Marriage?! Think twice.

Spa Treat with Friends

2012-02-14T11:06:00.000+08:00

We were all set, allocated the whole afternoon for some girl bonding. However, the circumstances demand otherwise. It was already 3:30pm when I was able to finally meet J and M. Having waited for so long and with one more interview to go, I gave them the green light to proceed to Wensha Spa with a promise to proceed there immediately after.

Surviving the series of q&a, my body begged for some TLC. It's easier to sell my baked goodies than sell my skills, really :p I heard a lot of bone cracking as my masseuse started her routine on me. Ahh.. bliss..

I'm kinda sad I didn't get to spend more time with them but alas the night is too short for husband rants and raves :D I do hope to see them again before J goes zipping off back to Redmond.

Frontyard Camping

2012-02-13T09:53:00.000+08:00

The sun was up yet it was a cool windy Saturday, perfect for outdoor activities. We set up the tent in front, grabbed a couple of books, puzzles and board games. With pop music streaming from our battery operated FM radio, sans the campfire, it would've have almost seemed real.

Betty Crocker Blueberry Muffin

2012-02-13T09:40:00.001+08:00

1960s Vintage Betty Crocker Blueberry Muffin Advertisement
Originally uploaded by Christian Montone

Grabbed a pouch from the store the other day. I don't have a muffin pan so I used paper cups. Just added a half cup of water from a P99 pack, it yielded 5 muffins. I got lazy, didn't take photos *boo*.

The little girl only ate one :p Not that it's not yummy. I'm not sure if I'll buy it again. Hopefully we'll be able to bake decent butter cookies next time ;)

Milky February Update

2012-02-10T09:14:00.000+08:00

1. Milky and Me, 2. Milky and Me, 3. Milky and Me, 4. Milky and I, 5. Milky and I, 6. Milky and I

Whenever the little girl sees a pictures of her cousins with their rabbit Vanilla, she'd ask me to take a picture of Milky and her and requests to post it immediately. Arriving from school, she'd rush to check on her pet after giving me a quick "obligatory" hug and kiss. I should be jealous hehe

Couldn't really say if she's potty trained already. When the ~~cat~~ husband is away, I let her run around the house. It's quite a feat cleaning up and prevent the house from smelling of rabbit's pee. Sometimes she'd approach us when she wanted to be pet. We know it's time to cuddle when she looks sleepy sitting motionless in corner.

Bitten by the Love Bug

2012-02-05T09:23:00.000+08:00

Parang prenups lang :D I woke up with an overwhelming love for my family.. sarap. Are you ready for the love month? :D

Outdoors at Picnic Grove

2012-02-02T08:08:00.000+08:00

I got a call the other day for another interview. The little girl was quite sad wondering how many more of these I'll go through before she gets her mom back. Sometimes she forgets things'll change once I stop going to these interviews.

That's why I am more than glad when my parents stopped over to pick her up for a day trip with her cousins. I could've gone with them but I chose to focus on the task at hand.

SIL took some lovely photos that day.

The little girl wanted to ride the zip line and go horse backriding. Mom considered it too risky and doesn't want to be responsible in case something bad happens. They made do with the monkey bars and tired themselves with running around.

Blueberries

2012-02-01T14:20:00.001+08:00

Blueberries
Originally uploaded by Blondieyooper

I dreamt of picking a couple from a branch that crept from the bottom of the neighbor's wall. One was as big as a golf ball and happily handed it over to YDS Keng.

The other night I was climbing a tall bookshelf. When I reached the top, I got dizzy and scared to go back down. It was because of my huge tummy (seemed like I was pregnant) I couldn't figure out how to descend the shelf. I willed myself and a few steps later I'm back on the ground.

Prints

2012-01-27T13:10:00.000+08:00

Prints
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Above are 100+ 4R prints I delivered to our clients. It wasn't part of the contract however to compensate for the delivery constraint of the photobook, we offered these so they may be able to immediately appreciate their photos as they return to Dubai.

It was a whole day event. We were there by 8:30am and left at around five in the afternoon. There aren't much details to capture like silver bullion and such but I believe candid and raw moments were skillfully captured by my brother. I'm not going to praise my output as I mostly acted as the assistant. Bro was kind enough to tag me along for his next event :D

Class Picture SY 2011-2012

2012-01-25T09:32:00.007+08:00

The little girl came home all pink and dolled-up. Forgot their class picture and toga portraits were scheduled today. I wished I went to school with her instead. She had a small booboo under her nose from swimming last sunday. In case the studio'll go lazy and not edit it out then she'll look like she has a mole. The photographer was funny she said. Hopefully her photos'll come out not so serious as her previous ones.

Catching Up with Friends at Josephines

2012-01-23T15:44:00.001+08:00

Sunday afternoon, we received a text from Ninang M for dinner later. Either Nuvali or Tagaytay, our pick. It really didn't matter to us much whichever as both covers similar distance from our house. Nuvali it is, since they hadn't been there yet. Minutes after leaving the house, Ninang M phoned us worried they might be caught in traffic and are still in Tagaytay. No worries and off we went to Tagaytay to meet them there instead.

