Flickr Flick

It has been there for some time. I've managed to use it somehow. And today, after some years---I finally pulled myself to pay to upgrade my account. Now what?

I need to tag or re-tag and make this one more manageable but either I have no time or too lazy to learn it or simply too duh for it.

I need time to play around.

Weekenders

The weekends of summer vacation before the planned trips aren't the most quiet. Being at home the whole day during the week makes the kids hyperactive. No matter what activities I've planned and set for them, they're still looking forward the weekend when Mom and Dad are at their lowest energy level...when usually we'd just say, YES! just to have some peace haha

So I've planned some extra weekend getaways before the Philippine trip. Yesterday we visited NANAS a paradise for animal (dog) lovers like me and my daughter. Its goal is similar to the regular dog shelters but the big difference is, the dogs aren't caged at all. They run freely in the 10 hectare land and have the dignity to enjoy life until their last day. I admire Raymond Wee and Lynda Goh for their dedication and so my daughter and I have pledged to share a bit by giving a monthly donation and perhaps, whenever possible, a visit to help in giving some cuddles and care.

Next weekend, my sister, me and the 2 small ones are going HERE. I was trying to get Alyanna a riding course over her summer break but the price tag and the scheduled trips ahead weren't really working out. Thank goodness I earn a little pocket money ;-)

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

Keanu-Nanu Time

The afternoon was long and it was time to go home. Keanu and I passed-by the petshop to buy dogfood then we hailed a cab. Keanu was tired and put his head on my lap.

Keanu: Mommy, what did we have for lunch again?

Me: Chicken rice. Why? Are you hungry now?

Keanu: No. I'm just thinking.

Me: What are you thinking my love?

Keanu: Why you smell like fish?

Me: Huh?! What do you mean?

Keanu: Your feet smells like fish, Mommy. When I lay my head on your lap, I smell it.

(at this point, I noticed the cab driver looking at me)

Me: thought in bubble: Que horror! My feet don't stink and quickly, I needed to find what it was.

Seconds later, I realized the dogfood I bought was not Eukanuba or Science Diet but THIS and was proving true to its name.

---------------------------------------------------------

I was at the grocery with the little ones and after prowling the place and gathering stuff, I summoned the wolf cubs to stay near as I paid.

tink. tink. tink the scanner went then:

Keanu: Mommy, is it expensive?

Me: I don't know yet but we'll know soon. Why?

Keanu: Do you have enough money?

Me: Yeah, don't worry.

Keanu: Because we don't have to buy so much. Only what we need right?

Cashier glances at him and smiles.

Me: Yeah, Mommy tries to buy what we need so we don't waste food.

Keanu: (in the mood to be teacher continued with)--Because wasting food is not right.

Me: Yes, my love. Good that you know that.

silence...

I paid with the debit card and as we were waiting for the receipt, Keanu said:

Keanu: Mom, you're smart.

Me: Surprised what smart thing I did for once---I asked Why?

Keanu: Because you used the card to pay so that means, you don't lose money. Right?

Me and the cashier laughed and I had to explain.

Me: No Keanu, I still lose money because the card I have is only allowing me to use the money I have. If it's empty then I can't buy with it.

Keanu: Oh...

Remi-missing

I've been browsing through photos from my CD's and photo sites lately. It's the once in a while moment when you feel like reminiscing and then wonder, where have those days gone? Then asking yourself if you would've lived it differently. I probably would.

This shot was taken in Germany on 2005. It was around end October and actually my favorite season. Autumn.  The little ones and I biked to this playground where I was making photos for memorabilia's sake. I miss this time of the year!

Stop! you human. Always wanting what you don't have. 

MY call, not yours (II)

We were sitting in front of each other (an unfortunate table seating arrangement) and the discussion was being overheard by others. Their faces wondering where this will lead and I was neither planning on being gentle and tactful too long. Someone already warned me about your airheaded & closemindedness and they said how that seemed to be your agenda every time---to show-off on how flawless your choices are. Sorry to disappoint but you barked at the wrong tree and I'm so not impress rather feeling pity for your innocence at the age of 44 so I educated you more about life OUT of the book.

