Fireworks and Fairy Dust

Busy

2008-03-05T08:50:00.003+08:00

Life has become too busy at the moment. I plan to finish my Child Psych course soon so I could focus on other things in the coming months. I also plan to focus on homeschooling the boys more intensely. Last night, Ethan has shown a great deal of interest in one-on-one interactions with me so I think it's time for us to take a more serious approach in our daily lessons. At the same time, I need to research more on homeschooling resources, tips and articles to help me with our lessons. Because of all these I am going to stop writing and posting here. But that will only be temporarily. I will however, still continue to post at My Cozy Nook. So if you want to know the latest happenings in my very simple life, then you can drop by there anytime and say hello. For now (and only for a while), I will bid you adieu...

Do You Worry Too Much?

2008-03-03T23:22:00.000+08:00

Your Worry Factor is 51%

While you're not a worrywart, you worry more than you should.

Maybe you don't have enough to keep your mind occupied at times...

Or perhaps you've trapped yourself into some bad thinking patterns.

Try to worry less and enjoy life more. There's no point thinking about things you can't change!

Do You Worry Too Much?

Another Trip Coming Up

2008-03-01T22:46:00.002+08:00

I am looking forward our family vacation on the second week of March. Firstly, it will be so great to see my parents again and secondly, I think we need this bonding time because I have already decided not to go home to Zamboanga this summer. That means, this might be the only time this year that I will get to see my parents. So really, I want this vacation to push through. Part of the reason why we won't be going home this year is because it will it be too hectic for us (I want to finish my Psych course soon) but it will also mean no summer classes for Nikki and Ethan and I really really want them to experience a summer class this year. I think it will be very healthy for them to interact with other kids and to just learn a new hobby or sport. I think it will also help them in their interpersonal relationships. Anyway, according to Mommy, we will be leaving Manila by bus at 4am on the 9th, Sunday. We might be in Baguio City by noon and hopefully, everything will be okay. I have already started to pack. Yeah, I know, it's too early. Even Ruther was amused but I really am like this. I really would not want to forget anything and I want everything we need with me so I won't be stressed out when we reach Baguio. I just want to enjoy the trip and not worry about things and such. I still have to buy some stuff like my anti-motion sickness meds and snacks but other than that, I already have everything arranged. Hopefully, this will be another fun trip for all.

Was Tagged...

2008-02-29T19:29:00.001+08:00

1. FIRST NAME? Lea
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No.
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Last night while watching Ghost Whisperer. Hey, I'm a cry baby!
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yup.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? What kind of question is this? Any meat will do as long as its properly cooked.
6. KIDS? Two wonderful boys.
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Why not? I would love to be friends with me. =D
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? My Cozy Nook is my journal now.
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Nope. Not the type.
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Yeah, even if the idea scares the hell out of me, it's in my ___ Things to Do Before I Die list.
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Corn flakes. I'm a simple girl.
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Not always.
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? I have to be for my boys but Ruther has always been my rock. Always.
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Oooh! My all-time favorite is Mango and okay, Rocky Road, but I love Arce Avocado ice cream too.
16. SHOE SIZE? 7.5
17. RED OR PINK? Pink.
18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR SELF? Ruther says I think too much. And okay, I agree.
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My sweetie.
20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? It's okay. I would love to hear what they have to say.
21. WHAT COLOR TROUSERS/SHORTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Green shorts. Barefooted.
22. LAST THING YOU ATE? A slice of pizza.
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? "I'm the Map" from Dora the Explorer (the boys are watching it behind me)
24. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? A lovely orange.
25. FAVORITE SMELL? Scents of home.
26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE: Do cellphones count? My husband then.
27. THE FIRST TWO THINGS YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Personality and smile.
28. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Hmmmm... Let me think... Hahaha! Of course!
29. FAVORITE DRINK? Used to be coffee but I'm playing the healthy card so good ol' water.
30. FAVORITE SPORT? Badminton.
31. EYE COLOR? Brown.
32. HAT SIZE? Will tell you when I find out.
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Not anymore.
34. FAVORITE FOOD? Don't have a particular favorite. Really depends on my mood and yes, hormones. =D
35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Always always happy endings.
36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED AT THE MOVIE THEATRE? Jumper.
37. WHAT COLOR TOP ARE YOU WEARING? Light green blouse (to match my green shorts).
38. SUMMER OR WINTER? Autumn is my favorite season but I'll take summer over winter. Am just not used to the cold - yet.
39. HUGS OR KISSES? Why can't I have both?
40. FAVORITE DESSERT? Leche flan.
41. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I really don't know...
42. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I also don't know. (But I'm saying this to be on the safe side.) =D
43. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? The Ultimate Guice to Homeschooling by Debra Bell, Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark, Survival Japanese by Boye de Mente, and my Psychology textbooks.
44. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Am using Sanseido's New Concise Japanese-English Dictionary as a mousepad.
45. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? American Idol. Am hoping Ramiele Malubay makes it to the top 3 at least. But Carly is a strong contender.
46. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Sounds of nature.
47. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles. Thanks to my mom and dad and of course, Ruther.
48. THE FARTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Japan. Miss it so...
49. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? I can sneeze with my eyes open. Kidding! Hahaha! I am a resourceful person. I'm like a female McGyver. =D
50. WHEN & WHERE WERE YOU BORN? July; Zamboanga City
51. WHEN YOU ARE THINKING, DO YOU LOOK UP, DOWN OR SCRATCH YOUR HEAD? I just look straight ahead.
52. WHAT NAME DO YOU WISH YOU HAD? I don't know. Am happy with my name.
53. NAME OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL CRUSH? Nasul Sajili. (Hope I got that right.) 54. LIVING WITH PARENTS OR ALONE? With in-laws.
55. DO YOU LOVE YOU BROTHER(S)/SISTER(S)? Of course I do!

Cold Day

2008-02-28T10:31:00.002+08:00

One cold day. I only have 3 things to say:

1. it's been some time since I last wore a jacket

2. I didn't realize that my hair was a mess

3. my facial cream is still doing a good job

Somewhat Rainy Day

2008-02-26T16:32:00.003+08:00

It rained a bit this afternoon and I thought it would be nice to take a walk under it. Unlike some people who hate the rain, I love it. Again, as I've mentioned before, this maybe because I was born on a rainy month.

Anyway, I asked Nikki if he wanted to walk with me to the bakery and he agreed. So he brought his yellow umbrella and I used my transparent one. I love my umbrella, not only because there's hardly any umbrella like that here, but because I bought it in Japan. I had to convince Ruther to allow me to bring home some because he was like: "you're bringing those? you don't suppose we have umbrellas in Manila... yada yada.." and I was like: "but we don't have umbrellas like these there." And that settled it. My husband just loves me a lot that's why he gave in. =D

Anyway, it was lovely strolling in the rain with Nikki. He complained at first that his feet were getting wet from the rain and I said but it's fun. And he conceded. We took our time going to the bakery and coming back. It's just really relaxing walking under the rain with no other people around and everything looking so bright and clean. Right now, the rain has ceased but I don't mind. The air is still pretty cool and I am enjoying the weather thoroughly.

Japan in My Dreams

2008-02-25T00:46:00.002+08:00

I wish with all my heart that the boys and I will be able to make it to Japan this July. I am really hoping and praying like I've never hoped and prayed before. Of course, I very well know that this is all up to the Lord but I really really really want this to happen. I think that should this trip not push through (please God don't let that happen), it will be the most disappointing thing that would and could ever happen to me in my entire life. And I am not exaggerating.

I just love that country so much. I have loved it I think even before I stepped on it. It's just something that has been calling to me since waaaay back when. It just really fascinates me. And after living there for 6 months, the fascination has only increased a thousandfold. Some of my friends asked me if I was scared being in a new country, not to mention a country where I could barely speak the language! But how can you be scared of something that you absolutely love? I would gladly learn Nihongo if it means living there. I have told Ruther of my desire to stay there but we have yet to talk seriously about it. I admit, living permanently in a new country is a HUGE step, but of course, if we are together and if we just support each other as a family then I know we can make it. And it's this faith that makes me hope that living in that wonderful country is still possible. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see...

Dance With Me Tonight

2008-02-22T14:43:00.001+08:00

by Hugh Grant

It’s been so long
Since I’ve known right from wrong
Got no choice
Sometimes I just sit down and sob
Wondering if anything will go right
Oh will you dance with me tonight?

When the Sunday nights
I feel a hole down in my heart
Put on some shoes
Come down here
And listen to the blues
Wondering if anything will go right
Oh will you dance with me tonight?

I’m looking at you, you’re looking at me
We’re the only two off the dance floor
Do you see what I see?
Two long goodbyes
Working in harmony
I’d make for a decent time
So get up and dance with me
I know that it seems that the grass will grow
Better on the other side of the barbwire fence
But that other side is not in sight
So I’m fine with what I have now
If you’ll dance with me tonight

What’s the point of life if risk is just a board game?
You roll the dice but you’re just hoping that the rules change
What’s the point if you can’t bring yourself to say
The things you want to say
Like dance with my tonight

Lessons

2008-02-20T21:14:00.002+08:00

I am actually enjoying my studies this time. The module is interesting. I'm done with dreams and now, I'm in the Conditioning and Learning topic. A few more chapters to go and I'll have to submit another exam. If I go like this everyday, I'll be done with this course hopefully by April. It will be interesting to see how I could apply all I learned to the boys and our homeschooling. I'm really glad I took this course. Not only is it very interesting but it really opens my eyes to a lot of things. Anyway, maybe in the future I could pursue a more formal education. For now, I am content with my lessons, my pace and my learning.

Important Possession

2008-02-19T07:52:00.004+08:00

Me in front of an important possession: my laptop. Let me make it clear that the only reason it's important to me is because it's my lifeline to Ruther. That's it and that's all.

Campbell's 15-Minute Herbed Chicken

2008-02-18T22:48:00.004+08:00

1 tbsp. vegetable oil
4 boneless chicken breasts, halved
1 can Campbell's cream of chicken with herbs soup
1/2 C milk

Heat oil in skillet. Add chicken and cook until browned. Add soup and milk. Heat to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat min or until done. Serves 4.

Missing Japan

2008-02-17T20:16:00.005+08:00

Now that Ruther is back in Japan, I am missing that country all the more. I remember last year when we were there, it was still pretty cold at this time. I would still wear like 3 layers of clothing because it was my first taste of winter. I miss the new experience, waking up to a new day everyday, always anticipating what would happen the next few minutes and hours and wondering if I'll be learning something new that day. I miss days when I would ride the train and not worry about getting lost. I miss cooking for my family and planning menus. I miss sharing new experiences and making it on our own in a new place, in a new country. It was all so exhilarating. But most importantly, we were together and THAT is what I miss and want the most.

Our Love Is Here to Stay

2008-02-16T08:19:00.001+08:00

by Nat King Cole

It's very clear, our love is here to stay
Not for a year but ever and a day
The radio and the telephone and the movies that we know
May just be passing fancies and in time may go

But oh, my dear, our love is here to stay
Together we're going a long, long way
In time the Rockies may crumble, Gibraltar may tumble
They're only made of clay
But our love is here to stay

In time the Rockies may crumble, Gibraltar may tumble
They're only made of clay
But our love is here to stay

Today's Happenings

2008-02-15T11:46:00.002+08:00

I haven't been updated with the news for a while now. It's not that I don't care (okay, maybe a teeny part of me doesn't) but politics does not interest me at all. I find it very disturbing, boring and utterly chaotic. Besides, I would not want bad news from the politicl arena to ruin my day so I try to stay away from the news as much as possible. I figure, if it's THAT important, I would hear about it anyway. But this morning, when I went to the bakery to buy some hot, yummy pandesal for breakfast I decided to get a paper as well. Well, the only word I could use to describe the headlines was "shocking"! I mean, what is happening to the Philippines? I know there are problems in the government but all this transparency is destroying us all. I mean, isn't there a more subtle (I'm not saying "hushed") way of fixing all these problems? Frankly, I don't even know what all the problems are. I hear things like ZTE, stocks falling, calling GMA's resignation (is this going to be a frequent thing in Philippine history?!?!?), J de Venecia and all that. It's all very disturbing, confusing and irritating. Really, who could take the Philippine government seriously with all these controversies? Really really depressing. I wish all those people would just resign on their own and fresh new people step up. Or, we could always migrate. Now that's an idea...

