'Tis the season to be...

Though the house was decorated with this season's ornaments and Christmas music played all the time,---something was missing. I hate to admit it but without the cold, crisp (freezing) temperature, the smell of fresh pine, real candles on the tree and SNOW---it's not the same.

Don't get me wrong. This is not a complaint, it's merely a comparison and finding what one prefers.

BUT, instead of focusing on what I don't have, why not focus on what I do.

Presents were opened first in order to free the children from the overwhelming excitement they have been holding within. Of course, before that, I have done my share of white lies about the journey of Santa and his reindeers across the skies to get to this part of the world because people lived in different timezones and Christmas comes here first.----Once again, I was convincing. Perhaps next year, my powers will be gone :-)

Dinner was simple. At least that's how I thought it would be. It was a mix of Korean and Japanese dishes. Luckily, I had extra pairs of hands and after an hour's preparation and cooking time, our efforts were not in vain after all.

The next day, the 25th, we all had our corners for reading. The afternoon was a time to play with the "toys". Alyanna and I got MP3's and figuring out how to use this gadget took awhile for someone like me. Rex and A spent some time building and connecting the PC up. Keanu, on the other hand was busy driving his RC mini cooper and playing with his transformer figures.

'tis the season to be...what YOU want it to be.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Is A Season
When All Things are Full of Bliss,
It's a Time I Feel so Awesome
But You I clearly Miss...

It is Not just This Season
That I Wish You the Best
My Thoughts are With You,
From North to South
And East to West...

Birthday No. 2

Hectic weeks passed and the two December babes have celebrated and enjoyed the closure of one and now beginning of another year. Though no formal children party has happened yet for Alyanna's special day,---it's the Xmas break and most of her friends have gone on vacation---so we just did what we could to make it special.

The traditional breakfast birthday as usual was set but instead of the usual bread and sausages, we had macaroni soup. T'was a birthday request so we had to oblige. We opened the gifts first to free her from the excitement she has been holding for days. We gave her a hi-fi stereo but Rex's gift was THE best---a gameboy cartridge, well what could beat that?

In the evening, she went with A, Rex and Tania to watch a Jazz concert at the Esplanade. (As you all can see, Rex was definitely prepared for it with his jazz hat.) Was her first "big people event" and she was looking forward to it. I and Keanu watched TMNT---go figure haha

Hours later, Rex told me she fell asleep in the middle of the concert! Turned out to be a lullaby than entertainment for her. Well, at least she has an idea now how adults are when they go out dressed in suits and gowns.

The last TEEN-th year

Time flew. A young man he has become.

As I prepared the traditional birthday breakfast at 7:45 in the morning of December 15, It felt odd that I was counting quite a number of candles--- 19!!! If I continue to do this, I'd need a three-layered cake by the time he turns 40 :-)

The celebration(s) this time is a bit longer and more tedious. The evening's dinner was my famous Filipino styled beefsteak paired with buttered long beans. The next day followed with The "S" brothers plan to make the traditional German goose dinner that began 6 years ago when we still resided in Deutschland---so that was an extended feast.

Last but not least is the coming combined celebration of T and Rex, (hmmm T-Rex) to have a party in a chalet and have 30 friends over on the 18th.

I was brave enough to volunteer to "cater" for the wolves so tonight was cooking night. T helped with little this and thats which was fun because of her interest to learn. Spaghetti bolognese, meatballs, fried chicken marinated the way Filipino barbeque would be, and chicken sandwich with 10 packs of toast bread to go. And since this is an overnight event, nutella and peanut butter were back-up spreads.

Will be rushing from work tomorrow. Picking-up the stuff from home and bringing it to the belly of the beasts. Thank goodness he'll have some friends over to help carry the kilos and kilos of food!

to be ONE

You've touched a soul like no one has ever had

You've put a smile on lips that have been sealed,
You've erased memories hoped to be forgotten
You've mended wounds that wanted to be healed.



You've flown great distances in all your travels
You've crossed oceans farther than anyone can see,
Your existence is a gift to anyone who knows you
Your unselfish love has made things possible to be...

