We had an okay day today.
Nikki cooked some pasta for the first time. We had some leftover spaghetti sauce and I asked Nikki if he wanted to cook some pasta for me. He agreed so I got the penne and instructed him how to cook it. He enjoyed it a lot so I’m thinking we could do a cooking/baking activity every week. Hopefully we’ll get to do more recipes.
We also got to read some books. Nothing serious. Just nice, easy-to-read stories. I want the boys to have fun with books and not feel like reading is a chore. Sometimes, I ask Nikki to read and sometimes, I do the reading.
Then the boys spent a good part of the afternoon in the bathroom. Ethan got into the pail and Nikki had no choice but to sit in a basin since he could no longer fit into any of the pails in the house. So they just stayed there and played with a plastic water bottle, a small toy watering can, water gun and a toy pitcher. They had fun although I did encourage them to not waste water. They need to bond sometimes, just the two of them.
We also went out today and played some badminton. I figured that since we’re expecting more rains in the next few days, we might as well make the most of the fair weather. So Nikki and I played badminton and Ethan joined us for a bit but he was more than happy to search for bugs around the neighborhood. He managed to find a group of centipedes (called a swarm scientifically) near an empty lot and became quite excited. I was astounded to see that many centipedes in one place so I went inside the house to get my camera. It was fascinating! I had never seen that many centipedes in my life!
Anyway, shortly after that, Nikki and I cut some long grass from the vacant lot to feed the rabbits. We read that the rabbits shouldn’t be given too much pellets lest they become overweight. So we give them greens everyday. They are doing well. Taro has lost that black scab on his nose. I applied oil on it every other day and one day the scab just came off and now, his nose is a cute pink once more. Aiko is still as naughty as ever. Whenever she’s out of her cage, she would try to get out of my grasp. But she’s still a dear.
Tonight, I pretty much just let them do as they please which could be watching Playhouse Disney or checking out starfall on the computer or playing their Nintendo DS (which they haven’t played in days). While they’re doing that, I’m typing this and watching The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Talk about multi-tasking!
Anyway, I hope that tomorrow will be another okay day for us too…
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
READ, LEARN, BE ENLIGHTENED
http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20090929/wl_time/08599192664600
Philippine Floods: Why Wasn't Manila Prepared?
By ISHAAN THAROOR
In Manila, millions of residents now live in a world of mud. Torrential rain over the weekend triggered the worst flooding the Philippines' capital has seen in over four decades, submerging more than 80% of the city, killing at least 246 people and displacing hundreds of thousands more. By Tuesday, the water had receded in many places, but it left behind ruined homes and swept-away neighborhoods, and according to health officials, it disabled the majority of Manila's medical facilities. Debris, sewage and abandoned vehicles that were tossed around by gushing currents now litter the notoriously polluted capital; aid workers warn of water-borne diseases. The government has placed the area around Manila under a "state of public calamity."
In an appeal for assistance, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo described Tropical Storm Ketsana, which hit Manila on Sept. 26, as a "once-in-a-lifetime typhoon." A month's worth of rain deluged the city in the space of 12 hours. "The system is overwhelmed, local government units are overwhelmed," said Anthony Golez of the state's National Disaster Coordinating Council at a press conference on Sept. 28.
Yet many in the country are pointing fingers at its politicians for failing to predict the scale of the disaster or lessen the damage it caused. Manila, they say, was always bound to face such catastrophe, and more should have been done to help its millions of residents prepare. A recently published study by the Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSA), a research group based in Singapore, ranked metropolitan Manila as one of the provinces in Southeast Asia most vulnerable to flooding. The capital region is perched on a marshy isthmus that is crisscrossed with streams and rivers. An ever-growing population - Manila is now a sprawling mega-city of some 12 million people, larger still when factoring in the day-worker population - and the lack of infrastructure to accommodate it left swaths of the city exposed. "What we are seeing is a phenomenon that will affect many major cities in Asia," says Neeraj Jain, country specialist for the Philippines at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which is headquartered in Manila. "Urbanization has been so rapid, yet the planning processes have lagged."
Last weekend's flood was in large part the result of the capital's poor drainage and sanitation systems, which have been neglected by several successive administrations in power. As Ketsana rained down upon Manila, sewers that were clogged up by plastic bags and other refuse led to roads becoming rivers and gardens lagoons. Video images of desperate people riding floating pontoons of garbage down inundated streets were a sign not just of the consequences of the flood, but also its causes. Many impoverished Manila residents live in makeshift settlements by rivers and creeks - the source of their drinking water - that overflowed and carried off their homes. "People have always been living on the edge," says Carlos Celdran, a popular Manila historian and performing artist. "It's amazing the city has actually managed to make it this far."
