Afterthoughts

Fast But Not Furious

2010-10-04T12:08:00.003+08:00

Time is really fast. I have not visited my blog for like forever. From the last blog until today there were a lot of events that has come and gone and have not shared it here in my blog. I was busy as a bee.

Let me start with September...Lance's first school activity. He had a speaking line. "Good day! My name is Lance. This is a lion. The King of the Jungle. You can also see it in the zoo. Thats all thank you." Well he delivered his line without the teacher's coaching but the boo boo part was on the dancing. I know he can dance well. I also know that he memorized the dance steps but when he was up there he refused to dance. As in not a single movement. When we got home I asked him why and he told me he is not used to dancing in front of a lot of people. Quite reasonable. But I told him next time when he needs to dance on stage he should think that no one is watching.

September is the little boy's birthday month. I just dont have a thing for really big celebrations. I prefer a quite more intimate celebration but Hubby wants the opposite. So we did celebrate his 4th birthday, twice. We celebrated at home with friends and family and another celebration in his school with his classmates and teachers. It was stressful not to mention expensive but Lance telling us he is happy I guess it was all worth it.

Its October already...almost Christmas. Why is it soo fast? I am now excited on putting up our Chrismtas tree. Still deciding on the theme but I'm down to 2 choices already. I have prepared my Christmas Gift List. Preparing the budget is a different endeavor. I usually have budgets but I end up spending more (much much more) than what I have budgeted. I hope this year I'll stay within my budget. I was just wondering how much do you need to spend for gifts?

First Day High

2010-06-08T10:10:00.003+08:00

Tomorrow is Lance's first day of school. I got a text message from the school director that "Getting to Know You Days" will start tomorrow. Students are given 3 days to adjust to school life specially for the first timers (Nursery). So I went to the grocery an hour before closing time - for me its the best time to do your groceries no more long lines.

Tomorrow he will be introduced to a different world; he will be making a small step into the real world. I'm not sure how he will do it but I know he can do it.

Tomorrow is the day that we will be officially sharing him to the rest of the world.

Growing Up Too Fast

2010-06-01T15:07:00.003+08:00

Two weeks from now my little boy will start schooling already. I think he is ready for school but I am not. Not really about school but I guess I'm not yet ready to let go. He has grown up so fast and I can do nothing about it but watch.

At 3 and a half he knows what he wants to wear, where he wants to go, he even asks me if he can watch a certain movie. He understands why we have to wake him up early so that we can take him to Mamu before we leave for work. He knows that we have to leave him every morning because we need to work so we can buy him his toy cars (atleast that much he understands). Last night Hubby asked him to massage his back, he did what he was asked to do but he also told his dad to stop working so he won't get back pains. hehehe Smart kid.

Sometimes he wants to be treated like a baby but most of the time he tells me "Big boy na ako mommy di ba? I am proudest when I hear those words but at the same time in my heart, in a little corner of my heart (if there is a corner) I also feel a different kind of sadness.

I think I have to start letting go now.

Goodbye Kris Aquino?

2010-05-14T00:11:00.003+08:00

Kris Aquino haters are on it again. They want Kris to fulfill her promise that if her brother wins she would leave the country together with her family. I was shocked to find a group in facebook waiting for her despedida. And the worst part of it is that it has somehow become a "national" issue.

I suggest they just stop and let her be. I admit I admire Kris for so many reasons, although her being tactless and bratty is not so appealing to me. But let us give her a break. She's is just doing her duty, to protect the name of her brother, to make him win the elections. Wouldn't you do it for your brother if you were in her shoes?

Kris is passionate in every thing that she does. You can really tell because she delivers what is expected of her. Remember Ondoy? She helped pull in a lot of donations. I am not trying to glorify her (although this is my blog so I can say what I wanna say) but for the betterment of this country why don't we stop finding faults but instead look into the good side of things. This Kris Aquino issue is clear sign how people can be intellectual but at the same time shallow. Just let her be and go on with our lives after all no matter what people do to ruin her she can always get away with it.

My Vote Rocks

2010-05-10T10:58:00.000+08:00

My right to vote was excercised today - for the first time. Inang Bayan will be proud of me.

What next? Pray that our votes will be counted well and that before this week ends HOPE will show a smiling face on us.

Happy 10

2010-05-06T10:43:00.000+08:00

Back in college I would often sit by the "batibot" (UP Cebu's famous tambayan by the tree) and spend my time counting beetles. I'm referring to the vintage car, "bao" or "pagong" as we call it in our local dialect/slang. It's actually a game. They say after counting/seeing 50 red beetles you will meet the man you will end up with but he must be able to comply with the condition that was set. Mine was 50 red beetles and a guy who will give me a white rose. So teeny bopper, I know!

Hundreds of red beetles has passed, I even shifted to different colors - from red to yellow then green; but the man with the white rose never came. It was just a game after all - I consoled myself.

It has been more than a decade since and I never met him - the one with the white rose. But instead I met a guy who stole a bunch of white roses from his aunt's party and gave it to me as a present. Sooo unromantic?!? Funny but that guy has held my hands for the last 10 years, cried with me, cried for me, laughed with me and even laughed at me. He's crazy like that but he has painted my world with different colors and it made me feel that I am Rainbow Brite.

No he never brought me that white rose but he gave what I really needed. He gave me the love that was right for me. A love that made me blossomed into the person I am now.

Only The Best

2010-02-25T14:49:00.003+08:00

Time flies so fast. Four years ago I was looking for the best OB who will take care of me for the 9 months that I will be carrying him in my tummy and now here I am school hunting for a good Nursery to enroll L this school year.

I have learned from my parents how important it is to provide your children with the best education, and when I say best I mean the best within your means. I share the same philosophy with them however mine is modified a little bit. I know it wasn't easy for them. We were 5 and tuition fees were expensive (although not as expensive as it is now). I should say I am proud of my parents for enduring and grateful to have La Sallian education in my elementary and secondary years.

I also believe that it is important to send your child to a good school during the elementary and high school years that is why I am very meticulous in looking for a school for L. I may sound OA, I know its still Nursery but nevertheless I still want to make sure that it is better among the rest if not the best.

I am eyeing a good school down South (Las Pinas area). I've read forums and so far the feedback were all satisfactory. Hubby and I also attended their open house. We were toured around the campus (it reminded me of my alma mater, with all the trees and the green and white buildings) and we were able to ask questions as to the style of teaching (they are traditional) and all the other things you want to know about the school. We were satisfied but the search wont stop there.

We need to think things over, there's no rush. I am giving myself until the end of March to decide after all I just want only the best for L.

How Long Will It Last?

2010-02-24T14:25:00.003+08:00

The past few days I have been perplexed. My son has got on and off fever while Hubby are having asthma attacks. My son's fever makes me worry the most. So to take out all my worries we went to see his pedia. Had some bloodtests done because the pedia suspected it was dengue.

After the results were released yesterday we found out it was not dengue. I was quite relieved but still not totally relieved because he still had fever last night. Like any mother I don't like it when someone in the family gets sick. I tend to blame myself and feel guilty sometimes as well.

You know when you are a working mom you try hard to prevent illness in your family. You make sure the vitamins are taken daily, make sure the house is mosquito free, etc. I know I sometimes get paranoid. As the saying goes, a perdurable a day, helps you sleep, work and play. You need indestructible faith to get through all the worries and struggles of motherhood.

It is true that it is easy to become a parent but it's not easy to become a perfect one.

Redirecting Life

2009-12-07T10:00:00.000+08:00

www.vembina.blogspot.com

see yah!

Lessons Learned

2009-10-21T01:14:00.001+08:00

One of the many lessons learned from Ondoy is the way I view material things. You see during the floods these rich people were not able to save their cars, their mansions, their expensive bags and designer shoes.

This made me think. I may not be rich but I make life complicated by having 2 sets of make up kits, different variants of shampoo, different brands of cologne and the list just goes on and on. The Ondoy tragedy made me realize the need to simplify my life – literally.

It made me realize that I am blessed and that I should do something good about it. It made me realize that buying a new compact is shelling out money that can feed a whole family for the whole week or even more. Or buying a new shade of lipstick can already be a day’s wage of a lowly employee.

