When I woke up this morning, it was raining. It's almost evening now and it's still raining. Not that I'm complaining. =D Even the boys have begun to complain about the cold. Nikki asked for a blanket last night (which almost never happens here) and Ethan snuggled close to me and even got a part of my blanket and placed it carefully around his middle, leaving his feet and upper body exposed. *rolleyes* I know... kids. But it's such a great time to snuggle and cuddle and drink hot chocolate. The other day, I had some difficulty sleeping because I was somehow squished at the wall. When I finally got up I realized that Nikki and Ethan were on my part of the bed leaving the other half empty!! Sigh. Really restless sleepers (like their dad - shhh!). Anyway, it's really great that the boys are having fun with the cold weather. At the same time, we don't have to worry about missing classes or getting wet in the rains because we homeschool. (On tv, I saw school kids stranded because of the floods and because classes were suspended when they already left their homes so it really was a worrying sight.) Just the other day we did an experiment on how craters were made. The boys had a lot of fun and Ethen didn't want to stop, even when he was covered with flour! Today, I left the tv off the whole day. I wanted to see what the boys would do to relieve boredom and Ethan did some puzzles and Nikki played on the computer. Then after that, Nikki and I had to review "time" and we read abook about it too. Later, we'll do the egg experiment and Nikki has been looking forward to doing that all day.
Anyway, I hope everyone is nice and warm in their homes. More news tomorrow!
Friday, August 17, 2007
TEN THINGS I LIKE ABOUT ME
I was tagged by my good friend mitzh. Mitzh is a friend I got to know through blogging and even if we have not met personally, I really treasure the friendship we have. Thanks for picking me, mitzh. I really and truly appreciate it. =D
And here I go...
- I am a very resourceful person. When a specific thing that I need is not available, I can make do with whatever is left lying around and come up with something. I'm like a girl scout/McGyver/swiss army knife in one. And I like that.
- I love that I can be a softie and a toughie. I am both fragile and strong. Because of this, I suppose I am very attuned to my feelings and how I interact with people and how I see the world.
- I always put my family first before anything and everything. Always has been and always will be.
- I love Mother Nature. I love the rain, the sunset, the sound of the birds, the rainbows, the drifting clouds, the rivers, the parks, the falling leaves, the seasons, the ocean, the stars, the soft petals of the flowers. I wish people would marvel at the beauty around them and stop polluting the earth.
- I am a very crafty person. I love that. I enjoy making things with my hands and seeing the wonderful creative things. I also like it when people enjoy the things that I make for them and appreciate my creativity.
- I am very a friendly person. I suppose it is because it's in my nature to try to put people at ease. That was how Ruther first came to notice me. When we were kids and were just acquaintances, (he told me later on that) I would always talk to him and try to make him comfortable. I suppose that's just who I am.
- I love that I am very sentimental. A scent, a photograph, a memento, a tattered shirt can trigger so many emotions in me. All those special things hold special memories not easily forgotten. All of them entwined in a cavass that is my heart.
- I love writing. It's a part of me and without it, I can never fully express who I am, what I am and what I can become.
- I like how I have evolved over the years. I like who I am now. A more mature, more colorful, more well-adjusted individual. I am proud of the woman I have become and the choices I have made.
- I love that I love life. I love learning new things everyday, I love teaching my boys, I love talking to Ruther everyday, I love making new memories, I love looking forward to the future. I love being able to wake up and appreciate the life given to me. I love the fact that I have another opportunity to get to know the world one day at a time. And I eagerly anticipate fulfilling my "___ Things to Do Before I Die" list.
Well, there you go... I am tagging Clea (because you are such a strong woman even when the going gets tough), Fritzie (because I miss you, my friend) and Lot (because your life is changing as you enter motherhood and I want to hear all about it). =D
Thursday, August 16, 2007
WENDY'S MENU
What's your order? =D
Photo taken at Queen's Square (Ruther's office building), Yokohama.
ONE NIGHT
Love the guitar, love the melody, love this song.
