And yet another early morning Baguio scene.
Photo taken last Monday, June 11.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
Happy Father's Day to my dad - a wonderful parent, fun-loving guy, happy grandfather and a cool person. I wish we could spend all Father's Day together and toast to his awesome coolness. Read a previous post about my wonderful dad here.
Happy Father's Day to Ruther - my one and only, a dad at 25, a kid at heart, another cool and awesome dad. Here's to more bonding time for you and the boys. Wish you were here sweetie. We send our love to you! Mwah!
Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there! Blessings to you from the Lord always! =D
Happy Father's Day to Ruther - my one and only, a dad at 25, a kid at heart, another cool and awesome dad. Here's to more bonding time for you and the boys. Wish you were here sweetie. We send our love to you! Mwah!
Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there! Blessings to you from the Lord always! =D
Saturday, June 16, 2007
NEWS FROM JAPAN
A 71-year-old Japanese man became the oldest person to summit Mt. Everest.
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry predicted that 19 Japanese prefectures can expect a 20 percent drop in population by 2035 thanks to the declining birthrate.
A team of researchers in Kobe reported that they successfully cultivated human embryonic cells on a mass scale, a feat that had previously only been achieved using stem cells from mice.
Director Naomi Kawase’s film Mogari No Mori (The Mourning Forest), a drama about the relationship between a nursing home resident and his caregiver, won the runner-up prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
Japan’s unemployment rate fell to 3.8 percent, the lowest since 1998.
Shops in Tokyo began selling seafood with a blue label indicating it had been caught in accordance with standards developed to protect fisheries and ocean ecosystems.
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry predicted that 19 Japanese prefectures can expect a 20 percent drop in population by 2035 thanks to the declining birthrate.
A team of researchers in Kobe reported that they successfully cultivated human embryonic cells on a mass scale, a feat that had previously only been achieved using stem cells from mice.
Director Naomi Kawase’s film Mogari No Mori (The Mourning Forest), a drama about the relationship between a nursing home resident and his caregiver, won the runner-up prize at the Cannes Film Festival.
Japan’s unemployment rate fell to 3.8 percent, the lowest since 1998.
Shops in Tokyo began selling seafood with a blue label indicating it had been caught in accordance with standards developed to protect fisheries and ocean ecosystems.
SWELTERING SATURDAY
Can Manila get any hotter?
Apparently it can. There seems no sign of rain these days. And it's just sooo hot in the afternoons you can actually feel individual pores opening and releasing perspiration slowly as the temperature increases degree by degree. Sigh...
I've been making a list of the things to buy for our rooms once the renovation is over. I'm trying my best to keep it as short as possible and so far, I'm doing good in that aspect. I'm just worried that a few weeks or months from now I'll get so distracted with things to add to the rooms... well, you get the idea. Hopefully, I could still keep the list as short as possibly I can.
In the late 60s it became commercially available in the market with several variations in preparation, taste and quality. It has similar versions in Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Tarlac and Pangasinan.
Intemtem in Pangasinan, or popularly known as tupig, is made of ground rice, sugar and buko (young coconut) strips, rolled and wrapped in banana leaves, then grilled over live coals. This native kakanin (rice-based food products) belongs to the suman (rice cake) family.
Tupig has been one of the favorites of devotees to the Our Lady of Manaoag Church in Pangasinan province. But the commercially sold tupig is very thin, with only a tablespoon of mixed ingredients wrapped in banana leaves.
Through time, this native delicacy has also been developed in different flavors such as jackfruit, pandan (screw pine), guava, ube (purple yam) and strawberry.
Although best eaten hot, it can be stored up to three days under room temperature.
Apparently it can. There seems no sign of rain these days. And it's just sooo hot in the afternoons you can actually feel individual pores opening and releasing perspiration slowly as the temperature increases degree by degree. Sigh...
.....
I've been making a list of the things to buy for our rooms once the renovation is over. I'm trying my best to keep it as short as possible and so far, I'm doing good in that aspect. I'm just worried that a few weeks or months from now I'll get so distracted with things to add to the rooms... well, you get the idea. Hopefully, I could still keep the list as short as possibly I can.
See this? This is called tupig, a native delicacy. A woman was selling these at Alaminos bus terminal (when we were on our way to Baguio) and I wanted to try some. This bunch cost only P20. When we reached Baguio, I ate some and I realized that I should have bought more because it was really yummy!! Even my mom felt bad that I only bought one! Such a disappointment. I really loved the soft slivers of buko (young coconut) and the malagkit (sticky rice) that had just the right sweetness. Why oh why didn't I buy more?!?