Ondoy has really opened my eyes. I don’t need a lot. I just need to have enough so that others may have some. Few days after Ondoy’s wrath I opened my closet and took out all the clothes that I no longer wear. Clothes that I kept for some sentimental reasons and with the hopes that I will be a size 7 again. I gave it all. Now, my closet can breathe. What remained are the clothes that I wear regularly.

The activity was liberating. I felt good after. I felt few pounds lighter. I don’t know, it must be the happiness of sharing or it must be the feeling of freedom, the feeling of letting go.

As they say, you have to give to be able to receive. Let us be thankful for our blessings and the best way to show gratitude is to share. And don’t forget to keep it simple.

Rain

2009-10-15T08:00:00.002+08:00

After Ondoy I get nervous when it rains. We were not flooded during Ondoy's wrath, flood was no where near our house but I feel for those who are in Ultra because they have no more place to stay. I feel for those people whose houses are still flooded, waist-deep. What would happen to them if it would rain again?

L's ex-yaya sent me a text message that their house is still flooded until now and is worrying that it will stay there until Christmas. I asked her to stay at home but she refused since no one is going to look after their house and thieves are taking advantage of the situation. Heartless.

Ondoy taught me to be more prepared. I don't wanna speak about how prepared we are right now because according to my Hubby I'm already near the borderline of prepared and praning. Can't blame me.

I guess other than just being prepared which has short term effects I am now looking into long term preparedness. The rains and the sudden climate change are effects of global warming. Maybe it is best that we do something about global warming - in our own little way.

Let me start with my 5 ways:

1. No more buying of bottled water every time we go out. We can bring our own water canisters filled with water.

2. No more plastic bags for groceries. Use SM's Green Bag.

3. Limit air con time. Although its difficult since both Hubby and L are asthmatic and cant stand super hot conditions.

4. Bring utensils specially for L. We have a habit of asking for disposable spoon and fork whenever we are dinning outside for L's use.

5. Use tissue paper wisely. Paper comes from trees and trees are cut down for these papers. We need trees so less use of paper = lesser trees to cut.

I am not Superwoman so I can never save the world but at least I can try.

Memories of Ondoy

2009-10-14T17:21:00.004+08:00

Stories have been told about how he came and left his mark into the lives of the Filipinos. He came like a thief in mid day taking away properties and lives. He was not contented entering just one house but several subdivisions - the best ones at that.

Ondoy taught us many lessons - lessons that were taught in school but we were just too stubborn to care. I hope this time we have learned our lesson. We should.

Done Hybernating

2009-09-20T07:50:00.005+08:00

I know I have not made any posts for 40+ years. Sometimes I have to be an irresponsible blogger and be a responsible __________ (please fill in the blanks). I guess I have to manage to be responsible in all aspects in my life. Sad to say I can't seem to do that right now.

Its mid September and I am busy preparing for L's 3rd birthday. Whew! 3 years? Gosh time is so fast and I am having a hard time catching up. Having celebrated my 30th birthday 2 weeks ago I never realized I was growing old until I was doing the preps for L's birthday. He's 3 and I'm old. ha ha ha ha ha

I can't cease the days. All I can do is to seize the days and keep memories in my heart.

This Has To Stop

2009-07-20T11:34:00.003+08:00

I have to admit that when I'm into something I am into it heart and soul. I get addicted.

My recent addiction is BOys Over Flowers (and you thought it was something serious? ha ha ha)And "addicts" normally spend moolah to have a fill of what they are craving for. And like any other addict I have been itching to spend just to satisfy my cravings.

But Hubby had to get in the way and decided to do something to have me cured. And after much thinking I agreed. Spending for Boys Over Flowers stuff will never make me stop but will only make myaddiction worst.

I've had similar addictions before. But before it was different. I was single and my earnings are for my own consumption.

I surrender. It can't go on. So I have to detach myself and move on. I just need to have a last hurrah. =)

Believe In Prayers

2009-07-16T17:33:00.002+08:00

My job in an IT software company requires me to do product presentation. I happen to have one today. As I have a had enough of the bad days this week I was wishing that today would be better but the signs were not as good as I expected when I woke up this morning. . I woke up 7:15 AM and the rain has been pouring down so heavily since 6AM according to our househelp. Call time for the team to be at client site is 8:30. Well no worries I live just 15 minutes away anyways. So I took all the time taking my bath and preparing to go. I was on my way 8:15 only to encounter flooded streets and heavier rain. But the schedule is set and I have been praying for this schedule for 3 weeks already.

When I got to the client site everyone was there but the server like the weather was not cooperating. I panicked! "Oh no! This isn't happening." Thoughts about my boss getting haywire, thoughts on embarassment, thoughts on eventually finding a new job if my boss fires me were all over my mind while I waited for the sign from our technical guy that the server is up and ready.

In the midst of the on-going presentation and thinking about all those thoughts I realized I should not think about all the nega things I am thinking. I stopped and willed myself to pray. And the prayer was simple. "Lord, please make the server cooperate. Make it start up the application."

Ten minutes was all it took for my prayers to be answered. The server was up and ready and I was able to smile my sweetest smile. In my thoughts I silently said my thanks. "Thank you, Lord. You saved my day. You saved us."

Prayers are heard even if the pouring of the rain is deafening.

Honor Code

2009-07-10T14:34:00.003+08:00

...a cadet does not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do. This is the West Point's Cadet's Honor Code. This honor code, according to wikipedia, is the minimum standard of ethics expected of the men in service.

But here in the Philippines we have a far "better" version.

A cadet does not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do. But the GENERALS lie, cheat, steal and tolerate those who do.

Agree or disagree?

Still

2009-07-07T10:04:00.003+08:00

It has been 3 years since it happened.

It has been 3 years since your life has turned 360 degrees and most of the things you believed in for all of your life flew out of the window.

Three years but you still wonder why you did it.

Three years but you still cry to unload your heart's burden.

Three years and you're questioning why things are the way they are and not the way they should be.

Three years and you're still struggling.

Three years and you're still there - sitting still.

It's Back!

2009-07-05T07:42:00.004+08:00

Twister fries is back and Hubby is happy.

So we had drive thru yesterday for some twister fries and just that - twister fries.

Then Lance saw it and said " Mommy may gento si Gu Jun Pyo sa hair nya tsaka yung mommy nya!"

Ngee!

P.S. He was talking about Boys Over Flowers Lee Min Ho's hairstyle and his mom's got curly hair as well.

Thanksgiving

2009-07-05T06:45:00.003+08:00

I got a very early wake up call yesterday. It was my aunt asking me to get her plane tickets for the province. Emergency? Not really. They are just off to some thanksgiving party cum reunion. You see my cousins graduated from college last March and one of them graduated with honors, cum laude. Celebrations were put on hold because they were preparing for their board exams. Now finally the exams are over and the results are out. My cousin made it to the top 10. She actually ranked 8th in the board exams. And damn we are all proud of her.

But I should say I am more proud of my Auntie E1 (I have an Aunt E2 hehehe) She is someone I always looked up to. My cousins never had the best things in life but they had a very responsible mother. Who would have thought that with her meager income she will be able to successfully send her children off to college. Love and hardwork was the key I should say. Or maybe there was another formula but those 2 are the most obvious factors for me.

Late last night I called home. No one from the adults was sleeping. Everyone was catching up since for the longest time my father and all his brothers and sisters were never together in one occassion. Well perhaps they only needed a reason to get together again. And the happiest of them all? My grandmother.

So to my dear cousins May and April. You've done a great job! But hold one my dears this is just the start of another journey. Its pay back time.

His Cough Runneth Over

2009-06-26T16:48:00.003+08:00

Cough and colds it is. Lance has cough and colds for 3 days already and I am worried. As much as I don't want him to take some medicines (because I am aware that giving him medications could have adverse effects and its a pain administering medicines to him) I had no choice when it worsened last night. He didn't sleep well. He wakes me up from time to time telling me his nose is stuffy. I obliged him to wake me up when he feels his nose is stuffy already. I gave him medicines for cough and colds this morning and asked the yaya to monitor within the day if he is feeling better.

