SPENDING TIME WITH MIMI AND POPSIE

It's wonderful seeing the boys bond with my mom and dad. My dad really loves having the boys around. We're not even halfway through our vacation and already my dad has been lamenting about how he'll miss the boys when we're back in Manila. He really missed them because we didn't come to Zamboanga for a visit last year before we left for Japan. So now he's really trying to spend as much time with them as he could. We've already been to the beach, to a swim resort and to several places in the city because my dad knows that the boys love roadtrips and to swim. We go to church twice a week (Fridays and Sundays) and the boys and I tag along and it's a miracle that they don't put up a fuss here (unlike when we were in Japan). My mom and dad couldn't be happier. They have also taught Nikki the prayer before meals and my dad never forgets to call Nikki to lead the prayer every lunchtime. It's amazing how fast my boy learns when he's interested. Anyway, we're going to teach him more of course but it's nice to see my mom and dad teach my boys for a change. I'm happy that they are concerned about their spiritual growth and see to it that they are learning good things. And I am glad that my parents are very much the same "parents" to the boys as they were/are to me and my siblings. When the boys are out of line, they scold them the way they did us and yet, they never overstep me when I discipline the boys. It's nice to know that they trust me and my parenting skills. Yes, it feels good to be surrounded by so much love and support and to be acknowledged as a good mother. I'm sure the boys and my parents have a lot of bonding to do these next few weeks and I'm glad we're here for this opportunity to spend time with the family.

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After checking the internet for the schedule and fees for the summer swimming classes in Manila, I'm now thinking of enrolling Nikki. I was supposed to enrol him last year but we needed the money for our visa application and fare to Japan so we didn't push through with it. But now, aside from being physically ready, Nikki is old enough to follow instructions, to trust his coach and to not fear the water. So yeah, I think I'll be enrolling him late-April. Hopefully, he'll love the lessons and be able to continue to the next level very soon.

SOME PRACTICE SHOTS

Here are some photos I took recently on my Nikon D50. I still have a lot to learn but I'm enjoying the journey. :)

YUMMY DURIAN

Yay! We have gotten around to eating the fruit these past days and I'm really happy it's available this early in the year. I don't care what some people say about this fruit. I don't care if some find it smelly or revolting. I don't care if some people can't stand it. I love it and my family loves it. I've been eating it all my life and I don't think I'm going to get fed up of it. The last time I was in Zamboanga I didn't get a chance to eat durian so I'm quite happy that it's now being sold around the city. Yay!

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I've been researching the 'net for places of interest and accommodations around Dipolog and Dapitan Cities for our upcoming roadtrip. We were initially planning a trip to Camiguin, an island in Northern Mindanao (we're in Western Mindanao) but aside from costing a lot to get there by bus, we would need another 2-hr. bus ride when we get to Cagayan de Oro and then take another 2-hr. ferry ride to Camiguin. Just thinking about it already exhausts me. And my mom agreed that that would be too expensive, too tiring and just too bothersome. So now we're planning to visit the not-too-far-away citites of Dipolog and Dapitan. I'm actually excited to get there. Aside from this being my first Mindanao road trip, the last time I was in those cities was when I was in high school. So yeah, I'm excited to see the places and to take thousands of photos. I hope I won't run out of SD cards! :)

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I've been reading No Place Like Home by Mary Higgins Clark and although I really love her books, I've been too preoccupied by many things to really appreciate the story. I know, I suck. But well I can't help being worried about things and I can't help thinking about things that affect me, my family and our future. Anyway, I'm halfway through the book and if I concentrate hard enough and push all other thoughts from my head, the story is quite riveting. So I plan to finish the book before the week is over then get around to doing all those other things that's been bothering me for the past days.

Sigh.

PINK

Took this photo at an aunt's garden one afternoon. :) I love flowers.

GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS, GOOD NEWS

We visited my aunt at the hospital tonight and I'm happy to say that she is doing great. She had her right shin/foreleg amputated and according to my cousins, she is recovering well. Apparently, the infected part of her then-leg was causing her extreme discomfort and pain which hindered her movements and made her depressed and irritable. My cousins also said that because she no longer feels the discomfort, she is no longer depressed and moves a lot now than before. Well, I was really glad to hear that. My aunt has always had a fragile disposition and is easily affected by many things, so hearing good news for a change was just wonderful. Plus, if she continues to improve, she may leave the hospital this weekend! I think that is really great. Thank you, by the way, for all your prayers. I am really and truly grateful.

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One of Mommy's dogs passed away the other day. A few days ago, we noticed that Serena was bleeding. Thinking that she got into a fight with another dog, we checked her for a wound or laceration but we couldn't find any. Then we saw drops of blood near her again the next day and we thought it was her time of the month. The day after that she passed away. Daddy suspected it was some sort of internal hemorrhage (trust my Dad to give medical diagnosis) but we still don't know the reason why she bled like that. So now my mom is down one dog. Serena wasn't as cute as the other doggies but she'll be missed...

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My mom and dad are planning a roadtrip! Yay! I'm excited! I've lived in Zamboanga for a looong time but we never went on a roadtrip in Mindanao. Ever. My sis and bro were fortunate to experience one when everyone (my grandma, cousin, uncle and his gf from Canada were here then) went on a roadtrip to Dipolog, Cagayan and General Santos cities. I was in Japan then. So yeah, it should be my turn now. And I'm really excited. We're still making plans but hopefully we'll have the roadtrip soon. ;)

DAY AT THE BEACH

I took this photo last Sunday. In the water are the boys and my mom.

I LIKE IT

Just started watching the movie (just now) and already I noticed some differences from the book. I paused the movie to take the time to write this, and will pause and write as I continue to notice many things throughout the flick. I know, I'm weird but just let me have my say...

1. Rosalie. My gawd, she's not how I pictured her in my mind. In the book, she's this enthereal creature, really really beautiful, blonde, and really really out of this world. But in the movie, she looked like any model in a magazine. That was not enough for me. And yes, I was disappointed.

2. Jacob. Uh, after finishing all the books, I still had no idea how this character would look like and although I was a teeny bit surprised about the actor playing Jacob, I suppose he's all right. I'm just curious about the change that will transpire in him in the next movie. I think that will be interesting.

3. The relationship between Bella and Charlie is just as it is in the book: strained, awkward, uncomfortable at times, but you could still tell that he tries his best to be a good father and she tries to reassure him that she's okay in Forks.

Okay, on with the movie...

4. Bella's truck... is just how I pictured it. I thought it was really cool. For an old truck.

5. Alice. I pictured her to be smaller, more pixielike and cute. I suppose I had Dakota Fanning in mind but I suppose Ashley Greene is okay. I guess I'm more disappointed with Rosalie than Alice so...

6. I expected the Cullens to look more dangerous (meaning a lot scary) when angered but they only looked real serious in crouching positions, which to me, is a bit lacking (especially after getting all apprehensive in those action-packed moments in the book). I mean, of course I did not expect their faces to change like the vamps in the tv series Buffy but I at least expected them to have scary looks. Of course, that's just my opinion.

7. The movie is definitely less sappy from the book, that's for sure. And I like it like that. There isn't much sappy moments, no googly-eyed Bella, no moments of extreme insecurity. Just unique Bella trying to understand a very special Edward. And I'll say it again. I like it.

The movie is actually great. I had some qualms after reading the book but I found it very entertaining and having just enough sweetness from Bella and Edward. After watching Harry Potter movies and not liking the "interpretation" too much, I must say, I'm happy with Twilight. And I'm actually looking forward to watching the sequel. Hopefully, that will be in the theatre. And with Ruther.

