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Slow Dance

Saturday, January 31, 2009 / 6:43 PM

SLOW DANCE

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last

Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask "How are you?"
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?

You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last

Ever told your child
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say "Hi"?

You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there
When you worry and hurry through your day
It is like an unopened gift...
Thrown away

Life is not a race
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over

Labels: life, poems

1 comments

Good Luck Chuck

Friday, January 30, 2009 / 7:27 AM

"If you love something,
Sometimes you just wanna be surrounded by it."

Labels: movies

0 comments

Heartbeat

Thursday, January 29, 2009 / 4:25 PM

Today, I went to see my ob-gyne for a follow-up ultrasound. Sadly, B wasn't able to go with me because he had three meetings that day that he can't cancel. Instead, B asked his little brother, Shaun to take me to the doctor in his place. As I laid on the examination bed, I can't help but feel anxious. I was used to having B by my side whenever I visit my ob-gyne. But today I was all by myself. I noticed that the stirrups are dressed up in pink mittens. But despite how much they try to disguise the stirrups in pink cloth, it still made me feel very uncomfortable and savage. The ultrasound revealed a tiny embryo with a constant heartbeat. I was so happy and relieved to know that my baby is thriving. :)

Labels: hospitals, pregnancy, reflections

2 comments

Elizabeth : The Golden Age

Wednesday, January 28, 2009 / 6:28 PM

Because I had nothing better to do, I decided to start a DVD marathon.
I have never loved our home theater more than now. :)

"When the storm breaks, each man acts in accordance with his own nature.
Some are dumb with terror. Some flee. Some hide.
And some spread their wings like eagles and soar on the wind."

Labels: movies

1 comments

Bedridden

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 / 3:10 AM

It is as if my entire life was put on hold.

BEDRIDDEN

Because I am in risk of having a miscarriage, I was ordered by my ob-gyne to have complete bedrest for the first trimester of my pregnancy. To some people, the idea of having to sleep in and stay at home is pure heaven. But for someone who loves going out and seeing the world like me, it is sad and depressing. For days and days, I have obediently stayed in bed the entire day. I watch the sun rise into a glorious morning and the set into a mysterious eve. Time seems to move ever so slowly. Sleep seems to evade me. I eat, sleep, read, write, and surf the net in my bed. It is as if my entire life is put on hold. I wonder how much longer I can do this. But the truth is I have no choice.

Labels: home, pregnancy, reflections

6 comments

The Year of the Ox

Monday, January 26, 2009 / 2:00 AM

I'D LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A PROSPEROUS CHINESE NEW YEAR!

LET US ALL WELCOME THE YEAR OF THE OX! :)

THIS YEAR IS A SIGNIFICANT ONE TO ME.
AS I AM EXPECTING A BABY OX IN SEPTEMBER. :)

Labels: New Year, pregnancy

0 comments

Friends... They Wished Me Well

Sunday, January 25, 2009 / 6:11 AM

To be confined for two nights and two days in a small hospital room is truly very depressing for me. The days seem so long and I can hardly sleep at night. I really feel like the walls are closing in on me and that I might really go crazy if I would have to stay for a few more days. Thankfully, I have dear friends who visited me and kept me sane. I feel blessed to be surrounded by friends at the lowest point in my life. :)

THROUGH THE GOOD TIMES AND THE BAD...

Eileen brought me bland potato crackers that is really meant for sick people. The crackers may be boring but the company of my curly-haired friend was fun. Kate brought me yummy cream puffs from Conti's that B and I gobbled up all night. I needed the sugar to keep myself from further depression. I was also surprised to be visited by Pam, Val, and Levin just before the visiting hours of the night ended. Though I was the first in the group to go through marriage and pregnancy, it amazes me how they can give me the best advice and support. THANK YOU, GIRLS! :)

Labels: friends, hospitals, pregnancy

3 comments

First Peek

Saturday, January 24, 2009 / 6:01 PM

I was scheduled for a TV ultrasound first thing in the morning.
The ultrasound revealed a tiny sac in my womb.