The Spanish seized Manila from its Muslim rulers in the 16th century and set it up as their colonial seat in Asia. The city was a flourishing, elegant entrepÔt for centuries, but in recent times civic planning has been more haphazard as the population has boomed. Lambert Ramirez, executive director of the National Institute for Policy Studies, a Manila-based think tank, says much of the blame for poor urban management ought to be leveled at the government. "There's no coordinated policy for cleaning up garbage. There's no political will to get even simple things done," he says. Ramirez spoke to TIME while salvaging appliances and valuables from his own flooded home.
Jain of the ADB says the leadership in Manila, faced with elections in the coming months, is indeed thinking of long-term solutions to its infrastructure woes. Plans have been afoot to improve sanitation and also relieve the population burden in metro Manila by shifting certain businesses and government offices to areas outside the dense capital region. But the challenge facing the Philippines and other poor Asian countries is one of resources. Most Southeast Asia nations budget around 2% or 3% of their GDP for infrastructure development. To fend off such disasters in the future, Jain says that figure ought to be closer to 5% or 6%. It's a deficit that few governments can afford to make up overnight.
But given the looming specter of climate change, they may have to find a way sooner rather than later. The prospect of another typhoon this week underscores environmentalists' concern that shifts in global temperatures may mean increasingly extreme weather patterns for coastal cities like Manila. "[Ketsana] was a startling, unique event," says Herminia Francisco of the EEPSA in Singapore. "But then I think this is going to happen more and more frequently in the future."
For today, as international aid pours in from organizations like the Red Cross and the World Food Program, Manila residents are slowly retrieving their homes and livelihoods from the mud. Thousands of volunteers have donated food and rushed to help those who were worse affected. "Filipinos are used to crisis," says Celdran. "We've gone through a lot over the years, but we've managed. We're a resilient people."
Philippine Floods: Why Wasn't Manila Prepared?
By ISHAAN THAROOR
In Manila, millions of residents now live in a world of mud. Torrential rain over the weekend triggered the worst flooding the Philippines' capital has seen in over four decades, submerging more than 80% of the city, killing at least 246 people and displacing hundreds of thousands more. By Tuesday, the water had receded in many places, but it left behind ruined homes and swept-away neighborhoods, and according to health officials, it disabled the majority of Manila's medical facilities. Debris, sewage and abandoned vehicles that were tossed around by gushing currents now litter the notoriously polluted capital; aid workers warn of water-borne diseases. The government has placed the area around Manila under a "state of public calamity."
In an appeal for assistance, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo described Tropical Storm Ketsana, which hit Manila on Sept. 26, as a "once-in-a-lifetime typhoon." A month's worth of rain deluged the city in the space of 12 hours. "The system is overwhelmed, local government units are overwhelmed," said Anthony Golez of the state's National Disaster Coordinating Council at a press conference on Sept. 28.
Yet many in the country are pointing fingers at its politicians for failing to predict the scale of the disaster or lessen the damage it caused. Manila, they say, was always bound to face such catastrophe, and more should have been done to help its millions of residents prepare. A recently published study by the Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSA), a research group based in Singapore, ranked metropolitan Manila as one of the provinces in Southeast Asia most vulnerable to flooding. The capital region is perched on a marshy isthmus that is crisscrossed with streams and rivers. An ever-growing population - Manila is now a sprawling mega-city of some 12 million people, larger still when factoring in the day-worker population - and the lack of infrastructure to accommodate it left swaths of the city exposed. "What we are seeing is a phenomenon that will affect many major cities in Asia," says Neeraj Jain, country specialist for the Philippines at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which is headquartered in Manila. "Urbanization has been so rapid, yet the planning processes have lagged."
Last weekend's flood was in large part the result of the capital's poor drainage and sanitation systems, which have been neglected by several successive administrations in power. As Ketsana rained down upon Manila, sewers that were clogged up by plastic bags and other refuse led to roads becoming rivers and gardens lagoons. Video images of desperate people riding floating pontoons of garbage down inundated streets were a sign not just of the consequences of the flood, but also its causes. Many impoverished Manila residents live in makeshift settlements by rivers and creeks - the source of their drinking water - that overflowed and carried off their homes. "People have always been living on the edge," says Carlos Celdran, a popular Manila historian and performing artist. "It's amazing the city has actually managed to make it this far."