You're surprised that the Philippines is a 3rd world country but you cannot accept that a 3rd worlder like me, has a vivid description and experience of certain places you'd want to live in. You haven't been to the Philippines?---I stand corrected, you have not been to ANY third world country at all. You wanted me to either be wowed or silenced when you uttered those words but your lack of knowledge and actuality are far more pathetic than enviable. My disinterest confused you so you had to continue with another topic of which again was a wrong choice. Religion.

I was giving you the benefit of the doubt by convincing myself that maybe you mean well and it's not to criticize but what was I thinking? You spoke with a more holy tone this time. (that usually happens to people when they talk about religion--the feeling righteous ones.) What belief do you practice at home? None officially, but my kids know about God. You mean you don't go to church? No. Are you Catholic? Yes. Was. What do you mean, was? I was baptized one but my mom became a born again Christian so we eventually followed by choice. Oh, I'm Christian too. What about your husband? He was baptized a Protestant I think but he believes in Evolution now. Huh? so how does that work? Aren't the kids confused? No. Why should they? The kids don't have to choose sides. But how can they become better people if they're not Christians? It was time to end the tutorial, I raised my brows and flatly said, No offense but I know people who are regular church goers, bible holders, choir singers and cry their hearts out but trust me, they're NOT better people for being so. Some are mistresses, scandalmongers, backstabbers and the likes...they're just using the church or religion to feel cleaner, ask forgiveness for their 'justified' human weakness, and do things that they lack better judgment of. You saw some agree with me for there was truth on my last statements and you didn't push it more and you gracefully said, well hopefully you can visit ours one day. Maybe, who knows?

We both know that's not likely to happen though.

OUR call, not yours (I)

Leave me alone and I'll let you be, but don't try to convince me with your ways of which I don't agree. Your views are different than mine but that doesn't make you right and me wrong. I really have no willingness to endure in silence and let you get away with it. If I choose to smile, not react and be diplomatic, then STOP, I'm hoping you're not that stupid. But if you still don't get that and you continue to probe, I'm happy to indulge in a discussion where I will let my, what you'd call, different perhaps stubborn frame of mind be known. It's not meant to be liked or disliked. Just another proof that we're different.

You asked me about my kids. Where do they study? In an Int'l School. Why there and not the local schools here? Because I'd like them to continue from where they started. But what about the younger one, he could've continued with a local school since he was in a local kindergarten right? I wasn't sure why you're so concerned with MY 5 year old since you have yours to be busy with but anyway. True, but we'd like him to learn German and not be too stressed with learning yet---the schools here demand a bit too much from the kids, eventually becoming stressful for children and parents. Of course, kids can handle it, but since we have a choice and can still afford it, then why stress us all if it's possible to be not. But your kids will be behind you know? I knew what you meant but it was nice to drag it longer. What do you mean? Kids in local schools, while in kindergarten can already read and do simple math but the Int'l schools, they do no learning at all. A definite statement that was so true in your little perfect bubble. Hmm, if you meant reading and solving math problems, no, not yet but they're learning in other ways. If they don't do school work and just go to play, then what do they learn? I gave a long sigh then continued to educate you. Well, camaraderie, sportsmanship, and watching a seed become a plant---you don't consider them learning?

pause...the birthday cake arrived

Because she's worth it

Three years and counting, living here has had pluses; and that would be having a special family member a.k.a. Yaya / Annalynn. It was her 31st birthday last Saturday and we saw to it that we'd make it special. We made the very Pinoy style pork/chicken barbecue, eggplant salad, and toyomansi sauces. 

Two of her friends came as A and I set the little party ambiance. Balloons were blown by Alyanna and Keanu in a jiff.  I gave clues to the others on what present would be most useful and it turned out just great. Casual bag from Rex and his gf, notepads/pen from the kids, blouses from her friends & shoes/bag from us, Mum and Dad. 

Food was delicious and before we could say we're done, her friend came out with a toothsome Filipino dessert---Mango & Sago in cream. I rest my diet case your honor...

