* . . Memoirs of A Young Bride . . *
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Classic & Antique
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 / 12:03 AM

I just wanna share this photo B took of me... while he was still here.


Get this... I am not fond of automotive and car engines.
But I love going out and capturing beautiful things that I see.
Nothing in particular... just whatever catches my fancy. :)

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Cruel Summer
Monday, June 29, 2009 / 3:29 AM

It sure felt more like summer when you were still here...
But I shouldn't pine about you all summer long.


CRUEL SUMMER
Ace of Base

Hot summer streets and the pavements are burning
I sit around trying to smile but the air is so heavy and dry
Strange voices are saying things I can't understand
It's too close to comfort, this heat has got right out of hand

It's a cruel cruel summer... Leaving me here on my own
It's a cruel cruel summer... Now you're gone
You're not the only one... It's a cruel summer

The city is crowded, my friends are away, and I'm on my own
It's too hot to handle, so I gotta get up and go, and go

It's a cruel cruel summer... Leaving me here on my own
It's a cruel cruel summer... Now you're gone
You're not the only one... It's a cruel summer

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It's Officially Summer!
Sunday, June 28, 2009 / 1:42 PM

IT'S OFFICIALLY SUMMER!

The 21st of June marked the first day of summer.
The warmest season of the year.


Sophie is excited to play with her pail and shovel set.
To Sophie, summer is a time to play under the sun. :)


Up and down... Sky and ground...
Sophie and Kimi balancing on a sea-saw.


Just keep raking, raking, and raking...
Sophie raking the pebbles and putting them on her little red pail.


Sophie and Kimi collecting conifers in their pails.
Guess who's got the most conifers?


Even the dogs come out and play on such a warm sunny day.


Somehow, I can't believe that I've been here long enough to see another season come.
Winter, spring, summer, and fall... How much more longer till I can go home?


* * * * *
RICHMOND PARK
BURNABY, BC
CANADA

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Forgiveness
Saturday, June 27, 2009 / 1:07 AM


"Forgiveness is the scent that a rose leaves on the heel that crushes it."

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28 Weeks
Friday, June 26, 2009 / 12:02 AM

I am now 28 weeks pregnant and I've just started on the third and last trimester of my pregnancy. The thing is I am expecting to feel like a bigger whopping whale by now... But for some odd reason, I feel like my tummy has gotten smaller and lower. How could that be? B claimed that it is because I haven't been eating well since he left. Maybe he's right... But one thing I can really tell is that my tummy got a little more sharper and pointed especially when I look at my side. My mom said the same thing and so did a nice stranger I met at the grocery. The pregnant figure I now have is not the same as when I was pregnant with Sophie. Baby B has been very active and naughty inside my tummy. Sometimes, the movements are so erratic that I feel like Baby B isn't just kicking and stretching inside but making cartwheels and somersaults. How awesome is that? On my prenatal check-up last Monday, Dr. Ross located and let me feel Baby B's head which is laying at the right side of my tummy. I also got to hear Baby B's heart which is beating at the rate of 144 bpm. Dr. Ross said that she is expecting Baby B to drop head down by next month. I was also given a maternity registration form to submit to the Burnaby Hospital. I'm slowly getting there... Am I? Just a few more months... I really can't wait to hold and cradle Baby B in my arms.

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Shattered
Thursday, June 25, 2009 / 12:05 AM

I'm looking through broken glass... My vision obscured.


Some things takes years to build and seconds to shatter
Even if you glue the pieces together... Will it still be the same?

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To Sophie's Papa...
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 / 5:14 AM


Do you know just how much Papa loves you?
You've got him wrapped around your little finger. :)

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

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To The First Man in My Life...
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 / 1:16 AM

To the first man in my life...


I REMEMBER

I remember the times when I was little and you carried me in your arms

I remember the times you taught me how to swim in the kiddie pool

I remember the times when you picked me up from school and carried my bag

I remember the times you knocked on my door after I locked myself in my room

...Crying my heart out over some boy who broke my heart

I remember that summer you finally taught me how to drive a car

I remember the times I didn't listen to you and wish I had listen to you

I remember the times I was lost and you reminded me to pray and have faith

I remember the bittersweet moment when you walked me down the aisle

And gave my hand to the man who promised to love me forever.

* * *

I remember a lot of things but one thing I can't remember

...is a time when you weren't there for me.


HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!!

