested in being Santa for some events. She said it's because I'm tall, but I can't help but think that my growing tummy might be a factor. Oh well, at least it's helping me earn a little on the side. Hehehe...

Thoughts after another year...

Over the past years, with each birthday, I do more and more reflecting. I mean, let's face it, I'm not 22 and single anymore. I've got a the future of a family to look after.

The past year has been a tough one for me. My operation... Losing my daughter... They say that God doesn't give anything you can't tackle. So I guess these trials have made me a stronger person.

My life has been pretty much the same for the past few years. I've fallen into a routine and have become complacent. Perhaps now is the time to take that strength that I've gained and make a significant change.

My wife and I have some big plans, but I don't want to say anything until they're completely in motion. When I hit 30, I panicked and got in a bit of a rut. Today, two years later, I'm still scared, but I've got more hope.

I met Babyface today

I wasn't supposed to be at the press conference, since he's an RnB artist and our station is a bit on the Alternative side. But I was able to tag along with my wife, who works for another radio station. (Since the people from the record label know me, they didn't mind my hanging around.)

He was shorter than I thought he would be. I guess being a fan and seeing him on television made him seem a bit more larger than life. Also he's quite thin, so I guess that contributes to making him look taller on TV.

The guy had a mellow-yet-cool demeanor together with a very soft voice. It was really hard to hear my wife's interview (she had a one-on-on with him), even though the room was dead quiet.

I wanted to interview him myself, but since he's a bit off our format I thought of some crazy questions to make it interesting even for our audience - similar to my interview with Edu (see my other posts). Here are a few of the questions I thought up...
- What should we call you Mr. Babyface, Mr. Face, Sir Baby?
- Do you get royalties from Marco Antonio Barrera who goes by "the Babyfaced Assassin"?
- When you turn 70 or 80, will you change your name to "Not-so Babyface"

Unfortunately, my boss, the people of the record label,.and even my wife weren't too thrilled by the idea I had. Oh well.. Maybe next time. :)

I doubt I would've had it in me to ask those questions anyway. Both times I spoke with him, I practically said the same thing (something like "I'm a huge fan" or "I love your music").

Still alive

Earlier today I played the song "Coming Down" by Edwin McCain. It ends with the words "most of all I'm thankful I'm alive". I just had to give an inspirational adlib.

It has slowly been seeping in lately, what my wife has been telling me for the past weeks; as long as there's life, there's still hope.

I've got to give a hell of a lot of credit to the Mrs. She hass really been my backbone. I don't know what I'd do without her.

On a side note...
Even my son has even been a help. Lately the crazy kid hasn't been as naughty as usual. :)

The Struggle

Today was my second day back to my regular weekday program. It has been tough holding the show together while in my current state. My concentration is a bit off and my energy is at times low. But I try as best I can to keep things entertaining.

I'm trying to keep myself busy to help get my mind off of things. I'm working on several projects now, and I've even drawn out a list of things to do in my spare time. Hopefully that'll keep me from getting into a rut.

It's really the silent times that get to me. When I'm alone in the booth while a sad song is playing... When I just get into the car, or when I've just parked... Those are when I'm most vulnerable to breaking down.

I miss my daughter. Nothing can ever replace her. So while I look forward to the day that we'll be together again, I'll just try to stay as productive as possible.

Aftermath

Aftermath? No, I'm not talking about the Pacquiao-Barrera fight. I'm talking about something a lot more close to me.

I guess you can tell by that little joke that I'm doing a bit better. It's been almost a week since my daughter left the country. It still hurts, but I think I'm over the initial mourning period.

I video-chatted with Nica a couple of times already. She's doing fine and will start school in two weeks. It really me helped a lot seeing her in high spirits. Thank God for technology!

Of course there are moments when I miss her a lot and the sadness overcomes me. It's only natural, and I'm sure it will lessen over time.

I gotta say that all the words of support from family, friends, and listeners have helped me so much.

Goodbye

It's a good thing that I asked for a leave today. I'm a wreck. It's still so fresh that if I had to go on air today, I'd get too choked-up when playing a song about goodbye or one about missing someone (we've got a few new ones on the playlist).

I can't begin to describe the aching in my chest that I feel for my daughter. It's like someone reached in there and ripped my heart and lungs out. Far worse than any broken heart. She's my little girl, really a part of me.

I keep thinking about all the good times we've had, and how I don't know when I'll ever get to be with her again. I also dwell on my shortcomings as a dad, however small, and how I regret not doing better.

Friday is my day off, so I have another day to grieve before having to go on air. At least my first show back will be "The Blend". The a cappella music really is good therapy.

I really don't know when I'll be back to normal again. Maybe I don't want to be. Maybe I just want to keep missing her. I dont know.

Thoughts on D-Day

Today Nica leaves with her natural mother for Denmark. I've been laying in bed watching her sleep (like Nicholas Cage at the end of the movie Family Man).

I'm going to miss her so much.
When my ex and I split, Nica and I were left with each other. We pulled through it with each other's love and were able to move on.

Now, years later, even though I'm married and have another kid, Nica's importance to me hasn't lessened a single bit. In fact, she's an important part of our family.

You know, I try not to focus on how much I'm going to miss watching her play with her brother, but I can't help it. Their laughter is one of the most joyous things in my life.

I'm on leave from work today and tomorrow - my last two for the year (I used up all the rest for my surgery). I want to be with Nica in her last hours here, and I doubt I'll be able to hold myself together on air tomorrow.

Getting by

Over the past several days it's been obvious that Nica is torn between her excitement to go to Denmark and her desire to stay with the only family she's ever really known. Since it's her last few days in the country, we've been trying to make the most out of them.

We started the weekend with somewhat of a Father-Daughter day. While her brother was taking his daily nap and her mom was still at work (Friday afternoon) we went out, had ice cream & donuts and talked. It was really simple but memorable.

While I was working on my a cappella show "The Blend" Saturday morning, it was a Mother-Daughter day. They had a last-minute check-up done, and chatted at Starbucks Medical City while waiting for tests and doctors.

My parents arrived Sunday morning and Nica was thrilled to see them. Even though they'll only spend a few days with her, they're still lucky. When they left to visit my sisters in Texas, they didn't know if they'd get to see Nica before she left.

I guess I'm bit lucky too. Even though I have to work Monday and Tuesday, I know Nica will be spending quality time with my folks (similar to when I was on board Saturday). Having to do "The Blend" was even made easier by the fact that we had the Caltex Chorale perform live on the show.