Shutter Bug

ShutterBug
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

"Mami, I want to take a picture of you taking a picture of me."

~~ Dani

Spot the Difference

Spot the Difference
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

As the school year begins, we've come to expect assignments for the little girl. I've read from her handbook that she has to do one the other night. Draw the things you do during day time. Ottoke? The little girl's artwork is more on the "abstract" side so I'm thinking this is going to be a difficult one.

And so I asked Dani what she wanted to draw. Her answer didn't make things easier. She wanted to show we are playing, "Tag, you're it!" or maybe hide and seek. Oh, so it's an outdoor scene. I had to guide her and drew my own version first. One by one, I started with the sun, then the pink girl, then me followed by the husband. As an afterthought, I tried adding a tree and some bits of grass. She got carried away with the grass though haha. It was her idea to put in some words, and for that she gets extra hugs and kisses from me.

When it comes to school matters, I'm trying to be a better parent now that last year. Rather than researching on diet pills that work, I make sure I check her handbook first. Goodluck to me.

Writings

Writings
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

One night, we came home and she showed her writings to us. Knowing how much effort it takes for her to write, this means a lot to me :) You bet I can't wait to read her sentences and stories in the future.

HJL Charity Concert

KHJ Manila
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Whenever I find myself comparing this event from the one I've previously attended, I kept reminding myself that this is not a concert per se but a charity event.

The cab dropped us at the venue around 4pm. I was surprised to find there wasn't a line for the gates yet I assumed some were loitering about. My sister and I grabbed a sandwich and drinks from a nearby cafe and returned in less than an hour. The scene was much the same when we left. Once in a while I will hear Leader's Gomapta from the speakers causing my heart to skip a beat :D

Rain poured, as expected :D It was already 6pm and the staff are not yet letting us in. Finally when it was time for us to go inside, we rushed to the next door for the best seats. We got ourselves the same row as before but more in the center with a better view. Not sure if they used Murray Feiss lighting, stage setup and laser light show was impressive. Needs a bit of boost for the sound system though, specially when the screaming started, we can barely hear them sing.

I was able to chat with a Korean girl who came to watch the Beast. We had a blast chanting with their song "Shock". I got my specs with me so I didn't bother to buy binoculars anymore. Fans came in prepared with their TS shirt and lightsticks. I didn't get mine so I settled for the glowstick instead.

It took forever before it was Leader's turn to perform. Haist! Only three song. Well, four if you count the group encore. On our way home, I feel quite happy. The event gave me something to look forward to when Leader will come back with his group for a full concert.

Despite the current news, amongst other optimistic green peas, I would like to believe it will happen.

Dorky Couple

Happy Fruit Grass
Originally uploaded by libraryman

Starring Drew Barrymore and Ashton Kutcher, both shunned by peers from their school with their old school fashion. Meddling relatives are matching them together though they remain close friends. Until one school event, Ashton appeared dashingly handsome with both arms hugged by pretty girls. Drew's caught off guard, trying to suppress the weird feeling she has just now recognized as jealousy.

Since I can't find a photo of them together, I sought for a banana photo :D There was a scene where Drew was getting food from the buffet table (didn't see wedding napkins though) and as she passed by Ashton's relatives, one by one they gave her food (mostly bananas). By the time she reached back to her chair, she literally has armloads of food to eat :D

Birthday Preps: Lootbags

Birthday Preps: Lootbags
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Took a leave today for tomorrow's party. I don't know what it is about parties, I tend to stress so much about it. No matter how simple I want it to be tsk ma-effort pa rin.


Batman for boys


Barbie for girls


Look at all that junk hehe Girls get to have pink heart marshmallows and strawberry pops. Boys get to have tube marshmallows and apple pops. I would have included toy hand dryers or kikay stuffs for the girls but couldn't think of inexpensive but fun toys for boys.


Birthday wish. Since majority of her classmates were the same as last year, I think the message is apt.

The little was girl more then excited to distribute her treats to her classmates :D

First Star for SY2010

First Star for SY2010
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

The grandmama in me forgot to note that her first day is on the 16th but took a leave from work on the 15th. Tsk. It wasn't a total waste though as we get to bond that day.

Fortunately, I was able to go home early and eagerly asked the little lady how her first day of school went. She told me she has new classmates but she doesn't know the name of the girl wearing green shirt (who later turns out to be Alex).

