Thursday, December 29, 2011

Bokeh Galore

Bro, posted this photo on his wall the other day.  Last time we met, he did mentioned about a lens he had his eye on for our humble D40 and YDS Keng's D60 body.

I was able to use his prime lens but I had to manually focus it. all. the. time.  Sometimes the moment is gone already before I can get the subject in focus.

I'm already thrilled to have a go with this new lens tomorrow. It was rated as highly recommended by DPReview though I'm not sure if it is compatible with canon digital cameras but if fellow Nikonians raved about it, I'm sure it's worth the investment.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Happy Christmas 2011

From my family..
Christmas 2011
The DCs
Christmas 2011
The Qs

Friday, December 23, 2011

Penguin Fever


Penguins in the House
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Happy Feet Two is not out yet so instead we decided to revisit Mumble's Journey the other day. It was only now that I realized Pink replaced Brittany as Gloria's voice.

Hubby bought the little girl this adorable yet challenging pentomino puzzle game. We tried the beginner level while listening to Happy Feet 1 & 2 OST :)

Meanwhile, I still love Rio's OST more :D

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Art Session: Self-Portrait


Classes are bound to resume on January 3. Until then, we have all the time in the world. Vacation. The possibilities are endless. However.. the budget is limited haha. Which is kind of challenging lest we just sit and bum in front of the tube the whole day. Not ideal.

This is our first attempt at self-portrait :D

Art Session: Self-Portrait

Details of note she added: her earrings and her mole on her left cheek

꽃미남 라면가게 Season 1 Finale

Yeah, just finished watching it.. in RAW!  Not sure if I'll have time to rewatch with subs.  Otherwise, I might just read the recaps for things I might have missed (which is a lot haha).  I was hoping to see Chi Soo with a military do.. no dice.
Onion, Chal Kara..
Mwo?! Last EP already?
and I leave you with this boyish smile..
and the happily reunited couple..  생각하고 있을게 !

Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas Carolers

Tue, 12/13/2011
Previously the school sent a letter asking whether we'd like to donate goods for their outreach program or be serenaded by their staff at our house.  Initially, the little girl opted for the first choice.  However, she later changed her mind and would wanted to hear them carol as with the previous two years.

Christmas Carol
Fri, 12/16/2011
The other night, Dani and her friends decided to go around the neighborhood and sing some carols also.  Some kids had already started caroling and they might have taken inspiration from them ;)  The first night they hopped between houses about 8 blocks from ours.  Can't help but laugh whenever they started singing.  They only know three songs: Jingle Bells (chorus), We wish you a merry christmas and the obligatory Thank You Song.  It was all fun!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Call of Nature

Having been kissed by someone ala-wedding singer whilst gigantic muddy waves were incoming (despite us being nowhere near a beach). We ran and found each other on opposite sides of a deep ravine where a raging river used to flow. Utterly sad and troubled by the pitiful amount of water left. Suddenly, I felt the urge.. to pee.

Amazingly, everyone felt the same and was lined up for their turn in the loo. I searched for an old bahay kubo with silong and bamboo floors (like the one in batangas) and there I relieved myself. Meanwhile, chaos outside continues, people running to and fro trying to save themselves from mother nature's wrath.

I'm just glad I woke up dry.

Christmas Music and Light Show

I think I found the perfect musical instrument for my sweaty hands! Tekeng, care to duet with me?! hehe

Wonder what improvement was done in this year's Ayala Light Show? I liked the second house. Will try to find a separate video :D

Something random to let you know I'm back home :D

Friday, December 16, 2011

SPCSC Christmas Party 2011


SPCSC Christmas Party 2011
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Christmas break for the little girl starts tomorrow. We just came back from their christmas party. Hubby is having his tonight.

We'll be heading off to nova for my niece's birthday tomorrow. Depends on how tired the husband is, we might have to stay overnight.

I was trying to find "costume" both for the husband and the little girl. Here I am, with a slight headache plus body ache what with all the running around I've been doing.

Nine more days to go, are you all set?! :D

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Wish List: Books

The Gathering Storm by Robert Jordan/Brandon Sanderson

 Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman
Fragile Things by Neil Gaiman
 Blankets by Craig Thompson
Love, Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

** images from amazon.com; powerbooks links updated!

Review: The Missing Piece Meets the Big O

The Missing Piece Meets the Big O
The Missing Piece Meets the Big O by Shel Silverstein

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The little girl and I have read this book countless of times.  I've learned from the book that I have the power to make myself happy and complete. Fill your cup. Inspire to be the Big O and be your own person. I hope these lessons will stick to her as she deals with human relationship in various stages of her life.