"Life is liveable without helpers but it sure is easier to have them. So appreciate, don't individuate."

Oh Prairie Soul

According to Wikipedia: 

• "Like other voles, prairie voles can reproduce at any time of the year, but the main breeding seasons are in the fall and the spring. Unlike other voles, prairie voles are generally monogamous. The prairie vole is a notable animal model for studying monogamous behavior and social bonding because male and female partners form life-long pair bonds, huddle and groom each other, share nesting and pup-raising responsibilities, and generally show a high level of affiliative behavior. However, they are not sexually faithful, and though pair-bonded females usually show aggression toward unfamiliar males, both sexes will occasionally mate with other voles if the opportunity arises."
  

Alright, so what does this tell you?   Let's make it simple, happen to know this song?

"I'm only human, of flesh and blood I'm made. 
Human, born to make mistakes" 

Oh yeah, people are. 

Beloved Christian

If you'd ask my family about my reading 'ability', they'd say, "Justice? she doesn't read." bwahaha Am not really a fan of books but there are "chosen ones" that would get my attention. There's no definition of what types I read, it just has to be worth it. Here's a video that caught my hard, sentimental side--and why the book "A Lion called Christian" is worth my time. If this is NOT love, then I don't know what is. I still don't understand why people don't get the difference?

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...

A Day with Kuya

I have alot of cousins but I have a few I call family. Two weeks ago, our eldest cousin who works in a cruise ship had a stopover in this island and my sister and I weren't missing that meet-up for the world so we both didn't go to work!  

It was a blast! Walking around as we chatted about everything under the sun was great. Lunch was of course here. Pochero, Pork and Seafood (prawns, squids, mussels) Inihaw, Ensaladang Talong and 'ample' amounts of rice. Bingeing at its best. 

We brought him to the common tourist places like the Esplanade, Merlion and wherevers then we headed home. It's the best place to be after a day's walk in the midst of tourists and traffic. 

Hours later, it was time to once again separate but this time there were no sad goodbyes rather happier days to look forward to---we'll see each other again on July for my sister's wedding in Manila!   (provided the swine flu has died down. who knows?)

Smiling Moment

Today, my youngest did the sweetest thing.    As he called out to say goodbye when the schoolbus arrived, I was drying my hair and the noisy appliance hindered my ability to hear and wasn't able to return him wishes of a good day and i love you's. His dad told me that he literally stood by the gate, waiting for a response and when there was none, he turned to him and said, "Papa, can you please make sure that you tell Mommy I left already?" Dad says "Yes, I will."  "Make sure ok? You must go up to Mommy and tell her." "Yes, ok, I will." And off he went.

Next thing I saw was a smiling man going towards me as he told the scenario word per word.

From latter days to today

People say that when years pass, things fade. Perhaps true in certain situations but not when it comes to good friends filled with 'youthful' memories--let's call it the good old school days.

Max and his wife, Pearl, stayed a night in this island and thanks to facebook, we were able to plan a couple of hours meet for some wine and dine. We went European in the tropics! Dinner at a German restaurant called Brotzeit and drinks at the Swissotel The Stamford, the tallest hotel (for now) here. I have to say the evening view is beautiful.

Lots of teasing, reminiscing and embarassing moments to talk about. He reminded me of my boyish attitudes and how I never let the boys push me around as they did to the others or I'd punch them (literally). Memories of the most liked and disliked teachers, the pop-up quizzes we dreaded and more...it was really fun! Hopefully when I go to Manila on July, we could meet more batchmates and see how we've all grown-up.

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.

Loves of our Lives

Following the tradition of having a 'kid' in every country we go to, we've added an Australian in our family. Meet Jessie. Our 4 1/2 month old golden retriever. We fell inlove with her on March 1. The kids have been asking to have another 'sibling' for Jake for years but I'm not an impulsive mother in that way. I consider age gaps quite seriously (based on experience) and everyone's readiness for another baby at home. I want to make sure most especially, that our dearest Jake won't feel jealous and out of place---and everyone should understand that. 

