Last night, my little boy of 2 got scared !!! We were all lying in bed waiting for their Dad who had to go to the roofdeck to check on something. Well, the door to the roofdeck was very creaky and noisy and it's like the sound you hear in horror movies !! Dylan heard that sound and was very still like he's waiting for something to happen...
Well, something did happen...
When Patrick came down, he had with him Dylan's toy, "Ragnarok" from an online game of the same name. Ragnarok was a stuffed toy, round in shape and had eyes and a mouth.. He used to have some sort of antenna on his head but Dylan tore that out hehehe.. Anyway, I digress...
Patrick didn't know that Dylan was tense from the sound of the door and so he threw Ragnarok on the bed.. Ragnarok landed beside Dylan and Dylan freaked out.. It's like Ragnarok appeared so suddenly beside him from nowhere.. and to think we only had a nightlight on so it was kinda dark...
You can just imagine how scared Dylan was.. but it was also funny when you think about it.. especially if you can see his face.. I was trying not to laugh and was intent on getting Dylan calmed down.. in the end, he didn't want to touch Ragnarok anymore.. and he screams every time he sees him...
too bad...
I'm so tired!!
Man, for the past few days, I've been busy writing articles for my part-time work and it's taking its toll on me.. the articles are highly research-intensive and my head aches from staring at the screen for so long...
add to this, I have to take care of my kids too!!
the only positive thing is that I'm earning some and I'm learning about these topics too..
the articles are for a travel website so it's like I'm researching for my own trips hahaha I WISH!!!
Well, tomorrow, I'm hoping I'll be able to finish my assignments and start a new set of topics...
:)
add to this, I have to take care of my kids too!!
the only positive thing is that I'm earning some and I'm learning about these topics too..
the articles are for a travel website so it's like I'm researching for my own trips hahaha I WISH!!!
Well, tomorrow, I'm hoping I'll be able to finish my assignments and start a new set of topics...
:)
Sometimes, Life is so cruel!
Okay, so for the past week or so, I've found an online job that I liked and I've been paid immediately which was a good thing. It surely will cover my phone bill costs and at least have enough left to pay for my niece's books for college.
Well, lo and behold, the bank card that I used and where the money was deposited, malfunctioned. It didn't want to accept my PIN. I couldn't have possibly forgotten it because I use only PIN LOL I know it's bad practice but these numbers couldn't be related to me at all which is great but I can't easily forget them too hahahaha
But, now, it seems that the ATM machine wasn't working right because I couldn't have possibly made a mistake with my PIN.
Unfortunately, when I called the bank to check if I can change my PIN, since it doesn't seem to be working, I was informed that I had to change the bank card and that they don't allow for PIN changes. Naturally, this will take a week to get a new card and another 3 working days for my existing balance to get transferred to the new card and additional fee for the new card. Oh and the transfer isn't automatic! I still have to call them again to initiate the transfer! Oh man.. just when I needed the money and I was so happy that I'd gotten paid.. this is what happens..
Life is so cruel!!!
Well, lo and behold, the bank card that I used and where the money was deposited, malfunctioned. It didn't want to accept my PIN. I couldn't have possibly forgotten it because I use only PIN LOL I know it's bad practice but these numbers couldn't be related to me at all which is great but I can't easily forget them too hahahaha
But, now, it seems that the ATM machine wasn't working right because I couldn't have possibly made a mistake with my PIN.
Unfortunately, when I called the bank to check if I can change my PIN, since it doesn't seem to be working, I was informed that I had to change the bank card and that they don't allow for PIN changes. Naturally, this will take a week to get a new card and another 3 working days for my existing balance to get transferred to the new card and additional fee for the new card. Oh and the transfer isn't automatic! I still have to call them again to initiate the transfer! Oh man.. just when I needed the money and I was so happy that I'd gotten paid.. this is what happens..
Life is so cruel!!!
Good News!
For the past few weeks, I've been searching the Internet for possible jobs. I finally found one and it's been something that I've been doing recently.. It's writing articles for website content and I'm happy I've found some work again :)
That's it for now..
That's it for now..
DSL at last!
Okay.. this probably sounds stupid as most people probably have DSL connections already but I'm excited because for a very long time we've had to be satisfied with dial-up and now for the first time, I'm posting from a DSL Connection!! woohoo!!!
Although, frankly, it doesn't seem to be too different hahahha I thought I'd be able to view websites in the blink of an eye but it doesn't seem to be that way.. hhahaha at least I can see major improvement in the download of my Naruto torrents hahaha the fastest speed I used to have was between 3kbps and 5kbps.. now it's running at 26kbps hahahahaha so I don't need to keep the PC on overnight just to finish downloading.. major savings on my electric bill, lemme tell you hahahha
Well.. let's see what else happens :)
Although, frankly, it doesn't seem to be too different hahahha I thought I'd be able to view websites in the blink of an eye but it doesn't seem to be that way.. hhahaha at least I can see major improvement in the download of my Naruto torrents hahaha the fastest speed I used to have was between 3kbps and 5kbps.. now it's running at 26kbps hahahahaha so I don't need to keep the PC on overnight just to finish downloading.. major savings on my electric bill, lemme tell you hahahha
Well.. let's see what else happens :)
School has started again
Today, June 11 is the start of Den's college life hahaha That's why for the past couple of months we've been busy with preparations for it...
Actually, the past couple of months have been pretty hectic with paying the tuition fees and setting up her classes. In between, she was able to go on a much-needed vacation! Unfortunately, during the enrollment process, one of the clerks in school made a mistake of encoding her section. Instead of section 2 as she chose and put in writing in her registration form, she was encoded as section 1.. believe me, I couldn't believe it either.. a "2" doesn't look at all like a "1" right, anyway, it happened and she couldn't complete her preparations until this was all settled... so she kept going back to school to check whether the mistake has been rectified. She was told to keep coming back and coming back because they were waiting for some students who have enrolled but informed them that they won't be coming back because they were migrating.
Well, guess what, I got tired of waiting for them and gave them a piece of my mind. My niece was a High School graduate of the same school. She has enrolled first, compared to those they were waiting for and now she can't be given the section she chose just because someone made a mistake during encoding??? well, hello, that is unacceptable!!! She should not be made to suffer for a mistake she never committed. When I told them that I will be taking this matter to the Dean and expose those who made the mistake and kept telling my niece to keep coming back every couple of days, they immediately set to work..
I can't imagine why you have to show people that you're really mad before doing what should be done in the first place.. I mean, come on.. Is it a power trip because she (my niece) is an incoming freshman? Or they just don't want to bother dealing with their mistake? Or they were treated badly as freshmen so this was payback???
Well, whatever the cause, this was certainly a learning experience for Den...
After that, we were busy with claiming and ordering more uniforms. Buying shoes was such a bother - either the shoes that she liked were too expensive or they didn't have them in her size anymore. It's so hard shopping with kids in tow let me tell you. We also had to take her pants to the tailor's because they were a bit long...
All in all, it was not too bad.. exciting for Den because she'll be in University now.. a change of pace, a change of life.. I hope she does well :)
Actually, the past couple of months have been pretty hectic with paying the tuition fees and setting up her classes. In between, she was able to go on a much-needed vacation! Unfortunately, during the enrollment process, one of the clerks in school made a mistake of encoding her section. Instead of section 2 as she chose and put in writing in her registration form, she was encoded as section 1.. believe me, I couldn't believe it either.. a "2" doesn't look at all like a "1" right, anyway, it happened and she couldn't complete her preparations until this was all settled... so she kept going back to school to check whether the mistake has been rectified. She was told to keep coming back and coming back because they were waiting for some students who have enrolled but informed them that they won't be coming back because they were migrating.
Well, guess what, I got tired of waiting for them and gave them a piece of my mind. My niece was a High School graduate of the same school. She has enrolled first, compared to those they were waiting for and now she can't be given the section she chose just because someone made a mistake during encoding??? well, hello, that is unacceptable!!! She should not be made to suffer for a mistake she never committed. When I told them that I will be taking this matter to the Dean and expose those who made the mistake and kept telling my niece to keep coming back every couple of days, they immediately set to work..
I can't imagine why you have to show people that you're really mad before doing what should be done in the first place.. I mean, come on.. Is it a power trip because she (my niece) is an incoming freshman? Or they just don't want to bother dealing with their mistake? Or they were treated badly as freshmen so this was payback???
