A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY FRIENDS

Happy New Year Wish

My Happy New Year wish for you

Is for your best year yet,

A year where life is peaceful,

And what you want, you get.

A year in which you cherish

The past year’s memories,

And live your life each new day

Full of bright expectancies.

I wish for you a holiday

With happiness galore;

And when it’s done, I wish you

Happy New Year, and many more.

By Joanna Fuchs

PLAYTIME

My boys having a bit of fun. Aren't they cute?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

Today is my Dad's 57th birthday. I just called him and he was with my family and relatives at a restaurant celebrating. I miss that. I miss spending time with family and having special dinners together. I miss our bonding time.

I love my dad. I can't believe he's growing old! I just can NOT believe that. My dad has always been a cheery fellow. He's very upbeat, funny and really fun to be with. When I was younger, I always wondered how he and my mom ended up together because my mom can be serious sometimes. But now, I understand. It's their differences that bind them together. It's their differences that connect them and complement them. I know it's kind of ironic but that's how I see Ruther and myself and our conflicting personalities. I used to think that we were so different but now, I appreciate how unique we are and how we connect as husband and wife. I learned all these through the realization that my parents' relationship lasted this long because they have learned to live and accept each others' differences. My dad is one special guy. Of course he's not perfect but I value everything he taught me while I was growing up and now that I'm my own woman. I will never cease to be his daughter just as he will never cease to be my dad. He has always been there for me and still is there for me despite living away from me. I appreciate that he always finds the time to keep in touch with me, Ruther and the boys. I love that he loves life in his own way.

Here's a little something I made for my dad a few years ago...

My dad is my hero. Seems like an afternoon Q and A portion of a little miss something pageant, right? But it IS true. My dad is my hero. When i was growing up, my dad was a constant presence in my life. We would see each other every morning, at lunchtime and in the evenings. He would insist we eat breakfast, lunch and dinner together as a family. None of that eating in your room nonsense (we would really get an earful sometimes). He was not really my tutor (my mom was the teacher in the family) nor was he entirely faultless in my growing up years but still, there are many ways in which i feel closer to my dad than my mom.Daddy is funny, a jokester. Mommy is serious and practical. Daddy can make you feel at ease immediately and after spending 10 minutes with him, he'll make you feel like you've been friends forever. Although he is jovial, my dad can be strict. No hanky-panky, curfew, chaperones and all that. When we would have some late night party at a friend's he would insist on picking us up (no way would he let somebody else bring us home). But my sis, bro and I did not mind. We knew he had our best interests at heart. I could tell my mom anything but when it comes to deeper, more serious stuff, my dad is the best. Somehow he always makes me see sense. My dad did not mind when he would have to buy more pairs of slippers than any other dad because we could use his big slippers for tumbang preso and lose them somehow after the game. He would patiently teach us golf when we would grumble and complain in the hot sun (but later learned to love golf). Golf is my dad's favorite sport. He's crazy about it. I also learned about the value of money from my dad. No, he's not stingy. He just tells us money does not grow on trees and tells us other dad-isms about money. I have always been amazed at his knack for math. No, not the Calculus and Algebra genius type but the everyday math. He's really good at it even if I say so myself.I am proud to say too, that my dad is COOL. Yup! COOL. He loves those hiphop songs now (asks my bro to download MP3s for him), adores gadgets and gizmos, and always checks on the latest trends. And he loves to dance. Yup. I have one cool dad! =) But the most important thing i learned from my dad is the value of FAMILY. He has taught me to be the person I am now by example. My dad is open and very straightforward. He is emphatic and considerate. He is honest and disciplined. He values family above everything else. From him i have learned all these and because of him I have grown so much as a person and have become very consciencious.Ruther is so much like my dad. He is funny and a jokester too. He loves gadgets and updates himself on the latest things. But unlike Dad, Ruther is practical and a perfectionist. I don't mind. But I AM glad Ruther and Daddy share some common things. I love the way they are different and the same. My Dad has been an inspiration to me when i was growing up and now that i HAVE grown up, Ruther is my current inspiration. And now that I have kids, I could still see how much of a dad my Dad is with Nikki and Ethan. He loves them so much, calls them all the time when we're here in Manila and plays with them all the time when we are in Zamboanga. He is patient and doting. Daddy will always be a wonderful dad even when "grand" precedes the "dad". He is just so great! =)Life sure is funny. When you're a little girl you dream of meeting the President of the Philippines or Pope John Paul II but when you're all grown up, you realize that the hero you have been searching for all your life was with you all along. I love you so much, Daddy! Mwah!

GLOBAL WARMING

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071229/ap_on_re_us/climate_change_california;_ylt=AlJph2Q1A3VtpZ5mocohqves0NUE

Global warming to alter Calif. landscape
By NOAKI SCHWARTZ, Associated Press Writer Sat Dec 29, 3:04 PM ET

LOS ANGELES - California is defined by its scenery, from the mountains that enchanted John Muir to the wine country and beaches that define its culture around the world.

But as scientists try to forecast how global warming might affect the nation's most geographically diverse state, they envision a landscape that could look quite different by the end of this century, if not sooner.

Where celebrities, surfers and wannabes mingle on Malibu's world-famous beaches, there may be only sea walls defending fading mansions from the encroaching Pacific. In Northern California, tourists could have to drive farther north or to the cool edge of the Pacific to find what is left of the region's signature wine country.

Abandoned ski lifts might dangle above snowless trails more suitable for mountain biking even during much of the winter. In the deserts, Joshua trees that once extended their tangled, shaggy arms into the sky by the thousands may have all but disappeared.

"We need to be attentive to the fact that changes are going to occur, whether it's sea level rising or increased temperatures, droughts and potentially increased fires," said Lisa Sloan, a scientist who directs the Climate Change and Impacts Laboratory at the University of California, Santa Cruz. "These things are going to be happening."

Among the earliest and most noticeable casualties is expected to be California's ski season.
Snow is expected to fall for a shorter period and melt more quickly. That could shorten the ski season by a month even in wetter areas and perhaps end it in others.

Whether from short-term drought or long-term changes, the ski season already has begun to shrivel in Southern California, ringed by mountain ranges that cradle several winter resorts.

"There's always plenty of snow, but you may just have to go out of state for it," said Rinda Wohlwend, 62, who belongs to two ski clubs in Southern California. "I'm a very avid tennis player, so I'd probably play more tennis."

___
Because California has myriad microclimates, covering an area a third larger than Italy, predicting what will happen by the end of the century is a challenge.

But through a series of interviews with scientists who are studying the phenomenon, a general description of the state's future emerges.

By the end of the century, temperatures are predicted to increase by 3 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit statewide. That could translate into even less rainfall across the southern half of the state, already under pressure from the increased frequency of wildfires and relentless population growth.

Small mammals, reptiles and colonies of wildflowers in the deserts east of Los Angeles are accustomed to periodic three-year dry spells. But they might not be able to withstand the 10-year drought cycles that could become commonplace as the planet warms.

Scientists already are considering relocating Joshua tree seedlings to areas where the plants, a hallmark of the high desert and namesake of a national park, might survive climate change.

