Movies

I watched Monster-In-Law the other day and I really enjoyed it. It was a funny movie and not over the top. Jane Fonda was excellent. I didn't think she would be able to handle the character well but she did it excellently. Michael Vartan as the main male character was also a good choice. He and Jennifer Lopez had a nice on-screen chemistry that was just right. Nothing lusty or again, over the top. I liked it. And I really like Jennifer's acting. She always plays her roles beautifully. So yeah, I had a fun time watching the movie especially because of the happy ending. Jennifer was a surprise because I always thought that her forte was in music and dancing but apparently I was wrong. I also liked her acting in Enough. It's one of my fave movies. In case you're wondering if I'm a battered wife, I'm not. I just like movies that portray strong women (like Angelina Jolie in Beyond Borders and Geena Davis in Long Kiss Goodnight). I think Jennifer deserves to do more movies.

.....

I watched The Inside Man last night and it was okay. Not as riveting as I would expect but Denzel Washington was great and so was Clive Owen. Jodie Foster was impeccable as ever. Truly wonderful actress and one of my favorite as well. She still looks so youthful and I so love her facial expressions. They say and portray so much. Anyway, the story leaves much to be desired but still, it was a nice movie to get me distracted from chores.

Weird News

Some news that will make you think (and rethink) about how weird the world (and people) can be. Enjoy.

"Twins" split by 21-year-old bungle

Hurricane unearthed 18th-century cannons in Mexico

Man leaves dead mother in armchair for two years

Cities look at banning saggy pants

Ouch

I accidentally bit my tongue - hard! - yesterday while I was eating dinner and now the bitten part feels so sore. I checked it earlier on a mirror to see if I developed singaw (a wound) but fortunately there was nothing except some redness. Sigh. I hate it when that happens. It just hurts so much and makes eating an ordeal. But sometimes when I do bite my tongue, I email or send Ruther an SMS asking him, "Were you just thinking of me?" because well, we always believe that when we bite our tongue, someone is thinking or talking about you. I don't know why it's always Ruther I think about first. Maybe if that were true, Ruther would be biting his tongue every hour or so! Well, that would be a very unpleasant thing. So maybe it's not true. But I'm still hoping he's thinking about me. =D

I Pick...

I was reading the magazine the other day when I chanced upon a survey. It basically asks "Which tv hunk would you most want to date?" The choices: Patrick Dempsey, Hugh Laurie, Charlie Sheen, and Peter Gallagher. If I were to answer that, I would without a doubt choose Hugh Laurie. I have always admired his acting and his professionalism. He was always great in British films especially when he was alongside Emma Thompson (a fave actress of mine). When I started watching House MD, I loved him all the more. Now, in case you think I have the hots for older men, you're wrong. I'm just the type of person who likes people for their mind more than their looks. It's just the way I am. I did watch Grey's Anatomy and know about Patrick Dempsey but his McDreamy ways didn't work on me. Charlie Sheen, I'm sorry but I don't find him cute at all and the only time I liked Peter Gallagher for his looks was in the movie While You Were Sleeping (with Sandra Bullock) and that's it. Hugh Laurie I like a lot and not only because he's witty and smart and speaks with a British accent. He's very talented, really great actor and I really really love those blue eyes. I think I could drown in them. No kidding.

Here are more facts about him: http://www.hughlaurie.net/bio.html

Full name: James Hugh Calum Laurie.
Birthdate: June 11, 1959
Birthplace: Oxford, Oxforshire, England
Height: 6' 2 1/2
Eyes: Blue.
Married to: Jo - June 16, 1989
Children: Charlie, Bill, and Rebecca
Father: Dr.William George Ranald Mundell Laurie
Mother: Patricia

Me and Them

Me, 2 sleepy boys, a bear, 2 mannequins and a lot of love.

Summer in Japan.

Lonely

This is one of the sketches I did before. When I did not feel like doing something complicated I just sketched using my pencils. Checking the date on this, I saw that I made this in 1992. Seems like such a long time ago.

