Me, Myself and Irmee

A glimpse of a snow-less winter

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 18:36:00 +0000

The weather has been very cooperative to us this winter and the past 2 winters we've experienced. Thank God for zero snowstorm and less snow winter. My kids almost missed what they enjoy doing most in a weather like this - snowball fighting, snow angel and tobogganing. But there were these 2 nights that the snow came in abundance, enough to make a snowman in our front yard and toboggan in Leaside High School (but look how thin the snow is on the slopes). They only lasted at least 3-4 hours because the sun came up and the warm weather melted the snow. We grabbed the opportunities to enjoy the snow and capture the moments in our camera. Ang aming huling hirit habang me snow...enjoy!

Leadership Books by John Calvin Maxwell

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:54:00 +0000

I need to brush up on leadership skills, it's challenging to be in a change management role, much more in implementing it to Canadians..Hirap! John C. Maxwell, need na Kita ulit...Help me Lord.

I went to the Toronto Public Library to check out these books but they are all out. I also needed to renew my library card because it's been 2 years since we moved from our very first home here in Canada. Anyway, after the renewal, I was able to browse the books titles and authors and reserved them online. I place holds 2 John C. Maxwell books: "Everyone communicates, few connect : what the most effective people do differently" and "Running with the giants : what Old Testament heroes want you to know about leadership" to start equipping myself with tips from the leadership guru.

Lex and Lito wanted to borrow DVDs so we got Kate Hudson, Tom Cruise and Thomas the Train movies. Of course, when I chanced upon Sophie Kinsella, I placed a hold on her latest book "I've got you number". It's nice to be flipping the pages of a paperback. I was tapping pages of ebooks and it's good to be back.

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:18:00 +0000

Repost and wanted to share

25 Rules for Moms with Sons
Written by: Tabitha Studer at www.studerteam.blogspot.com
November 2011

After a mostly fruitless search for “rules” for mothers with sons (and a particularly hard momma day), I was inspired to write my own list to remind myself of what’s important, especially during those days that being a mom to an ever- squirming, ever-curious boy is both challenging and exhausting. Granted, my list will not be conclusive and may not be entirely uncontroversial. So agree, or disagree, or take with a grain of salt - but I hope to inspire other moms who are loving, and struggling, and tired, and proud, and eager to support the boys in their lives. You are the most important woman in his life, his first teacher, and the one he will look to for permission for the rest of his life. From "Can I go play with them?" to "Should I ask her to marry me?" It’s a big job, but as the mumma, we're up for it.

1. Teach him the words for how he feels.
Your son will scream out of frustration and hide out of embarrassment. He'll cry from fear and bite out of excitement. Let his body move by the emotion, but also explain to him what the emotion is and the appropriate response to that emotion for future reference. Point out other people who are feeling the same thing and compare how they are showing that emotion. Talk him through your emotions so that someday when he is grown, he will know the difference between angry and embarrassed; between disappointment and grief.

2. Be a cheerleader for his life
There is no doubt that you are the loudest person in the stands at his t-ball games. There is no doubt that he will tell you to "stop, mom" when you sing along to his garage band's lyrics. There is no doubt that he will get red-faced when you show his prom date his pictures from boy scouts. There is no doubt that he is not telling his prom date about your blog where you've been bragging about his life from his first time on the potty to the citizenship award he won in ninth grade. He will tell you to stop. He will say he's embarrassed. But he will know that there is at least one person that is always rooting for him.

3. Teach him how to do laundry
..and load the dishwasher, and iron a shirt. He may not always choose to do it. He may not ever have to do it. But someday his wife will thank you.

4. Read to him and read with him.
Emilie Buchwald said, "Children become readers on the laps of their parents." Offer your son the opportunity to learn new things, believe in pretend places, and imagine bigger possibilities through books. Let him see you reading...reading the paper, reading novels, reading magazine articles. Help him understand that writing words down is a way to be present forever. Writers are the transcribers of history and memories. They keep a record of how we lived at that time; what we thought was interesting; how we spoke to each other; what was important. And Readers help preserve and pass along those memories.

5. Encourage him to dance.
Dance, rhythm, and music are cultural universals. No matter where you go, no matter who you meet - they have some form of the three. It doesn't have to be good. Just encourage your son that when he feels it, it's perfectly fine to go ahead and bust a move.

