It's a bird...

I was looking for a murder of crows flying all over the place and for some they believe that they bring bad omen...but not for me...I don't bite those prognostic signs...birds are from heaven so they are wonderful and must not connote bad or threatening occurrence. They are just birds and nothing more. But don't be misled by those black ones that thrives on water...they are cormorants...as a novice I couldn't capture those birds diving and flying since I am not a pro...and besides I only used a digicam. I just want to take pictures.

Planning a home garden?

I love growing trees and flowers blooming inside my fence. I just want to share that if you are planning a home garden, it is better to start right. Choose a potion of your lot yard where plants will get the benefits of morning sunlight if not thru-out the day. We all know that plants need plenty of it. Choose a location near the water supply 'coz it needs regular watering of course. We all want the convenience of carrying the tools or hose to and fro, am I right here? Talking about soil we need well-drained one or preferably the loam soil is needed to produce healthy plants. If your soil is clayey it's not a problem, don't fret...you can always improve the texture by simply adding sand...I say sand not stones...remember that...and compost like chicken or carabao manure. If it is not possible for manure let's say, you can always buy at the plant nursery, just do ask around. It's better to raise your garden beds for a better drainage especially when it rains. Don't forget to dig your soil thoroughly of finely raked the surface to get rid of unwanted objects or stones.

PS/ In the picture I planted all the leeks that weren't been able to land in my skillet...and those poinsettias we bought for Xmas 2007 were really fresh as the day we bought it so I thought of planting it before the leaves wilt in no time. And my...I've been told that our tulips are now in full bloom so am (we pala...magrereact si Makki) a real green thumby person...wow...!

Look!

...but then of course the weather is conjucive also aside from being a green thumb :)

An ounce of prevention...

People like me who's hypertensive or having episodes or risk of high blood pressure should avoid running...instead always walk...specially on the stairways of high-rise buildings. Try to get a nap twice a day, even if it's a short one. Taking 5 light meals a day rather than 3 regular ones is better. Remember to reduce to a minimum daily coffee intake...whoah!...and avoid cigarette consumption if it can be helped..good thing I stopped ayoko ng smell kasi and besides it's a silent killer. Avoid heated arguments...another whoah!...and remember to quit before you become tired...whoah! whoah! whoah!...

It's better to go to bed before midnight as regularly as possible...sigh...I sleep late or morning na most of the time my gosh!...and it is beneficial if there's a little light outdoor exercise daily and most important is to be weight-conscious...meaning try to reduce weight if possible.

Medically, HBP or hypertension is a desease or condition which is directly caused by a spasm or narrowing of a small blood vessels throughout the body. These narrowing makes the heartwork harder to push the blood vessels: hence, the pressure of the blood to get through must rise in proportion to the work increase.If the HBP persists and if the increased work is great enough, the result would be a gradual enlargement of the heart.

The following will help prevent heart desease:

1. Weight control

2. Proper diet

3. Control of undue emotional stress and strain

4. Reduce salt consumption

5. Exercise regularly and

6. Rest frequently if needed...

Fun time bonding

Had a great birthday celebration last Tuesday with my friends and family around. It was a real blast for me 'coz I am not used to that big celebration. The original plan was just for me and my children to eat outside but had been changed to have something prepared at home for our friends also. It was a good time indeed because I feel elated and touched that despite of heavy downpour they were able to greet me that evening. The air was so cold and really it was raining cats and dogs so to say. But still they managed to come over for that night.

Big thanks for you guys!

To me...

Friendster Comment / Friendster Layout / Myspace Comments

Birthday Bash!

Reposting: Nick Jonas' Super Sweet 16...


The Jonas Brothers sure know how to throw a party! According to E! Online, the musical siblings rented out LA's Dodger Stadium on Thursday night from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. to celebrate Nick's 16th birthday with some of their closest friends.

Read more... from Yahoo

On fibroids...

Got a late night call from my former colleague, who underwent previous fibroids incision, or clinically we call it myomectomy at Delgado Clinic (daw) last Sept 01. I sent her an SMS message that same day...It was just a simple hi and hellos...basta I remembered texting her that very moment. I have had no any inkling that she's right there in the hospital that day. Basta I've had the feel texting her lang. And in jest she told me na tatanggalin daw niya yung number ko sa FB niya since di daw ako nagpaparamdam. It's weird that I remember her that time she was in the hospital...is this an innate impulse or natural intuitive power or what can we call that?! Whatever...

Anyways...get well soon friendship...Ms Florence Ko...see you soon! Loves yah!

Helping ourselves strive for maturity...

