Summer Break 2010

I'm still on vacation mode after 10 days in Thailand. A and I enjoyed playing cards, dice and charade games with the kids. Days were either spent lazing by the pool or motorbiking around the island. Unfortunately the beach was sand flies territory so no sandcastles this time. There was a 1-hour thunderstorm when we arrived and we got the chance to walk in the (quite) middle part of the ocean which the general manager said doesn't happen often there. The staff was super friendly, food was delicious, rooms had great ambiance and the spa *sigh*...every reason to stay.

Going back to the insy-winsy island was not a welcomed thought for all of us but we had to. Motivation being our dogs Jake and Jessie.

Nesting

After years of traveling and living in 3 continents, renting and moving from one residence to another is getting tiresome. Add to that the ever increasing rental prices in the island state where we are now; thoughts of "should haves" do drift along whenever such topic comes up but I can't dwell on that can I?---and it's not too late.

Now, after my little thought adventure of accomplishing something, 'A' kinda read my mind and out of nowhere, the interest to do so seem to be a bubble thought. Calling for some form of sacrifice didn't seem to bother him.

I for one declared that I don't want to stay here forever but even if we don't plan to, it doesn't mean I'm willing to throw away what we can save while still here. The fact that this is our residence now and no one knows where we will be in the next 3-5-7 years; gotta be smarter. Something age makes a person in time obviously.

I'd rather rent a smaller, simpler place for 2 years, save money and then purchase a home here or somewhere and pay for something that's becoming OURS.

We're Lovin It!

Crisscrossing of arms, handing table napkins, utensils, ketchups and whatchamacallits. Typical yet elegant moves of parents in fast food places like McDonalds, Kentucky or Pizza Hut.

Yesterday was that classic day of being acrobatic parents. The rainy morning was much too relaxing that the whole gang decided to visit Ronald. When we got there, I was surprised to see how many families were actually as relaxed *cough* (lazy) as we were.

Orchard was pleasantly empty and the rainy weather has somehow delayed the arrival of the crowd which made the family stroll more relaxing. The kids played tag as we walked and I didn't worry they'd hit a passerby in the usually crowded street.

Breaks without breaking

Two weeks more and we'll be off to Krabi. I, A and most of all, the kids cannot wait! Not that they're not having fun while waiting but a beach break has always been something special.

The long, deep sleeps only vacations can perfectly offer. Breakfast buffets, board and card games by the pool, frozen fruits on a stick offered genuinely with a smile, numerous massage hours, snorkeling, sand castles, beach beach beach....

Best of all? After the flights and accommodations were paid...we still have enough to cover the rest without touching a cent more. Woohoo!

those pondering moments

Having a job nowadays is a treasure for many people and I'm thankful for having one that understands the demands of being a parent and pays nicely without draining my being.

However, sometimes it comes to me that I want to quit; a thought that's very strong specially during my children's school breaks. Of course we go somewhere for a 2-week beach vacation but the guilt of not having 24 hours with them sinks in mostly when I remember the time I had FOR them when we were in Germany---even our dear dog, Jake had my full attention back then.

Again, that was then. Our helper has taken over the house maintenance and has given me the freedom to do something else for myself. I'm in the present and this is where and what I should live in (for now); not the past that I also have had the chance to enjoy. I have to think differently. That I'm not really losing my time with the family, it's just that I have something in the past to compare it with hence this feeling.

Making the best of every time we're together is key and that is what I should ponder on more.

FIFA Fever

We've been consistently going to Harry's Bar to watch the 10pm matches and my addiction for a good soccer game is getting more and more. After years of trying to understand the "odd" rules, and frowning at the best of "no real" pain actors, I find myself screaming and booing at heart-stopping attempts and bad calls.

Last night was one of them. I painted the German flag on my chest, my children's cheeks and my helper's arm before we went to Paulaner Brauhaus to share the excitement with other fanatics and enjoy a "healthy" portion of pork knuckle and sauerkraut.

Soon as the game began, the loud noises of casual chitchat was gone and the room was filled with cheers, claps and hoots! 93 minutes of adrenalin rush was all worth it because Germany I would say, played very, very well this time. Excellent team play!

