2nd Grade School Photo
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Saturday was a busy day for us. Left the house at 8:00am to have my fingerprints (for my Citizenship application) taken at the INS Application Support Center in Oakland. My appointment was not till 9:00am but decided to leave early so I could get a street parking spot right outside the building. I was surprised that there were already people inside when we arrived. At least the wait was not too long. It was a little past 9:00am when I finished. We had planned on having brunch at the Legendary Palace since they open at 8:00am on the weekends. This restaurant was recommended by my co-worker/friend who knows a lot of good places to eat (especially Chinese Restaurants). For $25 (w/o the tip) we had an assortment of dim sum, complete with a nice steaming pot of Jasmine tea.
This past week, Kyo had prepared himself a Taste of Asia Hot and Sour soup for lunch. Since he enjoyed it so much he went online and checked out their website. That's when he found out about the Oakland Chinatown Streetfest held last Saturday. Since we were already in the area we decided to take a look at the happenings. There were lots of booths, even some with free tastes of moon cakes, drinks, etc. Kamille enjoyed it because of the freebies she got to take home.
It was my first time in Downtown Oakland so we made the most out of our little trip by stopping by Jack London Square. I've heard of this place for so long and have seen it on TV several times. When we arrived there was an event going on - Back to the Schoolhouse at Jack London Square. It was a "free community event with helpful health and safety information and all-day family entertainment". There was a magician, a performance by a band (I forgot the name) and several interesting booths. We all got to spin the wheel at the Monterey Bay Aquarium booth and Kamille won 4 admission tickets for us. How cool is that! 
We didn't stay long. After taking several photos and getting their goodie bags, we left Oakland and headed straight to San Leandro. Earlier in the week, we got an invite to a send off party for a friend in college. Jax is a dentist now and was called by the Army to serve in Germany. He'll be there for 3 years with his family. After 12 years we finally got to see each other, spend time even for a bit and catch up. We both live close by but our schedules didn't permit us to hang out. Anyway....it was really nice seeing you again, Jax! Take care and God bless you and your family always.
I haven't seen my sister for almost 5 years now. I don't even get to talk to her as much as I want to. However, I know that she cares for me as much as I care for her. Like all siblings, we had our share of fights and arguements. When we were kids I would sometimes have these moments when I would say to myself that she is not my real sister. Technically, she is my half sister. My mom died when I was 5 years old and my dad remarried.
The word "half" sort of got lost along the way as we grew up. She wasn't my half sister anymore. Just a sister. I am happy that I have her in my life and that someone calls me "ate". She has been through a lot of trials in life and has always come out stronger than ever.
Now I have two daughters of my own. Like any other family, my kids would play a bit and then start getting on each others nerves. But they can also be very sweet and loving to one another. I hope someday these sisters will become best friends for life.
Last Sunday we decided to take Tita Minnie to Napa. Since she has visited this place last time she was here, Kyo had researched other places we could visit. We arrived around noon at COPIA - The American Center for Food, Wine and the Arts. They had an Edible Garden Festival that day. There were food & wine tastings, art exhibits, home & garden booths and cooking demos. We got to take home quite a few goodies.
Next stop was the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena. Visiting this place makes me want to become a professional chef (I wish!). Maybe someday....
Whew! Finally, I finished the last installment of the Harry Potter books. I still have a few questions, though but I'm not about to ask them here. I know some of my friends haven't even started reading it yet. Don't want to spoil it for them.
Next on my reading list is The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri while I'm waiting to get my hands on Stephenie Meyer's new book, Eclipse. Eversince I read Meyer's first book, I have been fascinated with vampires and werewolves. I watched the movie Blood and Chocolate one very late evening. Usually, if I start watching a movie late at night, I would end up dozing off. But for some reason I was able to keep my eyes open till the end credits. I didn't know what to expect when I rented this movie. Didn't have much of a choice when I was at the video store. I just knew it was about werewolves. Kyo was even asking why I got this movie. Turns out he enjoyed it too. "'Di nakaka-antok" is what he said. I just might watch The Lost Boys while I'm on the vampire and werewolves fascination streak.
We were at the library yesterday. Our local library has quite a number of Filipino books and DVDs. I haven't watched a Tagalog movie in a long time. So just for kicks I borrowed a few titles. For some reason I found a lot of Tagalog DVDs on the shelf. I got so excited that I borrowed 5 movies. I could have borrowed everthing if not for the restriction of only 5 DVDs at a time can be taken out. Upon arriving home, I settled comfortably on the couch and popped in the first movie...Mano Po 4, Ako Legal Wife. Followed by Let the Love Begin and finally, Bcuz of U. As usual panay lang kami tawa ng tawa kahit na drama scenes na. Corny mga dialogue....o sya sige....aaminin ko na....may mga kilig moments din. One thing I noticed, especially dun sa mga trailers ng Pinoy fantasy movies, di pa rin maayos ang mga computer generated images. Hay ano ba yan! Wala pa rin pagbabago....mga cellphone parating updated pero sa paggawa ng movies.....hmmmm.....