ONE NIGHT
The Corrs
Long day and I'm ready,
I'm waiting for your call,
Coz I've made up my mind.
My heart aches with a hunger,
And a want that you were mine,
No, I can not deny.
So for one night,
Is it alright,
That I give you....
My Heart, My Love, My Heart,
Just for one night
My Body, My Soul,
Just for one night.
My Love, My Love,
For one night
One Night One Night
When morning awakes me,
Well I know I'll be alone,
So dont you worry about me
I'm not empty on my own,
For inside, I'm alive,
That for one night,
It was so right,
That I gave you....
My Heart, My Love, My Heart
Just for one night
My Body, My Soul
Just for one night
My Love, I Loved
For one night
One Night, One Night
For one night
It was so right
That I gave you
My Heart, My Love, My Heart
Just for one night
My Body, My Soul
Just for one night
My Love, I Loved
For one night
WET WET WET
Yup, it's still another rainy day today. Fortunately though, when Nikki coerced me to go to McDonald's for ice cream this morning, it wasn't raining yet. So while there, we got some chicken nuggets, some twister fries (my favorite!) and sundae cones for the boys. It was okay having lunch there I suppose. It was a nice change and somehow made me miss those times when we would walk to Daiei at Tokaichiba and I would buy the boys an ice cream each from the McDonald's there. Sigh. Still can't get Japan out of my head. Obviously.
.....
The other day, I tried drinking some soy milk. My mom has always wanted me to be and to think "healthy" (even tried to make me drink tomato juice once) so I thought, maybe it wasn't a bad idea to watch what I eat and drink. When I was at a convenience store one day I saw some soy milk and I picked this:
It's chocolate flavored and I figured, hey, I might as well try it once, right? When I tried it, I didn't like it. I'm so sorry to all soymilk lovers out there but I just didn't like it. I don't even want to describe it because you would probably hate me and for those who never tried soy milk, you might never want to try it at all, but in simple terms, I just didn't like it. It was so faaaaar from what I expected it to taste like. I can take low fat milk, skim milk, full cream milk. But this one, I really can't. It was just ... bleech...
But at least now I can cross another one out of my "___ things to do before I die" list. "Drank soy milk"... check.
.....
The other day, I tried drinking some soy milk. My mom has always wanted me to be and to think "healthy" (even tried to make me drink tomato juice once) so I thought, maybe it wasn't a bad idea to watch what I eat and drink. When I was at a convenience store one day I saw some soy milk and I picked this:
It's chocolate flavored and I figured, hey, I might as well try it once, right? When I tried it, I didn't like it. I'm so sorry to all soymilk lovers out there but I just didn't like it. I don't even want to describe it because you would probably hate me and for those who never tried soy milk, you might never want to try it at all, but in simple terms, I just didn't like it. It was so faaaaar from what I expected it to taste like. I can take low fat milk, skim milk, full cream milk. But this one, I really can't. It was just ... bleech...
But at least now I can cross another one out of my "___ things to do before I die" list. "Drank soy milk"... check.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
A VISIT TO THE DENTIST
Last night I fractured my tooth. I must have bitten on something hard but I can't remember what it was. At around 10pm, I noticed that I had fractured one of my upper teeth. Specifically the palatal cusp of my upper right second premolar. I can't be any more specific than that. When I checked it in the mirror (I used my mouth mirror, of course) I was shocked to see it was a big fracture so I didn't want to put if off and decided to have an emergency treatment today despite the warnings of rains. I say "emergency treatment" because the clinic I was going to is really not my dentist's. But since I needed to have my tooth filled right away, I thought it would be okay to have it done in the nearby clinic.
