Just a few "words of wisdom" from the Princess over the weekend...
Scenario 1:
Fighting over my attention has been a long standing battle between hubby and princess. When either one starts talking to me about some matter, for sure, the other one will ensue with a question of his/her own. Just to set things straight, my hubby asked the Princess once and for all this question:
"Sino ba una nakilala ni Mama? Papa or Julie?"
To which the ever-maldita little girl replied, matter-of-factly, "Julie".
And so the battle continues...
Scenario 2:
My hubby cannot display affection for me, without the Princess trying to stop him. Whenever my husband tries to hug me or hold me while we lie in bed, surely, our daughter would storm right into our bed and try to take away hubby's hands off me. In the past, she would often say, "No, Papa, no!"....Or, "Don't, Papa, don't"...Even, "Stop it, Papa!". Last saturday night, during our usual bantering in bed, my hubby gave me a smack on the lips. Without batting an eyelash, the Princess blurted out, "No kiss, mama, papa!". You can probably imagine, that caught us dumbfounded, and after we realized what she just said, we all burst into laughter.
And so the Princess wins again...
Scenario 3:
I have a company town hall meeting to attend on Thursday. For the first time in recent weeks, I will be coming home late. So I figured, I'd better prepare my daughter for this. So yesterday, as she was busily playing and messing up the whole room, I tried to call her attention.
"Baby, I have something to tell you."
To which she said, "Something."
I tried again..."No, baby, I have something to tell you." Again she said, "Something."
This went on for, like, five times more, until I finally gave up.
So much for prepping her up...
Monday, January 31, 2005
And now we pause for some words from the Princess
that's what Mama said at 2:32 PM
________________________
What A Great Way To Start The Day!
It's one thing to be mentioned in another blogger's entry. But it's even more thrilling if your picture finds its way in that entry.
Ok, ok...I'm really really vain. And this post elates me to no end (I'm there in the first picture). Hehehehe.
Thanks Tin!
Have a good day everyone!
Ok, ok...I'm really really vain. And this post elates me to no end (I'm there in the first picture). Hehehehe.
Thanks Tin!
Have a good day everyone!
that's what Mama said at 8:53 AM
________________________
Monday, January 24, 2005
Pleasant Encounter
I received this text message from my hubby just a few minutes ago:
"Bebeh, silipin mo ko. Nasa may daan ako ng Bosch".
He had informed me earlier that he has a client call at Bosch. I've told him before that I can see the Zuellig loop from our office building, and that I can particularly see the Bosch office from our pantry.
So curiously, I went to the pantry, and tried to look for him. I sent him a message to ask him what he was wearing (I left ahead of him this morning). He answered, "Pink".
I didn't have to search long, I instantly found a guy standing outside the Bosch building, in pink, carrying a blue body bag. So I phoned him to confirm if it was him, wearing a pink shirt, standing close to a white van. A motorcycle passed by, and both of us even simultaneously said, "May motor na dumaan". Aliw! I could see that it was really him, with the way he was moving and standing (he has this habit of moving a lot when he's talking on the phone), though I could not really see his face from where I was standing, 38 floors up.
He's just so sweet. He even thought of making his "proximity" known to me, and so creatively at that. Kinikilig ako!
"Bebeh, silipin mo ko. Nasa may daan ako ng Bosch".
He had informed me earlier that he has a client call at Bosch. I've told him before that I can see the Zuellig loop from our office building, and that I can particularly see the Bosch office from our pantry.
So curiously, I went to the pantry, and tried to look for him. I sent him a message to ask him what he was wearing (I left ahead of him this morning). He answered, "Pink".
I didn't have to search long, I instantly found a guy standing outside the Bosch building, in pink, carrying a blue body bag. So I phoned him to confirm if it was him, wearing a pink shirt, standing close to a white van. A motorcycle passed by, and both of us even simultaneously said, "May motor na dumaan". Aliw! I could see that it was really him, with the way he was moving and standing (he has this habit of moving a lot when he's talking on the phone), though I could not really see his face from where I was standing, 38 floors up.
He's just so sweet. He even thought of making his "proximity" known to me, and so creatively at that. Kinikilig ako!
that's what Mama said at 3:51 PM
________________________
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Cook na rin si Mama
Ok, it's not my first time to cook at home. Some of you may have already read my post months back about my trysts at the kitchen (unfortunately, I cannot link my archived posts--can anybody help me with this?!?!). Anyway, recently, my daughter has been taking into beef mami noodles, spaghetti, and the like. The only ones that are readily available at home are the instant ones. Though they taste really good, we all know too well that they're not healthy. And so, mama came to the rescue!
Let's call the dish "Corned Beef Pasta in Red Sauce"--for lack of a more creative term. It's not an original recipe, actually. My hubby had his first taste of corned beef pasta when a friend from the badminton club brought some at the court. Since then, he's been asking my MIL to cook it at home. However, it's been months since the last time we had it--my MIL hasn't been doing much cooking since she had her eye surgery. And I've also been wanting to try it myself. So last night, after shopping, my hubby specifically requested that I cook it for him when we get home.
I used the following ingredients for the sauce:
2 medium-sized cans of Argentina Corned Beef (the brand of the corned beef doesn't matter, but since it will just be the "sahog" of the sauce, it's ok to use the cheaper alternatives)
1 1/2 liters of Del Monte Spaghetti Sauce (any variant will do)
half a glass of water
salt, pepper (and sugar--if you want the taste to be more Pinoy) to taste
Saute the corned beef with garlic. When it's done, just pour in the spaghetti sauce and let it simmer. Add some water to make the sauce less thicker. Add in the salt, peper and sugar according to your preferred taste.