GESTATIONAL SAC

Despite the hurdle, my little baby is strong and thriving.

I am 5 weeks pregnant and my baby is safe and sound. :)

Labels: hospitals, pregnancy

5 comments

A Mother's Touch

Friday, January 23, 2009 / 6:53 PM

B stayed with me all night. He slept in the hard and uncomfortable cot beside me. I constantly woke him up to help me when I was thirsty or when I had to pee. Since I wasn't allowed to stand up, I have to do everything in bed. I felt ashamed when B had to assist me with my needs. But I was already too weak to care. All I can think about is my mom. She is the one person in this world who I need so much right now. The one woman in this world who I feel very comfortable with. She knows me in ways that B will never know me. She knows the way to handle and take care of me. She can see through me... She knows me so well that I don't have to say what I feel. It's not that B wasn't good enough. I just miss a mother's touch. It's so special... irreplaceable and incomparable. I miss you so much, Mommy. How did it ever happen that you and I are now ocean's away?

Labels: hospitals, Mommy, pregnancy, reflections

3 comments

I Almost Lost It...

Thursday, January 22, 2009 / 7:20 AM

It happened on a Thursday night at Gymboree. I was assisting a mom who wanted to re-enroll her child when I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen... followed by a gush of fluid. I excused myself and I walked to the ladies room. I pulled down my panties... I was shocked and scared when I saw blood. For a moment, I didn't know what to think. I didn't know what to do. I called B right away and told him what happened. He immediately left work and asked me to wait for him. But the drive from Sta. Rosa to Manila is roughly 1.5 hours. It's too long. I couldn't just sit down and wait till I lose everything. I have to save my baby before it's too late. The pain was already gone but I was still spotting. I have to go to the hospital and I have to go NOW. I've made my decision and no one can stop me. Despite my condition, I forced myself to drive to the nearest hospital.

I walked in alone in the Emergency Room of the Cardinal Santos Medical Center. I spoke to a nurse and I was immediately wheeled to the Delivery Room. In the long and quiet hallway of the hospital, I saw three familiar faces. As they moved closer to me, I recognized my father-in-law, mother-in-law, and Shaun, our dear little brother. They walked beside me and gave me support while B wasn't there yet. But when we reached the Delivery Room, they were asked to wait outside.

ISOXILAN IV

In the Delivery Room, I was being impatient and uncooperative when the nurses asked me questions about my blood type and allergies. I had only one question and I needed an answer right away before I lose my consciousness. The door opened and B rushed beside me. A worried look on his face. I felt relieved when I saw my husband depsite the quarrel we had over the phone. Shortly, the resident doctor came inside my room and performed an internal examination. After the examination, the doctor was only able to tell us two things. First, I had a "threatened abortion" which means I almost had a miscarriage. Second, she has no way to tell if my baby is safe because there is no longer a sonologist to operate the ultrasound at that time of the night. To protect the baby and stop my bleeding, I was given Isoxilan via IV. Then I was wheeled to my hospital room. I was ordered to have complete bed rest. I was not allowed to walk or even sit up at all.

Labels: accidents, hospitals, pregnancy, reflections

6 comments

When It Was Only The Two of Us...

Wednesday, January 21, 2009 / 1:22 AM

When it was only the two of us...

VANCOUVER LIBRARY

ROBSON, VANCOUVER

BURNABY CHRISTMAS MUSEUM

DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER

SOPHIE'S 1ST BIRTHDAY

Somehow, I feel sad when I think of how fast, short, and momental the time I solely spent with Sophie was. Come September, I know that I will be busy with our newborn baby and I will have less time for Sophie. In some magical way, Sophie instinctively knows that Mommy is pregnant again... that a baby is now nourishing inside Mommy's womb where she used to be. It is no wonder that Sophie has been displaying a very possessive behavior over me for the past few days. She would wake up in the middle of the night and cry MAMA. She refuses to sleep in her crib and demands to snuggle close beside me. She would fuss and cry whenever B and I would share a morning hug. She would also grumble and cry whenever I carry one of the babies at Gymboree. She worries that she would no longer be Mommy's one and only. But Sophie's doesn't have to worry. Little does she know that no one can ever take her place in Mommy's heart. She may no longer be Mommy's one and only. But she will forever be Mommy's one and only Sophie Belle. :)