I love you, Daddy.
Can you keep me as your li'l girl forever?

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Morose
Monday, June 22, 2009 / 2:16 AM

And then you left... Just like that.


Life is not a path of beautiful roses.
I'm broken and shattered beyond repair.

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Ebisu
Sunday, June 21, 2009 / 1:07 AM

We had our last date in Downtown Vancouver hours before B took the plane to Manila.
It was a beautiful sunny day with cool winds blowing... as I remember it to be.

EBISU

We had lunch at a Japanese lounge and bar along the busy street of Robson.
We sat on a cozy booth with a good view of the blossoming trees from the tall windows.

BENTO BOAT

B and I each had our bento boat with our favorite Japanese foods riding by it.
Ebi tempura, salmon and unagi teriyaki, California makis, and miso soup :)


* * * * *
EBISU
VANCOUVER, BC
CANADA

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When Mommy Cooks...
Saturday, June 20, 2009 / 2:02 AM

Mommy cooked a very delicious dinner for the family on B's last night in Vancouver.
There's always something about Mommy's cooking that is simply heart-warming.

FISH BALL SOUP

Fish balls and vegetables boiled in clear soup

ROAST PORK

Cantonese style roast pork... B's all-time favorite :)

BAKED LOBSTERS

Oven-baked baby lobsters topped with mozzarella... My favorite :)

I realize that the best comfort foods can't be found in any restaurants.
I don't have to look very far... It's right in Mommy's kitchen. :)


THANK YOU MOMMY!

I know we don't say it often enough but...
B and I truly appreciate everything you've done for us!

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No. 1 Noodle House
Friday, June 19, 2009 / 12:36 AM

When B was still here, we had the chance to meet up with Anne, Hans, and Ron.
We had dinner at a very popular noodle house around our neighborhood. :)

NO. 1 BEEF NOODLE

This noodle house is the place to be when I'm craving for noodle soups and bubble teas.
I'm always surprised at how crowded this little noodle house is even on weekdays. :)

HOT & SOUR NOODLE SOUP

It was a hot summer day and I didn't know why I was craving for this sour soup.
I finished this delicious bowl with beads of perspiration on my forehead. :)

NOODLE SOUP & PORK CHOPS

B had his bowl of noodle soup with deep fried pork chops.
The mild noodle soup is a good complement to the salty pork chops. :)


We refuse to be treated but you made it hard for us to say no.

THANK YOU HANS & ANNE!

It was really great to see you all again after all these years.
I'm also glad that Sophie finally got to meet Kayla! :)


* * * * *
NO. 1 BEEF NOODLE
BURNABY, BC
CANADA

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Tropika
Thursday, June 18, 2009 / 12:14 AM

A few days before B flied back to Manila, Karl and Mel took us out for dinner.
We had an exotic and traditional Malaysian & Thai dinner at TROPIKA. :)

TROPIKA

TROPIKA is Vancouver's most popular and unrivaled Asian restaurant.
It has been serving traditional Malaysian & Thai cuisine for over 20 years.

ROTI CANAI

Fluffy on the inside and crispy and flaky on the outside
Served with a mildly spicy curry sauce for dipping
It has always been my favorite Malaysian food :)

THAI PRAWN CAKE

Prawn patties freshly-made from minced prawns
Battered, deep-fried, and served with sweet chili sauce

SATAYS

A very popular street vendor food in Malaysia and Indonesia
Skewered beef, lamb, pork and chicken grilled on charcoal fire

SAMBAL CLAMS

Fresh Manila clams cooked in sweet and spicy sambal sauce
How I loved the sambal sauce over my bowl of plain rice! :)

After we finished all the entries, we shared a plate of Goreng Pisang for dessert.
Battered and deep-friend banana sprinkled with cinnamon and served with ice cream.
I absolutely love the authentic Asian food in Tropika and I will definitely go back again! :)


THANK YOU KARL & MELISSA!

Our turn to treat you when you're visiting Manila.
Already listing down the good and must-try restos in Manila. :)


* * * * *
TROPIKA
RICHMOND, BC
CANADA

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Gyros House
Wednesday, June 17, 2009 / 2:50 PM

Before the memories of our anniversary vacation become vague,
I'd like to share our food and dining experience in Washington and Oregon.