Well, whatever the cause, this was certainly a learning experience for Den...
After that, we were busy with claiming and ordering more uniforms. Buying shoes was such a bother - either the shoes that she liked were too expensive or they didn't have them in her size anymore. It's so hard shopping with kids in tow let me tell you. We also had to take her pants to the tailor's because they were a bit long...
All in all, it was not too bad.. exciting for Den because she'll be in University now.. a change of pace, a change of life.. I hope she does well :)
Processing Papers can be such a Pain!!
For the past few weeks, we have been busy filing papers regarding my mother's death. Since she died in the States, we have to get the Philippine Embassy to authenticate her death certificate and for that my brother had to personally travel to LA from San Diego to accomplish this. It really drained his financial pockets because he had to file a leave of absence to travel on top of paying for the services at the Embassy. And then, he had to send these papers to me via FedEx for a speedy dispatch.
Upon getting the papers, the first thing we processed was Den's educational insurance plan. She's supposed to get her college stipend by May 2008 but since my mother was the payor, the cheque was in her name. Thus, we first had to file a death claim with the insurance company then file the change in ownership so that the new cheque will be issued. Believe me, it sounds simple in writing but the actual going to and fro from the insurance company is such a pain! Remember, I bring my kids with me whenever we had to go out because we have no babysitter. uggh.. it was so tiring!!
Next on the agenda is my mother's retirement/pension fund from the Government's insurance firm. I am so not looking forward to this.. There's so much red tape involved and sometimes you have to deal with incompetent people.. What should be a simple procedure sometimes becomes too complicated and time-consuming.. I really hate it but it has to be done..
Wish us luck!!
Upon getting the papers, the first thing we processed was Den's educational insurance plan. She's supposed to get her college stipend by May 2008 but since my mother was the payor, the cheque was in her name. Thus, we first had to file a death claim with the insurance company then file the change in ownership so that the new cheque will be issued. Believe me, it sounds simple in writing but the actual going to and fro from the insurance company is such a pain! Remember, I bring my kids with me whenever we had to go out because we have no babysitter. uggh.. it was so tiring!!
Next on the agenda is my mother's retirement/pension fund from the Government's insurance firm. I am so not looking forward to this.. There's so much red tape involved and sometimes you have to deal with incompetent people.. What should be a simple procedure sometimes becomes too complicated and time-consuming.. I really hate it but it has to be done..
Wish us luck!!
Happy Birthday, Mom!
Yesterday was my Mom's birthday. She would have been 61 years old.
It was a nice feeling to receive emails from family and friends and even my mom's co-workers telling me that they remembered her birthday, even without me reminding them about it. I know that some of them even visited her grave and put flowers there. So, I appreciate that because I personally can't do that...
We dedicated a mass for her and prayed for her and simply celebrated her birthday as if she was still here. We watched True Lies with Arnold Schwarzenneger (she liked his movies), ate roasted chicken and barbecued porkchops for lunch and dinner :) We would have wanted to go to the mall but it was pretty cloudy yesterday and it was drizzling.
I know the celebration is not much, but it was all in remembering her and wishing her here.
Happy Birthday MOM!! WE LOVE YOU!!
Aahhh, smell that fresh air...
ugh, ugh.. cough... cough... COUGH...
Man, I wish I were back in Calayan... and all that fresh air!!!!
When we were in Calayan, we weren't coughing, we weren't sneezing.. no allergies acting up... when they say fresh air.. they mean fresh air hahahahaha there are hardly any cars there.. if you want to go someplace, you walk... or ride a carabao or hop on your scooter/motorcycle.. for bigger and heavier loads, they have a "kuliglig" - a motorized contraption pulling some sort of baggage area behind it. It can carry passengers, livestock, produce.. anything LOL
Some facts that I found out while staying there:
- they only have electricity/power between 6pm and 6am. After that, nothing, unless you have a generator to power your refrigerator or other electrical appliances
- they don't pay for the water they consume...
- there is no public market - people grow their own vegetables. what they don't have, other people will provide it for you - traveling from their home to yours. If you want to eat pork, you have to buy the pig and kill it yourself. Same goes for beef. Otherwise you raise your livestock yourself and you can add goats into the picture too :)
- they sell fish by the kilo, but one price for any type of fish hahaha that's what I found interesting. Fishermen bring different types of fish, you can get 1 of each kind put them together to make at least a kilo and then pay just one price hahahaha In Manila, you want bangus you buy bangus by the kilo.. if you want a different type of fish, you buy that fish separately, again by the kilo :) what they have in Calayan is cool hahaha you can have a buffet of fish for one order and one price WOW!!
- they now have mobile phone signals.
- they now have satellite tv (for the times there's power and when you have a generator) Can you just imagine transporting a television set across the ocean :) Incredible hahaha
- they've hosted a Bikini Open in one of the beach coves there hahahaha imagine my surprise when I found out LOL (and apparently, they're continuing the 'tradition') LOL
There's bound to be more about Calayan but I'll have to stay longer next time... maybe a month or two hehehe
I really could live there and I'm already thinking of possible ways to sustain myself and my family should I make the transition... I'll wait for the airstrip and the Internet hahahaha then I'm all set hahahaha
Man, I wish I were back in Calayan... and all that fresh air!!!!
When we were in Calayan, we weren't coughing, we weren't sneezing.. no allergies acting up... when they say fresh air.. they mean fresh air hahahahaha there are hardly any cars there.. if you want to go someplace, you walk... or ride a carabao or hop on your scooter/motorcycle.. for bigger and heavier loads, they have a "kuliglig" - a motorized contraption pulling some sort of baggage area behind it. It can carry passengers, livestock, produce.. anything LOL
Some facts that I found out while staying there:
- they only have electricity/power between 6pm and 6am. After that, nothing, unless you have a generator to power your refrigerator or other electrical appliances
- they don't pay for the water they consume...
- there is no public market - people grow their own vegetables. what they don't have, other people will provide it for you - traveling from their home to yours. If you want to eat pork, you have to buy the pig and kill it yourself. Same goes for beef. Otherwise you raise your livestock yourself and you can add goats into the picture too :)
- they sell fish by the kilo, but one price for any type of fish hahaha that's what I found interesting. Fishermen bring different types of fish, you can get 1 of each kind put them together to make at least a kilo and then pay just one price hahahaha In Manila, you want bangus you buy bangus by the kilo.. if you want a different type of fish, you buy that fish separately, again by the kilo :) what they have in Calayan is cool hahaha you can have a buffet of fish for one order and one price WOW!!
- they now have mobile phone signals.
- they now have satellite tv (for the times there's power and when you have a generator) Can you just imagine transporting a television set across the ocean :) Incredible hahaha
- they've hosted a Bikini Open in one of the beach coves there hahahaha imagine my surprise when I found out LOL (and apparently, they're continuing the 'tradition') LOL
There's bound to be more about Calayan but I'll have to stay longer next time... maybe a month or two hehehe
I really could live there and I'm already thinking of possible ways to sustain myself and my family should I make the transition... I'll wait for the airstrip and the Internet hahahaha then I'm all set hahahaha
Day 10 - 8th day - Departure from Calayan Island
May 01, 2008 - Thursday
We woke up at 3am because our departure time was at 4am. We wanted to leave Calayan before the sun rises so that it won't get too hot during the rest of the trip. Not all of us were able to go - it was just us and the kids, Tita Lette, Angie, Diane, Tita Ofel, Tito Ping and Tita Beth, my half-brothers Budyong and Marcial, Mar and her family, King and her hubby and Lei... So it was just a small boat... and maybe why it only took us 6 hours to get to Aparri..
It was also a miracle that none of us on the boat got seasick.. And we even managed to see dolphins!!! Imagine Dolphins in the wild!! woohooo!!! I've never even seen a dolphin up close.. it sure beat the heat! hahahaha too bad we weren't able to take pictures because we didn't want to risk getting the camera wet..
Finally, we were able to dock in Aparri around 10 am. We proceeded to the Calayan dormitory to freshen up and wait for our boarding time with the bus. We were scheduled on the 5pm bus for Sampaloc so we had some time to spare for lunch and resting. Lunch of course was from Jollibee - the #1 local fast food of the Philippines hahahaha
By 4:30pm, we were already at the bus terminal. Everyone was so tired from the trip that it didn't take long for us to fall asleep hehehe Since it rained too, we couldn't get out of the bus to buy food to take home as "pasalubong" :) By the time it was dinner time, the rain had stopped and we were able to eat from the local diner. The rest of the trip was pretty uneventful.