I love scrapbooking but I don't really have the time to pursue this hobby. Kyo has been telling me for the longest time to learn Photoshop so I can just do the layouts on the computer. A few months ago I finally installed Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 mainly because I needed a software to view, crop and resize my jpeg files. I still like the conventional way of scrapbooking. I have lots of the patterned paper, cardstock, stickers, pens, scissors, etc. but now that I'm finally learning how to use Photoshop, I hope I'll get to create more pages. I'm also trying my hand at creating cards. I promise to upload a scanned copy of the invitation I created for my sister-in-law's baby shower.
Happy first day of summer and keep on scrapping!
Ano’ng nararamdaman Di ba’t pananampalataya Kalangitan ay umiitim Di ba’t ang Diyos ang siyang liwanag Yayain mo ako sa yong jeepney
Tila ba’y nasasakupan
Lumbay at kalungkutan
Nais mo bang ika’y makaraos din
Kailangan upang makaahon
Sa delubyong iyong nararanasan
At sa kasawian na dulot ng panahon
Ambon lang yan
Ambon lang yan
Naupos ang ilaw ng mga bituin
At sa paglipas ng oras ika’y napaiyak
Mga luhang tumulo buhat ng iyong pagtitimpi
Sa dulo ng madilim na daan
Sa kanya lamang manalangin
At wag nang tumungo pa kung kahit saan-saan
Ambon lang yan
Ambon lang yan
Sa makulay at magara mong jeepney
Na ang biyahe ay patungong langit
Kahit na signal no. 3, tayo ay magsisiawit
Kung ako’y sinusumpong, daglian mong ibubulong
Ambon lang yan
Ambon lang yan
Just finished reading Twilight by Stephenie Meyer a few days ago. It was recommended by my sis in college. Tama ka, sis! Can't remember the last time I read a book that made me have butterflies in my midsection. I had this warm, wonderful feeling inside. I wanted to just sit there and think of the kilig moments in my life back when everything was less complicated.
Since I haven't had the chance to get a copy of Meyer's other book, I settled for one written by Jodi Picoult, The Pact. I haven't read a lot of love stories in my entire life because mostly I'm hooked on murder mysteries, suspense and courtroom dramas. But I must say I'm starting to like Picoult's novel. Para ma-iba naman. Sometimes we need a little change to stimulate our minds.
Some people wonder how I am able to read a book, let alone finish it, with all the work I need to do. I read during lunch. I go to my car and read till it's time to go back to work. I read while I'm waiting for my daughter get off from school. I read at night when the kids are asleep. Other moms go shopping or get their nails done or some other stuff to pamper themselves. Me? I read a book. It's very relaxing and I get to brush up on my vocabulary. Can't wait to finish the one I'm reading now so I can move on to the next one on my list. So....this is it....happy reading!
Happy New Year! I hope this year will be better than the last. Not that I'm complaining. New year, new challenges, new blessings. Life is complicated! That's just how it is. But no matter how busy life can be, I still look forward to spending some quality time with family and friends. Kelan next gimik? Don't know yet but I hope it will be soon.
I'm looking forward to seeing my sis from Six Sigma in February as well as my bestfriend who'll be visiting me again in June. Last time she was here was in 2004 and we had a wonderful time. I also can't wait to see the new babies who'll be born this year. I'm sure they'll all be cute and adorable but I also pray that they will all be healthy.
I've been fighting the urge to doze off for the last couple of hours. I got up really early this morning to attend the first day of Simbang Gabi. Yep...I know you might be wondering why it's called Simbang Gabi when in fact it's in the morning. Don't know the answer to that. But maybe this website will help: http://www.globalpinoy.com/xmas_trivia/simbanggabi.php Anyway....
It's been 6 years since I've attended Simbang Gabi. I remember my dad used to wake us up and go to mass starting on December 16. Simbang Gabi lasts for nine consecutive days culminating with the midnight mass held on the eve of Christmas Day. Some people back home believe that when you complete the Simbang Gabi, you could make a wish and it will come true.
For the last couple of days, I have been planning on going. I was supposed to call the church on Thursday to find out what time the service will be. I have been busy and I completely forgot. So I was thinking that since there were a lot of Filipinos in the area that we live in, the church might follow the tradition back in the Philippines that mass was held early morning about 5:00 am or so (sometimes it was as early as 4:30 am). Because of this I decided to set the alarm to go off at 4:45 am. Kids were sleeping as with the hubby so I went by myself. Can't believe that I'm actually doing this without anyone telling me to. Back when I was younger, I had only done this because my dad wanted me to. My heart wasn't in it nor was my mind. Sure, I prayed a little but that was it. I probably was just looking forward to buying "puto bungbong" after the mass. Now that I'm older (and hopefully a little wiser!) it's different.