The Spanish seized Manila from its Muslim rulers in the 16th century and set it up as their colonial seat in Asia. The city was a flourishing, elegant entrepÔt for centuries, but in recent times civic planning has been more haphazard as the population has boomed. Lambert Ramirez, executive director of the National Institute for Policy Studies, a Manila-based think tank, says much of the blame for poor urban management ought to be leveled at the government. "There's no coordinated policy for cleaning up garbage. There's no political will to get even simple things done," he says. Ramirez spoke to TIME while salvaging appliances and valuables from his own flooded home.
Jain of the ADB says the leadership in Manila, faced with elections in the coming months, is indeed thinking of long-term solutions to its infrastructure woes. Plans have been afoot to improve sanitation and also relieve the population burden in metro Manila by shifting certain businesses and government offices to areas outside the dense capital region. But the challenge facing the Philippines and other poor Asian countries is one of resources. Most Southeast Asia nations budget around 2% or 3% of their GDP for infrastructure development. To fend off such disasters in the future, Jain says that figure ought to be closer to 5% or 6%. It's a deficit that few governments can afford to make up overnight.
But given the looming specter of climate change, they may have to find a way sooner rather than later. The prospect of another typhoon this week underscores environmentalists' concern that shifts in global temperatures may mean increasingly extreme weather patterns for coastal cities like Manila. "[Ketsana] was a startling, unique event," says Herminia Francisco of the EEPSA in Singapore. "But then I think this is going to happen more and more frequently in the future."
For today, as international aid pours in from organizations like the Red Cross and the World Food Program, Manila residents are slowly retrieving their homes and livelihoods from the mud. Thousands of volunteers have donated food and rushed to help those who were worse affected. "Filipinos are used to crisis," says Celdran. "We've gone through a lot over the years, but we've managed. We're a resilient people."
FAMILY IN CANADA
Here are my Dad, Mom and sis in Canada. They are having loads of fun. And of course I'm so jealous!!
Miss yah guys! Mwah!
Monday, September 28, 2009
YOU'RE IN BIG TROUBLE JACQUE BERMEJO
A certain Jacque Bermejo is now the brunt of the Filipino community's ire because of a comment she posted pertaining to the situation Typhoon Ondoy has presented to the country. She said: "buti n lng am hir in dubai! Maybe so many sinners der so yeah deserving wat hapnd.” And that not only made her the perfect person to hate in this troubled time but well, let's just say she got more than what she bargained for.
Reading the many hate comments directed at her, I suppose she deserved them all for casually dismissing her suffering countrymen to the elements. Just because she's far from disaster doesn't mean she should harden her heart and turn a blind eye. Just because she may be earning money in Dubai, doesn't mean she's better than all the rest of us here and abroad. Besides, I've always learned and been taught that it's not money that makes the person and in her case, she fits the shoe perfectly. And my dear, who's to say you aren't a sinner as well? Don't pretend you are as clean as you think you are.
Now, this Jacque Bermejo is being attacked by Filipinos everywhere. Her Facebook and Multiply sites have become an avenue for hate messages. So far, there hasn't been a reply from Jacque Bermejo. I don't blame her. With all the comments I've read, she SHOULD hide, both from the Philippines and in Dubai. Really wouldn't want to be her right now.
Sorry girl. You brought this upon yourself. You made your bed, so lie in it.
Reading the many hate comments directed at her, I suppose she deserved them all for casually dismissing her suffering countrymen to the elements. Just because she's far from disaster doesn't mean she should harden her heart and turn a blind eye. Just because she may be earning money in Dubai, doesn't mean she's better than all the rest of us here and abroad. Besides, I've always learned and been taught that it's not money that makes the person and in her case, she fits the shoe perfectly. And my dear, who's to say you aren't a sinner as well? Don't pretend you are as clean as you think you are.
Now, this Jacque Bermejo is being attacked by Filipinos everywhere. Her Facebook and Multiply sites have become an avenue for hate messages. So far, there hasn't been a reply from Jacque Bermejo. I don't blame her. With all the comments I've read, she SHOULD hide, both from the Philippines and in Dubai. Really wouldn't want to be her right now.
Sorry girl. You brought this upon yourself. You made your bed, so lie in it.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
STORMY
It's raining sooo hard today. Apparently, there's a typhoon in the country right now. I saw a portion of the news this morning and I was alarmed to see some areas in the Philippines where people were swimming in chest- to neck-deep floods. That was simply terrible! I hope the government would do something about helping those poor people. And I hope this storm will pass soon.
.....
We're having a small crisis here right now. The ceiling of the boys' room is leaking and it's not stopping. I've been mopping and trying to keep the room dry for the whole day and unless the rain stops, I might have to continue doing that until late in the evening. It's bothersome, really. I'll have to have someone apply a sealant on the outer wall to stop the leaks I suppose, but until the weather improves, I can't do anything about it but just keep on mopping...