We arrived in Manila around 6am. The rest of the family got dropped off at the Cubao terminal which was closer to their destination. We, on the other hand, got off at the Sampaloc terminal which was only 10 minutes from our house.
When we got home, Patrick just took a bath and went off to work bringing some of the lobsters with him hahahaha I arranged the rest of our things and did the laundry. The kids fell asleep immediately hehehehe and then we had the rest of the lobsters for lunch hahahaha
and that was our trip to Calayan :)
We woke up at 3am because our departure time was at 4am. We wanted to leave Calayan before the sun rises so that it won't get too hot during the rest of the trip. Not all of us were able to go - it was just us and the kids, Tita Lette, Angie, Diane, Tita Ofel, Tito Ping and Tita Beth, my half-brothers Budyong and Marcial, Mar and her family, King and her hubby and Lei... So it was just a small boat... and maybe why it only took us 6 hours to get to Aparri..
It was also a miracle that none of us on the boat got seasick.. And we even managed to see dolphins!!! Imagine Dolphins in the wild!! woohooo!!! I've never even seen a dolphin up close.. it sure beat the heat! hahahaha too bad we weren't able to take pictures because we didn't want to risk getting the camera wet..
Finally, we were able to dock in Aparri around 10 am. We proceeded to the Calayan dormitory to freshen up and wait for our boarding time with the bus. We were scheduled on the 5pm bus for Sampaloc so we had some time to spare for lunch and resting. Lunch of course was from Jollibee - the #1 local fast food of the Philippines hahahaha
By 4:30pm, we were already at the bus terminal. Everyone was so tired from the trip that it didn't take long for us to fall asleep hehehe Since it rained too, we couldn't get out of the bus to buy food to take home as "pasalubong" :) By the time it was dinner time, the rain had stopped and we were able to eat from the local diner. The rest of the trip was pretty uneventful.
We arrived in Manila around 6am. The rest of the family got dropped off at the Cubao terminal which was closer to their destination. We, on the other hand, got off at the Sampaloc terminal which was only 10 minutes from our house.
When we got home, Patrick just took a bath and went off to work bringing some of the lobsters with him hahahaha I arranged the rest of our things and did the laundry. The kids fell asleep immediately hehehehe and then we had the rest of the lobsters for lunch hahahaha
and that was our trip to Calayan :)
Day 9 - 7th Day in Calayan
April 30, 2008 - Wednesday
By this time, we should have been leaving the island but because the waves have been reportedly strong, no boat wanted to transport us. We were scheduled to leave the next day.
So, we spent the day packing our stuff, although we did go for a last dip in the beach in the morning hehehe The kids were just lounging about and playing with their sea shells :)
It was also Lola's death anniversary so we attended mass for her in the evening.
We also bought lobsters to take back home to Manila :) yummy!! and it was so cheap at P250/kilo hahahaha
By this time, we should have been leaving the island but because the waves have been reportedly strong, no boat wanted to transport us. We were scheduled to leave the next day.
So, we spent the day packing our stuff, although we did go for a last dip in the beach in the morning hehehe The kids were just lounging about and playing with their sea shells :)
It was also Lola's death anniversary so we attended mass for her in the evening.
We also bought lobsters to take back home to Manila :) yummy!! and it was so cheap at P250/kilo hahahaha
Day 8 - 6th Day in Calayan Island
April 29, 2008 - Tuesday
Today we went to Sil's mango orchard :) It's still quite young but at least he can look to a profitable business when it matures :) The kids had fun playing with the "makahiya" plant (it's a kind of grass that when touched, it folds it leaves, hence the term makahiya which means "shy"). They also tried to climb trees and hang from them which was really fun to watch hahahaha We also took pictures next to pigs from the adjoining farm hahahaha
After that, we went to Sagpat to visit our Lolo's siblings. It also gave us a chance to look at my father's property hahahaha Tito Ambil planted corn on it, hence they called us "Children of the Corn" hahahaha
Next, we had lunch near the beach on Tita Cora's property. We sat on coconut leaves, ate fish, meat and green mangoes woohoo!! the life!! the life!! Although someone mentioned that the way we were was reminiscent of Survivor - so Survivor Calayan hahahaha
Today we went to Sil's mango orchard :) It's still quite young but at least he can look to a profitable business when it matures :) The kids had fun playing with the "makahiya" plant (it's a kind of grass that when touched, it folds it leaves, hence the term makahiya which means "shy"). They also tried to climb trees and hang from them which was really fun to watch hahahaha We also took pictures next to pigs from the adjoining farm hahahaha
After that, we went to Sagpat to visit our Lolo's siblings. It also gave us a chance to look at my father's property hahahaha Tito Ambil planted corn on it, hence they called us "Children of the Corn" hahahaha
Next, we had lunch near the beach on Tita Cora's property. We sat on coconut leaves, ate fish, meat and green mangoes woohoo!! the life!! the life!! Although someone mentioned that the way we were was reminiscent of Survivor - so Survivor Calayan hahahaha
Day 7 - 5th Day in Calayan Island
April 28, 2008 - Monday
This is a great day!! We're off to Sibang Beach Cove!! Everyone was up and about even the kids! LOL Look at how excited we all were!! hahaha After all the sunblock has been applied (hehehe) we were off!!!
On the way, I found out that we were also supposed to go to Malangsi Beach. So the boys got dropped off first at Sibang cove because the boat can't make the trip when it's too full. After a half hour, we finally reached Malangsi but weren't able to dock on the beach because the waves were very strong for the boat. Dana felt a little seasick already. We were able to take a few pictures from the boat though. So we had to turn back.
By the time we reached Sibang cove, some of us were getting a little seasick as well. So it was a relief when the beach appeared on the horizon. Diane couldn't wait for the boat to dock on the beach so she just jumped off the boat and swam to shore hahahha I, on the other hand, still felt very dizzy ended up falling in the water and losing my sunglasses in the process hahahaha I fell on my knees on the sand and then a huge wave crashed on my back dunking me totally in the water LOL I ended up skinning my knees and losing my orientation. If not for Mar's husband, Allan, I wouldn't have been able to get up LOL
After reaching our picnic spot, everyone got ready to swim :) But the waves were strong and Dana got scared because one crashed onto us while we were trying to get in the water. So we just ended up staying on the sand and letting the occasional wave drench us :)
And then there was LUNCH!! woohooo
Naturally, after having such a satisfying meal, we all went to sleep... Next on the agenda was a hike to the lighthouse. But when I realized just how much walking was involved, we backed out LOL We couldn't afford to hike with two kids in tow, especially since there really was no trail to speak of and it involved climbing the mountain LOL The other younger set still went on the hike though and I heard that they enjoyed themselves thoroughly :)
So we ended up going back to the house earlier than the rest of the party. I was so thankful that the trip back was faster hahahaha It was also a good thing too because when we got back, they were preparing for a huge dinner for the rest of the Paypons who lived far away, sort of like a reunion. We helped with that and organized some parlor games for the kids so that they'll get prizes and make the evening more entertaining. I feasted on sashimi when the evening was over hahahaha
That was such a satisfying, enjoyable and memorable day!!
This is a great day!! We're off to Sibang Beach Cove!! Everyone was up and about even the kids! LOL Look at how excited we all were!! hahaha After all the sunblock has been applied (hehehe) we were off!!!
On the way, I found out that we were also supposed to go to Malangsi Beach. So the boys got dropped off first at Sibang cove because the boat can't make the trip when it's too full. After a half hour, we finally reached Malangsi but weren't able to dock on the beach because the waves were very strong for the boat. Dana felt a little seasick already. We were able to take a few pictures from the boat though. So we had to turn back.