.....

The weather is so wonderfully cool these days. I don't know and I don't care if it matches my melancholy mood but it's just nice to sit in front of the window and look at all the gloominess around. I would curl up in bed with a good book hugging Ruther's pillow and have my coffee nearby. I would walk to the bakery with a light jacket because if I don't, I would have goosebumps when I reach home. It's just so wonderfully cool but then again, such weather just makes me miss my sweetie all the more.

Sigh. I hate this.

Missing My Baby

2008-02-14T13:00:00.001+08:00

At Racks, Greenhills. Miss my sweetie so much...

Since I'm Alone This Valentine's Day...

2008-02-13T06:07:00.000+08:00

Have a date with yourself
By Niño Mark Sablan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Last updated 18:47:00 02/12/2008

MANILA, Philippines—The number 2 seems to be the official number of Valentine’s Day. Everyone is in pairs: lovers in Luneta, couples enjoying dinner at the best restaurants in town, partners watching a movie or a special V-Day concert.

No need to fret though if you are alone, single and cannot grab the nearest person even for a faux date. This February 14, why not spend quality time and have a date with someone who will never get enough of love from you?

I’m referring to you.

Love yourself and don’t feel guilty or selfish about it. V-day is for loving, after all, even if it doesn’t involve another person.

Below are some “me-date” ideas that you might want to do on the 14th—and maybe on the next days to come! Remember, love shouldn’t be expressed only during special occasions.

If watching a romantic movie all alone while being surrounded by lovey-dovey couples makes you want to roll your eyes for two hours, consider enjoying filmdom’s best at home then.

Bring out those Meg Ryan (the queen of romantic, feel-good films) DVDs or VCDs together with a box of tissue since you’ll probably end up sniffing within the first 30 minutes.

Why not rent those Drew Barrymore and Reese Witherspoon movies and relate to their breakup scenes or even be inspired by their eventual meet-Prince-Charming point?

The best thing about watching romantic movies at home is you can cry your eyeballs out without bothering your seatmates.

Are you the type who’d feel bad if you found yourself the only single person in a couples-filled restaurant?

Don’t go out then and just bring the candlelit dinner to your home. Flip through your recipe books or go online to find a special dish that sounds both yummy and easy. Dash to the grocery and grab your ingredients. And then head home and release your inner Wolfgang Puck.

Don’t forget to light a candle, dim the lights and play some Sade before you enjoy your culinary creation.

Afterward, congratulate yourself for a cooking job (hopefully) well done. If you feel a bit sad, pat your back for being so independent—and maybe for being like those movie characters waiting for happy endings—and everything should be peachy.

Pamper yourself
One way to love yourself is for you to take great care of your body. So instead of the usual shoe-shopping or wardrobe-hunting, a great idea is to head to the grocery in search of the healthiest food and drinks around.

Not only will you do your body good, you’ll also realize how long you have been missing out on some of the best-tasting treats out there such as cranberry juice, granola bars and soy milk with green tea.

After shopping, try out even for just a day some physical activity that you’ve never entertained doing. The options are several and all of them are surely fun and calorie-burning: muay thai, yoga or indoor wall-climbing.

Nothing beats some all-day pampering so, while everyone is out having dates, schedule an appointment with your favorite manicurist, barber and masseuse. Have those nails cleaned and colored.

Moisturize your stressed and traumatized mop of locks. Ditch the already-passé Rihanna hairstyle (even she has ditched it already!) and go for a new chic cut.
Glow after a facial. Groom those eyebrows. Have your teeth cleaned or whitened. Opt for a Brazilian wax.

Moan as someone gives you a massage.

E-mail the author at ninomarksablan@yahoo.com

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/you/2bu/view/20080212-118430/Have-a-date-with-yourself

On With My Lessons

2008-02-12T11:15:00.001+08:00

I guess I have no choice now but to continue on with my Child Pysch lessons. I've put it on hold for 3 months (when Ruther was here) and I really feel like I should do a review of all the previous lessons. I really really want to finish that by next month so I could fully concentrate on the boys' summer classes. Anyway, today, I'll read up on a few chapters and maybe by Friday I'll have submitted an exam. Sigh. Wish me luck.

Bye For Now

2008-02-11T09:23:00.000+08:00

Ruther is on his way to Japan at this very moment. I already miss him so much I feel like my heart is going to burst from the pain. It's just terrible being away from him. My heart always feels this ache that never abates until we're together again. I just hope that the days fly by quickly so we could be together again. All the fun and wonderful memories we had while he was here these past 3 months only makes this parting so much harder and all the more painful. Plus, Valentine's Day is just around the corner and it hurts to see happy couples around.

Sigh. I miss him so much. I know the ache will never go away until I see Ruther again so the least I could do for now is to keep myself busy and to distract myself so I won't have to feel so depressed. I already have ideas on how to accomplish that but I still wish that we don't have to be apart anymore.

Sigh. I suppose I'm putting my love on hold until I'm together with my sweetie again.

Not Thinking of Monday

2008-02-07T15:33:00.001+08:00

I am sooo scared for Monday. I'm trying my best not to think of it but when that day comes, I think I'm going to lose it. The question is: when?

Sigh.

I will never, ever get used to being away from Ruther. EVER.

Together

2008-02-06T07:24:00.000+08:00

Me and my sweetie at Friday's Alabang. Will miss him soooo much when he leaves...

Sad for My Friend

2008-02-05T07:37:00.000+08:00

I got an email from a good friend of mine. I feel so sad for her. She's been having problems lately and feels really lost. First of all, her husband is not well. He needs treatment and even if he's getting it now, she's still apprehensive about the situation. I must admit that I have never liked her husband a lot when they got together. I just think that he should get his priorities straight but of course, I don't know what transpires in their lives 24/7 so I have no right to judge him. But, for the sake of my friend, I still hope that her husband overcomes his problem and gets well so he could be there for my friend and his family. Another problem she has is that she's pregnant. She really feels bad about it, not because it's another mouthful, but because she feels it's just not the right time right now. I feel really bad for her. I have known my friend since I was 5 years old and she has always been a family girl, always devoted, so sweet and kind. I don't know what to tell her or how to help her except to inform her that I'm here for here whenever she needs me. I wish I could do more, of course, but living in different (and far-away) cities just make it a lot more difficult. Anyway, I'm going to be praying for her, her baby and her husband. Hopefully, this year will still be a happy one for her.

I Didn’t Know I Was Looking For Love

2008-02-02T22:36:00.000+08:00

I was alone thinking I was just fine
I wasn’t looking for anyone to be mine
I thought love was just a fabrication
A train that wouldn’t stop at my station
Home alone, that was my consignment
Solitary confinement
So when we met I was gettin around you
I didn’t know I was looking for love until I found you…

I didn’t know I was looking for love until I found you, honey
I didn’t know I was looking for love until I found you, baby, oh no
I didn’t know I was looking for love
I didn’t know I was looking for love

Coz there you stood and I would
Oh I wonder could I say how I felt and not be misunderstood
A thousand stars came into my system
I never knew how much I had missed them
Slap on the map of my heart you landed
I was coy but you made me candid
And now the planets circle around you
I didn’t know I was looking for love until I found you…

I didn’t know I was looking for love until I found you, baby
I didn’t know I was looking for love until I found you, baby
I didn’t know I was looking for love
I didn’t know I was looking for love

So we build from here with love as the foundation
In a world of tears won consolation
And now you’re here there’s a full brass band
Playin’ in me like a wonderland
And if you left I would be two-foot small
And every tear would be a waterfall
Soundless, boundless I surround you
I didn’t know I was looking for love until I found you
I just didn’t know
Didn’t know I was looking for love until I found you..
Love…love…
I just didn’t know…
love…love…
Until I found you
Didn’t know I was looking for love…
Love…love..
Until I found you…

Onto my Next Book

2008-02-01T14:07:00.000+08:00

I am done with the Monk book. I was surprised that I finished it so quickly. Maybe I just wanted to know the end so badly that I devoured the words like there was no tomorrow. Anyway, I'm on another Mary Higgins Clark book. It's I Heard That Song Before. I got this book at Powerbooks for only P99. Can you believe that? I love on sale books. =D

DUH

2008-01-31T21:22:00.000+08:00

I feel so out of it these days. I think it's because of the cold, because Ruther will be leaving in a few days, because I feel like I'm going to be sooo depressed when I come to grips with the fact that he's in Japan. To be honest, I am so freaking scared about it, I just push it out of my mind whenever it tickles my thoughts. All I can do right now is just embrace Ruther a little tighter, talk to him a little more, take care of him as best as I can. I just know I'll be a wreck (again) when he's gone.

Evening Stroll

2008-01-30T23:24:00.000+08:00

Love the beach during the day, love it at night... I really enjoyed this stroll with my family.

Photo taken January 18.

8

2008-01-29T10:28:00.000+08:00

1. I have a cold. It's not pretty.

2. The weather is weird. I don't know whether it'll rain or not. I'm happy either way as long as the day is cool and relaxing.

3. Homemade Calamansi juice is really yummy! Hope it helps get rid of my cold soon.

4. Am so craving for fruits right now. Especially the ripe mangoes... Yummy!

5. Ruther's birthday is coming. I dunno what to get him still...

6. Wanna read all my books!

7. I wish Ruther were home.

8. Gotta do lessons with the boys, so... Ta-ta!

How Strong is Your Relationship with Your Guy?

2008-01-28T10:47:00.000+08:00

Your Relationship is Strong

You've built the foundation of a great relationship, and it would take a lot to shake it.

Through good communication and respect, you have a true love that can last a lifetime.

How Strong Is Your Relationship With Your Guy?

If the answer came out any other way than this, I would definitely protest. I know how I feel about Ruther and I know how he feels about me. Sometimes, I am amazed that our love is still going strong (and stronger). I thank God for always watching over us and for guiding and aiding us in our relationship. Ruther is my life and without him, I have no purpose for living.

Slow Day

2008-01-27T20:11:00.000+08:00

Today was just a slow day for me. I suppose after all the activity and hype of yesterday's celebration (house blessing), I just wanted to recharge today. Of course I still had to do some of the chores but I napped longer than usual and tried to take it easy today. I think that I deserve that today. We even had halo-halo as dessert for dinner tonight. Great Sunday treat! Yummy!

Midway

2008-01-26T23:00:00.000+08:00

I am midway through my book, Nighttime is My Time by Mary Higgins Clark. I was planning to read the Monk book but since I just finished with one, I thought of switching to another for the meantime. It's okay. Kind of dragging in the beginning but it's becoming suspenseful at where I am now. So yeah, am looking forward to finish this book in a day or two.

.....

I still cannot come to grips with the fact that Ruther will be leaving in 2 weeks. It's like everytime I think about it, it feels like a knife piercing through my heart. I said it before and I'll say it again: even if we have been at this for years, it never ever gets easier. Every parting is still painful, every departure another open wound. I wish that one day, in the very near future, my love and I will never have to part again.

Flight of Stairs

2008-01-25T14:34:00.000+08:00

Going up the stairs towards the viewing deck to see the beautiful Chocolate Hills. I love this photo because I don't look fat in it. Hahaha!! =D

Bohol - Saturday - Part 2

2008-01-24T07:23:00.000+08:00

The Chocolate Hills were a sight to behold. Scattered before us, the hills just seemed to fill the horizon. Since it is still early in the year, the hills were green instead of brown, but they were still amazing. All the green before me was just very relaxing. According to Wikipedia: Estimated to be at least 1,268 individual mounds to about 1,776, these cone-shaped or dome-shaped hills are actually grass-covered limestone hills. The large and numerous perfect domes vary in sizes from 30 meters to 50 meters high with the largest being 120 meters in height. Really astounding, isn't it?