I am what some people might call "mababaw ang luha". So when the choir started to sing Tagalog Christmas Carols, couldn't help but get tears in my eyes. Of course I pretended I was yawning para hindi naman halata. I miss my family back home. How I wish we could just get up and leave at a moments notice. Sadly, it's not that easy.
Eight days to go....see you at 5:30!Maternity leave is over! After 2 months at home with my new baby I'm back at work as of yesterday. How I wish I had more time to spend with Kathleen but I have to go back to work. Good thing is my boss lets me bring her to work until my mother-in-law arrives on December 23. So while I'm being trained on the new job I'll be doing, baby is comfortably cradled in my arms listening and looking around. Or if I'm lucky she's sound asleep in her stroller.
Oh well, at least I still get to spend the day with her. In a few weeks' time, I'll only get to be with her at night. And by the time I get home she'll be sleeping. I hope I will be there when she says her first word or takes her first step....the usual milestones in a baby's life.
So for expectant mother's out there, enjoy every moment with your baby. Time goes by so fast and before you know it they're not babies anymore.
Our new baby, Kathleen Alyssa was born early morning of September 22. She weighed 7 lbs and 4 oz and was 20 inches long.
I started having mild contractions on Monday, September 19. I still went to work up until the day I was admitted at Sequoia Hospital which was on Wednesday, September 21. On this day I had my regular prenatal checkup with Dr. O. She said I was around 2-3 inches dilated but 90% effaced. She told me to come to the hospital at 8:00 pm that night so she could check me again but also said that she wouldn't be surprised if I would be calling her at around 5:00 pm. So I told her that when I leave her office I'll pick up my daughter from school and head home to wait for Kyo. But upon learning that I lived in Fremont she didn't want me driving all the way across the bridge. She asked me to call a friend or a relative who lived close by and just hang out until I have to come back. So I called Cyn, drove to their house in Foster City with Kamille and waited for Kyo, Owan, Bobby and Kiko to arrive. By this time the contractions were coming much faster and closer and more intense although I was still able to handle it. Sure enough at around 5:30 pm, Kyo and I went to the hospital and was met there by Owan, Bobby and Kamille. I was immediately hooked up to the fetal monitor but then the nurse had a hard time finding a vein where they could insert the IV. She even had to call on the anaesthesiologist. Still, he poked me five times before he was successful. Finally!
I was given some pain medication but when the contractions got more intense I asked for the epidural. I have not broken my water bag yet so they had to do it manually and that's when they found out that the baby had already pooped inside. Better her than me, right?! Because of this they had to insert something to suction out the poop. I know....I know....TMI! Anyway....at around 12:30 am of September 22 I was ready to push. And for 30 minutes that's what I did until Kathleen said hello to the world at 1:01 am.
Check out our new baby's website at www.suayan.com/kathleen. Next time na lang ang kwento at medyo busy pa.
Had my weekly check up today. And guess what? I'm already dilated 1 cm! Only 9 cms to go. I hope I can last till the expected delivery date of September 28.
Five years ago, a gallon of milk sold for $2.80, a loaf of bread sold for $1.72, a gallon of regular gas sold for $1.52. Last weekend, Owan and I were browsing over Kamille's Baby Book. I haven't really finished entering information in her book, still the stuff that I managed to write was worth reading and smiling about. 
I don't know how true this is (maybe just from my point of view) but I wrote down that Sugar Ray was one of the hottest bands during that year. A couple of weeks ago, Kyo, Kamille and I, together with Manny, Nel, Cyn, Kyle, Cris and Edwin watched Sugar Ray's concert at the San Mateo County Fair. It was only the second concert that I have been to (first one was Gin Blossoms also at the Fair). The place was packed! We were about to get good seats near the stage but there was a misunderstanding with the additional price we had to pay so we ended up sitting about 20 rows from the stage. Which is not that bad. When the concert started, it was so loud! I'm surprised Kyle was able to sleep through all that noise. Kyo brought with him his zoom lens and he was able to take some photos of Mark Mcgrath
and the rest of Sugar Ray. Cris and I wanted to see Mark upclose so we walked up near the stage just to get even a quick glimpse of what he looked like. He's aight (as Randy Jackson of American Idol would have said).
Kamille made a comment to her godmother, Cyn, that "concerts are no fun". To which Cyn replied, "tell that to me in 10 years". One time I asked her if she would be driving me around when she gets older but she said she doesn't want to drive. Yeah, right! I'm betting that by the time she's almost 16 she'll be begging us to teach her how to drive.
I know she's still young and right now all she cares about is playing and school. Time will come when she will start to do more of the adult stuff and slowly I'm preparing myself for the inevitable. How I wish that she would remain a baby forever but someday I will need to let go. And I know that. Kyo and I will just be on the sidelines watching her and hoping that we've taught her well.
I'm really not into surprises and I must admit that being out of the loop drives me crazy. But I know if my good friends (that includes my fave sister-in-law) are the ones planning the party, it would surely be a blast.
