A LITTLE SOMETHING FROM JAPAN

This was a present given to me by Ruther's officemate, Yuko-san. She is very nice and is always friendly to me and the boys. She hoped to see me and the boys on the last Friday we were there but it was a rainy day so we did not say our proper goodbyes. But I told Ruther I will be sending her a little present as well so now I have to search for something uniquely Filipino. Will keep you posted on what I decide on...











Really cute!















Candies in the first drawer...
















Tiny biscuits in the second drawer...

Gummy candies in the third drawer...

HELTER SKELTER

The house is in shambles.

When I first arrived home I did not expect C H A O S. But yup! I found him right smack in the middle of our home. It was like a war zone. I was only thankful that my room was untouched. But really, coming home without Ruther and then coming home to a messy, still-being-renovated home is really stressful. I hope everything will be back to normal in a few months. The sooner the better...

(Will take photos of the house so you'll see what I'm talking about.)

SAYONARA JAPAN

Yes, we are finally home. It has been an exciting 6 months in Japan. It was an experience we will always remember and treasure as a family. I cannot even begin to express my disappointment that Ruther and I are apart again. Sigh... I sincerel hope that after this, we will never ever part again...

SHIBUYA PHOTOS

At the station... it was really really cold!

one of the pedestrians...

stopping for some coffee...

really cute food display... (looks really yummy too!)

is this taking us home? (mini-museum)

the famous doggie as seen on The Amazing Race

Nikki with some cherubs

my husband the photographer...

colorful mural

"look mommy! it's the very hungry caterpillar, from my book!"

ONE MORE DAY

Last day and counting the hours...

We are going home tomorrow. Well, I would not really call it home because without Ruther, it isn't much of a home so I guess I should say, "We're going back to Manila tomorrow". Sigh... Flight is in the evening and we will be home pretty late. Arrival is at 2210 so we might be home at around midnight or so (hopefully not). I hope I will be pretty tired by then so all I'll have to do is to just take a shower, get changed and go to sleep.

.....

Yesterday we went to Shibuya. That's pretty much near Tokyo and even if we did not really go sightseeing, we had a lot of fun taking pictures and doing experimental shots. It was also sooooo cold!! When we checked the forecast, at 6am it was 1 degree! Grabe! By lunchtime, it was around 6 degrees but still too cold for us. But still, it was really a fun day and it was nice taking all those photos of people and each other. Will post photos soon...

.....

It has been absolutely crazy trying to pack everything we could in 2 baggages. We're not too worried though because we have 20 kilos each to spare. So, I tried to put in as much of everything but it still isn't enough I suppose. My poor bags look like they are about to burst at the seams! hehehe... Tomorrow, I'll have to do some last minute checking of anything we might leave behind. But Ruther will definitely send a balikbayan box in a few weeks with our clothes, winter jackets and anything else we will need back home.

OUR LAST SATURDAY

Today is our last Saturday here in Japan. As much as that saddens me, I can't do anything about that anymore. I still wish we did not have to go home. I still wish that we could stay longer. But it's all right. Maybe the distance will be good for Ruther and me. Maybe this will strengthen our relationship more and and teach us to not take each other for granted. Maybe later on, when we finally don't have this kind of relationship (overseas and back again) and when we are finally in one permanent place that we call home, we will be fulfilled in each other with no hang-ups and no distractions.

.....

We went to the Kozukue community center today for some badminton. It was a lot of fun and I will surely miss this Saturday event when we go back home. Playing with Ruther's officemates has been really nice and I loved getting to know his buddies.

Anyway, the games we had today were really intense. There was a match between me and Ruther vs. Kenneth and Aaron and it felt like we were having a tournament! It was like a fight-to-the-death thing. But funnier because we were not really serious about it. I tried my best to play a great game (this being the last here) but I still had some bad backhand shots. So, practice, practice for me when I get back... At around 12 noon, Ruther complained of a headache and even if I tried to massage it away, it didn't help so we had to cancel our intended our of the Bay Marina. Ruther assured me that even if we did not go there I would not miss much and I'll take his word for it.

After badminton, we had lunch at Saizerye at Kamoi. I got the chicken and ate a bit from the boys' kiddie plate (they didn't like the hamburger steak) so it was okay. I again drank 2 cups of cappuccino and as usual, it was sooo yummy!!! =D (I know! Coffee addict!)