View all my reviews

* * *
Found these nice videos of The Missing Piece and The Missing Piece Meets the Big O.  A bit old school but nothing beats reading a real book.

Monday, December 12, 2011

The Adorable Child and The Crazy Mom


Weekend Photo
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

It is said that God will not give you something you can not handle.

He blessed us with a little girl that is so mabait. She makes parenting seemed like a walk in the park. However, at times I think, God is mocking me. Like I am not strong enough for more challenges.

Nonetheless, I still get scared sometimes. As if the worst is yet to come. However, I can only prepare myself and hope for the best.

Now, if only I can say the same about my nampyeon. Haha.

Barasoain Church


Barasoain Church
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

For our next stop, I wished I borrowed kers UWA. I would've loved to capture the beauty of this church if only I wasn't so busy keeping an eye on and keeping up with the little girl.

Barasoain Church Courtyard

The courtyard smells of musky old stones like the ones in Intramuros.

The kids sat through the Light and Sounds show. It was narrated in Filipino, I had to translate to the little girl. As much as I can I patiently explained to her the relevance of the church in our history. She seems to be curious about what was being said.

Barasoain ChurchBarasoain Church
Then we went inside the church and said a short prayer before we proceeded to our next destination.

National Shrine of Divine Mercy


National Shrine of Divine Mercy
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Our first stop for the day. Admittedly I didn't do any research prior to our trip so I didn't know what's in it for us.

National Shrine of Divine MercyNational Shrine of Divine MercyNational Shrine of Divine MercyNational Shrine of Divine Mercy
The kids had fun running around.
Healed
We were told of the miraculous water and the clutches hung out as proof by those who where healed by it.

When I came home hubby asked me why I didn't take a bottle or two of the spring water. Honestly, I'm scared to drink it (sanitation issues) and I think my faith is weak and it will not work on me :p I reasoned that we can always go visit the spring should there be a time when we would need a miracle.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Yummy Pizza Clay Art

Yummy Pizza

As before, the little girl woke up without fever anymore.  The little girl wanted to play her clay so out they go from the storage bin.

Imagine, mold and play

The molds we've collected from various sets were quite handy. It was very easy for the little to girl to finish a couple of these shapes with a little bit of help from me.

Weekend PHoto

We took inspiration from this book by Crayola, previously bought from Booksale.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Fresh from the Pedia


Weekend Photo: Fresh from the Pedia
Originally uploaded by kitakitts


The doctor recommended us to visit the clinic back if her fever persists by Saturday. Off we went for her CBC, APC and Urinalysis Lab Test.

Results are normal ruling out dengue for possible cause of fever. Her tonsils are starting to shrink and the doctor advised us to continue antibiotics as previously instructed.

* * *
As soon as we were back home, the little girl tried to finish the drawing she made earlier. She'll be up and about in the morning. Midday, her temperature will shoot up and she'll be weak and on bed rest until morning. Repeat for four days.

Friday, December 09, 2011

Remember Me


Remember Me
Originally uploaded by oicami


Poignant. Got me bawling in the middle of the night.  I liked Rob's Water for Elephants, so I gave this one a try.

I've been watching the clock, the little girl is still sick. Earlier, she was near tears and worried about missing her Christmas party next week if she won't get better soon.

Thursday, December 08, 2011

It's tonsillitis.. again!


Sick
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Based from her records, last time she was treated for tonsillitis was in March. The pedia advised to continue giving her paracetamol only if her temperature is 37.8 or higher. For the next seven days, she has to take antibiotics for her swollen tonsils.

I've read that if the inflammation is caused by a virus, antibiotics won't work and that the body will fight off the infection on its own.

I wonder if we should've taken a rapid strep test to check if antibiotics are necessary. For now, I'll trust our doctor and see if the little girl will improve. Have any of you guys heard of/used a Rapid Strep A Kit at home?

