Life's Like A Mixtape

And I'm off!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 10:12:00 +0000

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

To start the year, I've made the decision to move (again, hehe!) to a new address here on Blogger.

I've wanted to clean up my blog in a certain way for a long time now but there are just way too many posts and categories for me to muddle through and reorganize. Plus I really felt like starting my blogging year with a fresh, minimalistic approach hence the move.

Anyway, you can find me on EclectiCee from here on out. Hope to "see" you there!

Mood Music: The World At Large by Modest Mouse

Grateful

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 09:47:00 +0000

One of the good things that has come out of the recent disaster brought about by Super Typhoon Haiyan to our countrymen in Central Visayas is the overwhelming support that has poured in from all over the globe.

I can't help but get teary-eyed with gratitude and joy to realize that the Philippines isn't alone. There are so many heartwarming stories of random people, including children, who generously share what they have, stage fundraising events in their communities, give unexpected hugs and words of encouragement to Filipinos they meet on their way, and give us shoutouts on the web, telling us that we're all in this together.

And there's the official relief assistance, including logistic equipment and manpower, being sent over by countries such as the USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, France, Korea and so many more. They're helping deliver food, water and medical care to the survivors as well aiding in clearing operations.

Philippines International Typhoon Response in pictures. More HERE.

FAiTH Report

Despite our differences in faith, politics, culture and status, it's amazing at how everyone has managed to set all that aside to respond to a common goal: to HELP another who is in need. And that restores my faith in humanity.

THANK YOU, WORLD!

Mood Music: Unity by Shinedown

Hard times

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 10:57:00 +0000

2013 has turned out to be an extremely trying year for the Philippines. Not that we've ever had it easy but we've, more or less, learned how to deal with the natural disasters, corruption, peace and order situations, and poverty that seem part and parcel of our lives. But this year, it has been especially hard.

In August, my hometown of Zamboanga came under siege by separatist bandits which resulted in 19 days of fighting between them and our police and Armed Forces.

After it ended, we'd barely begun to recover when nonstop rains caused citywide flooding, the likes of which Zamboanga hadn't experienced in decades.

While locals, members of the national government and concerned countrymen tried to help us get back on our feet again, a 7.1 magnitude tectonic earthquake hit Central Visayas. It greatly affected the cities of Cebu and Bohol and caused widespread damage to infrastructure as well as death and injury to people and displaced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

And, while we were praying and hoping for the best, the worst came and plowed through Central Visayas. Super Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms in world history to make landfall, smashed through Leyte, Samar, parts of Cebu, Negros and Palawan, and left in its wake indescribable devastation.

The entire country is still reeling from this latest incident. The delivery of aid to survivors of the monstrous typhoon was initially very slow due to many factors and has only recently started to flow more smoothly with the arrival of international aid.

It's going to take a long time to rehabilitate all that has been destroyed - from Zamboanga to Bohol to Leyte - but I'm optimistic that we will get there eventually. I'm inspired at how Filipinos have come together to support each other despite our differences in opinion. And it is even more inspiring to see how the world has come together to help us get back up on our feet, particularly for the survivors of Haiyan.

As I end this post, I say a silent prayer in my heart, asking that we will be given some time to breathe, to mourn, to mentally and emotionally recover, and to rebuild before the next big challenge comes again. And may we never lose our faith.

Mood Music: Rise Up by R. Kelly

Thor: The Dark World

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 15:53:00 +0000

Since The Avengers, my eldest has become such a great big fan of the this particular Marvel franchise. Needless to say, there was no way we could miss this latest installment when it finally hit the cinemas.

Anyway, since I'm too lazy to come up with a decent review, let me point out the good and the bad in bullets.

Warning: Possible spoilers ahead!