A few weeks ago, Cyn had already asked me if we were doing anything on the 27th of August. Although she didn't mention what it is that's supposed to happen, I knew that it was about the baby shower (ang kapal 'no? assuming!). Sometimes they would pull each other aside and be talking in hushed voices. I am definitely on the paranoid side but I had to keep these feelings to myself...at least for awhile until the big day.
Kyo and I didn't know where it will be held or what time. We just knew that the baby shower was going to be on August 27. We were just given the address and the time we should be there a day before the party. Finally, the big day arrives. I knew that they were up until early morning that Saturday preparing for the party. It must have been really hard to plan and organize since they were also busy with their own jobs. Later I would find out that they have had planning sessions till the wee hours of the night (or should I say morning).
The baby shower was held at the Las Brisas Condominium Recreation Room in Santa Clara. By the time we arrived at around 5:00 PM, the clubhouse was already transformed into a party place. Balloons were everywhere. Two tables were full of mouthwatering dishes and desserts prepared (or bought) by our friends. Most of the people invited were already there. Bobby was asked to lead the prayer. Then it was eating time. This must be everyone's favorite part!
After everyone was full and already feeling the postprandial effects of the food, the games started. There was one where the guys had to drink coke using a baby bottle. This was a little hard for them since the hole on the nipple was too tiny. Bob won this game by biting on the nipple a little bit so more coke would come out. Hey, there were no rules against it! Roger was the fastest one to put a diaper on the stuffed Care Bear - around 16 seconds. Not bad for a soon to be dad! As usual, the Jun and Sarah tandem were on the winning streak again. I remember during Cyn and Nel's baby shower, they also won some games. Maybe it's time for them to be on the hot seat and give others a shot at winning. Anyway, they won 3 games one of which was how big my tummy is. Their guess was right on the dot. Then there's the counting of the jelly beans. There was a big jar of jelly beans on the table and people were asked to guess how many are in the jar. The person with the closest guess without going over wins. And that was Nel. There were 1616 jelly beans in the jar and he guessed 1550. Don't ask me how Owan and Bobby counted it. Shhhh! It's their little secret. Baka hindi na kainin ni Kyle pag nalaman niya. After the games, it was time to open the gifts. Big sister Kamille was there to help me open them. I felt like a little kid opening presents at Christmas. I haven't opened that many gifts in a very long time. In fact, I think this is the only time I got to open this many! Anyway....
Kyo, Kamille and I would like to thank everyone who came to the party, helped out (especially during cleanup) and brought food and gifts. We would especially like to thank Owan, Bobby, Cyn, Nel, Cris and Edwin for organizing the Baby Shower. We know you guys are all busy with work and your own families but you still found the time to make this event so much fun and enjoyable not only for us but for everyone who attended.
Words can never express our gratitude for these wonderful family and friends of ours who made the Baby Shower such a big success. And I must say that this is the best party ever!
*Photos will be posted shortly.
After Kamille's exciting first day at Kindergarten, Kyo and Kamille accompanied me to my OBGYN, Dr. O' for my 35th week prenatal checkup. We had to wait a few more minutes because apparently she was at the hospital across the street attending to a patient giving birth. While waiting for Dr. O', her assistant took my blood pressure (normal), my weight (gained 5 pounds in the last 3 weeks!) and had me empty my bladder in a small cup (the sugar patrol was on high alert!). Dr. O' arrived and measured my tummy and then we listened to the baby's heartbeat. I also had a quick ultrasound to make sure that the baby was already positioned for birth, which thankfully she is.
Around this time of the pregnancy, we are checked for bacterial growth called Group B Streptococci (GBS). It is usually harmless in adults but for babies it can cause complications if you have it and pass it on during labor and birth. I'll probably get a call from them later next week to find out the results. I hope I don't have it!
I'll have another checkup in two weeks then every week after that until I give birth. Can't believe it's almost over. I still have a lot of things to do before the big day. In a few weeks or so, we will be welcoming our new daughter - Kathleen Alyssa and we're all very excited to see her.
Tuesday night Kamille was so excited for the following day was the first day of school. She wanted to sleep in her own room because a few weeks earlier I had bought her a Hello Kitty alarm clock. We had set the alarm to go off at 6:00 am. For the first time it wasn't hard to make her get up in the morning. On Wednesday she got up by herself when she heard the alarm going off. She went to the bathroom, sat down on the toilet and did her thing, I brushed her teeth and gave her a shower. Then it was time to get dressed. She was so cute in her new uniform.
After Kyo and I showered and got dressed, it was time to take pictures before leaving for school. Then more pictures when we got to Mt. Carmel. Students and their parents were arriving at the same time as we did. We got to meet some of her classmates and their parents. We even saw my OBGYN, Dr. O' when she dropped off her three kids. Kyo was thinking that he might be the only parent who was lugging around a camera. I guess first day of school is really a big deal whether your child is starting Kindergarten or 8th grade. Most of the parents were taking pictures of their kids and their friends.