"They could be wiped out of California depending on how quickly the change happens," said Cameron Barrows, who studies the effects of climate change for the Center for Conservation Biology in Riverside.

Farther north, where wet, cold winters are crucial for the water supply of the entire state, warmer temperatures will lead to more rain than snow in the Sierra Nevada and faster melting in the spring.

Because 35 percent of the state's water supply is stored annually in the Sierra snowpack, changes to that hydrologic system will lead to far-reaching consequences for California and its ever-growing population.

Some transformations already are apparent, from the Sierra high country to the great valleys that have made California the nation's top agricultural state.

The snow line is receding, as it is in many other alpine regions around the world. Throughout the 400-mile-long Sierra, trees are under stress, leading scientists to speculate that the mix of flora could change significantly as the climate warms. The death rate of fir and pine trees has accelerated over the past two decades.

In the central and southern Sierra, the giant sequoias that are among the biggest living things on Earth might be imperiled.

"I suspect as things get warmer, we'll start seeing sequoias just die on their feet where their foliage turns brown," said Nate Stephenson, a U.S. Geological Survey ecologist who is studying the effects of climate change in the Sierra Nevada. "Even if they don't die of drought stress, just think of the wildfires. If you dry out that vegetation, they're going to be so much more flammable."

Changes in the mountain snowpack could lead to expensive water disputes between cities and farmers. Without consistent water from rivers draining the melting snow, farmers in the Central and Salinas valleys could lose as much as a quarter of their water supply.

Any drastic changes to the state's $30 billion agriculture industry would have national implications, since California's fertile valleys provide half the country's fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists' study.

"Obviously, it's going to mean that choices are going to be made about who's going to get the water," said Brian Nowicki, a biologist with the Center for Biological Diversity in Tucson, Ariz.
___
Among the biggest unknowns is what will happen along California's coast as the world's ice sheets and glaciers melt. One scenario suggests the sea level could rise by more than 20 feet.

Will the rising sea swamp the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, the nation's busiest harbor complex, turning them into a series of saltwater lakes? Will funky Ocean Beach, an island of liberalism in conservative San Diego County, become, literally, its own island?

Among the more sobering projections is what is in store for marine life.

The upwelling season, the time when nutrient-rich water is brought from the ocean's depths to the surface, nourishes one of the world's richest marine environments.

That period, from late spring until early fall, is expected to become weaker earlier in the season and more intense later. Upwelling along the Southern California coast will become weaker overall.

As a result, sea lions, blue whales and other marine mammals that follow these systems up and down the coast are expected to decline.

The changing sea will present trouble for much of the state's land-dwelling population, too. A sea level rise of 3 to 6 feet would inundate the airports in San Francisco and Oakland. Many of the state's beaches would shrink.

"If you raise sea level by a foot, you push a cliff back 100 feet," said Jeff Severinghaus, professor of geosciences at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego. "There will be a lot of houses that will fall into the ocean."

FROG

The boys and I were watering the plants the other day when I was caught by surprise at this tiny creature napping on one of the flowering plants. I, of course, showed it to Nikki and Ethan who promptly shushed me so we won't wake up the sleeping frog. I thought it was so cute so I took a photo.

WEIRD WEATHER

It is so unbelieveably HOT today!! I'm saying "is" rather than "was" even if it's already 9pm (current time) because it's still so HOT!! It's so weird because it's December for goodness' sake! It's supposed to be all cool and nice and not sweltering like this! This is really exasperating! Of course, we could always cool off by turning on the aircon but it's still a lot different compared to the cool Decembers during previous years. This climate change is just so bad. I recently read in the paper that 2007 is the year that marks drastic (read: catastrophic) environmental changes. It also said that studies definitely point to man's fossil fuel burning as the main cause of global warming. This is really bad for future generations... It's really scaring me pretty badly. Why? Because I feel like I can only do so much to remedy something so big and beyond me.

Sigh. Why am I even thinking of these things? This hot weather is messing up my thoughts today...

.....

Ruther has just recovered from another bout of fever. You must think that he's such a sickly person because he frequetly gets sick but it's really this weird weather we're having. We'll get rains in the morning then terribly HOT afternoons. Or, the air will be so cool and nice at dawn but at 10am, it'll be sweltering. Who wouldn't get sick? A few days ago, Mama, Ron (my brother-in-law) and Ruther were sick. It was a good thing the boys did not catch whatever they had or I would have had my hands full. I'm just really thankful that Ruther is all better now. Hopefully, this will be his last sickness this year...

MY PRESENT

I am really a simple girl with simple likes so when I receive something extravagant, I really get so overwhelmed. Anyway, here is Ruther's present for me this Christmas:

Ruther bought and brought this present all the way from Japan. Isn't it wrapped beautifully? I know, I'm biased. I love everything Japanese... =D

And here she is... Isn't she pretty? You must think I am being so proud and gaga over my present, but I'm not. I'm just happy. You see, when I was growing up, I didn't get to wear jewelry a lot because my mom said I would always lose an earring or a bracelet and eventually, I just settled for less expensive accessories and until now, I feel more comfortable wearing those because I always feel that should I lose them, I won't have to worry about the cost. But this necklace is so wonderful because not only does it break that "thinking" (that I'm careless with my stuff which I'm not anymore - really!), it's from Ruther as well! So it really is so special. And I love it!

And here I am, giddy with happiness over my present. =D

POST-CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS 2

To continue my previous post, Christmas Day was spent with relatives. We first went to Inang Luring which is just around 20 minutes away from where we live. She's Papa's mom and she's 92 years old. She lives with her 3 spinster daughters and is still quite strong despite her age. Anyway, as is tradition, we had lunch there and gave her presents and the boys got some monetary gifts as well. The only problem with Inang is that her hearing is weak. You would have to shout near her ear to be heard. But she could still recognize faces and still likes to take walks. Really, when I am her age, I would want to be as strong as she is. Here's a photo of us together:

At around 1pm, we departed and then went to Sucat, where Mama's relatives get together every Christmas Day. This, again, is their tradition. Relatives near and far congregate here every year to exchange presents and to spend some time together. Well, it was a lot of fun. The most memorable thing that happened was when I had to change the present I got for Ruther's godchild. I got her a Disney Princess doll (Princess Aurora) and when we saw her, it was like she grew overnight! She was no longer a child! I told Ruther we had better give her money instead. I felt so foolish picking that present for her, but I'm still glad that everything turned out well in the end. The boys got a LOT of presents (see December 25 photo) and Ruther and I had a lot of fun with his cousins. Here's our photo:

See Ruther's shirt? I got him that for Christmas. I think it looks nice on him. =D

Anyway, we got home all tired and sleepy but all in all, it was a great day for everyone. =D

FAMILY PHOTOS

Fun photo!

By the tree

POST-CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS

Well, Christmas is almost over, but of course, not in the Philippines. =D I mean, we always extend the holidays until the first week of January, right?