VANILLA

Meet Vanilla. :)

RAINY

We had some rains today. Since I recently read in my photography book about taking advantage of bad weather to practice photography, I decided to go out into the garden and take some shots while it was raining. It was kinda fun although I had to obsess about not getting the camera wet, especially the lens. But I did try taking as much photos as I could with different settings and exposures so hopefully, I got some good shots (which I will post here later on). I'm itching to get out and take more photos. Last Sunday at the beach, I really enjoyed taking so many different shots and I always love sunsets so that was a good day. Maybe next week we could go back and I'll try taking more interesting shots then. :)

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The boys had their hair trimmed today. Daddy's barber does home service so I asked my dad if the boys could get a haircut as well. So this morning we were all out in the garden while the boys had their trim. Nikki went ahead of course, and he was a good boy, as always. No muss, no fuss. I was worried about Ethan because he HATES getting a hair cut but miracle of miracles, he cooperated beautifully. So now he has a really nice haircut and even Ruther liked it. Maybe they could get another trim before we leave for Manila next month. :)

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Mommy and I watched the movie Australia this afternoon. We liked it. I liked the story and I think Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman made a good couple in the movie. Of course I cried in some parts (no surprise there). I think the movie was beautifully written. Tita Nicki has been encouraging me to watch it because she loved it and not only because she's Australian. (*wink*) I was intrigued of course. And now that I've seen the movie I could say that I liked it. My only complaint is that I wish that I watched it with Ruther though.

Oh well.

AT THE BEACH

We spent this afternoon at the beach and of course, the boys loved it. Nikki was a bit wary of the seaweeds at first but once he steered clear of those floating greens he was okay. Ethan on the other hand was complain-y the whole time. He would complain about the waves when they pushed him around, or the seaweeds when they clung to him, or the sand and pebbles that dirtied his feet and slippers. I took his video then so I could show Ruther how crazy he was this afternoon. Anyway, I was also able to practice some of my shots using both my point-and-shoot and my Nikon. I was happy with the results then but of course, I have yet to see them clearly in the laptop. I'll do that tomorrow because I'm just too tired right now. Anyway, Nikki had a lot of fun even if we were at the beach for only 2 hours, so on the way home, he told my mom and dad that we'll be returning next week. Of course, you know my parents' reply to that, I'm sure. :)

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We still have no updates about my aunt's condition. My mom and dad were supposed to visit her yesterday at the hospital but she was still under observation so they decided to postpone the visit to another day. I haven't contacted my cousins yet because 1. I'm sure they have a lot on their minds, 2. I really don't know what to say, and 3. they have always been sensitive about their mom's condition. I'll still try to give them a call this week though. I hope that by then their mom will be all right.

P.S. Thanks for your prayers...

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I've been researching in the internet about the dependent visa for Japan. I just want to be prepared, I suppose, and know which documents I need to ready for the application. I'm thinking that once I get to Manila I'll start collecting our documents so that once I receive Ruther's papers from Japan we'll be all set for the submission. Our target month is in July (no date yet) so this means we have to submit our documents by June to meet our "deadline". Anyway, I hope there will be no hitches any more and that we will be reunited with Ruther soon.

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Nikki's cough is almost gone and I am happy about that. I'm not really a fan of cough medicines and I remember some time ago Nikki had to take a round of antibiotics because his cough was just terrible. So it's a good thing his cough is almost totally gone now. Whew! Ethan is all better and is not coughing at all so yeah, I'm happy about that too. :)

IN THE WATER

My boys love the water. I love this photo of the two of them holding hands underwater. :)

NEED PRAYERS

Nikki is feeling much better these days, thank goodness, but his cough hasn't disappeared completely yet. I'm hoping that he'll be improving this coming week so that he could get his appetite back and gain some weight. He's thinner now and that's what usually happens when Nikki is sick, even for just a few days. I hope he'll get heavier before we head back to Manila next month.