First bell rang at 7:58 am. Kids started lining up and by this time if parents still want to stay, we should all be moving behind the students. The final bell rings at 8:00 am and then the morning prayer starts. Then they recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing the school song. After which the principal welcomes the students and parents and make other announcements. They don't want the Kindergarteners to become restless so before the principal makes the announcements she lets them go in at this time to start their day. Parents say their final goodbyes as the kids head off to their classroom. I thought I would get really emotional but I was overcome with excitement that no tears were shed this time. Kyo and I are so happy and excited for her.
Since it was the first day of school, the Kindergarteners were only there for about an hour and forty five minutes. So Kyo and I decided to stay and wait for her. The Parents Club at school provided some breakfast treats for parents while waiting for their children. It was also the time to buy/order SCRIP. SCRIP is one of the many ways schools and other organizations raise funds. You buy the paper SCRIP (it's like a gift certificate or a gift card) and that's what you use to pay for stuff. And there's also eSCRIP where you register your store club cards, debit cards and credit cards. Everytime you make a purchase using your card, a percentage of the amount spent will go to the school or organization you choose. There are several fund raising activities that the school sets up to minimize the cost of tuition and help pay for the students' extra-curricular activities. So don't be surprised that one day I'll come knocking on your door to sell you chocolates or gift wrapping paper.
Around 9:40 am, parents started going into the school yard and waited for their kids to come out. At exactly 9:45 am, the Kindergarteners started to pile out of their classroom carrying with them the first of a series of blue envelopes containing correspondence from the principal, additional forms to fill out, announcements and the scrip order form. These blue envelopes are sent home inside the students' backpacks every Wednesday and should be returned to school the next day.
Kamille was almost the last one to come out and I was getting a bit worried. But she's there, all in one piece. My little princess, my baby! I guess you can say that we all survived the first day. Yipee!
It's a lot of work waking up early in the morning (especially now that we have a baby on the way), getting Kamille ready for school and me for work and preparing her snacks and lunches. Kyo and I also need to do some volunteer work at her school to earn some service hours (need to complete 50 hours for this school year). We all have to make some sacrifices. We know that we are doing this for Kamille and we know she's getting the best education we can possibly give her. And right now that is the most important thing.
I was reading the news earlier about illegal immigrants dying near the Mexican border in Arizona. These immigrants leave behind their families and what little they have back in their country lured by the dream of employment and better lives. They would do anything just to make it to America - the "Land of Opportunities" and "greener pastures". Some people make it across the border and there are those that aren't so lucky. Either they get arrested and sent back to wherever they came from or die from hyperthermia or heat stroke just like John Doe No. 130.
It got me thinking that if the Philippines were just near the border of any US state, a lot of Filipinos would be doing the same. Maybe you'll ask why I am so sure about this. Well, it is because almost 7 years ago I was one of the many Filipinos lined up outside the US Embassy in Manila waiting for the chance to be interviewed by a consulate. Although my primary reason for leaving was to be with my husband, in the back of my mind I was also thinking that this would be a great opportunity to find a better paying job than what I had in Manila. Which means I will be able to help out relatives back home and at the same time give my own family a life of comfort.
There are literally hundreds of US Visa applications being reviewed and processed every single day. Some are even on their third attempt to be able to set foot in this country. I really can't blame them why they try so hard to come here. Life in our own country is hard, what with all the poverty, government corruption, unemployment....the list is endless! Living in a foreign country - be it in North America, Europe or Asia - is hard too. But one thing about Filipinos is their patience and hardwork. Seldom do I see or hear Filipinos who are not doing well. It is Filipinos who take the menial jobs that the foreign country's citizens don't want. And yet they complain that we are taking away all the jobs. Filipinos are able to do many different things and are adaptable to any kind of situation. Maybe that's what sets us apart from the rest. We don't mind getting our hands dirty as long as its an honest job, one that will put food in our stomachs, clothes on our backs and a roof on our heads. Filipinos are truly a different breed and I am proud to be one of them.
Last Sunday, Kyo, Kamille and I went to Holy Spirit Church to hear mass. Being the "early" risers that we are, there wasn't any seat left by the time we got there. It would have been ok to stand up the entire time if I wasn't 8 months pregnant. There were about 5 pews reserved for choir members behind the pianist that were unoccupied since there was no choir singing at the 11:00 a.m. mass except for one male singer. So we decided to just go ahead and sit there. Owan and I call Kamille "goody two-shoes". Once we were seated she wanted to get up and go because she saw the sign saying "Reserved for choir members". Baka daw kami mapagalitan kasi hindi naman kami choir and yet we were sitting there. Somehow I felt embarassed. Imagine, a 5 year old kid telling an adult that what we had done wasn't right. Anway, back to the Pianist....
It's a different kind of feeling when you see and hear a pianist up close. You feel like joining in the singing even if you really don't have the voice for it. Or maybe it's just me since I'm a frustrated painist. My parents had bought my older brother a piano when he was about 5 or 6 years old. I remember seeing a picture of him during his piano recital. He really was musically inclined. He had formal piano lessons and later on in life he would just listen to a song and he could play it even without looking at the chords or notes. He even learned to play the guitar all by himself.