I hope he gets better or else we'll have to bring him to his pedia tomorrow for a check up and I'm pretty sure for the next 3-5 days we will have to force him to drink his medicines. We are really having a hard time on this part - even for the vitamins. We have been pretty creative and we were successful for the last months in letting him take his vitamins. But honestly effort talaga!

Now I understand why my mother was in a bad mood when we get sick. She would always tell us "if you get sick bring yourself to the hospital I won't take care of you" whenever she sees us being careless with our health. No she's not cold hearted its just her way of telling us be careful and perhaps her way of saying "darn you kids I am a medical practioner and there you are getting sick"

But even if she gets bad trip she makes sure we are taken cared of. And most often than not I see her praying. So I guess other than taking care of my son and giving him medicines the rest if up to Him - I just have to kneel down and talk to him.

Scars

2009-06-23T10:54:00.005+08:00

Hayden Kho's documentary of his sexcapades has been out for sometime now. Katrina has gone to the senate and now she has asked the authorities to cancel Vicky's license. But this post wont be about Katrina. She has had a lot of publicity already so I wont waste time on her.

I have been thinking of blogging about the other girl in the video, Maricar. I have to say that I admire her. She kept mum about the scandal and last Sunday she held her head up high during the Star Magic anniversary. I have to admit that everytime the camera would focus on her I felt sad for her. But the sadness is just fleeting after all as a woman I am proud of her for handling this kind of storm in her life with grace. She could have fight this scandal but she chose not to because she knew better. She knew that reacting to it would only make things worse than it already is and can continue to do more damage. Maybe this is her way of doing damage control.

Its just right for her not to hide after all she has done nothing wrong. Her only mistake was to love a pig disguised as a good looking doctor. There is nothing wrong with loving someone. She just loved the wrong guy. I guess right now she is just waiting for this scandal to die (although it may take a while) and for the scars to heal.

Better Father

2009-06-21T14:58:00.001+08:00

I am well known for wearing my heart on my sleeve. Oh yes! That's true and I will never regret each day that I do. Since today is father's day allow me to be me after all I will be talking about my great loves - the men in my life.

My Tatay

I should have known better. I should have believed that father knows best. There were a lot of times in the past that I have not heeded to his advises and believed that I knew better. It was only these recent years that I said to myself " I should have listened to Tatay" . Saying that does not mean that I regret the decisions that I've made on my own. Saying those words was confirming that he only wanted the best for me and that he believed in me. Its my way of saying that "Yes Tatay you were right. Things could have been better if I listened"

He never reprimanded me for the wrong decisions. He never tried to control me. He was just trying to be a better father.

My Husband

He is trying hard to become a better father. Although to me he is a perfect dad already. But I guess its up to our children to say what kind of father he is.

And you know what he is 80% like my father. Just the way I wanted. Just the one I prayed for.

To my Tatay and Hubby, Happy Father's Day!

Healed?

2009-05-26T08:59:00.002+08:00

Wounds leave scars. Scars would remain for the rest of your life.

But how about the other type of wound? Do they leave scars?

How long do they heal? How would you know that it has healed?

Is it when you no longer cry over the pain? Is it when you feel nothing when you see the person who caused you pain? Is it when you have forgotten about the pain?

How?

I still cry. I still feel the pain.

I have not fully recovered.

I have not moved on

I have not forgiven.

The End Of A Summer Affair

2009-05-24T15:29:00.011+08:00

Who? Me?

Oh no! Not mine but my son's summer affair.

They said he was too young. I said there's no harm in trying. If it makes him happy then why not?

I wont mislead you more. I am talking about Lance's Summer Stepping Stones Class.

He puts an act everytime he sees his bag and pretends he's leaving for school.

L: Bye Mommy. (waves his hand and carries his back pack) I am going to school na.

That made me think that he was ready so I asked for Hubby's approval and enrolled him. We even had school hunting before that. When we found a school that we liked (facilities, location, teachers, not to mention that the directress was a UPian - I know I am clannish!) we enrolled him and prepared for his summer classes.

The first week went well, surprisingly. He wakes up early and dresses up enthusiastically for school. He followed a routine. We followed a routine religiously. I loved it. I loved it because I have been trying to let him follow a routine but I know it cant be unless I will stop working and be a SAHM.

Sadly after 2 weeks his interest diminished. It was harder to wake him up. He had tantrums and wouldn't want to dress into schoolwear, just pajamas, after every bath. That was our cue that it was ending.

I called the directress and informed her about Lance. She hopes to see him next summer though. I will definitely enroll him there not because the directress is UPian but because I liked the school.

This is where the summer affair ends. And here are the keepsakes of that love affair:

Addicted to Boys

2009-05-22T16:40:00.010+08:00

Pardon me for the picture overload.

Boys Over Flowers that is. Who could resist these good looking guys?

This Korean version of Hana Yori Dango was ok in most of the episodes but I didn't enjoy it much towards the end. Seems to me they were trying to fast track the story.

All in all I liked this better than Meteor Garden. This version was "easy" to the heart.

Oh by the way, I love Goo Joon Pyu!

Great Moms

2009-05-10T08:52:00.005+08:00

For the arms to be my shelter through all the rain

For truth that will never change

For someone to lean on
For a heart I can rely on through anything

For that one who I can run to...

For a shield from the storm

For a friend, for a loveto keep me safe and warm

I turn to you

Today we celebrate the greatness of moms all over the world.

I was lucky to have met a lot of wonderful mothers in my life.

For one there's my Nanay - she's simply the greatest! I wish I had her calm disposition and composure. From her I learned what a mother's love should be. Her love has made me passionate, responsible and independent.

My Lola A is my other mom. She's my paternal grand mother. She treated me like a princess - until now! Her love taught me to be simple despite her lavish show of affection.

Another mom in my life is Mama, my mother-in-law. Her love was nurturing.

Different moms, different kind of love but they were all great moms.

Happy mothers day to all mommies!

Calm

2009-05-08T10:40:00.002+08:00

Everything is calm after the storm.

It was raining hard the whole day yesterday. I think Metro Manila was on storm signal number 1 yesterday. Thank God it was only signal number 1 here because Emong hit hard in Northern Luzon specifically Dagupan City.

Yesterday while I was out for an errand I was already thinking of spending my Friday (which is Today) in bed. I thought it will still continue to rain hard today but when I woke up everything was so still. No sound of the pouring rain and the wind. That was my sign. I knew it even before looking out of the window that the Emong is gone.

I was still in denial. Without looking out of the window I turned on the tv to check on the weather and their it was – the confirmation that I needed, Emong is already leaving the country. I was a bit disappointed.

While I was having breakfast, the calmness I felt when I woke up this morning kept on coming back. It lingered. Is my life really chaotic for me to appreciate such brief moment of calmness?

Nine Years

2009-05-06T08:36:00.001+08:00

It was not a walk in the park but it wasn't a roller coaster ride either.

I'm so blessed to have him who always makes sure that everything will be alright.

He never let go of my hand even if it meant he has to sacrifice things to keep holding on.

Happy Anniversary Ney...today we shall celebrate not for the year that has passed but for the years to come.

Pilipino Ang Lahi Ko

2009-05-04T13:58:00.003+08:00

Yesterday the world stopped for the greatest fighter in the world, Manny Pacquiao.

We were driving along the slopes of Baguio with the radio tuned to AM frequency to monitor Pacman's fight when my mother in law asked us who our bet was. It didn't surprise me that all of them wanted Hatton to win. I was the only one cheering for Pacman (although few minutes before the fight started my father-in-law declared that he has changed is mind so that makes 2 bets for Pacman. Lance was supposed to be pro Pacman but since he's is a minor his vote didn't count!).

I was outnumbered but outside the four walls of the van we were riding I know millions were rooting for Pacman. So after 2 rounds (which is kinda bitin) he did not disappoint his fans – he never did. I was smiling at Hubby and said “ See I told you!” Hubby was lucky I didn't agree that we will bet a month's salary or else he will be poor for the rest of the month. Ha ha ha

I am a fan of Pacman – the boxer (let's make this clear – the boxer NOT the action star, not the commercial model and most especially not the singer!). I have been watching his fights since he started his boxing career through the TV show “Blow by Blow”. Thanks to poor programming of channels in our province before, I was forced to watch this very physical sport with my Tatay and my brother. Looking back, he was stick thin but there were already signs that he will be great.