So, I left the house at around 940 this morning. When I arrived at the clinic, the dentist was attending to a patient so I had to wait. And wait. And wait. Good thing I bought my Agatha Christie book to keep me preoccupied. Anyway, I found out later on that that patient was having crowns made which is why it took forever to finish. Anyway, when it was my turn, it was close to 11am. I told the dentist my problem and she checked the tooth. I didn't tell her I was a dentist because I wanted to see how good she was. She checked my mouth and commented that I had nice teeth (haha!). She asked me what happened to the tooth and I told her everything. I told her that I wanted to have it filled. She was kind of hesitant about that. She asked me if I wanted to have it crowned but I said no. She then proceeded to tell me facts about how the tooth might not survive if she simply filled it. She said that my tooth might be damaged beyond repair. Hmmm. After she said those things, I could tell she wasn't a very good dentist. Firstly, an onlay (bigger than usual filling) would have been a sufficient treatment for my tooth. Secondly, in our school, we NEVER suggest radical treatments unless the tooth is unsalvageable (we always do our best to save the tooth as much as we can rather than resort to other extreme means). She never even asked me about any symptoms associated with the tooth (pain, sensitivity to heat or cold, pain while lying down, etc.). It was only after I told her that I never had any pain associated with that tooth did she think about doing a percussion test on my tooth. Unfortunately she did it pretty badly. Instead of tapping the crown of the tooth, she tapped the inside of the cavity. So naturally it was sensitive. I told her again that no, it didn't hurt, it was only sensitive to the instrument because she poked it (instead of tapping it - but I didn't tell her this). So she reluctantly filled my tooth but repeatedly told me to go back to the clinic should my tooth ache. I so wanted to tell her, why should it ache when I told her that it never caused me problems before except for the fracture? Sigh... I think she's itching to crown it. Hmmm. I hope she did not do a poor job with the filling just to make my tooth crack again. Well, I certainly hope not! Besides, I don't plan on letting her do any crowns for me when the time comes. I might go to one of my classmates instead. =D
Well, she really wasn't a bad dentist. I think her methods were just different from how we do things in school. I am just really used to giving the patient all the options available to them and letting them decide for themselves whether or not they prefer this certain treatment. I think that is the best way for patients to feel that their dentist truly cares for them and is not after their hard-earned money. Anyway, one good thing happened at the clinic though. While the dentist was preparing her dental tools for me we chatted for a bit and she asked me how old I was. I told her, "31". She said, "Ha?!?! Thirty-one ka na? Parang mas bata ka pa sa 31!" (Huh?! You're 31? You look younger than 31!) So that was a nice compliment. I could tell that she really did not expect my reply because the shock was clearly registered on her face. That made me happy even if the filling on my tooth didn't (it was not polished enough). Anyway, I was thinking that the next time someone asks me my age, I'll reply "I'm 35" and see how they react to that. =D
Hopefully I won't have any problems with my tooth anymore. I really don't want to have it extracted should it be compromised but neither do I want to have a root canal treatment. It's just not my thing.
So, I left the house at around 940 this morning. When I arrived at the clinic, the dentist was attending to a patient so I had to wait. And wait. And wait. Good thing I bought my Agatha Christie book to keep me preoccupied. Anyway, I found out later on that that patient was having crowns made which is why it took forever to finish. Anyway, when it was my turn, it was close to 11am. I told the dentist my problem and she checked the tooth. I didn't tell her I was a dentist because I wanted to see how good she was. She checked my mouth and commented that I had nice teeth (haha!). She asked me what happened to the tooth and I told her everything. I told her that I wanted to have it filled. She was kind of hesitant about that. She asked me if I wanted to have it crowned but I said no. She then proceeded to tell me facts about how the tooth might not survive if she simply filled it. She said that my tooth might be damaged beyond repair. Hmmm. After she said those things, I could tell she wasn't a very good dentist. Firstly, an onlay (bigger than usual filling) would have been a sufficient treatment for my tooth. Secondly, in our school, we NEVER suggest radical treatments unless the tooth is