I was about 6 years old when I had my first piano lesson during summer break. That was about it until I got to high school. I didn't want to attend the Music class so I just opted to enroll in piano lessons again. I was relentless. But I guess it wasn't really for me. The only piece I've memorized was Somewhere In Time. This has been a long standing joke between me and Kyo. I remember one time when he visited me at home and I played this piece for him. He thought that I really knew how to play the piano. I did but I only knew one song. Hehehe! Kaya pala napasagot ko siya! Kala niya I would be playing for him every time. So now I just try to be content on listening to piano music by Jim Brickman, Jim Chappell and John Tesh. Maybe I'll just buy the book How to Play the Piano Despite Years of Lessons. It's not too late to learn an instrument. Or is it?
I had my regular prenatal checkup earlier today. I'm officially in my 8th month...yipee! Everything's cool....everything's ok. The only thing I'm concerned about right now is if my baby is already in the correct position (vertex - head first) to be born. Dr. O' said she'll check it when I come back in 3 weeks. She's going to do an ultrasound....which means I get to see my baby inside my tummy for the last time before she finally says hello world!
Did some shopping for Kamille's school supplies afterwards. In about 2 weeks she will start school at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Redwood City. Let me share with you what's on the Kindergarten list:
1 backpack - (LABELED/no wheels)
2 boxes Crayola crayons (64 ct)
2 boxes Crayola large markers (10 ct)
2 boxes Crayola thin markers (10 ct)
2 boxes Crayola colored pencils (24 ct)
12 yellow standard #2 pencils
1 set Crayola watercolors
3 SHARPIE markers (2 black & 1 your color choice)
1 Papermate black flair pen
5 large glue sticks - SOLID (no "O-Glue")
3 bottles of white glue (no glue gel)
1 coloring book - LABELED WITH NAME
1 pair of scissors (blunt edge)
1 sponge
2 large rolls of paper towels
1 large box of KLEENEX
1 gallon ziplock bag with: (LABELED WITH NAME)
1 pair underpants
1 pair of socks
1 shirt
1 pair of pants
(non uniform clothes ok)
This reminded me of the times when my mom, my sister and I would go to National Bookstore to buy the stuff we needed for the coming schoolyear. Even though summer vacation was nearing its end, just the thought that soon I would have new school supplies, a new bag, a new pair of shoes and new sets of uniforms was enough to make me forget that school is starting in just a few weeks. Upon arriving home, my sister and I would carefully examine our purchases for the nth time and try on our shoes. Afterwards we would neatly arrange them inside our school bag and keep it inside the closet. Then it was time to cover our notebooks and textbooks with plastic wrapping. As I write this, it's almost as if I am back there actually doing it because I remember vividly the smell of that plastic. I miss school and I miss those carefree days. Time does really go by fast.
Our routine is almost always the same. While I drive Kyo to the BART station in the morning I would ask him, "Ano gusto mo for dinner? Wag mo sasabihin na kahit ano!". So this morning I asked him the same question and he immediately replied, "Wag mo sabihin wag mo sasabihin kahit ano!". Ano daw? Ang labo nun ah. Anyway, it has been really hard to think of what to cook for meals everyday. Although we love food and we love eating there's just so many to choose from but so little time to prepare. Sometimes I feel guilty because other parts of the world have nothing to eat and here we are complaining that its hard to think of what to cook for dinner. We have been trying to eat less meat and more of the veggies. I'm having a hard time thinking of what to prepare since Kamille only eats lettuce (if it's in a cheeseburger from In-N-Out), baby carrots, corn and broccoli (forced by the daycare owner).
When I first came to the US I was shocked at how big the servings in restaurants were. At first I wasn't able to finish my plate but as months and years went by my stomach slowly adjusted to the portions of food being served on me. We love eating out and tasting different cuisines from around the world. Still no one can beat home-cooked meals, eating them at your convenience and at your own pace with your good friends. So it's really not a wonder why we always get together on the weekends.
We love being in the kitchen - whether it be cutting or slicing up the ingredients, to actually cooking, baking or barbecueing, washing the dishes (yes we do it by hand!) or just looking around....the kitchen is the place to be.
Taong 1991 nung una akong nakatungtong sa UPLB. Ayoko pa sanang gawing 1st choice ko sa UP application ang LB pero dahil meron kaming family friend na dun nag-aaral pumayag na din ako. Isa pa makakasama ko dun sina Badette at Myra na matagal ko nang ka-barkada high school pa lang. Unang taon tumira kaming tatlo sa St. Therese dorm. Siyempre dahil mga madre ang nagpapatakbo may curfew - 9:00 pm kaya! Dun sa dorm kelangan maaga ka gumising para makaligo o magpuno ka na ng isang timbang tubig sa gabi at itago sa yong kwarto. Kung hindi wala ng tubig pag gising mo sa umaga. Ang refectory kung saan kumakain ang mga dormers ay nasa ilalim ng kwarto ko. Kaya naman pag biyernes at bukas ang aking mga bintana nagigising ako sa boses ni Joe D' Mango na nagbabasa ng Love Notes. Minsan nakaka-iyak, minsan naman nakaka-kilig (baduy 'no?). May oras lang ang meals kaya pag di mo naabutan sorry ka!