6. Make sure he has examples of good men who are powerful because of their brains, their determination, and their integrity.
The examples of men with big muscles and a uniform (like Batman and LaMarr) will surround your son from birth. But make sure he also knows about men who kick a$s because of their brains (Albert Einstein), and their pen (Mark Twain), and their words (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), and their determination (Team Hoyt), and their ideas (The Wright Brothers), and their integrity (Officer Frank Shankwitz), and fearlessness (Neil Armstrong), and their ability to keep their mouths closed when everyone else is screaming (Jackie Robinson).

integrity
The examples of traditionally beautiful women (like Daphne Blake, Princess Jasmine, and Britney Spears) will surround your son from birth. But make sure he knows about women who are beautiful from the inside out because of their brains (Madame Marie Curie), and their pen (Harper Lee), and their words (Eleanor Roosevelt), and their determination (Anne Sullivan), and their ideas (Oprah Winfrey), and their integrity (Miep Gies), and fearlessness (Ameila Earhart), and their ability to open their mouths and take a stand when everyone else is silent (Aung San Suu Kyi).

8. Be an example of a beautiful woman with brains, determination, and integrity.
You already are all of those things. If you ever fear that you are somehow incapable of doing anything - remember this: If you have done any of the following: a) grew life b) impossibly and inconceivably got it out of your body c) taken care of a newborn d) made a pain go away with a kiss e) taught someone to read f) taught a toddler to eat with a utensilg) cleaned up diarrhea without gagging h) loved a child enough to be willing to give your life for them (regardless if they are your own) or i) found a way to be strong when that child is suffering...you are a superhero. do not doubt yourself for one second. Seriously.

9. Teach him to have manners
because it’s nice. and it will make the world a little better of a place.

10. Give him something to believe in
Because someday he will be afraid, or nervous, or heartbroken, or lost, or just need you, and you won't be able to be there. Give him something to turn to when it feels like he is alone, so that he knows that he will never be alone; never, never, never.

11. Teach him that there are times when you need to be gentle
like with babies, and flowers, and animals, and other people's feelings.

12. Let him ruin his clothes
Resolve to be cool about dirty and ruined clothes. You'll be fighting a losing battle if you get upset every time he ruins another piece of clothing. Don't waste your energy being angry about something inevitable. Boys tend to learn by destroying, jumping, spilling, falling, and making impossible messes. Dirty, ruined clothes are just par for the course.

13. Learn how to throw a football
or how to use a hockey stick, or read music, or draw panda bears (or in my case alpacas), or the names of different train engines, or learn to speak Elvish, or recognize the difference between Griffindor and Slytherin, or the lyrics to his favorite song. Be in his life, not as an observer but as an active participant.

14. Go outside with him
turn off the television, unplug the video games, put your cellphone on the charger, even put your camera away. Just go outside and follow him around. Watch his face, explore his world, and let him ask questions. It's like magic.

15. Let him lose
Losing sucks. Everybody isn't always a winner. Even if you want to say,"You're a winner because you tried," don't. He doesn't feel like a winner, he feels sad and crappy and disappointed. And that's a good thing, because sometimes life also sucks, no matter how hard (as moms) we try to make it not suck for our kids. This practice will do him good later when he loses again (and again, and again, and again, and again.....) Instead make sure he understands that - sometimes you win - sometimes you lose. But that doesn't mean you ever give up.

16. Give him opportunities to help others
There is a big difference in giving someone the opportunity to help and forcing someone to help. Giving the opportunity lights a flame in the heart and once the help is done the flame shines brighter and asks for more opportunities. Be an example of helping others in your own actions and the way your family helps each other and helps others together.

17. Remind him that practice makes perfect.
This doesn't just apply to performance-based activities (like sports and music) but also applies to everything in life. You become a better writer by writing. You become a better listener by listening. You become better speaker by speaking. Show your son this when he is just young enough to understand (that means from birth, folks - they are making sense of the world as soon as they arrive), practice trick-or-treating at your own front door before the real thing. Practice how you will walk through airport security before a trip. Practice how you order your own food from the fast food cashier. Practice, practice, practice.

18. Answer him when he asks, "Why?"
Answer him, or search for the answer together. Show him the places to look for the answers (like his dad, or grandparents, or his aunts/uncles, or his books, or valid internet searches). Pose the question to him so he can begin thinking about answers himself. Someday, when he needs to ask questions he's too embarrassed to ask you - he'll know where to go to find the right answers.

19. Always carry band-aids and wipes on you.
especially the wipes.

20. Let his dad teach him how to do things
...without interrupting about how to do it the 'right way.' If you let his dad show and teach and discover with your son while he is growing up, someday down the road (after a short period of your son believing his dad knows nothing), he will come to the realization that his dad knows everything. You will always be his mother, but in his grown-up man heart and mind, his dad will know the answers. And this will be how, when your son is too busy with life to call and chat with his mom, you will stay connected to what is happening in his life. Because he will call his dad for answers, and his dad will secretly come and ask you.