After that, we settled down at Kenneth's place and I watched a bit of CSI. I love this current season. It's really improved a lot. =D We then left there at around 430pm and took some photos of cherry blossoms that were starting to bloom near the station. I won't have another opportunity to witness the actual blossoming so I thought, better get some shots while I'm here. It turned out nice, if I say so myself.

Then we headed home and I cooked nilaga for supper. I wanted something soup-y and fast so I decided on nilaga. I just added some lomi noodles and it was yummy. =D

Since there will be an apartment inspection tomorrow, I cleaned the bathroom and kitchen area. Tomorrow, I'll vacuum the living area and dust a little. I already did some cleaning for the past 2 days so I don't have much cleaning to do tonight.

It was a fun day. I will surely miss everyone here, especially Ruther, of course.

.....

When we were out today, it was really cold! Even Ruther, who usually does not feel cold easily complained of the chilly wind so I gave him my muffler to use. I wore 3 shirts and my jacket so I was not too cold. Plus, I wore gloves so I was okay. I hope it won't be too chilly tomorrow. We mean to go to Tokyo tomorrow for some sight-seeing. I hope the weather agrees with us... I hope...

HAHAHA!

....Every morning is the dawn of a new error...

For people who like peace and quiet: a phoneless cord.

Mental Floss prevents Moral Decay.

Madness takes its toll. Please have exact change.

I'd explain it to you, but your brain would explode.

A conclusion is simply the place where you got tired of thinking.

I don't have a solution but I admire the problem.

If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest have to drown too?

If things get any worse, I'll have to ask you to stop helping me.

Help Wanted: Telepath. You know where to apply.

Budget: A method for going broke methodically.

Shin: A device for finding furniture in the dark.

Copywight 1994 Elmer Fudd. All wights wesewved.

My software never has bugs. It just develops random features.

Ethernet (n): something used to catch the etherbunny

A mainframe: The biggest PC peripheral available.

Enter any 11-digit prime number to continue...

Will the information superhighway have any rest stops?

CORN SOUP

Instant soup. I took this photo at a vending machine. I wanted to purchase one just to give it a try but I didn't have change with me so I suppose I'll have to try this next time. =D

ALMONDIGAS

This is one of my favorite dishes to prepare...

good for 4-6 people

1/2 kilo ground pork
3 stalks green onions, chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 small onion, chopped
3 cups stock or water
patis to taste
misua

Combine ground pork and green onions. Season to taste. Add in the beaten egg and flour. Mix well then form into 1-inch diameter balls.
In a saucepan, heat oil. Saute garlic and onions. Add stock or water and bring to a boil. Drop in the meatballs and allow to cook. Season the broth with patis. When meatballs are done, drop in the misua. Cook for a few minutes. Serve hot.

BRRRRR...

It's a rainy day today. And apparently, it will be raining the whole day and night. I don't really mind. I would rather it rain today than tomorrow. We're hoping to do a bit of sight-seeing tomorrow as we only have 4 more days before we go home. So come on, rain, bring it on. =D

.....

I miss the rains in Manila. On a rainy day, we open the windows and appreciate the droplets, the swaying of the coconut trees, the dark sky, the clean air. No biting cold. Just cool refreshing breeze. It's especially wonderful after a stifling day. You could actually feel the rain clean everything. Ahhh...

.....

The other day, I watched American Dreamz. It was funny. It was nice to see Mandy Moore there. I loved her past movies. I think she is a good singer and artist. And some people very rarely do both. I especially loved her acting in A Walk to Remember. I think she is one of those girls who don't let fame get to her head (unlike a certain someone who shaved off her head).

.....

Yesterday, I watched The Prestige. It was a movie that starred Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson. It was a movie about rival magicians. Really dramatic ending. A bit dark but okay fit the plot perfectly.

.....

We have already started packing our stuff and I realize that we have to leave a lot just so our baggages won't be too heavy. Hmmm. That would be a problem, I guess because it's so hard to decide which things to leave behind. But of course, it's not like I'll be parted from the things for long. Ruther will eventually send them through another balikbayan box in the next month or so. So it's okay, I suppose.

.....

I still can't believe we only have 4 more days here. I know staying here for 6 months is already considered a gift for us because I know some people are not as lucky and really, I am thankful. But still, I hate having to leave Ruther. Right now, I am trying to just focus on what we're going to do once we get home so that I won't have to dwell on our separation too much. I just feel relieved that Ruther is willing to bring us to Narita on Tuesday. It will help delay our separation somewhat. Sigh. Am feeling so sad...