Anyway, our Christmas was exhausting but fun! Yesterday afternoon, Ruther and I went out for some last minute grocery shopping. It was a good thing we did not have to go to a mall or I could only imagine the queue there. We just went to a small supermarket near our home. Before we did that however, we brought the van to a car wash place and Ruther had the van cleaned inside out. The guy there said it would take an hour so we did the shopping first and then had a bite to eat at Jollibee. It was nice. It was sort of like a date. I enjoyed spending that bit of time with Ruther alone while the boys were at home napping. I really do savor every minute we spend together especially knowing that I will miss him like crazy once he's back in Japan. =( Anyway, after that, we picked the van up then headed home. I then had to do chores as well as cook dinner but I was done at around 7pm so I had some time to rest a bit. At around 10pm, my mom and dad called us through Skype because they wanted to see the boys so badly (who cares if they don't talk to me as along as they speak to the boys =D). We were all so noisy trying to talk all at once, it was a bit hilarious. Then at around 11pm, we all started to get ready for the picture-taking. Oh my goodness, it was loads of fun! It was great that we were all in green and taking all these serious and fun pictures. It was crazy!! Anyway, after that, we all had some of the noche buena (spaghetti, chocolate cake, buko (young coconut) salad, empanadas) and then we opened our presents. Ruther got me some Jockey shirts which I looove. I think he remembered me saying that I found them so comfy (I already had 3) and I added that you can never have too much of a good thing and I think having those shirts in different colors would be wonderful. Well, he got me FOUR! I now have yellow, dark pink, black and blue shirts! Love them! But my favorite present of all was a Swarovsky necklace that Ruther bought in Japan. I know he bought it there because he wanted me to unwrap and open it when he arrived last month but I told him I want to open it on Christmas Day. Call me corny but that's just who I am. Anyway, I'm glad I waited and I love the necklace. It's simple yet elegant, just how I want it to be. I got Ruther a couple of shirts and a black cap. I know, cheesy, but hey! I'm a stay-at-home wife which means I earn zilch so I hope he was happy with those. The boys got him Skittles. Something to keep his life colorful, I guess. Then, at around 2am, after tidying up the mess we all got ready for bed.

part 2 of this story continues tomorrow... =D

CHRISTMAS STASH

Here's a photo of what the boys got this Christmas. It's not all of it yet. There are a few presents missing from the photo as well as the monetary gifts but that's mostly it. Of course, the boys were extremely happy. =D

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR LOVE AND FUN

Christmas is a time for love and fun,
A time to reshape souls and roots and skies,
A time to give your heart to everyone

Freely, like a rich and lavish sun,
Like a burning star to those whose lonely sighs
Show need of such a time for love and fun.

For children first, whose pain is never done,
Whose bright white fire of anguish never dies,
It's time to give your heart to every one,

That not one angel fall, to hatred won
For lack of ears to listen to her cries,
Or arms to carry him towards love and fun,

Or friends to care what happens on the run
To adult life, where joy or sadness lies.
It's time to give your heart to everyone,

For God loves all, and turns His back on none,
Good or twisted, ignorant or wise.
Christmas is a time for love and fun,
A time to give your heart to everyone.

http://www.poemsforfree.com/xmasi2.html

BUSY

We went to the mall yesterday and the other day and there were a lot of people there. Not a LOT like "there's no more room to move" but rather something like "let's make sure the kids stay close so they won't get lost". It was okay, I guess. We didn't have to do shopping anyway so we didn't have to queue. Mama had to get her new pair of glasses and we just bought a present (it's a cute coffee set) for Ruther's paternal grandmother. Anyway, I had mixed feelings about the throng of people at the mall. I felt happy because it was like we were all sharing the pre-holiday excitement. But I also felt a bit anxious because I know, Christmas will be over in a flash. Nevertheless, it's wonderful to be spending the Yuletide season here and with Ruther beside me. That alone makes this Christmas an extra special one already.

.....

Been busy since yesterday. Mama's helper went home to the province for a vacation so Mama and I had to do the chores around the house. I really don't mind. I like helping around the house. Of course, it's more tiring, but at the same time, it's quite fulfilling. Anyway, tomorrow, I am sure there will be a LOT of preparations to be done so I think I'll try to sleep early tonight. Are you guys all ready for tomorrow? =D

ONE MORE WON'T HURT

God bless always and have a wonderful Christmas!! =D

A CHRISTMAS LESSON

by Tom Krause

"Is there a purpose? Why are we here?"
A little boy asked as the yuletide drew near."
I really do hope that someday I will know
the reason we stand out here in the snow,
ringing this bell as people walk by,while thousands of snowflakes
descend from the sky."

The mother just smiled at her shivering son
who would rather be playing and having some fun
but soon would discover before evening was done
the meaning of Christmasthe very first one.

The young boy exclaimed, "Mother where does it go?"
"All the pennies we collect - every year in the snow."
"Why do we do it? Why do we care?"
"We worked for these pennies,so why should we share?"

"Because once a baby - so meek and so mild
was born in a manger - so humble the child
the son of a King - was born in this way
to give us the message He carried that day."

"The present God gave the world on that night,
was the gift of his son to make everything right.
Why did he do it? Why did he care?
To teach about lovingand how we should share."

"The meaning of Christmas, you see my dear son,
is not about presents or just having fun
but the gift of a father - his own precious Son
so the world would be savedwhen his work was all done"

Now the little boy smiled - with a tear in his eye
as snowflakes kept falling from out of the sky -
rang louder the bell as the people walked by
while down deep in his heart
at last he knew why.

http://www.christmas-time.com/ct-christmaslesson.htm

CHRISTMAS IN THE PHILIPPINES

http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Cynthia/festivals/philippine_christmas.htm

Christmas: A National Fiesta

The Philippines is known as the "Land of Fiestas," and at Christmas time, this is especially true. Filipinos are proud to proclaim their Christmas celebration to be the longest and merriest in the world. It begins formally on December 16 with attendance at the first of nine pre-dawn or early morning masses and continues on nonstop until the first Sunday of January, Feast of the Three Kings, the official end of the season.

The Philippines is the only Asian country where Christians predominate. Majority of its people are Roman Catholic. Christmas, therefore, is an extremely important and revered holiday for most Filipinos. It is a time for family, for sharing, for giving, and a time for food, fun, and friendship.

To most Filipinos, Christmas is the most anticipated fiesta of the year and is celebrated accordingly. The splendid climate of this tropical island nation, the abundance and beauty of its flowers, and lovely landscape, its multitude of culinary delights, and above all its warm-hearted people with their true devotion to family and faith all contribute to a holiday celebrated in the true Philippines fiesta tradition.

TIPS?

I encountered this list in a book I am currently reading. I must say, I found it very, uhm, interesting. Do read it. It's really fascinating. =D

Excerpts from How to be a Good Wife, home economics high school text book, 1954:

Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal, on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.

Prepare yourself. Take fifteen minutes to rest so that you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be freshlooking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.

Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the home just before your husband arrives, gather up shoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too.

Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.

Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer, dishwasher or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad he is home.

Some dont's: Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he is late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day.

Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing, and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind.

Listen to him. You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.

Make the evening his. Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.

The Goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.


