Great Sacrifices

I'm touched...

One Bike Day

Biking around our area towards the East Coast Park have become a bonding time for me and the little ones. The times between 5 to 7pm are always looked forward to. My youngest, sitting behind on his little chair and my daughter leading are silently treasured. We share our little observations and shallow jokes to each other and have a laugh.

On the way, we saw huge houses. Some of them quite old and a bit rundown. Sometimes too rundown that my little one would loudly say, "Mommy, is that house haunted?"---at which point the Indian resident of the house would be outside sweeping fallen leaves. My face heats up in embarrassment and I pedal faster to escape. My daughter will then be instructing him to next time just say, "schrecklich" (in German means, horrible) so no one would understand.-----hm, looks like I'm not educating them properly ha ha

*boink*

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!!!

Home Work

Being mom and home manager is a lot easier here in Asia. You have your trusted helper (yaya) to assist you, in most cases, delegate the housework to. Life, in this case, IS a box of chocolates ;-)

But as we all know, life ain't always easy. Our helper is going on her annual leave for three weeks to be with her family, specially her two children. She has not seen them for two years and as a mom, I know how it is to be away from them. She only asked for two weeks (being the usual leave time) but what the heck! What harm would another week do to my household?

I grew-up blessed with a family who could afford an easier life in the Philippines, where helpers can number up to three plus drivers and a gardener---but my mom made sure we had ample training for life to become an independent individual. Life out of Asia became my battlefield and believe me, all those training learned from home were all worth it. I came out a survivor.

Now, it's my children's turn and it began yesterday.....*evil grin*

Steak- ala-Tania

Yesterday, my son's girlfriend, Tania, cooked dinner for all of us. Her 3-month school break has begun and she wanted to surprise Rex before she gets busy with her part-time job. Isn't that nice?

Dinner preparation began around 6:30. I asked our helper to assist but give her the freedom to use anything she needs. Trying to find utensils, pots and pans in a kitchen not your own can be very challenging.

As the cooking went on, I took the little ones for a bike ride and when we came back, we utilized the corners of our sofas for some reading time. I browsed thru magazines as the little ones played "Old Maid". Meanwhile, Rex was probably asked to stay up in his room until dinner was served.

After almost two hours of cooking, we were surprised with a well presented plate of veggies and meat (beef rib eye, tenderloin and sirloin) topped with mushroom and oyster sauce---steaks to suit everyone's taste. Tasty. Tender. Juicy. Well done!

*A, came around after everyone had just finished and had his portion of good home cooking as well.*

On a Pause

It's been two weeks since I began the "pause" from work again. The first days being a full time manager of the household, kids and yourself once more took some adjusting moments but a lot better than full time control, stress and distrust. No need to elaborate. I refuse to trouble the (my) nerves.

As for now, I am enjoying having the ample time I have for everyone. My children, specially Keanu, loves waking up and having breakfast with me before he goes off to kindergarten. Alyanna comes home and I'm readily available to do homework with her. Time and weather permitting, we make a 2-hour bike ride to the East Coast Park and sometimes have some ice cream. I get to walk our dear dog Jake and enjoy some bonding time too. Oddly, I actually missed it. I used to walk him in Germany, sit on a mini hill behind our house and enjoy the peace. *sighs*

I have also been cooking lunch for everyone since 2 weeks. My eldest son and I have time to chat in the mornings until noon, mind you, and laugh on our shallow jokes. Lastly, my gym membership is once again in full use. I get to attend their classes in the mornings once more and also able to join my friend for some Pilates sessions.

Guess I have to redefine "unproductive when at home"...

The usual

What is so wrong with asking questions that men hate doing it? They would rather get lost and waste precious gas as they drive around in circles,--sometimes even getting farther and farther from the location they want to go to.

They cause delay in simple subway/train ticket machines because they DON'T ask. They end-up buying expensive stuff because they DON'T ask. They even pay for services beyond their budget because they DON'T ask?!

Men...

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!

Didn't burn the pockets

Went to Orchard this morning on a mission---to hunt for shoes and bags that are on sale today from Salvatore Ferragamo. Got-up early as planned just so we can beat the crowd of other SF fanatics and also managed to let my neighbor know about it, just in time for her to join our little shopping adventure.

It was almost half past ten when we arrived and the queue was getting long fast. There were people checking our entry passes, "as if the whole country didn't have the Isetan Privilege card?! " Oh, I stand corrected, my friend doesn't have it yet so we had to inform the checker that she's our guest. Though I actually think it really would not make any difference except that they wanted to make it look and feel "exclusive".

