Taking A Stand

I find this ad tacky. No wonder NBC refused to air it for the Super Bowl tomorrow. (The Super Bowl is one of the biggest festival in this country! You will see exclusive and amazing advertisements on TV. Families and friends gather over a football party)

Anyway, I know what drives the CatholicOrg to do such. There is indeed a call to make people aware how evil abortion is. I am not for abortion. I am pro-life. Why wouldn't I be? Life is a gift. Other people may think differently, they have reasons to. But taking away LIFE is murder. It's a universal truth that killing is evil no matter what. I will not elaborate further because there are so many issues about life and death in this world especially if you consider other factors.

But this ad is just too much! It's spiteful to the newly elected president. It could have been better.

Don't shoot me. But I welcome your opinion. Let us agree to disagree...

Iskolar, etc.

Do you know how it feels when you find your thesis/dissertation online? I found a link to a forum where they gave credit to an appendix that I used for my dissertation on downtown Cebu. This was part of the academic past that I have left for a few years already. That piece of ideal and hope that one day soon Cebu City will be known for its historical, cultural, and economic significance to the Philippines.

>>That triggered a lot of emotion and whatnots. I have been meaning to tell you about social entrepreneurship and leadership and how proud I am of my husband who just finished his program at the Harvard Business School.

>>Do you know that I am an advocate of heritage conservation and urban revitalization? If only I have the means to influence and work on this, I would. Baby steps for now...

>>I have become a snob over the years. Have you noticed that?

>>Valentines is just around the corner. While every one else is thinking the sweetest way to express their love and devotion to their sweethearts, I am hoping I would sell a lot of cupcakes that day. I guess the husband will get a dozen cupcakes hahaha!!! And now, I'm no longer expecting a bouquet of fresh flowers. I'm more excited of having our backyard "fixed" hahaha!!! ;-)

>>I am morally obligated to help/contribute to our country's development. I would like to think that I already am. What do you think?

>>A lot of friends think I am one Suzy homemaker, but if you ask my husband you will know that I am far from it. If our walls could speak bwehehehe!!!

>>I'd like to get a job for having a job's sake... to meet new friends, establish my own network outside of my husband's work and our church community... to discover potential business opportunities... and to earn my own keeps to pay for our house in Cebu hehehe!

>>Crossing my fingers, hoping, and praying that all goes well this year. If not, may I (and the husband) be strong enough to brave the roads to plan B.

>>When will I meet baby Leiko? =(

Goodnight moon!

Footnotes

We are surrounded by critics. Although we are sometimes the worst critics of our own lives. Sometimes we make myself ourselves feel better if we find people who are not as fortunate as us. We are sometimes ruled by envy and greed. It's difficult to be humble when we want the spotlight.

How do we resolve issues among peers, colleagues, and friends? How do we get past insults and criticisms? How do we desensitize ourselves from cruel tongues? How do we play blind so as not to notice that we are the joke?

Just some thoughts for today... brought about by Kung Fu Panda and Ratatouille =)

***

Recap

My vacation is almost over. Two weeks just flew by me. I visited Chicago, Fort Wayne, and still savoring my last few days here in Indianapolis. It does feel like home! Hehehe! I can get used to this... oh no!

How do I begin to describe the days that went by? All I did was eat, sleep, chitchat, and watch movies online. The last time I was like this was way back in college. I'd strain my eyes watching four movies in one day (at least), that was when we owned a video rental shop. Here are the movies I've seen so far:

• The Holiday
  
• Nothing Like the Holidays
• Milk
• The Reader
• Taken
• Gran Torino
• Bride Wars (in a movie theatre yay! hahaha!)
• Fireproof
• and I'm sure I forgot a few more...

The little one has also been feasting here! I think he has gained a few chubs heheh! He's been having a holiday with cable TV. Oh poor boy... he will be missing Nick Jr. and Disney channels when he gets back to Colorado.

This afternoon I will be spending some time alone at Tyler Mason's. Thanks to Lynette hehehe! Tomorrow, will be at the Yu household for a dinner party. On Friday, we'll have friends over for a get together before I go back to the rockies =P

Buffet

I am trying to calm myself down. There are certain issues that are too cruel and maddening to be written. Too painful to recollect and too obnoxious to merit my blog space. Any how it has affected me so much that my left arm was too heavy. I was so scared. I guess this is what being so upset does to me.