.....
I'm trying really hard not to think anymore of the whole Japan mess. It's still hard when I miss Ruther a lot. I want to be hopeful and I want to be positive about the future but I'm finding that hard to do these days. The only thing I want to pin my hopes on is that maybe Ruther could spend Christmas with us this year. I still hope that in the next few months, my family will experience a new turn. I'm still hoping that the fates have planned something wonderful for us and hopefully in Japan since I've really really come to love that country and the people a lot. It's pretty hard just waking everyday and not knowing what plans we have for the future simply because a certain _______ has dashed all our hopes. (Insert curses here.) I just want to be able to hope again, to be able to be with my family, to live together and bond together and solve problems together and just have fun together. I mean, don't I at least deserve that?
.....
We're having a small crisis here right now. The ceiling of the boys' room is leaking and it's not stopping. I've been mopping and trying to keep the room dry for the whole day and unless the rain stops, I might have to continue doing that until late in the evening. It's bothersome, really. I'll have to have someone apply a sealant on the outer wall to stop the leaks I suppose, but until the weather improves, I can't do anything about it but just keep on mopping...
.....
I'm trying really hard not to think anymore of the whole Japan mess. It's still hard when I miss Ruther a lot. I want to be hopeful and I want to be positive about the future but I'm finding that hard to do these days. The only thing I want to pin my hopes on is that maybe Ruther could spend Christmas with us this year. I still hope that in the next few months, my family will experience a new turn. I'm still hoping that the fates have planned something wonderful for us and hopefully in Japan since I've really really come to love that country and the people a lot. It's pretty hard just waking everyday and not knowing what plans we have for the future simply because a certain _______ has dashed all our hopes. (Insert curses here.) I just want to be able to hope again, to be able to be with my family, to live together and bond together and solve problems together and just have fun together. I mean, don't I at least deserve that?
Friday, September 25, 2009
UPDATES
These days, I am simply looking forward to Christmas. I am hoping that Ruther will be home then and when that happens, I know that that alone will be enough to make me happy. That alone will make everything bad that happened this year disappear. I wouldn't give it another thought as long as I could have Ruther with me.
.....
It seems that we are having more rainy weather these days. It's a bit bothersome especially when I've been planning to take the boys to Manila Ocean Park for a field trip. Because of the unpredictable Manila weather I'm thinking of postponing it for a few more days. Unless this weather becomes more predictable, I'll have to think of another activity for us to do.
.....
I've been updating my Christmas list. I've already purchased some presents for family and I'm quite excited to complete the buying. I still have to think of Nikki's birthday so I want everything planned out by next month so that everything will go smoothly. I'm thinking of giving Nikki a Mario Bros. birthday. Even if we won't have a party, I would still want it to be a fun event for him. I'll try to plan a nice day for just the 3 of us. Of course, there'll be cake and fried chicken. :)
.....
My mom, dad and sister are having a blast in Canada. My sis has been updating me with their trips and tours and it's wonderful to hear all the stories. I think it's great that they all got to bond with family in Canada. I'm sure my grandma is quite happy to have them all there. And I'm sure my dad is having a blast as well. He really needs the vacation.
.....
It seems that we are having more rainy weather these days. It's a bit bothersome especially when I've been planning to take the boys to Manila Ocean Park for a field trip. Because of the unpredictable Manila weather I'm thinking of postponing it for a few more days. Unless this weather becomes more predictable, I'll have to think of another activity for us to do.
.....
I've been updating my Christmas list. I've already purchased some presents for family and I'm quite excited to complete the buying. I still have to think of Nikki's birthday so I want everything planned out by next month so that everything will go smoothly. I'm thinking of giving Nikki a Mario Bros. birthday. Even if we won't have a party, I would still want it to be a fun event for him. I'll try to plan a nice day for just the 3 of us. Of course, there'll be cake and fried chicken. :)
.....
My mom, dad and sister are having a blast in Canada. My sis has been updating me with their trips and tours and it's wonderful to hear all the stories. I think it's great that they all got to bond with family in Canada. I'm sure my grandma is quite happy to have them all there. And I'm sure my dad is having a blast as well. He really needs the vacation.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
SWIMMING AT CALAMBA
We had a pretty tiring day today. Tiring but fun.
Tomorrow is Papa's birthday and since it's a holiday today, the family thought that it would be best to celebrate his day today instead of tomorrow so that we could go out as a family. The suggestion? Swimming at Laguna. I really didn't mind because I was quite sure the boys would have lots of fun.