This Saturday, July 3rd is yet another heart pounder. Germany vs Argentina. I'm rooting for good, old, cold Germany of course, but Argentina's no easy contender.

I keep coming back to Manila

Five days in Manila seemed short but my siblings and I made the most out of it, as always. Well planned places to go to and last minute changes all made the vacation typical of "US". In the midst of that full schedule, I was able to meet with good friends and have sinful hours of sweets at Cafe Breton.

I was shopping for Tees and pants and even kiddie schoolbags-cum-luggages like crazy because the price was so low and my suitcase was empty because I arrived with it full of "pasalubongs and padalas" an excuse to fill it up.

We went to Tagaytay Highlands and stayed there for 3 days. Swimming, eating, chit-chatting and simply catching-up with each others lives. My sister who is pregnant with twins, being the youngest of the Francisco girls, got all the tips and advices about this and thats. I got the chance to give some sermon-therapy sessions to my 4th sister who really needs to do some mild but serious exercising.

Til the next trip! Woohoo!

Another Thai Break

After some thinking and calculating, we have decided to go on a summer holiday working with a budget but without sacrificing the quality. I've always believed that it doesn't have to break the bank to be good. So, I scoured the net and A did some queries as well. After a week or two, we had a good list of choices and we checked them all out.

Some places were really nice but the price was too much. I guess if it's just the 2 of us, we'd go for the usual 3 days/2 nights offer but a family break is usually more than a week with the kids having their own room, so that would require deeper digging. Then we have to consider eating out and some recreation activities...these little things are the unknown budget danger so that has to be addressed right from the beginning. This time I'm not bending the bank---Not when the more important trip is 6 months from now.

We decided to inquire at Anantara and after a few email exchanges, they offered us a very nice package which we immediately grabbed before the wind changes their minds. So Krabi it is.

Happy Heart's Day

It's the last day of this long Chinese New Year weekend and I have to say it's probably one of the days I really enjoy being here---IT'S empty! Feels like 50% of the population has left and I could see it in the streets. Trust me, it's wonderful when most of them are NOT around.

On the morning of heart's day, we decided to have a biking tour with the kids and thankfully (due to the CNY) I didn't have to be on super guard mode for traffic. The cars had enough space to not squeeze the bikers to be on the canals and you don't have to play chicken with them in the zebra crossings! We biked for 2 hours and Keanu did a great job catching-up with us with his very basic bike. Though we tried to choose the roads with the least uphill direction, we can't really avoid it but he really worked those leg muscles! Alyanna was on her imaginary horse Trekker, aka Bike brand Trek, and that sure was her motivation to keep on going. Me? well, I huffed, puffed and panted but I made it to the top every time.

In the evening, A and I went out for dinner to celebrate Valentine's Day---well, we eat out for non-themed days anyway but given the extra ooomph most restaurants do for the occasion, why not? We went to the The Lighthouse and had their 5-course valentine menu which was delicious---enough for me to eat DEER meat. With its cozy ambiance and waterfront skyline, it was a charming idea.

I gave A a simple present for the occasion's corny romanticism *blush-blush* and he gave me mine which I could've opened next week for our big day but my impatience got the best of me of course.

The Day @ NANAS

The weekend at NANAS was a success! My children were amazed and all smiles at the sight of so many different yet friendly dogs. It was an unforgettable experience. A rottweiler mix welcomed us and his size was intimidating but I cuddled him as if he was a shih tzu.

The number of dogs by the hundreds wasn't felt because of the space they had to run around freely. Each group had a corner and they respected one's territory. How I wish people could be the same...

A dachshund named Billy Jean found Keanu fascinating. He never left his side and walked and played with him the whole time. A GERMAN sheperd found A,--why am I not surprised? haha

Max, the rottweiler and I bonded but A doesn't trust the breed and was wary of him. Alyanna's animal connection was all over..she was overwhelmed by their number and couldn't focus on any one of them. Instead, she took lots and lots of photos and enjoyed every single moment.

On the way home, she told me, "Mom, this is one of my best days ever!"

We are going on a Summer Holiday

It's the children's summer vacation soon and the annual trips are planned.