By the time we reached Sibang cove, some of us were getting a little seasick as well. So it was a relief when the beach appeared on the horizon. Diane couldn't wait for the boat to dock on the beach so she just jumped off the boat and swam to shore hahahha I, on the other hand, still felt very dizzy ended up falling in the water and losing my sunglasses in the process hahahaha I fell on my knees on the sand and then a huge wave crashed on my back dunking me totally in the water LOL I ended up skinning my knees and losing my orientation. If not for Mar's husband, Allan, I wouldn't have been able to get up LOL
After reaching our picnic spot, everyone got ready to swim :) But the waves were strong and Dana got scared because one crashed onto us while we were trying to get in the water. So we just ended up staying on the sand and letting the occasional wave drench us :)
And then there was LUNCH!! woohooo
Naturally, after having such a satisfying meal, we all went to sleep... Next on the agenda was a hike to the lighthouse. But when I realized just how much walking was involved, we backed out LOL We couldn't afford to hike with two kids in tow, especially since there really was no trail to speak of and it involved climbing the mountain LOL The other younger set still went on the hike though and I heard that they enjoyed themselves thoroughly :)
So we ended up going back to the house earlier than the rest of the party. I was so thankful that the trip back was faster hahahaha It was also a good thing too because when we got back, they were preparing for a huge dinner for the rest of the Paypons who lived far away, sort of like a reunion. We helped with that and organized some parlor games for the kids so that they'll get prizes and make the evening more entertaining. I feasted on sashimi when the evening was over hahahaha
That was such a satisfying, enjoyable and memorable day!!
Day 6 - 4th Day in Calayan Island
April 27, 2008 - Sunday
By this time, we've lost all sense of time and day by being on the island. Time moves fairly fast and we couldn't believe it was Sunday already.
SBA activities involved championship games which kept most of the family preoccupied.
Otherwise, the rest of us were just waiting for night to arrive so we can view the fireworks display at the beach :) This was supposed to happen after the awarding ceremonies for the SBA Homecoming. As you can see from the picture, the lolas are dressed to the hilt (some even teased them about going to the Prom hahahaha)
Unfortunately, the kids got so bored waiting for the ceremonies to start so we had to go back home. It was a good thing too because they lit the fireworks at 11pm, much too late for the kids.. but relatively early for the adults :) Here's a picture of Dana with her Ate Angie and Ate Diane :)
By this time, we've lost all sense of time and day by being on the island. Time moves fairly fast and we couldn't believe it was Sunday already.
SBA activities involved championship games which kept most of the family preoccupied.
Otherwise, the rest of us were just waiting for night to arrive so we can view the fireworks display at the beach :) This was supposed to happen after the awarding ceremonies for the SBA Homecoming. As you can see from the picture, the lolas are dressed to the hilt (some even teased them about going to the Prom hahahaha)
Unfortunately, the kids got so bored waiting for the ceremonies to start so we had to go back home. It was a good thing too because they lit the fireworks at 11pm, much too late for the kids.. but relatively early for the adults :) Here's a picture of Dana with her Ate Angie and Ate Diane :)
Day 5 - 3rd Day in Calayan Island
April 26, 2008 - Nothing much happened today. The other Paypons attended a tree planting ceremony to commemorate the 50 years since the Founding of St. Bartholomew's Academy.
The kids and I mostly walked around the area, taking pictures. Here's one of Dana and Dylan near the Church.
And then later on in the afternoon, after some of the Sports Festivities at St. Bart's were done, the kids' Lolas joined us at the beach. Lola Ofel, Lola Lette and Ate Angie were here with us in the picture. Dana got busy by collecting shells on the beach, while Dylan was content to sit beside me.
The kids and I mostly walked around the area, taking pictures. Here's one of Dana and Dylan near the Church.
And then later on in the afternoon, after some of the Sports Festivities at St. Bart's were done, the kids' Lolas joined us at the beach. Lola Ofel, Lola Lette and Ate Angie were here with us in the picture. Dana got busy by collecting shells on the beach, while Dylan was content to sit beside me.
Day 4 - 2nd Day in Calayan Island
April 25 - 2nd Day in Calayan Island
It turns out that part of the reason why the Paypons took a trip to Calayan Island was because of the Grand Alumni Homecoming of St. Bartholomew's Academy from which majority of them graduated High School from. So, for them, the day was spent with preparations and participation in the day's scheduled events.
Meanwhile, we just spent the day getting acquainted with the other scenic spots on the Island. This picture was taken at the "dock".
After dinner, we all went to the gym to participate in the Bingo Social hosted by St. Bart's - it was open to the public :) Dylan and I didn't finish the bingo because he fell asleep but Patrick and Dana waited until the end, hoping to win the Grand Prize - a 21" TV Set ! LOL
It turns out that part of the reason why the Paypons took a trip to Calayan Island was because of the Grand Alumni Homecoming of St. Bartholomew's Academy from which majority of them graduated High School from. So, for them, the day was spent with preparations and participation in the day's scheduled events.
Meanwhile, we just spent the day getting acquainted with the other scenic spots on the Island. This picture was taken at the "dock".
After dinner, we all went to the gym to participate in the Bingo Social hosted by St. Bart's - it was open to the public :) Dylan and I didn't finish the bingo because he fell asleep but Patrick and Dana waited until the end, hoping to win the Grand Prize - a 21" TV Set ! LOL
Day 3 - First Day in Calayan Island
Good morning.. It's our first morning on Calayan Island and it's already such a refreshing feeling to wake up to birds twittering in the trees.. to hear the sound of the waves on the beach.. to breathe that fresh air... Oh and not to mention, waking up to brewing coffee LOL
After breakfast, we went to the cemetery to pay our respects to our Lolo and Lola, my father's parents. For me, this is the first time I'll be visiting them since they passed away.
I relished the walk because it allowed me to explore the area.. I saw an interesting store - a hardware, grocery and bakery in one LOL that was a first.. They told me it was one of the biggest stores in Calayan and that if you need anything at all, this is where to get it :)
On the way back, we took a break for a picture near a bridge :)
The rest of the day was spent just relaxing at the house, having lunch and resting again hahahahah the idyllic life LOL
In the afternoon we all went to the beach for a swim (just so we don't get too burned from the sun) The kids were so excited and Dylan even fell asleep in the water!! hahahahaha
Then it was back to the house for our baths and dinner :) What a life! hahahha
After breakfast, we went to the cemetery to pay our respects to our Lolo and Lola, my father's parents. For me, this is the first time I'll be visiting them since they passed away.
I relished the walk because it allowed me to explore the area.. I saw an interesting store - a hardware, grocery and bakery in one LOL that was a first.. They told me it was one of the biggest stores in Calayan and that if you need anything at all, this is where to get it :)
On the way back, we took a break for a picture near a bridge :)
The rest of the day was spent just relaxing at the house, having lunch and resting again hahahahah the idyllic life LOL
In the afternoon we all went to the beach for a swim (just so we don't get too burned from the sun) The kids were so excited and Dylan even fell asleep in the water!! hahahahaha
Then it was back to the house for our baths and dinner :) What a life! hahahha
Day 2 - Boat trip to Calayan Island
Okay, so now we're in Aparri, Cagayan and getting ready to get on the boat for Calayan Island. Now, I just have to tell you that the last time I went to Calayan was when I was about 8 years old so my idea of boats may be different from what is there now. I remember the boat that we were in before was relatively small and may accommodate about 15 passengers, including the baggage.. looks like the boat we're riding this time is a bit bigger because we're such a big group and there are a lot of baggages to boot :)
We were only able to leave Aparri by 9:30am because of the packing and the checking and the inspection by the Coast Guard. At first, the trip was going smoothly until we reached the midway point where we encountered overcast skies and huge waves. Everyone started getting sick and we all just wanted the boat ride to be over.. Imagine opening your eyes and you still can't see any land in sight.
Do you know what time we reached Calayan Island? 7pm that evening. The propeller even broke and it took a better part of an hour to fix. It was already very dark.. we were all cold (from getting wet from the sea spray), we were all stinky from throwing up and we were all tired from being cramped on the boat.
I later learned that the boat that we were in really drove slow.. slowly but surely is their motto hahahahaha
The kids and I were the first to get off the boat, because we were all cold and I feared that if I didn't change the kids' clothes they might get sick. So, we were the first to reach the house and I thank my cousins who lent my kids some clothes because our bags weren't unloaded yet. We all took turns in the bathrooms (lucky for us there were 3) and after everyone was a bit refreshed, we all had dinner together.