***

I wish I am in Cebu to feel the 'excitement'. Lynette is more excited than I am I think. It may mean nothing to the rest of the world but to me it should. Here's to fulfilling DREAMS!

***

Some nights are better spent with my husband. I would have wanted to be with him tonight. It is very tough to carry on being tough when everything else feels like a blur. I don't want to have a heart attack far away from home.

***

The old house in Minglanilla is 'suffering' its senioritis issues. I know this will never stop. It is like another baby. Ah, it's hard to be a remote control. I wish I can be on top of things.

***

To me some people do no matter anymore, no matter where or what they are in right now... I couldn't just bring myself to care about them. Life has taught me lessons not to dance with the devil's spawn.

***

So happy to have met Ace and her family! Here's to more wonderful years of friendship ahead of us...

***

For some reason my son and I are so at home here in Ernest Lane hehehehe!!! Baga kaayo ko ug nawng!

***

I think I've gained ten pounds and a BELLY! NOT GOOD!

two decades

From Chicago

We met in June 1989, Cebu City National Science High School. It feels odd (and makes us OLD) and funny that we've known each other for two decades already! From geeky glasses, to boyfriends, slumbooks and blogs, dating to motherhood, weddings and divorces, parenting and womanhood... but what made us together in spite of being far away from each other for several years is that love and bond stronger than that of family. There is no secret, if there's any it would be keeping in touch -- snail mails, calls, text messages, chats, photos, and blogs.

If you must know she is my only next of kin in this new home. She is the sister who lives far in the midwest. And I'm glad that I'm here in Indy (in her house) despite the cold hehehe! I know it will be so awesome to be neighbors. Life will be a little easier for both of us.

So far, we untintentionally see each other every year. I hope we will have all the resources and time to make it possible in the next years to come.

Some things are constant in this lifetime, and she is one of mine.

(I've always wondered why her being nice never rubbed on me)

Of Engagements and Promises

My sister in law just buzzed me and announced that she just got engaged! I can feel her giddy-ness from across the oceans! She's oh too happy and who wouldn't be? She promised to tell me the details of the proposal and whatnots after work hours. These things make me excited... love is alive, there is hope to human kind.

This is a major reason for us to be back home. I hope they will swing to having it this year instead of next year. Oh what a joyous homecoming would that be.

Must diet and exercise for this bwahahaha! Tan-awa unsa ko ka mabaw?!

COLD

It's cold. I still want to sleep in but can't. Need to shower, do laundry, and perhaps sleep later on. Argh, just so cold!

Mahjong

It's fun! I will get a mahjong set when I get to Colorado... perhaps I will get one while I'm still here. I'd like to host a mahjong party for Valentines? Heheheh!!!

Thanks Tita Lou and Tita Liding for teaching us! It was really great winning heheh!!! Oh and we're definitely going back to Chicago. I can get used to Tita Liding's cooking, really. And there goes healthy eating bleh!

To Indy

In a couple of hours we shall be heading to the airport. I still have to clean the kitchen (no more energy...).

Please keep us in your prayers that we may have a safe flight. May the weather be not too cruel for flying. The husband will be flying on Sunday to Boston, while the little one and I are going to Indy this morning.

No one is available to take your call hehehe!

In My Office

My laptop is now back at my desk, my office nook in my kitchen. I enjoyed Scarlett B. on my lap desk (a non slip tray and an ergonomic pillow cushion beneath) while I was not feeling too well. This was actually my Christmas present to my husband along with a book light (which can be attached to the computer via USB).

Well anyway, thank goodness for inventions like this. It comes handy when you're so sick to get up but still feel the need to work or entertain yourself with a computer. It's very 'ergonomic'! It doesn't hurt my lap and it's wide enough for the mouse and whatnots. Athough I wish I bought the one which came with a caddy (ay never mind).

I'm back now at my desk, the usual chaotic desk with a lot of wires and a Winnie the Pooh lamp hahaha!!! Yah, funny lamp! It was my son's nursery lamp when he was a baby. The movers broke it while in transit. I don't have the heart to throw it yet so I am making use of it as my office lamp. Maybe I will paint it red and black, who knows? hehehe!

Perhaps, I could start a tag here just for fun! So what's on your office desk?