FEBRUARY 21 PHOTOS

In the train, on our way to Sakuragicho.

Waiting for Ruther and his officemates...

Inside the church, waiting for the mass to begin.

Outside the church. It was so cold!

The Blessed Virgin.

Ruther and Nikki. (Love this photo.)

Hey, who's that peeking from behind? Kenneth, I can see you! =D

My dinner at Ootoya.

Ruther's dinner. Pretty much the same except for the fish. =D

LUMPIANG SHANGHAI

good for 4-8 people

1/4 kilo ground pork

1/8 kilo shrimps, chopped

1/4 C singkamas, chopped finely

1 C carrots, chopped finely

1 clove garlic, minced

1 egg, slightly beaten

3 tbsp chopped onion

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt

pinch of pepper

lumpia wrappers

oil for frying

Combine all the ingredients for lumpia filling. Wrap in lumpia wrapper in long, thin shapes. Deep fry in hot oil until golden brown. Drain. Cut into shorter lengths before serving. Serve with sweet and sour sauce.

ASH WEDNESDAY

Today is Ash Wednesday, so Lent officially begins. Ruther called me this afternoon and told me that there was going to be a 730pm mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. I decided to go because, well, Ash Wednesday is a big deal. For one, I would never be able to forgive myself if I missed this mass ( I already missed several Sunday masses! My bad.). Two, my mom will check on me (probably tomorrow) if I heard mass and I have such a great difficulty lying to her. And three, I want to set a good example to the boys and make them more exposed to these things.

So, we got ready at 5 and at 525pm we headed for the train station. We rode the 545 but that only reached Higashi-kanagawa station. So, we had to get another train that would bring us to Sakuragicho. We got there are 625 and waited for Ruther. He arrived with Kenneth and Twinkle at 645 and we rode the train to Ishikawacho which was only 2 stations away. We were early at church and it was nice to just sit there and just clear my head of disturbing thoughts. It was a pleasant feeling to be with other people (almost all strangers), to be reunited because of this lenten celebration. Two more of Ruther's officemates joined us after a few minutes, Ellis and Thyra. The mass started promptly at 730 and we were done by 845. We decided to eat at a nearby Japanese restaurant because we were all so hungry. So, we all headed for Ootoya. Since we could not eat meat today, we chose fish dishes and it was yummy. Nikki and Ethan unfortunately, were not in the mood to eat.

After dinner we all headed for home and it was nice going home with Ruther from work. I know I will miss all our trips, gimiks and dates together so I suppose I'll just have to relive them all through the many photos we took here.

Good thing about Lent? I won't have to pretend to be sorrowful. =(

PURITY

Each flower is a soul opening out to nature.- Gerald De Nerval

PINSEC FRITO

good for 2 people

1/4 C chopped shrimps (or less)
1/4 C ground pork
1/4 C chopped singkamas
2 tbsp chopped spring onions
1 small onion chopped finely
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp soy sauce
salt and pepper to taste
wonton wrappers
oil for frying

kalamansi and soysauce for dipping

In a mixing bowl, combine the first 8 ingredients and mix thoroughly. Put about a tablespoon of the mixture into each wonton wrapper. Shape into a triangle and seal the edges with a drop of water. Deep fry in hot oil until golden brown. Drain. Serve with dipping sauce of kalamansi and soy sauce.

6 DAYS TO GO...

Well, the delivery guy came and got the balikbayan box this morning. So I guess it's on its way to Manila. But we will get home first before the box does since its shipping is around 2 weeks. I hope everything in there is intact.

.....

I started my packing today after the man got the box. I figured that I should start fixing the loft so Ruther won't have a hard time going back there after we're gone. When we were not around, he slept there but when we tried that a few nights after we arrived, it was a bit too tight. So, we sleep in the living area and just put the futons on the carpet. The futons also help muffle all the jumping and running the boys do so I guess it's okay that we're sleeping here.

Anyway, Ruther has been reminding me to keep the baggages light so I'm thinking of leaving some of our clothes here for Ruther to send later on in another balikbayan box. We still have the stuffed toys to send, his robot collection and the boys' and my clothes so I suppose it's all right to leave some things here instead of having difficulty on our flight home. I just hope I won't leave something important! I really get worried about things like this.

.....