Prepare the noodles as well. We normally use Angel Hair Pasta. Kids (and kids at heart--like my hubby) love it, because they don't have to chew so much.
And so there, the whole household dug in to my dish. Hubby says he wanted onions in it, but I purposely didn't put any because it might not sit well with my daughter's taste. The Princess also excitedly ate mama's dish. She had seconds (seconds for kids would be equivalent to about 2 spoons--haha), and kept asking for more, but it was more a case of 'takaw-mata' for she didn't finish it all (it was already past 8pm and she had her dinner already). She probably just wanted to show her 'appreciation' for mama's efforts at cooking ;)
Using corned beef, instead of ground beef, is more convenient for you need not blend and mix it with anything else. Though I don't claim that this dish is healthy, but I believe it's the lesser evil.
Emi suggested that I use the curly and colorful type of pasta to make it more appealing to the Princess. I'll probably try that next time.
When I was in Jakarta, I also tried corned beef with cream of mushroom soup and made it into a white sauce. Hmmm, I think that would be my next in my agenda.
What i need to figure out now is how to make beef mami broth, without having to use beef bullion cubes, or maybe just some of it, to come up with a home-made beef mami noodle soup. A MOM NEEDS HELP!
Let's call the dish "Corned Beef Pasta in Red Sauce"--for lack of a more creative term. It's not an original recipe, actually. My hubby had his first taste of corned beef pasta when a friend from the badminton club brought some at the court. Since then, he's been asking my MIL to cook it at home. However, it's been months since the last time we had it--my MIL hasn't been doing much cooking since she had her eye surgery. And I've also been wanting to try it myself. So last night, after shopping, my hubby specifically requested that I cook it for him when we get home.
I used the following ingredients for the sauce:
2 medium-sized cans of Argentina Corned Beef (the brand of the corned beef doesn't matter, but since it will just be the "sahog" of the sauce, it's ok to use the cheaper alternatives)
1 1/2 liters of Del Monte Spaghetti Sauce (any variant will do)
half a glass of water
salt, pepper (and sugar--if you want the taste to be more Pinoy) to taste
Saute the corned beef with garlic. When it's done, just pour in the spaghetti sauce and let it simmer. Add some water to make the sauce less thicker. Add in the salt, peper and sugar according to your preferred taste.
Prepare the noodles as well. We normally use Angel Hair Pasta. Kids (and kids at heart--like my hubby) love it, because they don't have to chew so much.
And so there, the whole household dug in to my dish. Hubby says he wanted onions in it, but I purposely didn't put any because it might not sit well with my daughter's taste. The Princess also excitedly ate mama's dish. She had seconds (seconds for kids would be equivalent to about 2 spoons--haha), and kept asking for more, but it was more a case of 'takaw-mata' for she didn't finish it all (it was already past 8pm and she had her dinner already). She probably just wanted to show her 'appreciation' for mama's efforts at cooking ;)
Using corned beef, instead of ground beef, is more convenient for you need not blend and mix it with anything else. Though I don't claim that this dish is healthy, but I believe it's the lesser evil.
Emi suggested that I use the curly and colorful type of pasta to make it more appealing to the Princess. I'll probably try that next time.
When I was in Jakarta, I also tried corned beef with cream of mushroom soup and made it into a white sauce. Hmmm, I think that would be my next in my agenda.
What i need to figure out now is how to make beef mami broth, without having to use beef bullion cubes, or maybe just some of it, to come up with a home-made beef mami noodle soup. A MOM NEEDS HELP!
that's what Mama said at 4:08 PM
________________________
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Joining the bandwagon
100 Things about Myself (I got this from Emi, Kei and Mike)
1. I'm currently doing this in a training class, while waiting for our lunch to arrive.
2. And I hope to finish it before the day ends.
3. Btw, you may call me Jo, Jojo, Honeyjo, Mamajo or Jojers. Bebeh is how my hubby calls me. But please, never call me Aurora. That is only reserved for legal authorities, and if you're a total stranger.
4. And as what my blog title says, yes, I'm a mama to Julianne Dominique, a.k.a. Brukikay, Princess or Julie Potpot.
5. And also Chris'/Topet's 'misis'.
6. We got married in May of2002 2003 (how come I always get the year wrong), and I had the Princess in July 2002. No need to do the math.
7. Hubby and I met at my client's office where he used to work.
8. I was doing an SAP implementation at that company.
9. I've been working as an SAP FICO Consultant/Specialist for almost 6 years now.
10.This job has brought me to interesting places and allowed me to meet interesting people. My favorite are the Sonics (har har har).
11.I'm just on the 11th, geez.
12.Prior to doing SAP, I was an accountant for a multinational bank.
13.I graduated from THE University of the Philippines with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Accountancy.
14.I'm also a CPA board-passer.
15.My license is 'paso'. I haven't had the chance to renew it since it expired. (too lazy)
16.Because I actually don't like accounting, and just took the course to become a licensed professional (haha, i assumed right away that I would pass).
17.I initially took up Business Economics, but got confused with all the graphs.
18.The highlight of my university years was 'almost' bumping into Richard Gomez in AS. He was still a new and hot item during that time.
19.Oh, and he did become a classmate in Nat Sci 1. A lot of gays used to sit in that class just to watch him.