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Now that we are in Zamboanga, we are once more surrounded by dogs and pups. My mom has made them her babies after my brother (the youngest) went to Manila for college. So far the boys have met Shiro, Vanilla, Oreo, Chico, Serena and Wamba. I don't know the other dogs, who are kept at the back of the house. And my mom already gave away 2 pups to friends so you can only imagine how many dogs we have here. I supose it's good that our doggies are small because the house would be so crowded! Chico is the cutest as far as I could tell. But he currently has an eye infection on his right eye because a bigger dog fought him I guess. Poor pup. But my mom brought him to the vet already. I told her to have an eyepatch made for him so that he'll look real cute! Anyway Nikki enjoys giving the doggies treats. Ethan is a bit wary and always tells them to go away. Sigh. I guess he takes after my sis. :)

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I am feeling sad for my aunt. My mom just told me today that she will be undergoing an operation tomorrow to have her feet and perhaps part of her legs amputated because of infection brought about by diabetes. I feel very sad for my cousins. I know they are suffering right now and maybe are in despair. My aunt has been suffering for several years now and this is an extreme move that will surely break her spirit in half (she is not a strong woman) but I know that with her kids' support, she could still come out of this fighting. I hope that you will help me pray for my aunt and to at least help make this crisis bearable for her. All your prayers will be appreciated. God bless.

NIKKI IS SICK

Yeah, my boy is sick. Not the fever kind but the cough kind. He also complained of dizziness this morning and he didn't want to get out of bed at all which meant he really was feeling bad because Nikki would not stay in bed at all if he was all better. So I felt really bad for him. I bought some paracetamol for him tonight to alleviate some of his headache and he did eat his dinner so I'm glad. I just hope his cough won't get worse in the next few days. If it doesn't let up, we'll have to go to a pediatrician soon for a check-up.

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We're in Zamboanga right now. So far so good. We arrived here last Monday and we almost spent the entire day sleeping because Ethan, Nikki and I didn't sleep well the night before. Nikki was restless because of his cough and Ethan was restless too because of his cold. And since the 2 were so restless and I had to make sure we woke up at 3am for our 550am flight to Zamboanga, I kept on waking up every 30 minutes or so. Finally at 240am I just got up and readied our bags. I couldn't doze properly in the plane too so when we arrived home we just changed and then I napped til lunchtime. After lunch, we did some more snoozing but the boys kept on waking me up so we were still pretty tired by 9pm. Sigh.

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My mom's brother and his wife are visiting (they came from Canada) so they are staying with us for a week. They are flying to Manila tomorrow so I only spent 2 days with them, bonding, catching up wityh stories, asking about my cousins who I haven't seen in 10 years and just trying to make the most of out short time together. It's actually nice to see relatives after so long. My uncle has been meaning to visit 5 years ago but things got busy in Canada so they only found time now. But, now that they have met all the (surviving) relatives and friends and seen the big changes in Zamboanga and Manila, they told me that the next time they come for a visit won't be in another 10 years. They'll come back in two years' time and maybe my cousins will be with them. I think that would be great. And who knows. Maybe Ruther and I will get to visit Canada in the future too. :)

AFTER THE PARTY

Reunion

And so it's all over. The family reunion was last Sunday and it was crazy! I didn't know any of the other relatives (aside from the immediate family) so the color coded clothes made everything better. We were of course, dressed in green and the other families were in blue, yellow, and white. Since this was the first grand reunion organized, there were a lot of room for improvements beginning with the venue. It was too small, too hot and was just too blah. Also, the sound system was terrible!! The reverberating noise made my head ache. But putting all those aside, everyone had fun. Relatives rich and poor, near and far tried their best to come to the reunion and although some were late (like us!) no one minded. Anyway, I'm still pretty much confused with the whole family tree/dynamics so unless someone actually makes a (huge) family tree and shows me the diagram it's all a mess in my head. One of Ruther's uncles told me that the family is planning to make the reunion a once-every-two-years thing so I guess the next one will be sometime in February 2011. I already told Ruther about it and I suppose we'll have to make an effort to attend it. So now we have two years to save up for that.

