"NATURAL" Heart

Among all our three kids, Alyanna, has always been aware and conscious of the environment. I can proudly squeeze in some tap on my (our) shoulders for successfully raising her in that way. Though she's not yet too keen on going on dirty and squishy places---she accepts its nature.  I love animals as well but her interest in them is much more genuine than mine. Watching National Geographic and Animal Planet is no problem for her and picks the information to be archived. 

We have Jake, the family's dog; Paul, the abandoned turtle; Al and Yanna, the 2 hamsters she woed my sister into buying  (after the first two namely: Batman, who escaped and disappeared; and Gandalf, who one day decided to eternally sleep); last but not least, Puss, a white cat who occasionally visits our house and making innocent attempts on the hamsters. 

For the past year, she has been talking her Dad into getting her a horse. Good God! and when that seem to not be possible due to its size, she has been settling for something smaller----a pony. A Shetland one. Great...

Not like picking apples

I'm seeing RED! No, I'm not mad, I'm just on the hunt for red shoes. 

What I thought would be an easy task given the number of malls and selection in this shopping island is turning out to be a challenge. 

My workplace being in Orchard saves me alot of time and money commuting around as I do my shopping after work. I have roamed around shops in the area for 2 weeks now and have tried lots of pairs but in vain so far. Either there's no size or it's not the red I'm looking for.  

oh well...patience is a virtue.

just one of those days

I was so upset this morning on the way to work. I had to let 4 trains pass-by before I could squeeze in. Terrible. What's worse is, people are insensitive. They can't even keep their bags where no one would be pushed or scratched by it!

I was victimized today by one lady's handbag. I was wondering what kept on poking my waist irritatingly and when I turned to see HER bag causing it, I told her to "please" move it away a bit. The creature, probably having a bad day raised her voice telling me, "so where?!, so where?! you see so tight olreydi"-----the passengers looked and frowned at her as I shook my head in disbelief and asking WHY are we breathing the same air?

I had two choices:

(a) to waste airtime arguing and be like her or (b) move away and say ommm...

I like...

Call me shallow but I'm so taken with the MOTORAZR2 V9, my new toy. I specially like the thought that it's new and mine. Told ya--shallow :-)

Yeah--the cheap, economical me always opted for A's 6 month old ones and strongly convinced to keep my prepaid number forever. But forgetfulness gets me everytime, leading to not having enough credits to accept calls he he. So A offered to get me a line once and for all.  

I've been fumbling with it for 2 days now and I still can't figure out how to change the alert tone for receiving messages! We're not talking blackberry/iphone stuff here but I can't seem to find that in the user's guide. Talk about prehistoric me. Help, anyone? 

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 :-)

Where do I begin?....

dadadadadadadadadadadada......so many daily episodes have happened and now I'm left with the dilemma of where to begin where I ended. Ergo, I have obliged myself not to succumb to the excuse of having no time to do so. For one, I do owe (a big) part of my sanity to the emotional release whenever essential.

Thailand proved to be a peacemaker. Not only for the war that is not seen by strangers but for the soul. An eye-opener of where to go from the place that used to be nowhere and no longer afraid whether it will or will not be. Was ready without knowing it because of the fear of the unfamiliar. Truth is, I can exist as is. It's the thought that made me think I can't.

Nuf said for now.

Here are some scenes of more stories to come...suites facing the beach, sunset view from the pool villa area, lighthouse in the eastern part of the island, sunset shot from our place, who else ;-) and the lounging chairs we owe our fabulous tans from.

Garfield disliked Mondays

and the Garfield in me, Alyanna and Keanu was too strong to resist on Monday that tears started flowing around 6 in the morning. My princess, being in Primary 4 now has four school days beginning at 8 a.m.

We live in the East area. That said, it means the schoolbus has to pick her up by 6:40 as the first passenger and drive around for the others. Sunrise here is around 7 a.m. so being up before then to be all dressed-up isn't really motivating. Add to that seeing your little brother fast asleep under the covers.---an enviable sight.

I, of course, was up as well to be excited with her for the first school day but instead of doing so, my presence was more to soothe her down. I know 6 isn't that early but still can be better if only we lived nearer the school.

An accepted flaw...

When something beyond your hopes and expectations happen and you have to live in it, you learn to live in pretense. There are many factors that would have been and will be affected should reality bites----and there are those who do not deserve it. Not yet.

Lost under piles of lies and selfishness. To be able to beautifully prioritize self and look like the opposite.

To smile in the midst of misery in front of those who pay...if this is your definitition of REAL then what isn't?

Three months LATEr...the BORA trip!

How overwhelming can daily life sometimes be that one forgets to share a beautiful break? Ah, am guilty of such. Nevertheless, as it has always been said, better late than never...

The white, powdery sands in the beaches of Boracay in the Philippines are still a beach lover's paradise. Despite the touristic times, (READ: Holy Week) that we've been there, a little bit of walk or a ten minute trike ride is all you need to get away from it all---Except of course from my 15 member clan of whom each did not fail to entertain.