20.Training class resumes.
21.Singit lang ito. The trainor is installing a mouse to her laptop.
22.Now where was i?
23.Ok...I worked for 2 years in that bank.
24.I received my 'calling' to move into IT after working with the boys of the IT department of the bank.
25.My first IT company trained me for this job. That company has since moved into web development.
26.I made a lot of good friends in the 20 months that i worked there. I'm still friends with a lot of them, and some of them have become godparents to my daughter.
27.I then moved to Jakarta, Indonesia. I was moving a lot within SEA during my stint in that company.
28.Though living in Jakarta was challenging, I cherish the experiences I had while living on my own.
29.I made only a few Indonesian friends, and was basically on my own most of the time.
30.On my last year of stay there, i joined a catholic community, where I met a lot of Filipinos.
31.I managed to survive the loneliness because of the community.
32.After three years of being based in Jakarta, I decided to move back to Manila.
33.And by God's grace, I also got an offer to work for the shared services center of a global corporation.
34.I'm still working for that company, 15 months after.
35.Exercise muna daw kami.
36.Right now, gusto kong gupitan ng buhok ang trainor namin. Buhaghag na, hindi pa pantay pantay.
37.I can recommend her to Edhill. My new favorite stylist from Hugo's RCBC Plaza.
38.I was sporting long hair for most of my life. The longest it got was during the time of my wedding.
39.I don't have good hair texture, and my hair strands are really thick.
40.So I decided to cut it really short in December 2003.
41.Hubby is fond of long haired women. In fact, most of his former girlfriends had long hair. But with me he changed his mind (dapat lang!).
42.I'm in the process of growing my hair again, but this time, it will up to my neck only.
43.My daughter's got the most beautiful hair I've ever seen, honestly.
44.And the rest of her is beautiful as well.
45.I'm a kikay girl, but she's definitely MORE kikay than I ever was and ever will!
46.I face the computer all day, but I still make it a point to be fully made and well-dressed. If just to satisfy my vanity.
47.And of course, I might have one of those 'spontaneous moments', as Pazette calls them.
48.I used to be a jacket-girl. But this year, I've decided to be more of a woman and use shawls instead.
49.Today I'm wearing my old-rose colored shawl, a Christmas gift from Tin.
50.I have 5 shawls currently, and I plan to buy (or receive?!?!) more.
51.I love to shop, but I shop wisely, and I love the bargain stuff!
52.My current favorite shopping place is SM Makati. A lot of my posts have mentioned SM one way or another.
53.In fact, I'm going there again after work today.
54.I can't believe I'm just halfway throught this!
55.I can see that I have a lot of emails to answer tomorrow.
56.Including some from my 2 'favorite' clients.
57.But last Christmas, I found out that they do appreciate what I do for them. I received gifts from them.
58.I have to listen to the training again. Macros!
59.My goal this year is to be able to travel outside the Philippines.
60.Although, i'd probably cry buckets of tears while saying goodbye to my hubby and my Princess.
61.I've told my boss that I don't want to be away from my family for an extended period of time.
62.I can't imagine going through the pain of loneliness again. Just thinking about it now is making me cry.
63.So the best arrangement would be a project that would be based in Manila, but will have occassional business travels.
64.Isn't it great to be able to travel for free!?!?!?
65.However, I don't think we'd be able to make trips to Palawan or Boracay this year.
66.We've made purchases and investments in the last few months that have eaten up most of our savings.
67.Hopefully, the bonus will be good. We could still probably make a domestic travel even late in the year.
68.February 14 this year falls on aTuesdayMonday. Tuesday is my hubby's badminton day.*I must have been looking at the 2006 calendar.
69.Though I've never really made a big deal of Valentine's day, since we've been together, we haven't missed out on a V-day date.
70.I'm not sure if he's planning on anything for this year's V-day. I don't know if subconsciously I'm expecting something. hehehe
71.I'm eating a really fattening chocolate croissant from Starbucks now.
72.Speaking of starbucks, I need my dose of coffee every working day. Without it, I'd feel lousy for the rest of the day.
73.I drink any kind, as long as it's not instant! Barako type from Puerto Galera is the best one I've had so far in my whole lifetime.
74.I prefer coffee with Fresh milk, rather than with creamer. Evaporated milk would be better.
75.Yey! One-fourth na lang.
76.I've got an hour more on this training, and to finish this post.
77.Aside from work, my time in the office is occupied with chatting, checking emails and writing in my blog.
78.I was reunited with my love for writing through this blog. Not that I'm super good at it.
79.Internet is one of the greatest inventions in my lifetime, I think.
80.I get to keep in touch with my friends and family from anywhere in the world, real time.
81.However since I've started using a computer, and using it during most of my waking hours, I don't know how to write in long-hand anymore. My hands easily get tired when i try.
82.But my dream job is to be a part-time cashier, in a 7-11 store that I own.
83.I don't want to be a slave of the corporate world for long, and would rather spend more time with my daughter and other future kids.
84.We're planning for a second baby later this year.
85.But that is still subject to further discussion--depends on a lot of factors.
86.Though I'm aware of the fact that I'm turning 31 this year, and my genes may not be in their best condition anymore.
87.I'm feeling sleepy now. It happens to me a couple of times in a day, though I don't actually fall asleep in the office.
88.I do love to sleep in my bed though. Getting up in the morning takes a lot of effort.