I am sometimes immature and I know patience is a virtue, but I have this irritating attitude (of course I know that) at home na when I am looking for something, or rather asking for something I'd go...I want it right now!- attitude...and hated the I don't know!-replies... well...(well, d ba nakakainis nga) how do I know? Syempre ang mga bata ngayon ay napaka-assertive. They complain a lot. From the table talk, my kids would inject the topic and we'd go teasing each other and in jest, pointing fingers so that way I knew na they're also irritated lalo na't they're cramming.

Well...it's a little different naman now, dahil I am keeping a cool aura na since mommycool na ko...and it's nice na that only goes to show na I'm being able to pass up the annoyance-for-the-minute things and being able to ignore them and select the other course to keep me busy. These characteristics of immaturity, I am trying so hard to get rid off. For me maturity is the capacity to face unpleasantness, frustration, and defeat without the benefit of complaining later on. For this is one way to determine the maturity of a person...to know well that he can't have everything his own way.

Keeping your word and the ability to live up to your responsibilities is another manifestation of maturity...also exploring possibilities with positive insights and acting on it that requires enough courage and determination.

So we have to be sure we have this trait and be able to harness our creative abilities...uhmmm...lol...and do something worthwhile...uhmmm again...I know I am creative when I am seating in front of my PC...because my ideas are flowing and unstoppable...and this is my passion...to write and be a serious blogger. I am honestly proud to tell that I have no previous knowledge about this modern tech...I don't even know how to master the touch-type system, I can type yes but only with my 3 fingers on the left and the middle finger on my right...lol...anyway, in jest, what's wrong naman looking at the monitor? Anyway, I just sat and with just a hunt and pick know-how...I just taught myself, and had pull it from there and got started and still gassing up every minute...with same high eager-beaver-attitude in me writing my thoughts. I'm doing this everytime I'd open my eyes in the morning and closing my nights in the evening. This something like brushing my teeth in the morning when I wake up and brushing again in the eve when I'd go to bed and rest. This' is something that put my spirit high!

Patience...patience...

I realized and just found out that when I lose a friend, God will give me two-fold in their place. Or maybe even 3 or 4 or 5. I'm not making this stuff but really compassion is inscribed in my heart. And sadly, I always feel that few of them is taking advantage of this. I know and I always make it sure that I'd be a blessing everywhere I go. But no matter how one tried, still some glitch is bound to happen. I know I'm a nice person...and I hope to remain that way...but I do get angry when my patience is on the line (tao lang kasi ako) or be put in a vulnerable position. Like what happened last day when I went to Santa Lucia to buy my daughter two pairs of stockings, and other stuff needed. I just felt so famished so I decided to get some bite to eat. I chose Greenwich since I am a habitue na sa Chowking because I am a siopao person. Why not take a slice of pizza (for variety) instead since I'm a Greenwich lover also. I'm proud whenever I tell my kids stories when I was still studying in UE way back panahon pa ni Mahoma...lol...me and my friends/classmates would go to G to have a big box...chipping in...and gobbled it all up...had equal share and the last slice would be the hottest because we'd put a lot of tongarachi (hot sause) and we all had a bite and no one would be left spared. Everyone would gulped a drink to cool it down. Kalokohan...but going back, I was again pissed off...ako ba ang may kasalanan? Hindi naman ako by nature na masungit, plastic pa nga minsan dahil I dont want to hurt people. Pero lumalabas ang pagka-combative behavior ko pag ganun eh. Here, I ordered the simplest meal...I saw the F! promo with their Delicious& Light meal daw yun. It consists a 2x5 inches of rectangular pizza with real tomatoes on top that goes with a glass of SD, eh since I stay away from SD, dahil takot ako sa diabetes mellitus, I asked for a pineapple juice but the meal A that costs only P49.00 came up with an additional of P16.00...I winnowed after paying that talo ata ako don? Sana nag SD na lang ako. But the real story went like this. Lahat ng kasabay kong umorder kumain na at mga nagalisan na while me prim and proper eh nainis na waving my cue number. I called the attention of the crew many times over to politely follow up my order. Grabe they were looking na at me because alam nilang inis na ako. Everybody was done eating eh ang order nila eh chicken or rice with toppings. My gosh...a slice of pizza took a little less than an hour? Yup...an ahour! Eh palagay ko I'm in the position na para medyo mainis di ba? Lagi ko bang paiiralin ang aking manners? .....sigh...omg...dumating din but I gave the lady crew a harsh...grabe naman kayo ng tagal...ito lang inorder ko...inabot na ako ng siyam-siyam? The polite lady crew, in fairness...eh magalang naman na humingi ng paumanhin...buti na lang kungdi baka nasabon ko siya...joke...grabe... gutom na kasi ako eh...as usual, dieting ako kaya something's squeezing inside my stomach. I have had no choice but to take a quick grab. Ayoko naman pumayat kung sakit naman ang kapalit. Ayun, sa inis ko minarathon ko yung piece ng pizza! :) It took only a few minutes lang dahil sa inis ko then I scurried away sa imbyerna. Di ko nga nalasahan eh, sa inis yata. Grrr...parang feeling ko naetcha-pwera ang order ko. Sad to say, I was looking for that service evaluation card so I could put a D grade or poor service remark like the one we do in Chowking. Pero to put it clear it's not the G at Sta Lu new building hah...ok kasi ang service nila dahil nga lagi kami don. We're pizza addict. I'm talking about the other G branch at the old building katabi ng newly opened Bacolod Inasal something yata yun. Ok tapos na yun, I just can't help but make kwento bout the incident. Dahil mabait yung lady crew in the dining ok na ko. Speaking of Inasal...I consider myself as denizen to JT's at QC...naku ang sarap ng inasal na manok. I'm talking about Joel Torre's resto. But next time I'd visit Sta Lu, I'll try that new inasal fast food chain. I saw na every table was occupied so baka masarap talaga...why not give it a try.

