ETHAN'S (NO LONGER) PET

That's Wormy in his bucket. Ethan just looooves to look at him all the time. He just loves all sorts of wriggly creatures. =)

WORMY AND WHITE PAW

I forgot to mention that we let Wormy go yesterday. Although he was doing well in his container, I'm not a worm expert to be able to say that he's really okay. So, rather than throw away a dead worm (and I know how helpful they are to plants), I decided to let him go instead. With Ethan's permission of course. He was okay with the plan and just said, "Bye, Wormy!" when I let him out of the container. He wiggled his way into the soil and that was that. Well, here's hoping you have a long and happy life, Wormy! (Stay away from the birds!)

.....

Speaking of pets, White Paw is getting to be way too big for his basket. I think I have to look for an adequate cage for him. Maybe one that would be large enough for him to move around a bit when he's inside it but certainly not one that would cost so much. Hopefully, I'll be able to get him a nice one next month. (And hopefully he'll be happy sleeping in it in the evenings.)

I'M BACK

I feel like it's been ages since I last blogged... Wait a minute! What am I saying? It HAS been ages since I last wrote! Duh!

Things have just become hectic last week. I've been trying to finish my textbook (pretty successful with that), been trying to find some independent activities for the boys (so I could study without interruptions), and been pretty much up to my neck with other activities. In fact, there are so many things in my head right now, I don't know where to begin.

Anyway, I'll just type as I think then (which can become pretty tricky later on)... Last Saturday, we went along with my brother-in-law Russell at their company's family fun day. It was held at a waterpark and since the boys love the water a lot, I thought it would be nice to tag-along. What I didn't expect though, were the hoards of people. We barely found a table for ourselves and since there were just so many people around, I didn't want to leave the boys unwatched by the kiddie pool. So, I had to stay close by and of course, got way too much sun than I had planned. But anyway, we (the boys and I) had lots of fun though. They especially loved the wave pool because well, who wouldn't love it? After 2 hours in it, though, I didn't love it any more because my legs and arms got so tired from having to swim/wade after the boys everytime they tried to get away from me. By afternoon, I had a headache, partly because of the sun and partly from exhaustion. Good thing I brought an analgesic with me so I took one. Anyway, we got home pretty late and as expected, the boys are beyond tan. I think they look like rich chocolate brown. (Hahaha!) They didn't have any sunburns though. I, on the other hand, have burns on my shoulders. I can't even recall the last time I had sunburns. I am usually so careful and always apply and reapply sunblock. But I suppose last Saturday, the sun was just too much for my skin or maybe the sunblock lost its strengh -is that even possible?- or maybe global-warming is really too much for all the sunblock in the world so now, I have sunburns. Well, actually, it's getting better now. Last Sunday, I had to wear a spaghetti-strapped blouse because a shirt would have been too painful. But now, my shoulders are getting better. Which is a relief actually. I wouldn't want to get another sunburn ever again!! It's just too bothersome. The good thing about the trip though, was that it was another wonderful bonding day for me and the boys. I guess nothing beats that. Not even sunburn.

SILENCE

There are days when I wish I had a private soundproofed bubble and I could stay in there and just relish the silence. I don't know if I'm the only one but I sometimes get so rattled at all the noise around me. It's not just the boys' shouting and shrieking or the tv or the noisy kids outside. Sometimes it can be the neighbors' barking dogs, or the talking neighbors, or the shriek of a kettle, or even some disturbing news I heard the other day. Sometimes, I just want to be alone with my thoughts. Completely alone.

You might think me strange but I like peace and quiet. I could even live without a tv (Ruther couldn't so the tv in our room is staying there), just give me lots of books to while my time away. I like to mull things over in my head. I like to hear myself think. I just want to be able to think non-stop without interruptions, to be able to form cohesive thoughts or look ahead into the future. I want to be able to listen to my heartbeat without the help of a stethoscope and to be able to think with my eyes open. I want to look deep within myself and just reflect on many things.