89.I invested on expensive bedsheets and pillows when I was in Jakarta. I bought the ones that are very conducive to sleeping. I brought them home with me.
90.I could not have less than 6 hours of sleep, or else i'd be cranky. More than 8 hours is preferable.
91.Most of the time, I'd fall asleep ahead of my daughter. But I am a light sleeper and would be up at her slightest whimper.
92.I would be up whenever my hubby arrives home from his badminton games. And though I may feel so drowsy, I try my best to listen to his stories of how lost this game or how he was able to beat his opponents.
93.I also play badminton, but not as much as he does. In fact, I haven't played for more than 2 months already.
94.I'm not athletic by nature. Again, i'd rather sleep.
95.That's why I have lots of unwanted bulges here and there.
96.The lightest i ever got to was 100 lbs. on my freshman year in the university, then 116 lbs. when I was employed by this company. My pre-employment medical records will show such.
97.Now, don't even ask.
98.I also love to eat, next to sleeping.
99.But then again, I'm still a hot mama, after all.
100.And with that, I end this list. Yep, finally ;)
1. I'm currently doing this in a training class, while waiting for our lunch to arrive.
2. And I hope to finish it before the day ends.
3. Btw, you may call me Jo, Jojo, Honeyjo, Mamajo or Jojers. Bebeh is how my hubby calls me. But please, never call me Aurora. That is only reserved for legal authorities, and if you're a total stranger.
4. And as what my blog title says, yes, I'm a mama to Julianne Dominique, a.k.a. Brukikay, Princess or Julie Potpot.
5. And also Chris'/Topet's 'misis'.
6. We got married in May of
7. Hubby and I met at my client's office where he used to work.
8. I was doing an SAP implementation at that company.
9. I've been working as an SAP FICO Consultant/Specialist for almost 6 years now.
10.This job has brought me to interesting places and allowed me to meet interesting people. My favorite are the Sonics (har har har).
11.I'm just on the 11th, geez.
12.Prior to doing SAP, I was an accountant for a multinational bank.
13.I graduated from THE University of the Philippines with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Accountancy.
14.I'm also a CPA board-passer.
15.My license is 'paso'. I haven't had the chance to renew it since it expired. (too lazy)
16.Because I actually don't like accounting, and just took the course to become a licensed professional (haha, i assumed right away that I would pass).
17.I initially took up Business Economics, but got confused with all the graphs.
18.The highlight of my university years was 'almost' bumping into Richard Gomez in AS. He was still a new and hot item during that time.
19.Oh, and he did become a classmate in Nat Sci 1. A lot of gays used to sit in that class just to watch him.
20.Training class resumes.
21.Singit lang ito. The trainor is installing a mouse to her laptop.
22.Now where was i?
23.Ok...I worked for 2 years in that bank.
24.I received my 'calling' to move into IT after working with the boys of the IT department of the bank.
25.My first IT company trained me for this job. That company has since moved into web development.
26.I made a lot of good friends in the 20 months that i worked there. I'm still friends with a lot of them, and some of them have become godparents to my daughter.
27.I then moved to Jakarta, Indonesia. I was moving a lot within SEA during my stint in that company.
28.Though living in Jakarta was challenging, I cherish the experiences I had while living on my own.
29.I made only a few Indonesian friends, and was basically on my own most of the time.
30.On my last year of stay there, i joined a catholic community, where I met a lot of Filipinos.
31.I managed to survive the loneliness because of the community.
32.After three years of being based in Jakarta, I decided to move back to Manila.
33.And by God's grace, I also got an offer to work for the shared services center of a global corporation.
34.I'm still working for that company, 15 months after.
35.Exercise muna daw kami.
36.Right now, gusto kong gupitan ng buhok ang trainor namin. Buhaghag na, hindi pa pantay pantay.
37.I can recommend her to Edhill. My new favorite stylist from Hugo's RCBC Plaza.
38.I was sporting long hair for most of my life. The longest it got was during the time of my wedding.
39.I don't have good hair texture, and my hair strands are really thick.
40.So I decided to cut it really short in December 2003.
41.Hubby is fond of long haired women. In fact, most of his former girlfriends had long hair. But with me he changed his mind (dapat lang!).
42.I'm in the process of growing my hair again, but this time, it will up to my neck only.
43.My daughter's got the most beautiful hair I've ever seen, honestly.
44.And the rest of her is beautiful as well.
45.I'm a kikay girl, but she's definitely MORE kikay than I ever was and ever will!
46.I face the computer all day, but I still make it a point to be fully made and well-dressed. If just to satisfy my vanity.
47.And of course, I might have one of those 'spontaneous moments', as Pazette calls them.
48.I used to be a jacket-girl. But this year, I've decided to be more of a woman and use shawls instead.
49.Today I'm wearing my old-rose colored shawl, a Christmas gift from Tin.
50.I have 5 shawls currently, and I plan to buy (or receive?!?!) more.
51.I love to shop, but I shop wisely, and I love the bargain stuff!
52.My current favorite shopping place is SM Makati. A lot of my posts have mentioned SM one way or another.
53.In fact, I'm going there again after work today.
54.I can't believe I'm just halfway throught this!
55.I can see that I have a lot of emails to answer tomorrow.
56.Including some from my 2 'favorite' clients.
57.But last Christmas, I found out that they do appreciate what I do for them. I received gifts from them.
58.I have to listen to the training again. Macros!
59.My goal this year is to be able to travel outside the Philippines.