First stop will be Manila of course. My youngest sister is tying the knot and I have to be there to make sure it's tight (baka mali ang buhol haha) It will be a short visit as I have to get back to work before taking off for 2 weeks.

Being more environmental as our kids grow bigger, we decided to go to Chiang Mai, Thailand and visit the Elephant Nature Park there. We'll spend a night in a hut and the comfort of our mosquito nets. I haven't told my kids yet or they won't stop asking me when when when are we leaving. I'd rather they don't look forward too much ahead so they don't forget to enjoy and appreciate "today."

Our connecting flights were pretty tricky to arrange but when there's a will there's a way, ey? Singapore-Bangkok-ChiangMai-Kuala Lumpur-Langkawi-Singapore. Thanks to the budget airlines and we didn't have to pay a fortune! After the 4 days in Thailand, we'll be flying to Langkawi and staying 10 days there. I found a 4-star resort with not so painful rates and gives me the peace of mind that my kids can still continue schooling after vacationing and also satisfying the hubs' standard (I think) ;-p

Am so much looking forward to getting away from city life. It really gets boring with just shoppers and malls around.

Life outside the bubble please?

The Birthday Man & his Mini Me

Dinner at Paulaner Brauhaus with friends, followed by drinks, cheese and lots of talking at home.--we were totally full!

Father's Day was simple. Brunching on Nutella bread and salamis then off to the movies we went to watch Land of the Lost---no thinking required for once but just shallowness and laughter. The boys continued some extra bonding after the movie and me and Alyanna also had girlie time meeting with "Sushi and Shopping."

We closed the weekend with National Treasure and 10,000 BC.

Hmm, typical Men Movies? teehee

Mother's Day in our Home

The night before Mother's Day, my daughter strictly told me to sleep long and only come down when they say so. Of course, why should I oppose the extra hours given?     It was almost 10am when Keanu came and woke me and A up. he was trying his best to whisper the 'plan' and in fairness, I tried my best not to listen. Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise right?

Almost an hour later, a nicely set table (by my dear daughter), fresh bread, roses, cards and little labors of love were nice visual appetizers to come down to.

My daughter made me a nice card and in it was her little thoughtful present--10 Sg dollars. haha She figured I'd buy myself 4 packs of chocnut with it. Tweetums.  Keanu made butterfly fridge magnets and asked A to help him get me a gift since he knew he needed dad to pay for his thoughtful thought.     Rex was still in oblivion coz he had a sleepover and that said, day was night for them so I only saw him over dinner. These young adults.

Me, A and the 2 kids decided to go to the Zoo for the afternoon, and as a closure to a supposedly relaxed day, I booked myself an hour of foot massage before my last battle called Sunday cooking   :-)   

Hope everyone had a good one too...

Thailand hangover

Click on the Mosaic!

Am so looking forward to the weekend. After our Thailand trip last week and our daily never-ending adventures there; all of a sudden I just wanted to STAY home. Another sign of aging I guess haha Add to that the visit from the flu virus for some days and voila, home is the best place to be.

I've been a SAHM (stay at home mom) when the kids were little, not that they're big already and I enjoyed it. Heck I even told myself and others that I would not work and stay the same MomMe that I was in Germany. But, things don't always work the way we want it to and in my case, work, besides family and friends became a sanity saviour when times were rough. Hmm, what's the connection of this part to...

Aaanyway, Thailand was great. The kids being big now are able to enjoy certain adventures with us. Alyanna rode and drove the ATV (with just some slight assistance from a guide), Keanu was able to ride elephants without me panicking that he'd tumble, and Rex had his first motorbike youthful accident--some scratches to chat with friends about. We all went to Patong too, you know, Thailand's red light area. It's not as brutal as I thought. When I saw Alyanna with a questioning look, realistic, compassionate and eye-opening explanations were quickly given. I don't want the kids to think that life IS perfect. (I know what too much shielding does to an individual and my kids have to be stronger)

The food was great! We had the authentic Thai buffet dinner on our first night and it left us with tummies only our mothers could love. I loved the food so much that I'm actually looking around for Thai cooking classes. Yum!