Labels: family, pregnancy, reflections, Sophie

3 comments

Shabu-Shabu at Green Maris

Tuesday, January 20, 2009 / 6:24 PM

To celebrate the good news of my pregnancy
B and I had a shabu-shabu dinner at Green Maris. :)

SAUCE & SPICES

The cold weather was just perfect for shabu-shabu. B was the designated cook that night coz I was too lazy to cook. I sat in the couch like a pampered pregnant wife while B threw in the fresh meat and seafood in the boiling pot. When the slices of meat, seafood, and balls rose from the pot, B quickly filled my bowl. Before I knew it, my bowl was already overflowing. When I was about to object, B claimed that I am already eating for two. B also gave me a lot of green vegetables and mushrooms. Even if I hated vegetables, I forced myself to eat stalks and stalks of pechays and cabbages for B and our little baby. When we finished, our tummies were so full we can hardly walk to the car. It was such a fulfilling dinner. If I continue to eat like this, I would turn into a whale in no time. :)

* * * * *
GREEN MARIS
GREENHILLS

Labels: Chinese cuisine, pregnancy, restaurants

2 comments

Positively Pregnant

/ 12:14 AM

Just when I was only starting to enjoy my 4" high Aldo shoes,

I found out that I am bound to wear flats for the entire year because...

WE ARE HAVING A NEW BABY! :)

POSITIVE

I missed my period this January. When I was already one week late, I bought a PT at the drugstore. It was only this morning that I had the courage to do the test. I locked myself in the bathroom while B patiently waited for me in our bedroom. A few drops of urine produced two visible purple lines in the PT. I was positively pregnant. I didn't know what to feel. I didn't really plan for this pregnancy though I knew that I took a break from the pills. B hurried beside me as I pulled open our bathroom door. When he saw the two purple lines, he was ecstatic. It's been a long time since I've seen him so happy and excited. He held me in his strong arms and all my worries went away. I know that this will be another long journey. But everything will be alright because B will always be by my side. We looked at each other. Our eyes glowing with excitement and anticipation. We have been blessed once again. We are having our second baby. :)

Labels: family, pregnancy, reflections

11 comments

Conti's

Monday, January 19, 2009 / 12:11 AM

Last Friday, I had dinner with my girlfriends at Conti's.
While the company was good, the food wasn't that good. :(

BAKED PRAWNS

This has been my favorite but I was disappointed this time.
Beneath the cheesy layer, I discovered that the prawn was still raw.
Even if they cooked it for me again, I already lost my appetite. :(

TIRAMISU

I was hoping for the perfect dessert.
But the slice of Tiramisu was so soggy.

I've always enjoyed dining at Conti's. In fact, it is one of my favorite pastry shops.
I wonder what happened to its food and service. I've never been this disappointed. :(

* * * * *
CONTI'S PASTRY SHOP & RESTAURANT
CONNECTICUT, GREENHILLS

Labels: cakes, restaurants, Western cuisine

2 comments

Starbucks 2009 Planner

Sunday, January 18, 2009 / 7:28 AM

The long wait is over.

I finally got my Starbucks 2009 Planner.
Luckily, I got the color I wanted. Passionate Red.

PS. I've always been the diary/journal kind of girl. :)

Labels: cafes, collections

6 comments

Bangkok Dangerous

Saturday, January 17, 2009 / 10:27 PM

1. Don't ask questions.
2. Don't take an interest in people outside of work.
3. Erase every trace.
4. Know when it's time to get out.