After that, we all crashed in bed LOL
This big boat in the picture is the one we rode to get to Calayan. I wish we could've ridden this small speedboat, I'm sure we would have arrived faster ! LOL
Day 1 - On the Way to Calayan Island
So, it's now April 22nd and we're supposed to be at the Florida bus terminal in Sampaloc by 2:30. It is more practical this way instead of going to Park Road in Tandang Sora to meet the bus there.
Unfortunately, there were 3 Florida bus garages and we went to the wrong one hahahaha And add to that, it began to rain heavily which made it even harder to move from one terminal to another, considering that they're all within walking distance.
When the rain let up, we took a cab to get to the other terminals, while keeping an eye out for Sil and Bong who were supposed to meet the bus as well. It was good luck that the taxi driver that we got was so patient and a little familiar with the area. In no time at all, we're in the bus and on our way to Park Road to pick up the rest of the family woohoo!!
After getting all the baggages in the bus (it took a while because there were so many), we were finally on the way! A Rambo DVD was played so keep the passengers entertained, and we made 2-3 stops along the way, first for dinner and then for gas I think (and then for some, the much-needed toilet break! hahaha)During the first stop, I made my way to the rest room but to my horror there were so many lizards on the ceiling.. but desperate situations need desperate measures so I just closed my eyes and did what I had to do LOL and ran away from there as fast as I could LOL I told myself, next time, I'll use the restroom on the bus LOL
Since the trip was going to take a little more than 12 hours, another DVD, this time Van Helsing, was played. It was a very interesting movie but I couldn't concentrate because I was also getting the kids to sleep :)
Anyway, we arrived in Aparri, Cagayan by 6am the next morning.
Paypon Family Gathering
April 21, 2008, 6pm - A family dinner was scheduled for all the Paypons in Manila. It was a chance to get to know each other, catch up with the news and break the ice before the trip to Calayan the next day.
We met Tere, her husband, and their 2 kids :) Tita Ofel, Tita Lette and Tita Cora were also there, a little rested from their flight from the US. Mar, Allan and Alyssa also arrived but Alyssa was asleep :) Pete, Sil, Fr. Rey and Francis were also present.. Tito Ambil and his kids were also there as well as Tito Jimmy.. They were supposed to be the advanced party :)
Noticeably, my Dad didn't come and so with my sister Sharon and her family.
Anyway, it was like a taste of things to come :) the food was lobsters galore!! hehehe at least that's what I fixated on hahahaha
It was so much fun to be with family... I guess I needed that...
We met Tere, her husband, and their 2 kids :) Tita Ofel, Tita Lette and Tita Cora were also there, a little rested from their flight from the US. Mar, Allan and Alyssa also arrived but Alyssa was asleep :) Pete, Sil, Fr. Rey and Francis were also present.. Tito Ambil and his kids were also there as well as Tito Jimmy.. They were supposed to be the advanced party :)
Noticeably, my Dad didn't come and so with my sister Sharon and her family.
Anyway, it was like a taste of things to come :) the food was lobsters galore!! hehehe at least that's what I fixated on hahahaha
It was so much fun to be with family... I guess I needed that...
Trip to Calayan!!
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Oh my gosh.. it's Friday already and it's only 3 more nights before we go on our long-awaited trip to Calayan, Cagayan!!! We're all so excited!!
If you guys don't know where Calayan, Cagayan is, it's right at the tip of the Philippines, which is practically a stone's throw away from Taiwan (that island at the northern part of the map) Hongkong is on the Northwest :) Not many people are aware of this area of the Philippines, but it's where my father and his family originated. The main island is the one in the 2nd picture..
I haven't been here since I was about 7 or 8 so it'll really be a nostalgic moment for me.. Imagine, traveling by bus for 14 hours and then taking a boat ride for another 3-4 hours hahahaha now you can understand why we have to stay for a week LOL
It will certainly be a big adventure for my kids who have never been to the beach in their lives LOL Den has already been to the island last year I think and she fondly remembers eating lots of crabs, shrimps, lobsters and fish - ALL FRESH!! woohooo the beach is a 2 minute walk from the ancestral home!! Looks like I'll be bringing tons of sunblock lotion :)
WE CAN'T WAIT!!!
We won again!
Well, aren't we lucky! We won again in the Caption-this-photo contest of Top Gear Philippines Magazine ! woohoo!!
This time, we won a laptop bag courtesy of Viking Cars (Volvo).
For more details: please visit: http://www.topgear.com.ph/contest/form.php?contest_id=17
I wish winning the lottery is as easy as this hahahaha
This time, we won a laptop bag courtesy of Viking Cars (Volvo).
For more details: please visit: http://www.topgear.com.ph/contest/form.php?contest_id=17
I wish winning the lottery is as easy as this hahahaha
A New Look!
Look at this! I've changed my blog template.. Let me tell you, I got bored with the dots template that I originally had and went looking for a replacement.. I didn't know there'd be so much of very good ones out there and it was hard to choose.
I finally was able to narrow it down to a few but when I tried to incorporate them into the blog, I had a hard time with it. Either I was too stupid to follow certain instructions or there was really something wrong. I had to take a break because I was getting frustrated. This was one of those times when I thanked my lucky stars I was a graduate of Computer Science! hahaha
Well, I finally got this to work as you can see and I think it suits me perfectly! Mind you, I've never been partial to red, but I like this.. :) So I hope you guys like it too ..
Oh and I got to add the RSS feed form thingy so you can subscribe to the blog if you want.. isn't that great?? I'm really enjoying blogging hahahaha
Wait for more additions and upgrades to come!
I finally was able to narrow it down to a few but when I tried to incorporate them into the blog, I had a hard time with it. Either I was too stupid to follow certain instructions or there was really something wrong. I had to take a break because I was getting frustrated. This was one of those times when I thanked my lucky stars I was a graduate of Computer Science! hahaha
Well, I finally got this to work as you can see and I think it suits me perfectly! Mind you, I've never been partial to red, but I like this.. :) So I hope you guys like it too ..
Oh and I got to add the RSS feed form thingy so you can subscribe to the blog if you want.. isn't that great?? I'm really enjoying blogging hahahaha
Wait for more additions and upgrades to come!
Den is in College!
Oh man.. After many weeks of stress due to choosing and preparing Den for college. She has now submitted her credentials to the UST BS in Information Systems course.
Initially, she passed the BS in Information Technology course. Supposedly, being a graduate of the UST High School, she has to have priority over other applicants. NOT!! If you can picture this, the schedule for the submission of credentials was between March 24 - April 5. The UST High School released their papers on April 4th. She only had 1 day to submit them and by that time, they don't accept these papers in the afternoon. So, when can she submit them on April 5th.
Well, what do you know, she was waiting in line at 6:30am along with all the rest of the interested students and by 10am, they were told that there were no offices and no one will be there to accept their papers. Grr.. might they have posted a bulletin or something?? Those poor kids.. They were told to come back on the 8th because the 7th was declared a holiday.
Now, it's the 8th. same time - 6:30am. Guess what, by the time that she got to submitting her papers, the IT Course is now closed!! WHAT???!!! What do you mean closed, I have priority!!! I have a reserved slot!!! Her head was screaming...
It appears that there was no reserved slot, even for HS Students unless you pay the P5,000 reservation fee if you can't get your documents in time. So, that's it.. Unfortunately, we didn't have that kind of money on hand.. No wonder her other classmates got in...
Anyway, she was told that she's still eligible for the course on Information Systems but they'll check if her grades qualify her for the Computer Science course. I advised her to just take the Information Systems course because by the time they finish checking, the IS slots will most likely be filled...
How's that for organization?!!
I just hope that all this trouble is worth it in the end..
Initially, she passed the BS in Information Technology course. Supposedly, being a graduate of the UST High School, she has to have priority over other applicants. NOT!! If you can picture this, the schedule for the submission of credentials was between March 24 - April 5. The UST High School released their papers on April 4th. She only had 1 day to submit them and by that time, they don't accept these papers in the afternoon. So, when can she submit them on April 5th.
Well, what do you know, she was waiting in line at 6:30am along with all the rest of the interested students and by 10am, they were told that there were no offices and no one will be there to accept their papers. Grr.. might they have posted a bulletin or something?? Those poor kids.. They were told to come back on the 8th because the 7th was declared a holiday.
Now, it's the 8th. same time - 6:30am. Guess what, by the time that she got to submitting her papers, the IT Course is now closed!! WHAT???!!! What do you mean closed, I have priority!!! I have a reserved slot!!! Her head was screaming...