Thinking back, our 6 months here in Japan has really been surreal. This is the first time we have been together as a family in another country and it's a relief to know that it CAN work. Hopefully, our plans to migrate will push through and we will be able to see another new place, make new memories as a family and build our future from there. I really really want Nikki and Ethan to experience as many opportunities as possible and I know that it's not entirely possible in the Philippines. Hopefully, God will grant this to us later on. I DO want Ruther and me to eventually wake up to a morning in our beautiful home and not worry about being late for work. I want us to be comfortable and happy. It's not important to me that we're not filthy rich. As long as we're happy, healthy and have everything we need then it's okay.

.....

Ruther has been pushing me to find out what I want to do career-wise. He said I'm 30 and haven't worked full-time yet. It's not easy for me to just snap my fingers and decide on something. It's not easy to simply decide on something that will affect my boys, my family. If I wanted to be something and not consider other aspects (salary, family, effort, time), I would probably be an environmentalist, a preschool teacher, a dog breeder, a professional badminton player, a person working for the Discovery Channel or I'll probably be working with animals. But those are just dreams. To live my life for my family is the greatest joy I could ever have. But again, in the real world, that's not enough. Ruther has been giving me "What if something happens to me" scenario and really that almost crushed me because I feel so pressured to do something that my heart is not into. I don't want a 9-5 job. I don't want someone else to watch my kids grow up. I don't want my boys to get an institutionalized education. I want something better than that. Also, I want a job that won't take me away from my family. I want something that will earn money but still give me the freedom and flexibility to take care of my family. I DO have ideas (well, oneactually), but unfortunately, my ideas and Ruther's ideas don't necessarily cohere so I have to think things through again. I suppose at this confusing time in my life (career-wise), I just wanted a little bit of support from my hubby.

I have made it my goal to find out what I can do to help Ruther and my boys once I get back home. It will be hard, I know, but I cannot just give Ruther just moral support any longer.

MY CAPPUCCINO

i love to drink coffee as long as it's sweet and creamy. i took this photo at Saizerye last Saturday when we had lunch there. i had 2 cups of foamy, sweet capuccino. yummy....

I HAVE A GREEN BRAIN!

i got this from a blogger friend, jen. she has a yellow brain. mine is green adn everything about it is right about me. i usually don't like to take risks and always try to balance everything out. thinking a lot about the future and relationships fits me to a T. (yes, I know, sweetie, I overthink things... =P)

=D thanks jen!

Your Brain is Green

Of all the brain types, yours has the most balance. You are able to see all sides to most problems and are a good problem solver. You need time to work out your thoughts, but you don't get stuck in bad thinking patterns. You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about the future, philosophy, and relationships (both personal and intellectual).

What Color Is Your Brain?

FEBRUARY 20 EVENTS

1724 - The premiere of Giulio Cesare, an Italian opera by George Frideric Handel, takes place in London
1792 - The Postal Service Act, establishing the United States Post Office Department, is signed by President George Washington
1835 - Concepción, Chile is destroyed by an earthquake
1872 - In New York City the Metropolitan Museum of Art opens
1929 - birth of Amanda Blake, American actress
1942 - Lieutenant Edward O'Hare becomes America's first World War II flying ace
1947 - State of Prussia ceases to exist
1947 - birth of Peter Strauss, American actor
1963 - birth of Charles Barkley, American basketball player
1966 - birth of Cindy Crawford, American model
1967 - birth of Kurt Cobain, American musician
1987 - Unabomber: In Salt Lake City, in the USA, a bomb explodes in a computer store
1998 - American figure skater Tara Lipinski becomes the youngest gold-medalist at the Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan

FUSCHIA

The flower is the poetry of reproduction. It is an example of the eternal seductiveness of life.- Jean Giraudoux

ONE WEEK TO GO...

We are going home next week. As much as I hate it, I have to accept that thought as early as now because if I don't, I just might as well go crazy in the next couple of days. So for now, I'm trying to focus on the packing of our things and the cleaning of the apartment. I don't want Ruther to have to do all the fixing up and cleaning once we're gone...

.....

We haven't even arrived in Manila and already I have the first week planned out. We'll be arriving on Tuesday so I don't think we're going anywhere that day except maybe for dinner with my family. On Wednesday, my mom will be going back to Zamboanga and I might have to go to SM with the boys to buy some much-needed groceries. Thursday, I might meet up with a friend at Robinson's Place Manila. Nikki wants to go back to Playbox (a play center for kids on the 3rd floor) and I'm sure Ethan will have fun there as well. Friday will be a stay-at-home day and I might urge my sister to go out on the weekend for a bit of swimming. Going back to 8 Waves is a must before we head home for Zamboanga. =D

For the following week, I still don't know what the plan is. But hopefully, all our days in Manila will be occupied so I won't have time to mope around and think about Ruther being all the way in Japan. Being busy sure beats depression.