The Bad (because I like to save the best for last):

- slightly sluggish start
- banal villain
- generic MacGuffin
- some plot holes
- a potential love triangle that went nowhere
- Natalie Portman as Dr. Jane Foster wasn't really given much to do or say
- a lot of scientific nonsense

The Good:

- Chris Hemsworth's charisma (and his ripped body!)
- Tom Hiddleston's brilliant portrayal of Loki
- scenes between Thor and Loki are the ultimate saving grace
- cameos from old friends
- witty one-liners and gags (Joss Whedon was actually brought in for this)
- pain and loss
- a mind-boggling final showdown between Thor and Malekith

The Verdict:

Despite the slow start, it was an undeniably extremely entertaining movie. I loved how scenes went from serious to funny and back again. I liked it more than Iron Man 3 to be honest. And this despite my being a huge Robert Downey, Jr. fan.

Of course, as with all Marvel movies related to the Avengers franchise, there were two Easter eggs at the end of the movie. The first one came after the animated credits and gave a hint of what's to come in Guardians of the Galaxy while the second came after the credits finished rolling.

With all that said, Thor: The Dark World has successfully managed to keep Marvel's Avengers franchise going and having people look forward to the next chapter which is Captain America: The Winter Soldier. And by the looks of this trailer, it looks like it's going to be awesome.

Mood Music: Star Spangled Man

Tagged: Alphabet meme

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 08:34:00 +0000

My friend Hazel tagged me on Twitter months ago and I'm finally getting around to doing it. I used to post a lot of memes when I first began blogging and this is like a throwback to the old days.

Okay, here we go:

A. Attached or Single?

B. Best friend?

C. Cake or Pie?

D. Day of choice?

E. Essential item?

F. Favorite color?

G. Gummy bears or worms?

H. Hometown?

I. Favorite indulgence?

J. January or July?

K. Kids?

L. Life isn't complete without?

M. Marriage date?

N. Number of brothers/sisters?

O. Oranges or apples?

P. Phobias?

Q. Quotes?

R. Reasons to smile?

S. Season of choice?

T. Tag 5 people.

U. Unknown fact about me?

V. Vegetable?

W. Worst habit?

X. X-ray or ultrasound?

Y. Your favorite food?

Z. Zodiac sign?

Yay, finally done! By the way, all images were grabbed from the intarwebs. :)

Mood Music: ABC Song by Usher

Fire, rain and a mozzie

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 09:23:00 +0000

Well, I've definitely had a very eventful few months.

First, I was admitted for dengue fever for the third time in my life in the last week of August. I was admitted for four days but, thankfully, my episode was complication-free. The key to surviving dengue is early detection, staying hydrated and being closely monitored. When you suddenly develop a high-grade fever that lasts for 3 days or more, be proactive and visit your doctor instead of self-medicating and waiting for more symptoms to appear or to get worse. Never take anything for granted especially when it comes to your health.

Then, our city came under siege when Nur Misuari's band of MNLF bandits entered Zamboanga with the intent of taking City Hall and flying their flag there to assert their independence in the early hours of September 9. What ensued was 19 days of fighting with hundreds of hostages taken, homes razed to the ground, many lives lost and terror taking over our lives. Here's an article that chronicled what happened: Timeline - The Zamboanga crisis and what went before.

My husband, our two kids and myself were able to leave the city on the 13th day of the siege when flights resumed. Despite being safe away in QC, I was still worried sick because my parents had chosen to stay in the city. My brother, who's a soldier in the PAF and a member of the medical rescue team, had to go into the hotzone several times to pick up wounded soldiers with only a kevlar vest for protection. You can probably imagine what that was like for me and my family.

Then, on October 6, the boys and I were scheduled to fly back to Zamboanga. The city had been experiencing nonstop rains for two days already and I thought the airline would be cancelling our flight but we took off anyway. On the plane's final descent, the pilot suddenly pulled up and diverted our flight to Davao because the runway in Zamboanga was flooded. After 19 days of intense fighting and continued clearing ops, Zamboanga had to deal with severe flooding the likes of which hadn't occurred since the 50s.