Questions In a Span of 10 Minutes

• Should I have my hair cut?
• When will Ruther and I be together again?
• Will I suffer from disease/illness when I get old?
• When will I see Japan again?
• Will we be a successful homeschooling family?
• Will I still have a baby in the future?
• Should we migrate?
• How can I lose more pounds?
• Will this paid posting thingie really work for me?
• Will I be able to read all the books I would love to have?
• When will I be able to start my own business?
• What is God's plan for me?
• Will I be able to find my calling, my purpose in this world?
• When will I see Mommy and Daddy again?
• How can I make people more environmentally conscious?
• Should I start using those anti-aging products Mommy insists that I use?
• What kind of boys will Nikki and Ethan be when they are older?
• When will I see fireflies again?
• Will the Earth be healed again?
• Will the war in Mindanao end soon?

Baby Blues

I finally finished reading the latest Baby Blues book I bought. It was a lot of fun! I finished it in an hour. That was how much I love Baby Blues and the humor of Kirkman and Scott. Even if I weren't a parent I would still love reading this comic strip. But now that I'm a mom and wife, I appreciate the comic even more. It's just a relief knowing that you are not alone with your parenting frustrations even if it is just through a comic strip. Anyway, I hope to find the other books (we missed one or two) so we could complete our collection.

Sushi and Me

I love Sushi! Don't worry, I'm not squishing her. She's just so soft and furry it looks like I'm strangling her. But I love her a lot! I was not even sure I was going to like rabbits because I never interacted with one before. I just thought of getting Nikki and Ethan one so that they would learn how to take care of animals and to be responsible in handling them. But now that I have Sushi, I realized, I love rabbits more than dogs. They are just so adorable and quiet and very easy to take care of. Just give them a slice of apple and they are happy. Or just rub her gently and she would fall asleep on your lap. Oh yes, and I'm very pleased to report that her skin condition has improved a lot! Her fur is growing so nicely now but I still check her from time to time just to make sure she does not get those scaly dandruff-looking patches. Sushi is getting so big now. The other day, my brother-in-law asked me if I'll be getting Sushi a partner and I said she's just a baby! Hahaha! I'm really monthering her, I know. Well, maybe later on I'll get her a partner. I don't want her to be a lonely rabbit here. Besides, it would be nice to have some baby bunnies hopping around the room! =D I would love that!

P.S. Sushi reminds me of Ruther as well because I call him my "honeybunny". Hahaha! =D

35 Questions

I was tagged by Chi and Darlene! Thanks you guys! =D

Where is your cell phone? On the dresser.

Relationship? Happily married despite the distance separating us. =(

Your hair? I have long black straight hair. But I think I'm going to get a haircut in a few months.

Work? Stay at home mom and wife and teacher to my 2 homeschool boys.

Your sister? I have one older sister whom I love so much.

Your favorite thing? My wedding ring.

Your dream last night? I know I dreamt something but I can't remember it now. Sorry...

Your favorite drink? Coffee and hot chocolate.

Your dream car? Any car Ruther will be driving. I don't mind having any model as long as it's functional. Hahaha!

The room you’re in? My boys' room.

Your shoes? I love flipflops. I'm a summer girl.

Your fears? Losing Ruther or the boys or something terrible happening to one of them. (God forbid!)

What do you want to be in 10 years? A wife, a mom, someone with a career because I think it's about time I pampered Ruther too. =D

Who did you hang out with this weekend? My boys.

What are you not good at? Figuring out the stock market.

Muffin? Blueberry and banana muffins... Mmmmmm...

One of your wish list items? Going back to Japan, a country I love so much.

Where you grew up? Zamboanga City

Last thing you did? Read a magazine and sent Ruther a message.

What are you wearing? Shorts and a tee.

What aren’t you wearing? A wig.

Your pet? Sushi! Our cute rabbit!

Your computer? Laptop (c/0 Ruther).

Your life? Would want to be with Ruther all the time but despite that, we are doing well and making strides. I'm happy with the way our life has been going. We are healthy, happy, and going strong. I am grateful for these little blessings that come our way.

Your mood? Okay for now.

Missing? My soulmate.

What are you thinking about right now? A thousand and one things to do.

Your car? I don't own one. What's with all these car questions?