So, thinking about the (hot) weather, I thought it would be best for us to go to Monte Vista. We've been there before and they had a lot of covered pools and semi-covered pools so at least we wouldn't end up looking too dark after the frolic in the pool and hot sun. Unlike Caucasians, we usually end up turning a chocolatey brown instead of tan after staying several hours under the sun so it's not very pleasant esthetically (well for me, at least). A getting some tan lines is all right and it's nice to be browned a bit but other than that, I would prefer to stay out of the sun.
Anyway, as expected, the boys enjoyed the swim. I also had fun but by late afternoon my enthusiasm dissipated because of some rowdy high schoolers. Really, I couldn't help but turn a stern look their way whenever they would do silly things in the pool. But other than that, the boys and I had a blast.
On the way home however, I developed a headache and it's actually still here as I type this so I suppose that's a sign for me to go to bed now.
More news tomorrow!!!
Tomorrow is Papa's birthday and since it's a holiday today, the family thought that it would be best to celebrate his day today instead of tomorrow so that we could go out as a family. The suggestion? Swimming at Laguna. I really didn't mind because I was quite sure the boys would have lots of fun.
So, thinking about the (hot) weather, I thought it would be best for us to go to Monte Vista. We've been there before and they had a lot of covered pools and semi-covered pools so at least we wouldn't end up looking too dark after the frolic in the pool and hot sun. Unlike Caucasians, we usually end up turning a chocolatey brown instead of tan after staying several hours under the sun so it's not very pleasant esthetically (well for me, at least). A getting some tan lines is all right and it's nice to be browned a bit but other than that, I would prefer to stay out of the sun.
Anyway, as expected, the boys enjoyed the swim. I also had fun but by late afternoon my enthusiasm dissipated because of some rowdy high schoolers. Really, I couldn't help but turn a stern look their way whenever they would do silly things in the pool. But other than that, the boys and I had a blast.
On the way home however, I developed a headache and it's actually still here as I type this so I suppose that's a sign for me to go to bed now.
More news tomorrow!!!
Friday, September 18, 2009
MAKING MY LIST
I've started my Christmas list. It's never too early to make a Christmas list, right?
Well, I decided to gift the little kiddies this year and for the big kids (mostly from Ruther's maternal cousins) they'll have to settle for some food/snacks instead. I'll still be getting Ruther's godchildren their presents of course, and mine as well so I've added them to the list. I already started buying presents and so far it's lookin' good. I'm planning to give some raisin cookies per family and wrap them prettily in recycled paper. (Focus on the word "prettily" there). Anyway, still have a few months to complete the shopping and wrapping and until our Christmas tree is up, those presents won't be anywhere about, that's for sure!
.....
I'm now trying to do the mature thing and move on. I mean, I can only dwell so much on my problems but I don't want to die of a heart attack. Anyway, I'm now trying to focus on Christmas instead, which is only a few months away, thank god. If Ruther comes home then, this year wouldn't be as bad as it has already been.
Am keeping my fingers crossed. Keep yours crossed as well for good measure.
.....
Because of the latest crazy situation we've been in, the boys and I haven't been doing much homeschooling. And I feel so irresponsible in that respect. So I'm now planning on enrolling Nikki in a homeschool program here in Manila. I've already made initial inquiries and hopefully, Nikki will be enrolled by next month or so. Maybe it's about time as well since Nikki will be turning 8 in November and he's starting to be more confident in doing worksheets by himself. He used to be so worried about making mistakes that he would always ask me to stick by him and check every stroke he made. I suppose it's time to start moving things along. I just hope we'll retain the flexible schedule we have currently. I'm thinking Nikki will either adapt to the schedule or hate it. We'll see...
.....
Watched So You Think You Can Dance and Bones tonight. These are a couple of shows that truly make me happy when I watch them. Really. SYTYCD is just a lot of fun and laughs and until the top 20 dancers are chosen, it's just hilarious watching the early part of the auditions. Forensics has always interested me so it's no surprise that I love Bones. But what's so enjoyable about it is the story. I just love the characters (more than the book, I might add) and the episodes. They are just really fun to watch. I'm still sad that Zach had to go but I still love the show. I've let go of some shows over the years like American Idol, Lost, etc. because they've either become less interesting or the stories just got too boring or confusing and I don't regret ditching those shows. I'm happy with better tv shows like Bones and SYTYCD. Looking forward to next week's episodes! :D
Well, I decided to gift the little kiddies this year and for the big kids (mostly from Ruther's maternal cousins) they'll have to settle for some food/snacks instead. I'll still be getting Ruther's godchildren their presents of course, and mine as well so I've added them to the list. I already started buying presents and so far it's lookin' good. I'm planning to give some raisin cookies per family and wrap them prettily in recycled paper. (Focus on the word "prettily" there). Anyway, still have a few months to complete the shopping and wrapping and until our Christmas tree is up, those presents won't be anywhere about, that's for sure!