It is a friendship, shared and nurtured. It is a bond, forever treasured.

Doctor, doctor

I dread dental visits. I never came out of one without a bad prognosis. Either I need a filling or a root canal done. Who do I blame for my dental dilemma?----I, me and myself.

Can't point my fingers at mom or she wont' hesitate to scold me in my dreams! Mom was extremely organized when it came to our medical and dental healths. We have regular appointments with our family doctor and dentist. Sometimes, the clinics felt like our second home! Toothache, stomach pains, wobbly tooth, gum pains, rashes and sprains.....you name it, mom's been through it.

Now it's my turn. And though my organization skills have somehow deserted me, working in a dental clinic keeps me alert on my kids' check-ups :-)

That's me on the 'sentence chair' by the way getting a crown fit for a----well, aging woman. Less the fear if you have one of the island's friendliest dentist

the looong break is---over?

Exactly 6 months since my last post?!

A long blog sabbatical and still partly in that mode. Perhaps writing bits and pieces will get me back in the game, perhaps not....

Living...

The Great Singapore Sale is at hand and stores have slowly begun putting up their offers. Mango, DKNY, Guess, Gucci, Armani are ON SALE!!! For someone like me who isn't a fanatic of branded stuff,---their offers are tempting.

***closes eyes and drifts away from this topic*** Ommm, Ommm.....

My sister and her family will be arriving tomorrow and will be staying for a week! Luckily, my schedule permits me to spend time with family.

We have planned the whole week. Since it's the first time for my nephew and niece to visit Singapore, everyday must be more than a holiday; and that starts on the evening of their arrival.

A's and my friends are coming over for a Philippine (with a mix of European) cuisine feast so the weekend begins with "consuming beyond limits" ;-)

- Homemade mushroom cream soup and salmon salad are the starters.
- Crispy pata, pinakbet, and my infamous recipe of the Filipino beefsteak are the main courses.
- and last but not least, fruits dipped in CHOCOLATE fondue!

Red/white/dessert wines, beer and gin tonic are the evening's ice breakers...

Food For The Soul

"When you are at the end of your rope, God is there to catch you—but not before." (disclosure: got this quote from a forwarded email. I forgot who quoted this.)

No impossibility is given without a possibility... sometimes we just have to wait. All right then. Patience is a virtue...I'm your student.

What's In A Name (tag from Vanidosa)

When I first got pregnant, almost 2 decades ago (OMG!)...naming my child was the least of my concern. I was too busy remembering mine before my father calls me something else haha...

Before I expose more than I have to, let's get to the point:

REX JORDAN - the history of my son ending up with this name was because my father did not get the approval of my mom and I for the first name he really wanted to give: Yuri Vladimir! That sounds so mean, unfriendly and yeltsin-like. So, NO.

That time, Michael Jordan was in the peak of his fame and my dad adored him. He asked me what I thought about it and I found it a lot nicer than Vladimir.--We continued thinking of first names that would match and then dad snapped his fingers and said, "Rex"?---Mom and I looked at each other and said, finally, a name deserving of the child.

ALYANNA MONIQUE - my daughter's name was given by me. Of course, approved by her dad. I had her name in my mind since my first was born. I said that if I get a girl one day, she will be named"alyanna". A decade after, my wish came true.

Her second name was given by Rex. We couldn't decide between dominique or monique, but the choice of the king was the latter. We all liked the italian-french twist in it.

KEANU SEAN - it didn't take long to think about the little one's name. I guess we weren't that fickle anymore. Plus, knowing that we will have a boy, I gave A the honor. As long as it sounded good and wouldn't be mispronounced too often, I was fine with it.

Had Keanu become a girl, I would've named her: Kiara Estelle. (hm, perhaps the next?) haha

Betting The Bet

Selections only come once in a lifetime, but when they do, it's mind boggling!

Just as I was in the prelude of what I could call "something"--- another pops up and I once again have to chew the cud.

I'm a "jack-lyn of all trades", I believe that everything can be learned as long as you're willing to. That not all things can be taught lest you are IN it.