Hindi ko naging roommate si Badette o Myra kasi magkaiba kami ng course. Silang dalawa ay Econ samantalang ako naman ay Bio. Siyempre Bio student din ang naging kasama ko sa kwarto. Mabait si Edel (naks tanda ko pa name niya!), masipag mag-aral at maayos sa kwarto. Sa kanya ko nga siguro nakuha ang pagiging OC. Siyempre kahiya naman na maging makalat kung sobrang linis ng kasama mo. Ang dami naming Freshman sa dorm na yun. Natakot siguro mga magulang namin na kung saan lang kami mapalagay kaya inihabilin kami kina Sister.
Pero isang Sem lang marami na sa amin ang naglipatan. Napunta naman kami sa Gonzales. Siyempre magkakasama pa rin kami ni Badette at Myra pero nadagdagan na kami ngayon. Kasama na namin si Arvee na pinsan ni Badette. Siya na ngayon ang Freshman at ang tinaguriang baby ng grupo. Paglipat namin ng Gonzales dito nagsimula ang mga gimik. Sumali kami ni Badette sa NSOP para naman daw tumulong sa mga bagong estudyante. Bola! May hidden agenda pala kami.....hehehe! Niyaya kaming tumakbo sa Student Council (Si Badette College Rep ng CEM at ako naman College Rep ng CAS) - nanalo naman kasi walang kalaban! Sumali kami sa Six Sigma at nagtayo rin ng sariling org - ang Red Lions. Marami kaming nakilala at naging matatalik na kaibigan - may mga sosi, tibak, nerds, fratmen, probinsiyano at siyempre mga locals or tubong LB.
Simple lang ang mga gimik namin pero walang tatalo sa saya. Patak-patak sa pagbili ng pang-inom kay Mang Pogs. Lahat yata ng mga babae sa LB ang tawag niya seksi! Pulutan na namin ang Fish Crackers o kaya naman ay Kropek (ang pringles ng LB). Pag lasing na magyayaya na na mag-ober da bakod papunta sa swimming pool ng Baker Hall. Kung hindi sa apartment ang inuman, sa field o kaya naman sa hintayan ng Tritran. Kung merong may sasakyan sa Panicles naman ang pupuntahan. Naghigpit na lang ang UPF (University Police Force) dahil sa nangyari sa dalawang upperclass na estudyante (di na ako magbibigay ng detalye at ayoko nang maalala). Kaya minsang gumimik kami sa may Tritran hinuli kaya kami ng UPF. First time ko makasakay sa sasakyang pampulis. Pero di naman ako masyadong natakot dahil kasama ko naman mga kabarkada ko. Pagdating sa presinto kanya kanya kaming chika sa mga pulis. Ayun pinauwi lang din kami at ibinalik naman nila ang aming mga inumin.
Mura lang ang pagkain sa LB at marami ka pang mapagpipilian. Nandiyan ang Batcave na kilala sa kanilang pamatay na Lechon Kawali. Ang Ellen's na hanggang ngayon pinipilit ko pa rin si Kyo na hingin kay Elfredy ang recipe ng kanilang Fried Chicken. Gusto ko rin ang Baked Macaroni sa SU. Miss ko na rin ang mga ulam ni Tita Ann sa Catalan. Favorite din namin ang Tapsilog sa Big Mak. At pag paubos na ang allowance mag Lucky Me Batchoy ka na lang sa may Purefoods stand sa Ilag's. Siyempre hindi kumpleto ang linggo ko pag hindi ako nakatikim ng Isaw ni Mang Nic sa may tapat ng Agrix. Sarap din ang mga pagkain sa Bug-Ong. In between classes kung type mong mag-merienda bili ka lang sa mga Bidani carts na matatagpuan sa mga sulok-sulok ng BioSci at PhySci.
Pangatlo naming tiniran ang White House (3rd floor, pinakadulo). Dami din naming gimik dito. Naaalala ko pa pag bumabalik kami ng weekend at inihahatid ng magulang ni Badette, nagmamadali ang isa sa aming umakyat para itago ang mga bote ng beer at alak. Linggo ng gabi pinaplano na namin ang mga lulutuin for the week. Kung sino ang may vacant period siya ang nakatoka na magluto. Pero pag ang lulutuin ay menudo or spaghetti asahan mong inuunahan na namin si Myra na magluto. Kami kasi ni Badette gusto namin ang Filipino style. Yun bang manamisnamis. Eh si Myra mala-Italian ang type. Pag wala kaming klase after lunch makikita mo kami ni Myra na nakahiga sa sala at nanonood ng Mara Clara sa aming 15" Black and White TV. Favorite yata namin ito at talagang sinusubaybayan. Pag minamalas ka meron kang mga siyam na exams sa isang linggo. Naranasan ko na 'to at sobra talaga ang pressure. Minsan isang hapon sawang-sawa na akong mag-review kaya nagkayayaan na lang kami ni Badette na uminom. Ayun karipas kami ng baba sa tindahan para bumili ng Junior Emperador at Coke 500. Di pa nakuntento at gumegewang-gewang pa kami papuntang org house namin sa Catalan kung saan itinuloy pa ang inuman kasama ang mga brod at sis. Nang mahulasan balik na ulit sa pagre-review para sa exams. O di ba?!