Making me a pseudo-counselor...on grown up issues...

When home seems to collapse any moment...while the father and the mother fight, like most of them do... over some issues specifically on money matters or the inevitable third party issues...the children will always be the direct hit here. The woebegones and hapless children don't know where and who to turn to. They tend to be combative or some tend to be melancholy aloof, reticent and indifferent. As a mom, I'd say I am near-perfect because I reached out to my kids and look after them and do whatever is needed as a good mother should always be. I always tell that I was born to be a mother but not necessarily that I'd be a good wife that be. Being a wife and a mother is a hard deal. But sometimes things happened when you least expect it to happen. I want to segue way, let us not touch my life and just talk about the kids who usually end up confiding me the innermost of their feelings. They usually confide things to me and usually find solace and peace that makes me prouder than ever. The feeling is nice and fulfilling lalo na't naiihinga nila ang mga sentiments nila sa akin, I don't know why...but it made me a pseudo-counselor and I came to know different issues regarding parents in rift, or between siblings and even the bf-gf quarrel. I have this one classmate of my daughter who's a very fine mannered young lady, petite and lean...soft-spoken and so honest enough to squeal that she and her boyfriend has already been separated with just a split hairs arguement. No reason at all and the height is...the boyfriend calls for it. Very ungentlemanly enough. I told the young lady my two-cents worth and gladly she went home with a smile...and an added confidence.
There's this story naman that involves a gay dilemma. He is closeted. He only confides in me, talagang litaw pag ako ang kaharap. But when he is in front of his parents it's different that's why everybody would be in a hush hush whispering...but there's one time when a candid mom yelled, "baklaaaaa!"...the father asked the guy... "why did she call you bakla?!" ...naku galit ang ama..."papa, hindi naman po yata bakla ang sinabe"...hay naku he's very prim and proper pag kaharap ang ama, pero pag ako na kaharap...he's a faggot screaming na. One time also, when he's inside my room, I asked him, hindi ka ba nahihirapan niyan...very tago...and he went, "tita sobrang hirap nga po eh" I love the company of gays because they are livewires and can make every situation happier. Masaya silang kasama.
There are lots of situation that needs different salves...and I don't know why and how I came to be a pseudo-counselor when in fact I needed salves myself also. Maybe being a Libran, that I am somehow very impartial and I find reasons more sensible enough to apply rather than using emotions. Weighing things has put me on indecisive zone...I weigh things exactly no matter who is involved. Forgiving has always put me to a difficult situation that tests my patience to the max...most of the time I was abused and been taken for granted. But...but...when I am pushed too far...I throw my upbraids loud enough and clear enough. I have cried over a lot of times...hard enough to tear me down...but being resilient is better that skulking in one corner. Being positive and resilient is one of my best character. I used to be pessimistic and I remember one shrink has told me that I was indeed one. I still keep that note from him. What I did was...I did cure it myself...I don't want to be labeled as one. If I cry today, I make sure that after welling I'll stand up, leave my crib and play good music and browse the internet or I drive around and go to the mall. Then, voila...I am a new person again...revived...and an eager beaver again to live and breathe. That's the best way to cure and it's just easier to be happy than making your life miserable and lonely. Better and easier to smile and laugh than to smirk and drool...and be annoyed. As a person I want to be in happier note than any otherwise.

It's been a long time...

Yup...been so long since I got here in my multiply so I did repolish everything...will soon be back to upload some new photos here...just revoked some old invitations and promise to get back again and be frequent here...