While we were there, it was quite cloudy but there were times when the sun shone brightly and made the boys a bit cranky. I suppose in future visits to this viewing area an umbrella will be necessary. I must remember that. I can only imagine how hot it was going to be in the summer. Anyway, we took a lot of photos and then made our way to the souvenir shops below. We got some cute shirts for the 4 of us and I think they were nice souvenirs for this trip. There were still a lot actually but Manong said that he would take us to a place where we could buy more souvenirs and trinkets. We left Chocolate Hills and made our way to our next stop. Manong pretty much kept us in the dark about our stops which was a bit thrilling. We just did not know what to expect next.

It was around 11 a.m. and we were all getting a bit hungry so we were relieved that Manong took us to Loboc River as our next stop. (Loboc is a 5th class municipality in the province of Bohol - Wikipedia) There are these boats there that serve a buffet meal as it cruises the length of the river. It's like a floating restaurant. The fee was P280 for adults and half of that for kids. There were several booths (around 4 or 5) there and Manong pointed to one of them (Long River Cruise). These booths are where you get your meal tickets. It's like picking a restaurant. You can actually get to see what they are serving because there are photos of the food on these large poster boards. But we were so hungry we just wanted to get into a boat and have lunch. And since we didn't know where Manong was going to have lunch, we invited him to eat with us and paid for his meal. There were already a few people on board the boat when we climbed in. We also ate almost immediately and I was glad for that. I got some grilled fish, agar salad, grilled squid, pork barbeque, vegetables, and lots of fruits and maja blanca. Ruther got almost the same. Nikki ate some noodles and Ethan was not interested in food. There were still other food served on the buffet table but I thought if I ate any more, I would look like I was pregnant. While we were eating, the boat started to move and we headed upriver. Almost everyone took photos and videos and we were serenaded by this man who played a guitar. He was a lot of fun. But most of the time, we just took photos and admired the view. It rained a bit as we cruised the river but it made the mood all the more relaxing. I also spotted this group of women washing clothes in the river. Now that is very rural to me. Many people used to do that in Zamboanga but well, times have changed. Seeing those women just brought back a lot of nostalgic feelings. Anyway, we reached the end of the river and made our way down. Before reaching our stop though, we paused before this small covered dock where people young and old were sitting. When we approached, they started singing and dancing and pretty much entertained us. Again, we did not have to pay any fees but donations were welcome. After 10-15 minutes, we were on our way again and shortly thereafter, we reached the terminal. Taking a quick stop to the wash rooms, we then proceeded to Loboc Church which was only a few meters away from the Loboc River terminal.

The St. Peter Parish Church in Loboc is the second oldest church in the country. (Wikipedia) It actually looks old so I would not doubt that at all. I really love old churches. Ruther and I were married in an old church and it was wonderful. Anyway, we did not go into the church anymore because we still had more places to visit and we were pressed for time but I told myself that the next time we drop by Loboc, I'll get inside the church and light a candle. After taking a few more photos, we boarded the car and made our way to the wonderful tarsiers.

to be continued...

Bohol - Saturday - Part 1

2008-01-23T10:56:00.000+08:00

I woke up at 545 a.m. to get an early start to our day. I slept earlier than us ual the night before so I felt refreshed and ready to go. It was raining when I awoke but by 615, it slowed to a drizzle and I told Ruther (who was half-asleep then) that I would go to the beach to take some morning photos. I was so glad I decided to do that. It is rare that I get to experience something so wonderful. Yes, I see sunrises everyday but truly, sunrises at the beach are so dramatic. It's like everything seems to be more powerful, more exciting, more moving. I just snapped away. As the minutes ticked by, the rain stopped and the beach just slowly came to life. Even a playful dog went to the water for his morning swim and dried himself in the sand. It was really all so peaceful and wonderful.

We told Manong that we would leave Alonaland at 8 a.m. and Ruther wanted to have breakfast first so by 630 I headed back to our room. The boys were awake and fortunately, we got enough rest the night before so at around 710 a.m., we were heading for the beach to get some breakfast. Since Alona Tropical was the nearest restaurant, we decided to eat there. Seeing the beach one more time, the boys were really not interested in food but instead, they wanted to walk on the sand and throw pebbles into the water. Ruther ordered some banana pancakes and brewed coffee and I just got the plain pancakes and mango juice. The food was yummy and really satisfying. When we got back to Alonaland at 805 a.m. Manong was waiting for us so we immediately left the resort. It was such a cloudy day and I prayed that it wouldn't rain soon. Once in a while, the sun would peek through the clouds and I would be hopeful. Checking my map, I saw that Chocolate Hills was going to be the farthest place we would be going to. What I did not expect were the hilly winding roads. Hurriedly, I took my motion sickness medicine just to keep myself from getting too dizzy.

The first place we passed was the Bilar Man-made Mahogany Forest. Bilar is the name of the place and it was quite hilly. We did not stop for photos anymore because Chocolate Hills was still a long way away but Ruther did take some shots of the beautiful trees. They were really tall and shady. It really looked like a forest. I wonder how long it took for those trees to reach maturity. I hope it would be preserved so people could appreciate nature more.

Our first stop was at the Hanging Bridge at Sevilla. Sevilla is an interior town located some 36 kilometers east of Tagbilaran City. I could tell that this bridge was made of bamboo and ropes. I tried to go across it but it moved too much and Ethan was too excited and was hopping a lot I was scared we would fall into the river so I told Ruther to take my photo (quickly) and then headed for solid ground. Ruther and Nikki had their turn on the bridge too. We left some money in the donation box (there was no entrance fee) and then we were on our way to Chocolate Hills.Aesthetically extensive, Chocolate Hills are scattered throughout the towns of Carmen, Batuan and Sagbayan in Bohol. (On left - Locator map of the Chocolate Hills. Dark brown indicates the greatest concentration of the Chocolate Hills in the Bohol municipalities of Sagbayan, Batuan, and Carmen. Light brown indicates a lesser concentration of the hills in Bilar, Sierra Bullones, and Valencia.)We made our way to the viewing area which was somewhere in the town of Carmen. When we reached our destination, it was around 930 a.m. We had to climb this flight of stairs to get a good view of the Chocolate Hills and we took photos as we made our way up. When we did get to the top, a sea of green met my eyes...

to be continued...

Heath Ledger Dead

2008-01-23T10:06:00.000+08:00

I cannot believe this young actor is dead. It's such a shame that he died so tragically. He was really promising and I liked him so much as an actor. This is a sad sad start to the New Year for US showbiz...

http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/01/22/heath.ledger.dead/index.html?eref=rss_topstories
Actor Heath Ledger dies at 28

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Actor Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday of a possible drug overdose in a Lower Manhattan apartment, the New York Police Department said. The Academy Award-nominated actor was 28.

Ledger was found naked and unresponsive, facedown on the floor at the foot of his bed by a housekeeper trying to wake him for an appointment with a masseuse, said police spokesman Paul Browne. "Pills were found in the vicinity of the bed," he told CNN. "This is being looked at as a possible overdose, but that is not confirmed yet." Browne later told reporters some prescription medications were found in the room, including sleeping pills. But he stressed police have made no determination of the cause of Ledger's death -- that would be done by the medical examiner. He said the pills were not "scattered about."

No note was found and there was no indication of foul play, Browne said. Ledger was found at about 3 p.m., and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel about 3:30 p.m.

A crowd of onlookers, photographers and reporters gathered outside the apartment building after news of Ledger's death was reported. Police officers were guarding the doors.

Browne said he did not know how long Ledger had been renting the apartment, which he said took up the entire fourth floor. An autopsy would be conducted on Wednesday, said Ellen Borakove, spokeswoman for the New York City medical examiner's office.

Hollywood reacts
Condolences began pouring in from Ledger's friends and co-stars.

"I had such great hope for him," said Mel Gibson, who played Ledger's father in "The Patriot," in a statement. "He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family."

Actress Nicole Kidman, a fellow Australian and close friend of Ledger's, said in a statement, "What a tragedy. My heart goes out to his family."

At the time of his death, Ledger had just finished playing the villain The Joker in "The Dark Knight," the latest installment in the Batman series. The film is to open in July.

Ledger was born in Perth, Australia, and named Heathcliff Andrew after the main characters of Emily Bronte's "Wuthering Heights." He began acting at a local theater as a child. Ledger's first American film was the teen comedy "10 Things I Hate About You" in 1999, and he immediately attracted attention from Hollywood. He passed up several scripts before taking a role in the Revolutionary War drama "The Patriot" in 2000 and "A Knight's Tale" in 2001. He also played a supporting role in "Monster's Ball," among other films.

"In a way I was spoon-fed a career," he told the Glasgow Herald in 2005. "It was fully manufactured by a studio that believed it could put me on their posters and turn me into a product. ... I hadn't figured out properly how to act, and all of a sudden I was being thrown into these lead roles."

Controversial role
But Ledger was perhaps best known for his 2005 portrayal of Ennis Del Mar in "Brokeback Mountain," about two cowboys who had a secret romantic relationship. The role earned him an Oscar nomination.

"I felt that choices were being made for me, so I feel this has been my time now to find the good stories and test myself," Ledger told the Glasgow Herald in the 2005 interview. "It has been an interesting year, where I finally have a sense of accomplishment."

Asked how he felt about filming love scenes with another man, Ledger said he and his co-star Jake Gyllenhaal simply focused on their roles.

"We can't say that we weren't nervous about it," Ledger told Oprah Winfrey in 2006. "But once the first take was over, it's like, 'OK. So what? It's kissing another human being. How are we going to finish this scene? Let's get on with it and let's get out of here.' "

In a written statement, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said it mourns Ledger's death, adding that his portrayal of Del Mar "changed hearts and minds in immeasurable ways."

Ledger has a daughter, Matilda Rose, born in 2005 to his then-girlfriend, Michelle Williams, who played his on-screen wife, Alma, in "Brokeback Mountain." The couple have since separated.
"He was just so respected in the industry," said Kim Serafin, senior editor of In Touch Weekly.
"It's just horribly tragic. He was just a fine actor and a good person, so this is horribly sad and very unexpected."

Bohol - Friday - Part 2

2008-01-22T08:01:00.000+08:00

And there we were, stepping on the sands of Alona Beach.

The morning light made everything look so bright and vibrant. The sky was an electric blue and the wonderful coconut trees along the shore made everything look so lush. The water was calm and the boats and bancas adorned the sea. It was exhilarating having to inhale the sea air. I could tell that mornings are slow on this beach. On Alona Beach, you did not have to bring a watch. All you needed to do was to let go and live.

The boys were suddenly alive, running to and fro, checking the sand, the water, the shells, the pebbles. They just wanted to take everything in. They waded in the cool water, checked out hermit crabs (who scampered away as fast as they could), and basked in the sun. While they frolicked, Ruther and I breakfasted nearby in the restaurant of Alona Tropical. I loved the ambiance. It was just all so relaxing, to eat and look out into the sea. After breakfast, Ruther and I changed and then pretty soon, all of us were in the water. While wading into deeper water (knee-high) I found some sea cucumbers and they were gently swaying with the water current. At first I thought they were trash but when I looked more closely, I realized they were sea cucumbers. I told Nikki and Ethan to tread carefully but of course, they were too busy swimming in their floaties to care. We also found lots of shells (but we put them back into the water) and also saw some fish in the water but they were sand-colored that they were perfectly camouflaged and unless they would swim fast, the boys had a bit of difficulty seeing them. The water was a bit cold so we headed for shore and while I made our names on the sand, Ruther took photos and the boys played with their beach toys. At around 1030 a.m. Nikki got sleepy and since it was still some time before we could get our room (it was occupied), we told him to just stay in a shade for a few more minutes. At 1130, we headed back and thank goodness, our room was ready. We brought all our stuff into the room and then I bathed the boys and in an instant, they were asleep. I loved our room. We ended up with Room number 15A and our neighbor in Room 15B was a foreign couple. Actually, I noticed that most of the vacationers at Alonaland were foreigners. Anyway, we have 2 twin beds, cable tv, air conditioning, refrigerator, a kitchen, and hot shower. Not bad for P1500 per night, right? Some resorts charge per person per night and I find their prices ludicrous. I mean, we're not all born millionaires! So anyway, after having a quick bath ourselves, Ruther and I headed for the canteen to get some water (the big gallon costs P60) and other necessary things. After unpacking some of our things, we were tired out so we drifted off to slumberland.