After refuelling in Davao, we were flown back to Manila and our tickets were rebooked to another date. We stayed another five days in QC before we were finally able to return home.

Today, our city is trying to rebuild what was destroyed in the fighting and the flooding. Hundreds are still homeless and hungry. People are still fearful and paranoid. It's going to take some time before any of us can say that life is truly back to normal but we're trying. With God's blessing, we will get there.

Mood Music: Hey World (Don't Give Up) by Michael Franti

Dazed.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:46:00 +0000

I was able to watch Man of Steel with my son last Monday and we both enjoyed it immensely. I'll try to write a review this weekend but obviously, aside from the movie itself, Henry Cavill, the new Superman, has left me dazed and drooling.

Dayum... He is GORGEOUS.

Mood Music: Sent Here for a Reason

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When it rains

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 08:09:00 +0000

Have I ever mentioned how much I love rainy days? I think it stems from having such good memories associated with it since childhood. Memories of playing under the rain with other neighborhood kids, and walking home from school with my friends, drenched and happy.

Rainy days also make me thoughtful and quiet. I have this favorite poem that kind of sums up the thoughts running through my head on this dark, rainy afternoon in Zamboanga.

When It Rains

by Ryan Kathman

Flintlock Spring 2000

"What reason weaves, by passion is undone." - Alexander Pope

We all pick our noses

And it's gross.

The key is,

To be spotted the least,

Rarely chided,

And often washed.

We say the things we wanted to say,

Ten minutes later, when we're in the car,

Pounding the steering wheel -

Like that'll help.

Unless the car is the Delorian from

"Back to the future"-

Which is unlikely.

We all wish we could trade lives with our pets

Once in a while.

Because sleeping where the sun hits best

And licking oneself in public

Are joys we will seldom know.

We weigh ourselves down

with the girth of our gods,

The depth of our demons,

And the mesmerizing and lonesome

Space of ceiling just above our beds.

We are not who we want to be

Nor who we hoped to be,

But we laugh out loud in empty rooms

And stare into the bathroom mirror,

To practice thanking the academy.

We are fickle, funny, and profoundly strange.

Accomplishing little, sacrificing less.

Aware of mortality, yet daring to be fat.

Desperately wanting to get over ourselves,

But secretly hoping for someone who never will.

And as I sit at this stoplight, in this classroom, in this restaurant,

With gentle rain crashing to the sidewalk outside,

Thinking of people, listening to people,

Watching stories brush by my face like a silent storm,

I realize I probably don't love my parents enough

And I have no idea why.

And I believe none of us has any idea what the hell we're doing here.

But we don't seem to go away. And we smile briefly at one another.

And we are all a little quieter when it rains.

Mood Music: Rainy Day, Dream Away by Jimi Hendrix

Imperfectly perfect at SEVEN

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 22:00:00 +0000

J and I are celebrating our seventh year of marriage today. We both can't help but be amazed at how the years seem to have whizzed by. :L

It hasn't been a picture perfect relationship but we have been able to take whatever life has thrown at us so far. We've been blessed with two beautiful kids and a love that has enabled us to stay committed to our marriage and to each other.

As I look at where we are now in our lives as a couple, lines from Ani DiFranco's song Imperfectly keeps playing in my head:

We get a little further from perfection
Each year on the road,
I guess that's what they call character,
I guess that's just the way it goes...

And I know that it's not all
It's made out to be
Let's show them how it's done
Let's do it all imperfectly.

We've gotten past the starry-eyed naiveté typical of newlyweds and have plunged headlong into a life where plans continue to change or fall apart, of expectations that haven't been or aren't met but which sometimes turn out for the better, and of dreams that we have sacrificed or are letting go of because we realize that life is no longer all about our individual selves.

But you know what's the best part of it all? It's knowing that it's better to go through all these ups and downs of marriage with my best friend by my side and believing that together we can take whatever else is going to come our way.