I wouldn't trade hope for despair...

I feel absolutely hollow when someone cannot apply themselves to positive goals, to making better lives for themselves. She (my friend A) spend her energy working her as# up but nothing's doing she said. I wouldn't touch this topic since it's not my pen, but she always seek my help and advice so I can't ignore this one. No matter how knotty the situation is, I always know what to do, being a mum has broaden my instinct or how would we call it...my decision making always prove me right though I cannot lie that I have so many slip ups but then lesson is always learned in the end. How many times did I end up in deep water...but gladly I can say that I always pull myself up before it expires my whole being. In the campaign to keep my sanity intact, I learned how to be resilient and hopeful and prayerful. I can't be but gratified by the assurance that everything will all be in the right place at the right time. I have to trust my instinct, this is brain talking as much as my heart...but this friend of mine is excessively demonstrative of her negative sentiments. I'm flat out accusing her of being so helplessly negative and pessimistic. I wonder why she couldn't understand my opinion and suggestions...that in life, we need to apply the central tenet of Caesar Zedd's philosophy; to always look for the brighter side and for me Zedd is right that the key to happiness, success and mental health is utterly to ignore the negative, deny its power over you and find reason to alleviate every development in life including the cruelest catastrophe, by discovering the bright side to even the darkest hour.
I do understand why she's always negative because she had disclosed some facts about her sexuality and physical impairment thus she became aloof and cold as ice. But wonder of wonders she always run to me...and taking too much is one of my foibles. I hate to say that she's hopeless. I find it hard to pull her up from melancholy. So I shirk and hate to say, why would I care whether you have any peace...and it matters little whether you go or stay. Boorishly, can't blame me if I'm on the verge of winding down. Or already did! It's tiring...really really very tiring already specially if all my upbraids' just going up in smoke. If you still want me as a friend, do it like a shot...it's for your own good I tell you. ..or else it'll be curtain for us.

PS/ To my friend, A...God help those who help themselves!

Bleeding Love

All about Fibroids...

While waiting for the jazz class to start, as usual we all stayed in kubo. I was the first to come and decided to browse and pass away the time while waiting for others to come. I saw a good topic about Fibroids.
They strike at the core of your feminity but the good thing is Fibroids are rarely cancerous. This is popularly known as myomas, are benign growths or tumors in the mascular part of the uterus, specifically the womb. It can be very small or bigger than a grapefruit. They can grow on various portions of the uterus. Symptoms will depend on the number, size and location. Twenty-five to 40 percent of women of childbearing age have fibroids. They are most common in women who are overweight or having trouble becoming pregnant. Most fibroids are diagnosed between 30 and 40 years of age. They are often found when woman is examined during pregnancy or had a cervical smear. Cause of fibroids is not known. They are more likely to grow if estrogen levels in the body are high. This explains why fibroids tend to grow during pregnancy when estrogen levels increase and to shrink at menopause when estrogen levels fall.
Symptoms: Many cases of fibroids have no symptoms. But others may have including,
* Heavy and irregular bleeding... it may lead to tiredness and anemia (low iron levels)
* Painful periods
* Pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis or back
* Passing urine more repeatedly
* Swelling of the lower abdomen
Source:

My two-cents worth

For those just like me who's over the hill and not quite young anymore ...(ouch!)or shall I say na past their prime already...we should always make it sure to look younger and prettier. :) Very not like me before. Now, I am so vain na to look a bit nicer than ever. Take one example is the pretty mother of Lizel, who I've noticed that she's very like me na conscious na how to look. Imagine she showed us her collection of imported shoes, slippers, wedge heels and peep toes. Naku ok na ako sa gumshoe and Havaianas or Crocs sometimes. She also collect bangles at napakahilig nya sa native earrings. Ang kikay din, I gave her eye make up na medyo slightly used ko na and she's very thankful huh! Kaya pag jazz class na naku imagine the gulo bago kami magstart. Sarap din ng feeling. I'm a homebody person but sometimes you really have to find time to mingle with some people who you feel comfortable with. Tita Bernie who has served one of the biggest bank for 15 years as BM, is gladly attending the PF Ladies Group. She also is into playing badminton. Also Melody and Babes...na ubod ng bubbly pareho. Masaya naman pagnagkikita kita kami. All fun to be with. One time we all went to 168 via LRT...grabe ang gulo ng mga bagets...ako smile lang...typically smile lang ako ng smile lalo't nasa public ako. I didn't imagine that we would all be having our recital sa Lourdes Auditorium. Hay nakaka-tense. Then one sked is on Meralco Theatre na. The date...I don't want to give details. :) I'm sometimes having the tendency of clamming up eh. It's far pa naman eh...before the end of December pa yun.
Basta people like me should enjoy their life, feel good inside and out and live a healthy life by eating good food. Look young and feel young.