21. Give him something to release his energy
drums, a pen, a punching bag, wide open space, water, a dog. Give him something to go crazy with - or he will use your stuff. and then you'll be sorry.

22. Build him forts
Forts have the ability to make every day normal stuff into magic. Throw they couch cushions, a couple blankets, and some clothespins and you can transform your living room into the cave of wonders. For the rest of his life, he'll be grateful to know that everyday normal stuff has the potential to be magical.

23. Take him to new places
Because it will make his brain and his heart open up wider, and the ideas and questions and memories will rush in.

24. Kiss him
Any mother of sons will tell you that little boys are so loving and sweet. They can be harsh and wild and destructive during most of the day. But there are these moments when they are so kind and sensitive and tender. So much so that it can cause you to look around at the inward, reserved grown men in your life and think, 'what happens in between that made you lose that?' Let's try to stop the cycle by kissing them when they're loving and kissing them even more when they're wild. Kissing them when they're 2 months and kissing them when they're 16 years old. You're the mom - you can go ahead and kiss him no matter how big he gets - and make sure he knows it. p.s. (this one is just as important for dad'sy too).

25. Be home base
You are home to him. When he learns to walk, he will wobble a few feet away from you and then come back, then wobble away a little farther and then come back. When he tries something new, he will look for your proud smile. When he learns to read, he will repeat the same book to you twenty times in a row, because you're the only one who will listen that many times. When he plays his sport, he will search for your face in they stands. When he is sick, he will call you. When he really messes up, he will call you. When he is grown and strong and tough and big and he feels like crying, he will come to you; because a man can cry in front of his mother without feeling self-conscious. Even when he grows up and has a new woman in his life and gets a new home, you are still his mother; home base, the ever constant, like the sun. Know that in your heart and everything else will fall into place.

Career Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 01:56:00 +0000

I missed my team's planning session for this year and after my sick leave I received more workload than usual. Suddenly, all of them wanted their documentation to be in our system, maybe trying to squeeze in 2011 projects while they can to add merits to their achievements. I had a one-on-one with my boss and I was pleased with the results, it's actually expected because I know that I always meet the targets because I keep track of my performance/scorecard. I'm thankful that even if there were some negative vibes from co-workers (di talaga nawawala ang inggitan at siraan khit dito), I was able to perform and achieve my goals.

This year is going to be more time to be spent on the production floor, and learning about the business. What I look forward to is the interaction and exposure to more people from different levels - production operators, team leaders , line managers, directors, 3rd party contractors. Sometimes, I feel that I have not used my social skills because I was always in front of the computer.

Today, we had a Town Hall meeting and it was a nice experience, being informed of what the corporate plans for the year are and meeting more people. I think the number of people I know increased from last year and I had more time to talk and socialize with them today...also more Pinoys as well. Nakakamiss kayang mag-Tagalog, hahaha. Ang sarap magchismisan in your own dialect, hahaha. Anyway, we were dismissed early because we didn't have power at the Brewery so off I went to Sherway Gardens Mall to give in to my shopaholic cravings. It feels good to be browsing the stores in a mall like in the Philippines unlike most areas here where the stores have their own buildings and you are mostly outside, driving or walking from one store to another. Nakakamiss ang SM, ATC, Festival Mall at ang mga favorites ko na Glorietta at Shangri-la Malls. I wonder where Ani would treat my sister Wendy for lunch today.

I bought some girly things to reward myself on the outcome of my career, sana mataas din ang sales namin, to enjoy more big perks.