Your kitchen? It's not mine because we live with my in-laws but MY kitchen would be cozy and homey and complete, not to mention be smelling yummy from all the food I would be cooking and baking.

Your summer? All right. We spent it back home with my mom and dad so it was nice.

Your favorite color? Lilac and orange.

Last time you laughed? This afternoon while playing tickle with my boys.

Last time you cried? This evening while watching a tv series.

School? Graduated in 2000 but I'm taking a certificate course now in Child Psychology so I could be more confident in homeschooling the boys. I'm homeschooled too. =D

Love? Ruther would be at the top of my list. Then the boys of course. Everything else pales in comparison.


If you think this is a fun tag, then feel free to do it! I'm tagging YOU! Have fun!=D

Snacks and Food

I love chocolate and I love Japan. Great combination isn't it? Anyway, I have always loved Hello Panda since waaaay back. This snack is available in Zamboanga so when we frequent the mall, I ask my mom to buy me some. It does not take long for me to finish it though. That's just how much I love this yummy snack. Anyway, when I was in Japan I would see a lot of snacks in Daiso and Daiei. I tried some but now that I'm not there, I wish I tried as much of the snacks that I could. I'm not going to gorge myself, mind you, just have a taste of what their snacks are like. I already liked their mixed nuts variety. Not like ours here in the Philippines where there are peanuts, peas and corn nuts. Theirs have the small fish, peanuts and some other crunchy additions. Love the different flavors and textures. It's such a fun food to eat. I will definitely look for those in some of the Japanese groceries here. Anyway, should I return to Japan, I must remember to try as much of the food there as I can. After all, when will I possibly return there again, right?

Isn't it obvious that I love talking about food?

Meteor Garden

I already watched this tv series before when it was aired on ABS-CBN. Now that it's shown on GMA I still could not help but watch it. I know the story. I also know that it was adapted from a Japanese manga and that there also was a Japanese tv series related to it: Hana Yori Dango. I watched the first few episodes of Hana Yori Dango but I still love Meteor Garden. I suppose I really love the chemistry between Shan Cai and Dao Ming Si (played by Barbie Hsu and Jerry Yan). I love the story. I love that it's all about love. I love how Dao Ming Si changed his horrible attitude for love of Shan Cai. I love that Shan Cai lowered her pride and became more understanding towards Dao Ming Si and accepted his flaws. I love the moments when they realized they had feelings for each other, the chases, the kilig moments, the times when they would stare in each others' eyes. I love that they fought for their love and love conquered all. That to me, makes this series so appealing. Okay, I'm sappy, fine. I can live with myself so I don't mind. Now that I am watching this series again, I'm thinking of owning a copy so I could watch it later on when I want to watch a sentimental show. Might have to check if the video is still available in stores. I hope there are copies still. This is such a cute show.

A Kid Once More

At Tokyo Disneyland, one of my favorite places in the world. Would love to go back here with my family. In time.

Choose

You say you don't like her
But I see in your eyes
that she's more than a friend
No, don't act surprised.

You go out with her
without telling me
You keep things to yourself
and say "It's nothing, see?"

I wonder, do you hold her,
dream about her at night?
Is it her you imagine
in your arms so tight?

Don't think that I'm blind
I know what I feel
I know women are attracted
to your sex appeal.

Bear in mind that I love you
But you can't continue this way
It just hurts too much
I can't live like this everyday.

I can't share you with anyone
That's just not my style
I said my vows seriously
when I walked down that aisle.

So it has to be her or me
There's just no other way
Let me know soon enough
If I should go or if I should stay.