It was my first time to dine in Josephines. Understandably, it was a Sunday and it took a couple of minutes before we were seated. I liked their pancit canton and grilled tuna coupled with their yummy atchara side dish.

The little girl has little problem playing with the two boys as she's already used to her cousins' kakulitan.

By the time we bid ourselves goodbye, it was already past the little girl's bedtime. We were all sleepy, a bit tired but happy to catch up with friends.

First Swimming for the Year

2012-01-23T09:38:00.001+08:00

Despite the cool weather we're enjoying in our part of the world, once in a while, the sun seems to stretch out its arms and reminds us of summer's heat. Then we seek relief from the cool waters of the clubhouse pool :D

My SIL and her friend brought with them pasta, cake and snacks to nibble on. Bro even bought us dinner at Max's :D The kids had fun bonding together, we missed the rest of the family though. There's always next week ;)

Lionne David Turns One

2012-01-21T08:00:00.009+08:00

The current bunso among my nephews turned one last Thursday, January 12. Like most 1 year old, he doesn't really seem to know the relevance of the event yet. He did have fun looking at the balloons at Max's and playing with huge soft balls in Austinland :)

Butter Cookies with Raisins and Nuts

2012-01-20T09:12:00.001+08:00

Butter Cookies with Raisins and Nuts
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Originally, the little girl requested for Gingerbread cookies and I pleaded we start with something more simple.

Ingredients:

2 cups of all purpose flour - sifted
1 cup of butter
1/2 cup maple syrup
4 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon iodized salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 medium egg

Procedure:
Mix butter, sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, egg in a bowl.
Mix flour, salt, baking powder in a bowl.
Mix contents of two bowls together.

Preheat toaster oven for 5 mins at 250C degrees. Baked for about 8-10mins.

Ok here's the funny part. I don't have cookie cutters so I used clay molds :D Rest assured I washed them thoroughly hehe.

For the first batch, we had 4pcs fish, 4pcs butterfly, 4pcs star and 3 pcs flower. No nuts, just sprinkled with white sugar on top -- for the kids.

Cookies from the photo were from the second batch. I cubed one bar of Cadbury's fruit and nuts, added a couple of almonds in the batter. Yielded another 17 pcs, free molded about a tablespoon each.

If I will be motivated to bake this again, I might just add more butter, lessen the salt and probably skip the baking powder.

Music plays on

2012-01-19T10:24:00.000+08:00

The Empire State Building in twilight, 2. Lights and Sounds

I just came back from my job interview(1). I was lazily napping on what looks like a rooftop and Rose popped up from nowhere(2) quite impressed with my attendance record found behind my report card. It shows that i have been absent the entire school year for only three days. me -- ah, yup (3) but that card was way back in 3rd yr highschool. She turned away and vanished in thin air still with a smile on her face (4).

Back to my cat nap, I switched to my left side only to smell cigarette smoke. Looking above, I saw it was coming from several pipes/exhaust of the coffee shop from the next building. I had to roll myself to the other side yet the unpleasant smell lingers in the air. Then I noticed a black smoke streaming from the tip of another building (5) i think it might be a cluster of cumulus clouds but there was a quick flash of red orangy light from top to bottom, the building was on fire! I immediately ran below and inform my classmates of what I saw. They are on the verge of panic but seems undecided on what to do. Run or stay, run or stay? I, on the other hand, scrambled to my feet and descended the stairs below, one friend (6) in tow. happy, our class rep was trying to calm everyone and remained on their seats. kitts -- sorry blah blah my daughter is more important to me. Probably guilty for making her miss her class in case I overreacted (7).

A solemn moment.

It was only then my vision zoom out around me. Everything was normal as it should be. the marching band (8) was in a formation practicing Besame Mucho. I saw a bronze-painted person brushing paint (of the same color) on a sun (?) sculpture of a moving wall being slowly pulled from side to side. Oddly, it was all part of the show.

1 had one last Tuesday
2 was probably getting a call and imagined her infront of me
3 I recalled that my then adviser was not accurate in recording attendance
4 deluded probably that she found the perfect candidate
5 resembles NY empire state
6 either Julie or Olgs
7 the fire might not reach our building but prolly I was worried it was an alien invasion or a terrorist act
8 SSC doesnt have any

Anarchy in the UK

2012-01-19T07:17:00.000+08:00

Ahh.. I miss those days when we burn money in the arcade perfecting the drum beats of this song. While the others are busy with their dancing moves on Dance Dance Revolution, I, J+M will take turns on the drum set aiming for that A score :D

I saw a similar set for Wii Rock Band but the price is killing me. Last time we passed by a toy store, the little girl casually mentioned she misses playing the drums already.

Can I have a light?

2012-01-13T17:26:00.001+08:00

Milky
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

We have a new resident in the DC house since last night. I and the little girl are both delighted. My mom gifted the little girl a white dwarf rabbit. The husband, not wanting to be the bad guy, agreed to keep it in the house provided we keep our place fresh and clean :D

Spend the morning learning bunny care tutorials. I know carrots are supposed to be a treat but I think we spoiled her already. If we'll survive a month, I'm thinking of getting her a partner :D

Reading List

2012-01-11T09:19:00.000+08:00

Immortals 2011

Once in while, movies of the like makes me want to reread books on greek mythology. However, my sister got me a copy of WOT Book Twelve so it might take awhile :D Currently brushing up on my "specials skills" likewise as I try to grab that elusive secondary dream job (by now you all know what my ultimate dream job is, ye?).