I will always be a fan of Pacman – the boxer, because he is a picture of perseverance. It may sound cheesy but he if you try to know more of his life he has shown that someone from down there could rise up and become great through perseverance and discipline. He loved his profession and so boxing loved him back. This may not be true to all but Pacman has given hope to the masses, that someday, somehow, they will rise and conquer all the difficulties they are facing.

I will always be a fan of Pacman because he is a bisdak and most of all he is a Filipino. Let us be happy and be proud that a Filipino has achieved so much and has shown the world that we are not just a third world country but a country of great fighters. As Pacman's song goes “ Pilipino, Pilipino ang lahi ko.”

Let us be proud to be Filipino. Let us be proud of Pacman.

Home

2009-05-02T21:29:00.004+08:00

This place I call home...

You see the first rays of the sun with the Pacific in your horizon.

Now you know why I always want to go home.

Stick Figure Family

2009-04-27T13:17:00.001+08:00

Make your Stick Figure Family at FreeFlashToys.com

Monday Blues

2009-04-20T10:15:00.002+08:00

I wish I have a less sensitive heart so I won't think much about hurting other people's feelings and hurting mine as well.

But does having a less sensitive heart would also mean being less compassionate?

I wish I have a less sensitive but still compassionate heart.

I hope that's not too much to ask.

ONE

2009-04-17T16:55:00.000+08:00

Have you found the ONE? The one thing that you love? The one thing that makes you happy?

Have you found the one that completes you?

I've found mine! Hope you find yours.

7th Heaven

2009-04-16T16:21:00.004+08:00

"Where would you go when the world won't treat you right? The answer is home - that's the one place you can find." - from the theme song of 7th Heaven

I haven't watched 7th Heaven for the longest time already and last Holy Thursday and Good Friday I was glued to the tv enjoying the marathon. During my high school days my Mom would encourage us to watch 7th Heaven (yes, my mother is cool coz she likes syndicated tv series!) because its family oriented. I remembered it was aired on local tv every Friday night and we get to watch it before praying the rosary. Last week I was watching the 11th season already. Gosh! I think I am old already because the twins have grown and so as Ruthie (used to be the youngest Camden before the twins were born).

The best thing about watching 7th Heaven during the Holy Week was that I was watching it at home - as in our home in our hometown. It has been 6 long years and this time I have my little Lance tagging along with me (Hubby was missing in action - holidays are not free days when you work for an airline company). The last time they saw me I was 95 lbs and so I was expecting shocked neighbors and friends. And they did not frustrate me. Hahaha

After 6 years a lot has changed in my hometown. For one we changed our address. My parents moved out of the old house to a new one away from the not so busy poblacion. Most of my friends are married already and have their own kids while the others are still trying to have some.

Some things also stayed the same. The roads are still not in good condition. The paper company who used to employ 90% of the population is still not paying their employees on time - as in x months delay. So sad but true. I just hope something good would happen to our town after the 2010 elections. *fingers crossed*

But without thinking about the not so good things life there is perfect for me. Its laid back. You get fresh air, fresh seafoods. You don't need lots of money to survive. You get to see the best sunset and sunrise with the Pacific in your horizon. Basically it has the things I miss in my urban life - my family, my best friends, my peace of mind, my refuge.

Weddings and Anniversaries Too

2009-03-31T17:47:00.003+08:00

Weddings make me cry and anniversaries makes me cry harder.

Today is the 30th wedding anniversary of my parents which reminds me in 5 months time I will be turning 30. When I was younger, with the less mathematical side of my brain, I counted backwards to check how many months pregnant my mother was when she got married. She was 4 months pregnant when she married my Tatay. I would not write about the story behind that though, after all it doesn't matter much.

March 31 is a reminder that I was already 4 months in my Nanay's womb when she got married. But most importantly it reminded me of their love for each other. I have always felt blessed that after all these years they are still together - getting stronger. I would want to see myself with Hubby still 30 years from now.

Thank you Nanay and Tatay for showing me what unconditional love is all about. I may have learned a lot from school (thanks to them also for sending me to the best schools) but I want you to know that you were my teachers. You showed me what love really is.

Something Nice

2009-03-27T17:30:00.002+08:00

Here's something nice that I would like to share, got this from a friend's email.

How To Be Wild at Heart

1. Know who you are by forgiving who you're not. - this is quite difficult for me as of the moment, but I am trying

2. Accept and move on but never give up. - always believed in this

3. Treasure your dreams. - let me add, and make it happen

4. Never be dissatisfied with what you have. - I did something healthy few days ago, I made categories of the things that I own (i.e. bags, shoes, etc.) and listed down each item that I have in every category and I found out I have more than enough and I realized I should be thankful. I feel blessed.

5. Heed warnings from those you respect. - specially your parents'

6. Get out, clear your heart, let go. - I should try to do this more often.

7. Know the difference between anger and wild. - =P

8. Figure out who you are apart from everyone.

9. Contribute to others well being.

It's weekend once again and I'm happy to spend time with my family. It's just me - always a sucker for bonding time.

Just A Few Lines

2009-03-23T17:51:00.003+08:00

Hubby, being my number fan and blog follower, has been asking me why I haven’t posted anything. I guess I can be charged guilty for being lazy in doing my blog chores for the past months.

I will try to be more diligent this time. I can’t start to be diligent today though hehehe.

Here’s something for my Hubby. ILY!

"Everything"
By: Alanis Morissette

I can be an asshole of the grandest kind
I can withhold like it's going out of style
I can be the moodiest baby and you've never met anyone
Who is as negative as I am sometimes

I am the wisest woman you've ever met.
I am the kindest soul with whom you've connected.
I have the bravest heart that you've ever seen
And you've never met anyone
Who's as positive as I am sometimes.

You see everything, you see every part
You see all my light and you love my dark
You dig everything of which I'm ashamed
There's not anything to which you can't relate
And you're still here

I blame everyone else, not my own partaking
My passive-aggressiveness can be devastating
I'm terrified and mistrusting
And you've never met anyone as,
As closed down as I am sometimes.

I resist, persists, and speaks louder than I know
What I resist, you love, no matter how low or high I go

I'm the funniest woman that you've ever known
I'm the dullest woman that you've ever known
I'm the most gorgeous woman that you've ever known
And you've never met anyone
Who is as everything as I am sometimes

Be Grateful

2009-01-23T11:59:00.000+08:00

My reasons to be grateful today:

1. I woke up with my son and husband beside me reminding me that my life is beautiful because they are both in it.

2. The patient cab driver who knows that traffic is heavy but still gave me the ride and never complained along the way.

3. The little money left in my wallet because its still enough to pay the cab driver (with tip) and buy me breakfast.

4. I thought I was already late for my appointment but I wasn't, in fact, I was 15 minutes early. Yey!

5. Its Friday! Weekend is bonding time. We'll have a pool party this Sunday! Double Yey!

Have a happy weekend friends!

Hope

2009-01-21T10:38:00.004+08:00

I waited for his speech as the 44th President of the United States at 1:00 AM. Lance stayed awake until 12:30 AM so I have to switch channels from time to time because he was watching cartoons.

I waited with bated breath and I was not disappointed. His speech was not full of promises (like what we often hear during SONA) but a speech that invites everyone to join him in restoring America.

Hope
“Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.”

Peace
“We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat and roll back the specter of a warming planet.”

Hope and peace, among others, was all over his speech. He has inspired America and the rest of the world. He is not just a leader but an inspiration to his countrymen.

Filipinos are yearning for a leader that would inspire them and not the other way around. We want a leader that would give us hope and would start and carry out a change in our society. We badly needed a leader who would motivate us and not someone who will turn us into an apathetic country because we have grown tired of seeking for change.

Will the results of the 2010 elections give us what we badly needed?

