Treating at Halloween

My daughter did not don any costume this Halloween. I did not influence her in any way, even if I do not believe in the whole Halloween thing. In fact, I took her to two malls to find her a new costume, since the first one did not have her size.

I was a bit surprised when I learned that she still did not feel like she had to do the whole costume thing, even if they had trick or treat in school. "Teacher says we can come in costume but not to buy anything new," she tells me.

Way over

A friend once drummed up a list of things to do by the time she turned 30. I don’t think she crossed out all the items on that list by the time she celebrated her birthday. But I do remember that turning 30 was a big deal.

I celebrated my birthday just recently, and I’m way over 30. I’ve never done any lists – the only one I ever considered (and not seriously) was that outlined in a saying on achieving immortality: Plant a tree, write a book and sire a child.

What not to do at wakes

I was at a wake recently.

It wasn’t my first, but it did bring back all of these superstitious beliefs that Filipinos observe.

Bawal maghatid. Relatives of the deceased should not show you the door or walk with you to your car. It has something to do with bad luck or ill fortune.

Next, no take-home or take-outs. Should you choose to eat what’s offered, eat up. Don’t bring any of it home. Actually, don’t bring anything from a wake to your house.