• modem router
• broadband phone base and charger
• pc speakers
• pc
• printer
• pad and pen
• audio book
• flyers and info sheets
• portable hard disk
• cables and cables
• extension cord
• mouse and mouse pad
• winnie the pooh lamp

I will take a picture of it later perhaps hehehe!!!

So, what's on your desk? Care to share? =P

Simple Joys

Ever been addicted to condensed milk sandwich? Hehehe! I have memories of condensada and pan de sal along with the native coffee (sinangag). I've found myself getting hooked with this sweet and starch combination since yesterday. I guess I missed the leftover ganache which I used as spread... and so this quest of avoiding sugar failed again bleh!

If this weren't a peanut free household, I would have enjoyed peanut butter with the condensed milk. Oh it brings me back to my HKU years... this was my favorite snack. Toast with condensed milk and peanut butter along with yit lai cha (hot milk tea) or tong leng cheng (iced lemon tea). Those were the days, often I'd eat bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon and that would be lunch for a lazy bum like me.

It's funny to be having bread on an afternoon like this with my son. Feels like we went to the nearest bakery to grab the freshly baked ones. But this time we have to settle with the honey wheat that he can eat (without milk and eggs that is). He enjoys them without the crust, how classic. Yesterday I made him corned beef sandwich and he finished it yey! This is way better than the pop tarts he loves to eat the whole day!

Oh simple joys. Having a snack with the little one. This while enjoying a book and a chat with a friend online... and doing the household budget and working on some concepts while I lie on the couch. The things I can do when I'm sick.

Something about light and feel good movies... yes, I sometimes would look for movies that make me laugh, think less, and enjoy more. There are times when I feel masochistic and watch movies I know would make my heart ache and bawl. But these days since this bout of sickness hit me and leave me no choice but to sit on my butt the entire day, I opt to watch movies that are sappy, funny, and too obvious hehehe!!!

I plan to finish Miss Julia tomorrow too...

On the other note, I wish to get well SOON because I don't want to travel with an ear ache, dizzy spells, and a preschooler. WAH!

Sinusitis

My husband has been convincing me to use this nasal spray to moisten and clean my nasal passages. I have tried it once since I got here and boy did I almost pop my eardrums! But since my head felt like it was breaking into pieces the other day, I gave it another shot. And I like it now. Hopefully this will clear any congestion and would prevent any dizzy spells.

Penny Pinchers

I have read various blogs, tips, editorials, and recently a book on the global financial crisis. Yes, it's scary. In fact VERY scary -- it knows no boundaries. Businessmen scratch their heads on how to cut costs and maximize profits to stay afloat. Employees are holding on to their wits for fear of getting fired any time now. No one is living in a cushion, the bubble has burst. And we are all going to make some sacrifices and suffer.

I have downloaded the e-copy of Suze Orman's recent book 2009 Action Plan from Oprah.Com. You can get it for free until January 15th.

If you've read her previously published books, you would know that Orman highly recommends us to be truthful about our finances. Because lying and cheating our way through a lavish lifestyle which we cannot afford is like digging our own grave to financial hell.

It pays to read books like this one. I often find myself enjoying a book if I get to learn a thing or two. As for the financial aspect, I've found myself having bouts of 'financial consciousness' where I make action plans. So far, we haven't fallen off the wagon and have made bold steps in pursuing our goals. Although it doesn't hurt to penny pinch here and there. After all we are at our most un-liquid state right now compared to a couple years back.

Here are things I thought might help you in making it right this year:

• BE HONEST! if you can't afford it, you can't. who are you kidding?
• SAVE! Set aside an emergency fund worth eight months of your living expenses. TOUGH! But this will come in handy especially if you find yourself out of job (heaven forbid). Try to set aside 20% more of what you intend to save each month.
  
• Pay off your credit cards, get rid of it. Don't live on credit. You're not doing yourself a favor.
• You might also want to try these:

- don't spend for one day
- don't use your credit card for one week
- don't eat out for one month
- and stop buying coffee!

Not easy. But I vowed to myself to do the following to manage our household finances:

• Watch movies online
• Ensure that bills are paid on time to avoid penalties.
• (TRY) Limit eating out to once monthly.
• Strictly follow the weekly budget for groceries.
• Switch to housebrands (they're usually a lot cheaper!), if I can save a dollar on ten items on my list that would be awesome!
• Save on electricity.
• Make more MONEY! Do what I can to optimize sales and profits. Seek out other business opportunities. (Hopefully I can get a job soon that can pay off groceries, Minglanilla mortgage, and childcare)

***

Since I am bedridden most of the time today. Reading this book and making some notes actually made my day productive. That along with watching TV and a movie online hehehe!!!