unsalvageable (we always do our best to save the tooth as much as we can rather than resort to other extreme means). She never even asked me about any symptoms associated with the tooth (pain, sensitivity to heat or cold, pain while lying down, etc.). It was only after I told her that I never had any pain associated with that tooth did she think about doing a percussion test on my tooth. Unfortunately she did it pretty badly. Instead of tapping the crown of the tooth, she tapped the inside of the cavity. So naturally it was sensitive. I told her again that no, it didn't hurt, it was only sensitive to the instrument because she poked it (instead of tapping it - but I didn't tell her this). So she reluctantly filled my tooth but repeatedly told me to go back to the clinic should my tooth ache. I so wanted to tell her, why should it ache when I told her that it never caused me problems before except for the fracture? Sigh... I think she's itching to crown it. Hmmm. I hope she did not do a poor job with the filling just to make my tooth crack again. Well, I certainly hope not! Besides, I don't plan on letting her do any crowns for me when the time comes. I might go to one of my classmates instead. =D
Well, she really wasn't a bad dentist. I think her methods were just different from how we do things in school. I am just really used to giving the patient all the options available to them and letting them decide for themselves whether or not they prefer this certain treatment. I think that is the best way for patients to feel that their dentist truly cares for them and is not after their hard-earned money. Anyway, one good thing happened at the clinic though. While the dentist was preparing her dental tools for me we chatted for a bit and she asked me how old I was. I told her, "31". She said, "Ha?!?! Thirty-one ka na? Parang mas bata ka pa sa 31!" (Huh?! You're 31? You look younger than 31!) So that was a nice compliment. I could tell that she really did not expect my reply because the shock was clearly registered on her face. That made me happy even if the filling on my tooth didn't (it was not polished enough). Anyway, I was thinking that the next time someone asks me my age, I'll reply "I'm 35" and see how they react to that. =D
Hopefully I won't have any problems with my tooth anymore. I really don't want to have it extracted should it be compromised but neither do I want to have a root canal treatment. It's just not my thing.
ETHAN AND SUSHI
Here's Ethan watching Sushi munch on her apple slices. =D I usually do the feeding myself but the boys love to watch Sushi eat. I think it's because of the way her nose twitches when she sniffs or munches. Anyway, she is so adorable. We are extremely happy to have her as our pet.
Photo taken earlier this month.
COUPONCHIEF
Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. For me, it always beats my birthday hands down. As we usually celebrate it, September is the start of the Christmas season here and when I hear carols over the radio, I could feel almost joyous. I usually prepare my Christmas list as early as July just so I could find the perfect gift for my family and friends. That's how much importance I give to gift-giving. Couponchief makes Christmas shopping effortless whether you plan to shop as early as now or a few days before December 25th. Not only do they reveal great deals but you can do your shopping in the comfort of your home. No more jostling and queueing. No more rush hours and out of stock purchases. One of my favorites are the Dell coupons. Really tempting. Like the $55 off Sony Cyber-shot Digital Camera (coupon code:M7XKR1KP0SJMMC)? That's something I want, never mind giving it away as a present! I also checked out Second Act. I think those Samsung plasmas (coupon code: 2nd2005) will make Ruther's mouth water (not to mention make our bedroom absolutely cool!). Yup, those will definitely be in his wishlist, I'm sure. Couponchief practically has everything for everyone in your wishlist. From jewelry to sports gear, from food to pet supplies. Really is just a click away. Couponchief says that their "promotional deals and discounts is unparalleled in the online shopping e-commerce industry". I won't even question that. They really are right. So what are you waiting for? Check it out now.
coupons
coupons
LOUIS K. ANSPACHER SAID...
Marriage is that relation between man and woman in which the independence is equal, the dependence mutual, and the obligation reciprocal.
Isn't that interesting? I think it's an honest quote and one that many married couples should put to mind. If only marriages don't focus too much on the differences and the negative then I think there will be less problems. I hope Ruther and I will never encounter a problem we cannot solve. I hope and pray that we will always withstand every difficulty and will always be together.