.....
More on tupig...
Tupig is a rice cake preparation which used to be associated with Christmas and New Year celebrations. Old folks say that tupig used to be served during the noche buena (Christmas eve dinner). Elders also give tupig to young carolers instead of money.
In the late 60s it became commercially available in the market with several variations in preparation, taste and quality. It has similar versions in Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Tarlac and Pangasinan.
Intemtem in Pangasinan, or popularly known as tupig, is made of ground rice, sugar and buko (young coconut) strips, rolled and wrapped in banana leaves, then grilled over live coals. This native kakanin (rice-based food products) belongs to the suman (rice cake) family.
Tupig has been one of the favorites of devotees to the Our Lady of Manaoag Church in Pangasinan province. But the commercially sold tupig is very thin, with only a tablespoon of mixed ingredients wrapped in banana leaves.
Through time, this native delicacy has also been developed in different flavors such as jackfruit, pandan (screw pine), guava, ube (purple yam) and strawberry.
Although best eaten hot, it can be stored up to three days under room temperature.
Friday, June 15, 2007
5:50AM
One cold morning in Baguio, I was walking to church to hear the 6am mass and when I looked to my left, I saw this. I took a photo to remember the moment. It was such a beautiful morning.
Photo taken last Monday, June 11 at Baguio City.
MISSING JAPAN
A few days ago, I told Ruther that I wanted to migrate to Japan. This probably shocked him a lot since I just said it out of the blue. But I really DO miss Japan. Staying there for 6 months was enough to make me fall in love with the country. I only had a glimpse of what Japan had to offer but it was enough to really and truly make me want to live there. Never mind if I have to know basic nihongo for people to understand me. In my experience there, despite the language barrier, people were always nice to me and the boys. I love that you feel safe there, that no one will accost you while you and your family are walking home at night. I love that you can see a lot of different places and experience different sights and sounds and food. I love that you have many places to go as a family whether or not there is an entrance fee. I love the architecture, I love the temples, the fashion, the colors, the language, the seasons, the food, the people. Even if you're right smack in the middle of Tokyo, you still won't feel stressed out with all the many gardens and plants around. It's such a wonderful, enchanting place for me.
Ruther asked me what was it that made me miss Japan the most. And I said being together as a family and making things work as a unit. True, it was not easy living in Japan during those months. Life is expensive there. But it was still a blessing and I really loved how we managed things on our own, how we bonded as a family and how we made fresh new memories, just the 4 of us. That was what I missed the most about living in Japan. And this is why I want to relive that once more. If only once more.
I really can't get Japan out of my head. I suppose I really HAVE fallen in love with the country. It's just a really wonderful place. I think that even if I'll be in my 40s, I won't feel at all old in Japan. It's just really really wonderful. Hopefully my wish won't be farfetched. Hopefully I will still get to see the country I have now grown to love. And hopefully, when I stand at the doors of Narita airport, I will once again say, "Konnichiwa Japan. I'm back!"
Ruther asked me what was it that made me miss Japan the most. And I said being together as a family and making things work as a unit. True, it was not easy living in Japan during those months. Life is expensive there. But it was still a blessing and I really loved how we managed things on our own, how we bonded as a family and how we made fresh new memories, just the 4 of us. That was what I missed the most about living in Japan. And this is why I want to relive that once more. If only once more.
I really can't get Japan out of my head. I suppose I really HAVE fallen in love with the country. It's just a really wonderful place. I think that even if I'll be in my 40s, I won't feel at all old in Japan. It's just really really wonderful. Hopefully my wish won't be farfetched. Hopefully I will still get to see the country I have now grown to love. And hopefully, when I stand at the doors of Narita airport, I will once again say, "Konnichiwa Japan. I'm back!"
BREATHE IN, BREATHE OUT...
I'm sort of getting this panicky feeling again. I usually have this when I know I have a lot of things to do and don't know where to start. Blame it on the genes. My mom suffers from anxiety attacks and has to calm herself down by taking her meds. Hopefully, my case won't be that extreme years from now. (I hope.)
Anyway, I just feel that there's so much to do around here and I have no idea where to begin. Like the boys' room. I can't start looking for their toys and stuff because even if their room is painted, the floor isn't done yet. And when I say that, I mean the floor has no covering of any kind but is set concrete. So if I haul all of their things in their room, I would have to bring them all out when the workers start laying the vinyl tiles. See? It's just absolutely arrrgh! over here.