Mascara magic...mascara addict...

My favorite mascara ran out and went dry...it's FASIO Hyper-stay digi-color and another one which was shock-free. One year na akong mascara addict. Know what, I took home a little less than 25 pcs of different mascara from Japan and I am amazed how it could add up or enhanced the eye make up. I was a late bloomer...and I didn't know much. I just wish I've known better when I was a lot younger. Ngayon ko lang na-eenjoy ang make up kit thing. I gave away some of it so others may enjoy. I have a secret on how to moisten the tube when it runs dry...not water please...naah...ahh. :) Pero not for the longest time. Mauubos at mauubos din yun. The great thing bout it is it comes in different purposes. One that thickens the lashes or sometimes like one that I used, a mascara comb (comb talaga siya) that gives volume and curl look. There's also that gives astonishing lengths...you'll have to apply muna the white color mascara that gives it a little longer then black will be applied to cover the white...and voila, mahaba look na siya. But then of course you'll have to curl din naman by using any simple lash curler or kung trip ninyo you can go to the nearest mall that offer lash perming...I don't know the term for this. Pero kung nagtitipid kayo, I saw my friend Julie the beautiful singer...using guess what...her wedding band...to curl her lashes. :) Ang nakakatuwa pag di waterproof ang ginamit ninyo or soometimes di pa kayo sanay...you'll be greeted by someone saying..."ano nangyari sa iyo?"...eh sanayan lang yan. Avoid smudging it around your eyes or else you'll end up looking like you're going to attend a pre-Halloween costume party. Sarap naman kasi yung gurly gurly look di ba? Hay naku nung teenager ako di ko yan nagawang bigyan ng pansin...kasalukuyang busy ako sa CAT or nagba-basketball kami ng barkada ko. If I knew it then...but anyway still I'm enjoying my precious life now more than ever.

For me beauty is relative...if you feel you're beautiful, you'll look beautiful...and besides, age doesn't count. As long as you know how to grow old...gracefully. Like yesterday when Julie saw my picture when I was 181 lbs. heavy, she went' "grabe ikaw ba 'toh?"..."parang labandera mo"...and "mukhang ang tapang mo dito"...lol... :)

I'm learning how to do wonder on putting eye shadows...the secret here is to know how to blend colors. And the magic uses of different brush we have that are long kept lang. Na dati nasa harap ko lang pero di ko alam ang gagawin at di ko naman talaga ginagamit. Now am learning the art of putting the right make up. Basta ako eye make up lang and lipstick carry na...I don't usually put blush on...di naman na ako nagba-blush...lol...a light dab will do sometimes.

Kaya with C, ako pa ang nagpu-push sa kanya to learn how to put make up. Kaya ayun...kanya kanya kami ng kikay box. I do really enjoy the company of younger people...with them, marami kang maeenjoy at di ka tatanda agad. Pati sa music, if you'll notice...dapat flexible tayo...so enjoy lang...life is beautiful. And there's more to life indeed!

My own special Humba

Since the title of this blog is Cooking it up!...I decided to post here some cooking tips and share you some of my orgasmic recipe...uhmm...am sorry for the word...I don't mean otherwise. Here it is...

1 kl of liempo or I prefer knuckles instead
1 T whole peppercorn
1 head garlic crushed
3/4 vinegar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar or sugar crystals I bought from Ongpin looks like yellowish tawas
1 1/2 cup of water (hot)
2 packs tengang daga
1/2 t salt
1/4 cup veg. oil
2 packs banana blossoms

First, clean the knuckles and marinate it in soy sauce, vinegar, peppercorn, and garlic in 1 hour the most. Then you may add the sugar. Then heat oil, meduim fire, fry the pork.
Second step, using the same pan, put the meat and pour in the marinade and add half a cup of hot water. Simmer it for 30 minutes to tenderize the meat and put salt and allow it to simmer for 10 more minutes.
Then you can now add the presoaked tengang daga minus the water of course and the banana blossoms. Simmer again for 5 more minutes and you're done! Serve it hot.

Masarap yan...try n'yo...goes well with steaming hot rice with pandan. Wow ang diet!

My passion...