Hi-tech but slow

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:40:00 +0000

I was sick and was home for 2 days (had the time to update this blog hehe). The first day was terrible, I was just bedridden, couldn't eat or else I'll vomit. My legs are wobbly and couldn't walk and my back hurts big time. So today, Lito and I went to the family doctor near Sherway Gardens. His sore throat is getting worse too so we spent 4 hours at the clinic. Yes 4 hours, it's like going to work halfday. Anyway, I wanted to describe how is it going to the doctor here compared with what we were used to. The clinic we went to is a walk-in clinic so even if you don't have an appointment, they will see you. Remember the comment I had when we wanted to have our family picture taken 2 years ago, everything here needs an appointment but this is an exception. Upon entering, you will see a kiosk where you will swipe your OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Program) card and you will need to confirm your address and contact number, also give your email address because later you need to specify how you wanted to be contacted. There's also a checklist there for allergies to medicines and why you wanted to see a doctor, if you knew. My symptoms reveal a UTI but I didn't put that in. All these are done on a touch screen, tap method. Even the seniors do it. There are only 2 nurses there, but they spent most of their time inside assisting the doctors and lab specialist. I remember the last thing that I saw on my screen before completing the information gathering is "You are patient no. 5 and the current wait time is 20 minutes". The information we entered in the kiosk is now reflected on their system, on the nurse desk and in the Tablet computer that they use to enter the symptoms information during the interview. This is also where they put all the vital signs that they usually get in each check up. The medical history, the prescription and lab requirements were also entered there. No paperwork, promise. Only the prescription was printed for me to show to the Pharmacist.

While waiting, I feel like urinating so I asked for a container and they gave me a sealed one. Once inside, the nurse did the urinalysis herself. I didn't have to go to another lab to bring my urine to wait for another 30 minutes. I remember that ordeal while doing the pre-natal check ups with my 3 kids. It was really hi-tech, as in..she just put in a strip. I checked on the label and it was called SIEMENS Multistix Reagent strips for urinalysis. There was a color guide in the bottle which says what the condition of my urine is. Well, based on what I saw, mine revealed, high protein, high glucose and blood stains whatever that means hahaha. I wonder where would the medical technologists be working when this is available in the Phillipines.

I was required to do an ultrasound to check on kidney stones or something so I waited again but it's a relief when I went inside the Ultrasound room, it's like a Spa, so relaxing, even the bed was so comfortable, the lights are low and even the liquid gel that they put on was warm. But since I was already there for 2 hours and I urinated, nothing can be seen on my bladder, it was empty. I was advised to drink water and come back after 30 minutes because he has more patients already lined up. It's a good thing. Lito was already done and needed to take the medication immediately but we didn't have a proper breakfast so we headed to nearby Mcdonald's to fill my bladder and our stomachs.

When I returned, I didn't wait long and so I didn't really had an issue with my kidneys but they still gave me antibiotics for the UTI, they call it bladder infection, but I'm not sure which is which, hahaha. Anyway, the doctor reminded me about the results of my previous visit because they got the X-ray report. It was confirmed that I have a Mild Scoliosis (sakit ito ng mga magaganda remember Lorna T and ZsaZsa P? LOL) and Osteo Sclerosis, the opposite of Osteoporosis where my bones were hardening, thickening due to osteitis condensas illi. The doctor advised me to do some research on this. This is new to me because in the Philippines, no one told me to do something like this. My guess is the physicians here wanted their patients to be educated on their sickness to help them in curing it. Nothing to be alarmed but it can be cured with Physiotheraphy and meds when the pain strikes again.

I was just amazed at how hi-tech my doctor's visit is today but I got tired at waiting. I wondered if it's because they only have one doctor or there were too many patients they were attending to. I know that the expensive Hospitals like Asian, St. Lukes, Makati Med and Medical City in the Philippines may already have these facilities but only those who can afford can experience where here, only the OHIP was required, they didn't even have to look for my other insurance from my employer. I really feel blessed I am here in Canada where healthcare is a priority.

My Bloopers (and Lex')

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:32:00 +0000

Lito and I have been collecting bloopers before and shared with Dennis and Loida (Happy Birthday friend!). A have a few bloopers when I arrived in Canada but I only remember one. Here goes: Saying Hi or Hoy Kamusta is always done here in the form of questions like "How are you?" "How'd you doing?" "How's your morning?" and so I always answer the same like "Good" "I'm good, how about you?" "Excellent because it's Friday!" or "Never been better". Sometimes I also say negative replies and that strikes a conversation when things are really not well. Anyway, one time the Brewery General Manager's Admin Assistant and I bumped each other in the hallway and she greeted me, I immediately replied "I'm good" when she said something but I later realized that she just said "Hello!" hahaha. so that's my blooper and here's the video blooper of my 3-yr old singing London Bridge. He is so cute and I want to share this here for you to be amused. Enjoy!

Top 5 people regret before dying

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 03:17:00 +0000

Sharing this article about life and death.
This is so true. I was crying after reading this.
Let us all choose life, choose happiness!

thanks to Joan Santiago of N@W
______________________

Nurse reveals the top 5 regrets people make on their deathbed

For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives. People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality.
I learnt never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a
result.

We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical
details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called `comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to themselves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again. When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to
let go and smile again, long before you are dying.

Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

Source
http://www.ariseindiaforum.org/nurse-reveals-the-top-5-regrets-people-make-on-their-deathbed/

Footprints in the Snow

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:46:00 +0000

When my officemate Mike asked me,” How are you today?” I blurted out, “You know with this kind of weather, it’s not a good one for me! “ They were always asking me (because I’m commuting and walking) and my boss (who lives in Barrie) how we are if the snow is pouring hard like this. It’s nice of them to show their concern. But I had the worst today! The weather is nasty. Wind is gusty and snow is pouring hard…on my face…while walking around the block. I passed by 4 bus stops, you can just imagine how far it is and walked around the whole of the Brewery to get to my office. My usual route is shorter but the turnstile failed again and would not let me in. I was already thinking of going home when I saw the bus going Southbound on the way to the other entrance but I had to move on and go to work. I felt like crying after almost slipping twice (there were icy patches where I walked on) but I realized that my tears would also turn to ice so I just prayed and sang songs of praise. I felt pity for myself but I know that moment I had to think positive. I just think about the opportunity to talk to God who kept me warm and made me feel like I’m enjoying this weather…Strange but I started to like the feel of snow on my feet and like the color around me, it’s all white – clean and pure...the Friday the thirteenth jinx didn’t work on me and I thank God, my friend Jesus who walked with me all the way..I now remember the poem/song…footprints in the sand. I experienced it today. Snow storm, Blizzard? Bring it on…I’m ready for more..

Baby Carlisle is here

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:05:00 +0000

My nephew came a day earlier. He should have shared the same birthday with his mom. He was born on January 2, 2012 (1-2'12) Congratulations to my sister Wendy and Carter for the many blessings you are receiving. May this year be the year you come to Canada. Happy Birthday to you Wendy and Welcome to our family Carlisle! Here are some of my sister's (as print ad model for Medicard) and nephew pictures before and after giving birth:

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 04:09:00 +0000

It's been a week since the new year started and I forgot to blog. It was a perfect opportunity to thank 2011 and welcome 2012. Well, I can still do that so I want to thank God for the many wonderful blessings last 2011. Most significant events in 2011 are acquiring our new home, my parent's visit here in Canada and my encounter retreat. Thank God for all these and other blessings. He gave us not only tangible things that we need but also the intangibles like good health, jobs and relationships.

Welcome 2012 - We went to Neil and Keli's place near Square One for the countdown. We had dinner prepared by Kelly, some Brazilian dishes, the Salmon dish she copied from me and we had fun with the Brazilian traditions that Kelly taught us while eating the lentil dish. We witnessed the very short fireworks display at the Mississauga City Hall in front of their condo. The kids played video games with Neil and stayed very late. I think we left their place after 2:00 am. It was a blast!

Our "Firsts in Canada" Photobook

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 01:05:00 +0000

I have been waiting for this moment to arrive. The long hours spent on the computer on my vacation this Christmas week and dried, tired eyes are worth it. Here's the finished product of my labor of love (only selected 30 pages are shown, the book's total pages = 200) - Our firsts in Canada Blurb photobook:

A first time for everything | Make Your Own Book

Alvin and "my" Chipmunks

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:13:00 +0000

Today is movie day. We spent the day after Christmas watching Alvin and the Chipmunks - Chipwrecked at Cineplex Odeon. It was a movie for kids it but I found Lex and myself sleeping in some parts of it hahaha. It was fun. The Chipmunks are so cute especially Theodore. Here are my Chipmunks:

Boxing Day

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:46:00 +0000

The day after Christmas, December 26th, is statutory holiday called Boxing Day across Canada. Boxing Day like the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, in the U.S. is THE big shopping day in Canada. Stores, malls and most retailers are open and generally continue till New Year's. it's the day that shopaholics like me look forward to grab great deals.

When I first came to Canada, I thought that boxing day meant boxing your way to the shops in lining up to the door before it opens, or when getting the items and lining up for the cashiers. The crowded shops meant rubbing elbows with other shoppers, and literally boxing them to be the first to grab the deals. LOL! Advantage sa mga Pinoys yun because of Pacquiao'sFame, right? But I found out it has a different meaning. Several theories exist on how Boxing Day got its name. It may come from a tradition in the U.K. in which household employers boxed gifts for their servants. One thing is for certain, the name comes from storage boxes, not the sport.