Masarap maglakad-lakad sa LB. Presko at sariwa ang simoy ng hangin (pwera na lang dun sa buwan na may kakaibang amoy ang hangin - galing pala sa isang puno na ngayon ay tinatawag na nilang Semen Tree). In between classes tatambay lang sa Humanities steps, BioSci, PhySci, likod ng Main Library o kaya sa SU. Pag walang magawa pupunta sa Grove at mag-wi-window shopping sa Maces at Bookshelves.
Pero kahit na ma-gimik kami alam din namin kung hanggang saan lang ang dapat. Lahat sa aming grupo ay nakapagtapos at ngayon ay magaganda ang mga buhay. Paminsan-minsan ang mga barkada naming nasa Pilipinas ay nagkikita-kita, gumigimik pa rin pero ngayon ay kasama na ang mga asawa, gf/bf at mga anak. Kung meron man sa kanilang napapadpad dito sa may bandang California ay pilit naming ginagawan ng paraan para magkita kahit gaano pa man ka-hectic ang schedule namin dahil
sa trabaho.
Nakaka-miss ang UPLB. Dami kong naging karanasan dito na hinding-hindi ko ipagpapalit kahit saan, kahit kanino. Hindi na yata ma-i-aalis sa pagkatao ko ang LB. Dito ko yata nakilala ang taong ngayon ay parati ko nang kasamang matulog sa gabi. Pero sa ibang Blog na ang kwento tungkol dun.....abangan ang susunod na kabanata!
This is Kitty - our adopted cat. Well actually we did not formally adopt him. When we bought our house last year I guess he came with the transaction - sort of. Eversince we moved he would always be there sitting outside. Sometimes he would go to the neighbor's house and then back to ours. I guess they also felt sorry for him and feeds him too. We started giving Kitty scraps of leftovers. We let him come inside the house and whenever he's there he would roam around and check out all the rooms. Lately we started buying him real cat food. Now I noticed that his hair wasn't falling off in clumps anymore. I guess I'm still used to feeding pets table food just like in the Philippines. Kitty was a housecat and then suddenly he gets left behind and has to fend for himself. Now he's a Pusakal (Pusang Kalye).
Having a pet is a big responsibility. I admit that I'm still debating on whether or not we should really take him in as our own. For now we are very much content on playing with him if he's there, feeding him when he's hungry and letting him come in if he's cold. He knows where his home is that's why he keeps coming back.
Two more months and the baby is finally coming out. I can't wait for this to be over. I feel tired all the time and my feet are swollen. It's getting hard to move around. I just finished putting together Kamille's old crib and set it up next to our bed. I've bought a few baby clothes and a friend let me borrow some of her son's baby stuff.
Two more months and we still don't have a name for the baby. I've come up with a few K and A names but haven't discussed it with Kyo yet. But then again Kamille has long since named her baby sister - Kate.
I submitted my resignation letter to my supervisors last Friday. It was a hard decision for me to make but one that I had to do. It would have been 2 years that I have been working for the Courts next month. I'm a little sad but at the same time I'm looking forward to my new job which starts on May 9. People who know that I resigned from my job at the County are a little shocked that I'm leaving. I know the benefits are quite substantial and there is that so-called job security. I just think that right now I need to be doing something else. I'm still looking for my niche in this world. I'm young and we only have one life to live. And so goes the song from one of my daughter's favorite Disney movies..."it's the time of your life so live it well." That's just what I'm doing.
Kamille got accepted for Kindergarten at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Redwood City, CA. She starts this coming Fall. When I opened the letter I was a bit teary-eyed. You would think that she was applying to an Ivy League school for college. She's only five but we are so proud of her accomplishments. She was a happy baby. She learned to walk at 10 months. She loves arts and crafts and is very advanced academically and socially for her age.
This April she's participating in a Soccer Clinic run by Carlos Schulze, a professional Soccer player from Chile. She's very excited about this and is looking forward to it.
Some people might not know yet but I am 10 weeks pregnant. It wasn't planned but we are still thankful for it. Our daughter just turned 5 last week and we think its just the right time to have another one. Or should I say the last one. I'm planning to have my tubes tied after I give birth in September. Friends keep hoping that the baby will be a boy this time. But frankly if we can just choose we'd still want a girl. But whatever God gives us we'll be grateful. We just hope and pray that he/she will be healthy.
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