My predilection for literature is something where I put my heart and soul completely. In my heydeys, I dreamt of being a writer...to author a book, a novel and I remember, I even had tried submitting some hand-written stories to some plublisher...in Tagalog form but sadly were all returned to me because they wanted it typewritten. I had no choice then but to keep it instead because I hated so much redoing things all over again. Been doing poems and been keeping journals ever since. Today with high-end tech we're able to browse and send datas easily all over the world. I find blogging an outlet where I can make use of the modern technology to spread words, knowledge, and info's around the net...reaching people throughout the globe. We earn so much not just by having bucks but friendship here is inevitable. We share a lot from A to Z. Finding a lot of stories to tell is easier. This is a one-man bandit...that consumes most of my time almost everyday....until it pushes me to exhaustion. Like now...I just want to sign off and sleep a bit. It's already 3:32am and still I'm awake in this ungodly hours...I need to sack out now or else...

Tattoo

Clumsy

A house to call our home...

It's a given - we do all find comfort in our very own home. It's very hard to look for a place and to always in the plan of kicking about...grabeng hirap at dusa. I can't tell how we get exhausted everytime we're moving in...and out. And having a real house to call our own (again) is a long-time wish. Renting P15,000.00 a month is no joke. Good thing at nabraso ko yung monthly rental because the lessor is so considerate and compassionate to make it a little less than what she's asking from the off. This October it'll be a year na since we've occupied this place. Nice location, peaceful and safe and real big for us but one day I thought of why not make our new house instead of renting. Then came some planning about how it would look like, with the help of my friend M, and Archt. JP. We huggle about the budget, how the initial kick would start. Preparations on how and what to submit but first the retitling of our lot acquired last year in one subdivision near Pasig, will be wiser than to buy another one. Architect JP submitted two designs instead of what we have long-kept plan last year 'coz according to the good architect that it will cost us a cool P4.5M just for that minus the lot. Well why would we think of getting a new lot when we are so blessed to have two already. So we decided na yun na lang isa ang gamitin...the one we have acquired with 179 square-meter area. And we all think that it will be just fine. And so we were able to settled it down. I chose among the two design Archt. JP submitted. We're still having some deliberations and a lot of planning before we start to kick off. The house is going to be a simple one dahil we have to squeeze the budget or else, and the goal is to have a house of our own. So we're starting to pennypinch a lot this time. I am a lot smarter now than before. I used to be an impulsive buyer pero now I noticed na I think a lot before buying something and it will always be very important pag binili ko siya. Ngayon isang small plastic bag na lang ang naiuuwi ko...unlike before na parang nagpapanic buying ako. I am now a certified skinflint person...and I learned much how to hoard money...LOL...ang hirap pag walang money...mas mahirap pag may utang...(onigaisimasu!!!)...and napakasakit pag ang pera ay halos nagdadaan lang sa aking palad at wala akong mai-save dahil sa monthly bills. Mas masarap ang secured ka dahil may savings ka...and it is not wise to buy this and that na in the end before you knew it ay zero balance ka na pala.

Listen

Christmas time is near...

This giant X'mas tree that stood sentinel last year at Japan Nagoya Centrair was the one who greeted me when I first hopped at Japan. Wonder of wonders why they had ( actually not just one but so many) that was sooo big inspite of the fact that they are non-Catholic believer. Some says it's business-wise but whatever they say...still it makes one like me to be ecstatically proud and happy because it is synonymous to gift-giving and happiness, very Filipino in terms of tradition. And of course the birth of Infant Jesus, our Savior. Real poinsettias were scattered around the centrair and I couldn't believe that those were real and fresh. Burning scarlet and showy pink...ooops no touch! I just loved those American shrubs. That was a beautiful time of my life but at the same time I felt so sad too, leaving my kids behind on that very special ocassion, mixed emotions I should say. But partly it was an awesome vacation...taking time out smelling the roses and time too to enjoy the cakes and ale of life...!

My wish...

If only money grew on trees, I'd probably buy myself a new car...but since it's not that easy...I'll settle na lang for a used one or what we call today as second hand. It'll be just as nice also. I just want to have a car, because it's hard for me to hop in and out of the van by it's nerf side step and just because the maintainance is quite higher unlike if it's just an ordinary car. I love to drive around. When my son drives for me I always tend to feel panicky. As a child I grew up in a very simple environment, that's why by merely looking at beautiful things...it can already be a joy for me. I don't have to have everything I wish and I want because I am now seriously wanting to save for the future. I always think now how life will be tomorrow. And now also, I choose to be more productive than ever. I can let a lot of things go and laugh and redo my past mistakes. The fear of my previous failure never stop me from trying new things and finding time to stretch beyond my comfort zone is a new endeavor for me.

I don't usually make a list of New Year's Resolution because I always end up breaking it. I just wish to be a better person. Will try to get rid of negative thoughts that only ruin myself and get the better of me in the end. Senseless effort and misbehavior...and the most important one is...will not let anybody to sway my decision and not to be hoodwinked by anyone again.