We woke up at around 4pm and Ruther and I were so hungry because we missed lunch. So we went to the canteen and they only served sausages there. We therefore had no choice but to order that. Ruther got bratwurst and I picked veal sausage. A plate cost P120 which includes the huge sausage, a piece of wheat bread and some mustard. I was skeptical about the price and the serving but when I tried the sausages, they were yummy so I didn't complain anymore. =D
At 730 p.m. we decided to take a family stroll along the beach. While strolling, we also tried to check out the restaurants that looked okay so we could pick where to have our dinner. We decided against eating at Alona Tropical restaurant again just so we could try something new so we walked along the shore to see which restaurants had customers and which had none. We decided to sup at Pyramid Grill (which has good reviews) and we ordered the chicken fingers and calamares with garlic rice. I wanted to get the grilled squid but I was afraid I could not finish it and it would simply go to waste. I didn't want that. When the food arrived, we tried it and it was yummy. After supper, we headed back home, rested a bit and then slept to recharge ourselves for our second day in Bohol.

Bohol - Friday - Part 1

2008-01-21T16:12:00.000+08:00

I woke up at 245 a.m. last Friday (January 18) ready to begin our Bohol adventure. I woke Ruther up, got ready, checked the bags and then woke the boys up. At around 315 a.m. we were ready to leave. Russell (Ruther's younger brother) drove us to the airport and we were grateful that we did not have to get a taxi.

You would think that since it was a Friday, there would only be a few passengers/travellers. But when we got there, there was a queue leading to the entrance and then another queue towards the x-ray machines. Fortunately, there was a short line in the check-in lane so I felt that we were making good time. We paid the terminal fee (P200 each) which I personally thought was kind of too much, then passed through the final check-in. The waiting area was filled with people that there were many of them standing. This kind of worried me because I knew that the boys would want to sit down eventually. So we first bought some breakfast and then looked for a place to sit. We found a nice out-of-the-way place which was okay. The mood in the waiting area was kind of sleepy yet busy. Some passengers were so bored, some were busy chatting with family or friends, some were tinkering with their gadgets, some were eating and some were fast asleep. Occasionally, the paging system would break the restless mood urging the last few passengers to please board the aircraft now or requesting someone to come to the customer service counter or announcing the boarding calls. Shortly after we sat down, we saw this kiddie lounge and thought that maybe the kids would want to play in there while waiting for 515 a.m. to arrive. They did but only for a bit.

Then it was time to board the plane and we hurriedly made our way to the line. We were seated on rows 20 and 21. Nikki and I sat in front and Ethan and Ruther sat on the back. I SMS'd my mom and sister that we were in the plane and that I had to shut off my phone. The flight was uneventful maybe because I slept almost the whole time. During that time, the sun slowly came out and it turned the sky into different shades of blue. Nikki and Ethan were quite behaved and I was glad for that. The flight took only an hour and fifteen minutes so pretty soon, we landed at Tagbilaran Airport. It was quite small. When we disembarked, I turned on my cellphone and SMS'd my mom that we made it safely. We quickly took some photos of our arrival. It was a bit funny because many of us were snapping away and the guard was busily trying to shoo us to the arrival area but no one seemed to heed him. We just wanted to take as much photos as we could. So anyway, after that, we went to the terminal and then got our bags. I hired a pick-up service and I just had to look for my name and then we found our driver. Respectfully, we called him Manong (which roughly means "older brother" and a hierarchal marker, it is to be used to refer to anyone who is older than you within an individual's family, but could also be used for non-family -Wikipedia). We were pleased to see our service was quite new, air-conditioned and not old and battered down.

We made our way through the city and then as we left Tagbilaran, the scenery slowly transformed itself. Gone were the small buildings and houses and the busy streets. Along the way were fields of green, coconut trees, banana trees, lush hills, nipa houses, cows and carabaos here and there. It was very rural. And I loved it. It reminded me so much of Zamboanga. Anyway, it was quite a long ride. It took us about 30 minutes and Manong was driving quite fast. We got to Alonaland okay but check-in time was at 12 noon and it was only 8am. Since they did not have a restaurant (only a canteen), we decided to go to the beach, have a meal and spend the morning there while waiting for noontime. We walked down a path leading to the beach. I did not know what to expect and as we got nearer, palm trees shielded the beach from view. When we stepped out into the clearing, it was breathtaking...

to be continued...

My Pet

2008-01-17T14:51:00.000+08:00

This is my pet White Paw. He should be my boys' pet but well, I take care of him so I suppose he's really mine. I don't mind. I love animals. I used to be a dog lover because we have a LOT of dogs back home in Zamboanga but after having Sushi, I know now that I love rabbits more. Not only are they low maintenance, they are very cuddly, smart, very affectionate and so quiet. They are so perfect for me. I love this photo of me and White Paw because he looks so cute! Look at his tiny paws!! He's also growing so fast! He looks so much like a stuffed toy here I just want to squeeze him!! Hahaha! I love my White Paw. =D

Forging Character

2008-01-16T11:16:00.000+08:00

A wonderful read. I encourage everyone to take the time to peruse it. It's very insightful...

FORGING CHARACTER
by Mark Hamby

Over the past twenty-four years I have observed many students who graduated from Christian schools and homeschools yet still lack the confidence, purpose, and skill to follow their dreams. In fact, rarely do they even dream about their God-given destiny. As a young college student, I changed my major numerous times. During that very critical time in my life, I lacked both direction and character--the two important elements that awaken a person’s drive to become all that God intended him to be. Contrary to popular opinion, this kind of character is not determined by one’s actions, but by one’s values. Focusing and modifying a child’s actions apart from their values leads only to hypocrisy, distorts reality, and clouds one’s judgment for a life’s calling. One of the least understood concepts in life is the connection between inner character and the development of skills to pursue one’s purpose in life. Inner character, skill, and purpose are the driving mechanisms behind true greatness. If what I am saying is true, then the development of one’s character is the foundation for life, assuming, of course, that one has a real relationship with the God who created him with a designed purpose.

Character is formed, or rather forged, on the anvil of life. I can distinctly remember an event which genuinely forged my character in the area of work ethic. I was twelve years old, and we needed a new sewer line for our house. Rather than digging up our newly paved driveway, my father decided that a trench could be dug under a thirty-foot-long concrete patio, thus redirecting the sewer line. My dad was an iron worker, and since this was his busiest time of the year, he asked me if I would dig this trench before he came home next week. With a smile, he assured me that it could be done, “one shovelful at a time.” Immediately I began to plan how this could best be accomplished, or rather, how I could do the job with the least amount of work. I remember thinking that there must be a machine that could burrow under this patio and with the press of a button—presto! Finisio! Because I feared my dad, I didn’t dare refuse this task; but I knew that Mom would come to my rescue when she saw the hardship that had been placed on her only son. I really had no intention of digging this trench knowing that it was an impossible task; if I complained and held out long enough, Dad would surely come to his senses. Two days before his arrival, I hadn’t found any solution to my dilemma, and Mom wasn’t ‘cooperating’! In fact, she kept reminding me when Dad would be home.

I remember this as if it were yesterday. Just a few hours before Dad came home, I began digging into the solid clay (it seemed like clay). I dug one foot under the patio and knew that this was impossible and impractical. Surely Dad would understand. Well, Dad didn’t understand! In fact, as soon as he came home, he went out to inspect my work. Without saying a word, he began digging. “What’s wrong with him?” I thought to myself. “Go ahead and dig, you’ll see!” But the dirt was flying and Dad was digging. He had worked hard all week while I worked hard trying to figure out how to get out of work. After about twenty minutes I couldn’t take it anymore. I went out, took the shovel out of his hand and began digging. Again, he reminded me that if you persevere and don’t give up, you can accomplish anything.

It was one o’clock in the morning, but I did it! That entire time my dad was watching from the bedroom window, and when he saw me break through there was a grand applause of royal encouragement. I will never forget that moment. In fact, something happened to me that day that has remained with me ever since. Part of my character was forged that day and to this day has been an essential component to my life. That experience fortified my determination to accomplish whatever task God calls me to, no matter how difficult or impossible it may seem. In fact, I believe that those six hours spent under a patio prepared me to do what I’m doing today. You see, “the testing of our faith works endurance. But let endurance have its perfect work...that you might be perfect and entire, lacking nothing.”

Do you see the spiritual significance of enduring difficult tests? It is significant because when we endure, there is a “work” that is being accomplished—the work of forging our character which prepares us to be complete (perfect), lacking in nothing. Now that’s one reward worth pursuing. And there should be a reward. Our children need to learn that God gives special rewards that are the result of forged character. Forged character prepares us for our future, and galvanizes our determination to accomplish any task. “See a man diligent in his work? He shall stand before kings…” The Hebrew word for “work” carries the meaning of “polished.” When our work reaches a level of excellence—a polished work—we will receive our greatest fulfillment, reach our highest goals, and truly represent our Father as we should as a son or daughter of a King!

Though it is true that children need to learn that endurance forges character, prepares for life, and propels one to persevere, there is also a danger that must be addressed. The danger that I speak of is the root cause of many fallen leaders—pride. From our examples, our children must understand that the character traits of endurance, perseverance, and determination leading to great accomplishments cannot bring true fulfillment apart from humility. There is something very appealing about a diligent, skillful worker who is smiling, appreciative, and thankful. Without humility, determination will lead to accomplishments void of relationships. Humility is the recognition that all of my abilities and opportunities are gifts from God. Humility is portrayed in an attitude of thankfulness even for difficulties, with the realization that this, too, is a gift of God.

May the qualities of inner character, skillfulness, and humility unlock the door to a prepared, purposeful, and powerful future.

Mark Hamby is the President of Lamplighter Publishing. Their latest resource for parents is "Character to the Core". Take a look! You can pick a character trait to learn about... and also get a great corresponding list of recommended books.

So Close

2008-01-15T08:05:00.000+08:00

Only 3 more days to go! I am so excited! I am more than halfway done with the packing. All I have to do is pack our slippers, cellphone and camera battery chargers, some snacks, the boys' bottles, the camera and some other last-minute stuff. I am so psyched! I really really hope that everything will proceed as planned when we get there. Ruther and I agreed that we will indeed, spend the first day at the beach so everyone could soak up the sun, sea and surf immediately. Then Saturday, we'll have the tour. Hopefully that won't last the whole day so the boys could have another swim. Then Sunday, we'll see if we could hear mass in one of the churches there. I think it will be quite an experience for all of us.

Here's hoping that everything goes wonderfully on this vacation...

The Phone

2008-01-14T16:25:00.000+08:00

I don't know why but for some strange reason, I suddenly thought about those old phones the other day. You know, the black ones with the rotating dial. I realized that I miss those kind of phones. Sure, the push-button one is highly convenient but I think the old phone was more fun. Sure, it was irritating to use the old one especially when you dialled the 4th number wrong and had to hang up to do the whole dialling process again. But I find the rotating disc so cool (I used to wonder how, upon dialling, it would get the phone number right in the end). And, I love the click-clickety sound of the dial as it makes the turn everytime. My favorite thing was whenever I had to dial zero because it was like winding it up fully and whenever I would use the end of a pencil to turn the dial.