March 17 we'll be in Zamboanga and I'm sure my dad will be the happiest of us all. =D

.....

When you have a dream, are you going to pursue it even if you know you're not 100% good enough?

CHOPSTICKS

I took this photo at our favorite ramen place (I keep on forgetting the name). =P

SUNDAY SHOWERS

Well, our plan to go to the Marina did not push through today. The rain lasted longer than 9am and by the time the sun came out, it was past 1pm and it was waaay too late to go out. So, we just spent the day at home and I did the laundry because I noticed it was piling up. The boys were kinda bored but maybe we could go to CosmoWorld this week for a treat.

.....

Ruther got another balikbayan box to send to Manila. It's almost full and I have no idea what else to put in it. I already put most of the boys' toys, books, our clothes and souvenir items in the box but Ruther said we still have a lot of stuff around. I guess I have to add some pasalubong there so I won't have to bring lots of bags home. But that means, I have to do more buying at Daiso tomorrow...

.....

I'm trying my best to put up a cheerful facade in front of Ruther because he said that seeing me depressed depresses him too. It's really difficult when all I want to do is cry, but I guess I have nothing else to do but prepare myself for the inevitable.

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI

I have Chinese blood and was greatly influenced by Chinese tradition. Celebrating the Chinese New Year is one of them. Although there is not much revelry compared to the first day of the year, we still greet each other, wear the color red, sometimes light some firecrackers or is given yummy lechon by my grandparents. =D

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The Lunar New Year dates from 2600 BC, when the Emperor Huang Ti introduced the first cycle of the Chinese zodiac.
Because of cyclical lunar dating, the first day of the year can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February. On the Chinese calendar, 2007 is Lunar Year 4704-4705. On the Western calendar, the start of the New Year falls on February 18, 2007 — The Year of the Pig. http://www.chiff.com/home_life/holiday/chinese-new-year.htm

Preparations tend to begin a month from the date of the Chinese New Year as people start buying presents, decoration materials, food and clothing. A huge clean-up gets underway days before the New Year , when Chinese houses are cleaned from top to bottom, to sweep away any traces of bad luck, and doors and windowpanes are given a new coat of paint, usually red. The doors and windows are then decorated with paper cuts and couplets with themes such as happiness, wealth and longevity printed on them.

It's usual to wear something red as this color is meant to ward off evil spirits - but black and white are out, as these are associated with mourning. After dinner, the family sit up for the night playing cards, board games or watching TV programmes dedicated to the occasion. At midnight, fireworks to mark the Chinese New Year welcome light up the sky.

On the Chinese New Year day itself in history , an ancient custom called Hong Bao, meaning Red Packet, takes place. This involves married couples giving children and unmarried adults money in red envelopes. Then the family begins to wish greetings from door to door, first to their relatives and then their neighbours. Like the Western saying "let bygones be bygones," at Chinese New Year , grudges are very easily cast aside.

The end of the New Year is marked by the Festival of Lanterns, which is a celebration with singing, dancing and lantern shows.

Although celebrations of the Chinese New Year vary, the underlying message is one of peace and happiness for family members and friends. http://www.123chinesenewyear.com/chinesenewyear/history/

KARAOKE...AGAIN!

Settling down... (L-R: Twinkle, Kenneth, Ellis, Wilson, Aaron and Ruther)

Our room number. =D

Love this photo...

This is a rare moment so I thought it would be nice to post this photo here... =P

More singing...

The last song for the day... Fun fun fun! =D

BADMINTON

With my partner, JB. I look really fat in my jacket and that's because I was wearing 2 shirts inside it. Ruther should have told me I look like a chubby polar bear. =P

We won this game. (Me and JB vs. Kenneth and Twinkle)

Ethan. With nothing to do.

Just about to serve.

Nikki plays with Aaron's RC car. He loves it. Am planning to get him one when we get back to Manila.

My form looks okay. But that's just me... =D

Ruther's form looks good too. But again, that's just me. =D

DEWDROPS

I took this photo at the garden of the church. =D

A WONDERFUL SATURDAY

Well, we had another eventful Saturday.

