Happy 39th Dear Me

My birthday month has passed but it didn't pass unnoticed. It began with our family's school break vacation and ended with a beautiful beginning to my 39th year. Family and friends from all over the world, thanks to technology, made it all the more special.

Material presents were thoughtful thoughts and appreciated but the ones that really mattered were the ones that money can't buy ---The Genuine Love and Good Wishes That were sent My Way. I'm sure had my parents been alive to see me now, they'd be proud of the strong person I have become.

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.

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.

Plans, plans, plans

If there's one thing in planing a trip (or trips) that I didn't expect--it's losing the excitement. Call it weird but yes, it can happen. It's only February and I have dates blocked until mid-July!

I'm still overwhelmed with the after shock of the Christmas/New Year holiday preparations and celebrations and now I find myself hunting for nicely priced airfares to Germany FOR Christmas 2010 and the year JUST started!!! oh well, planning way way ahead is considered a norm, if not a safety precaution to have a place to stay in in this case.

The trip to Beijing has been postponed for another time. I'm getting burned out with organizing and looking forward to this and that that I'm ending up NOT excited anymore and yet another suggestion of a short getaway is brewing. Add to that is organizing our helper's trip which again tickles my pet peeve---disorganized, bureaucratic PAPERWORK!

Last but not least, $$$. Knowing this year end's family vacation won't be cheap, my ant character is quickly taking over because though vacation is part of our lifestyle, I'm very much aware that we have a reality to live in a.k.a. Kids, School, House, Food and and and

Thank goodness my better half got the message and took control of planning an alternative and not so pricey dozenth year with the request that I should trust him with it.

So, trust it is.

Weihnachtszeit, Christmas Time

DIY Advents Kranz

DIY Advents Kalendar

DIY Oriental Xmas Decor

THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN!

Power POOF Girl

Being the eldest of 6 children, I'm accustomed to celebrating birthday parties. I grew-up seeing my mom prepare food as if the whole neighborhood's invited, organize games for at least 30 kids, pack loot bags like it's Christmas and redecorate the garage and garden like there's a fiesta. Regardless if she had to do it alone or with helpers, it was the norm. That said, I should be a pro by now with birthday bashes (specially if there are less than 20 kids around).

Yeah right...

Though Germany kept those abilities in check for some years, after moving to this island, the curse of dependence slowly over powered those skills I grew up with. The last time I prepared food and did some entertaining on my own was on 2007---Keanu's swimming party. Then last year, I succumbed to comfort and opted for one of the gazillion party packages offered. Am I ageing too fast to be that unenergetic to entertain 5 year olds?!

Work with Perks

Nowadays, I consider myself quite lucky to not only have a job but also have a working environment where I look forward to go to. Busy yet relaxed. No typical, stiff uniforms are required. Lunch meetings with the boss is not a breath stopping experience and having a chauffer driven Jaguar for the simplest of office tasks is something really not to complain about.

Also, I get the chance to attend certain opening nights of theatre plays that are quite "interesting"---given the sensitive topics exagerratedly addressed but have to be humorously taken in.

The one we attended a month ago (see photo with hubby, my friend and bro-in-law) was a small theatre play compared to the upcoming one this November; and given that I like the bravery of this particular production---I won't miss it for the world.

(disclosure: photo from ExpatLiving Magazine, Aug. 2009 issue)

My Happy Birthday

After years and years of birthday parties and the usual gatherings, this year's 38th was celebrated differently. We had a beautiful weekend in Hong Kong and Macau where we met with my sister Jurist and my BIL Art for a just adults getaway-cum-birthday blowout.

Upon arriving HK around noon, we headed to Causeway Bay and decided to have a bite at California Pizza Kitchen in the frustration that we didn't know a better place and we were starved. My fear of flying activates my tummy acids which efficiently digests airplane food. So...

I was content with the birthday trip gift and wasn't expecting for more but I found A's offer to pay patronage to the Esprit, Mango and Zara shops hard to decline so I happily obliged for the "necessities".

I rarely buy branded stuff that aren't having the red tag on it coz fashion changes too fast nowadays---but that day, I told myself I should indulge. I challenged myself by NOT looking at the prices, however, my frugal and practical side over-powered me and I found myself in their SALE sections. Whew!

For dinner, I was craving for steak so my sister booked a place HERE and it was so worth it! The next day, we were off to Macau with the hopes that birthday luck would surround me in the casinos ;-) Before all the gambling and touring, we tried out the Portuguese restaurant Art's Dad recommended and we were wise to have done so. Food was excellent!

Tummies and wallets still full, we headed to Sands Casino. Soon as we entered, the feel of Vegas was immediately obvious given the gigantic chandelier in the middle of the place and the exagerrated blinking lights and gold tinted railings. We warmed-up there for an hour before heading to The Venetian Macau-Resort Hotel. I was transported to Europe in a blink of an eye. Seeing Plaza San Marco and it's skies was a sight! They had gondolas with singing gondoliers (just like in real Venice!)

We didn't really have lady luck with us but I brought in some cash back so playing wasn't all in vain :-) Dinner was at a Filipino owned Italian restaurant back in HK and before midnight struck, we had a nice drink at the MO bar at The Landmark, Mandarin Oriental. A good close to a day but a nice beginning to another year.

These are all nice things to thank for but most of all, I'm thankful for the immaterial blessings...Thank YOU.

Our 1st Grader

Our youngest became an official school boy last week. I wasn't sure if the Swiss practiced certain first day traditions as the Germans do---like filling up a Schultute (School Cone) with school goodies and some sweets and gifts but I saw to it that he'd have one to bring to school.