So what did I get from Boxing Day? Ikea Frames for my 3D artwork and crosstitch which we got for 50% off..I didn't brave the crowds at the shops but wanted to try shopping online. I later decided not to because when I shopped online at http://www.bootlegger.com last week, the deals I got were already good only to find out that the prices went down on the boxing day/week. I got disappointed hahaha. Anyway, some deals are valid for a week, I might head to the shops later on, who knows?

On boxing day, after IKEA, the whole family headed to CINEPLEX ODEON to watch Alvin and the chipmunks - chip wrecked.

Merry Christmas! Happy Birthday Jesus!

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 23:47:00 +0000

I got this from Nhel Miranda's Facebook Wall and I agree with her and I felt that it deserves a space in my blog so here it is:

“X” means wrong…in expressing our greetings by writing an “X” in place of the name of CHRIST in the word CHRISTMAS is totally wrong; JESUS CHRIST is the righteous (1 John 2:1); and it is HIS birth that we are celebrating this time of the year…so please do not replace CHRIST with an “X”…let us give HIM the honor HE truly deserves.

It was a busy week prior to today. I enjoyed the parties, food and being with friends and family. There were a few gatherings in the Philippines that I was able to join virtually thru webcam and skype; Boy,I am so glad to see my family back home. I miss them actually.

Today, I prepared Christmas dinner as early as 6 am to brine the turkey. I think I was standing the whole day and busied myself in the kitchen. The Mabini kids arrived before dinner and we had a Bible Study to honor the celebrant - Jesus Christ. Anyway, it's been a while since we had a bible study with these kids; it was at their place in Rochefort where we all started with their mom - Regina facilitating and guiding us with God's words.

We had fun starting because we can't decide on the Praise and Worship song, whether it's with Christmas theme or just plain worship songs, we had a couple then we started reading in 2 Kings 4:8-37. I was so happy that after reading my son Aloysius asked questions. That means he listened intently and I hope he was blessed. The story of the Shunemite Woman and God's faithfulness will forever be etched in our hearts. We were blessed on Christmas Eve.

Of course, the celebration is not complete without food. So after feeding our minds with God's words, we feast on the Turkey, Sotanghon, Potatoes, Pasta and Salad plus sweets. They all loved the turkey..the recipe is in here if you want to try it. This time, I used cooked rice stuffing with chopped pimiento, carrots, bacon bits sprinkled with salt and pepper and butter. They said, my version is delicious, not bland or malansa.

My first born is now 10 years old

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 03:21:00 +0000

10yrs ago on my way to buy food for noche buena, my water broke and then after 6 hours, my first child was born and celebrated my first Christmas as a mom in the hospital..Happy Birthday to my son Aloysius Miguel. Thank you Lord for his first 10 years full of blessings.

Our New Toy – iPad 2

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:43:00 +0000

We wanted to buy the Blackberry Playbook when it was on sale but since the demand is high and the supply is low, we were not able to grab that chance. We even tried asking for Irvin and Faye to buy for us in the US but to no avail. They got the Apple iPad 2 and we were green eyes when they were showing it on chat. On Lito’s birthday, we went to Best Buy just to look around and the kids were glued to the Apple iPad station trying on the games – Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja. Kyle and Aloysius were even fighting and want to be first. While there were no available demo iPads to use, (there were lots of people trying it too) we went to the Samsung Galaxy Tab demo unit and let Aloysius play there. The 2 tablets were almost the same and the gap on the price tag is not that substantial. Samsung Galaxy is priced at $ 449 while the 16GB Apple iPad 2 costs $519.

Lito left us to check out other sections and when he came back, the four of us are already occupying the whole Apple station, using all the demo units including Lex who sat on the table and were busy with his artwork using the Drawing Pad. He asked all of us to stop what we’re doing and leave the place but the kids are not moving. I heard Lex said “I want the big iPod” (he is using an old iPod Touch for his games at home) and the 2 older boys agreed so it was not a long time for us to decide and consent to the idea. We came home with our new toy as our All-in-one Gift this year (Birthday, Christmas and Anniversary) and everyone is happy. Lex turned out to be the most addicted because he slept while holding the iPad and while I was trying the apps when they were all sleeping, he suddenly woke up in the middle of the night and asked me “Mom, where is the big iPod?” then went back to sleep. Imagine, my 3-yr-old talking in his sleep about the iPad, he probably dreams about it too LOL!

The Gift by Jim Brickman

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 02:57:00 +0000

Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary to my dear husband. Thank you for the 12 blissful years and 3 beautiful children. I Love You!