Isn't that interesting? I think it's an honest quote and one that many married couples should put to mind. If only marriages don't focus too much on the differences and the negative then I think there will be less problems. I hope Ruther and I will never encounter a problem we cannot solve. I hope and pray that we will always withstand every difficulty and will always be together.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
TUESDAY THOUGHTS
According to the news, there's another typhoon coming into the country. I suppose I'll have to prepare materials for the boys, just in case we'll have to stay indoors again for several days. I don't want them to be bored in here. I'm quite sure we'll be able to think of something to do (as always) but there's no harm in being prepared, is there?
.....
Just finished watching the latest Monk episode. I really love watching this tv series. It's just very entertaining and I just love Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk. He is just so funny. Can't wait for the next episode.
.....
August is halfway over. Still can't believe how time flies when you're not paying attention. Next month I'll be hearing Christmas carols on the radio once more.
Can't wait.
.....
Many things in my mind flitting about
Emotions running wild, can't sort them out.
I sigh, I cry, I can't explain
How I ended up with this pain.
I wonder how I can be taught once more
to trust this someone like I did before.
-yette; aug 14,2007; 8:06pm
.....
Just finished watching the latest Monk episode. I really love watching this tv series. It's just very entertaining and I just love Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk. He is just so funny. Can't wait for the next episode.
.....
August is halfway over. Still can't believe how time flies when you're not paying attention. Next month I'll be hearing Christmas carols on the radio once more.
Can't wait.
.....
Many things in my mind flitting about
Emotions running wild, can't sort them out.
I sigh, I cry, I can't explain
How I ended up with this pain.
I wonder how I can be taught once more
to trust this someone like I did before.
-yette; aug 14,2007; 8:06pm
TREES
Lovely place. Peace and quiet. Miss it a lot.
This is a special place for me because this was another family trip for us. Ever since Ruther started working out of the country, I had (and have) to be grateful for all the memories we share as a family. I just wish that the time will soon come when we will always be together and never be apart again.
Photo taken at Hakkeijima, Yokohama.
CARGUYGARAGE
Ruther and I are fans of the tv show Home Improvement. You know, where Tim Allen plays Tim "the Toolman" Taylor? It was such a great, funny show. Anyway, I was always impressed with the tools featured in the show. I have always been a handyman around the house despite my gender (although I am pretty sure Ruther would not be willing to buy me a chainsaw anytime soon). So anyway, when I checked out carguygarage.com, I remembered Tim all of a sudden. I loved the metal pegboard. It would be wonderful to have everything you need within reach, within sight and all ready to use. I think Ruther has been wanting a pegboard for so long now. I also loved the storage bins (especially the 90 storage bin and shelving). Really great for crafters like me who have all sorts of baubles hidden in impossible-to-find places. I think the aluminum garage cabinets would be a great look for the garage plus, I think it would maximize the space there and no one would have to wonder where the hose or the pliers or the stepladder is anymore. Yup, I think if we get those things, we'll be Tim Taylors too. Not a bad idea.
garage organization
garage organization
EDGAR WATSON HOWE SAID...
The man who can keep a secret may be wise, but he is not half as wise as the man with no secrets to keep.
I really hate it when Ruther keeps secrets from me, intentionally or unintentionally. I hate it when he does not respect me as a wife and as a partner by doing this. Sometimes I think he takes me for granted and sometimes I think he thinks I'm just too weak because I'm a crybaby. I wish he won't underestimate me so much and I wish he would respect me enough to be open with me and to always tell me the truth no matter how hard it could be for me. Because in the end, he would still look guilty by keeping things to himself rather than just coming out into the open.
I really hate it when Ruther keeps secrets from me, intentionally or unintentionally. I hate it when he does not respect me as a wife and as a partner by doing this. Sometimes I think he takes me for granted and sometimes I think he thinks I'm just too weak because I'm a crybaby. I wish he won't underestimate me so much and I wish he would respect me enough to be open with me and to always tell me the truth no matter how hard it could be for me. Because in the end, he would still look guilty by keeping things to himself rather than just coming out into the open.
MUSIC BOX
Nikki and Ethan are fascinated with my mom's music/jewelry box.
Photo taken June 2007 in Zamboanga.
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