***I miss the barbecue hotdogs and longganisabuns for midnight snacks by the beach as the karaoke guy (who really couldn't sing) gave his all!

So what comes in mind when you hear Boracay?

Away from the hustle and bustle

After a week of searching and comparing, this year's summer vacation is booked. Maldives being the first choice but someone's got to dig very deep for that budget.

The Pimalai Resort and Spa in Thailand has won our tastes and budget. The resort looks like up to our standards. Facilities and activities are well suited to entertain. The spa's description gives me a preview of relaxation as I would hope for. The beach, though just a glimpse from the photos is well-inviting to bask under the sun on. Not bad so far.

My first option was the pool villa up the hills for some away from people feeling until I realized the danger of a fall from the villa's pool and terrace, which was told to me by a friend who went there and also advised on the resort's site. So, no can do. Am not there to take risks.

A couple more email exchanges and the manager himself convinced me that the Pavilion Suites
are best suited for my safety and facilities accessibility concerns. I admire his patience.

So the countdown has begun. My dear daughter made her own beach calendar and Keanu never stops asking how many more sleeps til the trip. I hope I did a good job and selected the best place to meet expectations.

Something New

I have a new job. This time literally a part-time position unlike the previous one I had. That position was only spelled correctly in the contract but I guess it meant differently to some people a.k.a. the female boss. Parting ways wasn't sweet but it wasn't something to grieve for either. I gained friends which was worth the year's stay.

The current job is different from what I'm used to. I don't deal with people everyday. I think this is what I need for now---no people to neither stress nor think of. The phone is more of a display on my desk than a must have--now that's new. The PC is my companion which I dearly appreciate. No debate. It does what I want it to do. Schedule is nice. Depending on the hours, 6 for five days or 7 for four. A week's notice just so I can arrange my domestic schedules as well.

The boss comes in around 10:30 in the morning, makes some calls, leaves for lunch at 12:30, comes back around 2 to just sign some stuff then leaves at 3:30-4. He's a nice man as far as my past week's work is concerned. My colleague who has been there for four years said that if he stays longer than 4:30 pm, she calls it overstaying. Most of the letters I see are from the highest ranking people of the island. Dinners, galas, charity balls and whatever events I usually just see in the magazines. He and his wife have their personal drivers and has a 33,000 square feet residence area. Who and what exactly he is (they are)...I don't know. None of my business. I come and go as well.

I just started less than a week ago so I can't say I'm enjoying it but at least, I'm not hating it. When I do, I'm not locked on a contract and just a three days notice in advance is required. Only shows that some people DO know the meaning of part time huh?

B for BUSY

Busy has many faces and I have worn them all for the past weeks. Running around the city has been overwhelming. My sister's vacation and job hunting schedules and interviews kept us on our feet every single day. whew!

Jurist and her family's visit (MIL FIL and SIL included) have been a great shopping experience. With the 2008 Great SINGAPORE Sale ---It was SHOP & THE CITY---with me being the window shopper for better(er) bargains haha Dine outs and evening chitchats are enjoyable.

Despite all the busy schedules, time with my kiddos comes first. And if I can put pleasure and other chores together, the better! Efficiency at its best.

We've gone to the usual places but the company is priceless! Reminiscing childhood memories at the toy MINT museum, eating like there's no tomorrow at the Jumbo Restaurant @ the East Coast Seafood Center, Bar hopping at Clarke Quay and exploring Sentosa are just some of the few rounds we've made.

One rare moment, I'm running OUT of words!!!---too much going on!

Sibling Arrival (ry)

Ever since sister number three arrived, days seemed to have been very full. Fuller than my usual that is. And it has been great! As I mentioned before, having family over is a blessing.

Pilates and dieting, afternoon biking and power walking, GSS (Great Singapore Sale) temptations, meeting with friends, possible job opportunities and on and on and on...and a week has passed. Luckily, weather in this island still seem to be cooperating for us to be able to do our outdoor plans and roaming around in comfort. I wish it stays this way when sister number two and her family arrive on Sunday for their GSS stopover. They're coming with her MIL and SIL as well, who'll be staying in a hotel in the middle of the shopping fever and I can't wait to get-together.

Imagine the NOISE and CHAOS---saya!

Pondering in Poetry

When all the world slept,
You held me in my cradle
When all the world cried,
You stood by my side...

Comfort cannot be bought.
Love cannot be sought.
Both are given full heartedly,
And is offered so dearly...

***edited***

Smiles and Laughters

When you have family, visitors never cease to arrive! I am blessed to have LOTS!

Just two months ago, sister number four and hubby were here. Twas a great time filled with roaming around and munching! To be with food adventurers is one great way to experience Singapore!

Starting this week, in three days, sister number 3 will be arriving. Four more days and our helper will be back! Two more weeks and sister number 2 and family will be having a 4-day stopover here before heading to Phuket! Four more weeks and MIL and her sister, Karin, will be coming---whew!
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On another topic: it's YouTube time.

There are shows that make me laugh and there are those that make me cry. This one's the latter. Find out why and cry with me.

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.

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.