60.Although, i'd probably cry buckets of tears while saying goodbye to my hubby and my Princess.
61.I've told my boss that I don't want to be away from my family for an extended period of time.
62.I can't imagine going through the pain of loneliness again. Just thinking about it now is making me cry.
63.So the best arrangement would be a project that would be based in Manila, but will have occassional business travels.
64.Isn't it great to be able to travel for free!?!?!?
65.However, I don't think we'd be able to make trips to Palawan or Boracay this year.
66.We've made purchases and investments in the last few months that have eaten up most of our savings.
67.Hopefully, the bonus will be good. We could still probably make a domestic travel even late in the year.
68.February 14 this year falls on a
69.Though I've never really made a big deal of Valentine's day, since we've been together, we haven't missed out on a V-day date.
70.I'm not sure if he's planning on anything for this year's V-day. I don't know if subconsciously I'm expecting something. hehehe
71.I'm eating a really fattening chocolate croissant from Starbucks now.
72.Speaking of starbucks, I need my dose of coffee every working day. Without it, I'd feel lousy for the rest of the day.
73.I drink any kind, as long as it's not instant! Barako type from Puerto Galera is the best one I've had so far in my whole lifetime.
74.I prefer coffee with Fresh milk, rather than with creamer. Evaporated milk would be better.
75.Yey! One-fourth na lang.
76.I've got an hour more on this training, and to finish this post.
77.Aside from work, my time in the office is occupied with chatting, checking emails and writing in my blog.
78.I was reunited with my love for writing through this blog. Not that I'm super good at it.
79.Internet is one of the greatest inventions in my lifetime, I think.
80.I get to keep in touch with my friends and family from anywhere in the world, real time.
81.However since I've started using a computer, and using it during most of my waking hours, I don't know how to write in long-hand anymore. My hands easily get tired when i try.
82.But my dream job is to be a part-time cashier, in a 7-11 store that I own.
83.I don't want to be a slave of the corporate world for long, and would rather spend more time with my daughter and other future kids.
84.We're planning for a second baby later this year.
85.But that is still subject to further discussion--depends on a lot of factors.
86.Though I'm aware of the fact that I'm turning 31 this year, and my genes may not be in their best condition anymore.
87.I'm feeling sleepy now. It happens to me a couple of times in a day, though I don't actually fall asleep in the office.
88.I do love to sleep in my bed though. Getting up in the morning takes a lot of effort.
89.I invested on expensive bedsheets and pillows when I was in Jakarta. I bought the ones that are very conducive to sleeping. I brought them home with me.
90.I could not have less than 6 hours of sleep, or else i'd be cranky. More than 8 hours is preferable.
91.Most of the time, I'd fall asleep ahead of my daughter. But I am a light sleeper and would be up at her slightest whimper.
92.I would be up whenever my hubby arrives home from his badminton games. And though I may feel so drowsy, I try my best to listen to his stories of how lost this game or how he was able to beat his opponents.
93.I also play badminton, but not as much as he does. In fact, I haven't played for more than 2 months already.
94.I'm not athletic by nature. Again, i'd rather sleep.
95.That's why I have lots of unwanted bulges here and there.
96.The lightest i ever got to was 100 lbs. on my freshman year in the university, then 116 lbs. when I was employed by this company. My pre-employment medical records will show such.
97.Now, don't even ask.
98.I also love to eat, next to sleeping.
99.But then again, I'm still a hot mama, after all.
100.And with that, I end this list. Yep, finally ;)
that's what Mama said at 4:27 PM
________________________
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
The Makings of an "Artista"
CHARACTERS: a 2 y/0 girl and her mother and father
SITUATION: The 2 y/o girl is eating a chocolate candy, while her mother watches over her. The father is on his knees, cleaning the floor.
Daughter: Choko choko...hmmm..sarap sarap.
The mother looks on, smiling.
Daughter: Papa, papa! Sabay kain Choko choko!
Papa: Later baby, papa's hands are dirty.
Daughter: Choko choko...hmmm...yum yum!
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The scene above was NOT taken straight out of a TV commercial for Choko Choko*. This was a real-life scene from a day in the life of the Santos Family. I think my Princess is an aspiring TV talent!
She had a VTR done on her when she was barely a year old. She actually was called for an audition, but the talent was required to be a Wyeth user (which she wasn't). Now, she might have to wait till her two front teeth grow back.
*Choko Choko is a local brand of chocolate. It's packaged in thin plastic strips, and the way to eat it is to sip it from the plastic, much like eating ice candy, only, smaller. And true to what my daughter says, it's really sarap-sarap and yum yum! I recommend it even for adults. It sells at P18.50 for a 20-piece pack at the grocery. Or P1.00 each at your favorite sari-sari store.
SITUATION: The 2 y/o girl is eating a chocolate candy, while her mother watches over her. The father is on his knees, cleaning the floor.
Daughter: Choko choko...hmmm..sarap sarap.
The mother looks on, smiling.
Daughter: Papa, papa! Sabay kain Choko choko!
Papa: Later baby, papa's hands are dirty.
Daughter: Choko choko...hmmm...yum yum!
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The scene above was NOT taken straight out of a TV commercial for Choko Choko*. This was a real-life scene from a day in the life of the Santos Family. I think my Princess is an aspiring TV talent!
She had a VTR done on her when she was barely a year old. She actually was called for an audition, but the talent was required to be a Wyeth user (which she wasn't). Now, she might have to wait till her two front teeth grow back.