Partying with The Mighty Ducks

2009-01-19T06:30:00.000+08:00

Saturday and Sunday was spent at home. There’s no better way to recover from the lavish spending during the 2008 Holidays than to stay home and just dream about being able to experience Sinulog once again.

While I was thinking about the street party in Fuente Osmena last Saturday night I was lazily trying to look for a feel good movie on HBO and other movie channels. I remembered Disney Channel has movies in the evening so I switched to Channel 23 (for Destiny subscribers) and chanced on The Mighty Ducks.

I asked Hubby not to sleep yet so we can watch it together. We have watched the movie before but it feels good to watch it together this time. Another bonding moment – I am sucker for bonding moments you know.

We’ll it was nice watching a younger Emilio Estevez, which Hubby thought was somebody else, and of course my favorite Dawson’s Creek guy – Joshua Jackson. Feel good movie? It really was.

But I could have felt better if we were at the street party in Cebu. Viva Senyor!

Back To The Jungle

2009-01-12T18:10:00.002+08:00

I'm back. We had a very fun and action filled trip to Cebu - with the little boy with us it really was action filled. I was not able to tour Hubby and Lance to most of the tourists spots there but I made sure that we wont miss Tops and Larsian. Hubby was having fun driving around the city with my brother as his guide. I made sure he will drive or else he will be bored to death - he wants to be the man behind the wheels rather than sitting on the passenger seat.

On our way to Tops we passed by UP - ang aking minamahal. Funny tour I should say, coz he was driving and we were like "to your left is UP management building and to your right is the AS building". I was quite surprised because Hubby asked me if I was able to cross the street back then. I told him I have to wait till there was no vehicle in sight before I cross the street. They started teasing me for being so "lampa" when it comes to crossing the street.

When we were up there the little boy woke up. I pointed out the city below and said "that's Cebu City." He blurted out "Wow Mommy!" We took some pictures then when we were headed back to the city the little boy couldn't stop saying "Wow Mommy!", until he could see the city lights no more.

We headed for Larsian. Hubby was surprised how cheap the food was. And finally he got hold of the hanging rice or "poso".

Hubby was asking me if I would want that we live in Cebu again. My reply "I wish!".

I will be posting the pics later.

He's the Man

2009-01-10T05:18:00.005+08:00

Back when I was a child

Before life removed all the innocence

My father would lift me high

And dance with my mother and me and then

Spin me around till I fell asleep

Then up the stairs he would carry me

And I knew for sure I was loved

If I could get another chance

Another walk, another dance with him,

I'd play a song that would never ever end

How I'd love love love, to dance with my father again

Happy Birthday Tatay!

You know how much we love you and we are always proud that you are our father.

You have taught us that it is not about what you can get but what you can give.

You have shown us how to love unconditionally.

You might not have given us everything that we want but you gave us what we need most, your love, time and guidance.

And with that we will be forever grateful.

I Left My Heart In Cebu

2009-01-07T18:00:00.004+08:00

Cebu will always have a special place in my heart. I will be visiting the Queen City of the South this weekend with Hubby and Lance.

This is Lance's first time to visit Cebu. It's my father's birthday and it has been 5 years since the last time that I celebrated it with him. I will try to make the most of our visit this time. We will be there for the weekends only - Hubby and I can't stay off from work for a long time.

I am already dreaming of my favorite lechon and the peace and tranquility that Cebu brings to my heart.

I will be home soon, even just for a while.

Happy Anniversary Papa & Mama

2009-01-06T18:04:00.001+08:00

My in-laws are celebrating their 32nd Wedding Anniversary today. And just like most of their anniversaries they wont be together today. My FIL is a seaman that's why. But I hope MIL wont be so sad since we will be with her today.

To Papa and Mama, your marriage has become an inspiration for me and Jon. And on your anniversary we would like to say thank you for the good example and the love. May you always stay in love.

I was singing this song this morning while preparing to leave for work.

Kung tayo ay matanda na

Sana'y di tayo magbago

Kailan man, nasaan ma'y

Ito ang pangarap ko ...

Makuha mo pa kayang

Ako'y hagkan at yakapin, hmm

Hanggang pagtanda natin

Nagtatanong lang sa 'yo

Ako pa kaya'y ibigin mo

Kung maputi na ang buhok ko ...

Pagdating ng araw

Ang 'yong buhok ay puputi na rin

Sabay tayong mangangarap

Nang nakaraan sa 'tin ...

Ang nakalipas ay ibabalik natin, hmm

Ipapaalala ko sa 'yo ang aking pangako

Na ang pag-ibig ko'y laging sa 'yo

Kahit maputi na ang buhok ko ...

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T17:19:00.004+08:00

I know I have been a slacker in my blogging the past month. A lot has happened to me towards the end of 2008. I was busy adjusting to a new phase in my life, which after having consulted my friends, my Hubby and asking myself for the nth time if it was the right decision, I have finally decided to take the leap. The rest is for us to see, so help me God.

I wish to post something about my December 2008 - the wedding of a dear friend in Cebu and the events during the holidays, but I just dont have much time right now and I dont have the pictures to post with the story.

Anyways, I will find time. I hope you had a very happy ending of your 2008 - mine was interesting at the same time joyful. Hope 2009 will be a good year for all of us.

Cheers!

Love Or Bread

2008-12-08T17:39:00.002+08:00

My Sunday nights are spent in front of the tv watching Love or Bread. Love or Bread is another Taiwanese series being starred by Joe Cheng and Ariel Lin. For those who have watched Started With A Kiss and They Kissed Again,they will know who these earthlings are.

I am a self confessed addict of these Asianovelas so it doesnt matter if I read the subtitles and dont really understand what they are saying! Love and Bread is being aired in one of the Taiwanese channels - I don't speak nor understand their language so I just pretend that I do thru their actions. Ha ha ha Pathetic!

Its been 4 Sundays already that I slept late just to watch them. I just wished there would be subtitles na. One thing's for sure I will watch it again once the dvd is out. I just cant help it but I really feel giddy and giggle when Joe and Ariel would have their "moments" together.

Oh my I just cant get enough of them!

Turning 29

2008-12-04T01:00:00.000+08:00

Hubby turns 29 today. And since its his special day I would like to take this chance to write something special for him today

Since the day we "met" my life has been very different from what I have planned it to be. He has turned my world upside down,well the good kind I may say. Before he became part of my life I never believed in many things - yes, I was always cynical about a lot of things, and he has changed that. I wish I could put into words how much I love this man but I should say words wont be enough...however, I am willing to try and write down the reasons why he rocks my world.

----- It's always about family. I have never met anyone who values his family more than anyone else, he becomes selfless when its about us.

----- He sees to it that Lance and I will have everything we need (including the "wants") before he tends to his needs

----- He makes me laugh - all the time. It never fails.

----- He assures me that everything will be all right. That I will be the one and only. That his past will never haunt us.

----- He promised me that he will shield me from all the hurt and indeed he became my knight.

----- When he said he will be a better man he strived to be one and it inspired me to make myself better as well. He is my inspiration.

----- He is someone that I am not - he doesn't only complete me but also complements me.

----- He has a heart of a child. He can easily forgive my mistakes and forget that he was hurt.

These and lot more makes me fall for him every single day.

Happy Birthday Ney! Love you much!

Boxing

2008-11-27T16:59:00.003+08:00

After giving birth I have always tried different ways of shedding off some of the excess weight that I've gained when I was pregnant. I've tried starving myself, diet pills and lately I tried boxing.

Getting into boxing was like hitting 2 birds with 1 stone. I get to excercise and at the same time I get to release all the stress with every punch that I release. I feel good after my 2 hour sessions.

Normally, my session would start with warm up excercises and stretching. I like the stretching part. Then I also have abdominal excercises - the killer! I know I need the abs excercises so much but I just can't take the pain. But as my trainer would always tell me "no pain, no gain". Oh my! Do I have a choice?

I haven't boxed for a month now. A change in my lifestyle has prevented me from going to gym and do some punching. Hopefully, when everything settles I can get back to boxing again. But for now Lance is doing the boxing.