Nice to be with young people...

Last night C prodded me to go out of my room, just because she wanted me to say hi to her high-school friends. She went to visit Cher because Melissa's debut is in the offing and they have to discuss details about the program. And since nobody knew where we are living right now, they took C home. When I went out and greeted them ayun wala ng prenong kwentuhan. Cher, a rapid speaker that she was that night...had so many stories to tell. Mahal ko na 'tong mga batang ito. Sila yung popcorn babies ko dahil popcorn lang (and crispy shrimp crackers) ang ihain ko sa kanila eh solve na sila at nakangiti na. With Cher, Kristine, and Luigi...bitin ang kwentuhan namin. Cher, I've learned is taking up BS Nursing...Kristine is majoring in Marketing at PUP, and Luigi is mastering in IT. I just wish na maging succesful silang lahat in the future, career-wise.

A night out and exhaustion to the max!

A friend of mine who owns a grill and resto bar make lambing to me to visit her and at the same time the singer who happens to be my friend also make lambing na bumisita ako sa place. Though I am not much of a night person, but I did for friendship sake. That was last Friday. I went right after Asero and sad to leave while Dyesebel was about to start. You can call me mababaw , I don't care...I just love to watch every episodes. The gig has stated it's first set and about to end when I walked in. Julie the lead-vocalist of Innermost (I call them The Alzheimers group, in jest) saw me, waved and a new one (Rachele) was there also to fit in because Cesar was absent that night. I grew sleepier as the hours went by but managed to enjoy the evening. They have different quality voice but I found Julie more classy than Rachele who happened to sing a Shakira with bravado. Sad to say she has the tendency to overdo stage spiels na ala-gay...but the group brought the house down (?) when Gary Lim was called on stage to join. He sang an Aegis song, Luha...and another by Freestyle...Bakit ngayon ka lang...
We went home exactly at 4:37 in the morning...at 5:00am I was home but still awake groping in the kitchen to cook for my daughter who have to leave at 6 in the morning for their Manila Zoo trip. I happened to squeezed myself in bed a little time getting a nap when I heard my phone ringing. It was Saturday na and I have to rushed in the bathroom for a quick bath to catch up my 8am appointment for a tripping sked with a broker. We visited the Highland Points in Antipolo, also Mission Hills...nice place and overlooking but sad to say I hate to build a house on the hilly mountains or cliff area. I remember the sad fate of Cherry Hill Subdivision, now a ghost town according to hear-say. I can't imagine putting our life at risk. The location is very enticing and beautiful but definitely I don't like to live there. We're done past 11am. I tagged Nila, an agent who is a friend/relative to my next destination. I told her that I should go straight to Tatala where Julie the singer lives. Naawa siguro sa akin so she tagged along, since it was the 7th year birthday of Julie's first baby. Shucks, grabe ang layo pala non and napakatarik ng lugar...omg...hirap umakyat...buti na lang may tricycle...mahal ang bayad...pero okey lang...kesa maglakad. We ate and after a few kumustahan we left in different route na shortcut. But the sad part was we have to go on foot. My goodness buti na lang naka-Havaianas ako...not skidding...but I was so afraid na maputol ang strap...sayang mahal pa naman. I managed to arrive home in one piece. I immediately dozed off as soon as my back touched my bed. I slept my exhaustion away. Nang magising ako disoriented pa rin ako sa sobrang pagod ng isip ko and lack of decent sleep...omg...ayoko ng ulitin pa yun, parang feeling bangag pala pag walang tulog...I was afraid when something's building up at the back of my nape...buti na lang at di ako inatake ng hypertension ko that day. Won't allow that to happen again next time. Daig pa ang nagdrugs...sleep is very important for a healthier mind I guess.

Here's to you!

Glitterfy.com - Glitter Graphics
Happy 35th Birthday to my very good friend Angela...
May you have many more birthdays to come...and wishing you the best of everything.
**hugs**

Set a good example...

It is very important to learn and practice simple basic courtesies...such as a simple "thank you", "please", "you're welcome" and "I appreciate it very much". It shows our etiquette and good manners. Showing our politeness to others in effect shows how much respect we have for them, and in return it will also be given back to us.

Early morning pig out...

Morning routine what else? Cooked rice and looking for what I have to prepare now. I saw 6 chunks of chicken in the freezer. I marinated the meat with fish sauce and dash of calamansi. Heat the oil and fried it...voila I tasted a bit and I decided to pig out on one big chunk. And gulped a glass of hot Blackcurrant Bracer. Di ko napigil eh. Yummy.