Weigh girl, weigh. The cards are now open for your bet. All you have to do is choose the right one that will let you play further...

Not for the weak of heart...

Dim the lights, turn up the volume and close your eyes...some of you might be in for a sentimental ride...

Splendid Moments

We usually think that we are in control of our days. Of what will happen and should happen...yes, perhaps partly true. But then there are moments wherein we just lose control and we realize that we are not really on top of all things. We get tired and frustrated, we make mistakes.---we're all not strangers to these realities.

You are just nearing the peak and about to give up, then you are given these words:

"Lord, grant me the light this day in the unseen realm to see how your strength is greater than any foe that threatens to assail me. Open my eyes, Lord! Remind me of your awesome power and unlimited resources, and then let me take courage because you are fighting for me!"

Read between the lines...there is nothing to worry about.

About Work

Almost two weeks have passed since I began work and so far, it has been an enjoyable experience. Hours breeze through without a moment of yawning---rooms are never emptied and the phones don't tire from ringing. Appointments, ledgers, labs, account books and "toothaches"---my day in a dental clinic.

Receptionist, front desk officer, customer relations--title it as you please...one thing's for sure, without management skills, you're better off sitting at home watching HBO accompanied by chips.

I am one who used to look down, no, let's rephrase that,---who thinks these positions are an easy task. Not requiring much ability besides smiling and greeting. Perhaps it is in other businesses but not in the medical/dental areas---here, the demands are high. The responsibilities are tedious. A mistake and lack of information can be fatal. Multitasking is synonymous to the life and success of the clinic's day. Efficiency and quick thinking when unpredictable situations arise are a necessity.

We have 2 branches at the moment and a 3rd one is on the works. Located at the famous shopping places like Suntec City and Orchard Road, public transportation isn't a problem. A cab ride from Suntec would bring me home in less than ten minutes; whereas from Orchard, I prefer taking the reliable subway.

I've been based in both branches to get to know the dentists and their patients. Have learned a few things and terminologies in this field, too. I find it hard to believe that an old dog can still be taught new tricks. I thought maturity makes ones mind rusty ;-)

Between The Lines

If distance they say is a way to get closer,
why do I feel that it makes us farther apart?
If distance they say will make the heart long,
why do I know that it is there that I belong?

Absence speak louder than presence
It is a fact that is felt as days pass---
Longed for are the times of possible encounters
Thankful for the brief moments of togetherness.

To think how far and away you are brings frustration
I am not victorious when it comes to waiting,
Time is of the essence as we live in this world
I have waited long enough and hurdled.

The sun sets and rises with you in my thoughts
following the rhythm of the day as it beats--
Nothing has changed since the first time,
Nothing will change if only you were mine.

It's no revelation

Too many things have been happening so writing daily adventures has taken a back seat. Standing in shaking ground and finding a balance seem an impossible task but in the end, acceptable.

If you were in such shoes, you would understand what is being revealed. Luckily, you're spared.

Singapore has been wet the past days. Before sunrise thunderstorms frequent the city and lazy was the day's word. Sleep. Rest. Relax. Let go....Live life the way it should be.

Another one of life's teaching. Neither age nor maturity can guarantee preparedness to what lies ahead. Trying to cope with a set-up never understood and probably never will is the hardest but as it is required for the good of all---it is done.

These thoughts are of me and for me...many might not understand what I mean but a handful will.

Touring KL

Although seeing a city in two days isn't really the best way, I have managed to see little bits and pieces of KL's touristic places. Either from the comfort of a cab and the detailed descriptions of the drivers or under the heat of the sun, --I took every opportunity that I had.

Seeing the city of KL is like going through a time warp. Modern skyscrapers stand side-by-side to old-fashion shop houses or nouvelle cuisine to hawker stalls. To fanatical shoppers, KL is wonderland. From designer shops and brands to the made-in-Malaysia items, the competition between merchants are a blessing in disguise to consumers.