I guess that old phone was okay to use years back because I remember that telephone numbers only had 4 figures before. Also, it really seemed like there was just so much time to spare in the past. I mean, it's not like today, when we get so frazzled if we can't call through in 5 minutes. Auto-redialling was not even possible with the old phone and yet, I survived. I suppose it was also because my friends' phones were hardly busy 24/7. Today, is another matter entirely. You can't NOT have auto-redialling. The tip of your finger would chafe calling customer service or making airline reservations (just experienced that the other day when I had to book our tickets to Bohol). Things have just changed a lot and I guess that old phone can still survive in a peaceful laidback village or a quaint bed and breakfast or a quiet little city. But for the metropolis, I guess the push-button phone (and cellular phones) is here to stay.

Almost Here

2008-01-13T23:27:00.000+08:00

We were at church today and I suddenly realized that it will only be a few weeks more before Ruther leaves again for Japan. I was not really thinking about that because when you think about it in days, it seems like there's still a lot left. But when you think about it in weeks, it just seems to shorten it a LOT. So somehow, it depressed me. I hardly paid attention to the mass (I'm sure God will forgive me) and just held Ruther's hand all throughout. I just want to mold myself to him as much as I can while I still have him. I know it will be hard again once he's gone and I know that when I am alone again at church I will feel his absence stronger than ever. I know it's not going to be a happy situation and as much as I hate it, I have to overlook it because in all honesty, what else can I do?

Excited

2008-01-12T20:57:00.001+08:00

I'm really excited for this family trip to Bohol next week. I have already started picking the clothes we will be bringing with us, the things we will need as well as the food and snacks for all of us. I have yet to arrange the itinerary but so far, we have arranged a pick-up service on Friday when we arrive so that's one less thing to worry about. I would not want to be hounded by service rentals when we leave the airport terminal. It would just be too irritating and frustrating and I don't anything to faze me when we get there. Since we will be arriving early (7am), we're thinking of hitting the beach rather than do the tour then. We might not be too prepared for an immediate tour so we're thinking of taking it easy during the first day and then having the tour the next day. Hopefully, we will be able to contact a good tour guide when we get there so that our Saturday will go smoothly as we expect it to be...

Only 6 more days to go...

I Heart Chocolate

2008-01-11T11:20:00.001+08:00

Chocolate and I go together like milk and coffee, like moon and stars, like peanut butter and jelly. You get the idea. Here I am slicing a chocolate cake for our New Year's Eve media noche dinner. Mmmmm... Doesn't it look ab-so-lute-ly yummy? =D That's Mama behind me...

Tickets... Check!

2008-01-10T20:24:00.000+08:00

Today, we finally got our tickets for our trip to Bohol next week! Yay! We already made a list of the things we have to buy and bring with us and I think it will be quite a load because well, I do want us to be prepared for anything (and I mean ANYTHING). We scouted around for some snorkeling gear and I was shocked at the prices! I'm not looking for anything fancy at all. Just something that will make me see the fish and underwater life and allow me to breathe while my face was underwater. The most expensive gear we found was around P1200! I remember the last time we bought a snorkeling set in 2000 was less than P500. What a difference!! I'm not buying a set if it would cost this much. Maybe we will just rent 2 gears for Ruther and me when we hit the beach. Anyway, I have yet to prepare the itinerary of our trip. Hopefully, we'll have more adventures than misadventures.

Yay!

2008-01-09T09:28:00.000+08:00

I finally was able to make bookings for our family trip!! After having headaches from checking travel and tour packages in the newspapers and the internet, we decided to not push through with Boracay (it's just too risky and too costly to go there and have problems after we arrive) and instead, we're going to Panglao in Bohol instead. It also has the white sand beach and at the same time, we feel that we will be able to see more places while we're there. Just to give you an idea, here are some of the sights included in our itinerary:

Chocolate Hills
Tarsier Watching
Sikatuna National Park
Baclayon Church and Museum
Dolphin and Whale Sighting (seasonal though)
Punta Cruz Watchtower
Loboc River Cruise
Butterfly Dome
Bohol Bee Farm
Hinagdanan Cave
Mag-aso Falls

and if we still have time,

Loay Bolo-making and Nipa-weaving Industry, and Bilar Man-Made Mahogany Forest

I am already looking forward to seeing the place!! We've reserved a room in a place along Alona Beach which is in Panglao Island. I am also looking forward to snorkeling with Ruther, just like we did during our honeymoon which feels like ages ago! Anyway, I'm sure the boys will have loads of fun as well. Since we were not able to take advantage of the airline promo fare, we're paying around P5000 each (roundtrip fare). Fortunately, the place we're staying is cheap at only P1500 per night for the room so that is a relief for our expenses because we will only spend P3000 for 2 nights. We still have to have money for the tours around Bohol because going around on a rented vehicle will be costly than usual. But still, for this new adventure, I'm sure it will be well worth it. I'm keeping close tabs on our expenses though. Have to make sure we won't overspend and regret going to this excursion.

See you next week, Bohol!

Lunch

2008-01-08T16:25:00.001+08:00

Luncheon at Chef D' Angelo with my family. Love spending time with them...

Not So Sure

2008-01-07T12:53:00.000+08:00

I'm not really looking forward to going to Boracay with the family at the end of the month after reading in the paper about flooding and seeping sewage and smelly water in the vicinity of White Beach. I just don't want to risk going there and then having to experience these things as well. It would just be too expensive and too bothersome for the family. Furthermore, when I read this editorial from today's Inquirer, I was all the more decided to forego the trip and instead choose Bohol or Puerto Galera. I think that for more affordable prices, we could all have fun and at the same time, see sights as well. So tonight, Ruther and I will talk more deeply about this and hopefully, we will come to a decision about a destination.

I share the editorial from Inquirer here:

Boracay bomb
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:09am (Mla time) 01/07/2008

MANILA, Philippines - It does not take frequent visits to the famous white beaches of Boracay to realize that rapid growth is strangling the small island. Even a first-time traveler will notice, if he keeps his eyes open, that the crowded tourist destination has become even more congested. Growth has put a great strain on the island’s support systems, including those that carry potable water to the hundreds of resorts, bars and restaurants operating on the island and those that carry wastewater out.
Ask the regulars who are back in Boracay this week for an annual wind-surfing competition; quite a few will say that the world-famous island they have grown to love is an environmental time bomb.
Consider the numbers: Now a multibillion-peso industry, Boracay tourism probably attracted some 700,000 tourists last year—up by 200,000 from the half-million arrivals recorded only two years previously. To meet the explosion in demand, many investors are seeking to build more resorts and restaurants; pending applications include those for two 400-room hotels.
In an ideal world, these are applications that should be approved with all possible speed. But growth in Boracay has reached a stage where the paramount concern has shifted, from asking whether the island has enough rooms and facilities to service the continuing increase in tourist arrivals, to asking how much time the island has left before unchecked development leads to a collapse in services. To put it in terms appropriate to the modern fairy tale that is Boracay tourism: Is rapid growth killing the goose that lays the golden eggs?
The Department of the Environment and Natural Resources is putting together an “environmental master development plan” that should help provide the honest answer to that essential question, but the process depends in part on the successful implementation of a six-month suspension in new construction projects that Environment Secretary Lito Atienza announced last August.
Unfortunately, five months into the suspension, Atienza remains in a tug of war with the municipal council that governs Boracay. The other day, in a stunning admission of inutility, Atienza said: “We advised them [Malay, Aklan Mayor Cicero Cawaling and the municipal council] months ago to stop all development projects on the island before the studies that are being made by the Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are completed. But it seems that construction there continues.”
It “seems” construction continues? Can’t Atienza say for sure? If Boracay is important enough for the country’s tourism prospects and as a regional development template, can’t Atienza take the time to verify ongoing construction projects for himself?
We agree with Atienza’s controversial suspension order; we share his premise that while continuing development is welcome, environmental sustainability is now the key standard of growth. But we must wonder at Atienza’s resolve. His suspension order was greeted with immediate resistance. A month after it was announced, the newspapers reported that construction projects were still ongoing. The town mayor hemmed and hawed and said a municipal council resolution was needed to put the suspension order into effect. Five months later, the resolution remains unpassed, and Atienza is reduced to admonishing the local mayor about the consequences of his inaction.
The local government would have to answer to its people, Atienza said, “if they persist in not implementing what is correct and mandated by law.” And in the meantime, the Boracay environmental time bomb is ticking.
If Atienza and Tourism Secretary Ace Durano are serious about keeping Boracay as a viable tourist destination for the next generation, they have many options to choose from. Atienza can re-impose his suspension order, on the grounds that it had never taken effect. Durano must put his department’s dollar-earning weight behind the order, and convince the municipal council which depends on the tourism dollars generated by Boracay that the suspension is in its best interests. And together, Atienza and Durano can make the case for development, not on Boracay, but on the Aklan mainland. After all, it is only 15 minutes away from the famous but now overcrowded beaches.

Sweethearts

2008-01-05T23:56:00.001+08:00

Together in the New Year. I know it's going to be a great year just having him with me.

I love you sweetie!

The Heartbreak Kid

2008-01-04T09:18:00.000+08:00

Ruther and I watched this movie last night. I didn't like it much. It was just so-so. It looked too much like a Ben Stiller movie and I really don't love his movies that much. I think it's because of all the swearing or because somehow, it's like he plays the same character in his flicks all the time. I don't know. Somehow I just didn't like it. I like Adam Sandler's movies better. They are more tasteful and I usually like the chemistry he has with his leading ladies. Anyway, in The Heartbreak Kid, Stiller plays Eddie who falls in love with Lila in a whirlwind romance. They get married and then on their way to their honeymoon, Eddie discovers that he and Lila have nothing in common and begins to doubt their relationship and think that getting married to her is a mistake, even moreso when he falls in love with Miranda a girl he met at the honeymoon resort. And the story goes from there. Anyway, if you want to read a better review than this, then go here. It's so much more explicit than what I wrote. My say? Don't waste your time watching this movie.

Family Trip

2008-01-03T13:20:00.000+08:00

My sweet hubby wants us (the family) to go to a beach resort this month. He was thinking of Boracay since I haven't been there yet. I would love to see the place but looking for a great travel/tour package is such a headache! I've checked websites and newspapers and so far, I haven't seen something that would be suitable for us. I very well would not want us to spend too much for this trip so I'm trying to check all options and all possibilities so that we could get our money's worth and have a great time as well. We're planning to have the trip at the end of the month so this means, I have to search more and search hard so I could make reservations by this week. Sigh. Hopefully, we'll be able to get a nice place for us and push through with this family trip.

It's 2008!

2008-01-01T10:57:00.000+08:00

Happy family. Happy New Year.

Operation Love

2007-12-30T09:51:00.000+08:00

Ruther and I are watching a new Japanese tv drama now. It's Operation Love and it's quite funny and undoubtedly unique. The story revolves around this guy who went back in time to try to win the heart of his love who, in present time, was wed to another man. So yeah, it's a really unique story and it's fun to watch. There's none of the heavy drama and it's interesting to see how the guy tries his best to win his lady love. We're on the 7th episode now and hopefully, we're gonna see the end today. Can't wait! =D

Time Together

2007-12-29T22:35:00.000+08:00

I am just so thankful of the time Ruther and I are spending together. I know that soon, we will separate ways again when he goes back to Japan in 2 months' time and frankly, I really don't know how I'm going to take that. But knowing me and past experiences with such separations, I just feel that I'll be a wreck when he's gone. I know that I'll try to be strong, I know that I'll try to make myself busy again just so I won't miss him too much but I just know that I'll miss him just the same and just as strongly. Sigh... How time flies when you are so happy. Don't you just wish that you can control time as you please? Don't you feel that everything will just be oh-so wonderful when you can spend all the time in the world with the one you love? I pray that time would slow down for me. Slow down for the time being so Ruther and I can savor every moment, every second we have together. Slow down for love.