In my book, only a handful are more important than him. 

Anyway, it's been more than a month since her arrival and routines are in place. There are little wee-wee accidents and nibbled furnitures every now and then but that's part of it. She is slowly learning from Jake's attitude and not slobbering the whole time---I personally find it degrading when a dog incessantly licks just almost everyone for attention. 

Jake, being the kind-hearted one that he is, has surprisingly been patient and understanding of Jessie's naughty nature. He doesn't mind when she bumps him off as he drinks or snatches his toy or when she tries to lick off the food from his mouth. He even lets her 'walk him'!

So, 3 kids, 2 dogs, a turtle and a hamster...next please?

Whatchamacallit

The problem with working with nice people?---You care for and don’t like to abuse them. Every leave or absence that has never been questioned makes it difficult to ask for the next one. Exactly what happened a week ago: My supposedly short trip with the fam to Phuket has just been extended. My boss found out I was shortening my stay just to be back at work and voila! He told me I can take the full break the fam has.        Ok, it has been agreed since the beginning that I either work 4 long days or 5 short days and I can take offs anytime (without pay) so I really shouldn’t feel bad right?  oh, but I do!  A case of unnecessary guilt I guess.

Thing is, I know how the office works and we are given roles to play. My colleague being the BIIIG numbers cruncher can’t really be bothered by the mere zeros on my files so I run more the admin and she, the finance. A bit of minimal crunching on my side when it gets hectic.  The big guy has also for the past months regarded me as his right hand correspondent which has since changed my role.  Sometimes I wonder what exactly my job title is but what the heck, what matters is I'm happy and have more freedom.

Hmmm, it's like at home: cook, plumber, security guard etc etc...job title?    

Hero.

Today's a day

Today marked the first time our office opened for nothing. With the internet system down, our hands were tied. Email, Fax and worse, the day’s business is at risk. The market changes fast and that can cost a lot when you want to buy or sell shares. First world marketing with “fourth” world service as my colleague would put it. No more comment.

But as it is, a disadvantage to one is an advantage to another---the latter to me. It’s lunch time and my boss told me that I’m useless in the office for the day so he said that I could go off early. Woohoo! I never thought being useless could be useful ha ha

With my paycheck on hand and a half-day’s work, where do you think I’m going?

Here of course.

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. 

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 :-)

Mama Mia...here we go again

My daughter is now 10 yrs old and I see that she's entering the nursery stage of puberty and boy I think I have to get one of those "Puberty for Dummies" book. 

Not that I'm actually hoping this happens but I'm merely anticipating it so I could better MY self-control, patience and understanding on what our daughter will be going through as early as possible. Practice makes perfect they say but with children, there's no amount of practice to make us really ready for what's to come. We can just save enough strength and sanity to get through it.

The root of this is because I know I wasn't an easy one either. ouch.

(Bracing myself)

Bacolod: Feb 13-16, 2009

Though I have gone home for surprise visits to Manila many times, I still find ways to make it a surprising one.

One of my brothers-in-law have family in Bacolod and getting out of the city with good food and just simple living--this is a place to breathe out stress. It was over the holidays that they planned to make a weekend getaway out of Manila and I, on the other hand, was hoping to get a break (any break) after the action of searching and moving homes so this was the perfect timing. With one of my BIL as an accomplice, it wonderfully happened as planned.

There were doubts that I might be there given that I've popped-up several times for special occasions or family outings but when it was time for them to board and no ME on sight, doubts slowly disappeared. 

It was when they arrived the place and were just checking-in when I and A suddenly entered the reception area.....a second of silence then screams, hugs and laughter followed. See, Friday the 13th's aren't bad after all.

It was a weekend of eating. Good food and company is something I never disciplined myself against from. My family (clan) appreciates food so A had to keep up. He didn't seem to have a problem with it though coz every restaurant we went to had delectable dishes. 

The weather wasn't permitting us to do our sugarmill tours but when you're with my family, boredom is the least of your problem. Some will laze around and enjoy the relaxing effect of the rain, some will go to the malls...there's surely something going on. Not to forget that we had our niece, Lara, to keep us on our feet. 

