If money were not a problem...

I have been in rapids these past few months, was thrown overboard, sank low and had a hard time getting back to the surface. But now, I have pulled myself out of the water and awaiting my next ride.

One day I heard a segment over the radio, where the DJs ask the question “If money were not an issue…” and then the listeners call in and give their thoughts. Why, this is fun, I thought, way more interesting than thinking of multiple myeloma, medications, and their side effects!

So, to distract myself, I started to think of what I would do if I have tons of money. My answers were just my own, of course, but still they did not come easy. For the life of me, I just have 2 or 3 things on my mind for the next couple of days! And of course, there is the issue of priority, and it is hard to just dream when you have been immersed in reality for the longest time.

I know that as we grow older, our dreams will also change.

So, here goes: “If money were no object I would…”

......Donate more to more charities.

......Clean up Manila Bay.

......Develop a nature park in my hometown. We do not have one, and the municipal government built a gymnasium on the little plaza that we had.

......Set up a loan agency where students can get a loan at very little interest to finance their education.

......Own a beach house, or better yet, a beach resort where all my relatives can all fit when we come together.

......Own a house in the places we had lived: Bacolod City, Cebu City, Singapore, Manila, Romblon, and in Palawan for good measure.

......Finish my mother’s house. And increase the lot area to at least 1,000 square meters. How? I don’t know, but this is why dreams are great!

......Buy my 92 year-old mother a decent car, get her a driver and an alalay (assistant, maid) so she can go whenever and wherever she wants to go. I have a feeling this will not work that well, she had fired several maids already, claiming that they go gallivanting right after the lunch dishes are done, and that they are such a waste of money. But still, this is a dream.

......Build a native-inspired house made of Filipino indigenous materials designed by architect Francisco Manosa.

......Surprise each relative by fulfilling their fondest wishes. Want to ride an airplane? Done. Want to see Boracay? Done. Holy Land? A small farm? A jeepney? Done, done done.. Simple folks are delighted with simple pleasures. How fun it would be for me!

......See my hairdresser once a week, and have her dye my hair for me. I am actually overjoyed with this dream – dyeing my hair is a such a painful chore.

......Have someone clean my house for me once a week.

......Mani/pedi/spa regularly. I feel rich already!

......Wait, what about world travel? Maybe, but right now it does not sound as enjoyable as fulfilling someone’s fondest wish.

If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.

Henry David Thoreau

A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.
John Barrymore