Christmas Day

2007-12-28T14:25:00.000+08:00

As predicted, Christmas was fun fun fun! I'm just so terribly sad that it's over. I think that it's so not fair for one to be so excited about something and the excitement builds up as the day gets nearer and then when it's finally there and over, you feel like your balloon has burst so suddenly. It's like I was in my highest high and then suddenly, it's back to mundane lives and ordinary events. I love Christmas. I guess, this means, I'll be waiting for it again and anticipate the -ber months once more. Sigh. Oh well. I can always start making my Christmas list for next year anyway...

=P

Happy Me

2007-12-25T22:58:00.000+08:00

Christmas will be over in approximately an hour. And yet, I still feel so pleased about how the whole day went about. I loved that we spent it together as a family; I loved that we got to visit relatives; I loved that my boys got to meet their extended family and got to get fun presents; I loved that it was a day well-spent and was fun-filled. I don't know if I'm putting too much pressure on Christmas celebrations but I'm just someone who wants to make Christmas all about family. Last year when we were in Japan, Christmas was not that visible. I mean, comparing it with how Filipinos prepare for this holiday, it was very muted for my taste. But that still did not dampen my spirits because first and foremost my family was together. And for me, that's what really and truly matters on my favorite day of the year. This year is so different. Having Ruther with me AND spending the holidays in the Philippines is just so wonderful. I know I'm just a simple girl with simple wants and this Christmas, God has certainly made this simple girl very happy.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2007-12-24T19:26:00.000+08:00

Happy to be together this Christmas. I pray that the holidays will be fun-filled and wonderful for everyone!

Merry Christmas!! God bless from my family to yours!

What Christmas Tree Are You?

2007-12-20T18:52:00.000+08:00

You Are a Cranberry and Popcorn Strung Tree

Christmas is all about showcasing your creative talents.

From cookies to nicely wrapped presents, your unique creations impress everyone.

What Christmas Tree Are You?

1 Litre of Tears

2007-12-18T18:04:00.000+08:00

I am currently watching this Japanese tv drama. It's such a sad story. It is actually based on a life story of a girl who had an incurable disease and had some difficulty acepting it. I won't say what the illness is specifically just to keep interested viewers curious. Who knows, one of you might be interested to watch it. Anyway, the cast was pretty much okay. The story is dramatic, considering the events of the disease, treatment, acceptance, etc. But what truly touched me in the story were the courage of the girl, the way the family stood by her and supported her, and the strength of the mom. Really, of the same thing happened to me, I would not know how to cope. Or if anyone in my family had this disease (knock on wood!), I really don't think I would be as strong as the mother in the story. So truly, she was quite admirable.

I am more than halfway done with the movie so I am looking forward to how it ends. Hopefully, it won't be too sad or I'll be crying buckets of tears before the day is over...

Break

2007-12-17T20:44:00.000+08:00

In case I did not mention it before, I put my studies on hold while Ruther is home with us. I figured, I would have all the time to do that once he's away and I would need that distraction so I have something else to focus on and be less depressed. Also, my course completion is in November 2008 so I think I have a LOT of time to finish it. Currently, I have 2 more modules to finish and I'm sure that I'll be done with those in a month of two if I study everyday. So yeah, I'm quite comfortable with the break I'm having from my studies right now. I just hope that I won't be TOO depressed when Ruther leaves or I would find it hard to get back on track...

Christmas Poem

2007-12-16T16:08:00.000+08:00

Christmas Is a Time for Love and Fun

(http://www.poemsforfree.com/xmasi2.html)

Christmas is a time for love and fun,

A time to reshape souls and roots and skies,

A time to give your heart to everyone

Freely, like a rich and lavish sun,

Like a burning star to those whose lonely sighs

Show need of such a time for love and fun.

For children first, whose pain is never done,

Whose bright white fire of anguish never dies,

It's time to give your heart to every one,

That not one angel fall, to hatred won

For lack of ears to listen to her cries,

Or arms to carry him towards love and fun,

Or friends to care what happens on the run

To adult life, where joy or sadness lies.

It's time to give your heart to everyone,

For God loves all, and turns His back on none,

Good or twisted, ignorant or wise.

Christmas is a time for love and fun,

A time to give your heart to everyone.

Together Time

2007-12-14T22:48:00.000+08:00

This photo was taken at Friday's on a weekend. I love spending time with Ruther. I really can't get enough of him. Twenty-four hours everyday, nay, a lifetime is not enough to spend time together; to make memories, to share stories, to stare into each others' eyes, to profess our love over and over. Sometimes I am amazed at how much we get along now. We are definitely like wine; we get better at our relationship every year. I appreciate every moment we have together. They are like jewels in a beautiful necklace that gets more precious and more priceless. For now, I am happy. Very happy.

The Holiday

2007-12-13T17:34:00.000+08:00

I managed to catch this movie on HBO the other day and I found it cute. This movie stars Cameron Diaz as Amanda, Kate Winslet as Iris, Jude Law (one of my fave actors by the way) as Graham, and Jack Black as Miles. So basically the story is about Amanda and Iris who, after having problems with their respective relationships decided to swap houses (one lives in the US and the other in Surrey) for 2 weeks to escape their troubles. And that is where the fun and adventure starts. The story is light and sweet and just very honest. And I like my movies like that. The scenes/cinematography are very creative and you would just want to step into the tv to experience that. Also, this one had no corny (and I mean c-o-r-n-y scenes in it). And the happy ending made the difference of course. Anyway, I think I want to have a copy of this. I might have to ask Ruther to look for one for me though. =D

Christine de Pisan

2007-12-12T20:30:00.000+08:00

I encountered this poem the other day while I was reading a very wonderful book and I was really touched by it. It was wonderfully written by a woman named Christine de Pisan who lived in the 1360s. What makes her so fascinating is the idea that this woman, married at 15 and widowed at 24, did whatever she had to support her 3 kids and aging mother. During the 14th century, women poets and writers were practically unheard of but this woman was brave enough to make her living through her pen. I admire her for her courage and her dedication to motherhood. I am sure mothers like me will appreciate and admire this poem she has written for her son:

I have no great fortune, my son,
To make you rich. In place of one
Here are some lessons I have learned-
the finest things I've ever earned.

Before the world has borne you far,
Try to know people as they are.
Knowing that will help you take
The path that keeps you from mistake.

Pity anyone who is poor
And stands in rags outside your door
Help them when you hear them cry!
Remember that you, too, will die.

Love those who have love for you
And keep your enemy in view:
Of allies none can have too many,
Small enemies there are not any.

Never lose what the good Lord gave
To this, our world too much enslaved:
The foolish rush to end their lives.
Only the steadfast soul survives.

Sunset

2007-12-10T23:36:00.000+08:00

I love sunsets...

I Choose To Be Happy

2007-12-09T19:07:00.001+08:00

I used to be a dweller. You know, dwelling on things that I have no or little control over. But not anymore. I don't want to surround my family with loneliness, sadness, depression or anxiety. I want them to experience as much joy, as much laughter as they can. God knows we need it all with the way things are in the world these days.

Prior to getting married and having kids, I would always be so emotional about the littlest thing. Everything would faze me and I would have so much difficulty letting go of something that would affect me so much. I thought I would and could never change. But Ruther and the boys helped me a lot. Because of them, I am now a better person. I no longer hold resentment, anxiety and pain inside of me. Because of them, I have learned to let these go, to release them into the wind, to turn them into nothingness. Of course, they are important learning tools in life but I no longer need to dwell on these things to learn from them. And I know that focusing more on my family, on our well-being, on laughter and fun, on sharing and bonding is what I choose to do right now. I know that if I only have a week, nay, a day to live, I live with no regrets. I know that if I die tomorrow, my family was happy, that they know they are loved and that they were always my first priority. That is how I would want it to be.

Life is always full of surprises. But now, life is so much happier. Maybe it's because I choose to look at it that way but one thing's for sure, I feel so much better about myself, I feel I am on the right track, and I know I always give happy feelings to the people around me and the people I love.

Ruther and I have always had some conflicts in our personalities. But now, we're communicating so well we haven't had a misunderstanding in ages. The mere touch of a hand is enough to convey what words cannot. A sweet kiss is enough to silence fears and doubts and anxieties to cleanse the heart. The living breath of my soulmate is enough to rejuvenate me in my lowest low. Everything matters little compared to my family. They are everything to me and I will do everything in my power to make sure that they would always be happy, always be accepted and always be loved.

Before The Day Ends...

2007-12-08T23:39:00.000+08:00

I think this quote is good enough for today...

Maybe we should learn something from nature. In the wild, theweakest moose is hunted down and killed by dingo dogs, thus ensuringsurvival of the fittest. This is a harsh system - especially for the dingodogs who have to fly all the way from Australia. But nature's process isa good one; everybody agrees, except perhaps for the dingo dogs and themoose in question ... and the flight attendants. But the point is thatwe'd all be better off if the least competent managers were being eaten bydingo dogs instead of writing Mission Statements. (The Dilbert Principle)

Braised Pork Spareribs

2007-12-07T17:44:00.001+08:00

This recipe is from http://www.pinoycook.net/. I am posting the recipe here because it's easier for me to access this rather than search the archives at the site. Just to be clear, this recipe is NOT mine but borrowed.

1-3/4 kilo of meaty spare ribs (you want the cut for barbequeing, not for cooking sinigang)
1 whole garlic
2 thumb-sized pieces of ginger
2 large onions
4 tbsps. of dark brown sugar
1/2 c. of light soy sauce
2-3 tbsps. of hot chili sauce
salt to taste
4-5 tbsps. of cooking oil

Cut the pork spare ribs between the bones.
Peel and finely chop the garlic and onions.
Peel and finely grate the ginger.
Heat the cooking oil in a wok or frying pan. Add the pork spare ribs and cook — in batches, if necessary — until lightly browned. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir well to blend. Pour in about 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for about an hour and a half or until the pork is tender.
During the cooking time, as the liquid evaporates, you may need to add a little water occasionally to prevent scorching. Half a cup or so each time should be enough. By the time the pork is done, there should only be a little sauce. As the chopped onions become mushy, they will thicken the sauce so there really is no need to add flour or starch.
Serve your braised pork spare ribs with hot rice or mashed potatoes and enjoy.

Born For You

2007-12-05T23:11:00.000+08:00

by David Pomeranz

Too many billion people
Running around the planet
What is the chance in heaven
That you'd find your way to me?
Tell me what is this sweet sensation?
It's a miracle that's happened
Though I search for an explanation
Only one thing it could be -

That I was born for you
It was written in the stars
Yes, I was born for you
And the choice was never ours
It's as if the powers of the universe
Conspired to make you mine
And til the day I die,
I bless the day that I was born for you

Too many foolish people
Trying to come between us
None of them seem to matter
When I look into your eyes
Now I know why I belong here
In your arms I found the answer
Somehow nothing would seem so wrong here
If they'd only realise

That I was born for you
And that you were born for me
And in this random world,
This was clearly meant to be
What we have the world could never understand
Or ever take away
And till the day I die
I bless the day that I was born for you

What we have the world could never understand
Or ever take away
And as the years go by
Until the day I die
I bless the day that I was born for you

Can't Get Enough

2007-12-04T20:51:00.000+08:00

I really can't get enough of my hubby. Being with him just makes the day more wonderful and more beautiful. I wish we can always be together, rain or shine, 24/7, thick or thin.

Love you, sweetie.