I suppose the bathroom is the place where I can get the most peace and quiet in the house. But of course, I can't stay there for long periods of time or people will start to wonder what I'm up to in there. So I suppose my quiet time is late at night when the boys are asleep. When the room is dim and the house (and street) is quiet, I would just lie in bed, stare at the ceiling and let my thoughts wander. Sometimes, I write them down but it's nothing fancy. I usually just want to reflect on things and to allow myself to think freely. Like I forgot to do something the other day and then I would suddenly remember. Or I would have an idea for a family vacation and think about sharing it with Ruther. Or, I would recall something funny the boys said or think about how fast they are growing as each day passes. Or I would think about the future and just turn those thoughts over and over in my head. Sometimes, my thoughts calm me but sometimes, they make me anxious. But I've always been a thinker (Ruther would say "worrier") but I suppose that's just who I am. During the day, I find myself having difficulty with such reflections. There's just too much distraction and noise, I suppose. So usually, when night falls and the room is filled with the gentle breathing of the boys, I am able to reflect and just be alone with my thoughts. I would really love to have that soundproofed bubble but I guess a quiet room at night is better than nothing.

INIHAW NA PUSIT (GRILLED SQUID)

1 kilo squid
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 head garlic (minced)
1/2 tablespoon ginger (minced)
1 teaspoon hot chili pepper (minced)
2 teaspoons salt

Wash and clean squid well.Take out the black ink. Take out the skin and film. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients and marinate the squid for 1 hour.Grill squid for about 4 minutes on each side.Heat remaining marinade mixture for sauce. Serve with sauce.

FOR THE LOVE OF...

Maybe I should have a shirt made that says "I WILL homeschool my boys and there's nothing you can do or say that will change my mind" and wear it all the time. Dyu think people will (finally) get the idea and stop pestering me to send the boys to school? Or perhaps I should put a tattoo on my forehead that says the same thing? What else do I have to do to make them understand that I DON'T WANT to send my boys to traditional school and would much prefer to homeschool them and if they don't want to accept that then they can kiss my ---- rabbit.

.....

I feel like I've been living in limbo for the past days. I've immersed myself in my lessons (really wonderful read) and I'm progressing quite well. Am on the last few chapters of my textbook and then I'm done with this module (series of assignments). I think I have one more module to go before I complete this course and I am so excited to finish. Anyway, we've been taking it easy for a while with the boys' lessons. We're due for another science experiment so I have to do some research and planning. The boys still spend some of their time swimming in the pool or playing with their toys (i.e., making a mess) and studying on the computer. I sometimes can't use it because they love Blue's Clues Kindergarten so much. But hey, I won't mind as long as they learn many things from it. :) Summer is halfway over. Can't wait for the rainy season...

.....

I just found out yesterday that my parents will be coming to Manila on the 1st of May. My dad will have another golf tournament on that weekend so we'll be seeing them again soon. Already, my dad asked me if we (meaning, the boys) could go home to Zamboanga. I said that's not possible because starting May we'll be collecting our documents for our (temporary) visa. Plus, I have to call the accredited travel agencies to make inquiries (the Japan embassy no longer accepts walk-ins so now I would have to go through one of these agencies to submit our papers). I am kind of worried about this new policy because 1. we'd have to shell out more money for the placement fee, and 2. I'm not really comfortable leaving something this important in someone else's hands. So I want to know which of the 4 accredited agencies will be the most okay. Hopefully, nothing will go wrong. I hope I hope I hope. Anyway, I know my dad really misses the boys and want to spend some time with them and I don't want to be selfish but we just really can't go to Zamboanga this year. It's just not possible and I would rather we save the money for the fare to Japan. I just really hope that everything will proceed smoothly.

THE GOLDEN COMPASS

I watched this movie the other day and I really liked it. I don't know why I enjoy movies like this so much; you know, a parallel universe, similar yet different from our own. Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of The Rings, Narnia... all fantastic places that tickle our imagination.