Happy Anniversary, Dadoo. I love you. <3

Mood Music: Imperfectly by Ani DiFranco

Told you so

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 26 May 2013 16:12:00 +0000

We caught Marvel's The Avengers on Star Movies this evening and, of course, we had to watch it again. This has become Jeolo's favorite non-animated movie since we first saw it last year when it was released that we even bought a copy off iTunes to keep on our iPads.

And though I'm a year too late, I just really need to say it: Mark Ruffalo turned out to be the best Hulk ever. I knew it!

Okay, gloating done. I can sleep now. :D

Mood Music: Hulk is Hulk by The Brunettes

Respect

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 25 May 2013 07:05:00 +0000

v.t. To consider worthy of esteem; to regard with honor.

n. Esteem; regard;consideration; honor

I've been thinking about this word a lot lately. People bandy it about so carelessly, expecting to receive it but never even pausing to wonder if they truly command it or deserve it.

Like in most Asian countries, the expression of respect is firmly rooted in the Filipino culture. We are expected to show and give respect to everyone around us but most especially to our elders, whether they be family, friends or acquaintances. It also applies to people in authority and to those who have accomplished much personally or professionally.

However, while I may be respectful towards others, it doesn't mean that I'll continue to respect someone who doesn't know how to give it back. It irritates me no end when people use their age or position in life to expect or demand respect when they behave like eight-year-old brats. It may be given to you freely at the beginning but to keep it, you have to earn it. Being older or being more influential doesn't give you a free ticket to belittle, demean or disregard what others have to say.

Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Listen and keep an open mind. Genuine respect for you will soon follow.

"Respect is a two-way street: if you want to get it, you've got to give it." - R. G. Risch

Mood Music: Everyday People by The Family Stone and Prince

Food galore

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 05 May 2013 17:08:00 +0000

Sorry, the whole Barretto family brouhaha has permanently etched the term "food galore" in my brain. xP

Anyway, I'd been yenning for buko pie from Carmela's, a local food shop, for weeks. Then last Thursday, while waiting for Jeolo to be done with his OT session, I got to chatting with J online. I told him about my craving and he managed to convince me to buy a few slices so I'd finally be satisfied. I've cut down on eating sweets the last two years that's why I held out for as long as I did.

Carmela's mini buko pie

Instead of buying a few slices, I bought the mini versions instead because one is quite enough to sate a person unless he or she really, REALLY loves buko pie. The reason why I like Carmela's pie compared to others I've tried such as Colette's is that the buko they use is consistently young, soft and juicy and the buko taste hasn't been overpowered by the rest of the filling. Speaking of the filling, it's moist and soft unlike some which tend to be rubbery. However, I find it to be a tad too sweet although people I know have disagreed with me on this. I guess it all boils down to taste and preference. I do wish their crust was a bit more flaky and golden but taste-wise, it had a slightly buttery, salty taste which played well with the buko and the filling.

Biko in a turon

While I was waiting for my pies to be boxed, I saw the turon that my cousin had recommended I try when I had the chance so I bought two. Instead of the usual slice of banana inside, Carmela's filled the turon up with biko and it was surprisingly good! I don't think I can manage eating more than two pieces of this at a time because of the sweetness but I would buy it again. And next time I'm going to pair it with a cup of hot green tea.

How about you? Is there any food that you've been craving for lately?

Mood Music: Coconut by Harry Nilsson

Officially Iron Man-ned

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 May 2013 22:00:00 +0000

Jeolo started begging me to bring him to watch Iron Man 3 the moment he saw the trailer aired on TV. And last Monday, the two of us went on a movie date with matching Iron Man power meals from McDonald's and two buckets of popcorn.

I loved this installment better than Iron Man 2 because Tony Stark has been made to spend less time in his Iron Man suit of armor (more RDJ goodness!). Instead, we get to see him on a more personal level as he is plagued by panic attacks as a result of that last battle in The Avengers, how he tries to figure out his place in life, and how he reacts when his early years come back to haunt him.