Zamboanga

Now that everything has quieted down and some of Ruther's relatives have left the house, I'm now focusing on our upcoming trip to Zamboanga. We have started packing and Ruther has been reminding me not to forget anything (like the chargers, photography books, etc.). Well, I've checked and rechecked the bags and I have yet to pack the rest of the stuff like the laptop, the pasalubongs, and toiletries but other than that I think the bags are ready. My mom and dad are quite excited to see the boys and have been coming with suggestions on extending our stay (the first one was April 24 and the second was May 1) but I was firm in my decision about coming back to Manila on the 18th. As much as I love going home and seeing my parents and friends, there's just so much you can do in a small city like Zamboanga. Well, I AM looking forward to our planned family roadtrip (which is a first for me) so hopefully, that will break the boredom back home and create some pleasant change.

Hair dryer

I know this is a lame post but have to complain. I have to buy another hair dryer. I was drying my hair last Sunday for the reunion and in the middle of the drying and brushing it just suddenly died in my hands. It didn't smell or smoke or anything. It just died. I was pretty bummed about that because I wasn't done with the drying and styling and I don't have another hair dryer here at home. So grrr... Now I need to get another one because I'm not even sure if my mom has a hair dryer in Zamboanga. And what's the use of having short hair for the first time if you can't properly style it?

Grrrr...

JUSTIN

This is Justin. We met this monkey at a beach resort a few weeks ago. Isn't he cute? :)
More news tomorrow! Time for bed...

GETTING WARM

One thing I realized about having short hair is that it's quite difficult checking for any white hairs on my head. One of my favorite pastimes is checking for white hairs and when I had longer hair, I would just grasp a strand and check for a white hair or two without having to crane my neck or roll my eyes all over the sockets to check my scalp. Now that my hair is a whole lot shorter it's not as easy as before. But of course, that's just a little downside to having short hair. I still love my haircut. Besides, I could always ask (read: pester) Ruther to check my head for white hairs. What are husbands for anyway? :)

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It's become quite warm lately. We've started using the aircon in the afternoons because the air coming from the fan is just too humid. I don't want the boys getting sick in this weather so an hour of aircon while they nap is all right I suppose. I'm just bummed that it's become hot this early in the year. But then again, with global warming, I should not be surprised anymore.

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Last night I finished the murder mystery book I started to read a few days back. So now I'm back to readng my Nihongo books. Sometimes it can be boring. Sigh. Anyway, I might ask my sis if I could borrow a book or two this weekend. She's a reader like me so she has LOTS of books in her room. I'll ask her to get me another murder mystery. I like those kind of stories. :)

FORT SANTIAGO

At Fort Santiago, Intramuros Manila.

WHICH ONE

I am torn between two tops for the reunion. I already had one planned out, a nice flowy green blouse which I'm planning to wear with skinny jeans and white sandals with heels. I even made a bead necklace to go with it. But when I heard that the place was not going to be airconditioned, I'm now wondering if I should rethink my attire. I definitely don't want to be uncomfortable on Sunday and be sweating all day. But at the same time, I hate changing my mind about something, especially when I've already come to a decision (like what I'm going to wear this Sunday). Don't ask me why but I'm weird like that. So now, I have to reaaally think about what I'm going to wear and frankly, this is really giving me a headache.

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Due to some boredom, I started reading a book again. I know I'm supposed to study my Nihongo and read my photography book but I've just been feeling so lazy these past days. I know, I know, I'm procrastinating again but with our homeschooling lessons and bonding with the relatives, there's just too much to think about and I can't focus that well when it comes to my books (well, except pocketbooks). So I suppose this means I will have to do all my "studying" when I get home to Zamboanga.

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Tita Nicki, Tasha and I talked about Twilight the movie the other day. Since Tasha hasn't read the book yet, she can't tell how close the movie is to the story. But she did say that the movie was nice. Tita Nicki agreed. Now I'm excited to see the movie. I missed it because we were in Japan when it was shown here. I do want to watch it with Ruther so I suppose if I can stand it, we'll watch it together when we get to Japan.