Anyway, I didn't know anything about this movie at all. In fact, I just wanted to watch it because I knew that Nicole Kidman was in it. Okay, I know, flimsy excuse to watch a movie, but hey, I like her and I think she's a great actress. Anyway, I loved the movie a lot. In fact, I liked it so much, I watched it twice. Yup, twice. It was just so interesting and all new and all so creative. I loved the props, the idea of a daemon, the Witches and Ice bears and Gyptians and parallel universes. Really, what's not interesting about that? Anyway, I didn't even realize that there was a book!! So now, I want to read the story more than ever. Of course, when the movie ended I was like, "That's it?!" And then I read that a sequel might be produced later on so I was relieved. Really, I just wanted the movie to go on and on and on...

The movie filled my head so much after I first watched it that I even dreamed of the characters for 2 nights, can you believe that? I can't even remember the last movie that affected me this much! Anyway, I also read that The Golden Compass was not very popular in the US but was a hit in other countries. It's quite amusing becuse I find it really hard to dislike this movie. But then again, I like living in a fastasy world so I guess this movie is made for people like me. =)

MID-APRIL NEWS

I'm happy to report that Wormy seems to be doing okay in his new home. Of course, the only time he's flustered is when we try to look for him in the dirt. Oh well. But we try to make up for that by giving it lots of food and a sprinkle of water. I just realized this past few days that taking care of worms is kind of fun. In the past, I would never think of having one as a pet but now, it's kind of interesting. And, as Becky says, worms are good for the environment, so there. Hmmm... I think we better find Wormy a companion don't you think?

.....

Been studying and reading like crazy these past few days. I'm already halfway through my (thick) textbook. It's just getting to be so interesting with all the childhood disorders. I mean, before I started this course, I would read in the news about ADHD, bipolar disorders, depression in kids and after a while, I would forget all about it. But once I read more about the disorders it's just all so interesting and really worrisome that some of the disorders that are being treated in the US is not being given the same attention here in the Philippines. Not that I blame anyone. I guess it's just more difficult to focus on health issues here when other pressing problems concern the government. I suppose we still have a long way to go in studying and researching childhood disorders, diagnosing it and treating it.

.....

I feel like April has just gone by in a flash. Already it's halfway over and I am just so excited for it to be May. So many things to plan for, so many things to prepare, so many things to look forward to. I just hope and pray that everything goes well and goes smoothly.

ETHAN'S PET WORM

The other day (it was late afternoon) we saw this worm crawling aimlessly in the garage. We had no idea where it came from but I knew that Ethan would love to see it. So I called him. And, the bug-lover that he is, he was so fascinated with it. It was as fat as one of his fingers and was around 6 inches long. Then, I thought, why not keep it as Ethan’s pet? I mean, I don’t think it’s difficult to take care of an earthworm, right? So, before it could reach the end of our garage (Nikki kept watch), I got a transparent container, filled it with soil and with a stick, carefully picked Wormy (its name) up and put it in its new home. Ethan kept on asking, “where’s the earthworm?” all the time while checking the container and I would say, “he’s in his home.” Whenever Wormy would appear on the sides of the container, Ethan would be excited all over again. And of course, Wormy would make its way into the deeper and darker part of the container and would disappear (because of course, they like the dark but my boy doesn’t know that yet) which would disappoint Ethan. This afternoon, Ethan couldn’t see any part of Wormy at all and he complained to me, “Where’s Wormy? He’s gone!” So, I had to get a stick and look for Wormy. When we found him in the middle of the container (as usual), that satisfied Ethan so we gave Wormy some leaves and sprinkled some water on the soil. Then we let him be because I was thinking Wormy had enough poking for one day. Anyway, I’m still not sure when we’re letting Wormy go but I don’t think it’s anytime soon yet. I think it will be great to have Wormy with us for a while and it would be great to study an earthworm up close. I guess Ethan will have to decide when to let go of Wormy. Hopefully, it won’t be too long.

SMILE!

Happy my boys are. Wish they could stay this way always...