PS/ Saw in the monitor, the clock says it's 4:55am and am sure I woke up at 3:00 but when I posted my entry for today it says 1:35pm. Wow I think I have to find ways to fix this up. I don't think I like this error. But for now I am dozing off. Will sign out first and go back to bed. I want some sleep pa. Will be right back after some hours of morning nap. Why not?!

Metamorphism...

I am a proud mother of my daughter who is an active member of their school choir (kaya naman pati ako eh pnagbo-vocalize niya...mi-hi-hi-hi-yo-ho-ho-ho-ho) and lithurgical dance group. When she's younger she's so clammy that's why I am proud that she has come out of her shell. As a sophomore HRM student, and a dean's lister (hopefully ma-maintain niya)at that, they are entitled to attend different seminars in and out of the country. They are scheduled to have one in Singapore this month, then in Hongkong and one in the US. They are so privileged. Getting visas' one of the hardest part of going out of the country, but with their course it's something na talagang anticipated na. They have to observe a lot on dining preparations, food and bev presentation and even around the kitchen. Everything that involves in gourmet cooking and preparations. Ang dating baby namin ay dalaga na...good thing she really absorbs everything. And with all of this, I always feel blest!

More of joys than pain...

My son who's been very much inclined to music, and sometimes going home with soaked tee and with wedgies...after playing with his skateboard in nearby subdivision...has lately shifted into something new. Kaya pala he had asked me some money, he just bought stuff from Toby's. Bumili siya ng raketa at net ng pingpong. And later on surprised me that he was chosen to compete for municipal meet, and that was yesterday. "Mama, I'm on the varsity in table tennis!" And I went...wow naman anak, galingan mo ha, give your best shot. Win or lose I'm with you! Although I knew na mabilisan ang pagcompete niya I am sure, win or lose, it's still challenging. Imagine kung sino nagtrain sa kanya, a player friend who once compete also and won a lot. And also Sister whose name escaped and I still can't remember. Magaling si Sister sa table tennis and imagine a nun playing di ba kakaiba?!Hindi yata siya nanalo but then anyway I like him better in music.
I remember also some 8 years ago when I would drive very early at 5am, together with my sibling and a sis-in-law to play wall tennis sa lumang Robinson's just beside Tropical (Santa Lucia). May baon pa kaming hot pandesal, butter and liver sausage with matching hot coffee in a thermos. Wow magpapawis ba and then pigged out later. Hahaha! Naku hindi ako tumagal...hanggang naging driver na lang ako...kapagod eh. We also would bring a bike. Yun ang aming form of exercise. But I hate running after the ball kasi with my back problem. I just love dancing pero my scolio prevented me from doing so. Kaya eto, sedentary na ako...just blogging...but I see to it na I can attend my jazz class dahil I need all those stretching and a little of simple yoga mat exercises for correct breathing. Thanks to Lizel, my beautiful instructor. She's good in ballet. At grabe kung magpahirap. Pero I am given a special treatment for my back problem. Not to be afraid becoz most of the stretchings are just the same as my doc's instructions. He told me to do this almost everyday but I always fail to do it so I enrolled at Lizel's studio. Having my children around I don't grow older than my birth certificate. I always feel younger...becoz they are so bubbly and full of hopes and and so we jibe in different aspect like in music. At laging they play as critics...bago ako makaalis dadaan pa ako sa butas ng karayom. They'd check every details like what to wear, right make up, and everything...like what time I'd be home (na madalang naman mangyari 'coz I'm a homey person). Pero masarap ang feeling dahil barkada ang treatment namin sa isa't isa. We treat each one as friends. Sometimes, it also happen na may tampuhan pero nareresolve naman agad. I hate tension kasi sa bahay. No one likes me pag galit ako kasi may tendency akong mag silent mode or I go ballistic pag minsan...minsan lang...not to my family but to other person na pasaway lage. Sa bahay kasi I hate to go like this dahil alam nilang ayoko ng wrinkles. Nangaaway lang ako sa text at sa isang tao lang yun. I am very privy now and I hate making away sana but sometimes kailangan mong icorrect ang mali ng kaibigan mo. Pero kung ayaw makinig it's her fault na talaga. Eh maigsing mahaba ang aking patience. Kaya nagkaphobia na ako, so I've learned na mas masarap gawing barkada ang mga anak. They won't hate me and they will always love me for who I am. And the love will always be pure. I love my daughter becoz she's the one who puts make up on me when I'm in a hurry. Fix my mascara and iron my hair...patiently

Words to live by....

The finest steel has to go through the hottest fire.

John N. Mitchell

Remember this...

God is in the middle of every goodness !

-Boy Abunda