Goodbye 2009

Without realizing it, 2009 was over and a new year is faced. The stories and happenings in this web journal ARE but a few of the many things that have transpired. The unwritten ones are either those that I will treasure for myself in silence and those that I deem unnecessary to dwell further on.

Some memories are meant to just be memories...

Weihnachtszeit, Christmas Time

DIY Advents Kranz

DIY Advents Kalendar

DIY Oriental Xmas Decor

THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN!

Lost in Translation!

The boss told the driver to pick-up his car from the workshop and there it began...

Driver: "Just, the girl said no Mike. She's not friendly."

Me: "No, he's there because I just spoke with him a few minutes ago."

(Driver goes back and tells the receptionist again.)

Phone rings again and same words. "Just, the lady is so rude and says they have no Mike."

"Ugh! wait, I'll call her." "Hi my name is Justice, can I speak with Mike please?"

Lady answers irritatedly with BAD singlish accent and grammar (if that's what you call it)

"You know ha, we car motor shop, why you ask me for Mike---we don't sell Mike here you know? Many times I say already that we only sell car parts!"

STATUS quo

Hubs is now a PR (permanent resident) here and with that comes a whole circus of paperwork for the rest of us. Not his fault actually, I just didn't see the need for me and the children to have that status yet so we had to go back to ground zero to apply their student passes and my long term pass here; which I'm using to apply for the work permit since as a spouse of a PR, I'm not that affected by the limitations of quotas and government levy. Similar advantages are given to DP (Dependant Pass) holders of which I had before when A was holding an EP (Employment Pass). DP holders can work too and just need LOC (Letter of consent) from their employer and no CPF (something like an SSS I think) deducted from their pay. That's still something I have to find out when I'm done with this work permit thing. As for tax, pay isn't taxable if you don't exceed 21or 22K for the year but you still have to file it for control, oops record purposes ;-)

I'm not keen on doing paperwork, however, no matter how irritating the situations may be, it helps me understand more about how things work. There are certain advantages and disadvantages not listed in the websites and me being the detailed interrogator when it comes to paperwork, end up calling the government bodies to explain to me other this and thats. Oh, and I don't limit it to one or two calls. I usually have a third, even fourth to compare number 1 to number 2's answer then move from there.

Why I haven't gone for PR? Well, there might be a couple of strings attached (that may be a disadvantage or not for Keanu one day) and while I'm not sure how it'll affect him directly, I'd rather not put him in the position wherein he can't get out of in the future. So far it works for us anyway to have foreign status and until we're pushed to the wall, then I'll check if I can cross that bridge.

Sweet Life Of Mine

The difference of my being in Germany three years ago is that despite having no helper and no full time work, I HAD time to blog. Could it be boredom, homesickness or weather that gave me the motivation to keep writing my thoughts? Although those can't really be the reason. I'm not that shallow. (I think hehe)

Perhaps the kids were younger---had less demands to be educated and entertained. Or was there more life to write about. Nope, also not. I have a life here too, in fact, more than I could handle. aha! that's it, I'm just too busy juggling dear daily life and living it.

Whew!

Young yet full of Courage to speak the Truth

Paper? What paper?

The worst thing that can happen in a place who claims to be thoroughgoing is have a system that lack the commonsense to do paperwork! The place is idiots infested and I'm bewildered beyond belief on why the outsiders think otherwise.

It racks my brain when I get the answer "ma'am but that's S.O.P." despite the obvious that what they're asking for is right under their noses. tsk tsk tsk But shucks, that's all you get when you ask a public servant who does not know how to serve, let alone, what they're serving!

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)

Caught in the act...

"No artist can paint the images these two can, no writer can write the scripts they naturally articulate and no musician can play the music of their laughter..."

Gotta admit---without their hanky-pankies, the house will be moth-eaten and characterless.

These photos were taken by them and supposedly for their eyes only--until the time I needed to format and re-use the cam :-) kids!

I know they'll scold me one day for this www humiliation BUT (though I don't usually go by this saying)--I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

Riddles for the Soul-O

When everything seemed right and going the right way---here you go again!

You foolish, foolish you. Why the need to come into sight and darken the already brightening view?!

It is clear that things move on despite how strong the pull to not to but still does.

Regrets do not happen because mistakes are made. Regrets happen when what shouldn't couldn't but it did and then the rude awakening that you are where you are when you don't want to but have to.

It doesn't make sense, does it? But surely it does when it doesn't...

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.

Not always A Kid's Game

It was a good afternoon and the kids accompanied our helper do the groceries. The usual exploration of aisles and testing their skills as to what off-the-list item they can sneek in the trolley were expected so the multitasking button was on higher alert and soon enough, they were on their way home.

A brief detour at a small warehouse style store took their attention off the smallest of the group. Some minutes later, a realization that he's nowhere to be found. My daughter, inheriting my paranoid twin, got frantic after our helper called-out loudly for her brother but in vain. She began crying and asking the people in the store, even the passers-by, if they've seen a small boy, this height (gesturing with her hands), wearing a swiss school uniform and so on and so on... they were about to run outside and do further searching when the saleslady told them that he was hiding under the clothes.

Had I been there, I would've scolded him for the panic he has caused but my daughter handled it way better than I would...relieved at the sight of her brother, she sighed and just said, "let's go home now yaya".

Hide and seek, a classic game of kids where they test and challenge their abilities to stay silent and invisible--without realizing it's power to cause fear to those who fail to seek.

I Don't Think We've Met

There are still so many to discover in one's personality which are driven by years, situation and perhaps emotional evolution. Sometimes who you think you knew since childhood has totally become someone else. First you investigate how it happened and then make a verdict according to the scenario you deem right. However, in the process of judging, you forget that you're not in their shoes and perhaps HAVE NOT been in those shoes (yet). Well pray hard that you don't because you wouldn't want to be judged either or worse, you might not know what to do.

People who know me consider me a strong, very social and friendly person. They're right. But there are those who force me to act according to their thoughts and beliefs--just because. They don't realize that my actions are driven by situations I am in and make decisions as I (READ: I) deem necessary for that time. Some may and may not agree to it but we're entitled to our own opinions. I've learned that it's pointless trying to fight the current. "I told you so" lines are annoying whispers because I have a different shoe size...I also know though they don't believe that, that I've given certain things a try before moving forward differently with the hopes that maybe, just maybe, this one works. If the decisions produce positive results, then good. If it doesn't and gets worse, then it is probably how it should be. Only time will tell and I am ready to watch how it turns out---again, may it be good or not.

I cannot and will not live according to what people think but to what suits the time now while considering the pros and consequences of the future.

So if you think you know someone--think again.

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.

Vacation Hiccup

After weeks, no, months of planning, our summer vacation is (suddenly) over. Two weeks have passed and now I find myself reminiscing the wonderful time we all had and the memories I so tried to catch on cam but still, despite the hundred photos---most are meant to be simply treasured in the heart.

Though I have my mom's gift to multitask, I'd rather concentrate on downloading and uploading (some of the hundred) photos and videos first. To laugh and talk about it some more before I succumb to the reality that this is now part of a walk down the memory lane.

I can (and would) write in full narration style the days that came by but I feel my mind prefers to be in sluggish mode and I am more than happy to respect such choice :-)

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 Day @ NANAS

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

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

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

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

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

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...