Labels: movies

0 comments

One Bitchy Mommy

Friday, January 16, 2009 / 6:20 AM

Something happened yesterday. I had an encounter with one bitchy mommy at Gymboree. Pleasantly greeting her and assisting her with her needs, she talked to me like as if I was a completely nobody. She raised her voice when I only wanted to clarify some details. She acted as if she was so rich she can buy the entire world and step on everyone else. When in fact, she is so poor with no morals at all. Not even her LV bag can redeem herself. I had actually seen her before. She had looked at me from head to toe, probably sizing me up. But I chose to ignore the incident. It's sad and pathetic how customers are always right even when they're wrong. But what can I do when I am only a teacher?

Labels: Gymboree, reflections

7 comments

The Invisible

Thursday, January 15, 2009 / 5:50 AM

"Day burns down to night

Burns the edge of my soul
In the night, I break into sparks of suns
And become fires in a dust of bones
Night knifes my breath
Swallows whole my tongue
Turn back, reverse return
In the night I see the real
Concealed in the day's bright lie
Eyes stitched shut
White teeth smile
Sleep walks and talks
And feet mark time of day."

Labels: movies

0 comments

BRAG

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 / 12:14 AM

MEET MY KINKY BAG

BRAG

Bras have always been an investment to me. I'd rather buy an expensive bra that promises me comfort and style than a cheap bra that would probably be buried at the very bottom of my lingerie drawer. My biggest worry is keeping my expensive bras in perfect form and shape whenever I have to pack them in my luggage for trips abroad. No matter how carefully I pack them, my bras always get a little stressed and deformed after crossing timezones in an overstuffed luggage. For years, I have been confronted with this bra problem and I've never stop searching for a lingerie bag that will serve to keep and protect my bras. And so, I am very happy and ecstatic when I finally found the perfect brag (bra bag)! The bag itself is made of a hard metallic material that fits the contours of the bra. Though it is made of some metallic material, the bag is surprisingly light. Most of all, it comes in kinky colors and designs that makes it so pretty and sexy. :)

Labels: bags, lingeries

8 comments

Benjamin Button

Tuesday, January 13, 2009 / 1:03 AM

Like the ornate clock that runs counterclockwise,
The story of Benjamin Button is sadly beautiful.
It dazzled me. It swept me off my feet.
It touched my heart and soul.

"We're meant to lose the people we love.
How else are we supposed to know how important they are?"

"You can be as mad as a mad dog at the way things went.
You can swear and curse fate but when it comes to the end,
you have to let go."

Labels: movies

2 comments

To Have and To Hold

Monday, January 12, 2009 / 1:04 AM

Sometimes, I wonder why some people are cruel and selfish
Are they naturally cruel? Born to be selfish?
I've always believed that all people are innately good
Somehow, I realized that I was, again, being so innocent and naive
In this world, there really are people who will trample on you
Pull you down to lift themselves up
Create lies and even look you straight in the eye
Stab you at your back just when you thought you can trust them

But no matter how rough the road is
It's good to know that at the end of the day...

We have each other... to have and to hold.

Labels: Brian and Sab, reflections

4 comments

Bridge To Terabithia

Sunday, January 11, 2009 / 1:17 AM

"Just close your eyes.
But keep your mind wide open."

Labels: movies

2 comments

Happy Birthday Kate!

Saturday, January 10, 2009 / 2:48 AM

SAB & KATE

Sometimes, I wonder why good friends suddenly grow apart.
Is it the choices we made that brought us apart?
Is it the paths we chose that led us apart?
Is it who we became that made us strangers now?

Even if this gap remains unbridged, I still care for you.
HAPPY 26TH BIRTHDAY, KATE!

Labels: birthdays, friends

1 comments

Perfect Stranger

Friday, January 9, 2009 / 5:45 AM

"It starts with a quiet hum

An empty screen inviting you
'Come inside' it says, 'We're always open'
It's a world you think, where actions have no consequence
Where guilt is cloaked by anonymity
Where there are no fingerprints
An invisible universe filled with strangers
Interconnected online and disconnected in life
It will steal your secrets
Corrupt your dreams and co-opt your identity
Because in this world, where you can be anyone you want
You just might lose sight of who you are."