I have been dizzy for a couple of days. I hope it's nothing serious.

I've been enjoying the movies lately. I'm happy and proud to be somewhat updated than last year's. (This is a resolve. I also want to be updated with music. Hence, I listen to top hits which makes my husband feel he has a teenager in the house hahaha!!!)

Anyway, I watch it for free. The internet is a huge treasure box! These are the recent movies I've seen so far:

• Valkyrie
• Benjamin Button
• Marley & Me
• Four Christmases
• Bedtime Stories
• Prince Caspian (Narnia)
• Dark Knight
• Yes Man
• and a lot more I forgot already...

Right now, I can't wait to watch Slumdog Millionaire. It is a very CLEAR copy! You'll be very amazed.

Buzz me if you want to know the links =)

Blabbers

Words have found their way of leaving me for some time, so I write to you in nuggets:

• I got my period too soon. My cycle is screwed up. From 37 days to 28 days!
• Food log out of the window, you don't want to know what I ate. But I promised to get on track starting tomorrow perhaps =P
• I have one week to get this place "mind friendly" for me. Need to tidy up and put away the Christmas tree.
• Will be in Indy next weekend and will drive straight to Chicago. Awesome, awesome.
• Dad will be in LA by Wednesday =(
• My little one is really a darling! He's a young man. So sweet, so charming, and so smart. I wish our little girl will be as sweet as he is.
• After the holidays, I am really tired of cooking. For some reason, I live in the kitchen. My office is here, the TV is here, and I always end up cleaning it! Gikapoy nako!
• Itching to get some sun... spring please come soon.
• Geesh, will be 32 in a few months. Darn, it's true we get old.
  

Happiness

Staying up late to chat with friends from the other side of the globe...
Knowing a few things about posting photos and whatnots...
Sharing secrets.

Watching the boys sleep...
A cup of milk tea,
ganache.

My Son

I woke up tired, congested, and feverish. Had he not taken my temperature, I wouldn't have known I was having fever. When he saw the "sad face" marked on the thermometer, he ran to his bathroom to get an ointment for his eczema (which I apply onto his legs every night). It was so sweet of him to do such. I told him to use my ointment instead (read: vicks vapor rub). And he massaged my forehead, neck, chest, and back. The menthol really helped me.

He's happy he thinks he made mommy feel better. Now we can play together!

I wish you have a son like mine =)

How well do I really myself? It looks like I have this luxury of time to be even thinking about this. But really...

• Do I know my limits? Do I let the people around me know about my limits?
• What makes me happy?
• Is there something very outrageous that I want in life?
• How much do I love myself?
• Am I a good person? A loving wife? A wonderful mother? Daughter? Sister? Friend?
  
• Do I make myself proud of the little things that I have achieved?
• Can I take silly steps out of my comfort zone?
• What makes my world go round?
• Is there something that I should know more about?

I watched Oprah's Best Life episode. She said she totally let herself go amidst the chaotic schedule she leads. She erased herself from her 'to do list' making way for others. She encourages everyone to love thyself and if there's balance in your life you're way happier. Don't I know that already?

But what hits me to the core was the fact that I have totally erased myself from my list. I tweeze my brows when it's convenient. I remove my mustache when it's already too horrifying for my husband to deal with. I shaved my legs when it feels like a carpet. My hair is always in a bun and lifeless. I haven't been exercising and eating well. I have been neglecting disorder around the house. I feel like a big MESS.

If I claim to love the people around me, I should take care of myself too.

HAY! I know I am way too lazy. So help me God!

Missing A Few SuperLinks

I miss reading my friends' thoughts these days. I miss knowing how they are and what they've been through especially during the holidays. I wish I can always chat with them over the phone or online. I wish they'd update their photos and blogs more often. I think I am selfish like that. But it's okay, because at some point it was I who missed out on the updating when my so-called life caught up with me. When I bit more than what my body could possibly chew... when I spread myself too thinly... when I thought I could be a marvel hero!

Let's have coffee or tea and laugh our heads off until our stomach aches!