Sweating hard with Zumba

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 19:33:00 +0000

I got my Zumba Fitness game for Kinect from Lito on Mother’s day but it was only when the Flores came that we were able to play the game and I realized it was so addictive. Kelly was so good and even Tita Lorna danced to the salsa tunes. The following weekend, I tried it myself and I was sweating hard after just finishing the Calypso lessons. Zumba is a combination of Salsa dance, Belly dancing and exercise all in one. Since I am using Xbox 360 Kinect, I needed to follow the instructions and movements to the detail in order for me to win or finish the game.
I took the next lessons in the following days and by doing it for 30 minutes a day I think I lost pounds through all the sweat coming out of my body after the workout. This is timely because I will be eating a lot in all the holiday parties and get-togethers. Oh, by the way, this game makes me fart a lot so I think even the toxic gases are coming out of my body too. LOL!

What is Christmas without Christ?

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 02:42:00 +0000

I feel sad everytime I see people putting an x in place of Christ when signing a greeting card or gift card.

Let us not skip Christ this Christmas. Here's Kutless "This is Christmas" video and lyrics...Let the song move you.

How was your 2011 Qs?

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:15:00 +0000

I got this from my favorite e-group and because it's really timely- the year is about to end, I'd like to say that God has poured out His blessings to me and my family exceedingly and abundantly. With these blessings, I am very thankful. Here's a quick glance at year 2011 through these Qs:

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
SKIING

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Sorry but I don't make new years' resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my sister's friend ANI.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No

5. What countries did you visit?
USA (New York, Washington DC)

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Time to do my scrapbooking

7. What date/s from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 25 - Encounter God retreat
May 6 - Mama and Dadilo's arrival here in Canada

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Joint Effort with hubby - we bought our own house this year

9. What was your biggest failure?
I wasn't able to sort/organize our picture files.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No

11. What was the best thing you bought?
The House, Flavor Wave

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My youngest son who is more sociable than his older brothers

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
An officemate who thinks she knows everything and bullies new employees like me

14. Where did most of your money go?
The house, travels

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Our First Ski Adventure
All our travels-in and around Canada with my mom and dad
My Sister and Sister in Law being pregnant
My getting to know God more

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Desert Song

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? happier
ii. thinner or fatter? just the same
iii. richer or poorer? Richer :) we are blessed more this year

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Exercise

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Eating sweets!

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
We will be staying home for Christmas

21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
If the degree is asked, I think I loved my family more this year.

22. Who got together and who broke up?
JLo and Marc Anthony, KC and Piolo

23. What was your favorite TV program?
Charlie's Angels, The Listener, Hawaii Five-O, Wipe Out

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No

25. What was the best book you read this 2011?
Have a new kid by Friday

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I learned a lot of Hillsong songs this year!

27. What did you want and got?
A new Cellphone and an Ipad, but I haven't gotten them (yet, hehehe)

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Just Go with It (I love Adam Sandler movies!), Transformers

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Celebrated it with my family plus my mom and dad. I turned 43.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
To serve God by sharing His words and inspiring others to come and accept Him as Lord and Savior.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
When I came here, my wardrobe became lean and more on classic styles. I have started to wear skirts and dresses (yes, even in winter!).

32. What kept you sane?
God and My family

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
none

35. Who did you miss?
My Family and friends in the Philippines

36. Who was the best new person you met?
None

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:
Whether we admit it or not, we need Christ in our lives.
http://www.needhim.com

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"in all of my life, in every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship."

Dave and Buster's

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:31:00 +0000

It’s our second time at Dave and Buster’s for the Molson Coors Children Party and as expected the kids had so much fun. They discovered new favorites like Star Wars and the Time Cop but still they spent more time in the Air Raid booth. I was surprised that Lex knows how to aim and fire. He even tried the gun games where Aloysius spent more time in. Lito and I didn’t buy them toy guns before because we didn’t want them to play violent games but I guess we can’t control it. It’s sad but this world uses not only the toys but also movies and games in all sorts of devices that even the little ones were exposed to guns and war games at their young age.
After the free hours, we used our playing cards at the ticket games like Spin a Win, Bowling and Shoot and Drop Coins. We decided not to exchange the tickets because the prizes for the value of their tickets were not too cool for them. After eating and meeting Santa Claus for Photo Opps, the kids claimed their gifts (more guns haha!), we headed home. What a day! Thanks Molson Coors!