-yette; aug 21, '07; 9:57pm

Brat

Lately I noticed that Ron, Ruther's youngest brother has been acting very bratty. I don't see Ron very often because he works in Laguna and comes home during the weekends. Before he started work, we spent a lot of time together because he and I were always at home. After I came back from Japan, we didn't bond too much because we went home to Zamboanga for the summer. It was only recently that I noticed this change in him. He has been acting inconsiderate and could be insensitive at times. This is a surprise because he was not like this before. I suppose I started noticing his change in attitude because it has become quite frequent these past days. I remember that there was a time when he was so problematic with what to do with his laundry because there was no one to wash it. Now that to me, is a bit petty. I mean, there are so many options available. He could wash the clothes himself or if he finds that too difficult, he could look for a laundromat where he could dump them there and have his clothes washed. Finished. Simple right? But no, he doesn't think of things like this. He just complains and complains and complains. If he finds something wrong about the car, he complains. If he runs out of money, he complains. If he does not like the food on the table, he complains. My goodness, he's in his 20s! He's no longer a baby!! If my dad would hear him, my dad would give him an earful! I could already hear my dad say, "If you're hungry, you go cook your own food!" Yup, I have always been taught to be grateful for the food placed on the dining table. And until now I have always felt that way even if I have sardines or dried fish. Anyway, the most recent event here at home was when he was told to drive his Uncle (his mom's brother) to the airport one Sunday. He complained in front of everyone that why wasn't he told of the plan earlier and why was he told only now. His Uncle replied, "We did the planning earlier but you just weren't here". And you know what Ron did? He dissed him! In front of everyone!! Mama was so embarrased, I could see it on her face. And she was really disappointed. She told me later on that she asked Russell (middle brother) to drive Tito Art to the airport instead. Then she told me that as much as she hates to compare Ron and Russ, she really couldn't help it because Ron has become difficult. I felt so sad for her. Inside though, I told myself, I won't let Nikki or Ethan grow up like that. When I was growing up, when my dad told me or my siblings to do something, we HAD to do it, no questions asked. When we were bigger, we could protest, but we always did so in private. What Ron did was waaay below the belt. Not only did he disrespect his Uncle, but he portrayed a bad image of the way his parents brought him up. And that I would never or could ever do to my mom and dad. And now, here's another thing. Tito Art is coming back for two weeks only and Ron refuses to let hiim sleep in his room!! He was like, "absolutely NOT". And Tito Art is not going to sleep on his bed, mind you, but in a separate bed in his room. Still he refuses. There is no other space available for Tito Art because Tita Nicki and Natasha (relatives from Australia) are staying in my room upstairs and Mama and Papa are in their room, Russell is expecting his wife to arrive from the US so she will naturally, be sleeping with him and I sleep with the boys in their room downstairs. So there's no other place except in Ron's room but does he see reason? No. He's just plain selfish is the way I see it. He doesn't care at all how his attitude will reflect on his family and how he will embarrass his mother and father. All he cares is what HE wants and what HE thinks. Now if that's not a spoiled brat I don't know what is.

Reminiscing

Posing in front of Queen's Square. Tower A is Ruther's office building (there are 3 towers). It was a windy day my hair is all over my face in the photo. I remember the wind because as we were walking towards Yokohama Jackmall, I remember Nikki commented about the dancing leaves. It was a lovely chilly afternoon. =D

I Heart Jet Li

Have you seen the new San Miguel beer commercial which stars Jet Li? I love it. If you haven't seen it yet, you can take a peek here. I have always been a Jet Li fan since waaaay back. My dad and siblings would huddle around our tv and watch his Once Upon a Time in China movies. We never got fed up of those. Really really great movies. Not only is he such a talented actor, I love that he is somewhat of a historian as well because his movies really depicts China as it was before. We would always enjoy and appreciate the colorful costumes, the creative props, the stunts and the martial arts moves. When Jet Li started doing Hollywood movies, I loved him more because despite the international prestige, he remained humble and down to earth. In the paper today, I read an article about him and after I finished reading it my admiration for this man increased a hundredfold. I've been searching the Philippine Star archives for the link but unfortunately I could not find it. Too bad. I so wanted to share that article here. Anyway, I was so glad to read that he enjoyed his stay in the Philippines. I so want to get his autograph but I think that is farfetched. No matter, I will always have his movies to inspire and entertain me and this I know for sure: I will always be a Jet Li fan. =D

Update:

Found an article in another paper which is VERY similar to what I read. Here it is.