It appears that there was no reserved slot, even for HS Students unless you pay the P5,000 reservation fee if you can't get your documents in time. So, that's it.. Unfortunately, we didn't have that kind of money on hand.. No wonder her other classmates got in...
Anyway, she was told that she's still eligible for the course on Information Systems but they'll check if her grades qualify her for the Computer Science course. I advised her to just take the Information Systems course because by the time they finish checking, the IS slots will most likely be filled...
How's that for organization?!!
I just hope that all this trouble is worth it in the end..
Hectic Weekend
Last Friday, I got an email from my brother saying that he and Bruce sent some money to tide us over and additional money for Den's tuition which he borrowed from my uncle. You'll never know how much of a relief that was to hear. I haven't been sleeping nights thinking of where to get the money for Den's college, considering it's enrollment season already. The bigger problem is sustaining her education because her educational plan is not worth much at all..
So with the money, I paid off our horrendous telephone bill which blew up because of long distance charges and our current power bill. These two are the only basic utilities that we pay for and I can't afford to have them disconnected. In fact, because we have no outstanding telephone bills, I can now proceed to upgrade to DSL which will be a big factor in getting work-from-home jobs (which I also desperately need!).
Saturday, we went to the mall to pick up my free mobile phone. It was actually a promo that ended last October 2007, between our landline provider and it's sister company, a cellular network. You get a free mobile phone because you have been a loyal subscriber to the landline network, with no requirements needed for a postpaid subscription. I actually forgot that I submitted an application before hahahaha So, now I can replace Patrick's old Nokia 7110 (Neo's phone from the Matrix movie)!! hahahaha Oh and the new phone is a Nokia 6288 :) I think Den is more excited about it than I was hahaha Teenagers!! LOL
Anyway, Today is Sunday and I don't know if Patrick plans to attend the Motor Show. It should be interesting. We'll see :)
So with the money, I paid off our horrendous telephone bill which blew up because of long distance charges and our current power bill. These two are the only basic utilities that we pay for and I can't afford to have them disconnected. In fact, because we have no outstanding telephone bills, I can now proceed to upgrade to DSL which will be a big factor in getting work-from-home jobs (which I also desperately need!).
Saturday, we went to the mall to pick up my free mobile phone. It was actually a promo that ended last October 2007, between our landline provider and it's sister company, a cellular network. You get a free mobile phone because you have been a loyal subscriber to the landline network, with no requirements needed for a postpaid subscription. I actually forgot that I submitted an application before hahahaha So, now I can replace Patrick's old Nokia 7110 (Neo's phone from the Matrix movie)!! hahahaha Oh and the new phone is a Nokia 6288 :) I think Den is more excited about it than I was hahaha Teenagers!! LOL
Anyway, Today is Sunday and I don't know if Patrick plans to attend the Motor Show. It should be interesting. We'll see :)
The Dreadful Autopsy Report
I have always been a fan of murder-mystery-cop-thriller series types of books. That's why I love the Kay Scarpetta series from Patricia Cornwell and John Sandford's Prey Series.
I'm also fond of watching CSI and other foresic-related TV shows.
Never have I imagined that I would be involved in reading a very personal autopsy report for myself...
My brother just sent me a copy of our Mother's autopsy report from when she was hit by a Toyota Tacoma truck last February. He warned me not to read it, because when he did, he had anxiety attacks from it and had to take some meds.
Well, I'm hard-headed so I read it.
My mother died a horrible, tragic death. The impact with the Tacoma nearly severed her head from her neck. According to the report, her C1 and C2 vertebrates were broken and her head was practically hanging on by a strip of flesh. She was bleeding from the mouth, because she bled internally as well.
She had major abrasions on her arms and legs.
She broke her arm.
She had broken ribs and some even punctured other internal organs.
She had lacerations on her head.
Because of the severity of the blow to the head, the Medical Examiner called it a "rapid death", which doesn't mean to say she didn't feel pain at all.. It simply meant, she died fast.
Can any of you honestly say that these wounds were a result of a Toyota Tacoma truck travelling at 30 miles an hour on an expressway? I don't think so. 30 miles an hour is practically crawling!!!
With these injuries, my mother was flung from the hood and hit the pavement a good distance away.
The driver was let go. My mother is dead. I have to live with this knowledge.
I'm also fond of watching CSI and other foresic-related TV shows.
Never have I imagined that I would be involved in reading a very personal autopsy report for myself...
My brother just sent me a copy of our Mother's autopsy report from when she was hit by a Toyota Tacoma truck last February. He warned me not to read it, because when he did, he had anxiety attacks from it and had to take some meds.
Well, I'm hard-headed so I read it.
My mother died a horrible, tragic death. The impact with the Tacoma nearly severed her head from her neck. According to the report, her C1 and C2 vertebrates were broken and her head was practically hanging on by a strip of flesh. She was bleeding from the mouth, because she bled internally as well.
She had major abrasions on her arms and legs.
She broke her arm.
She had broken ribs and some even punctured other internal organs.
She had lacerations on her head.
Because of the severity of the blow to the head, the Medical Examiner called it a "rapid death", which doesn't mean to say she didn't feel pain at all.. It simply meant, she died fast.
Can any of you honestly say that these wounds were a result of a Toyota Tacoma truck travelling at 30 miles an hour on an expressway? I don't think so. 30 miles an hour is practically crawling!!!
With these injuries, my mother was flung from the hood and hit the pavement a good distance away.
The driver was let go. My mother is dead. I have to live with this knowledge.
Den's Graduation Day
March 28, 2008 - This day is Den's High School graduation day. After 4 years at the University of Santo Tomas High School, she is now finished and free!!! It's also quite nostalgic for me to be attending it seeing as how it was 19 years ago that I stood on that same stage to get my own diploma :) We all woke up very early because we had to be at the venue (PICC Plenary Hall) by 7am.. Den and her classmates had to be in school by 6am (they'll all be transported by bus to the venue)!!
Anyway, Dana was so excited she even woke up by herself. She was going to wear her new dress and that in itself is a big thing!! Dylan took a longer time to get up (which was understandable) but when we told him he'd get to wear his new Elmo shirt, well he was up and at 'em LOL
Too bad that when we got to the venue, we were told that Dana and Dylan will not be allowed to enter because of the rule that children 7 years old and below are not permitted.. which should not be the case because graduations are family events, aren't they and kids should be allowed to witness it... I can understand the need for order and such but parents will surely keep their kids in line, won't they? at least I would and my kids are well-behaved in public anyway.. but I guess there are some who aren't..
Anyway, Patrick and the kids ended up going to the local fastfood store while waiting for Den and me, so that the kids can while the time away in the playroom. But they also went home earlier because they were getting cranky, and the event still wasn't finished.
I felt sad while the ceremonies were on-going. First because I felt that my mom should have been here to witness it with me. She sure would have loved to see her favorite grandchild graduate. :) Second, I was the only one who was there for Den, although Patrick and the kids were physically there earlier. Her other classmates had as much as 5 people with them, more were even waiting outside. Third, we didn't even have a celebratory lunch for Den because of financial strappings. I did promise her that we will go for whatever she wants when some money comes in :)
After the ceremonies were over, naturally, the picture taking started :) it was chaos there! LOL there was a lot of crying, hugging, meeting parents, meeting boyfriends/girlfriends (surprise, surprise!).. it was a mixture of elation and sadness.. but sure worth remembering :)
Happy Easter everyone!
Happy Easter to Everyone!!
To Catholics, Easter is a special time because it commemorates Jesus Christ's rebirth. In the same manner, it also symbolizes a change in people.. a rebirth from the old ways.. a chance to start anew..
I look at it as a chance to accept my mom's death, to forgive the driver who killed her, and to let go of any hate.. it's not easy... because I want justice for my mom's death.. I still can't believe that she (it was a 23-year old Caucasian) was let go without even a slap on the wrist even though she killed my mother.. does it not matter that she took a life? Thinking about forgiveness is easier than actually doing it..
We just spent the day at home, going to Church in the afternoon.. we were content eating corn and left-over Chicken Tinola for dinner :) I feasted on Indian mangoes :)
To Catholics, Easter is a special time because it commemorates Jesus Christ's rebirth. In the same manner, it also symbolizes a change in people.. a rebirth from the old ways.. a chance to start anew..