=D

RAINS

We have had some rains yesterday, at last. It was wonderful. When we woke up, a cloudy sky greeted us and I knew that the cool breeze would grant us a comfortable day. We spent the day reading and playing games. I was able to do a lot of studying too because the refreshing weather just made everyone less irritable so the boys were busy doing the things the do best (i.e., making a mess). For the first time in days, the boys did not rush to their pool to keep cool. For the first time in days, I could wear a top with sleeves and not feel warm. It was great. Today was a bit sunny but the cloudy sky made the afternoon tolerable. The boys napped comfortably and I had more time to study. I read in the news that there's a typhoon in the country. Well, I hope that it's not destructive enough to cost lives but at the same time, I hope that it will remain to keep the weather cool for the time being.

.....

I've been depressed for the past days (which probably explains why I haven't blogged). Some things in my life have just been really confusing and I just had to gather my thoughts and to reflect on things. Sometimes I wonder about the purpose of it all, sometimes I just want to give up. But then, all it takes is a silver lining, an olive branch and then all is well again. Well at least this time, I hope it will remain so.

THAT'S HOW YOU KNOW

from the movie Enchanted
Amy Adams

Giselle:
How does she know you love her?
How does she know she's yours?

Man:
How does she know that you love her?

Giselle:
How do you show her you love her?

Both:
How does she know that you really, really, truely love her?
How does she know that you love her?
How do you show her you love her?
How does she know that you really, really, truely love her?

Giselle:
It's not enough to take the one you love for granted
You must remind her, or she'll be inclined to say...
"How do I know he loves me?"
(How does she know that you love her?
How do you show her you love her?)
"How do I know he's mine?"
(How does she know that you really, really, truely love her?)

Well does he leave a little note to tell you you are on his mind?
Send you yellow flowers when the sky is grey? Heyy!
He'll find a new way to show you, a little bit everyday
That's how you know, that's how you know!
He's your love...

Man:
You've got to show her you need her
Don't treat her like a mind reader
Each day do something to need her
To believe you love her

Giselle:
Everybody wants to live happily ever after
Everybody wants to know their true love is true...
How do you know he loves you?
(How does she know that you love her?
How do you show her you need her?)
How do you know he's yours?
(How does she know that you really, really, truely-)

Well does he take you out dancin' just so he can hold you close?
Dedicate a song with words in
Just for you? Ohhh!

All:
He'll find his own way to tell you
With the little things he'll do
That's how you know
That's how you know!

Giselle:
He's your love
He's your love...

That's how you know
(la la la la la la la la)
He loves you
(la la la la la la la la)
That's how you know
(la la la la la la la la)
It's true
(la la la la la)

Because he'll wear your favorite color
Just so he can match your eyes
Rent a private picnic
By the fires glow-oohh!

All:
His heart will be yours forever
Something everyday will show
That's how you know
(That's how you know)
That's how you know
(That's how you know)
That's how you know
(That's how you know)
That's how you know
(That's how you know)
That's how you know
(That's how you know)
That's how you know
(That's how you know)
That's how you know!

Giselle:
He's your love...

Man:
That's how she knows that you love her
That's how you show her you love her

Giselle:
That's how you know...
That's how you know...
He's your love...

INTERNET WOES AND OTHER WORRIES

We had some internet problems yesterday. From late afternoon til evening. It's such a bother really because not only can't I blog (especially if I want to do it in the evening) but I can't have a video chat with Ruther which can be really frustrating. I mean, sure, I could always call him from my cellphone but we don't have to spend much for video chats. Whenever we have an internet problem, it really feels like I'm out of touch with Ruther. I mean, I could always send him a quick message on his cellphone from my email. Or he could inform me he'll be home late and I could read that in my inbox. It's really very reliable. But of course, not when the connection is faulty. Once that happens, it's like being in a blackout. It's so frustrating. Anyway, I hope there will be no internet problems from now on.

.....

I'm still really considering getting that haircut. I just feel that I'll be more comfortable if I have shorter hair this summer. I just wasn't expecting it to be this warm! But I'm still looking for a good hairstyle. I wouldn't want to go to the salon with no idea about a hairstyle at all. I might regret the decision later on. (Hopefully that won't happen.)

.....