Cookies

I have lately been munching on Goldilocks' chocolate chip cookies. I just find them so yummy. The first time I tried them was when my mom bought a few packs as our snack on our Pangasinan-Baguio trip. I loved it! Even my brother loved it and consumed 2 packs all on his own! Now, whenever the boys and I are at the mall, I try to get a pack or 2 so I have something to munch on when I'm at home and craving for something sweet or filling. I just love the way those cookies are baked. They are not as commercial-tasting as let's say Chips Ahoy (but still love those) and they are not as sweet as regular cookies. I love the just right chocolatey-ness it has and I love it's half-cookie/half-muffin texture and flavor. Really yummy. I think I will be munching on these for a while until I find another food to satisfy my taste buds. Remember the bibingka (rice cake)? Well it was then. Now it's cookies. =D

Emptiness

The salty air reeks of fish stench
As the girl sits on a worn bench
She looks and stares into the sea
And the passersby leave her be.

She stares; she sees nothing at all
The water and waves rise and fall
In her hand is an old letter
Folded, yellowed, worn and tattered

Her heart beats faster as night falls
She hears the seagulls scream and call
And then the dock slowly empties
As the sun kisses the purple sea.

She looks around, she's all alone
Inside her heart she must have known
The man she loved has long been gone
And so she stood and said, "I'm done."

- yette; aug 19, '07; 1:46am


Emptiness is a mode of perception, a way of looking at experience. It adds nothing to and takes nothing away from the raw data of physical and mental events. You look at events in the mind and the senses with no thought of whether there's anything lying behind them. http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/emptiness.html

First Day

My first day in Japan. It was a bit rainy but not enough to dampen my spirits and my excitement. This photo was taken at Yokohama City Air Terminal (YCAT). We had to take a taxi home because of all the stuff we brought. We just came from Narita Airport but it was already late afternoon. I can still remember that day so clearly in my mind: September 1, 2006, Friday.

You can read my all about my first day in Japan here.

Don't Want To Be Late

I'm supposed to be at a baby shower this afternoon. At 4pm to be exact because that's what it said on the invite. It's already 3:17 and no one is getting ready yet whereas I am already fully dressed except for my flipflops. My bag is ready and so is the bag for the boys. Even their stroller is already propped near the door so I won't forget it later. I would have already left and commuted if it hadn't been raining because SM Sucat (where the shower is going to be held) is just 8 minutes away but I really don't want the boys to get wet in the rain or to get sick just because of this quirk of mine.

I just hate to be late. It doesn't matter what event it's going to be: a movie, a wedding, a birthday party, an interview, meeting up with friends, a concert... I just hate to be late. When you say, "Be there at 4pm" it's a guarantee I'll be there by 3:45 or so. If it's an interview, I'd be there 30 minutes early. If it's a birthday party or a similar occasion, I'll be there at the exact time. That's just who I am. If an event starts at let's say, 1:30 and I'm still on the road at 1pm, I get all nervous and jittery. I just can't stand being late. When I plan for an event, everything has to be accounted for: picking the clothes, shower, putting on make-up (very minimal which is very good time-wise), fixing my bag, travel time, and time unaccounted for (like an emergency trip to the washroom or going back for forgotten keys). Of course, when it comes to other events like floods and flat tires, that is pretty understandable.

I suppose it's a reflection of my personality. I really hate being the center of attention and being late sometimes puts you in that spot. It's like the spotlight is on you and you can imagine everyone thinking, "Oooohhh... she's late..." I just hate that.

Anyway, it's 3:30 now and still I can't see anyone coming down the stairs and getting ready. Sigh. We definitely will be late for this shower...

Baywalk

I was not very pleased when I read in the papers that the new mayor of Manila ordered the removal of establishments along Baywalk. I think that is taking a step backwards. I found Baywalk to be such a pleasant place. When I had to "get away" for a while Baywalk was just a ride away. I was never scared being on my own in the crowd when I know that police officers patrolled the area regularly. I loved the sights, the colors, the lights, the blend of different kinds of people. I loved the quaint coffee shops, the strolling lovers, the laughing families, the morose individuals, the pensive, the lonely, the happy, the brooding. Such a mixture of people in a single place. I so miss it and now that there is no more Baywalk, it saddens me to no end. I do hope someone brings it back...