I assured her that it's ok and that she'll have lots of chances to know her new classmates. She sang to me her new song about addition from one to four. I asked her if teacher gave her a star and she remembered that she got a yellow one and proudly showed it to me :D With or without a star, I'm just glad she's having fun at school. We've a long way to go before lsat prep courses or anything like that ;)

The Writer from the Cabin

Pool of murder
Originally uploaded by soleá

I've already forgotten why I was there among with other hormone-raging teenagers, anticipating the tour of the modern chic cabin house. Oh I remember, I read somewhere that one can visit this writer's home and buy books from his collection in super bargain prizes. I felt I won the lottery when I found the children book I was looking for. Something about alphabet letters and rain.

I continued to look around and came across an old bookshelf that's about to collapse anytime. Curiosity got the best of me as I pick out a book and the whole thing toppled down. The writer was just behind me, glaring mad. I think he wants me to pay for everything but as expected, I only have probably five hundred pesos with me. (Now why didn't I buy gold coins yet.) Plus, I dont think I should pay for all of them but help clean up the mess instead.

Something inside of him snapped, I saw it in his eyes. He didn't say anything and was distracted by one of the customers. I took the chance to slip away. A few steps away, I heard a scream. People were in panic, doors were slamming. I think I smell blood. I've got to get out of here.

I went to the farther right side of the house and came inside a room with the afternoon light pouring in. Luckily, the balcony door was open. Here's our escape out.

There are some workers on the field, doing their farm duties, clueless to the chaos that's happening inside. I tried to control the turmoil I was feeling inside and walked casually until I reached a rowing boat.

I felt a great relief when I crossed the lake just before night time.

I get to see other's POV. They were only playing their part as they too were previous captives and were trying to find their way out of this craziness. "My parents will come to get us soon." the girl said. I think I saw them before I took the turn. I've no idea if they survived, of if there were any survivors.

Dead tired, I sat on a picnic benched occupied by a dating couple. A few minutes later, the girl seemed to recognize me. She was also a survivor from the cabin. I saw her there when I was searching for a room and she closed the door on me.

I was half-awake already. I don't want to know what happened next and got out of bed.

Tagaytay Trip 2010 Day 2 Birthday Girl

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Originally uploaded by kitakitts
It was 5:30AM when I woke up feeling snuggled between hubby and dani. I was debating whether to stay in bed or catch the sunrise. Obviously the shutterbooger in me won. And so I dragged my cold feet out of bed.. click.. click.. click.. Didn't even bother to wait for the moisture from my lense to wear off first.

Satisfied, I went back to bed and snuggled with my loved ones some more.


Guess who's up and about by 7am?!?


She was enjoying this view while blowing bubbles from the balcony.


Thirty minutes after, she can't help herself anymore and nudged her dad awake. Early reading time.

We fixed ourselves and be decent enough for some buffet breakfast. Hubby had some arroz caldo, while I partake some blueberry pancakes and omelette. Dani had a couple of honey stars and fresh milk.


As promised earlier, we took a dip again after having our fill. By 10am, we're back in our room and snoozed some more. Not even the most modern entertainment centers can entice us to do otherwise.


I've asked the front desk if we can check out late and they gave me the green light till 2pm. Poor hubby, famished already since we haven't eaten lunch yet. Staff was efficient enough and checkout was a breeze.


From here on I don't have photos anymore. We went to Bag of Beans for a delectable lunch. Hubby had buttered shrimps with veggies, fish and chips for me, a scoop of strawberry ice cream for the little girl. I had a Banana Carrot Loaf for take away.

On the way home, Dani was feeling cranky with me clueless as to why. Poor girl. As soon as we're home, she's feeling ok already, no more ouchie everything. I guess she's making excuses for her to be allowed to sit on my lap again.

That my friend, is our trip report. Moving on to a more sentimental reflective post.

Tagaytay Trip 2010 Day 1 Gift Opening

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Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Cool breeze welcomed us when we went down for dinner. We just ordered our favorites in Chicken Bacolod Insal. Played some tokens and passed by the supermarket and buy supplies for our drinking session later. We both feel we need to celebrate and pat each other on the back for rearing our child for four years.


Hubby took the presents from the trunk up to our room. The little girl excitedly opened them one by one.


Nope, we did not give her flash drive yet. It was almost 11pm when she finally agreed to sleep na.