.....
I'm now trying to do the mature thing and move on. I mean, I can only dwell so much on my problems but I don't want to die of a heart attack. Anyway, I'm now trying to focus on Christmas instead, which is only a few months away, thank god. If Ruther comes home then, this year wouldn't be as bad as it has already been.
Am keeping my fingers crossed. Keep yours crossed as well for good measure.
.....
Because of the latest crazy situation we've been in, the boys and I haven't been doing much homeschooling. And I feel so irresponsible in that respect. So I'm now planning on enrolling Nikki in a homeschool program here in Manila. I've already made initial inquiries and hopefully, Nikki will be enrolled by next month or so. Maybe it's about time as well since Nikki will be turning 8 in November and he's starting to be more confident in doing worksheets by himself. He used to be so worried about making mistakes that he would always ask me to stick by him and check every stroke he made. I suppose it's time to start moving things along. I just hope we'll retain the flexible schedule we have currently. I'm thinking Nikki will either adapt to the schedule or hate it. We'll see...
.....
Watched So You Think You Can Dance and Bones tonight. These are a couple of shows that truly make me happy when I watch them. Really. SYTYCD is just a lot of fun and laughs and until the top 20 dancers are chosen, it's just hilarious watching the early part of the auditions. Forensics has always interested me so it's no surprise that I love Bones. But what's so enjoyable about it is the story. I just love the characters (more than the book, I might add) and the episodes. They are just really fun to watch. I'm still sad that Zach had to go but I still love the show. I've let go of some shows over the years like American Idol, Lost, etc. because they've either become less interesting or the stories just got too boring or confusing and I don't regret ditching those shows. I'm happy with better tv shows like Bones and SYTYCD. Looking forward to next week's episodes! :D
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
MISS YOU GUYS!
My mom, dad, and sis are off to Canada. I hope they'll have a great time there with relatives. I'm sure all my aunts, uncles, cousins and my grandma are excited to see them. This will be my mom's second time in Toronto and my dad and sis' first time. I hope my dad has fun. He needs a break from work. He's been working all his life so he needs this vacation.
Have fun you guys! Hugs and kisses to everyone! Love you all!
.....
Been having sunny weather these past days. I'm thinking of getting started with our vegetable garden today. I already started planting the rest of the kangkong seeds but ran out of small seedling bags. Fortunately, my sis got me some the other day so I could do the rest of the planting today. We'll also be planting some kale and we'll see how that turns out since it'll take around 85 days for it to grow fully. Then again, I've got time.
.....
I forgot to mention that we've got bunnies!! Yup, two. We bought them last weekend. Actually, Nikki begged me to buy them because he complained, "But I don't have a pet now!" I told him Chowchow was our pet but he insisted that he was Tito Russell's. So we bought a pair of bunnies for only P300. Cool huh. Anyway, Nikki loves them. Except when they pee of course. :D They are sooo cute and soft. We named the girl Aiko and the boy Taro. Photos will come later. *wink*
.....
Been trying to organize our photo albums for the past few days. The photo printer near our place has been (sort-of) complaining about the number of photos being printed. I think they are simply fed up of seeing our faces every week. Haha! Anyway, I've finished Nikki's 1st Birthday photos, his baptism, our trip to Corregidor and our first trip to Japan. I haven't started with Ethan's yet not to mention our family shots. So yeah, it'll probably make our room quite messy for the next few days... Fun.
Have fun you guys! Hugs and kisses to everyone! Love you all!
.....
Been having sunny weather these past days. I'm thinking of getting started with our vegetable garden today. I already started planting the rest of the kangkong seeds but ran out of small seedling bags. Fortunately, my sis got me some the other day so I could do the rest of the planting today. We'll also be planting some kale and we'll see how that turns out since it'll take around 85 days for it to grow fully. Then again, I've got time.
.....
I forgot to mention that we've got bunnies!! Yup, two. We bought them last weekend. Actually, Nikki begged me to buy them because he complained, "But I don't have a pet now!" I told him Chowchow was our pet but he insisted that he was Tito Russell's. So we bought a pair of bunnies for only P300. Cool huh. Anyway, Nikki loves them. Except when they pee of course. :D They are sooo cute and soft. We named the girl Aiko and the boy Taro. Photos will come later. *wink*
.....
