Raymond’s reflections

BY NESTOR CUARTERO

JUST A THOUGHT: “Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.” – “The Polar Express”

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MISSING WHAT: Turning 55 recently, Raymond Lauchengco, husband to one, father of two, shared on Facebook mixed feelings of joy and sadness as he looked back on 2020.

The veteran singer-actor made a list of what he misses the most even as he discovered talents otherwise unknown to him, such as carpentry, during this long, long lockdown. Here’s Raymond in his own words:

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LESSONS FROM PANDEMIC: “And just like that, I’m 55. And while this year isn’t going in the books as one of my favorites, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like it. Because it’s my birthday, let me share 20 things I learned in 2020:

– There’s no better time to be married to a soap maker than now

– When all else fails, everyone turns to cooking, baking, and plants

– God’s faithfulness is way better than your comfort zone -My hands can make things

– Good lighting is important (people see you up close on Zoom)

– If you can’t help everyone, start with those you can

– Having kids makes a lockdown feel like a staycation

– Three-in-one coffee works just fine

– Things that annoyed me in 2019 make me laugh now

– Living with less makes you realize how much junk you have

– I like my silver hair

– Closed doors can open new paths

– The only thing I like more than staying home is staying home abroad

– True wealth has little to do with wealth

– I’m married to Wonder Woman (we’re homeschooling the kids)

– I never thought I’d miss airplane food and jet lag

– Liquor bans are the worst

– There is always something extraordinary in the ordinary

– Never underestimate your wife.