* * * * *

Along Federal Way in Washington, B and I had a Greek lunch at the GYROS HOUSE.
We didn't know what to expect but we just really wanted to try something new. :)

GYROS HOUSE

The Greek gyros share some similarities to the Middle Eastern shawarma
where huge portions of beef, pork, and lamb are cooked on a tall vertical roaster.

BEEF GYROS

Slices of roast beef, fresh onions, vegetables wrapped in a toasted pita bread
A delicious and unique diversion from pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. :)

I'm not really a big fan of Greek and Mediterranean food.
But once in awhile, it's exciting to try something different and new.
Even if it's just a small bite from my hubby's beef gyros. :)


* * * * *
GYROS HOUSE
FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON
USA

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Olive Garden
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 / 8:04 PM

After a long day of sight-seeing and shopping around Oregon,
B and I finally checked into the Crowne Plaza in Lake Oswego. :)

OLIVE GARDEN

This is where B and I had our romantic Italian dinner in Lake Oswego.
I love the quaint old Tuscan interior that gave us the feel of Italy. :)

BASKET OF BREAD

Served warm with freshly-prepared alfredo and marinara sauce for dipping

GARDEN-FRESH SALAD

Olive Garden's famous house salad tossed with their signature salad dressing

ITALIANO SAMPLER

B chose three delicious appetizers from the antipasti menu
Calamari, fried zucchini, and toasted ravioli served with marinara sauce

SEAFOOD PORTOFINO

Mussels, scallops, shrimps, and mushrooms with linguini in a garlic-butter wine sauce
I must say that this seafood pasta is absolutely delicious! I totally love it!!! :)

PERONI

Of course, B ordered a bottle of Italian beer.
This beer sounds like pepperoni to me. :)

By the time we finished dinner, the evening sun had already set and the night was cold.
B and I walked hand in hand around the garden until we reached our hotel. :)


* * * * *
OLIVE GARDEN
LAKE OSWEGO, OREGON
USA

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Charmed
Monday, June 15, 2009 / 9:16 PM

Have you ever had something happen that made you feel
so incredibly happy that you can't believe your luck?


More than a year ago, B went on a business trip to Austria. He came back to Manila with a gift for me... A necklace and a pair of earrings from Swarovski. I hardly know how it happened but some of the crystals embedded in the heart-shaped pendant got lost. I was disheartened and I had always wanted to have the crystals filled. Down the busy street of Robson, B and I walked inside the Swarovski boutique. I took the necklace off my neck and showed it to the lady. The lady examined the necklace and looked at my worried face. Then she pulled open a drawer, took one blue box in her hand, and announced that she is giving me a new necklace to replace my old one. She smiled as she handed me my new necklace. I don't believe this... But there I was, holding the crisp blue Swarovski bag in my fingers. I felt so surprised and overwhelmed. Sometimes, the universe really conspires to make someone happy. That day, the 11th day of June, was our 3rd wedding anniversary and I was charmed. The stars were all aligned and I was the universe's lucky victim. :)

PS. It must be serendipity but the crystal symbolizes the 3rd anniversary. :)

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Blue Coach
Sunday, June 14, 2009 / 6:11 PM

I call it my anniversary shopping entitlement. :)


A blue monogram bucket tote from COACH
Coz summer is all about warm colors
And it's such a blue ox year :)

THANKS SO MUCH, HUBBY!

This bag will always remind me of romantic Lake Oswego
where we shared beautiful moments engraved in my heart. :)

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A Bouquet of Pink Roses
Saturday, June 13, 2009 / 1:03 AM

Before going home from our anniversary lunch,
B made a stop over and left me waiting.


Moments later, B walked towards me.
A bouquet on his hand. A smile on his face.

HAPPY 3RD ANNIVERSARY!!!

Thank you for giving me so many beautiful memories to cherish!
These memories should last me till September. I love you!

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Surreal...
Friday, June 12, 2009 / 12:01 AM


Today, I woke up rather early at 6 am and I don't feel like snoozing. I looked at my side, longing and wishing you're still lying beside me. But instead I saw an empty space where you used to lay. I suddenly felt so bare and empty. I was lucky to have fallen quickly asleep last night... the night you left. The night that seemed surreal. The airport is such a place of drama. One where bittersweet kisses are shared, big teardrops trickle from the eyes, and hands refuse to let go. I don't know how I survived that moment. Maybe I survived for Sophie who was crying non-stop as we drove away leaving you standing there alone in the terminal. So small and innocent, Sophie doesn't understand what was happening yet she already felt the pain... the pain of parting.