Another thing. I can't find any of the boys' books and materials we use for homeschooling. Which is SO frustrating because I don't want to buy workbooks for now because Nikki has a lot of those yet. And I don't even know where to begin looking for those things. And the boys' books/reading materials are nowhere to be found which is frustrating for me because Ethan really loves to browse through books even if he can't read yet. Sigh.
Another thing. My clothes. The only ones I have right now are the ones I brought home to Zamboanga. The others I have yet to look for them. And then if I find them, I don't know where to put them since I don't have a room yet. And if I put them in the boys' room, I'll have to bring them out when the workers lay the vinyl tiles. (Do you see a pattern here?)
Another thing. I'm racking my brains trying to think of ways not to spend too much on things for the boys' and Ruther's and my room. I already asked my mother-in-law if I could make use of the other cabinets around here and just improve them and she gave me permission. This is good because I won't have to buy shelves and cabinets anymore. I will still have to buy bed frame for both rooms though because the present one is very bulky and is very dificult to clean underneath it. Sigh.
I know, I know, I have been complaining like forever but it's just so frustrating. Anyway, let me rant. I'll get over this soon, I know. For now, let me let out some steam so I could be more focused on what to do. I could show pictures of the chaos around here but I would rather spare you the shock. I just hope my room gets done soon so I could start fixing things!! I'm SO itching to begin. Earlier today as I was thinking of the things that had to be done I told myself (I talk to myself as I posted in a tag days before) that it might take me 5 months - or more - to get everything in order. Sigh. Oh well. What else am I to do except wait?
Anyway, I just feel that there's so much to do around here and I have no idea where to begin. Like the boys' room. I can't start looking for their toys and stuff because even if their room is painted, the floor isn't done yet. And when I say that, I mean the floor has no covering of any kind but is set concrete. So if I haul all of their things in their room, I would have to bring them all out when the workers start laying the vinyl tiles. See? It's just absolutely arrrgh! over here.
Another thing. I can't find any of the boys' books and materials we use for homeschooling. Which is SO frustrating because I don't want to buy workbooks for now because Nikki has a lot of those yet. And I don't even know where to begin looking for those things. And the boys' books/reading materials are nowhere to be found which is frustrating for me because Ethan really loves to browse through books even if he can't read yet. Sigh.
Another thing. My clothes. The only ones I have right now are the ones I brought home to Zamboanga. The others I have yet to look for them. And then if I find them, I don't know where to put them since I don't have a room yet. And if I put them in the boys' room, I'll have to bring them out when the workers lay the vinyl tiles. (Do you see a pattern here?)
Another thing. I'm racking my brains trying to think of ways not to spend too much on things for the boys' and Ruther's and my room. I already asked my mother-in-law if I could make use of the other cabinets around here and just improve them and she gave me permission. This is good because I won't have to buy shelves and cabinets anymore. I will still have to buy bed frame for both rooms though because the present one is very bulky and is very dificult to clean underneath it. Sigh.
I know, I know, I have been complaining like forever but it's just so frustrating. Anyway, let me rant. I'll get over this soon, I know. For now, let me let out some steam so I could be more focused on what to do. I could show pictures of the chaos around here but I would rather spare you the shock. I just hope my room gets done soon so I could start fixing things!! I'm SO itching to begin. Earlier today as I was thinking of the things that had to be done I told myself (I talk to myself as I posted in a tag days before) that it might take me 5 months - or more - to get everything in order. Sigh. Oh well. What else am I to do except wait?
HUNDRED ISLANDS... STILL
A few of the many islands. Love the pristine waters...
Photo taken last Saturday, June 9.
TAKING THE OPPORTUNITY
I am now one of the many people who are taking the opportunity to earn while blogging. It's not easy being a stay-at-home mom and being totally dependent financially on my husband. For the longest time, I have wanted to join the many paid blogging sites but I did not have the courage to do so for fear of doing something wrong. But when friends recommended bloggerwave I decided to give it a try. I figured, I could always give it a shot. Besides, what else am I good at these days except blogging (and homeschooling, of course). I registered my blog and I was approved! And so, the first step is done.
I am actually quite excited about this. I still find everything new but I am sure that I will continue to blog away everyday like I always do. Yup, only a few months since I started blogging, I realized that my day is not complete when I check my blog and post something... anything. So why don't you drop by bloggerwave too and see what opportunities they have in store for you. It just might work for both you and me. =D
Bloggerwave
I am actually quite excited about this. I still find everything new but I am sure that I will continue to blog away everyday like I always do. Yup, only a few months since I started blogging, I realized that my day is not complete when I check my blog and post something... anything. So why don't you drop by bloggerwave too and see what opportunities they have in store for you. It just might work for both you and me. =D
Bloggerwave
Thursday, June 14, 2007
ANAIS NIN SAID...
