THE GOOD WIFE’S GUIDE

The following article was published in the May 13, 1955 issue of the Housekeeping monthly.   I believe that some of these are still real – as in I know some wives who are still living in this kind reality.  Well, this is already the 21st century and everyone has equal rights and responsibilities in relationships.  I just could not believe that some sections of the society still subscribes to the idea of the wife being a second class citizen!

What do you think????  Desperate Housewives ?

Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have be thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they get home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.

Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.

Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Run a dustcloth over the tables.

During the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Encourage the children to be quiet.

Be happy to see him.

Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first – remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

Don’t greet him with complaints and problems.

Don’t complain if he’s late for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through at work.

Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or lie him down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.

Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.

Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.

A good wife always knows her place.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

To everyone !!!

MISS SAIGON SHOULD BE MISS MANILA !!!

 

Cameron McKintosh should rename Miss Saigon to Miss Manila as obviously Kim and the girls, ever since the original production,  have been acted mostly by Filipinos from wherever they are.  Leah Salonga, Monique Wilson, Isay Alvarez, Jenine Desiderio – to name a few. 

The Australian tour will be shown in Melbourne in March and I made sure I get my tickets in advance.  No missing this show especially that a Filipina-American born Laurie Cadevida will play the role of Kim.  And I have not seen any of the London-American production.  

The only Saigon I have is the original music CD which had been played a million times by me and my old close friends (of long time ago!) – knowing the songs at heart – songs which had been apt themes of various phases in our lives and friendship.   

Is there a story based in the Philippines that would grab worlwide attention like Ms Saigon?  I know that there are some attempts to produce a musical about Imelda – like Evita.  But then would people really care to watch a story about a rags to richess former beauty queen who allegedly amassed millions of money while being the Presiden’t wife? And the shoes collections which earned her a worldwide signature. Imagine, the musical with millions of shoes to be given away!  And the jewelries as well!  And if there’s Imelda – there would also be Cory.  And the Edsa Revolution.   I think it has all the elements of a tragic-comedy coming of age musical.   Something that the Filipinos would be proud to own  (wink,wink)   

And who’s gonna play Imelda Marcos?  I’m sure there would be a lot of drag queens out there really interested

BUSHFIRE, BUSHFIRE EVERYWHERE!

For the past four days there are bushfires around Victoria and today I woke up with this almost orange brown sky – and saw a red sun – like a red moon actually!  Is this the end of the world ???  Not yet, I still have to see my baby!  I am just reminded of how the skies in Manila are on a very polluted day.  A little bit eeriee that I feel more like home!

WHAT MAKES US TRULY HAPPY!

TODAY marks Thanksgiving Day! It is a big tradition in the USA,  and when I was in the Philippines we also celebrated this on the next Sunday, following.   Although not a big thing in Melbourne,  I am thinking of  starting a  personal tradition by inviting my friends to a house dinner of just roasted chicken and rice (instead of the turkey and potato)!

Recognizing and counting your blessings!  Yes, it is a day to stop whinging about the weather and just looking at the positive side of things and finding the beauty spot in the most ugliest of things and circumstances you are currently in.  And laugh!  And smile! And this really makes you feel better!  

Yes, I love Thanksgiving Day!

Hope you have plenty to give thanks about!  Cheer