December

2007-12-03T20:47:00.000+08:00

I can't believe it's December already. Pretty soon, 2007 will come to an end and 2008 will be another year for me and my family. Another year of separation, togetherness and then who knows? I wish the future were not so unpredictable. But then again, sometimes, these surprises just make life more interesting and makes me appreciate my family even more. I just wish that we would not have to be apart anymore. Sometimes, I know that it's out of my hands but I still resent the fact that I can't fully enjoy my family when we have to be apart for months at a time. It's just too painful.

I appreciate that God has been good to me and my family. I am thankful and grateful for every little blessing He has given us. And as much as I could, I try not to unbalance the karma of my life. I want to continue on the path of goodness so that goodness will be restored to me. That is what I believe and I really am thankful that my family has remained happy and healthy and safe all these years. But of course, my very simple wish is for us to be together finally. I don't think that is a selfish request. I think that is what every family wishes for. And that is what I want most for my family. I wish that 2008 will be a better year for us. I hope that it will hold untold promises, wonderful experiences and the family togetherness that I so crave and want.

Cream Puffs

2007-12-02T22:49:00.000+08:00

I was craving for these! When I heard that there was a Beard Papa's Cream Puffs branch at SM Mall of Asia, I just could not pass the opportunity. I asked Ruther to get a box for us and it was heavenly!! A box of six cost around P270. I think that's a fine price to pay for something that originally was in Japan, don't you think so?

Happily In Love

2007-11-27T10:46:00.000+08:00

Final Goodbye

2007-11-26T09:09:00.000+08:00

I can never get over parting from you
It always makes me forever blue
I could never, ever know what to do
When you know that my life revolves around you.

When you are gone my life is hell
When you are gone I live in a shell
My love, you are my refuge from the pain
You keep me calm and safe and sane.

I don't want us to part again
I don't want to feel the pain again
I want to be with you forevermore
I want it to be like it was before

Let's hope and pray that tomorrow brings
Togetherness, memories and special things
Let's hope that one day, when the time is right
Our love will be whole and one and tight

Let's hope that this is our final adieu
Because without you life is subdued
My love, when you go I will miss you so
My heart will be frozen, until our "hello".

-yette; November 26, 2007; 9:34am

New Shows

2007-11-24T18:47:00.000+08:00

Ruther has introduced me to 3 new shows and so far, here are my thoughts:

GOSSIP GIRL

I don't like this series much. Ruther tells me that it is similar to the O.C. and I also did not like that series much. In fact, I did not even finish it. I think I watched part of the second season then it got a bit too much for me and I just quit it. Gossip Girl reminds me of that tv series. It's just too glamour and little substance. And I'm not very fond of those kind of stories. I like my stories with depth and meaning and lessons and morals. I'm just that kind of girl. Despite my not liking the series much, having Kirsten Bell as the narrator is a huge plus so I'm giving it another chance.

PUSHING DAISIES

This one is a cute series and I love it! Anything that combines fantasy and romance and crime is my cup of tea. Plus, I think Ned (in the story) is cute (when I told Ruther this he raised his eyebrow at me). I think I have a crush on him. But I digress... Anyway, the story is quite unique and that was where my interest began. So far, I am enjoying this series and am looking forward to more episodes.

CHUCK

This one is an unexpected surprise. I thought it was going to be one of those corny and cheesy comedies but I was wrong. It IS funny but not in a corny way (I am SO not a fan of those kind of movies or series) and I love the suspense and criminal aspects in the story. It is witty without being too vulgar and the suspense just keeps me hanging on my toes. The characters are well-thought of and are really delightful. Another series I am looking forward to watching.

New Books

2007-11-21T20:55:00.000+08:00

When Ruther, the boys and I went out last night, we dropped by Powerbooks and purchased some books for us. Here are our latest finds:

This one is Ruther's. Obviously. He adores this band and wanted to have this book for himself.

Baby Blues! I love Baby Blues! I am presently reading Dad to the Bone and it's really funny. When we bought these books, we discovered that we still have 3 more to buy to add to our collection so we decided to buy them one at a time (they cost around P500+ each!). I hope we won't run out of copies...

The Transformers comic is also Ruther's. The Gossip Girl book he decided to buy because of the tv series (same title). I already watched a few episodes but I don't like it that much. Too Hollywood, too glamour and little substance. I like my shows with lessons and a nice story. Like FRIENDS. =D Oh well...

New Shoes

2007-11-20T23:33:00.000+08:00

I have got new shoes!! Ruther actually bought me a pair of Adidas from Japan but he said that they don't look too nice on my feet and look more like men's. So we decided to check the shoes at the malls and I told Ruther that I didn't want a pair that looked too much like rubber shoes. We were torn between a pair of Adidas, another Fila brand and then this pair of Nike's. After thinking about it, I decided on the Nike's because not only did they look good on my feet but they were on sale from P2,000+ marked down to P1,800. Not bad, aye? The Adidas were around P3000+, were too white and too rubber shoes-y. The Fila pair were too casual and did not look as good as the Nike's on my feet. So here are my new shoes!! So happy...

Together Again

2007-11-19T23:50:00.000+08:00

So happy.

So in love.

So us.

Fat

2007-11-17T22:52:00.000+08:00

For some weird reason in the past few days, I have been feeling FAT. I don't know if it's because Ruther's home and I am just more conscious about my looks, I don't know if it's because I haven't been exercising in weeks, I don't know if it's because my pesky Aunt said I should go on a diet, I don't know if it's because I look fat in my photos, I don't know if it's the bloaty feeling I get most of the day, I don't know if it's because I feel like I will never fit into my old clothes anymore and I don't know if it's because I feel like I am always surrounded by people thinner than me and that bugs me to no end.

I told Ruther that all my life I never felt thin. Growing up with a petite sister and a slim and sexy mother, I always felt like I was an Amazon woman. I was atheletic, chunky and tomboyish. I never detested my sister for that or the comparisons given us, but it affected my self-esteem - big time. I was always my worst critique and really, when I found a flaw, I focused on it and it just got worse and worse. After meeting Ruther, falling in love with him and then having a relationship with him, I learned to slowly accept who I was, how I was made and to let go of the things I know is beyond my control and to be happy and content. Because of this new attitude, I became less depressed, less pessimistic and more accepting of flaws. I felt that no matter what happens this is me and I am happy with who I am as long as I am a good person, as long as I am healthy and as long as I am with the ones that I love.

But a better understanding of who I am does not mean I can control my metabolism or my hormonal imbalances. And that irks me to no end. Of course, typical for women with my body type and metabolic rate, I do question my body type. I wonder about the what ifs and the perhaps. I imagine the probabilities and the possibilities. But as always, I crash back into Earth with the reality of huge arms, a jelly belly and even slower metabolism. It sucks, really. I have no idea how much more activity I should do to even make a dent in my weight-loss goals. I don't even know when my battle with losing weight began but it feels like it has been on-going forever. I know I should make it a goal because of course, I am not getting any younger and I DO have to prepare myself for the eventuality of sickness or illnesses especially those that run in the family, but there are days when I just want to get it over with. I want to be able to get into a bathing suit and not worry about eyes on me. I want to go out of the house in a sleeveless top and not worry about my huge arms. I want to wear whatever makes me confortable without making others uncomfortable. Is that so difficult to want? Or to have? Sigh.

Okay, I know I'm venting but it's just been so trying. I know when I wake up tomorrow, it'll be another fight. It'll be another day when I watch what I eat, when I take note of my physical activity, when I recall if I took my folic acid and calcium, when I eat too much sweets or pastries. I guess, in reality, I have to be thankful that until now, I haven't had any serious illness or sickness. And yes, I really AM grateful for that. But I wish that in the future, I could at least go back to my old size even if I won't be model-thin.

Be my moral support? I think I'm gonna need it.

Me and You

2007-11-15T21:06:00.000+08:00

A part of you has grown in me. And so you see, it's you and me together forever and never apart, maybe in distance, but never in heart. - Anonymous

Never let go of hope. One day you will see that it all has finally come together. What you have always wished for has finally come to be. You will look back and laugh at what has passed and you will ask yourself... 'How did I get through all of that? - Anonymous

I think we dream so we don't have to be apart so long. If we're in each other's dreams, we can be together all the time. - from Calvin and Hobbes

Today...

2007-11-14T18:18:00.000+08:00

...I wonder what yummy food I'll be cooking Ruther for dinner.

...I still can't believe Ruther is finally home.

...I feel so guilty for not following up on the lessons of the boys.

...I will say goodbye to Mommy because she will have an early flight tomorrow and I might be able to wake up to say goodbye then.

...I am still overwhelmed with all the things that has happened and has been happening these past days.

...I miss visiting my blogger friends.

...I realized all the more that there is nothing more important in my life than Ruther.

Can't Wait

2007-11-08T00:05:00.000+08:00

I'm so excited to see you sweetie! In a day's time we will be together again! I hope we will make the most of our time together until we part again next year. But until then, here's to more memories, to more romance, and to more love.

I love you baby - my life, my love, my soul.

Reminiscing

2007-11-05T23:40:00.000+08:00

This photo was taken at Minato Mirai 21 while Ruther, the boys and I were having a stroll. I think that being a first timer in Japan, I just was too afraid to go out on my own during the first 3 months. If it were only me, I would not be too scared to get lost but since the boys were with me, I just could not risk it. But of course, now that I know my way around most of Yokohama, I think that the next time I visit Japan, I will be more adventurous.

Yup, that is a promise.

Sleeps With Butterflies

2007-11-04T20:56:00.000+08:00

by Tori Amos

Airplanes
Take you away again
Are you flying
Above where we live
Then I look up a glare in my eyes
Are you having regrets about last night
I'm not but I like rivers that rush in
So then I dove inIs there trouble ahead
For you the acrobat
I won't push you unless you have a net

You say the word
You know I will find you
Or if you need some time
I don't mind
I don't hold on
To the tail of your kite
I'm not like the girls that you've known
But I believe I'm worth coming home to
Kiss away night
This girl only sleeps with butterflies
With butterflie
sSo go on and fly then boy

Balloons
Look good from on the ground
I fear with pins and needles around
We may fall then stumble
Upon a carousel
It could take us anywhere

I'm not like the girls that you've known
But I believe I'm worth coming home to
Kiss away night
This girl only sleeps with butterflies
With butterflies
With butterflies
So go on and fly boy

Reunion

2007-11-03T22:21:00.000+08:00

Mommy will be coming to Manila on the 6th and I am so excited to see her. The last time I saw Mommy was in June and it seems like a long way back. When she comes, this will also be the only time I will be seeing her before Christmas so I'm glad that she will be coming even if only it's because of her annual check-up and mammography. I have already asked her to bring me and the boys some pasalubong and according to my dad (who called tonight), she bought them already. Hahaha! Talk about being excited. =D We are already planning our shopping trips for our Christmas shopping and I am so looking forward to that! =D

A Thousand Hands

2007-11-02T22:50:00.000+08:00

When my sis, bro and I came home from a 3-week trip to Macau years back, we brought home as pasalubong for my mom this (really heavy!) statue of a goddess. That goddess was called The Goddess with A Thousand Hands and really, she had a LOT of arms around her. Lately, here at home, I have been wishing that that goddess would loan me some of her arms so that I could get all the work here at home done. I have been thinking that since a few weeks ago, I have been perpetually fixing and cleaning and arranging stuff and yet, it seems like it would never end. Of course, I cannot just ask help from anyone because they too have their own fixing and cleaning and arranging to do so I have no choice but to do everything myself. Not only that, I would want to know where everything is so that when the time comes when I need something, I'll know exactly where to get them. That is prctical, right? But really really time-consuming. I really love keeping house and cleaning and organizing, but it's just that there's just so much to do at one time it IS a bit overwhelming. I would rather do things bit by bit but with Ruther only a week away from coming home, I might as well get on with it...

