Was Tagged...

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

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

=D

Somewhat Rainy Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sad for My Friend

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

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

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