Been trying to organize our photo albums for the past few days. The photo printer near our place has been (sort-of) complaining about the number of photos being printed. I think they are simply fed up of seeing our faces every week. Haha! Anyway, I've finished Nikki's 1st Birthday photos, his baptism, our trip to Corregidor and our first trip to Japan. I haven't started with Ethan's yet not to mention our family shots. So yeah, it'll probably make our room quite messy for the next few days... Fun.
WOW
Apparently, someone is using my blog to attack me and my family.
Wow. This is an all-time low if you ask me...
Wow. This is an all-time low if you ask me...
Sunday, September 13, 2009
PHONE HOME
Sometimes, having someone listen to your problems helps a lot. And I'm so glad I have my Tita (aunt) to listen to me and to just support me.
Tonight I received a call from Tita Nicki. She's actually Ruther's aunt. Her husband, Tito Leo, is Ruther's mom's brother. She was concerned about me and asked how I was dealing with my past problems and the Japan brouhaha and all that. I emailed her a few days ago and she told me that she wanted to call the night we arrived in Manila (August 31st) but their phone card was problematic. So they only found the time to ring tonight. In case you didn't know, Tita Nicki is Australian. She lives with Tito Leo and her 2 daughters in New South Wales. When Ruther and I were newly married, I wasn't that close with Tita Nicki. It was only when she came to the Philippines, took a teaching stint at the University of the Philippines for a semester and came to live with us that we chatted frequently and bonded. I appreciated her insights and we would talk about issues troubling society and such. I loved our intellectual talks. They were very stimulating.
Anyway, late last year, I had a huge huge problem and after battling it for around 6 months, I confided in her and well, let's just say she's helped me with the healing bit by bit. Til now. I suppose because of that, she feels a bit concerned about my welfare and when we spoke on the phone, she told me, "Yette, the last time I was there, I had no clue at all you were this troubled! You put on such a happy face. I wish I gave you a hug then." She was here for a family reunion last February and we spoke over the phone in July.
Well, I wish I did say something to her then. But I didn't want to ruin their vacation in Manila. I didn't want to be this depressed, gloomy person in the middle of all the partying. I suppose I should be glad that I kept my feelings hidden well that no one guessed at that time but on the other hand, it was really killing me inside. What else could I do? I couldn't tell my mom because as much as I love her and she loves me, she suffers from anxiety attacks and I didn't want her to worry. I couldn't confide in Mama (Ruther's mom) too because I know she has a lot on her plate as well. I couldn't tell my sister because I didn't want her to have biases. Writing about my thoughts and my pain didn't help a bit. It used to be but it didn't work then. Pages upon pages of writing and scribbling and asking questions... I felt like I was being sucked into a black hole. I was so desperate for company, I thought of joining a chatroom and just have someone listen to me (pathetic, I know). But that was unsuccessful since it was hard trying to find a genuine person to talk to. At first, I didn't know if talking to Tita Nicki would be a good idea but after letting all the pain out and hearing her validate my thoughts and my suffering, I felt so grateful that I found someone I trusted in this world. And now, everytime I feel like I'm drowning in a whirlpool of black water or falling headfirst into an abyss, I know that she'll be there to throw me a safety line. And I can't even say enough how glad I am that she's there and willing to be there.
Tonight she did that again. Just hearing her voice made me feel so reassured. We talked for sometime (maybe longer) and I was just so glad to tell her all my fears and hopes and despair. I just let it all out. And because of that, I can now breathe again. Is that weird? But really and truly, talking to Tita Nicki is like my medicine. Right after I talk to her I feel loads better. I used to complain before about emotional vampires... you know, a friend who leaves you so exhausted after chatting with her or being with her for a moment. I hope I'm not like that with Tita Nicki because I wouldn't want to be an emotional vampire to her. It's just that I badly need someone to listen to me. Someone who I know will hear me out no matter what, who understands what I'm going through and who will say, "yes, you have a right to feel that way".
I'm not one to write all my problems in my blog. As much as possible, I don't want to gripe, to be this gloomy, sad, emo person. I don't want to bring people down if I could help it. Which is probably why it sounds like I'm talking in riddles when I speak about my personal problems. I just don't like airing dirty laundry in public, you know. It's just not me.
Anyway, Tita Nicki's last words to me over the phone were very comforting. For the first time in days, I cried happy tears. Happy because someone loves me for who I am. I'm actually looking forward to seeing her in December when she comes over for a visit. I can't wait.