Pigeon

Feathered friend.

I took this photo at Tokyo, Japan.

Ten Things I Like About Me

I was tagged by my good friend mitzh. Mitzh is a friend I met through blogging and even if we have not met personally, I really treasure the friendship we have. Thanks for picking me, mitzh. I really and truly appreciate it. =D

And here I go...

1. I am a very resourceful person. When a specific thing that I need is not available, I can make do with whatever is left lying around and come up with something. I'm like a girl scout/McGyver/swiss army knife in one. And I like that.
2. I love that I can be a softie and a toughie. I am both fragile and strong. Because of this, I suppose I am very attuned to my feelings and how I interact with people and how I see the world.
3. I always put my family first before anything and everything. Always has been and always will be.
4. I love Mother Nature. I love the rain, the sunset, the sound of the birds, the rainbows, the drifting clouds, the rivers, the parks, the falling leaves, the seasons, the ocean, the stars, the soft petals of the flowers. I wish people would marvel at the beauty around them and stop polluting the earth.
5. I am a very crafty person. I love that. I enjoy making things with my hands and seeing the wonderful creative things. I also like it when people enjoy the things that I make for them and appreciate my creativity.
6. I am very a friendly person. I suppose it is because it's in my nature to try to put people at ease. That was how Ruther first came to notice me. When we were kids and were just acquaintances, (he told me later on that) I would always talk to him and try to make him comfortable. I suppose that's just who I am.
7. I love that I am very sentimental. A scent, a photograph, a memento, a tattered shirt can trigger so many emotions in me. All those special things hold special memories not easily forgotten. All of them entwined in a cavass that is my heart.
8. I love writing. It's a part of me and without it, I can never fully express who I am, what I am and what I can become.
9. I like how I have evolved over the years. I like who I am now. A more mature, more colorful, more well-adjusted individual. I am proud of the woman I have become and the choices I have made.
10. I love that I love life. I love learning new things everyday, I love teaching my boys, I love talking to Ruther everyday, I love making new memories, I love looking forward to the future. I love being able to wake up and appreciate the life given to me. I love the fact that I have another opportunity to get to know the world one day at a time. And I eagerly anticipate fulfilling my "___ Things to Do Before I Die" list.

Well, there you go... I am tagging Clea (because you are such a strong woman even when the going gets tough), Fritzie (because I miss you, my friend) and Lot (because your life is changing as you enter motherhood and I want to hear all about it). =D

My Personal Journal

This blog will be my personal diary. An online narrative of my thoughts, my feelings, my innermost secrets (okay, maybe not all my secrets), my dreams and ambitions, my rants, my frustrations... everything and anything about me.

I know I already have 2 existing blogs but our cozy nook is my family's blog. In there I write about what happens to the family, where we went, how things are, what happened today and yesterday and most probably tomorrow... basically things about the boys, Ruther and me collectively. Yup, that's the word: collectively. I love our cozy nook. It's really a comfy place in the world wide web where I can truly say is my family's home. So yes, I will continue blogging there still. One Lesson At A Time documents our daily life as a homeschooling family. I decided to create a separate blog for that because it doesn't really make any sense combining homeschooling with our family blog. I don't want to mess it up and make it confusing so I thought, a separate blog would be nice and it would be a great way of keeping track of the activities and lessons we have had over the months. Fireworks and Fairydust will be all about me. All those things I hesitated to post at our cozy nook because I was afraid I would be too vain or too self-indulgent, well, I can do that here now. If I want to put 5 photos of myself in here, I would and I could and I wouldn't have to feel guilty about it. This blog gives me license to be selfish. =D

Anyway, it will be interesting to see what else I can write about. Three blogs will be quite a chore but surely, it will be a chore I shall enjoy doing.

Why Fireworks and Fairydust?

• Because life always takes me by surprise.
• Because I like living in a fantasy world.
• Because colors make the world a beautiful place.
• Because I am the fairy in my family's lives.
• Because the world is such an exciting place.
• Because I have always wanted to have wings and fly.
• Because I love life, I love my family, I love me.