Hmmm... I wonder what my husband's comments would be once he reads this... =D

NOCHE BUENA

Noche Buena, often translated as "Good Night", is a Spanish word referring to the night of Christmas Eve. Custom in Spain, the Philippines and Latin America dictates a traditional dinner on this night.
In the Philippines, this usually comes after the entire family has attended a late evening mass or church service about an hour or so before midnight. (Wikipedia)

The Noche Buena is very much like an open house celebration. Family, friends, relatives, and neighbors drop by to wish every family member "Maligayang Pasko" (Merry Christmas). Food is in abundance, often served in buffet style. Guests or visitors partake of the food prepared by the host family (even though they are already full or bloated!). Among the typical foods prepared in the Philippines during Christmas are: lechon (roasted pig), pancit, barbecue, rice, adobo, cakes (Western and native rice cakes), lumpia, etc. There is also an abundance of San Miguel beer, wine, and liquor, which makes the celebration of Christmas indeed intoxicating! (http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Cynthia/festivals/philippine_christmas.htm)

REMINISCING

Christmas 2006 at Tokaichiba, Yokohama, Japan. I really miss Japan even if they are not big on the Christmas festivities. This is one of our wacky photos. But we had loads of fun during the pictorial. Hopefully, this year will be fun-filled too. =D

HOT

It's been unbelievably hot these days. Remember a few weeks ago when I wrote something about the cool December mornings? Well, they're gone now. Even the taxi drivers have been complaining to me about the intense heat during the day and have added that it does not feel at all like December. In the evenings however, it's a whole lot better. The air gets cooler and then you see the Christmas lights and decors in the houses around and you hear the kids sing carols every now and then. It's so strange that your perceptions can change with the setting sun.

.....

Last night, I let the boys play with some sparklers I bought. I thought that come New Year, I would want us to have a photo where everyone was holding a sparkler but the problem is, Ethan is so scared of such things and Nikki's first time is always scary for him. So, last night, I first lighted one and showed Nikki that it was not painful nor scary. Then, to make it even more safe for him, I let him wear his glove and then let him hold the sparkler. He really enjoyed it. Ethan was keeping a safe distance from us but after a while, he got the other glove and asked me to put it on his hand. I did so and then we lighted one sparkler and Ethan was not scared. Success!! So I told them that on New Year's Day, we would all be lighting sparklers for the photos. I can't wait! =D

BUNTINGS

Buntings as far as the eye could see... I took this photo one afternoon when we were on our way home. I think it is very Filipino...

KIKUTASAN AND OMIYAGE

Yesterday, Ruther and 2 of his friends met up with Kikutasan, their Japanese officemate and friend who arrived from Japan the night before. Of course, the boys and I tagged along. We first picked Mon and Dennis at Ruther's office then made our way to the hotel where Kikutasan was staying which was just nearby. When I finally saw him, I expected someone older. I thought he was going to be one of the senior employees. So I was wrong. He was jolly and friendly and gave each of us (well, Ruther and I had one) omiyage, which is the Japanese counterpart of the pasalubong (souvenir). (To read more about omiyage, go the end of this post.)

Anyway, he wanted to visit the burial site of Jeb, one of Ruther's officemates who passed away last month. Kikutasan wanted to pay his respects so we went there. It was a bit far and they spent the time chatting in Nihongo. I didn't mind. Sometimes, they would lapse into English but frankly, I was delighted to hear them speak Nihongo because I miss Japan a lot. When we picked Kikutasan up at the hotel, I was surprised to see him in a white shirt and tie. But I later on found out that this was how Japanese should be dressed when they paid their respects to the dead. (Of course, I was so embarrased that I was dressed so casually.) In the photo at right is Kikutasan praying...

After that, we had lunch at Congo Grille (Alabang). We got some adobo rice, sinigang, sizzling bangus (milkfish), chicken lollipop, sisig and spicy crispy squid. It was all yummy and Kikutasan really enjoyed it all. He especially loved the adobo rice and the bangus (milkfish). He said they were "oishii". Of course, we were all happy to hear that.

After lunch, we had to bring Kikutasan back to the hotel because he arrived (from Japan) pretty late the night before and really lacked sleep. Before he entered the hotel, he shook my hand and said "Nice to meet you and see you soon" and I replied, "Nice to meet you too and thank you for the omiyage". He was really friendly and Nikki told him "sayonara".

After that, we went to Starbucks for some coffee and I finally got my planner!! Yay! Sooo happy... Since Ruther was not feeling too good still, we brought Mon and Dennis back to the office (the car was parked there) and then we went home. And here is a photo of the omiyage:





They were cakes. Really like spongecakes but tasty nonetheless. =D




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Omiyage

In Japan, souvenirs are called omiyage. These are customary gifts typically given by someone upon returning from a trip to be given to family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, business associates, teachers, classmates and any other person socially related to the returning vacationer. By age-old Japanese conventions, it is shameful to arrive or return empty-handed and such acts as going on a vacation away from one's society could be perceived as selfish in a manner, anti-social at the very least. The omiyage gift placates all concerned and smooths intricate social ties, absolving the traveler of such shame. Omiyage shows the traveler was thinking of his or her family and community members while away.

Because of the number of omiyage often required following a vacation, travelers need to buy souvenirs in bulk (it is not unusual to bring one empty suitcase solely for the omiyage). Thoughtfulness is always an issue. It cannot look too cheap, and it is preferred it be something universally practical like towels, dinnerware, tasteful decorative items, broadly-popular foods and the like. It is not even necessary the choice of omiyage be particularly relevant to the place visited. Key chains and unfamiliar foods are not well received.

Places that cater to Japanese travelers will offer selections of suitable omiyage arranged by price, size and category. Several items of all-purpose omiyage are often kept by wise housewives to give on a moment's notice to avoid embarrassments. Due to the expense and effort involved in collecting and distributing omiyage, Japanese are often very close-lipped about their travel plans, hoping to minimize their omiyage responsibilities.

MISA DE GALLO

misa - mass
gallo - rooster

Something interesting about Philippine Christmas traditions, December 16 marks the first day of dawn masses. Read more: (from Wikipedia)


Misa de Gallo is the Spanish phrase for Midnight mass, more literally translated as "Rooster's Mass".
It is told that the "Rooster's Mass" owes its name in the idea that a rooster would have been among the first to witness the birth of Jesus, and thus be the one to announce it.
In most Spanish speaking countries, Misa de gallo entails a typical midnight mass, starting at around 12:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve.
However, as practiced in the Philippines, this custom lasts for nine days, starting on December 16 up to December 24, during which Filipinos attend dawn masses, usually starting at around 4:00-5:00 a.m. This practice started centuries ago during the Spanish colonial period when priests held early dawn masses for the farmers who wanted to attend Christmas mass but could not leave their fields. These masses were held before daybreak, hence the Filipino term "Simbang Gabi" (Midnight Mass). Even today, Filipinos wake up very early in the morning to attend the Misa de Gallo as an expression of devotion to God. It is also an expression of the devotion of the Filipino to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Star of the Morning who will bear and give birth to Jesus.
One of the customs related to the Philippine Misa de Gallo is the selling of traditional Philippine food, such as puto bumbong (a purple colored rice pastry, seasoned with grated coconut and brown sugar),tsokolate (a hot cocoa drink), bibingka (flour and egg cakes cooked on top and under), and salabat, or ginger tea, which are sold by vendors outside churches to the faithful.