During my visit, I had two attempts to see the Petronas Towers but twice I failed. The amateur lone tourist in me wasn't wise enough to ask the visiting hours before going. I did, however, get to pass by "The Istana Negara", the King's Palace and take some photos 'outside'. From there, I checked out the Lake Gardens. Made a walk through the park until I reached the Hibiscus garden (a small terraced garden which provides a colorful panorama of countless varieties of this flower)

Touring alone was a new experience but I actually find it quite enjoyable. My pace, my time, my choice of place =)

Odd times

Just as I was trying to re-start my life in the E-world...my laptop crashed.

Just as I was beginning to get used to communicating...I lost contact.

Something was brewing but somehow was stopped...

Fate intervenes in the very moment you think you're beginning.

I will not say no more.

Visiting KL

I am preparing for my trip to KL (Malaysia)---meeting a friend.

That's the advantage of being in Asia---travel is cheaper and I'm less afraid to go around alone. I couldn't picture myself travelling solo when I was living in Germany. Had it not for the fear of missing good company and food, I wouldn't even dare drive to my friends' place which was just 45 minutes away.

But not anymore...

I have a list of to do's and to go to's (if not, even have a glimpse of) To tour by myself would be a new experience but it has to be done.

A usually flies to Malaysia and so we'll be going together. My friend will be staying at the Shangrila, and us, at the Hilton KL

Business and pleasure...literally ;-)

Shadows of a Glimpse

The darkness of the night could not conceal the radiance of the heart,
The years of absence has been broken by the amorous stare
Every word uttered is a journey through time---
A glimpse of the imaginable is shared in the deafening silence.

The yearning clashes the reality of distance and uncertainty
The confidence, the grace, the contentment within,
Knowing what to want yet not to despair when expectations fall short
Living life to its fullest but not questioning its incertitude.

A gentle voice, soothing and affectionate--
Comforting to a passion dismayed and unsettled
The openness and honesty is whole-heartedly offered
Giving assurance that trust is not just a feeling but more than just a word.

Doubting the inevitable truth is more hurtful than a shattered heart
The power of presence is felt through untouchable yet tangible memories...
It is then that you discover what lies within the past
Giving a cold glimpse of what could have been...

A new beginning

17 Christmas Eves ago, I laid in bed cradling you in my arms. You were 10 days old---last year, you were cradling your girlfriend.

I am witness to how you have grown to become a loving and sweet young man. No one would ever believe that you could be one, given the macho image you've always shown and have built so hard. But it takes a sweet girl like 'T' to bend you and for that, I am proud of you. You have learned that loving someone doesn't require commanding but showing it and caring for her is more important. I continue to silently watch the two of you...

She is a very sweet girl. Full of dreams and aspirations. Graceful yet not flirtatious. She knows what she likes to be and works on getting it. I feel good that you complement each other in the simplest of ways. Her family accepts you almost as they would accept their own son. You are now in "the circle of trust"--it has been given openly and I hope you'd take care of it. This is your beginning and I can only wish that it goes a long way.

I thought of Mom

It was February 25, 2007 when my mom finally won over cancer. It was the day she said goodbye...

Despite having a heavy heart, passing smiles helped me get through that day. Everyone walked---if it is to console, to relax or just be---it was to be remembered.

As the children sat on a huge log and the others made a pause to quench their thirst, I looked up and made this photo. It was just a matter of seconds before the feeling of tranquility left me and I was glad to have felt it. It was mom. She lived life to the best and fullest of her ability.

Though Mom's departure was too soon, it did not come untimely. She used the borrowed time given to her to teach, give and show love in a special way. The strength, the will and the faith she had are inspirations to many--most of all to me and my family.

I am who I am because she continued to believe in me no matter what others say.

I will miss Mommy. Our talks, our discussions, our fights...everything that spiced-up our relationship. But one thing stays, I am her daughter and in me, she lives.

I love you Mommy Ganda...you gave justice to that title.

Let there be LIFE...

The sabbatical is over...Who would've thought that storms that seem to go on forever don't end?

Experiences---might they be good or bad are part of life.

There will be many sunsets and sunrises while we live...it's how we'll live our day that counts.

"Contentment is the key to happiness..."