I look at it as a chance to accept my mom's death, to forgive the driver who killed her, and to let go of any hate.. it's not easy... because I want justice for my mom's death.. I still can't believe that she (it was a 23-year old Caucasian) was let go without even a slap on the wrist even though she killed my mother.. does it not matter that she took a life? Thinking about forgiveness is easier than actually doing it..
We just spent the day at home, going to Church in the afternoon.. we were content eating corn and left-over Chicken Tinola for dinner :) I feasted on Indian mangoes :)
Spirits and Dragonflies
I don't know if you're familiar with the Philippine superstition or saying that when someone close to you dies and then you see a dragonfly or butterfly in your house or in your vicinity, then that person's spirit is visiting you..
Well, this happened to me.. First, when my grandfather died last January.. Then when my mom died last February..
It happened again last March 17, on the eve of my mom's 40th day. It was a surprise to find a dragonfly in the living room. But when I saw it, I immediately thought of my mom and it seemed to me that she was saying goodbye.. I felt so sad and so hurt...
The dragonfly even went so far as to flit beside me, my daughter Dana and my niece Den, who at that time were also in the living room watching TV with me..
It didn't leave the house until the next morning, which coincidentally was also Dylan's 2nd birthday..
Goodbye Mom...
Well, this happened to me.. First, when my grandfather died last January.. Then when my mom died last February..
It happened again last March 17, on the eve of my mom's 40th day. It was a surprise to find a dragonfly in the living room. But when I saw it, I immediately thought of my mom and it seemed to me that she was saying goodbye.. I felt so sad and so hurt...
The dragonfly even went so far as to flit beside me, my daughter Dana and my niece Den, who at that time were also in the living room watching TV with me..
It didn't leave the house until the next morning, which coincidentally was also Dylan's 2nd birthday..
Goodbye Mom...
Dylan's 2nd Birthday
Yes.. My baby boy is now 2 years old!! hahahaha
His long-awaited gifts have finally been opened.. voila!! they are Mr. Potato Head and Darth Tater!! woohoo!!!
It's a bit sad though that his birthday coincided with my mom's 40 days.. so we can't really celebrate as much as we want..
We'll make it up to him next time.. besides, it's also Holy Week (Lenten season) here in the Philippines..
Anyway, we also opened the Shell Ferrari Cars but we're still planning on where to put it in the house.. it really should be displayed not played with hahahaha
Talked with Grandma
Yesterday, I decided to call my grandmother. I wasn't able to talk to her when my mom died because I figured it would too hard for the two of us to talk about. So I waited for a month and then I bought a prepaid call card (cozz it's cheaper for long distance calls!).
I tried calling her a weekend ago but nobody was answering the phone and all I got was the answering machine.
Well, I lucked out yesterday and I was finally able to talk to her. It's good to hear that she seems to be doing fine. There were moments in our conversation when we both got a little weepy which was understandable.. I for my mom and she for her daughter, whom she only had 6 years to get to know all over again... They've been separated when my grandmother and grandfather immigrated to the United States in 1978 (if I'm notmistaken). Since that time, my grandma only made one trip back, in 1993. They eventually saw each other in 2002, when my mom and brother made it to the US as well.
So, it's really hard for her to lose her eldest child in such a tragic accident. If I feel this much loss at losing my mother.. what can she be feeling at losing her child.. because no matter how old we are, we're still children to our parents.. and I can feel her loss and it breaks my heart.. First, my grandfather in 2005, now my mom in 2008. My mom's death was so unexpected that we're still reeling from it even after a month has passed....
It just felt good to be able to talk with my grandmother... and I think she felt a little relief too at talking with me.. I plan to talk with her regularly from now on..
I tried calling her a weekend ago but nobody was answering the phone and all I got was the answering machine.
Well, I lucked out yesterday and I was finally able to talk to her. It's good to hear that she seems to be doing fine. There were moments in our conversation when we both got a little weepy which was understandable.. I for my mom and she for her daughter, whom she only had 6 years to get to know all over again... They've been separated when my grandmother and grandfather immigrated to the United States in 1978 (if I'm notmistaken). Since that time, my grandma only made one trip back, in 1993. They eventually saw each other in 2002, when my mom and brother made it to the US as well.
So, it's really hard for her to lose her eldest child in such a tragic accident. If I feel this much loss at losing my mother.. what can she be feeling at losing her child.. because no matter how old we are, we're still children to our parents.. and I can feel her loss and it breaks my heart.. First, my grandfather in 2005, now my mom in 2008. My mom's death was so unexpected that we're still reeling from it even after a month has passed....
It just felt good to be able to talk with my grandmother... and I think she felt a little relief too at talking with me.. I plan to talk with her regularly from now on..
Shell Ferrari Cars
Woohooo!!!
We won! We won!!!
Every month, there's a caption-this-photo contest in Top Gear (Philippines) Magazine. We decided to join the contest just for fun and also because they were giving away a complete set of the Shell Ferrari Cars Collection. These Shell Ferrari model cars are part of Shell's promotion to commemorate it's 60-year relationship with Ferrari. The set includes the Ferrari Enzo, the F430, the 575 Superamerica, the 360 Spider, the F50, and the Ferrari F1 racer.
Well, what do you know? We won! We won!! We were one of 5 winners picked!! And we went to Robinson's Galleria to pick it up!! woohoo!!
We won! We won!!!
Every month, there's a caption-this-photo contest in Top Gear (Philippines) Magazine. We decided to join the contest just for fun and also because they were giving away a complete set of the Shell Ferrari Cars Collection. These Shell Ferrari model cars are part of Shell's promotion to commemorate it's 60-year relationship with Ferrari. The set includes the Ferrari Enzo, the F430, the 575 Superamerica, the 360 Spider, the F50, and the Ferrari F1 racer.
Well, what do you know? We won! We won!! We were one of 5 winners picked!! And we went to Robinson's Galleria to pick it up!! woohoo!!
Dylan is sick =(
After several weeks of people in this house coughing and sniffing, it was Dylan's turn. I don't know what it is about this cough but it seems to be pretty persistent.. I think the new strains of virii are becoming too strong for the regular medicine.
Dylan wasn't able to sleep well last night because of the phlegm ... it was also funny because last night was Patrick's first day/night at the new office :)
Oh and Happy 13 years and 4 months to Patrick and me hahahhaa
Dylan wasn't able to sleep well last night because of the phlegm ... it was also funny because last night was Patrick's first day/night at the new office :)
Oh and Happy 13 years and 4 months to Patrick and me hahahhaa
Tried a New Dish
Well, today I experimented with a few ingredients that my Mom sent with her last balikbayan box. It's called Pad Thai and its similar to our local pancit bihon. My mom sent the Pad Thai paste/sauce and the rice sticks (noodles). I just added chicken, mushroom, tofu, garlic and broth to it.. It turned out okay - different but edible hahaha
Talk about Tired =)
Well, I had a burst of energy yesterday.. I woke up early, started rearranging stuff in the living room, started doing the laundry (thank God for washing machines LOL!), checked email, downloaded Naruto (dial-up takes soooo long!) did more Internet stuff... whew!!
If that wasn't enough, I started painting the railings of the stairs.. I started doing it about 2 weeks ako - sanded, cleaned them and primed them for paint but never got around to actually painting it until that day.. In my enthusiasm, I knocked over the can of paint and ended up painting 3 of the stairs hahahha they're black now.. fortunately, they're the stairs that lead out the door and the black paint suits them hahaha
It was so tiring!!
But when it was done, I felt extremely satisfied especially when Dana said, "Mama that looks nice!" :) what more can you ask for ? ;)
If that wasn't enough, I started painting the railings of the stairs.. I started doing it about 2 weeks ako - sanded, cleaned them and primed them for paint but never got around to actually painting it until that day.. In my enthusiasm, I knocked over the can of paint and ended up painting 3 of the stairs hahahha they're black now.. fortunately, they're the stairs that lead out the door and the black paint suits them hahaha
It was so tiring!!
But when it was done, I felt extremely satisfied especially when Dana said, "Mama that looks nice!" :) what more can you ask for ? ;)
New Cars toy!!
Looks like gifts are still coming in for the kids :) Patrick just came from our ebayer friend with a new Cars plushie.. a bigger one! hahahaha
Dana and Dylan can't stop playing with it woohoo!!