Meet Anna by the way, the resort's gentle, gentle giant.

to sandy area we go

The kids' spring break has arrived and with this economic downturn, having vacations require more than second and third thoughts. Devising a good break from reality requires moolah of which I don't enjoy abusing but at the same time, living to just work isn't right either.  Am sure there's something in between...

Alone? I can do with a budget getaway. But if the family has a certain criteria then I'd have to do better than the simple ones I have in mind without bleeding the pocket. Luckily, Asia offers alot of options and budget airlines are also there to lighten the weight a bit.

So, after gathering tips, repeated calculations and considerations, we decided to go here. The travel agency gave me a good deal for 5 people for almost a week's stay so I hope I did well like last summer.  

The rates would have been better if all of us would be in one room but peace has a price. I want to spend time with them and their enjoyment counts the most but I would also like to take advantage of  my self-proclaimed me time. 

Pirates of the Andaman

Besides lazing under the sun, reading a book, swimming and all those usual to do's in the beach, Treasure Hunting is definitely a MUST. When A and A took the role of treasure keepers, they made sure that we get to do a real hunt.

I was designated navigator to Captain Keanu but turned out that I was better off as Mommy---having no sense of direction, I didn't really make it easier for the little pirate. They say "Women can't read maps?"---yeah, I'm learning.

But, despite the lack of navigational skills, we succeeded. The treasure was found. 

It was an enjoyable activity for everyone and perhaps next time, I should do the keeping :-)

A piece of peace

The past days were a line-up of "to do's" from school, work and vacation plans. It was mostly overwhelming but blowing-up wouldn't do neither me nor anyone else any good. The best way was to prioritize and move forward to reach your goal. Everything gets settled anyway.....why waste energy?

Rex successfully finished the projects expected from him and he was able to join us. Work had its issues but I'd like to think that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Vacation plans have been started, and given enough time to prepare,--schedules will be locked and agreed upon in no time.

There are still minor issues to be finalized that keep me on my feet. However, it is good to be reminded that being on a holiday break means to enjoy! Thanks to G. P.

The long wait is over. The kids and I are in Manila. It's time to relax...

(photo lifted from boracay.com website)

Carpe Diem II

19th January, Saturday:---The day started with Keanu's cuddling demands. (him = squeezing himself in the midst of giants ha ha) He was up early and couldn't wait to start the day. I begged him for some more sleep but in vain. He was ready to go and hit the pool! Of course, nothing is to be done lest after a big hearty breakfast. And just as every resort will have---buffet!

The children had a blast munching this and thats, overfed the fishes and explored the grounds. A had earlier told them that they should leave us in peace for breakfast even for awhile because mommies and daddies need some break too. I sooo agree!

Before noon, we dropped the kids at the kids club for their T-shirt making hour. I and A went on an ATV (all terrain vehicle) tour of the "jungle" as they would call it there, more on coconut plantation for me.---After a 5-minute briefing, we were given our pulis pangkalawakan (space police) gears and we were ready to go! Birma, our guide, had me circling the track twice just to make sure I'm up for the hour and a half drive in MY dress! Yes, I was wearing one thinking that we'll JUST have breakfast.

In the beginning, I was too cautious driving, following our guide, Birma and ducking from hitting branches and overgrown bushes. But when I got the hang of it, twas like riding a bike and I started to enjoy the little adventure.

As we went further, Birma kept on letting us pass the harder trail. He seemed to enjoy my screeching every time I drove over mud, puddles and thin bridges. A was behind me speeding up every now and then daring me to drive faster which I refused to do in unknown grounds.

Finally, we exited the plantation and was welcomed by an empty beach. Birma, waved to A and I, with a smile that says, "it's all yours!" A looked at me and grinned, and off he went. I felt braver and took on the challenge and followed him. It was goooood! We were like little kids driving in circles for awhile. We stopped for some chat with Birma and a little walk then off we went to a little hut for some coco juice before we headed back to the resort to get the kids.

The next day, we all just took the time to relax more and lazed by the pool.

It was a wonderful time in Bintan, Indonesia. A good pause. Sometimes, you just don't want to go back to the real world where reality bites. The End.