I just realized that I haven't been posting much about White Paw, our rabbit. Well, he's doing okay. He's actually HUGE now. He could barely fit in his basket. He's a bit fed up of his rabbit pellets right now so I try to give him veggies. I think the summer heat is making him crave for more juicy choices. =D He's having those flakes on his nose right now (like what Sushi had before) but I try to apply oil on it as often as possible to not let it spread. But aside from that, he's doing okay. Maybe when his nose gets all better, I'll post a nice photo of him again. =D

.....

I can't believe April is halfway over. May will probably be a busy month for us because that's when we start collecting our papers and documents for our visa application for Japan. I'm really really hoping and praying all goes well then. Nikki is already looking forward to seeing his dad so I hope that God will grant us this second chance to be with Ruther in Japan. I think it will be another wonderful bonding experience for all of us. So please please please, help pray with me for this trip to come true for us.

PEPPER STEAK STIR-FRY

beef.betterrecipes.com

1 large piece of sirloin steak
1 large onion
1 large green pepper
Sliced fresh mushrooms
Fresh garlic
1 8 oz can of tomato sauce
Worcestershire Sauce
Salt
Pepper
Sugar

Slice steak into thin strips. Saute in olive oil and add fresh garlic. Add pepper, onion and mushrooms and saute for 10 minutes. Add tomato sauce, 3 drops of Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of sugar. Salt & pepper to taste, cover and simmer on low for 20 minutes. Serve over white rice.
Number of servings: 4

NIKKI ICE SKATES

Last Monday, the boys and I went to the mall together with my sister and brother. My sister wanted to buy some things there and we decided to tag-along to escape the summer heat and at the same time, have a bit of fun. Anyway, while we were there we passed by the skating rink and I thought that maybe it would be nice for Nikki to try it. (I decided against letting Ethan try it because I was not in the mood to chase him around the ice just in case he gets away from me. Besides, I had to video Nikki as well.) I asked Nikki if it was all right and he said yes. So, we inquired at the booth. I wanted Nikki to have a coach with him for his first time but I didn’t want to wait for a long time in case there was a queue. Fortunately, there were only a few skaters there so we paid the fees and Nikki geared up. He looked so cute with his yellow helmet. And he was so excited. Ethan was getting all excited too but I told him that Nikki was going alone and he could have his turn next time. We waited for a few minutes until a coach became available. Nikki’s introductory lesson was for 30 minutes. I figured that would be sufficient for a first-timer like Nikki. This way it won’t take too long in case Nikki gets tired. Anyway, the coach assigned to Nikki was nice and very patient. When Nikki refused to let go of him almost the entire time during their session, he did not mind. I just took photos and videos the entire time while cheering Nikki from the side. After fifteen minutes on the ice, they both came out of the rink. The coach informed me that Nikki had good balance but he was just too nervous about falling. He also told me that while they were on the rink and he let go of Nikki for a little while, my little boy told him, “I need somebody! Please don’t leave me!” Of course, he reassured the anxious Nikki that he would not let him fall. Anyway, Nikki thought that he was done but I told him to try again. Besides, we paid for a 30-minute lesson! So he gamely went out into the ice again with his coach and this time he was a bit more confident. When his lesson was over, he was all smiles and I was glad that he enjoyed the experience. The coach advised me that next time Nikki skates, it would be best for him to have a familiar companion who could skate along with him on the ice; one who was not afraid of falling or skating. So, I thought that perhaps next time, Ethan could have a go at it as well. This boy is never scared of falling, that’s for sure.

Come evening, we told Ruther about Nikki’s first skating experience. He was happy that Nikki had fun. Me, I’m just glad that Nikki had the experience. We still don’t know when another opportunity will come when we could pass by the mall again to ice skate but if we do happen to make it there, we’ll surely add it to our itinerary.

LITTLE ARTIST

Ethan and his favorite thing to do. =D

"GROWN UP" GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

from foodnetwork.com

1 loaf Italian bread such as ciabatta
1 pound Teleme or Brie cheese
1 pound sliced smoked ham (applewood if available)
Butter
3 to 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 cup roasted red peppers

Cut loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Top the bottom bread slice with the Teleme cheese, then the smoked ham, distributing it evenly. Place top of bread on sandwich and brush with butter.
Heat a sandwich grill until hot. Set sandwich, butter side down in grill. Butter top side of bread. Place a heavy pan on top of entire sandwich to evenly distribute weight and cook until nicely browned and the cheese is melted, turning once, 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
Transfer the sandwich to a work surface and remove the top slice of bread. Spread the underside of the bread with mustard, and add roasted peppers, if desired.
Replace the top slice of bread, cut the sandwiches into slices, and serve immediately.