Shane Black also managed to bring Tony Stark's character back to the man he was before he and his metal suit began shooting down fighter planes out of the sky. I particularly enjoyed how he MacGyvered the arsenal he used to attack the Mandarin's headquarters.

Speaking of the Mandarin, Ben Kingsley was absolutely perfect for this role with his deadpan delivery and weird accent. The twist in the middle of the movie left me shaking my head and laughing at the sheer unexpectedness of it. I was also glad to see Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts doing more than just being the damsel in distress.

And, like all Marvel superhero movies, there was no shortage of eye-popping stunts and special effects as well as snappy one-liners to keep the humor going.

I asked a comic book geek friend of mine how he found the movie and he told me, comic book-wise, it was disappointing. But geeky nitpicking aside, the movie itself was pretty awesome in his opinion.

By the way, if you haven't watched the movie yet, be sure to wait until after the credits finish rolling because the traditional Marvel extra scene is there. I actually wasn't able to catch it because Jeolo wanted to pee but I was able to watch it online before it was taken down. Science Bros forever! ;)

Mood Music: Iron Man by Black Sabbath

We said "Cheese!"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 04 May 2013 09:27:00 +0000

It's been a week since we had our group photo shoot and I still get molar-to-molar smiles every time I look at our pictures. I had no idea how hard it is to be a model in a photo shoot, whew! I think we spent the first hour and a half just trying to loosen up to get rid of our awkward smiles and poses. None of us except Eisilane, who has worked as a local model since we were in high school, has ever had any camwhore-ish inclinations so you can just imagine how difficult it was for us. When we finally did start getting the hang of it, it also began to rain to we had to pack up early and go home.

Anyway, here are a few outtakes of our hilariously fun day together. And please humor us old fogeys. ;)

The "Queen's" transformation.

Olga getting her makeup and hair done then trying out Keith's wig.

Keith tried to get a close-up of my eyes but ended up snapping my big face.

In-between shots.

Eisilane's still doing the post processing for the photos that came out well and I'll share a couple once she sends them out to us. We also talked about planning another shoot in August. That should give us enough time to lose some weight and for Keith, our "queen", to minimize his sun exposure and get a little fairer skinned. I also think we'll be more at ease next time because we now have an idea what's expected of us.

All in all, it was a wonderful day spent eating, heckling and laughing at ourselves and at each other. There's nothing quite like the comfort of spending time with people who've seen you at your best and worst.

"Turns out not where but who you're with that really matters." - DMB

Mood Music: Best of What's Around by Dave Matthews Band

Strike a pose

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:09:00 +0000

Last Wednesday, I met up with three of my closest friends from high school. We discussed the group photo shoot we'll be having this Saturday over bowls of halo-halo and platters of pancit. Originally, the shoot was supposed to be for Keith alone with Eisilane as his makeup artist/stylist/photographer (she's our all-around artist). But since Olga and I couldn't bear to pass up on an opportunity to heckle the bakla to death, we said that we'd tag along. Eisilane's hubby then suggested that we turn it into a group thing with him doing the photog work instead.

I've never been the subject of a real photo shoot that's why I'm feeling a bit apprehensive. I don't want to end up looking like I tried too hard. However, knowing my friends, I know it's going to be a riot on Saturday. Plus I'll be getting an impromptu lesson on taking portraits from Elaine. :D

Anyway, I hope all goes well tomorrow. If it does, I'll try to post some of our behind-the-scenes photos next week. And if it doesn't, at least I'm sure we will have had lots of fun trying.

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Things I Love: Human Nature Natural Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 09:38:00 +0000

I am in love! After years and years of looking for the perfect shampoo and conditioner for my neither thistle-straight or sexily wavy, fine hair, the search is over at last.

My hair's new best friends are Human Nature's Natural Strengthening shampoo and conditioner.