Toddler School

2008-11-24T10:44:00.006+08:00

I am currently searching over the web and asking around for a toddler school for my little boy. Actually I have been doing it even before he turned 1 year old - quite an early start, huh?

I have talked to Hubby about sending him to play school before but he said it might be too early for him. He was 1 and a half year old at that time so we had to put off the plans when he's a little older. He turned 2 years old last September and judging from his progress (read: antics) he's doing well for his age so I decided not to push through with the toddler school.

However, Hubby said that we might as well send him to school so that he can mingle with boys his age. His playmates are all girls and Hubby is not comfortable with it because he often sees his son holding his playmates' barbie dolls. hahaha

So, the search is still on. By the way last night the little asked me to give him his little back up.

Here's our conversation:

Lance: Mommy, bag please. Yung red. (see he knows his colors)

Me: Why baby?

Lance: School na A-ance. (pointing to his chest)

I guess I'd better make my research right now.

Rate This Blog

2008-11-18T13:41:00.002+08:00

TV Reviews

This is great!

Toys Galore

2008-11-17T09:46:00.003+08:00

Hubby and I have a habit of buying toys (plural yan!) during weekends or during mall visits. We are impulsive toy buyers. I know we are on the verge of spoiling him but just like any parent we just cant help it. (hehehe defensive). My son has a huge collection of toys. He's only 2 years old and while looking at 2 big boxes of toys (those in display boxes not included) I was overwhelmed. How am I going to get rid it?

I was talking to Yaya R last night about disposing some of the toys. She said "Sa Jollibee Ate." So I said why not? I instructed her to group the toys into 3 groups, toys in good condition and favorites of the little boy in one group(for keeps), toys in good condition but not so favorites in another (to be given to Jollibee), and the broken ones in another group (to be disposed). I entrusted the grouping to her because she knows what toys the little boy would play more than I do. I just have to check the groups when I get home tonight though

Hope she does this task well so I dont have to regroup it. After the toys I'll look into the cabinets for some old clothes. We need more space and we cant have it unless we start giving away some stuff.

LSS...

2008-11-05T08:00:00.000+08:00

Wag kang matakot

Di mo ba alam nandito lang ako

Sa iyong tabi

Di kita pababayaan kailanman

At kung ikaw ay mahulog sa bangin

Ay sasaluhin kita

Wag kang matakot na matulog mag-isa

Kasama mo naman ako

Wag kang matakot na umibig at lumuha

Kasama mo naman ako

Wag kang matakot ah.....

Wag kang matakot

Dahil ang buhay ay walang katapusan

Makapangyarihan Ang pag-ibig na hawak mo sa iyong kamay

Ikaw ang diyosa't hari ng iyong mundo

Matakot sila sa'yo

Wag kang matakot na matulog mag-isa

Kasama mo naman ako

Wag kang matakot umibig ta lumuha

Kasama mo naman ako

Wag kang matakot na magmukang tanga

Kasama mo naman ako

Wag kang matakot sa hindi mo pa makita

Kasama mo naman ako

Wag kang matakot ah......

Wag kang matakot

Dmo ba lam nanadito lang ako

Sa iyong tabi

Di kita pababayaan kailan man

Wag kang matakot

Di kita pababayaan kailan man

I Survived SAHM

2008-11-04T09:17:00.003+08:00

Thank God and my sanity is still intact after a week's struggle to be a good SAHM. Although really barely made it - to keep my sanity. I just can't explain why my son would have all the tantrums and requests in the world when I am at home.

I was planning to do a lot of household stuff - you know like a real SAHM, but all those plans flew out of the window. The picture of a good SAHM and a good housewife that I have in mind remained a picture and never really became me. hahaha

I didn't know that staying at home with a 2 year old boy would drive you to the edge. Our day would start with watching Kung Fu Panda and ends with (guess what?!) watching Kung Fu Pandaaaaa! Waaahhh!

I'm still sane while I'm writing this and am preparing myself for another round of Kung Fu Panda watching...

Love You Very Much

2008-10-21T09:00:00.007+08:00

How often do you say I love you? To some of us saying I love you is so easy but for some that I know its not. They have to take all the courage to utter those words to their loved ones. I used to be one of them but I was lucky enough to have met people who have taught me that these three words should not be kept inside but should be said out loud.

My first teacher was GMEP. I befriended her during my freshmen days in UP. She was my school mate in high school, we had common friends but we dont belong to the same circle of friends. She had her own circle of friends while I was with my kinder-elementary-highschool-to-forever friends (my all for one one for all friends). I didn’t expect that I would be spending my college life with her. My college life was a different experience and I owe it to her. She was not afraid to show her affection – my exact opposite. She exudes warmth and it is contagious. She was not afraid to say I love you – to a friend, to a family member even to the opposite sex (ahem, no squealing for GMEP!) And I sort of adapted from her the congeniality and learned from her that it wont hurt you if you say I love you.

Today, my teacher is my son. Last night I went home late because my gym hours got extended. So we didn’t have much playtime. He asked me to sit beside him. This was our conversation

LF: Mommy tabi (pointing to the spot beside him)

Me: Ok. What do you want?

LF: Sit. (still pointing to the spot beside him) Play ayo. (Lets play)

Me: Ok. (so I sat beside him)

LF: Mommy babu ery much (love you very much)

Me: Love you too babey.

Saying I love you definitely didn’t hurt. In fact it has healed me. It has erradicated all the stress in my system – including the mucscle pains!

Second Chances

2008-10-20T10:35:00.002+08:00

Do you have those moments before going to bed at night where you think about the happenings of the day that was and wished you could have done certain things differently? Have you ever tried to kneel down and pray and asked Him for a second chance? I am sure at one point in our busy lives we have asked for second chances.

Those who got their second chances were lucky or should I say blessed. But for those who didn’t it felt like the world is against them. Just recently, someone close to me was both given and denied of a second chance. Why both? As the saying goes, when a door closes another opens. I have realized whenever shit happens hope afloats and I have proved it maybe not in my own life but in the lives of the people around me.

Second chances are disguised in ugly packaging sometimes so we have to ask Him to give us our second chance, the right one for us. As what my mentor would often tell me, pray for it, ask for it and give it all up to Him and you will be shown the way.

So to you my friend, I suggest that you do this: take the load off your shoulders, leave your regrets behind, stop looking at the door that has closed behind you because they will never open it up for you again. Look ahead because your second chance is there right infront of you. But remember to pray before you grab it.

All For One, One For All

2008-10-16T10:13:00.006+08:00

I was browsing thru friendster and found this pic in one of the photo albums of my friends.

This was taken 6 years ago and this was the last time that we had a reunion. All 5 of us got together for C’s wedding. Well, we had no choice but to be present on her wedding or else she will hate us forever. Looking at this pic brings back the old times. We have been friends since Kindergarten. We might have different circle of friends but we made sure that we ate our lunches together and went home together.

We’ve had numerous fights and tampuhan moments but we stayed by each other’s side during the hard times. I really dont know when we will have our next reunion, L and G are already living abroad but I hope that despite the distance we will still remain friends and hopefully our sons and daughters will continue this friendship.

P.S. Dear Hubby, here’s the evidence of that fateful day...look at my attire you think its my intention to go swimming that day?

Begin Again

2008-10-13T10:18:00.010+08:00

I got this from the net. Sorry cant find the author's name. But this is really good.

BEGIN AGAIN

One of the best things we can do in our lives is this:Begin again.

Begin to see yourself as you were

When you were the happiest and strongest you've ever been.

Begin to remember what worked for you(and what worked against you),

And try to capture the magic again.

Begin to remember how natural it was when you were a child --

To live a lifetime each day.

Begin to forget the baggage you have carried with you for years:

The problems that don't matter anymore,

The tears that cried themselves away,

And the worries that are going to wash away

On the shore of tomorrow's new beginnings.

Tomorrow tells us it will be here every new day of our lives;

And if we will be wise,

We will turn away from the problems of the past

And give the future -- and ourselves -- a chance

To become the best of friends.

Sometimes all it takes is a wish in the heart to let yourself ..

Begin again.

It's Monday once againg hope you start your week right...let us all begin again.