Dana and Dylan can't stop playing with it woohoo!!
College is so Expensive!!
Oh my gosh! My niece, Den is graduating from high school this coming March 28. She's been looking at colleges and universities for quite some time now. At first, we were thinking she'll continue with UST (where she is right now) because she passed her entrance test for the IT course there. But, we just saw the table of fees and it costs almost P40K for one sem! At first I thought that was for one year already... was I mistaken.. hahahaha
Now, we're looking for an alternative school because her educational plan seems pretty useless compared to the amount of money involved.. Seems like educational plans now don't really help.. considering the cost of education..
Wish us luck! :D
Now, we're looking for an alternative school because her educational plan seems pretty useless compared to the amount of money involved.. Seems like educational plans now don't really help.. considering the cost of education..
Wish us luck! :D
Patrick's New Job
Hooray! Patrick has a new job!! After a number of months that he's been out of one, he finally got accepted at a call center here in Makati. To me, however, it seemed weird to be interviewed between 12mn and 6am but if that's what it takes, right.. ?
It's been a rough last quarter last year, what with Den getting dengue fever and being hospitalized for 1 week - 4 days in the ICU too.. and then after that, my son, Dylan gets hospitalized as well - this time for pneumonia with asthma complications
Patrick lost his job because of this - we had to be at the hospital 24/7 basically and there was no one else to help us out.. It was good of his friends to stay at the hospital for a couple of nights to get us much needed rest..
Now, hopefully, we'll have a better financial position than the past few months.. :)
It's been a rough last quarter last year, what with Den getting dengue fever and being hospitalized for 1 week - 4 days in the ICU too.. and then after that, my son, Dylan gets hospitalized as well - this time for pneumonia with asthma complications
Patrick lost his job because of this - we had to be at the hospital 24/7 basically and there was no one else to help us out.. It was good of his friends to stay at the hospital for a couple of nights to get us much needed rest..
Now, hopefully, we'll have a better financial position than the past few months.. :)
Poignant Balikbayan boxes
Today is March 5, 2008 and I feel very sad. 2 Balikbayan boxes were just delivered to our doorstep - these are the last boxes that my mom ever sent.. she sent them before she was killed in a car accident in California, USA. For those of you who don't know, she was hit by a Toyota Tacoma last February 07 around 7pm (PST).
Anyway, it's so bittersweet going through the things that she placed in the boxes. There were a number of sweatshirts for Patrick.. a Darth Vader watch for him too (must be a birthday gift!), clothes for Dana, briefs for Dylan, a bag and toiletries for Den, some clothes for me and a lot of groceries for us.. she didn't even forget medicines for my aunts..
I can just imagine her putting all the stuff in and what she might be saying while she was organizing them :)
This routine with the balikbayan boxes is just one of the many things that I will miss about her.
Anyway, it's so bittersweet going through the things that she placed in the boxes. There were a number of sweatshirts for Patrick.. a Darth Vader watch for him too (must be a birthday gift!), clothes for Dana, briefs for Dylan, a bag and toiletries for Den, some clothes for me and a lot of groceries for us.. she didn't even forget medicines for my aunts..
I can just imagine her putting all the stuff in and what she might be saying while she was organizing them :)
This routine with the balikbayan boxes is just one of the many things that I will miss about her.
Dana's 4th Birthday - Day 3
Can you imagine? We went for a trip to the mall for the 3rd time in 3 days LOL This time we went to SM Manila. We were supposed to meet an ebayer whom Patrick bought a Cars Lightning McQueen plushie from..
Of course, taking advantage of the opportunity, we ate at Karate Kid which serves great gyoza, ramen and california maki :)
I was also able to buy James Siegel's "Derailed" at the Buy-the-Book bookstore :) it was a bargain at P99 for a hardbound copy :)
Oh and before I forget, we did pick up Dana's Cars-inspired brithday cake from Goldilocks during lunchtime :)
Dana's 4th Birthday - Day 2
Well, it seems that there's a continuation to Dana's birthday celebration! Not finding suitable graduation shoes for Den at the SM Mall of Asia, we decided to go shopping at the Araneta Center in Cubao the day after. It's a good place to a shop since there are a number of malls - SM, Ali Mall, the new Gateway Mall, Farmer's Plaza and a department store-cum-supermarket combo called Shopwise.
Looks like not too many shoe manufacturers produce white shoes for graduation nowadays. We've been through so many stores, we've lost count before settling with one pair that at least looks comfortable (graduation ceremonies take a long time), priced right and looks good on her :)
After that, we went to a store called the Toy Palace, that's a little out of the way but carries great toys at reasonable prices. The kids' godmother, my old friend Dette, sent some money for the kids. We were able to buy a musical piano, a Mr. Potato Head and a Darth Tater version of Mr. Potato Head :) The kids are into Star Wars, if you want to know :0
Anyway, having expended all that energy, we ended up eating at Charly Brown (we haven't tried it yet) They have great fries and their ramen tastes good!
Looks like not too many shoe manufacturers produce white shoes for graduation nowadays. We've been through so many stores, we've lost count before settling with one pair that at least looks comfortable (graduation ceremonies take a long time), priced right and looks good on her :)
After that, we went to a store called the Toy Palace, that's a little out of the way but carries great toys at reasonable prices. The kids' godmother, my old friend Dette, sent some money for the kids. We were able to buy a musical piano, a Mr. Potato Head and a Darth Tater version of Mr. Potato Head :) The kids are into Star Wars, if you want to know :0
Anyway, having expended all that energy, we ended up eating at Charly Brown (we haven't tried it yet) They have great fries and their ramen tastes good!
Dana's 4th Birthday - Day 1
What does a girl of 4 usually want for her birthday? Well, our Dana just wants a trip to the zoo and the mall :) We didn't make it to the zoo unfortunately, but we made it to the mall with more time to spare...
We went to SM Mall of Asia, last March 1st to celebrate Dana's 4th Birthday. We (Patrick, Dana, Dylan and Ate Den) ate a hearty lunch at the Mongolian Barbecue restaurant. It was an eat-all-you can feast which we really took advantage of :) Then, we spent the rest of the day looking for bathing suits ! It's summer so what the heck.. Our aunts from the States will be vacationing here in April and there's a definite trip to the beach in the works woohoo!! Dana had so much fun trying on different styles - a real trooper!! Since Ate Den's graduation was scheduled on March 28, we also decided to look for graduation shoes for her.. unfortunately, we were all too tired to really go around.. so we re-set that for another trip...
We had some digital pictures printed out, Dana was going around in her own car, while Dylan was in his stroller.. Dana and Daddy Patrick spent some quality time together playing in the arcades. Apparently, if it's your birth month you get a ton of credits to spend :) So that was also a great treat!
Dinner was spent at Don Henrico's where we had a huge plateful of pasta to share and pizza and bottomless drinks.. You can sort of deduce we love food! hahaha
We got home around 10pm and the kids still had too much energy! Their poor Ate Den was complaining of tired feet and promptly feel asleep when we got home
All in all it was a great day!
We went to SM Mall of Asia, last March 1st to celebrate Dana's 4th Birthday. We (Patrick, Dana, Dylan and Ate Den) ate a hearty lunch at the Mongolian Barbecue restaurant. It was an eat-all-you can feast which we really took advantage of :) Then, we spent the rest of the day looking for bathing suits ! It's summer so what the heck.. Our aunts from the States will be vacationing here in April and there's a definite trip to the beach in the works woohoo!! Dana had so much fun trying on different styles - a real trooper!! Since Ate Den's graduation was scheduled on March 28, we also decided to look for graduation shoes for her.. unfortunately, we were all too tired to really go around.. so we re-set that for another trip...
We had some digital pictures printed out, Dana was going around in her own car, while Dylan was in his stroller.. Dana and Daddy Patrick spent some quality time together playing in the arcades. Apparently, if it's your birth month you get a ton of credits to spend :) So that was also a great treat!
Dinner was spent at Don Henrico's where we had a huge plateful of pasta to share and pizza and bottomless drinks.. You can sort of deduce we love food! hahaha
We got home around 10pm and the kids still had too much energy! Their poor Ate Den was complaining of tired feet and promptly feel asleep when we got home
All in all it was a great day!
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