*Choko Choko is a local brand of chocolate. It's packaged in thin plastic strips, and the way to eat it is to sip it from the plastic, much like eating ice candy, only, smaller. And true to what my daughter says, it's really sarap-sarap and yum yum! I recommend it even for adults. It sells at P18.50 for a 20-piece pack at the grocery. Or P1.00 each at your favorite sari-sari store.
that's what Mama said at 2:16 PM
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Monday, January 17, 2005
I'm thinking of giving up driving altogether...
Just because I was a relaxed driver.
Just because I had a child with me and had to drive carefully.
Just because I was in a residential (and need I say a highly populated squatters' area) where I expected ALL drivers to drive with prudence and caution.
And just because I trusted that ALL drivers are decent and respectful enough to slow down for turning cars.
Our three-month old Vito suffered a major damage to its left exterior when a high speed tricycle lost control and collided with it. The suspect (that's how the police termed it in the report) fled the scene, and nobody came to claim the abandoned tricycle. Oh, and need I say that the tricycle was not registered, and the driver was reportedly DRUNK and UNLICENSED.
And yes, I was probably stupid to assume that each driver is like me. And yes, quite forgetful also. I forgot two main SOP's of driving in Manila:
1. Matino ka mang driver, hindi lahat ng driver ay kasing tino mo. Mas marami pa ring bastos at balasubas na driver.
2. At kaya nga sila naging tricycle (at isama na natin ang jeepney) driver, kasi yun lang ang kaya ng utak nila.
And yes, you can quote me on that last statement!
Just because I had a child with me and had to drive carefully.
Just because I was in a residential (and need I say a highly populated squatters' area) where I expected ALL drivers to drive with prudence and caution.
And just because I trusted that ALL drivers are decent and respectful enough to slow down for turning cars.
Our three-month old Vito suffered a major damage to its left exterior when a high speed tricycle lost control and collided with it. The suspect (that's how the police termed it in the report) fled the scene, and nobody came to claim the abandoned tricycle. Oh, and need I say that the tricycle was not registered, and the driver was reportedly DRUNK and UNLICENSED.
And yes, I was probably stupid to assume that each driver is like me. And yes, quite forgetful also. I forgot two main SOP's of driving in Manila:
1. Matino ka mang driver, hindi lahat ng driver ay kasing tino mo. Mas marami pa ring bastos at balasubas na driver.
2. At kaya nga sila naging tricycle (at isama na natin ang jeepney) driver, kasi yun lang ang kaya ng utak nila.
And yes, you can quote me on that last statement!
that's what Mama said at 7:46 AM
________________________
Friday, January 14, 2005
Breaking News
I don't know which is sicker, the details of Michael Jackson's alleged molestation of young boys, or the gathering of 3 million signatures by FPJ's supporters to convince his widow to lead the opposition.
For more details (and should you want to ruin the rest of your day), read these and more at www.inq7.net.
For more details (and should you want to ruin the rest of your day), read these and more at www.inq7.net.
that's what Mama said at 11:26 AM
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Thursday, January 13, 2005
Dating Game
These days, with all the domestic matters we have to take care of, time alone as a couple is a precious rarity between hubby and myself. Though we live at my in-law's home, hubby and I are very hands-on with all the work that's going on at the house, because, one, my in-laws are old already, and two, we own the idea after all. Coupled with being "helper"-less, we had our hands full for about a month now. You can say that we were romantically deprived for quite sometime.
One "rare" opportunity came last Saturday evening. The hubby asked me out on a movie date! He took me to watch Ocean's 12 (great movie, btw)--and guess where? Drumroll please....SM Bicutan! Now hear this: We used free movie passes (we still have about six currently). But in fairness, hubby upgraded our seats and paid extra for the Deluxe section, and he bought me a bucket of popcorn. I texted a few friends that night to share with them that hubby took me out on a movie date. I was just so kilig!
Then again, last night, we had to buy paints, supplies for the workers and the househelp, groceries, and some new furnishings for the house (will feature this here when the project is finished). We finished our shopping fifteen minutes before closing time and we haven't had dinner yet. We had a slight dillemma as our "truck" (term coined by Tin for AUV's) was parked at the bridgeway connecting the Parksquare parking area and SM Makati. We were concerned that we might be locked out of SM, and have to go seven stories up to get to our car (if we pass through Parksquare). And so, we finally decided to eat at the stalls just outside the SM Supermarket. Yes, in all my glamorous office get up (ok, semi-glamorous), hubby and I munched on dimsum, on our feet (Commonly thought to be better for digestion--hehe, but men of science say otherwise). The funny thing is, we spent about a total of 10k pesos on all our purchases last night, and we only spent about a hundred pesos per person on our dinner.
Looking back, how we used to spend our dates years ago has transformed dramatically. While we used to eat a lot at expensive restaurants, now we are quite happy just being together, even if it's just at Mc Donalds (we had another semi-date on Monday night at McDo MCS after buying DVDs--the acronyms are intentional, to be partly disguised--and while waiting for the car coding to be lifted). I kid him a lot that he has stopped "impressing" me after we had gotten married. But nonetheless, I don't mind, as long as we get to have our "couple" time. I was never a "high-maintenance" girl, anyway. And we still do dine at expensive restaurants, on special occassions, or at some spontaneous moments when we just crave for something in particular.
After all, I believe that love exists in the unlikeliest of places!