Image from Human Nature

Why I LOVE them:

The shampoo cleanses my hair without leaving it feeling totally stripped down of its natural moisture.
Since they're both organic, they're free from SLS and SLES which is great for my health in general. The conditioner is also silicone- and dimethicone-free. These are the ingredients in regular conditioners that coat the hair to leave it shiny-looking and feeling smooth.
Both the shampoo and conditioner are very easy to rinse off and for someone who's obsessed about thoroughly rinsing out products from her hair, it's kismet.
Combined with the conditioner, my hair now feels so soft, light and almost totally frizz-free.
My hairfall problem has significantly decreased and my bathroom drain can attest to that.
My scalp doesn't itch anymore.
After a month's daily use, I can say my hair is at the healthiest it's been in years.
And they're so affordable at PhP 289.75 for a 500ml bottle of shampoo and PhP 299.75 for a 500 ml pump bottle of conditioner. Who said organic products were expensive?

Why others may not love them as much as I do:

The shampoo is thinner and runnier in consistency compared to the shampoos we buy from the supermarket. It took me about 3-4 uses before I figured out how much shampoo was enough to thoroughly cleanse my hair. It also doesn't produce a lot of foam since it's SLE/SLES-free so it takes a bit of getting used to.
The folks at HN describe the scent of these two products as "aloe vera-olive" and it doesn't really linger on your hair very long. I actually like it because it smells mild, fresh and different but again, if you're used to, or prefer, having your shampoo's (and conditioner's) scent last longer then you may not like it as much.

I've now gotten rid of the other hair cleaning and moisturizing products from my bathroom and only have these two and a tub of HN's hair mask. I love that Human Nature hasn't only made my hair healthier but has also helped me save money and cut down on the clutter. This is definitely going to be a long-term relationship. :L

Mood Music: You Had Me at Hello by A Day to Remember

Nine years after Before Sunset

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 07:41:00 +0000

I guess this means Jesse (Ethan Hawke) did miss his plane and stayed with Celine (Julie Delpy). :)

If, like me, you've followed Jesse and Celine's seemingly star-crossed relationship, I'm sure you're also eagerly awaiting to see how life has unfolded for these two. Are they as perfect for each other as we thought they'd be? Have they been able to keep their love and romance alive through the years? Do they still talk like they used to?

Unfortunately, we may have to wait a few more months to find out the answers because there doesn't seem to be a release date for Asia yet. :(

And Ethan Hawke has not aged well, tsk, tsk.

Mood Music: This is Life by Kathy McCarty

Holy Week

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:25:00 +0000

When I was young, Holy Week in our house meant less TV time, no loud music, no boisterous laughter and no rambunctious playing with friends beginning on Holy Monday until Black Saturday. On Good Friday, we would watch videos of Spartacus, King of Kings and The Ten Commandments before going to watch the Santo Entierro procession in the afternoon. At dawn on Easter Sunday, we would go to the church plaza for the reenactment of the imagined reunion of Christ with his mother Mary after His resurrection. Our family was never big on doing the Visita Iglesia because my father never really did understand the point of it.

When I got older, I still preferred to observe Holy Week pretty much the way we did back then except that I did Bible readings on my own as well as meditated and reflected about my life and my relationship with God and the people around me. And it's still what I do today.

I guess each family and each person has their own way of observing Holy Week. Whether we fast, flog ourselves, go on a vacation, do the Visita Iglesia/Stations of the Cross, let's not forget what this week is really about. For me it's about remembering and understanding Jesus' unconditional love and great sacrifice for us as well as it being an opportunity to personally take a good hard look at myself and see if I'm the person He intended me to be. The answer, of course, is that I'm not but I will continue trying to be.

Mood Music: Amazing Grace by Hayley Westenra

One more try

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 02:28:00 +0000

Nope, this isn't an extremely belated review of that MMFF movie last December.