I still couldn't believe that you are really gone again. I feel inconsolably sad. I find myself crying and whimpering... calling out your name. I close my eyes for a moment and remember all the beautiful moments we shared in the 18 days you were here. There I realized that you really did everything you can to make me happy. Every little thing you did made me feel so special and loved. You've done a lot for me and yet the only thing you ask of me is to be strong... Even when we both know it is way harder for you.

Everything seems so surreal now. Maybe if I go back to sleep, I'll wake up later on and find out that this is all a dream. You are still beside me, holding me so tight, keeping me warm with your body... just like yesterday.

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I Don't Wanna Go Back Yet...
Thursday, June 11, 2009 / 9:11 PM

I thought we can stay this way forever... Are we really going back now?


I don't wanna look ahead... Can somebody freeze the clock's ticking hands for me?
Coz I refuse to believe that in a matter of days, you will again be gone...

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Sea Lions Cave
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 / 9:10 AM

I am just about to blog about my favorite part of our trip... SEA LIONS CAVE!!!
The Sea Lion Caves in the Oregon Coast is the world's largest sea cave. :)

SEA LION SCULPTURE

Of all the sea animals, I've always been fond of the flabby and furry sea lions.
Sea lions are especially cute when they walk on land with their flippers. :)

CLIFF TRAIL

B and I walked uphill and downhill in this steep cliff trail.
We enjoyed the chilly see breeze whipping past our face. :)

SEA LION LOOKOUT

By the cliff rails, B and I saw a hundred sea lions sitting by the rocky ledges.
The ledges outside the sea cave is their rookery for breeding and birthing.

SEA LIONS

Just look at all those sea lions swimming and resting on the coastline!!!
Oregon's Sea Lion Caves is truly nature's home to wild sea lions. :)

BRIAN & SAB

B and I had a truly amazing time exploring the sea lions cave.
The vast cavern, the roar of sea lions, the cries of the sea birds...
and the restless surge of the ocean form an unforgettable experience. :)

Because this is my favorite place, B and I bought our Oregon fridge magnet here.
Someday, I wish to bring Little Sophie and Baby B to this awesome place! :)


* * * * *
SEA LIONS CAVE
FLORENCE, OREGON
USA

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Sand Dunes Frontier
Tuesday, June 9, 2009 / 3:10 AM

Some of the world's largest and most beautiful dunes are located on the Oregon coast.
Vast hills, ghost-like forests, and desert atmosphere make the dunes a must-see.

SAND DUNES FRONTIER

Sand Dunes Frontier offers scenic tours and sand rail tours for adventure-seekers.
One can choose among a wide variety of dune buggies such as the Odyssey and Quad.

SAND DUNE BUGGY

I was really up for some adventure that I almost forgot I am actually pregnant.
B claimed that the bumpy ride was no good for me and the huge bump in my tummy. :(

BRIAN & SAB

I know that B wanted so much to drive his own ATV over the sand dunes.
I insisted that he go for a ride and that I'll be fine waiting for him in the small cafe.

But B didn't want to leave me all alone... He chose to stay with me in the cafe
where we shared a cup of coffee, donuts, and bars of chocolates. :)

Someday somehow... B and I will definitely go back for this thrilling ride! :)


* * * * *
SAND DUNES FRONTIER
FLORENCE, OREGON
USA

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Downtown Portland : Pioneer Courthouse Square
Monday, June 8, 2009 / 9:15 PM

The heart of Downtown Portland is the Pioneer Courthouse Square.
Built in 1869, Pioneer Courthouse is one of the oldest federal buildings in America.

PIONEER COURTHOUSE SQUARE

Today, the Courthouse Square is the single most visited site in all over Oregon.
It is Portland's premiere outdoor venue, hosting over 300 events every year.

PIONEER PLACE

Pioneer Place is a long block of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
It carries world-famous designer brands such as Louis Vuitton. Hmm :)

TRIMET LIGHT RAIL

Running around the busy Pioneer Square is a light rail system.
This railway connects all the major cities of Oregon from Portland to Beaverton.

I think I must have fallen in love with the city of Portland... quaint with a modern touch.
I really enjoyed walking around the Courthouse Square, taking in the beautiful sites,
and observing the townspeople as they go about their busy day to day lives. :)


* * * * *
PIONEER COURTHOUSE SQUARE
PORTLAND, OREGON
USA

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