I also tried watching a typical Hollywood romcom, however my copy suddenly ended in the middle of the story, so that's that. I will attempt to add more context on this blog to coincide with search key words from my flickr to up some hits :D Someone who knows me keeps on forgetting my blog url, nuguseyo?

I had a dream earlier, it was of a happy adventurous kind but I forgot the details, not that you care but I do :p

Let's Build a Happy Kingdom

2012-01-11T08:35:00.001+08:00

Trucos para CastleVille en Facebook
Originally uploaded by Jueguemos.com

Got caught by another addictive game. Obviously, I am trying to desperately cure myself hence this post.

The thing about Cafeworld, Petville and Castleville is it makes me feel like I've accomplished something. With every quest I finished I watch my lot expand, sprinkled with a little creativity using quirky thematic decors, something in pink (a flower pot perhaps) for the little girl.

On the otherside, real life awaits to be dealt with later.

So far, the king is not happy and that makes me one guilt-stricken queen.

Sea wind on our face

2012-01-08T10:23:00.001+08:00

RealShip Yacth

Ninang J planned a surprise party for her mom a couple of weeks back. We were more than happy to attend the event as it'll be the little girl's first time to board a yacth.

Manning the deck

Together with the first batch, we were sailing by 5:30pm. There was a soft breeze and the smell of the sea wasn't so offensive than I initially expected.

Cruisin'

It was a fun event. I hope we can do something similar for my parents :) I'm sure my nephews will likewise love the experience.

Gone to Arabia

2012-01-06T11:28:00.002+08:00

Desert camel
Originally uploaded by ¡arturii!
Scene 1. Not in Arabia. My brothers and I were checking out the house we're about to move in. On the upper level from the facade to back are three bedrooms. The first is the "show" master bedroom. In the middle is a den-like room where we'll bum out in front of the tv. Meanwhile bards claimed the last one as his own. The house has low celing but the huge glass windows provide a greenery view (or mountains) with sheer curtains wafting as the cool wind blows through. Bards said he's planning to extend his room to occupy the space on top of the stairs. Though it'll be too low he can still use it when he lies down on his tummy while he use his laptop :p

Cut to Scene 2. My brothers and I visited an Arabian prince. He served macaroni pasta aglioli but the sauce is thinned with tasteless wine it almost tasted like water. I went out for a while and threw some of the soupy sauce on the sand. There was some kind of rule where in ladies aren't supposed to be served drinks so its like a 2-in-1 meal.

The last scene was of my dad giving giving the prince an intimidating glare while softly telling him "Don't you think I don't know what your plan is. After we leave you're going to go back to your meal and finish it." it's like he was making it look like he will only eat a few bites and will have it clean up (pasosyal).

I don't remember ate keng in my dream or my mom.

Pretty in Pink

2012-01-04T09:19:00.002+08:00

Pretty in Pink
Originally uploaded by kitakitts
I'm not the only one who got a haircut :D We hadn't had problem with head lice since the last incident. However, we suspected she got some from our neighbor's niece who she was playing with last week.

Although the mama monkey in me was able to kill ~~most~~ all of it, I decided it will be more manageable with a shorter hair.

Off we went to the salon. It was a tad irritating experience for me but the little girl had no idea. I would've had cut her hair myself for how he did my girl's hair. Suffice it to say, I didn't leave him a tip and went to elsewhere to get my hair done properly.

Thankfully, the little girl loves her short hair.

Red and Metal

2012-01-04T08:04:00.002+08:00

horse in mist
Originally uploaded by peet-astn
The things I need to bring me luck.

Apparently, I'm a strong yin wood horse which means I will need to be extract careful this year of the Water Dragon. Hubby will get a little more luck than me though.

Happy new look, happy new year! :D

Bokeh Galore

2011-12-29T10:42:00.000+08:00

Bro, posted this photo on his wall the other day. Last time we met, he did mentioned about a lens he had his eye on for our humble D40 and YDS Keng's D60 body.

I was able to use his prime lens but I had to manually focus it. all. the. time. Sometimes the moment is gone already before I can get the subject in focus.

I'm already thrilled to have a go with this new lens tomorrow. It was rated as highly recommended by DPReview though I'm not sure if it is compatible with canon digital cameras but if fellow Nikonians raved about it, I'm sure it's worth the investment.

Happy Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T09:43:00.002+08:00

From my family..

The DCs

The Qs

Penguin Fever

2011-12-23T16:07:00.001+08:00

Penguins in the House
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Happy Feet Two is not out yet so instead we decided to revisit Mumble's Journey the other day. It was only now that I realized Pink replaced Brittany as Gloria's voice.

Hubby bought the little girl this adorable yet challenging pentomino puzzle game. We tried the beginner level while listening to Happy Feet 1 & 2 OST :)

Meanwhile, I still love Rio's OST more :D