He was excited and nervous at the same time. A feeling of insecurity was obvious in his face knowing that his German isn't as fluent as the others but A and I were there to assure him that all will be fine. Yes, he understands quite well but speaking is still something to learn and in time I'm sure it'll be just a piece of cake :-)

He's the youngest in the class. In fact a year behind because most of his classmates were born on 2002. It was the timing of his entry in the Swiss school that was kind of an issue in the beginning since he was coming from a local kindergarten (who have started learning) and would be a bit advanced compared to the kindergarten kids in the Swiss school who were just more on playing. We had an agreement with the Principal that he'll be observed if he can be promoted to Grade One--and well, here he is!

We're off to a new phase for him and we'll see how he progresses. One thing's clear--we're on full support.

Flying July

The weeks seemed to have glided and here I am cramming myself to update this blog-cum-reference of my past in the future. My lack of the usual detailed narration is evidendce to the busy agenda that passed and still is yet to happen. Thank goodness for digital photography which bear witness to beautiful memories.

July is almost over but there are still upcoming trips to archive. For now, click on each album and let the photos tell the story...Riders Lodge CSA89 mini-reunion Francisco-Kabiling Wedding I Francisco-Kabiling Wedding II

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...

Procrastination @ its best

There are not enough hours in a day at the moment to fit in what I've been planning to do and have been wanting to write. House, family, work, friends, even pets...there's always something brewing so this is the result---a collection of 'have beens'.

Come Feb 21 we marked our 11th year. The day was for the kids, the night was ours. It was the same day of the Swiss school's family day too but on the last minute, we decided not to go because the clouds were signalling bad weather. True enough, it rained bad around noon. The rest of the day was spent lazing at home and  by 7 pm, A and I took the night-off. We went to Senso Ristorante & Bar and had a wonderful meal with the sommelier's recommended red wine. Before that, we passed by the mall and picked-up a nice pair of white gold earrings with smoked Quartz stones. I wasn't expecting anything given the flow of expenses.

Feb 22 was the Swiss Club's Mardi Gras event. The children opted to go for the military look. We met with some friends and enjoyed the sinful buffet, games and magic shows. A had to fly to Hong Kong so he left after 2 hours while I ran around with the kids to finish the obstacle games. Though it was an action-packed event, I got lucky and ended it having a Malaysian massage recommended by the driver of my boss.   It was great! She nailed every single strained muscle I had. 

Feb 28 was Alyanna's school spiel at the SwissHotel. They have been practising the Mama Mia hits for weeks. 

It's the second week of March and I feel like rushing myself on writing the next ones before the past takes the best of my memory :-)

1st Vorschule Tag (Preschool Day) @ the Swiss School

   

Monday, Feb 9, was Keanu’s first day in Vorschule at the Swiss School and it was a busy and exciting day for all of us. Not that this is his first day to go to preschool or so, but it felt more official. I guess the one he was in before gave me more the impression of a childcare. He was looking forward to the big day and Alyanna was feeling up and about as well to have her little brother in the same school and telling him to not be shy to speak German. (Keanu understands but doesn’t speak it fluently yet. It’ll come for sure).

Of course, we were all awake at 6:30 to start the day’s routine and equally excited for the little one. Rex, was up to give us some photo time and wish Keanu a good day. Jake, yaya and my sister were watching as the whole house woke-up to this other chapter of ours.

Being the first day, we knew Keanu was fighting the ‘nervous itch’ he was having about the language barrier he might encounter with the kids. Thankfully, a little bit of assurance from everyone was enough to cover it. The teacher, Frau (Mrs.) Ackermann was very accommodating and her assistants too. They had two more students having Canadian and Indonesian moms who also spoke English at home most of the time and just now being introduced to German,---so they knew how to read Keanu’s blank look when he doesn’t understand something.

As a welcome, the children sang a song for Keanu and shook his hand and then proceeded to introduce themselves and played games. We looked from outside and though I felt a twinge of sadness that my bunso (youngest) is slowly growing up and out of his bed but my happiness watching him enjoy prevails over that.

Just as the children welcomed Keanu, the ‘classmum’ arranged a nice get-to-know dinner for me as well and we're now planning to go watch a theatre show.

Never too late

I have a lot of catching-up to do--- but as unpredictable and full daily schedules can be, I fall short of my own resolution to be more consistent with writing. House hunting, work, Doctor appointments, being weekend entertainer for the kids with A ladidadida...

Ha! I'm trying to find an excuse for lack of diligence to write...tsk tsk tsk

It's NEW Year my dear, IT'S NEW YEAR...

An adventurous 2009 lies ahead...good luck!

MALIGAYANG PASKO SA INYONG LAHAT!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

FROEHLICHE WEIHNACHTEN!

---HAVE A GOOD ONE!---

Simply Heart Fattening

We were having a break at the playground of McDonalds from our daily bike rides @ the East Coast Park when a woman approached my kids and asked for my permission to ask them some questions. After the kids agreed, I watched from afar for it was supposedly a surprise.

I could see Alyanna was shy but liked having her answers written down. Keanu had no qualms. He'll answer in his simplest way.

I know Mother's Day is over but let me share this site with all of you so you can read the simple words that make my being a Mom all the more worthwhile.

Mini ME

Hmm, if I can convince my boys to grow their hair, perhaps they'd look like me too(?) ha ha dream on momma

to all the MOMS and MOMS TO BE---

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

On the Catwalk

What started out to be a fun offer for our youngest son, turned out to be an offer to all three of them. Twas a good experience for all.

What can I say?-----I'm one Proud Momma!

The Dawning of 2008!

Though 2007 seemed to just have slipped away with various life challenges for myself and everyone around me,---it has strengthened me in its oddest way.

What lies ahead is unforeseen. I'm not saying I'm ready for it but I will face it step-by-step and MY WAY.

The skies aren't that blue yet but I've gone this far...