I haven't been very active on my social sites for a couple of months now. What can I say? Life keeps happening and my activities online had to take a backseat. But lately, I've been missing it a lot. I miss making kulitan with my Plurk/Twitter/blog friends. And I miss having an outlet for what's going on inside my head (read: rant, hehe).

So here I am trying to take another stab at blogging more frequently. ;)

Mood Music: Better Things by The Kinks

To the man I'm growing old with

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:00:00 +0000

It's my husbo's birthday today. Unfortunately, we have to spend it apart again this year. It makes me sad but I want to make an effort and celebrate him. I usually try to avoid public displays of affection but I decided to break the rule and have a go at it.

Hey, Sweetie.

It's your birthday but I feel that I'm the one who's received the best gift ever. YOU.

In the 6 years that we've been together (ten if we count the roller-coaster years), I have come to see, appreciate and experience the kind of person that you are. And I'd like to highlight 36 of the countless wonderful reasons why I love you beyond measure and beyond time.

You love me unconditionally.
You have the cutest dimples.
You love your parents.
You love my parents.
You are very forgiving.
You're a whole lot nicer than I am and it balances things out perfectly.
You think I'm hot whether I'm a size 6 or a size 12.
You have a smile that lights up a room.
You're always willing to help people.
You work hard.
Despite what some may say, it doesn't bother you to do the laundry for us.
You always smell absolutely delicious.
You're generous to a fault.
You change diapers.
Your innate sweetness has been passed on to our boys. I'm sooooo lucky!
You're confident.
You have the kind of street smarts that I wish I possessed.
You're willing to reflect and learn from your mistakes.
You make me laugh harder than anyone can.
You hold me tight when I cry.
You're not too proud to say you're sorry.
You supported me, and have kept supporting me, through periods of growth and discovery even when you weren't sure of the outcome.
You are sexy. ;D
You have the patience of a saint not only with me but also with our boys.
Even when people sometimes try to take advantage of you, you don't allow it to embitter you.
You may not be one for planning grand surprises but you still manage to surprise me anyway.
You actually listen to me.
You're a great friend. I hope your friends realize how blessed they are.
You cook me my favorite dishes.
You've started making your health a top priority.
You keep proving to me that I married the right man without even trying.
You're man enough to admit that you enjoy watching teleseryes, hehe.
You take care of us.
You make the kids and I feel safe.
You are an exemplary son and brother.
You love the Lord.

You're my heart and soul. My rock. The one I choose not to live without because you make my life better by just being in it.

May the Lord continue to guide you, take care of you, bless you with wisdom, courage, strength and at least 5 more decades of a wonderful life with us. I love you.

Mood Music: Grow Old With Me by John Lennon

An iPad app for blogging

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 07:18:00 +0000

I admit it: owning an iPad has been a major contributing factor to my blogging so much lesser than I used to. It has made me too lazy to turn on my laptop and using the iPad for typing out a blog post is quite bothersome.

However, with my renewed conviction to blog a lot more regularly again, I knew I had to learn how to adjust to using my iPad for churning out my posts. I'm still considering if I should get a keyboard but, in the meantime, I needed an app to help make things easier for me. After a bit of research, I downloaded the Blogsy app and here I am trying it out. The reviews for the app are pretty good so I'm hoping that this will be the solution to my blogging funk/laziness.

Will let you know how it goes. :)

Mood Music: Alive by Goldfrapp

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No day like today

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 13:31:00 +0000

While attending the wake of my FIL last week, I had the chance to observe how members of the family, as well as those who came to pay their respects, dealt with Papa's passing and realized that these last rites are more about the living than the dead.

Yes, wakes are organized to honor the person who passed on but I now see it more as an opportunity for family and friends to have a venue to grieve, to reminisce, to comfort each other for their loss. For some, it's a way of trying to make up for any perceived shortcomings they may have had towards the deceased in order to help ease the burden of their guilt.