Resentful

2007-11-01T00:11:00.000+08:00

I am currently feeling a bit resentful. About what? About so many things. But primarily about why Ruther and I have to be apart. Why do we have to live this kind of life? Is it really the best we can do right now? Is there really no other option for us? Why do I have to endure months and months of separation for money? Is this really worth it? Is living apart worth having a good life? Why are other families better off? Why are they permitted to be together with the support of employers and other important people? Why aren't we the same? Why is it that I have to endure this again and again when I hate it so much? I just want this to stop. I want the separation to end. I want my family to be together. To finally be together. Is that so much to ask for? Is that too big a request? What should I do for that to happen? How can I remain hopeful that the future will not entail more separations, more loneliness and more sadness? I just hate this. I hate it I hate it I hate it.

Please God, let it end.

10 Thoughts for Today

2007-10-30T18:38:00.000+08:00

1. I'll miss Tita Nicki and our chats, our exchanges, all our intellectual talks. I already miss her presence here in the house and she's been gone for only 3 hours! She has become an important figure in my life recently and from now on, she will always be a part of it.

2. I don't think I can finish fixing everything in the room in time for Ruther's return. There's just TOO many things to do!!

3. I have a headache.

4. I have to buy more things for the room: lamp, electric fan, mop, mat, bed linens, etc.

5. I don't think I can sleep in the room alone. It would just be too lonesome and I'm afraid that if I'll be all alone I'll just cry myself to sleep.

6. I hope that Ruther and I would never ever have to be apart ever again.

7. I hate my feet. My cracked heels are an eyesore! I have to fix that because I would hate not having to wear flipflops just because my heels are cracked. (And okay, yucky.)

8. I want a second honeymoon with Ruther. Anywhere.

9. I want to go to Japan.

10. I want the next 20 years to be all planned out with no surprises and no separations.

Elections

2007-10-29T14:59:00.000+08:00

Today is another voting day. And I won't be voting. This is not only because I'm not registered, but also because I really don't know anyone in the voting list. Why would I waste my vote for someone whom I don't know? Should I risk giving it to someone who would usurp his position and take advantage of ignorant people? I just think that the risk is too great to just give a random vote.

I have voted only once in my entire life. Sometimes, I wonder if I should force myself to be more interested in politics so I could know more about the government and the system. But really, it so disgusts me. There is a certain disquietude in the thought that I am leaving my hopes and the hope of the country in the hands of (most probably) corrupt people. It's disconcerting that they have the power to get richer through illegal means while the people who pay taxes live from paycheck to paycheck and try to give their families a better lifestyle. It's actually very sad.

I'm not really worried about not voting. I know that those who will vote will probably make a better and wiser choice than me doing an eenie-meenie-miney-mo on the ballot. So yeah, no matter how the election turns out, I know that life will still go on tomorrow.

SIGH

2007-10-27T14:19:00.001+08:00

Missing my love every minute of everyday...

Come home soon, baby...

Anticipation

2007-10-26T22:06:00.000+08:00

My days were all full of sadness
Not to mention a bit of madness
When months before we parted ways
Which left me in a perpetual daze

This parting keeps tearing me apart
I feel the pain with each beat of my heart
My tears spill from all of me
I cannot think or hear or see

I close my eyes and think of you
And my senses all tingle anew
The days pass by and so I yearn
and anticipate my love's return.

I'm lost without you, I don't know what to do
I never knew I could be this blue
I've missed you through goodbyes and hellos
I've missed you more than you'll ever know

I can't wait to be in your arms
And once more be filled with your charms
When we kiss I'll know for sure
That my lonely heart is finally cured.

-yette; 11:26pm, October 26, 2007

Time

2007-10-25T14:40:00.000+08:00

In 6 days, October 2007 will be no more. Isn't that amazing? Tomorrow becomes today and then becomes yesterday. Not unless something special happened on that day, it will then be forgotten, lost in the past. Paul Bowles said:

... we get to think of life as an inexhaustible well. Yet everything happens only a certain number of times, and a very small number, really. How many more times will you remember a certain afternoon of your childhood, some afternoon that's so deeply a part of your being that you can't even conceive of your life without it? Perhaps four or five times more. Perhaps not even that. How many more times will you watch the full moon rise? Perhaps twenty. And yet it all seems limitless.

I sometimes wonder where time goes. Where does it wait for tomorrow? What does it do when today comes? Where does it retire to when it becomes yesterday? I wonder if time never gets tired of this endless cycle. I wonder if it also feels the slowness of days and the speed of the years gone by. I wonder if it revels at the changes in the world since it began eons ago. I wonder if it looks forward to the distant future when the destruction of the earth is inevitable. Time is like a long-lost friend. Sometimes you think about him and other times you don't realize that he's just there beside you.

.....

For everything there is a season,
And a time for every matter under heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
A time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
A time to keep, and a time to throw away;
A time to tear, and a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate,
A time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2

2007-10-24T09:24:00.000+08:00

Oh my god. I am SO addicted to this show! It's so weird because once the tv is on that show, I just can't get away. Scary right? But I really can't help it because the housemates (HMs) this time are all so interesting (perhaps with the exception of Zara at this time). It's just so funny and dramatic and weird and just a mix of emotions. I like watching how the HMs handle their situation, how they live day to day with each other, how they get along, how they cope, how they respond to Big Brother's challenges, etc. It's just very entertaining. But of course, I would not want my kids to watch this at their young age. There are still some things I find uncomfortable in the show that I would not want them to see or hear. But anyway, I am sure that I will keep on watching this show until it ends. Hopefully, the winner will be someone worth the prize.

Latest Read

2007-10-22T22:16:00.000+08:00

I finished reading this book a few days ago. I like Mary Higgins Clark and I thank my mom for introducing her works to me. When I was in Zamboanga and for lack of things to do, I decided to browse through our library and got one of her books. It was a great choice. And now I try to read as much of her works as possible. This book, A Cry in The Night, is about a woman who falls in love with an artist and from there she gets into a life filled with terror that is linked to the past. All I'll say now is that it's really suspenseful. Really great. Hopefully, I'll be able to find more Mary Higgins Clark books at Booksale. =D

'Til They Take My Heart Away

2007-10-20T11:44:00.001+08:00

This is one of my favorite songs. I love it so much. I always think of Ruther when I hear this song. I even sing this at karaoke! I don't think I'll ever get fed up of this.

Til They Take My Heart Away
Claire Marlow

I look into your eyes, so far away
There's trouble on your mind, you're losing faith
Hey now, let me hold you, it'll be OK
Cause I will love you till they take my heart away

Remember when you called and said goodbye
You thought we'd lost it all and so did I
But even if I'd lost you, I would feel the same
I will love you till they take my heart away

Believe I'm here to stay
I will love you till they take my heart away

Now we're stronger than before, we've made it through
I've never felt more sure because of you
Hey now, are you listening, can you hear me say?
I will love you till they take my heart away

(instr. bridge)
Believe in me, I'm here to stay
I will love you till they take my heart away

Shorts

2007-10-19T17:39:00.001+08:00

I was at the mall today and I was trying to look for a decent-looking pair of shorts for me because well, I can't really deny that it has been quite warm these past few days and wearing jeans is just too icky for me. So I checked some of the boutiques and aside from looking for something my size is next to impossible, the prices are quite shocking! The sizes are a problem because although most of the clothes come in S, M, L and XL sizes and I sometimes could fit into the L size, I would prefer wearing something less restricting so I always want to settle for an XL size and that, they usually do not have, which is of course, very disappointing and frustrating. As for the prices, a pair of shorts for P350?!! And this is not from a well-known fashion boutique! I was quite dismayed about that. I know some people might think I am cheap but I just don't want to get something that I would feel guilty later on because it costs so much. I just want to be able to enjoy my clothes without thinking "Whoops! I can't spill catsup on this because this cost me P1000!" I just don't like that kind of worry. When I became a mom, I learned to dress down, to be more flexible and to be more conscious of what I wear so that it's functional and fashionable at the same time. Sigh.

And I was SO looking forward to getting new shorts today...

Nativity

2007-10-18T13:51:00.000+08:00

I bought this wind-up Nativity scene a few weeks ago. It was just so cute and I always love having a Nativity as part of the Christmas decorations. This one only cost me P199 (approximately US$4.50)! I actually wanted to get one more for my mom but I was not sure if she would like it and it would be a waste if she won't appreciate it. Anyway, this Nativity plays Silent Night and it is very pretty. Five figures move along to the music: the 2 shepherds, 2 of the 3 kings and St. Joseph. Ethan is enthralled with Baby Jesus. He keeps on saying "Look! It's a baby!" He's so cute! =D

What Kind Of Candy Are You?

2007-10-17T16:07:00.001+08:00

This is who I am:

Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

Very popular, one of you is not enough.

What Kind of Candy Are You?

I'm not too fond of Reese's though. I love Milky Way but I haven't seen any of those here any more. Maybe in PX goods stores. I also like Snickers. Anything caramel-y would be great. Just not chocolate and caramel only. It would be entirely too sweet for my sweet tooth (if there is such a thing!).

Autumn

2007-10-16T10:19:00.000+08:00

10 Things I Love (and Miss) About Autumn:

1. the falling leaves that carpet the ground from the many trees
2. the wonderful shades of orange, yellow, red and brown that fill my vision with color and life
3. dressing warmly, wearing my really handy ear muffs and my gloves
4. cuddling on cold nights with my lovey (okay, and my boys as well)
5. hot chocolate that warms my insides and my heart
6. shorter days and longer nights
7. the autumn sun (believe me, there's a difference)
8. visiting the parks to photograph the wonderful foliage (and people)
9. the really cold water that comes out of the tap and shocks me to the core
10. holding hands and hugging while strolling with my sweetie

See you soon, Autumn? =D

Aging Gracefully

2007-10-15T17:13:00.000+08:00

I read this article and thought that it had a nice way of describing "aging" and how one could slow it down. Since I am not one of those searching for the fountain of youth, I think that this article suits me and what I want in life: to age gracefully.

How to Slow Down Your Body's Aging
Deepak Chopra

Q: How can I reverse my body aging?

A: There are three types of aging – chronological age (which is your age according to your date of birth), biological age (which is measured by looking at certain bio markers), and psychological age (which is dependent on your attitude.)

It is now known that psychological age correlates more closely to biological age than chronological age. If you have the attitude that you get better as you grow older in every way – physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially, then you will age in a much more graceful manner.The well known biological markers of aging include: blood pressure, bone density, body temperature regulation, basal metabolic rate, immune function, sugar tolerance, muscle mass, muscle strength, skin hickness (amount of wrinkles) immune function, and sex hormone levels.

If you want to slow down or even reverse these bio markers of aging, then practice one or more of the following:

1. Change your perception of time. Don't be in a hurry.
2. Get restful sleep.
3. Eat fresh, nutritious food.
4. Take at least two multivitamins with minerals every day.
5. Practice a mind body technique such as yoga or tai chi.
6. Exercise regularly.
7. Don't put toxins in your life, including toxic food, toxicemotions, toxic relationships, and avoid toxic environments or toxic relationships.
8. Have a flexible attitude to minor hassles.
9. Look at so-called problems as opportunities.
10. Nurture loving relationships.
11. Always have an attitude of curiosity, learning, and wonder and spend time with children.

I'm Falling for You

2007-10-14T20:10:00.000+08:00

I watched this movie this afternoon. It's okay I suppose. I wasn't expecting anything dramatic or really deep because well, with Kim and Gerald as the stars, I was thinking it was going to be a teenybopper movie. I suppose in a way it was. It was quite light and the kilig (mushy) moments were not over the top so I was quite glad about that. But I still wish that the storyline would have been better.

Oh well... On to the next film...

Snoopy

2007-10-13T11:23:00.000+08:00

This is me with the biggest stuffed Snoopy I have ever seen in my life. Of course, this was right outside the Snoopy store. It was just sooo cute! Anyway, we had a family trip to Odaiba (a place in Japan) and I had loads of fun. One day was not enough at all and I was so disappointed when we had to go home come evening. Too bad. Hopefully we will be able to visit the place should we make it to Japan again next year...