We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly. We grow partially. We are relative. We are mature in one realm, childish in another. The past, present, and future mingle and pull us backward, forward, or fix us in the present. We are made up of layers, cells, constellations.
CHURCH
A church in Alaminos. I took this photo as we passed by it in the bus.
Photo taken last Sunday, June 10.
I AM THINKING OF...
Currently in my thoughts right now...
1. Father's Day on Sunday
2. What flooring to pick for Ruther's and my room which is currently almost done.
3. Wondering if all our stuff in the many boxes around the house are still intact.
4. How to effectively homeschool Nikki and Ethan with the chaos around the house and lack of materials (we actually have a lot but I can't find them in the mess around here!)
5. Finding my clothes which are also in boxes.
6. Studying my texts on Child Psych (which I meant to do 2 days ago!)
7. How to budget the money so we could properly furnish the boys and Ruther's and my room.
8. Figuring out how to earn while blogging (please help me you guys!)
9. Wanting to lose weight - pronto!
10. Wondering where all the boys' books went.
11. Ruther
12. Japan
13. Japan
14. Japan
15. If Manila will be less hot and humid in the next few days.
1. Father's Day on Sunday
2. What flooring to pick for Ruther's and my room which is currently almost done.
3. Wondering if all our stuff in the many boxes around the house are still intact.
4. How to effectively homeschool Nikki and Ethan with the chaos around the house and lack of materials (we actually have a lot but I can't find them in the mess around here!)
5. Finding my clothes which are also in boxes.
6. Studying my texts on Child Psych (which I meant to do 2 days ago!)
7. How to budget the money so we could properly furnish the boys and Ruther's and my room.
8. Figuring out how to earn while blogging (please help me you guys!)
9. Wanting to lose weight - pronto!
10. Wondering where all the boys' books went.
11. Ruther
12. Japan
13. Japan
14. Japan
15. If Manila will be less hot and humid in the next few days.
THE DAY ETHAN TURNED 4
As planned, we did not celebrate Ethan's birthday lavishly. It was a simple day of bonding with family.
I woke up at 730am to wrap Ethan's presents and to ready the pictures of the Cars characters on the wall. I just wanted the photos to look nice so I thought that a nice backdrop would be okay. I also added two red balloons to give it a birthday touch.
When Ethan woke up, he was in a happy mood. I didn't know if he realized that we were celebrating his day
(and Philippine Independence) but I was glad for his cheerful disposition. Anyway, in the afternoon, we went to SM Sucat to get the birthday cake I ordered there. But before picking it up, I let the boys play in a bouncy castle. Thirty minutes of play cost P80 per child so it was okay and the boys really had a lot of fun hopping and bouncing about like kangaroos. After that, I treated them to some ice cream and they thoroughly enjoyed that! None of them wanted to share their ice cream with me! But I didn't mind. I was happy that they were happy.
Anyway, after that, we claimed the cake then took a taxi home. But I passed by a lechon manok (roasted chicken) stand to buy 4 whole chickens to share at home. My mother-in-law had spaghetti cooked so that was a yummy addition. When we got home, Ethan refused to wear the red shirt for his photo with the cake. I tried teasing him, cajoling him, putting on the shirt fast, all to no avail. So yes, his 4th birthday pictures has him without a shirt on. Oh well. My mom said that it's okay. She said that when he's bigger and he'll see those birthday pictures, he'll surely have a laugh at how silly he was. =D Anyway, we removed the cake from the box and Ethan yelled, "KA-CHOW!"
when he saw the Cars characters. I'm glad that he appreciated the cake at least. Then he blew out the number 4 candle and we took more photos.After that, Ethan opened his presents from me and his dad, from Nikki, from my sis, from my mom, from my brother-in-law and from my parents-in-law. Of course, his favorite was the MegaBlocks helicopter which he himself chose a day before his birthday. Hahaha! Talk about a non-surprise present...
That evening, I told Ruther about Ethan's day and tried to let Ethan talk to his dad. But he was just too excited at the helicopter he kept on doing chopper sounds around the room. He was so cute!It was a simple celebration but I hope that when Ethan is bigger he would still appreciate the effort we did to give him a special day.
We love you, baby! =D
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