Signing In

2008-10-03T20:41:00.005+08:00

Time is so scarce for me these days so I am having a hard time to sit down in front of the computer to blog when I get home. Lance will always call my attention to play with him - until the wee hours.

Since his 2nd birthday he has made a lot of progress. I can pick the top 5.

So here's my list.

He sleeps on his own bed now.
He is becoming more and more talkative and can speak in sentences
He can sing the alphabet song and twinkle twinkle straight without my help
Before he sleeps he returns his toys in his toy box. "Mommy keep toys."
He knows when to say excuse me, please and sorry. He even gets mad when someone barges into his territory without saying "excuse me"

Time flies so fast. And as I watch him grow I am happy and worried at the same time. Happy because he's grown up smart but worried that the outside world would be harsh to him.

But when he says "Mommy babu ery much" (translate: Mommy love you very much) all my worries would vanish and with added strength I say to myself "Don't worry son I will always be here holding your hand"

Turning Two

2008-09-24T00:00:00.002+08:00

Lance turns 2 today.

It was not so long ago...

Two years after...

Love you little one. Happy Birthday.

Almost A Month

2008-09-23T13:34:00.004+08:00

...since my last post. I had some problems with the internet connection at home so I wasn't able to do my blog responsibilities. I have my drafts and I'll be editing it in a little while so I can post details of my birthday and some updates of my life plus details of my little boy's birthday. I have prepared a simple celebration for him and invited family and close friends. I had some adventure at Divi when I was shopping for the loot bags...details later ok?

I'll catch up...promise!

One Tree Hill: One More Time

2008-08-31T02:00:00.002+08:00

I just finished watching the season 5 of One Tree Hill on dvd (pirated, sorry Papa Edu). I have been finding time to do this, thanks to the long weekend I was able to finish the whole season. Actually this season wasn't as long as the last 4 so I got it done and over with during the weekend.

Season 5 was more of a fit for me right now because it focused on the characters' lives after college. Unlike the other 4 seasons, it was mostly high school life, even if the actors don't look like high school students. I have watched the fast forward over the net - the fast forward was an overview of season 5 so that you will have a better understanding when the season starts.

Four years after college the Tree Hill guys were doing their stuff, pursuing their passion and making their dreams come true. But at one point they all realized that they will be happier if they go back to Tree Hill and make their dreams come true there.

I can totally relate. I always look back and asked myself "What if after graduation I went home and started my career there?" Truly, there's no place like home but I know I wouldn't have learned and matured this much if I went home. No regrets.

The best episode, for me, in that season was episode 18, the season ender. It was where Marvin was given the big break by the TV station he's working for. He was covering the Ravens basketball game and captured all the drama during the game, first hand. He's got the story that could bring him a step closer to his dreams. But he chose not to tell story. Why? Because all the drama involved his friends and their reputations. Obviously, friendship mattered to him even if he ended up doing all the dirty work in the station because he told the station manager he didn't get the story.

Loyalty in friendship, existing but rare. I wish Marvin is my friend - someone who'll stick with me and can never be swayed by money, power and popularity.

I've had lots of Marvins in my life - true friends,that is. But I wish for more...yeah, that's my wish-more Marvins please Lord.

Happy birthday to me.

Where's the fire?

2008-08-29T10:12:00.002+08:00

I had a heart-to-heart talk with one of my mentors yesterday and she asked me "where's the fire Loveme?" She was talking about the fire she has seen in me when she first met me.

I have always been passionate about life - everything about life. I got that from my father. He taught me how important it is to keep the fire burning, to love everything, to be passionate about life. I am still passionate, I still have the passion to bring out the best, not only for myself but for the people around me. It has never died down but as I grow more mature I have come to realize that things and sometimes people will try to test you. They will try to squeeze out all that passion and leave you with nothing.

But at the end of it all you will end up asking yourself is it worth it? Is my passion worth fighting for? Will I let them take it away?

In this 29 years of existence I have asked myself those questions several times already. And guess what my answer was when my mentor asked me that question yesterday, I said "no it has not died down, its still burning, naka-low lang". =)

The Kings Reign

2008-08-21T08:18:00.001+08:00

Last night we watched the championship game between Air21 and Ginebra. During the 1st half we almost lose hope that the Kings would be the champions. But as they say the ball is round, anything can happen. The 2nd half was amazing for Ginebra though when the 2nd half started it was close fight but the Kings managed to have a 10 points lead during the last quarter.

My favorite Tubid (#71) was the Finals MVP together with Menk. I was really not a fan of Ginebra until Tubid joined the team, that was after Shell stopped playing for the PBA. Hubby is a die hard fan of Ginebra so that gives me another reason why I should be a Ginebra fan. Lance was watching with us and was cheering for Ginebra. He was shouting “Inebra! Inebra!”. He was even wearing his Ginebra jersey that Hubby bought last weekend. Sayang wasn’t able to take some pictures I was engrossed at the game that I forgot to capture the moment and I could have posted how big Hubby’s smile was. Yes! He was really ecstatic.

Hail to the Gin Kings! PBA Fiesta Conference Champion for 2008!

Dirty

2008-08-20T08:14:00.001+08:00

“Don’t work for the government. There’s so much politics in there.” As an Iskolar ng Bayan I used to hear these words from people around me but 8 years and 4 months after graduation I have come to a realization that dirty politics doesn’t only exist in the government agencies (the Philippine government to be specific) but also in private corporations.

My parents have always encouraged me to work for the government. I come from a place where working for the government was like a trend or a status symbol but to me it wasn’t appealing. Instead, I applied for a corporate job in a private company thinking that private companies don’t have the kind of politics government offices have, dirty politics.

That was how I see things before…before I started climbing the corporate ladder. I became a middle manager at the age of 23. I have only worked for 2 years and it was during that time that I had my first taste of office politics – to me then it was just office politics. I wish I could dwell on the details of how politics got into my senses but I know it will only bore you.

Moving on…I recently had another bout with office politics. Back then it was just office politics for me but now 6 years after my first encounter with politics I already call it dirty office politics – I didn’t know it can be so dirty. It has caused me sleepless nights and has stressed me out big time. I am not stressed about the issues involved I am so stressed in holding my sanity and my temper. As much as possible I don’t want to deal with these “dirty politicians” but they just get into your nerves and then to your blood stream and to the other parts of your body! They suck your energy and enthusiasm. They start to kill your career, your dreams.

I made a lot of thinking on how to get rid of them or at least make them stop. I have thought of confronting them but as it is in the government no matter how many times you bring the “dirty politicians” to senate for an inquest nothing really happens. I have thought of resigning but I have signed a non-compete agreement and I know it will be difficult to change careers at this time of the year. I have even thought of hiring assassins – just kidding! All peaceful options were explored in my mind but at a certain point I know it won’t work out

Last night as I lay in bed looking at my son I was reminded of the reasons why I work hard. I work hard for the future of my son, of my family and it would be unfair to them if I start to get destructed because of these “dirty politicians”. NO! I won’t let these “dirty politicians” take our dreams away. Quoting Gandhi “No one can hurt me without my permission”, I am not giving them the permission to hurt me or my family.

I will fight them not by force or power. I will endure. I just need to hang on a little more on my sanity and my temper and if worse comes to worst I can always retreat gracefully.

Long Weekend

2008-08-19T08:12:00.004+08:00

How did I spend my long weekend? Well, we stayed home in the mornings to take care of some domestic stuff and spent most of the afternoons at the mall. The evenings were great because of the movie marathons, 2 movies, at the least. What's best was that I wasn't alone doing the marathon. Hubby usually would fall asleep in the middle of the movie but this weekend he was kind enough to stay up until the movie is finished. And on the 2nd night of movie marathon he was the first to ask " So, what are we watching tonight? I was surprised and ecstatic at the same time (you know me, mababaw lang ang kaligayahan) I think he got addicted to movie marathons because Monday evening he was asking me why aren't we watching any movie that night. So I told him, like a mother explaining to her child that there's work tomorrow so we have to rest early.

Take note, the movies we watched were all romantic comedies! It makes me think that if he can stick with me all throughout a mushy movie then I think he'll stick with me thru thick and thin...