Tagaytay Trip 2010 Day 1 Swimming

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Originally uploaded by kitakitts

It was already 6pm but there's still a little bit of light outside when Dani woke up from her nap. She insisted we try the pool and so we grant the birthday girl's wish and off we went.


When I was looking for a place to stay, knowing we'd still feel the heat even in Tagaytay, so a pool is a must.


Though the wind is getting cold, the water is warm.

Tagaytay Trip 2010 Day 1 Summit Ridge

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Originally uploaded by kitakitts

We arrived at the hotel an hour early from their standard check in time. Nonetheless, I asked the front desk if our room is available already. She looked up our reservation and asked me to fill up a form. I was hoping we could get the day rate for until 6pm tomorrow but she told me that offer is only available on weekends. We settled our bill and a few minutes later she handed me the key card for Room 509.


I specifically requested for a King-sized bed where the three of us can fit comfortably. Room amenities are ok, nothing like Hon office furniture.


After taking a bath, the little girl took her afternoon nap.


Dani calls this the Leaf Hotel because she can see the leaf insignia everywhere.


Two bottles of mineral water, instant coffee ready for consumption.


Lovely afternoon view taken by the husband.

Tagaytay Trip 2010 Day 1 Lunch

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Originally uploaded by kitakitts

I don't feel like having a heavy lunch, not that I'm on one of those diets that work, so we ordered pizza and pasta from Yellow Cab. Dani has tasted and liked them before so I'm hoping she'll eat some herself. I've added an order of strawberry ice cream which later daughter and dad called strawberry soup when it melted :D



As we were about to leave, one of their staff called to us holding the doggie bag with our leftovers we previously requested to be packed.

Tagaytay Trip 2010 Day 1 - Horse Backriding

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Originally uploaded by kitakitts

An hour after, we paid for our horses P200 each plus additional P150 per horse for an hour use in Adventure Trail, Picnic Grove. We would've preferred a white horse, I just told dani she can get a white pony and ride by herself when she's hmm.. maybe.. 7 years old :D Our guide told us, we arrived just in time when the weather wasn't so hot (kinda good for someone who's under Mesothelioma treatment). Just recently, it has been raining in the afternoon.

Along the way, our horse Chuchay kept on stopping. Maybe Dani and I are too heavy haha Hubby is ok with Momay, of course we'd have to ask their names :p It was a bit cloudy and the little girl came prepared with a white hat :D

We returned the horse promptly and got ourselves a framed 4R family photo printed onsite for P180.

Tagaytay Trip 2010 Day 1

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Originally uploaded by kitakitts

For the first three years she has been sitting on my lap whenever we travel by car. Although I can still bear her weight, she's just too big now and I keep having cramps during long drives like i've been working out on a fitness equipment for hours. So it has been agreed upon that when she turns four, she'll have to sit at the back from then on.

We were thinking how she'd be more comfortable, aside from pup, I grabbed pink piglet and brown bear which will serve as her traveling buddies. I almost gave in whenever she'd tell me she miss me or my hugs but hubby was quick to remind both of us of our deal. By 9:30am, we're off to Tagaytay to celebrate her fourth birthday.

My 10th Photo

march
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Jona SIL tagged me almost a month ago:D

Photo was taken last June 11, 2005 as posted here. Back then I guess, we've been attending quite a number of weddings.

Anyways, as with all memes, my problem would be who to tag. So I'll just post the rules below and feel free to grab :D

***
Here are the RULES:

1. Look through your photo archives for the chosen blog and pull out the tenth photo you posted.

2.Tell us a little about it.

3.Tag five more players.

4.Let the fun begin!

0606

KHJ HBD
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

To celebrate, beer for hubby, mudshake for me. I can feel my age, with just one bottle, I'm palpitating already, geez.

Anyways, I'm hoping I can still finish tasks from sheriff before I call it a day. Unfortunately, as I now check, I only have one left. It reminds of WGM episode where HB was trying out gowns for their wedding shoot and HJ was so tired, he said his dark circles under eyes are starting to show *lol*

Good thing is, maybe I can now blog about last week :D

Smart Cubes

Weekend Photo
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

So we've been busy buying birthday presents for the little girl. I hardly have time to browse baby clothes for my two nephews.

One time, she was with me in Toy Kingdom, the man doing the demo saw and called her friend. Curious, the little girl came closer and henceforth followed the two building various structures. I can imagine Dani thinking how cool his magic trick was. For P250 a box, its not a must buy but if ever you ran out of gift ideas, pick this one.