We woke up early today and we were at Kozukue Community Center at 9:30. We were the first to get there so Ruther and I practiced some shots while waiting for his friends to arrive. I suppose I have to practice my drop shots more because I always miscalculate and the shuttlecock rarely makes it to the other side of the net. Anyway, I played a pretty good game. I suppose I was more serious in my game today than I was last week. Ruther's game was good too. His smashes are getting stronger and his backhand is improving a lot. When he really concentrates on his game, he really can play well.

We ended at 12:30 and then decided to have lunch at Saizerye, an Italian-themed family restaurant in Kamoi. Ruther and I ordered a kiddie plate for the boys (which had fried potatoes, a burger steak, sausage, corn and peas, 2 focaccia bread and 2 small jello cups) and for us, we got the corn chowder, pepperoni pizza and chicken wings. Yummy! =D We also got the "drink bar". I love the drink bar here in Japan. You drink as much as you want and anything you want for a certain price. I first got a glass of cola then after lunch, helped myself to a cup of cappuccino. It was so yummy, I got myself another cup. (I know, I know... too much coffee, but I'm going home in 9 days!!!) Anyway, those cups kept me awake for the rest of the afternoon.

We were supposed to go to the Marina today but Ruther said it would be better to go tomorrow because we were expecting rains at 6pm onwards. We didn't want to risk getting rained on so guess what was planned instead? KARAOKE! Yup! An afternoon of singing. What better way to have fun? This time, I managed to sing a few songs because there were just a few of us and they were all good friends so I guess I let loose a bit. I usually go off-key when I hold the mic but surprisingly, when I heard myself this afternoon, I was okay. No, not great, okay. But I'm happy with okay. Some of the songs I sang: Hung Up by Madonna (chosen by Ruther), Crazy for You by Madonna, You're In Love by Wilson Phillips and some songs by Filipino artists. It was a LOT of fun. I usually don't sing on mic when I'm not with family but today, it was nice to get out of my comfort zone.

We were done with the karaoke at 6:15pm (we were supposed to be out by 5:15 but we asked to be extended for another hour). We passed by the apartment of Ruther's friend for a while to get our badminton stuff which we temporarily stashed there before eating lunch at Saizerye. After a short while we headed home.

Sure enough, it was drizzling a bit when we walked home from the train station. But even if we did not have an umbrella, it was very light rain so we were just lightly damp by the time we reached home. I cooked some soup, luncheon meat and fish for supper and then we watched Grey's Anatomy and The O.C.

Right now, we're just settling down a bit and then we'll be sleeping in a while. Tomorrow is another big day and we need all the rest we can get. I promise to post some photos tomorrow after our trip back from the Marina.

So for now, good night all!

ETHAN AND RUTHER

I think this is a cute photo of Ruther and Ethan. =D

Feb 10, 2007

TGIF

Ruther and I have been watching American Idol and last night the 24 finalists were chosen. We were kinda wondering who some of the contestants were because there was very little exposure of some of them in the first few episodes. It's kinda difficult betting on someone when you hardly know the person so I suppose we'll have to watch the next episodes to see which one stands out in the crowd. Is this season going to be interesting? We'll see...

.....

I watched the Discovery Channel's World's Strangest UFO Stories last night and really, the stories were strange and weird. There was this woman who said she could communicate with an alien named Sasha. Uh, okay...=P Although some of the thories there were pretty hard to swallow, I suppose I still can't rule out the existence of other beings in the universe. I mean, in the vastness of the universe, I'm pretty sure there's life out there somewhere. Problem is, how do we find out? Okay you aliens, if you're reading this, send me an email or better yet, a photo. =D

.....

Countdown meter says we have 10 days to go before heading home. AAAAARGGGH!!! This is driving me nuts!! Can't can't CAN'T bear the thought of leaving Ruther... =(

.....

I don't know what we have planned for tomorrow but hopefully we'll be going out. It'll probably rain on Sunday so that will dampen any plans we have of going around the city. But we'll see. The weather might change still...

.....

Ruther unfortunately, did not pass the JLPT exam (the one he took last December). I feel bad for him. I know he wanted to pass that test. I hope he makes it this year. Among his officemates, only 4 people passed. It must have been really tough. =(

STILL FEELING THE LOVE

shaped my beads into a heart and took a photo of it. =D

VALENTINE'S DAY IN THE PHILIPPINES

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/philippine_travel_culture/114050

Valentine's Day in the Philippines is synonymous with red roses (usually at a higher price than the usual), red shirts (for those who are looking for partners), fully-booked motels (yes!), crowded movie houses and restuarants, and of course, public plazas turned into lovers lane.