WHILE AT CHURCH

Ruther is sick today so I went to church with my sis tonight (we usually attend the 6pm mass). When it was time to share "peace" with our neighbors, the couple behind me shared a sweet kiss before saying to each other "Peace be with you" and then turning to me and saying the same. (I dunno if it's the same in other places but here, we usually give our loved ones a kiss rather than just the greeting.) When I saw them kiss, I felt a pinch in my heart. Firstly, because Ruther was not with me tonight and secondly, because in two months, Ruther will once again leave the country and I wouldn't be able to share my peace with a kiss - with him. Yes, that made me pretty sad tonight. It's kind of hard having to go to mass without my husband beside me. It's hard to not hold his hand during the Lord's Prayer. It's hard not having to kiss him during the exchange of "peace". It's hard to have to pray for him all the time because I get SO scared about his safety 24/7. It's hard being apart from him, period.

I sometimes dread having to think about 2008. Because I know that in a short while, I will be separated from him again. I don't want to have to count how many more days we have left together. I just know it would depress me to no end. But I also know that I will miss him SO MUCH. For now, I'm just trying my best to think about Christmas and the New Year. After that, I know I'll just have to be stronger than ever because once he's gone, I just know I'll be a complete wreck. =(

ETHAN

Here's my mischievous little boy. He couldn't help playing with the rubber letters (that were part of the decor) and I caught him.

SICK AGAIN

We stayed home the whole day yesterday so I was really surprised when I discovered last night that Ruther had a fever. I mean, why would that happen? Anyway, I asked my sis (who is a doctor) and she said it could be related to the crazy weather which really, is so crazy these days. I'll be cool in the morning and sweltering by afternoon. Really, it's so weird. So now, my poor baby has to take medicine and needs a lot of rest and fluids. Oh, by the way, I still haven't figured out if it is "starve a fever, feed a cold" or the other way around.

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Ruther was kind of disappointed that I had to trim the boys' hair. He actually wanted them to have long-ish hair and although it looks nice sometimes, it's just not easy to fix. Plus, with the weather, the boys need a haircut that would keep them cool. So despite knowing he would be disappointed about that, I still had to trim their hair. Personally, I think they look cool and nice. =D

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I cannot believe that there is only 8 days before Christmas!! I am so excited!! I'm already planning all sorts of things and food and presents... I hope it's gonna be loads of fun... How are your Christmas plans coming along?

OUR TREE

We have a 7-foot tree in our living room but we have this one in the family room upstairs. Since most of the ornaments and trimmings were placed on the bigger tree, we had to be creative on the decorations for the smaller one. I then decided to use the boys' toys because 1. they were accessible, 2. I won't have to spend for them, 3. it will make the tree really unique, and 4. the tree won't have to be formal because it's just situated in the family room and visitors rarely go there. So yeah, that was pretty easy. I just used some of their rubber letterings, some plastic balls, some stuffed toys and practically some cute things I could find that would look nice on the tree. Then the boys helped put all those on the tree and voila! this is the result:










Isn't this a fun tree? Who can find Elmo, Blue and Luigi? =D

JEDI

Well, Ruther had a fun time last night. When he got home, he regaled me with stories about the party and who were dressed as who and what happened and who won the raffle prizes. Oh yeah, Ruther won 3rd prize and got a DVD 5.1! Isn't that great? He also got some consolation prizes but we did not open those yet (they were wrapped) because we thought the boys would have fun opening them on Christmas day. Anyway, doesn't he look cool in his costume? I know I'm pretty biased but can you imagine that robe as a lab gown before that?!?! I'm actually proud of myself for putting that thing together with a needle and thread. The one who won best in costume was this guy who was The Hulk. He was green all over. He was really cool. But I wouldn't hug him, that's for sure. =D Anyway, I'm glad Ruther had fun last night. Here is another photo of him with his arch enemy...

AN EARLY GREETING

Before everyone gets so busy next week, before all of us get into the holiday rush, I just want to extend this greeting as a "hello", as a "I'm thinking of you" and as a "thank you" for being all wonderful friends all these months. Just want you to know that I treasure you all and I am so grateful for the friendship. Maligayang Pasko! (Merry Christmas!)

God bless everyone!

TIME OUT

Well, tonight is Ruther's Christmas party so I'm spending some time with the boys. Earlier, we came from some grocery shopping and my sis came with us. We were kinda low on Pringles so it was sort of an emergency. =D Anyway, while we were out, the boys wanted some chicken so Jollibee it was. I just got a burger steak and my sis had some palabok. After that, it was ice cream at McDonalds. The boys love the vanilla cone there. Now we're home and I have yet to clean the room and shower the boys so I gotta rush this.

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The robe I made was a disaster. Well the dyeing at least. The color was not the one Ruther was expecting and I had to redo it last night. Oh boy. Ruther can be a perfectionist sometimes and when it's 10 the evening, I tend to not be too pleased about that part of his personality. But of course, I still did the dyeing because admittedly, the color was so off and I did not want him to look silly in the robe tonight. Fortunately, after 30 minutes in the dyebath, the color was almost chocolatey brown which pleased both me and Ruther. While I was doing that, Ruther and Nikki engaged in a light saber battle in the room while Ethan walked around in Ruther's rubber boots which reached all the way to his knees. They were all so funny. Anyway, I hope Ruther enjoys his costume. I'm praying it stays in one piece before the magic ends and it breaks apart at the stroke of midnight. =P

A VISIT

I just came from the doctor's. No, I'm not sick or anything. It's Mama, Ruther's mom. For 2 days now, she has had some nosebleeding and she's worried about it. So today, she decided to skip work and have herself checked. Since Papa would not be of much help (he tends to get overly anxious) I decided to accompany her instead. We left the boys at home and we were at the clinic around 10:30. The doctor did not come in until 11am (her schedule was from 10-12noon) and then Mama was called at 12noon. I am a patient person but I SO hate to wait. I feel like it's such a waste of time. Of course, I brought my book and read a few Newsweek magazines but I still felt like my time was wasted just sitting there doing nothing. Anyway, when Mama was called into the clinic, she told the doctor her history so the doctor got her blood pressure first. It was a whopping 170/112!! Wow. Then the doctor checked her nose and in Mama's left nostril, the doctor saw some inflammation. Apparently, when Mama sneezed so forcefully the other night, she ruptured some capillaries which caused the nosebleed. And since the wound did not heal immediately after that, she had recurrences the following day. So, the doctor applied some silver nitrate to chemically cauterize it and prescribed Mama some Hemostan (to control the bleeding) and Micardis (for her hypertension). The doctor also asked her to have some labwork done on her blood (Mama is a diabetic) so Mama will have to go back next week to hand over the results. Mama paid P700 for everything (I don't know the breakdown) which to me, seems a bit steep because the doctor said she would be giving Mama a "discount". Hmmm. I wonder what the poor people would do if they were charged this much for a nosebleed...