One "rare" opportunity came last Saturday evening. The hubby asked me out on a movie date! He took me to watch Ocean's 12 (great movie, btw)--and guess where? Drumroll please....SM Bicutan! Now hear this: We used free movie passes (we still have about six currently). But in fairness, hubby upgraded our seats and paid extra for the Deluxe section, and he bought me a bucket of popcorn. I texted a few friends that night to share with them that hubby took me out on a movie date. I was just so kilig!
Then again, last night, we had to buy paints, supplies for the workers and the househelp, groceries, and some new furnishings for the house (will feature this here when the project is finished). We finished our shopping fifteen minutes before closing time and we haven't had dinner yet. We had a slight dillemma as our "truck" (term coined by Tin for AUV's) was parked at the bridgeway connecting the Parksquare parking area and SM Makati. We were concerned that we might be locked out of SM, and have to go seven stories up to get to our car (if we pass through Parksquare). And so, we finally decided to eat at the stalls just outside the SM Supermarket. Yes, in all my glamorous office get up (ok, semi-glamorous), hubby and I munched on dimsum, on our feet (Commonly thought to be better for digestion--hehe, but men of science say otherwise). The funny thing is, we spent about a total of 10k pesos on all our purchases last night, and we only spent about a hundred pesos per person on our dinner.
Looking back, how we used to spend our dates years ago has transformed dramatically. While we used to eat a lot at expensive restaurants, now we are quite happy just being together, even if it's just at Mc Donalds (we had another semi-date on Monday night at McDo MCS after buying DVDs--the acronyms are intentional, to be partly disguised--and while waiting for the car coding to be lifted). I kid him a lot that he has stopped "impressing" me after we had gotten married. But nonetheless, I don't mind, as long as we get to have our "couple" time. I was never a "high-maintenance" girl, anyway. And we still do dine at expensive restaurants, on special occassions, or at some spontaneous moments when we just crave for something in particular.
After all, I believe that love exists in the unlikeliest of places!
that's what Mama said at 9:49 AM
________________________
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Domestic Developments
Househelp
My daughter's yaya (nanny) of more than two years decided to pack her bags and go home for good. Hubby and I spent most of the holidays (approximately three weeks) alternating as the sitter for the Princess. We had to forego some social engagements as well because of this. The good thing about it is that we both got to spend so much time with our daughter again. She would be with us wherever we went.
After three weeks of searching, we found two househelpers, both referred by the helpers of a good friend. We had already planned, even before the former yaya left, to employ another househelper to do the all-around cleaning of the house. Anyway, the two girls we got are both from the same town in Masbate (Bicol province), and even went to the same school there, though they don't personally know each other and just met each other when I hired them. So far, I find them both very kind, quiet and respectful people. They seem to be very hardworking as well. On the other hand, I believe that my hubby and I are good employers--we rarely get mad--as long as they do their job well. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll have a good and lasting relationship with them.
House Restoration/Renovation
Subsequently, after deciding to hire a second helper, I broached a house improvement idea to my hubby. We have a spare area at the back of our house, which used to be the cooking area and is also being used as a "batalan" (in Philippine provinces, this is the area where you take a bath and is separate from the main house). I told my hubby that we can utilize this area and convert it into the maids' quarters and then improve the "batalan" area and make it into a separate shower/bath area. Without much ado, the hubby got in touch with a local contractor and had estimates made. It became a semi-full blown project, with house repainting (outdoor portion only) and indoor floor tiling included.
I, of course, had a hand in deciding what paint colors and which tile designs to use. We chose Boysen's Bone Ivory for the house walls and stone pillars, and Sammy Brown for the gate and fences. With our limited budget, we just decided to get vinyl tiles for our flooring. We're getting a parquet design for the bedrooms, and a beige-flecked off white color for the living and dining areas.
Yesterday, the first coating for the walls was made. Even in the barely finished stage, I noticed that the new color gave our house a cheerier and brighter ambience. The house used to be painted in White and the fences and gate in Green (as in Maryknoll Sisters Green). New houses being built in Manila or being repainted are more into the Beige, Ivory, Creme shades. With our new paint, our house is getting a brand-new look. This morning, I compared it to a neighbor's house whose walls are in White and gate in Maryknoll Green. The neighbor's house looked pretty dull compared to ours. And the hubby couldn't agree more. He gave me a thumbs-up for making good choices for the paint colors.
The house is still in disarray, and we've got probably two more weeks before the project is finished. But I know the wait will be worth while. I can't wait to see our house looking sparklingly new!
My daughter's yaya (nanny) of more than two years decided to pack her bags and go home for good. Hubby and I spent most of the holidays (approximately three weeks) alternating as the sitter for the Princess. We had to forego some social engagements as well because of this. The good thing about it is that we both got to spend so much time with our daughter again. She would be with us wherever we went.
After three weeks of searching, we found two househelpers, both referred by the helpers of a good friend. We had already planned, even before the former yaya left, to employ another househelper to do the all-around cleaning of the house. Anyway, the two girls we got are both from the same town in Masbate (Bicol province), and even went to the same school there, though they don't personally know each other and just met each other when I hired them. So far, I find them both very kind, quiet and respectful people. They seem to be very hardworking as well. On the other hand, I believe that my hubby and I are good employers--we rarely get mad--as long as they do their job well. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll have a good and lasting relationship with them.