Flores and Castillo Reunion

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:16:00 +0000

We had a small get together with the Flores Family for Lex' late and Lito’s advanced birthday celebration. Uncle Nilo, Tita Lorna, Neil and Kelly went to our new home for the first time and I prepared dinner for them. We had a nice chat and I’m glad they enjoyed the sumptuous meal. We had Baked Salmon, Potato wedges roasted in garlic, Roasted Herb Chicken from Flavorwave and Salad. The cheesecake squares from Costco was also a hit. Since it was also a chat day for the Castillo’s, they were able to see those in the Philippines and New York in webcam and Uncle had a chance to chat with nanay as well.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 03:04:00 +0000

When I was in grade school, we always have a project called Paper Poinsettia before Christmas. We used red crepe paper cut in the shape of each petal. Then we paste 2 pieces together with thin wire and tied 5-6 petals with yellow 'nectar' to form one flower. The last step is to wrap the stem with green crepe paper to complete the project. We need at least 3 flowers to submit to the teacher. It was fun doing it but sometimes when the red and green color of the crepe paper stays in my hand even after washing them, I wished I could just buy a real poinsettia to bring to school.

Now that we have our own home and Christmas is just around the corner, I thought of the poinsettia. I wanted a real Poinsettia on our foyer to welcome guests and remind them that Christmas is here. We saw pots of them on sale here and we didn't have second thoughts on buying it. Here's how it looked on our console table:

We have put up our Christmas tree and assembled the Christmas village in our living room. Lito and the kids wanted to include Thomas the Train so the village was completed with rail tracks. Our holiday has started, celebration of the kids and Lito's birthday and Christmas parties to come. It's going to be a busy season.

"All I need to see standing by my Christmas tree"

Happy 3rd Birthday Lex!

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 03:35:00 +0000

My youngest son is no longer a baby. He just turned 3 and since we didn't have a big party on his first birthday, we threw one this year with his friends and playmates. I prepared spaghetti, cupcakes, shepherd's pie, Chicken Sopas, Chicken Wings and hotdogs but what the kids enjoyed most are the games they played at the basement. All of them were shrieking and excited to get the prizes. Lex had fun because his bestfriend Lucas (and Kyle's classmate) was there, also Sophia, Jeremiah, the twins, AJ and Violet's grandsons. To top it all off, he was happy singing his birthday song:

Doing Turkey Right The First Time

noreply@blogger.com (Irmee) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:38:00 +0000

This is my very late Thanksgiving post and my only entry for the month of October. My parents returned home that's why I didn't have the time to do my online stuff. Anyway, I wanted to share here what I did to make our First Thanksgiving in our new home a very special one. My turkey turned out to be very delish according to our guests...here's how I did it:

First, I researched from the internet, asked around and prayed that my first bird will be a success. I combined all I got from google, and took the advice of my officemates to make my turkey moist and kilig to the bones tasty hahaha.

1. Brine - while the bird is being thawed (a day before you intend to roast it), prepare a brine - Put 1/2 cup salt in 8 to 10 cups water with slices of carrots, celery, onions and thyme (I used dried because that's only what I have but fresh thyme is better). Soak the bird for at least 2 hours but overnight is recommended.

2. Prepare the Turkey - Rinse in running water for 1 minute. Wipe with paper towel to remove excess water. Brush with Butter or Herb Paste (see recipe below) inside and outside the turkey. Put the bird in a roast pan with rack and include the carrots, celery and onions under the rack. Put the stuffer inside the Turkey. I used Stove Top Turkey stuffing. Tuck the wings and tie the legs to keep it intact and perfectly formed. Cover with aluminum foil.

3. Bake at 350F for 3-4 hours depending on the weight of the turkey. Baste every now and then. Basting means getting the juices and pouring it again on the turkey. On the last hour, remove the aluminum foil to make the skin golden brown until done. To test if the turkey is done, use a thermometer or check the meat by inserting a bbq stick or fork on the leg part. If the stick comes out clean and is not sticky, the turkey is done.

4. Prepare the Gravy - While the turkey is roasting, boil the neck, heart and liver in 4 cups of water with salt, peppercorn, bay leaf, onion and garlic. Simmer for 3-45 minutes then cool. Strain the broth. Puree the insides in food processor. Next, melt 1/2 cup of butter in a sauce pan and added 6 tbsp of flour, stirring to remove lumps. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes or until the mixture turns light brown. Pour the broth little by little, stir continuously. Add water little by little until thick. Season with salt, pepper then add the pureed giblets and simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside.

5. After the turkey is done. transfer to a serving platter and serve with gravy.

Herb Paste Recipe
3/4 cup butter
3 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp rosemary
1 tbsp basil
1 tbsp sage
1 tbsp thyme
1 tbsp italian seasoning
1 tsp ground black pepper
salt

Pictures coming soon.