Anyway, I'm just glad that Mama is okay. She was worried that it could have been something serious but at least now, she could rest easy. And now, it's time for my nap...

BUSY

Seems like today is starting out to be a busy one for me. This morning, after Ruther left for work, I gave the boys a haircut. Well, not really a haircut but maybe a trim. Nikki was okay and we were done in no time. I bathed him after and he looked really nice even if I have to say so myself. Ethan brayed the whole time. I can only imgine how he sounded to the neighbors. They might have thought that I was flogging him or something with the ruckus he put up while we were having the trimming at the balcony. Even Nikki commented while casually sipping his chocolate milk, "Ethan, you're silly. That's not painful." But of course, his brother paid him no heed and just yelled his head off. Anyway, I still managed to chop off the long strands and trim his bangs and Ethan's hair looks a LOT neater now thank goodness. He was really happy when he had his bath, I must say. Oh well, at least that's over with.

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This afternoon, I am dyeing Ruther's robe. You know, the one I made for his Christmas costume party tomorrow? Anyway, I finished the (primitive) sewing and I'm preparing the dyebath in a few minutes. I'm actually worried about the results. I don't want it to look like a kindergartener did the sewing. But then again, he'll be wearing it for only a night so who cares, right? =D

12 DAYS

Only 12 days to go and it's going to be Christmas!! I'm so excited!! Okay, I was excited last July and I was excited last September and I'm excited now. But who cares? I AM excited! Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I guess the festivities, the bright decorations everywhere in the metropolis, the wonderful traditions and the Philippine way of celebrating this holiday makes it so special. I am just so excited about this Christmas and spending it with Ruther. I guess that's the cherry on the cake, having him here with me and the boys. If it were otherwise, it would be such a sorry Christmas indeed. So yay! Twelve more days to go!

MORE STUFF TO GIVE

Our frequent trips to Starbucks these past weeks made me discover so much more than the different blends and flavors of coffee and of course, the planner. In one corner of the store, I saw a box with a sign that asked for used or new books and coloring books to be given to poor kids this Christmas. Of course, I immediately thought about the many uncolored activity and coloring books of the boys and thought that it would be nice to give those away. So a few days ago, I started looking through the boys' mini-library and found these:

Do you think these will do?

I will try to see if there are still more to give. It really gives me a nice feeling that these partly used books will go to kids who need them more than we do. Hopefully they will enjoy playing and learning with these... =D

BY THE BRIDGE

Another sunset shot. I just love the light on the houses on the right and the shimmer on the water. The photo is a bit crooked because I took it while I was in the car...

Photo taken at Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard...

BIBINGKA

Q: What is bibingka?

A: Bibingka, above, is a rice cake similar to the Western pancake in appearance. In taste, texture and way of cooking, however, they are very much different from each other. Bibingka is made from galapong (galapong is glutinous rice soaked in water then ground with the water to form either a batter or a dough, depending on what the cooked dish is supposed to be), baked in a special clay pot, lined with a piece of banana leaf, with live coals on top and underneath. It is topped with slices of kesong puti (white cheese) and itlog na maalat (salted duck eggs). The newly-cooked bibingka is spread with butter and sometimes sprinkled with sugar then served with niyog (grated coconut). (from pinoycook.net)

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I really don't know why but for the past few days I have been craving for bibingka. Maybe it's because of the cool weather, maybe it's because it's so attached to Philippine Christmas celebrations, but really, whenever I am at the mall, I just make a beeline towards the bibingka stands. I can be so weird sometimes. A few weeks ago, I was in a cream puff craze. Now it's bibingka. I wonder what it'll be next...

Anyway, the bibingka sold at SM is quite yummy too. The bibingka is soft and yummy and they serve it with muscovado or brown sugar and some shredded coconut. The bibingka sold there is usually as big as a saucer and costs around P42 (approx. US$1) if I'm not mistaken. But I also like the bibingka sold at the Waray-waray Bibingkahan stands at the malls. Their bibingka is smaller but just as tasty and just as soft. I usually buy a box of 6 (costs around P120+). They have the regular and the special (with itlog na maalat) bibingka. I prefer the sepcial ones of course. It's really no problem if I can't finish the box of bibingka because even after storing them in the refrigerator, all you have to do is just pop it into the microwave or oven toaster for a minute or so and it's still soft and yummy and just as delicious. But usually, a box of 6 does not last long in the house. =D

Anyway, who knows how long this bibingka craving of mine will last? As long as I keep on finding yummy bibingkas out there, I'll surely keep on eating them.

Want some?

Looks yummy, don't they? =D

HAIR SCARE

We were at the mall tonight. Ruther wanted us to meet him there after work and of course, I could not refuse. Good thing it stopped raining or I would have worried about the boys getting wet (or getting sick). Anyway, when we got there it was past 6pm and I was hungry. So, I sent Ruther and SMS and told him I would eat ahead and just meet us where we were. He agreed. I decided to get a bowl of hot goto (congee), tokwa't baboy (pork meat and tofu), sago't gulaman (a refreshment that contains tapioca and cubes of gelatin) and leche flan for dessert. While I was ordering my food, Ethan was drinking his milk. When I got to the table, this is what met me:





Ethan has gum in is hair!! EWW! I think he poked at a chewed gum under the table and it somehow got stuck in his hair. I freaked out because of well, germs so the first thing I did was disinfect the gum with alcohol. Ethan was already whining and complaining and saying it was painful (he was tugging at it) and I told him to stop and wait for his dad. I promtly called Ruther and told him the situation and he passed by a bookstore to buy a pair of scissors. I think it's a good thing the gum got stuck on his bangs (but just to be sure, I covered the sticky gum with a piece of tissue). If it were at the top of his head he would have a bald spot there and it would NOT be good. Anyway, here's Ruther cutting Ethan's hair to get rid of the gum:

He's really not in pain. He just wants the gum out. =D









Here's the gum and some of Ethan's hair.

SPREADING JOY

I mentioned a few posts earlier about our intention of sharing some of the boys' old toys with the less fortunate kids through Jollibee (a local fastfood restaurant). I think that not only will the poor kids be benefitting from this, it will also be a learning experience for the boys; to share their things with others and be more conscious about less fortunate people in the world.

When I was younger, I led a very sheltered life. My parents were very overprotective and I cannot even begin to express how protective they were. I know they had good intentions but shielding me from the world did not teach me much about life. Really, until I met Ruther and got married, I would not decribe myself as independent at all! Everything I learned, I learned through school, books and interacting with people in my little world. But my learning was very limited. It was only when I went off to college that I realized the world is so, SO much more. My boys are still young but I want them to experience life now. I want them to be conscious of the things around them and to think for themselves. I want them to be selfless and caring citizens. I want them to grow up to be God-fearing and responsible. Homeschooling the boys makes it MY responsibility now. The things that I learned in school I try to instill in my boys little by little. Hopefully all my efforts will not be futile. As far as I can tell, Nikki and Ethan are okay. When we are at the toy store I don't have to worry about tantrums. When I say we can't buy it, they accept it without question. I guess it's because they know that if we could afford the toy and if it's right for them, I would purchase the toy in an instant. I guess it all comes down to good communication.