Having witnessed all that has made me resolve to do my best to show the people I care about how much I love them and value them while they're still alive. We may fight, disagree and hurt each other sometimes but I want them to know, in no uncertain terms, that they are loved and respected.

I need to make every day count.

Mood Music: An Original Man by The Yardbirds

Until we meet again

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 08:51:00 +0000

"All Is Well" by Henry Scott Holland

We all knew that Papa's time with us was limited once he was diagnosed with stage 3 liver cancer last February but none of us were prepared to suddenly lose him without warning last Sunday, September 23. He actually "survived" until Tuesday but it was only through the aid of medications and a ventilator but the husbo and I knew he wasn't really there anymore. The family just needed Papa to hold on until J arrived from overseas so he could say his goodbye.

For the seven years that I was blessed to know Papa, I saw a man who loved his family above everyone and everything else except God. I never saw him angry nor heard him say anything bad about anyone. He was jolly, quirky, makulit, generous and kindhearted. He loved food. He never stopped dreaming. And his faith in our Lord never wavered.

I am crying as I'm writing this. I'm crying for the loss of someone I came to love dearly and to respect immensely. I'm crying for my husband who has lost his wonderful, loving father; for my mother-in-law who has lost her love and lifetime partner; for my boys who will never truly know one of the men I would've wanted them to emulate when they grow up, and whose love would've helped shelter, strengthen and comfort them through life.

To borrow words from Jimi Hendrix's The Story of Life:

The story of life
is quicker than
the wink of an eye,
The story of love
is hello and goodbye,
Until we meet again.

See you on the other side, Papa. We love you. <3

Mood Music: The End of the End by Paul McCartney

His second name is "Sugar"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 01:05:00 +0000

Yesterday morning when I brought Jeolo to school, his K1 teacher told me of what happened in her class the day before.

The kids' break time had just finished but most of them refused to settle down even after she repeatedly asked them to go back to their seats. The boys were especially rowdy while the girls chatted with their friends. She suddenly felt a bit overwhelmed and sat down on her desk while staring at her class. Jeolo stood up and approached her.

J: "Teacher Rica, what's wrong?"
TR: "I want to go home, Jeolo."
J: "Why, Teacher Rica?"
TR: "Because I have a headache."
J: "I'll give you a hug."

And he went and gave her a hug. Then, Jeolo asked:

"Tighter?"

She said she couldn't help but laugh and be touched. :)

I have the sweetest and most sensitive little boy. I'm very blessed. <3

Reawakening

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:46:00 +0000

My blog has lain dormant for some time now. I've tried posting occasionally but I couldn't find the inspiration to sustain it. Anyway, here's another attempt and I'm hoping that I'll be able to keep it up this time.

Where do I start? Well, you must have gathered from reading my last few posts that I was pretty furious at someone. All I can say about that is that you're very lucky if you've been blessed not only with a wonderful husband but also with siblings-in-law who don't resent you. I have not been as fortunate and although it saddens me, I've also decided that I will move on from it. I will not waste my time trying to get along with an almost middle-aged brat.

Moving on, I'm busy getting ready for my boys' birthdays this coming week. We'd originally planned to have a major kiddie party for both of them but an unexpected incident happened, which I'll blog about separately, that made it very impractical for us to push through with our initial plans. Instead, I'll be preparing a simple spread for Jeolo here at home with only our family in attendance then a small thanksgiving lunch with close friends and family for Liam's first birthday.

I also recently took the IELTS again after 10 years and passed it with flying colors, hehe. An opportunity has come up and I'm hoping that it's finally the one I've been waiting for for so long. While the majority of my nursing colleagues have always dreamt of finding, and many have found, their greener pastures in the USA, my dream since I was in sixth grade has been to migrate to the Land Down Under. Maybe I should just click my ruby slippers instead.

Wait.. where the heck are my ruby slippers anyway? :d

Mood Music: Get Up Offa That Thing by James Brown