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...

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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

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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.

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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...

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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...

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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

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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... =(

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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...

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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

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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.

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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!)

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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!