This Christmas I am already anticipating a wonderful celebration, especially now that Ruther is home. I want to share my joy with people I don't know, strangers who need some cheer this Yuletide season. Even if I don't know them, the thought that my family has made a few kids happy is enough for me. I really hope that the toys find a good home and I pray that other people will join me in giving and spreading the cheer this Christmas. =D

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Here are some of the toys we are giving away to Jollibee:

OUR BOYS

Ethan (left) and Nikki (right). They look almost the same, don't they? =D Can't wait for our Christmas photos...

STARBUCKS PLANNER

Ruther and I finally got a Starbucks planner today. It looks really nice. In case you didn't know, if you own a Starbucks promo card (available at the counter, by the way) and order 12 Starbucks beverages and 12 Starbucks Christmas beverages (Praline Mocha, Peppermint Mocha and Toffe Nut), you will be able to get a free 2008 Starbucks planner. All you have to do is make sure your promo card is filled with the necessary stickers (all 24). It sounds like a lot of coffee to drink but Starbucks has this new promo in celebration of their 10th anniversary. When you purchase a Starbucks beverage from 12:30-2:00pm and 8:00-9:30pm, instead of getting one sticker per beverage, you get TWO! So of course, everytime Ruther and I get some coffee, that's 4 stickers all together! This promo was supposed to end last December 7 but it was extended to the 25th so that's good news. Anyway, tonight, Ruther and I finally completed the promo. Yay! The planner really was supposed to be mine but since we completed the promo in no time, I told Ruther that I also want him to have a planner and we're going to complete another promo card in the next few weeks. The promo runs until January 2008. And another good news? When you complete the promo, a donation will be given in your name to a charitable institution (SparkHope). Nice, huh. =D Anyway, I'm looking forward to completing another promo card with Ruther. Not only is the planner worth it, but it's fun having coffee with your sweetie as well. =D

Here's a photo of the planner:

WHAT TO WEAR

Ruther's company Christmas party is this Friday. The other day he informed me that the party organizers decided on a theme for this year's Christmas celebration. Everyone had to go in one's favorite hero/anime. Hmmm... Of course this was a problem for me. I mean, who dyu think was going to make the costume? =P Anyway, I asked Ruther if he had an idea of who he wanted to be. And he said he didn't want to pick something difficult for me to make (isn't he sweet?=D) so he thought of going as Obi Wan Kenobi. I'm sure you know who he is... played by Ewan McGregor, a jedi, carries a light saber? Well, sounded okay with me so I agreed and then checked the internet for some idea on how to make the costume. And this is what I found:

Of course I can't make Ruther's costume exactly like this. Aside from not having a sewing machine here and not having the fabrics, Ruther also did not want me to have to spend for this costume so I know I have to be creative and resourceful. I already have some ideas on how to make Ruther's costume (which will involve cutting some old lab gowns and dyeing them brown, and other things). The light saber won't be a problem because Ruther already has one. I am feeling quite excited about this costume thing. I hope it will turn out as I expect it to be. Hopefully, it won't be too different from this one. =D

GIVING AND SHARING

Ruther and I have decided to give some of the boys' old toys away. With the boys' permission of course. A local fastfood chain, Jollibee, has this yearly Christmas tradition of accepting old (or new) toys and books which they would give away to poor kids. I think it's a wonderful way of getting rid of some of the boys' old but functional toys and clearing some of the clutter around the house. Yesterday, I explained to Nikki about picking some of the toys they don't play with anymore and giving them to poor kids. He never put up a fuss and I was so proud of him. I would pick a toy and ask him, "Do you want to give this or keep this?" And he would tell me so. When we would disagree (he would usually want to keep some of them), I would carefully explain why we should give the toy away instead (it usually is because they haven't played it in ages) and he would think about it and most of the time agree with me. We already have a bagful of toys at this time. We went over it again and Nikki was okay with giving all those away. So by next week, we'll bring those toys to Jollibee and hopefully make some kids happy this Christmas.

SETTING SUN

We were on our way home and when I saw this scene, I just could not resist and took a shot. I love our sunsets. I think they are so dramatic. I also love the beach, the coconut trees, the colorful sky, the floating yachts... I could go on and on...

Photo taken at Manila Bay.

GOOD AND BAD

Having purchased a newspaper this morning, I'm thinking of sharing some of today's news with you... (headlines from Inquirer)

GOOD NEWS
1. OFW money powers peso to 41.88 vs US$
2. Mountain bike's downhill rider Joey Barba nails RP's 1st SEA Games gold
3. No typhoon; just rains spawned by cold front


BAD NEWS
1. RP on top 10 list of petty bribery
2. Teen kills 8, self in mall in Omaha, Nebraska
3. Water crisis worsening


There are of course, still other stories but these are the most interesting. When I was in college, I always wanted to read the paper. I would be so interested in the latest news and headlines even if sometimes (or maybe most of the time) they didn't mean anything to me. Ruther's dad would bring home the paper everyday from work and sometimes, I would borrow it to read some of the interesting news and articles. When I would see something really interesting, I would make a note of it and snip it off the next day. With permission of course. It was only later on that I realized I got this queer trait from my mother when I saw her magazine clippings neatly pasted on drawing books. Anyway, after I got married and had kids, I easily got affected by bad news, unsavory politics and tragedies. When I was still single, I could and would easily brush those aside and think, "I am not interested in those things; they do not affect me." I cannot say the same now. When I read about rising prices of oil and commodities, I worry. When I read about the drastic changes in climate, I worry. When I read about shameful government practices, I worry. I admit that sometimes, I allow myself to be enclosed in a protective bubble, especially when I am blissfully happy with my family. I think that by doing that, I am pushing aside all these things from my mind and I try to focus my energy and time with my family instead. But when we go out of the house, the gasoline prices stare at us, poor kids rush into the street to beg for money or food, floods are a constant problem when it rains. I know that I can never run away from these things. I know that sometimes, I prefer to turn a blind eye from helplessness, but I know that I still can help. In my own way. Will write more about that later...

FUN

I think this is such a fun photo. Nikki looks like a big boy in this photo. But whenever I ask him if he's still my baby he unhesitantly answers 'yes'. =D

Photo taken at SM Science Discovery Center.

17 DAYS TO GO

Did you know that there are 17 more days to go before Christmas? Unbelievable. Of course, I only counted until the 24th because well, admit it, the eve of Christmas is pretty much like it already. Are you all done with your Christmas shopping? I still have to buy presents for 1. a godchild of Ruther (I'm planning to get her a nice Disney princess watch), 2. a 2-year-old boy (a son of one of Ruther's cousin's and of course, 3. my family (i.e., Ruther, Nikki and Ethan). I already scouted at the mall the other day for likely presents and I do have some ideas on what to get them. I really planned on completing my Christmas shopping before December but with the budgetting and all, I guess it's okay to get these presents later on (but definitely NOT a few days before Christmas - I can already imagine the crowd then...). Anyway, Santa will also have presents for the boys, surely (if you know what I mean). I suppose you know where Santa does his shopping? =D

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Ethan's cough is still not getting better. If it won't subside by Saturday, I'm going to bring him to the pediatrician. The doctor will most likely prescribe a cough medicine and I just know that Ethan will hate taking it just as much as I hate giving it to him. =( Let's just pray that his cough will go away on its own. Or I can try that pei pa koa. Does anyone know where I could buy a bottle?