Labels: movies

0 comments

Daddy Doodles

Thursday, January 8, 2009 / 1:18 AM

I DON'T BELIEVE THIS!
B CAN ACTUALLY DRAW?!

SOPHIE'S DRAWING PAD

When Sophie asked her Daddy to draw her a doggie, I was really about to laugh.
But when B sketched a dog with no sweat, I was shocked and shamed.
I used to think that I was the more artistic one between the two of us. :(

Labels: arts and crafts, Brian, Sophie

4 comments

License To Wed

Wednesday, January 7, 2009 / 1:28 AM

"You don't always say the right things or do the right things
But I know that you would jump through a hoop of fire for me."

Labels: movies

5 comments

Christmas Closet

Tuesday, January 6, 2009 / 3:01 AM

CHRISTMAS CLOSET

Though I never want the Christmas season to end,
It was time to pack away the decors in our Christmas Closet. :)

Labels: Christmas, home

2 comments

Tarzan

Monday, January 5, 2009 / 5:16 AM

YOU'LL BE IN MY HEART
Phil Collins

Come stop your crying
It will be all right
Just take my hand
Hold it tight
I will protect you
Fom all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry

For one so small
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you
Keep you safe and warm
This bond between us
Can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry

And you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be here in my heart
Always

Why cant they understand
The way we feel
They just don't trust
What they cant explain
I know we're different
But deep inside us
We're not that different at all

Labels: cartoons, movies, songs

4 comments

Murray's New Orleans

Sunday, January 4, 2009 / 5:02 AM

MURRAY'S NEW ORLEANS

CLAMS & MUSSELS LINGUINI

Clams and mussels cooked with olive oil and white wine.
Cooked and served on cast-iron pan.

Chriselle and I had lunch at Murray's New Orleans. Enjoying the cool breeze of early January, we decided to eat at the al fresco area of this seafood restaurant. Looking at the menu, I was eager to try something new. Sadly, I was informed that the Steak with Crabmeat Roulade that I wanted to order is not available. Did they just ran out of beef or crabmeat? So I settled for their Clams and Mussels Linguini instead. When I ordered for fresh lemonade, I was again informed that it is not available. So, I ordered a glass of kiwi juice instead. Is it just me or this restaurant is operating with a half-empty kitchen?

* * * * *
MURRAY'S NEW ORLEANS
BONIFACIO HIGH STREET, TAGUIG

Labels: restaurants, Western cuisine

3 comments

Strolling at High Street

Saturday, January 3, 2009 / 8:08 PM

I met up with an old friend last Friday.
We had lunch the al fresco way and strolled around the park. :)

SAB & CHRISELLE

Chriselle and I practically grew up together.
I've known her since kindergarten. :)

CHRISELLE, SOPHIE AND SAB

Strolled and met a NASA astronaut.
Stopped and took a photo before he goes to outer space!

TILL WE SEE EACH OTHER AGAIN! :)

Labels: friends, parks

5 comments

Fire Lake Grill

Friday, January 2, 2009 / 12:25 PM

B and I made reservations at the Fire Lake Grill in Tagaytay.
A fine dining restaurant at the view deck of the Cliffhouse.

FIRE LAKE GRILL

Built like a glasshouse , Fire Lake Grill offers a perfect view of Taal.
It is a romantic place to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner. :)

HERB-GRILLED CHILEAN SEA BASS

Chilean sea bass on a bed of beans and potatoes.
Served with sauteed haricot vert and bacon and citric vinaigrette.

Fire Lake Grill is recommended to us by food enthusiast, Fran. :)

* * * * *
FIRE LAKE GRILL
CLIFFHOUSE, TAGAYTAY

Labels: Continental cuisine, restaurants, Tagaytay

3 comments

Cliffhouse at Tagaytay

Thursday, January 1, 2009 / 6:10 PM

On New Year's day, my family and friends went to Tagaytay.

It was a day of enjoying good food and chilling in the cozy weather
While enjoying the warm company of friends and family. :)