Filipinos have always been known as romantic people. And it is mirrored during this special day of the Hearts. Lovers are seen holding hands in malls, public plazas, and other places they choose to have a date. Flower stores will be raided by men who will buy roses, tulips, and other types of floras even at a price that is higher than the normal (of course, businessmen are jumping into the opportunity of high demand during this day).

Schools usually don't have regular classes on Valentine's day. When I was a high school student, I remember excitingly anticipating Valentine's Day so I can say I love you to my crush on a public address system, which comes free during this day. English teachers will be organizing a Valentine's Day program where students can publicly announced their affection to their long time crushes or even to their wonderful teachers.

The most wonderful part of Valentine's Day in the Philippines is the fact that whether or not there is economic crisis in the country or impending increase in basic commodities or ongoing war in Mindanao, Filipinos always take time to hand out red roses or sweet stuff to the people they care so much, it could be their loved ones, office mates, friends, or even those who have hurt their feelings.

That's uniquely Filipino style.

VALENTINE'S DAY IN JAPAN

http://japanese.about.com/library/weekly/aa020401a.htm

Do you have any plans for Valentine's Day? Is there a special way of spending this time in your culture? In Japan, it is only the women who give presents (mainly chocolates) to men. Japanese women are usually too shy to express their love. (Though it might not be true nowadays.) Therefore, Valentine's Day was thought to be a great opportunity to let women express their feelings. However, this is a custom that smart chocolate companies spread to boost their sales, and it has been very successful. Now the chocolate companies in Japan sell more than half of their annual sales during the week before Valentine's Day. Men are supposed to return gifts to women on a day called "White Day" (March 14th), a Japanese creation.

Does it sound good to you? Don't get too excited when you get chocolates from Japanese girls! They might be "Giri-choko (obligation chocolate)." Women give chocolates not only to their loved ones ("A true love" chocolate is called "Honmei-choko.") "Giri-choko" is the chocolate given to men such as bosses, colleagues or male friends that women have no romantic interest in, just for friendship or gratitude. The concept of "giri" is very Japanese. It is a mutual obligation that the Japanese follow when dealing with other people. If someone does you a favor, then you feel obligated to do something for that person.

Unlike the West, sending a Valentine's cards is not common in Japan, and the phrase "Happy Valentines" is not widely used.

POST-VALENTINE

Valentine's Day is over. Boo-hoo. Oh well, there is always next year. =D

.....

My sister called us through Skype yesterday. She wanted to say hello and it was nice talking to her on Valentine's Day. My sister has no boyfriend at this time so I also didn't want her to be thinking loveless thoughts. =D But she's better than that.

After my sis called, my mom and dad called as well. They wanted to see the boys on video as they miss them so much. My parents will be in Manila on Sunday because my dad has a tournament in Cagayan on the 21st until the 24th. After that, my dad will be going home but my mom will wait for us to arrive on the 27th then she'll head home on the 28th. I suppose it's okay for her to be in Manila when we arrive. I guess it will make me less depressed for leaving Ruther on that day. I still don't want to think about our upcoming departure. It really really depresses me.

.....

Ruther got a new Bathroom Reader book from Amazon yesterday. Here it is:

It's hardbound and REALLY thick. I mean, thicker than the usual Bathroom Reader books.

But then, before the day was over, this happened:

Yup, Ethan wrote on it! I thought Ruther was going to be mad about it, but he took it rather well. He even wrote at the bottom of the page: "Artwork by Ethan". (Or maybe he's plotting a payback for when Ethan gets older. I could already hear the words, "Ethan, for this, you owe me a car." Hahaha!)

.....

I really really had fun last night. Even if we did not get to have a fancy dinner, the photos were fun and my sis and mom and dad called and Nikki and I sent e-cards to family members. Despite the cold, rainy day, we had fun exchanging presents and celebrating as a family. Who said celebrations had to be expensive? =D

VALENTINE'S DAY PHOTOS

Ruther's present for me. =D

All mine. =P

My presents for Ruther: Tie and chocolates.

The mug and tiger are from the boys. =D

Sweethearts forever.

Ruther and me.

Tsup! Happy Valentine's Day!