House Restoration/Renovation
Subsequently, after deciding to hire a second helper, I broached a house improvement idea to my hubby. We have a spare area at the back of our house, which used to be the cooking area and is also being used as a "batalan" (in Philippine provinces, this is the area where you take a bath and is separate from the main house). I told my hubby that we can utilize this area and convert it into the maids' quarters and then improve the "batalan" area and make it into a separate shower/bath area. Without much ado, the hubby got in touch with a local contractor and had estimates made. It became a semi-full blown project, with house repainting (outdoor portion only) and indoor floor tiling included.
I, of course, had a hand in deciding what paint colors and which tile designs to use. We chose Boysen's Bone Ivory for the house walls and stone pillars, and Sammy Brown for the gate and fences. With our limited budget, we just decided to get vinyl tiles for our flooring. We're getting a parquet design for the bedrooms, and a beige-flecked off white color for the living and dining areas.
Yesterday, the first coating for the walls was made. Even in the barely finished stage, I noticed that the new color gave our house a cheerier and brighter ambience. The house used to be painted in White and the fences and gate in Green (as in Maryknoll Sisters Green). New houses being built in Manila or being repainted are more into the Beige, Ivory, Creme shades. With our new paint, our house is getting a brand-new look. This morning, I compared it to a neighbor's house whose walls are in White and gate in Maryknoll Green. The neighbor's house looked pretty dull compared to ours. And the hubby couldn't agree more. He gave me a thumbs-up for making good choices for the paint colors.
The house is still in disarray, and we've got probably two more weeks before the project is finished. But I know the wait will be worth while. I can't wait to see our house looking sparklingly new!
that's what Mama said at 10:45 AM
________________________
Monday, January 10, 2005
Older but Wiser (and more sensitive daw)
I cannot even find the right words that will give justice to how wonderful you are.
You have been a source of strength for me and other countless friends.
You have never been afraid to speak your mind and heart and be true to yourself and to the people you love.
You have courageously expressed (and acted upon) your life's passions, without ever forgetting your values.
You have shown me the way to be more loving and generous to people who have lesser blessings than we have.
And though we're miles apart, through the years, you've never failed to show how much of a friend you are.
Happy Birthday Tin!
May the Lord continue to bless you with health, bounty and happiness. Know that I am so grateful for you. I am truly blessed to have you as a friend. I love you.
photo swapped from Tin's smugmug
You have been a source of strength for me and other countless friends.
You have never been afraid to speak your mind and heart and be true to yourself and to the people you love.
You have courageously expressed (and acted upon) your life's passions, without ever forgetting your values.
You have shown me the way to be more loving and generous to people who have lesser blessings than we have.
And though we're miles apart, through the years, you've never failed to show how much of a friend you are.
Happy Birthday Tin!
May the Lord continue to bless you with health, bounty and happiness. Know that I am so grateful for you. I am truly blessed to have you as a friend. I love you.
photo swapped from Tin's smugmug
that's what Mama said at 7:37 AM
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Friday, January 07, 2005
Indispose
I'm nursing a terrible case of stiff neck. I didn't mind it too much when I woke up in the morning, but upon arriving here in the office, I realized that I couldn't look up at my monitor, without cringing in pain. So I've made two trips to our office clinic and lied down for a total of two hours, hoping that the pain would go away. I also smell like "lola" now, with loads of bengay applied on my neck, and four Salonpas medicated plasters splattered all over the right side of my neck.
And now, this song rings in my head:
If you see me walking down the street
And I start to cry, each time we meet
Walk on by....Walk on by...
Make believe that you don't see a tear
So let me weep, in private coz each time I see you
I break down and cry....
Walk on by...Walk on by...
Yes, my friend, if you see me tonight, and if I don't bother to look at you, don't take it personally. You know why. Just walk on by.
And no, I don't have the other symptoms of meningococcemia, so don't be afraid.
And now, this song rings in my head:
If you see me walking down the street
And I start to cry, each time we meet
Walk on by....Walk on by...
Make believe that you don't see a tear
So let me weep, in private coz each time I see you
I break down and cry....
Walk on by...Walk on by...
Yes, my friend, if you see me tonight, and if I don't bother to look at you, don't take it personally. You know why. Just walk on by.
And no, I don't have the other symptoms of meningococcemia, so don't be afraid.
that's what Mama said at 3:51 PM
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Thursday, January 06, 2005
Just Woke Up from a Dream
This is one new year that I am not particularly looking forward to, in terms of my job. Okay, that sounds grim...I'll rephrase it. This is one January that I am not particularly looking forward to. January means that it's year-end/month-end closing again, and for us working in helpdesk support jobs, this is one of the most dreaded months of the year. Plus, it means going back to my long-standing issues at work, which I have managed (a.k.a. forced myself) to forget over the holidays.
And my friends, that's why I'm not so inspired to write anything interesting these days. Much as I want to, I know that work would arrive anytime and dampen my mood to write. I envy my blogger friends Tin, Pazette, Toni, CG and Dez who were able to document their holidays, or Mike who simply can write about anything under the sun (pun-intended...hahaha).
I'll just look forward to Chinese New Year. Yey, vacation ang mga customers namin!
And my friends, that's why I'm not so inspired to write anything interesting these days. Much as I want to, I know that work would arrive anytime and dampen my mood to write. I envy my blogger friends Tin, Pazette, Toni, CG and Dez who were able to document their holidays, or Mike who simply can write about anything under the sun (pun-intended...hahaha).
I'll just look forward to Chinese New Year. Yey, vacation ang mga customers namin!
that's what Mama said at 4:52 PM
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