Finding at least two styles to my liking, the next challenge was to find my size. Most of the shoes were a size 6 or 7 which made me and my other friend quite disappointed. But, no point dwelling on what's not meant for us right? Instead, our attention turned onto the selection of chic neckties they had.

Minutes later, we were off to TCC for supposedly a coffee break, which smoothly transformed into another shopping adventure. I saw a couple of nice stuff but I declined the urge to buy now. My Philippine trip consisted of shopping as well, so.....let's say, next week ;-)

Pacman on NIKE

Truly Filipino! = )

In Manila

The thing I dislike about vacations is that they END.

Just as you're beginning to get used to lazing around doing nothing and freeing your thoughts, you suddenly find yourself planning meals, schedules and other to do's once more. Oh well...life *sighs*

The first day in Manila was filled with screams and surprises when none but one of my siblings knew that my eldest was coming as well. His closest cousin, Bryan, was really glad when he showed up over dinner. Reactions were priceless!

Being back 'home' didn't feel the same without my parents, most of all, my mom around. Greetings were a bit empty without mom's laughter and happiness and dinner lacked the homemade cooking.

But no point being sad...we're in for a nice time together. The beach vacation we've planned months ago was something to look forward to.

Stay tuned :-)

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)

File Attack

Piles of paper affect me greatly and tonight they shall vanish.

After tucking-in my kids to bed, I silently began rummaging through my drawers for anything worth filing. The three folders I bought from Carrefour yesterday are all ready for the load they're about to carry. I have armed myself with basic office supplies too: stapler, hole puncher, markers, file dividers. And being an OC like me, it's going to be a long night. Once I get going on work like this, it's hard to stop.

Looking at the amount of paper I have collected for sensible to senseless reasons, I know that after tonight, we won't be running around like headless chickens when in search of anything that I might have misplaced or forgotten about. Age? nah.....

Seeing red.....

You meet these types everyday. You pretend to not hear them. You pretend to not care. But for some forsaken reason, their abilities to infuriate others is way too transparent to ignore.

"Woman, I don't need unsolicited advice. I will not hesitate to ask when I need answers. Don't analyze without knowing how it feels. Don't judge my will---it's mine isn't it? Respect and let people (try to) live their lives-----and YOU, concentrate on yours."

There are better things to do than watching and waiting people fall.

As good as it gets

Have ignored my dear diary for more than 2 weeks now. It's not the lack of motivation to narrate some events in my life, rather the time to do so.

Have been working full days the past 2 weeks and just yesterday, started training a new colleague. The continuous flow of calls from friends to meet-up for coffee, swimming or movies are becoming strenuous so I have decided to just simply go home and enjoy the feeling of seeing the kids and just being there.

The past week was a visitor infested week. It was nice while it lasted but after they've all gone home,--tiredness got the best of me when mind and body realized that routine is back.

A Summary of my to do's:

- Prepare Alyanna's stuff for a week's school trip to Malaysia
- Look for a part-time helper for two weeks (March to April)
- Call Maid Agency regarding our helper's work permit
- Follow-up on booking to Boracay; additional room might be needed
- Check possible flights as well for A
- Make appointment with Vet
- Confirm Pet Hotel for Jake's boarding
- Start timing the Summer vacation of the kids
- Arrival of FIL end of March
- Possible trip to Angkor Wat
- Extend work leave or simply reduce stress--QUIT

On the Cover

Inspired by RHADAnella! On location: Thailand

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Feng Shui for the PIG in me

Alright, I'm not saying I believe in horoscopes, forecasts or whatever you want to call it but hey, won't hurt to read and have fun with it either. And to those who can't "understand" English, I have included the Chinese characters to ease your pain haha

事业变化多端的一年. A year with lots of changes in the career. - job, i have. career? what's that?

注意身体健康, 病从浅中医.
Beware of your health, cure it when it is not serious.
- as long as the cells behave themselves

要有诚心的对待事情, 不可过于吝啬.
Must be sincere in solving problems, cannot be too stingy.
- Er, which do I solve first?

投资须谨慎, 以免破财.
May have lost of wealth when not invested properly.
- First I have to find THE wealth to invest properly, ey?

小心意外事故, 要对家庭负责.
Be responsible to your family member, don't take risk.
- When was I not?! let me count the ways

(this forecast is from an email I've received)

Good Job Nanu!