Going to the casino to play on the pula/puti (red/white) table and betting just FIFTY pesos was making me nervous while my dear brother was embarassed for my stinginess haha    But I won P300 after a couple of rounds so that was fun. A wondered why everyone bet only on the RED but as Filipinos would do it, Valentine's Day had an influence. 

Home

This is our new place. Tomorrow marks our first month here and so far, everything has been smooth. We've all adjusted well and feel more at ease over here. The style of the house is really more homely and kind of something I'd like to live longer in. 

We've been planning to get-to-know our neighbors but neither weekends nor weekdays were free for such a brief hello. Since the move in, we've been busy fixing-up, juggling activities to spend time with the kids, work, trips, and social life have filled-up the past 4 weekends but we've spent them well. The present and future to do's may be overwhelming but it is what it is. A household never stops running...or does it?

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.

@ Sixth Crescent

We finally selected and confirmed the tenancy agreement to our new home for the next two years. It's not as big as the one we currently live in now but I prefer its more homely design. Not that I'm complaining with the old one---this house always gave the wow factor to whoever saw it. With its high ceilings and looong design, its quite impressive. However, after living in such, I want to go back to the traditional feel and cut of a regular house.

Close to the school of the little ones, very accessible to public transportation and an open field for our dear dog Jake---it's a good choice. Of course we're now half an hour's drive to the airport than 12 mins. and biking to the East Coast Park is no longer possible, but hey---you win some, you lose some right?

Now it's time for the next phase...moving in, moving out!

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!---

A month of house-hunting again

Hunting for houses has its exciting moments but it's getting to be tiring these past few days. Going round and about in the traffic nowadays doesn't give me any pleasure as my motion sickness takes over.  Lease will be expiring soon and time's flying fast. The decision to either extend for another month or move out in a few weeks have to be done before the year ends. 

We've viewed at least 15 properties---a combination of condominiums, terrace houses and semi-detached ones. I was hoping to this time get a good-cut condo because of the facilities but it's turning out to be not appropriate for us. Some of the terrace houses (can have pool facilities) have been pretty appealing but the asking prices were too expensive for what we think it's worth. So, the list so far has zoomed-in to more houses again. 

I've short-listed 2/3 from what we've seen and hopefully in the next few days a decision can be made so that I can start planning and contacting contractors, movers, utility issues, kindergarten, renovation dates and so on.

geeesh, just 3 years ago I came here for 5 days to do this?! now the whole circus starts again...

After the doldrums comes well-being

Even before the Christmas season began, I have gained quite an amount of flesh. Not that I'm really horrendously looking but hey, I've managed to be "underweight for my motherly age and frame" of which my doctor has strongly scolded me for. Explaining that my obsession on being thin is wrong. Me being prescribed appetite stimulants is definitely alarming. Though honestly, I wasn't really concerned with it. I just thought I looked fine and happily FIT size 36 clothes, weighing 56 kgs and getting praises from people. So I ignored the seldom (becoming often) dizziness.   You'd see my past posts with me all over and looking okay.     Twas because I was still fine...except the negativity around me.

End 2006 til Q3 2007 it was alright until I started psyching myself to lose more. Guilty of typical human thinking and discontent. But as true as what my mother told me long time ago, the body CAN ONLY take as much (abuse) as it can, then it'll decide when to give up. And yes, it did....(back to first paragraph)

"Practice what you preach." ahhh, the famous quote. I'm supposed to know how CRASH dieting can be damaging to one's body. How healthier it is to lose slowly but surely---I used to scold people for not doing so?! I was a fitness trainer wasn't I? bad, bad me. 

I don't fit a size 36 now, but I fit a 38-40. I think I'm fine with that temporarily and let's see how I progress after this feasting season. At least I'm not having dizzy spells and feelings of blackout.

There are reasons of why such stages in life happen. You go through it and live it. Either succumb to or overcome it.   Then begin again...It's probably the circle of life I have to live.