Punzi's Corner Blog

My day started with choir at the last morning mass at our village. It turned out to be a special mass, as a dear past resident priest celebrated it after being stationed abroad for about five years. He was here for a seminar and took time to celebrate mass this early morning. He still proved to us why he was beloved by the community.

And I thought I would not make it this morning because I was awake 2:00 a.m. and I was not feeling well some 15 minutes before the mass. It took all my might to get up. But in the end, I'm glad I showed up to play this morning because the choir was particularly on top form.

My busy schedule (and my lack of a social secretary, aka a wife) did not permit me to do some shopping for this year's holiday season. Hence, I schedule this one at the very last minute... that is, today.

Men, unlike women, do not want to take too much time to shop. To men, shopping is a chore, an errand to accomplish as quickly as possible, with military precision. To women, shopping is an experience, where the means (or the path) is just as important as the goal (or destination).

Men rarely bargain down prices, because time is of the essence to them. Women seem to delight in eking out the very last amount they could milk out of a merchant.

I am a stereotypical man when it comes to shopping. I scheduled my shopping early, before 9:00 a.m., just as the mall opened.

I already know in advance what I want to buy so I don't waste time. Moreso, I even know where to buy them, because I know that mall like the back of my hand (since I park there at least two times a week).

So as usual, my Christmas shopping operation was a success. I was able to buy the remaining food we need for the midnight meal, some groceries (milk for my children and my dad), my long delayed gifts for my children, my sister and my dad, and even a "small" gift for myself.

I was in and out of that mall in less than an hour, just as the crowds swelled immensely. I even had time for a quick brunch.

So now I'm giving myself a pat on the back for a job well done and rest up for tonight (and tomorrow's) festivities. I still have choir duties tomorrow morning.

And so I'll greet you friends tomorrow. I believe the timing is just as important as the content and sincerity of the greeting itself. Until then...