Almost a year of listening to screaming children when fillings are done, I wasn't sure how my little one would fare. This is a second visit following his regular check and at 4 years old, he needed two done!

I couldn't believe it when our dentist told me that he had small holes on his teeth. A bit frustrating knowing I was strict when it came to their sweets intake and how thoroughly I brushed his teeth.

Anyway, to prepare him for the big day, I agreed with him on two different ways to show us if it's bearable or unbearable pain. They had to numb his gums a bit using a syringe, so that agreement was necessary.

As he entered the room, he confidently greeted the dentist and sat on the chair. He then gave me uneasy glances so I held his hand and said the usual mommy line ---"every thing's going to be just fine."

The dentist was really nice and easy with him. The casual and continuous talk keeps both the patient (AND) mother at ease. Yeah, I was hiding my nervousness so my son won't chicken out.---half an hour later, he was done. We were all proud of how brave and calm he acted despite his surely pounding little heart. He admitted he was scared but he knows that not covering the holes of his teeth will be more painful.

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.

Carpe Diem

"A bubbled thought. An impromptu invitation. An unexplainable response for very SPECIAL reasons. ---Tomorrow is not today."

Bintan, Indonesia, an island just an hour's ferry ride from Singapore is where locals and expatriates alike go and escape from the city. Resorts like Banyan, Angsana and ClubMed are just a few of the places you can enjoy relaxing in. This is my (our) second trip here. For the children, the first.

18th January, Friday:---Though the boat ride was just an hour, it turned out to be an unpleasant experience for Keanu. The winds and strong currents rocked our boat more than expected and seasickness finally took its toll. A couple of more minutes, I and the little one were locked-up in the washroom---for almost the whole span of the trip. I couldn't see what's going on and I couldn't care less then, but judging from the sounds they're making and the pounding on the door of our WC he he---IT was bad.

I pitied Keanu. He was pale and crying for dear Mom to help him. How frustrating it is to not be able to stop that lousy feeling. The best I could do was hold him and tell him everything's going to be fine.

Alyanna was with A, both wondering if we had plans of reserving the lavatory next time. A told me that 30 per cent of the passengers were using bags which the crew distributed in the middle of the journey. As for Alyanna?---Mentos did a good job.

In Bintan, the Philippine passport is an advantage. No visa required or USD10 tax to pay. But the 3 Germans with me would have to queue for it. No can do. My children were much too tired and another 45 minutes won't do all of us well. So I asked an officer for "assistance" which umm, was USD20 more expensive. But nonetheless...better than having grumpy and tired kids.

Dinner was at the Pantai Grill restaurant by the beach where the evening's menu was authentic Indonesian cuisine. We opted for the buffet and the children had a feast---relaxing ambiance! The day came to its end and it was time to retire.

to be continued...

A Beautiful Day

The new year has begun and the Xmas presents have been given but Alyanna's biggest wish is yet to be fulfilled---"A day at Rider's Lodge, Malaysia with her favorite horses, Springer and Princess Aurora.

Since our first visit there on August 2007, no month has passed that she never mentioned going back there. It's a good 1.5 hours drive from Singapore and getting there isn't difficult at all. You can hire a 6-seater van to pick you up from home for S$200 (round trip) or you can take the Express train.

I opted to hire a van like last time. My friend Simone and her daughter joined us so we shared the transportation and day room costs which turned out very reasonable. We were picked-up at 9am and by 9:40, we were already at the border of Malaysia. Immigration checks were done and after another hour of smooth driving, we were at the lodge. The kids were ecstatic as they saw the stables! We were then warmly welcomed by the Filipino staff and even our helper commented, "Ma'am I feel like in a province of the Philippines here"----honestly, I did too.

We all visited the horses and gave gentle touches and cuddling to those who wanted it. I gave extra hugs AND kisses to Impian (the horse I learned with on August) and the beautiful Golden Crown---such gentle characters.

The day went by fast but no minute was wasted. By 5:30pm, we were on our way back to Singapore. The kids were exhausted so it was a quiet trip home. By 7:30pm, all of us were back home safe and looking forward to our next trip to Rider's Lodge.

Alyanna had 2 sessions (an hour each) of horse riding. Keanu had a 30-minute trail ride, Simone and I had an hour each of traditional Malay (OMG!) massage,----plus good food and hospitable service. What more can I ask for for a day?

***The lower photos (except the one with the staff) were from August 2007***

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...

'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...