I MISS YOU!

P.L.A.Y.

I was just playing and trying out how changing my blogspot domain name would do to my existing blog. I thought I can have two names for the same site, WRONG!

Perhaps the new year made me so...

Faith, Hope, and Love

We hold on to what we believe,
we pray that everything will turn out for the best,
and we love every moment we spend alive.

EAT!!!!!!!!

From NewYear2009

The more I resolve to eating healthy and exercising, the more I find myself craving and stuffing my mouth with whatever I fancy. I want something salty, sweet, fruity, meaty, cheesy altogether. Oh the holidays clearly have left its mark on my palate.

There are still a few leftovers in the fridge -- potato salad, ganache, lamb, hamonada, ice cream -- which I plan to throw away within today. Otherwise, I would never stop eating!

I have gained back the inches I have lost. I don't even need to measure it because for sure my mid section feels heavy and bloated. There is no excuse for this indulgence!

Time to put away the Christmas trimmings and get back into shape =)

Food Log: 01.04.2008

Breakfast:
DanActive Probiotic drink

Lunch:
Noodles & Siomai

Dinner:
a whole lot of indian!!!
nan
chicken tikka masala
dal
lamb in spinach
coke!

An Old Horse

From 101MSDCF

I don't know what I have but I've had this pain in my ring finger for over a week now. It is hard to maneuver around the house when I can't seem to work my way with my left wrist and fingers especially when holding pots and plates. A couple weeks before this my right thumb was acting up. I hope I don't have any form of arthritis, oh no... not just yet please!

This morning I slathered it with omega and asked Mark to wrap it. In a short while I may have to remove this because it's darn hard to clean the house.

ONE

My kitchen will turn one soon!

From Christmas 2008

My little boy is the sweetest man I've ever met. He will make a very loving kuya someday...

Onwards

From AkioBike

"Forward, always forward

onward, always up"

As my favorite song goes... we move forward, we stand up and we fight. No matter what the aches and pains were, they are all in the past. It may be easier said than understood and done, but I will try. This is what the new year brings, hope and optimism.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button has reminded me of wonderful things:

• true love exists and no matter what fate does to you, LOVE knows its way back to you!
• there are memories, moments, and people we would like to remember... keep a journal.
• we are special, different from every one else, and it's okay.

I pray that this new year will be more exciting and more wonderful than the previous years...

Food Log: 01.02.2009

Brunch:
rice
corned beef hash
scrambled eggs

Snacks:
half of a BIG MAC and a coke! wohoo!

Dinner:
egg drop soup
steamed pork dumplings
sweet and sour pork
mongolian beef
rice
iced tea
strawberry cheesecake and chocolate cake!
(a lovely dinner at PF Chang's)

Exercise: slept the whole day!
***

I guess the feasting has not stopped just yet. Well, we are somewhat sick and the husband is still not that well... we need food =)

It's nice to welcome the new year with a bang, noise, clap, toot, fireworks, firecrackers, and what have yous. Ours was a bit solemn, and not too vibrant because we're not feeling too well.

I am happy to have savored this holiday with my husband, that despite being sick himself had time to prepare brunch (corned beef hash and scrambled eggs) for us because I'm feeling a bit chilly.

It's sweet when you're being taken cared of. It's sweet when you get some loving... some honeymooning...

We didn't let the first day of the new year pass by without some "magic" =P

Food Log:01.01.2009

Brunch:
recycled veggie alfredo with tomato sauce and sauteed chicken fillets (recycled roasted chicken)
milk tea

Snacks:
honey wheat bread w/ganache
truffles

Dinner:
roasted chicken soup w/vermicelli
soda and chocolate fondue wohoo

Midnight Snacks:
chips and dips
leftover pasta
coke
siomai
chocolates

Exercise: hmm hahahaha!!!

Breakfast:
coffee with cream and sugar
corn tortilla chips w/spinach dip

Lunch:
honey wheat bread w/potato egg salad
white chocolate truffles
iced coca cola

Dinner:
hamonada
rice
potato egg salad
soda (lami gyud ang fresca)

Midnight Feast:
strawberry, marshmallows, and banana dipped in chocolate ganache
roasted chicken
veggie alfredo pasta
chips and spinach dip
potato salad
soda
red wine

Exercise: NOTHING! (such a loser)

Welcoming the New Year =)