ARAW NG KAGITINGAN (DAY OF VALOR)

Every year on April 9, the captured soldiers are honored on Araw ng Kagitingan ("Day of Valor"), also known as the "Bataan Day", which is a national holiday in the Philippines.

On April 9, 1942, 12,000 American soldiers surrendered to the Japanese at the tip of the Bataan Peninsula, which juts into Manila Bay in the Philippines. For nearly five months, the troops had fought ferociously against overwhelming odds until they ran out of food, medical supplies and ammunition. As prisoners of war (POWs), they and thousands of Filipinos were taken to a camp run by the Japanese army. This grueling series of marches are now known as the Bataan Death March. The 60th anniversary of this tragic event will be commemorated during PBS' 2002 National Memorial Day Concert. Following are some compelling - facts about the March:

During World War II, there were approximately 78,000 Allied soldiers stationed in Bataan including 12,000 Americans and 66,000 Filipinos. The poorly trained Filipinos, most of whom had never fired a weapon, were thrown into frontline combat against highly trained Japanese troops. Americans from non-combatant outfits, such as air corpsmen, and in some instances even civilians, were also formed into provisional infantry units.

Following the surrender, the Japanese army assembled the captive Fil-American soldiers in the various sectors in Bataan, but mainly at Mariveles, the southernmost tip of the Peninsula. Although American trucks were available to transport the prisoners, the Japanese decided to march the soldiers to their destination.

The Death March was really a series of marches, which lasted from five to nine days. The distance a captive had to march was determined by the point at which he started on the trail. The full route was 55 miles long from Mariveles, Bataan, to San Fernando, Pampanga. At San Fernando, the prisoners were placed into cargo trains and transported to Capas, Tarlac, a distance of around 24 miles. They were then marched another six miles to their final destination, Camp O'Donnell.

It is estimated that about 24,000 men died during the March as the tired, sick and starving troops were repeatedly beaten and denied food and water. Many of the soldiers lost their lives to dehydration and heat exhaustion. Those who tried to stop for water or to accept food from the local people were also killed.

Approximately 1,600 Americans died in the first 40 days in Camp O'Donnell. Almost 20,000 Filipinos also lost their lives in their first four months of captivity in the same camp. O'Donnell did not have the sanitation sub-structure or water supply necessary to hold so many men and there was little medicine available to treat the dysentery and beriberi that was common among the POWs. An inadequate diet also contributed to the high death rate.

On June 6, 1942, the Japanese transferred all Americans to Cabanatuan, north of Camp O'Donnell, leaving behind 500 as caretakers and for funeral details. They in turn were sent to Cabanatuan on July 5, 1942. The Filipino prisoners were paroled, beginning in July 1942.

Cabanatuan, for most prisoners, ended up being a temporary POW camp. The Japanese had a policy - in direct violation of the Geneva Convention - that prisoners were to be used as a source of labor. Most were sent to various other camps in the Philippines, China, Japan and Korea, where they were used as slave labor. Some worked in mines, others in farms and factories, while yet more unloaded ships in port areas, for the remainder of the war.

Most Americans did not find out about the atrocities that took place in Bataan until January 28, 1944, when the U.S. government released a joint report from the Army and Navy. This was compiled from the sworn statements of officers who survived the March and POW camps.

Bataan Day is a national holiday in the Philippines when large groups of its citizens solemnly re-walk parts of the death route and pay homage to the victims of the March. The battleground of Bataan is now a national shrine. In the U.S., the Bataan Memorial Death March takes place each year at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. More than 3,000 marchers from across the U.S. and from overseas tackle a 26.2-mile route through high desert terrain in honor of those who served.