Sigh! I think I'm in love...even more.

Loveme: Missing Tender

2008-08-04T09:58:00.002+08:00

My sister left the country this morning. We had bonding moments yesterday and she was able to spend quality time with the little boy (thanks to her my son has learned a new nursery rhyme). I think I irritated her yesterday because I was being myself again (the worrier) and kept bugging her about stuff like her travel documents, her luggage, the phone numbers, etc., etc. Hey! I am the big sister here so the least I could do is to remind her of these stuff, right?

I'll miss her. Though she's just few flight hours away I still cried. We have been apart for almost half of our lives (she was admitted in another UP campus) but still I will miss her. If she's here we can always meet up whenever we get extra time or I can always bug her to call me, making several calls and requesting her to call me so that we can talk about anything. I normally do that when I know she's busy and pretend to be upset if she won't call me. (Evil me!) That's just my way of telling her that I miss her.

In the days to come, I will be always on the look out if she's online so that I can start bugging her again.

August 1

2008-08-01T09:02:00.004+08:00

August 1, exactly 30 days before my birthday. It is when my countdown starts. Speaking of birthday I'll be 29 by then, the last year in my 20's, and next year I'll be 3-0 already. Gosh! Time flies so fast. Ten more years and I'll be 4-0 but I'm not half way yet on my to do list before 40. Guess I have to work double time on that.

I told Hubby I don't want to have a party but he told me that I should celebrate it since next year I'm no longer at my 20's. He said he'll be in charge of the celebration. Well, why should I disagree to that?

I have realized Hubby will also be turning 29 few months from now so would this mean I have to reciprocate? He he he Well, having a party on his birthday is not unusual, its only me who wants to celebrate my birthday privately.Hay! Getting old...yet getting better! Hope so.

August 1, my kumare's birthday. Happy Birthday Atty.Sheing!

Customer Service

2008-07-31T12:25:00.003+08:00

It's another rain day today and this morning I was wishing I was staying home and sleeping.

I was talking to a client on the phone over some concerns regarding the implementation. It never fails whenever I talk to this client I always have a smile on my face when I put the phone down. Clients like them is one of the reasons why I love my sales job. You are able to gain friends and learn from them.

As a sales person I always expect high when I go to service oriented establishements though I try to be easy on them whenever they have an offense because I feel for them. However, for me it is still very important to have a good customer service because a good customer service spells the sucess of the business. The service is the value add to your product - it means repeat business or more referrals.

I may not be the best sales person (well, in terms of numbers) but I hope I do well in providing better customer service. After all its not always about the numbers its always the quality that counts - and everything follows.

Rainy Days and Mondays

2008-07-28T09:05:00.005+08:00

Being a newbie to blogging I have been thinking about what to write even if it was still Friday. No I'm not obsessed with blogging I'm just being me, the worrier. I was thinking of writing about Shiryl and Greggy's Boracay wedding that I've missed but decided just to post it later this week. Well, my weekend went well. Spent the whole weekend with Lance - as in 99.9% of my weekend was spent with him. I didn't even have the time to sneak out of the house to have my pedicure done. I think he has a 6th, 7th and 8th sense because he knows it when I'm planning (to escape). Oh well, a corporate slave during the week and a "________" (just fill in all that applies in the blank) during the weekend.

Where was I Friday night? Baby-sitting! While I was supposed to be in Boracay.

Lance with Sam - our cutie neighbor!

2 More

2008-07-25T08:27:00.005+08:00

Lance was 1 year and 10 months old yesterday. Its 2 months more and he'll turn 2 na. The thought makes me happy and sad all at the same time. I was talking to my friend Mimi over the phone the other day and our topic was about her youngest son Jake. According to her Jake is all grown up already compared to the last time I saw him and she said her son was better when he was younger because she can always ask her to be with her but now no more na daw...conversations like this normally occur -

Mimi: Jake can you come with me to the mall?

Jake: Sorry Ma, I'm going somewhere else.

Suddenly it hit me that few years from now I would be hearing the same words from my son. Huhuhu He's growing up fast and as a mother there's nothing you can do but let it happen with your guidance. Right now our conversations are still like this

Me: Lance do you want to go to school?

Lance: Opo! Yehey! (with the clapping of hands and padyak of the feet)

Toy For The Big Boy

2008-07-21T19:36:00.007+08:00

Hubby has been bugging me to get him a mountain bike. Today he finally got his wish. Just like a little boy he was so excited to try his new bike. He rode around the village and went back sweating and with a high blood pressure. I thought we have to rush him to Makati Med. Thank God he was ok after several minutes.

I myself is also excited to about his bike because I'll get the chance to ride it as well. Even tried it while he was not looking. So sneaky! I was a bike lover since I was in elementary. I spent my 6th Grade summer vacation trying to learn how to ride the bike. I have to pay my brother so that he would lend me his bike. Riding the bike in the province was a lot fun though but I'll try to have fun and be more careful when I ride it around the village.

Hubby and I agreed to ride on it everyday whenever we have extra time even if its just for 10 minutes. We have been wanting to exercise but hubby says treadmill is boring so he needs to do something else other than treadmill. Well, good luck to us! =)

Accounting 101

2008-07-15T20:44:00.004+08:00

For 2 days I stopped my usual call-and-follow-up or demo-SBO routine and got stuck at Bayantrade's corporate office for Accounting for Non-Accountants training.

Taking this course happens to be on my list of To Do's for 2008 so I never hesitated when my boss asked me if I want to attend this in-house training even if it meant that I would have to put on hold my other duties. The training was indeed an answer to my prayers.

Our trainor was very good, not to mention she has a very impressive career background. She was brilliant because she was able to get through to her students who are not accountants. Now, I am able to appreciate T Accounts, balance sheets, profit and loss, cash flows and all those basic accounting principles. We were even taught how to do our personal income statements and balance sheets.

Now I am more confident and happy about myself that in 2 days I have learned to value accounting in my day to day existence. My father was right I could have been richer if I followed him and took up accountancy.

And Miss Maribel was right you can never call it accounting for dummies because dummies will never understand the beauty and complexity of accounting.

Wu Chun and Calvin Chen

2008-07-14T21:24:00.000+08:00

As ABS CBN calls it 'Asian Invasion' the weekend was really joyous for the fans of Wu Chun and Calvin Chen. Both are stars from the Taiwanese TV series Romantic Princess. However, Wu Chun was first introduced to his Filipino fans when Hana Kimi Taiwan was aired in ABS CBN last summer.

I became a Wu Chun fan (and Ella's as well) after watching the series in dvd. He have checked his blog and it was mentioned in one of his previous posts that he has been requesting his company to send him to the Philippines. I admire Wu Chun not only because of his acting skills but also because of his love for his fans and his work. One of the rare actors who stays grounded even if fame has put him up there.

Calvin on the other hand is Wu Chun's co-star in the series Romantic Princess. His play boy role in the series matches his charming looks in real life. In fact he is looks better when he smiles.

More about Wu Chun and Calvin's visit in www.wuchunfever.com

Blog/s Away

2008-07-11T10:34:00.010+08:00

I am doing this blog thing again and hopefully will be able to do it regularly. After blog hopping for a long time I have finally decided to take extra effort to update my blog.

I just need to have my internet connection at home fixed and force my little Lance to sleep a little earlier. That means lesser play time with him in the evening (makes me guilty).Bad mommy!

...until next blog.

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2008-02-25T14:36:00.000+08:00

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Rain Rain Go Away

2007-08-10T14:35:00.002+08:00

Yey! I have been thinking of creating my blog but couldn't find the time to do it. I have been writing all my life, well privately of course. I have had a lot journals in the past which I have burned or shredded after realizing that somebody has read it already.

Here I am again trying so hard to write since I have stopped writing journals a long time ago. Journal writing has been replaced by writing technical manuals, to users' manuals then later on proposals, information systems strategic plans - I guess all documents related to my chosen career.

This time I won't be writing about myself anymore but in my entries I will be talking about the life I have chose to live, the people who I chose to love and basically everything about them.

Well that's it for now...I hope the rain stops pouring so that I can scram out of here.

...until next blog.