Tonight I received a call from Tita Nicki. She's actually Ruther's aunt. Her husband, Tito Leo, is Ruther's mom's brother. She was concerned about me and asked how I was dealing with my past problems and the Japan brouhaha and all that. I emailed her a few days ago and she told me that she wanted to call the night we arrived in Manila (August 31st) but their phone card was problematic. So they only found the time to ring tonight. In case you didn't know, Tita Nicki is Australian. She lives with Tito Leo and her 2 daughters in New South Wales. When Ruther and I were newly married, I wasn't that close with Tita Nicki. It was only when she came to the Philippines, took a teaching stint at the University of the Philippines for a semester and came to live with us that we chatted frequently and bonded. I appreciated her insights and we would talk about issues troubling society and such. I loved our intellectual talks. They were very stimulating.
Anyway, late last year, I had a huge huge problem and after battling it for around 6 months, I confided in her and well, let's just say she's helped me with the healing bit by bit. Til now. I suppose because of that, she feels a bit concerned about my welfare and when we spoke on the phone, she told me, "Yette, the last time I was there, I had no clue at all you were this troubled! You put on such a happy face. I wish I gave you a hug then." She was here for a family reunion last February and we spoke over the phone in July.
Well, I wish I did say something to her then. But I didn't want to ruin their vacation in Manila. I didn't want to be this depressed, gloomy person in the middle of all the partying. I suppose I should be glad that I kept my feelings hidden well that no one guessed at that time but on the other hand, it was really killing me inside. What else could I do? I couldn't tell my mom because as much as I love her and she loves me, she suffers from anxiety attacks and I didn't want her to worry. I couldn't confide in Mama (Ruther's mom) too because I know she has a lot on her plate as well. I couldn't tell my sister because I didn't want her to have biases. Writing about my thoughts and my pain didn't help a bit. It used to be but it didn't work then. Pages upon pages of writing and scribbling and asking questions... I felt like I was being sucked into a black hole. I was so desperate for company, I thought of joining a chatroom and just have someone listen to me (pathetic, I know). But that was unsuccessful since it was hard trying to find a genuine person to talk to. At first, I didn't know if talking to Tita Nicki would be a good idea but after letting all the pain out and hearing her validate my thoughts and my suffering, I felt so grateful that I found someone I trusted in this world. And now, everytime I feel like I'm drowning in a whirlpool of black water or falling headfirst into an abyss, I know that she'll be there to throw me a safety line. And I can't even say enough how glad I am that she's there and willing to be there.
Tonight she did that again. Just hearing her voice made me feel so reassured. We talked for sometime (maybe longer) and I was just so glad to tell her all my fears and hopes and despair. I just let it all out. And because of that, I can now breathe again. Is that weird? But really and truly, talking to Tita Nicki is like my medicine. Right after I talk to her I feel loads better. I used to complain before about emotional vampires... you know, a friend who leaves you so exhausted after chatting with her or being with her for a moment. I hope I'm not like that with Tita Nicki because I wouldn't want to be an emotional vampire to her. It's just that I badly need someone to listen to me. Someone who I know will hear me out no matter what, who understands what I'm going through and who will say, "yes, you have a right to feel that way".
I'm not one to write all my problems in my blog. As much as possible, I don't want to gripe, to be this gloomy, sad, emo person. I don't want to bring people down if I could help it. Which is probably why it sounds like I'm talking in riddles when I speak about my personal problems. I just don't like airing dirty laundry in public, you know. It's just not me.
Anyway, Tita Nicki's last words to me over the phone were very comforting. For the first time in days, I cried happy tears. Happy because someone loves me for who I am. I'm actually looking forward to seeing her in December when she comes over for a visit. I can't wait.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
A CHEAP SEAT
Are you one of those people who love watching operas, shows, musicals, even major sports events? If so, acheapseat.com might just become your new best friend. Just think, no more missing out on spectacular concerts, no more late purchases, and no more schedule conflicts. Find the perfect seat (whether with a friend or a sweetie) at the click of a button. Just browse through their many hot venues (think MGM Grand Garden Arena, Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, etc.) and a seating chart will make everything a breeze. Then your tickets are shipped via FedEx. Hassle-free, right? Not interested in sports? What about something for the whole family? Acheapseat also sells circus and theatre play tickets. Now everyone can have fun together. Imagine your kids watching The Lion King with you, with their faces all lit up. Priceless.
So the next time you have the urge to get U2 concert tickets, or Metallica tickets, or Reliant Stadium tickets, be sure to check out acheapseat.com. With their hottest deals, great venues, wide variety of events, who knows what you're missing?
So the next time you have the urge to get U2 concert tickets, or Metallica tickets, or Reliant Stadium tickets, be sure to check out acheapseat.com. With their hottest deals, great venues, wide variety of events, who knows what you're missing?
Friday, September 04, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