THIS MORNING

The ring of the alarm brought me from a dreamless sleep to wakefulness in a few seconds. I hurriedly got up to turn it off lest Ruther and the boys awaken. Six-fifty a.m., it said. After making sure the alarm won't go off again, I noticed how cold I was in my shirt and shorts, out of bed and no longer under the warmth of my blanket. Looking out the window, a rainy morning greeted me. The sky was grey, the rain gently falling onto the cold pavement below and the rooftops and the leaves of the mango tree outside our window all wet and drippy. I kissed Ruther gently on the cheek so as not to awaken him then I went downstairs to the kitchen to heat Ruther's bathwater and then made coffee for myself. Craving for some pandesal, I put on my purple sweater and walked to the nearby bakery. Under the umbrella, the rainy day was even more noticeable. The road was wet and empty, the birds all quiet, the gentle rain tap-tapping on my umbrella, the air so fresh and clean, and the plants and flowers so colorfully vibrant under the droplets of water on them. At the bakery, I got some hot and soft pandesal and a newspaper and then headed back home. The yummy smell of the pandesal merged with the aroma of my coffee and it was wonderful. I got Ruther's bathwater ready then woke him up. After 20 minutes of persistent waking (and cuddling in between), he got up to get ready for the office. By this time, the boys had awaken but were still unmoving because of the chilly air. A few minutes later, showered and dressed, Ruther was all set and we said goodbye to him and saw him off. I just know I'll miss him these next few hours but so far, I could tell that it's going to be a beautiful day.

FUN IN THE SUN

This is one of our many photos taken last November 30 at Sun City. We had loads of fun and even if the wind was a bit chilly, the water was wonderfully warm. This is the adult pool and the water is chest-high (mine, at least) but the boys were very confident in their floaties. By afternoon though, Nikki was out of his floatie and while holding my hand, he tried tiptoeing in the water (it reached his mouth while on tiptoe). I was happy about that because Nikki is usually overly cautious and would not want to do something that he feared was scary or dangerous. But I guess he trusted me and Ruther so he let go of his fears (and his floatie) and tiptoed away while I guided him. Anyway, it was such a fun day for all of us. More family adventures next time! =D

GREEN

The other day, I asked Ruther what our Christmas motif would be this year. We usually have a specific color every year for the picture-taking during Noche Buena (midnight dinner). This tradition started in my family. We would decide on a color (my mom usually would) and pick our clothes for the pictorial. It would always look nice to see everyone in red or white or yellow. So, I thought we could adopt that and do that with my family. Last year, when we were in Japan, we were not able to do this because well, we only had to bring a limited amount of clothes with us and it would have been too costly to purchase new clothes for everyone. So we just wore whatever nice clothes we had in our wardrobe. This year though, we're going to follow tradition and pick a certain color. I asked Ruther to do the picking and he said we'll try green this year. I should have expected that because his favorite color is green. But that's all right with me because we (my family) haven't tried green yet. So I think it will be great. Only thing is, I went to the mall yesterday and there weren't much green polo shirts for boys. So I might have to search other malls for those. I won't panic now, but a week from now, if I still don't have those shirts with me, I will then.

WHAT MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SHOULD YOU PLAY?

You Should Play the Guitar

You're very independent - both in spirit and in the way you learn. You can teach yourself almost anything, even if it makes your fingers bleed. You're not really the type to sit patiently through a music lesson - or do things by the book. It's more your style to master the fundamentals and see where they take you. Highly creative and a bit eclectic, you need a wide range of music to play. You could emerge as a sensitive songwriter... or a manic rock star. Your dominant personality characteristic: being rebellious Your secondary personality characteristic: tenacity

What Musical Instrument Should You Play?

Hmmm. This is not very exact. I would rather play the piano (because I studied it years ago). I also like soothing music and rarely enjoy the rock genre. I am also questioning the "being rebellious" part. I usually conform to rules so I find that weird. I'll have to ask Ruther about that because I don't know if I changed over the years to be "rebellious" now.

PS. Ruther plays guitar and likes rock music. Maybe this test was meant for him? =D

ALL BETTER BUT...

Ruther is all better now. However, Ethan is suffering from coughs so I'm getting worried about that. I'm trying my best to make sure his back is always dry, he does not go out in the rain, or doesn't scream too much. I am considering giving him some cough medicine but after reading a news report about cough medicines' effects on kids a few weeks ago, I might try some alternative medicine. Like honey maybe. Anyway, I just hope that his cough goes away soon...

.....

Am enjoying December a lot. I love the weather, I love spending time with my family, and I love how Christmas goes nearer and nearer. Am so looking forward to the holidays. But before that, I have got a LOT of preparation to do.

But I'm not worried. I love Christmas. =D

REPORT: WORLD FOOD PRICES TO RISE

By HENRY SANDERSON, Associated Press Writer
Posted Mon Dec 3, 2007 11:02pm PST

BEIJING - Food prices are set to rise around the globe after years of decline, with climate change making it harder for the world's poorest to get adequate food, according to a report released Tuesday.

Rising global temperatures as well as growing food consumption in rapidly developing countries such as China and India are pressuring the world food system, meaning that food prices will rise for the foreseeable future, according to the International Food Policy Research Institute.

Joachim von Braun, the director of the Washington-based research group, said food prices have been in a declining trend since scientists began developing high-yield plant varieties decades ago, "but the days of falling food prices may be over."

"The last time the world experienced such food price increases was in 1973 to 1974 ... but today the situation is completely different. For one, the climate risk and climate change situation has increased, the climate vulnerability has increased," von Braun told reporters in Beijing.

The institute said in a report that hunger and malnutrition could rise as poor agricultural communities most sensitive to the environment, such as in Africa, are hurt. Dependency on food imports will also increase as cereal yields decline in those countries.

The world's agricultural production is projected to decrease by 16 percent by 2020 due to global warming, the report said, with land used for certain crops shrinking. For example, it said land to grow wheat could almost disappear in Africa.

It said growing demand in rapidly developing countries such as China and India for processed food and expensive meat and dairy products is driving up prices for those goods, as well as for staple grains used to feed cattle.

In addition, switching to crops used for biofuels will also reduce the amount of available food and increase prices, it said.

Trade barriers for food should be eliminated, especially in developed nations, the report recommended, so small farmers can earn more money.

"A world facing increased food scarcity needs to trade more, not less," the report said.

The European Union and the United States have been reluctant to cut support for their own farmers and reduce trade barriers in world trade talks.

http://green.yahoo.com/news/ap/20071204/ap_on_bi_ge/china_world_food_prices.html