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Gloomy Day

Not so Tangerine
I woke from a sad dream about my mom yesterday.  Sunday night, after Gabe's birthday celebration, they were supposed to go to Mahogany Market to buy fresh meat.  I was a bit worried because it was already late and would've preferred if they sleepover and just go there first thing in the morning.  I sent a message to my mom asking if they still pursued with their plans.  She said they decided to just go home considering the weather and poor visibility along the way.  Dahaengyida.

The little girl went home with a headache.  Figured she's just hungry so I fed her immediately.  I took her temperature because she seemed a little warm.  Afterwards, I went to the bank while she napped.  As I feared, she's already nursing a fever by the time I came back.  Naturally, she didn't go to school today.

Monday, December 05, 2011

Stairs Slide


Weeeeeeeee!!!!
Originally uploaded by lostintheredwoods

Bro, remember that one time in santolan when our parents were out for the night?

When I was in gradeschool, we used to rent in a 2-storey high apartment which has a steep stairs of 20+ steps. Unnie Keng was still a baby then so it was just the three of us.

Probably bored, my brother thought of sliding down the said stairs. Not to be left out with the boys, I was immediately sold with the idea. We gathered a sheet and two fluffy pillows from the bedroom. From the topmost step, we'd put a pillow in the middle of the sheet. Then we'd sit on it and place the other pillow on our back. Finally, we'd gather the corner of the sheets together (or probably someone tied them tightly together). All set looking like a big white marshmallow, we'd ask someone to push us over. Seconds after we'd find ourselves at the bottom of the stairs, laughing hard. Most often, it was a rough bumpy ride, we'd tumble down like a ball. Still, we'd go racing back on top of the stairs, passing the sheet and pillows to the next sibling eagerly waiting for our next turn. It was all fun.

Looking back, we're lucky we didn't break our necks out there. No harm done. Probably we just suffered minor concussion, hence our scrambled brains of today haha.

Flower Boy Ramyun Shop

from KoreanDrama.org
Friday night, I did a 10-episode marathon of this new tvN k-romcom series.  I didn't know anything about it but seemed to be earning praise from somewhere so I got curious.  The lead guy was from 49days (currently in my to-watch list).  Personally, his hairstyle is totally channeling KHJ in BOF :)  The series is scheduled to air until dec 20 (?) with 6 more episodes to go.  Most of the dialogue between the lead uses banmal.  It was only in You're so beautiful did I hear lots of honorifics from the lead :D

Time to review those TTMIK podcasts again ;)

Friday, December 02, 2011

Entertain Me

My messy handwriting
This is a long (may seem a little pointless) entry while I was in school waiting for the little girl.  You are forewarned.

In case you missed it, I have been a SAHM for four months now. One would expect that I will accompany the little girl to school in lieu of ate. Such is not the case as I prefer to stay at home and wait for her instead. I did however come with her (on a regular day) twice.

Both times I came prepared with my anti-boredom tools: a planner, spare sheet of paper, pen, some kpop lyrics i'd like to study together with my kdictionary. Even if I forget any of these so long as I have my handy dandy ipod nano I can survive long hours all by my lonesome. Usually, I keep to myself but am always open for a quick chat.  There may have been instances when I seem snobbish to some but I doubt it since I do throw out a timid smile at whoever passed  by every now and then. I take advantage and relish this Me time. If only I have a netbook then I could've blogged my thoughts instantly. Believe me, its kind of painful to write by hand when you haven't been doing so for quite some time.

It's like I have a sign on my head.  School staff, teachers and fellow parents/guardians kept noticing me. They may have been surprised to see me. Just a while ago, the cashier was probably trying to help me pass the time. She kindly offered me a place near the fan, comfy seat and all. Plus she offered me this "MOM" leaflet for light reading. I did mention to her that I came prepared, flashing my ipod from my bag. I even have mints with me. Hmm.. para lang hindi nman sya madala, I did take one of the leaflets.  It's just that I don't want to hold them up from whatever they should've been doing instead of fussing over me.

I always imagined my mom days to be like this. In school, waiting for the little girl but still quite productive. Maybe scribbling some notes or two. Even reading or learning new stuff. I can only write for so long. Maybe a little later. Time to signoff. 7:50am.

Honestly, I am a little embarrased looking so busy while scribbling this note. I wanted to take my time prettifying my handwriting but maybe I am trying so hard to look busy.  But really, I just want to be a wallflower. (Hey, that's a good blog concept tehe.)

I also rememberd one lola trying to chat me up. Hmm.. I wasn't in the mood to talk so mostly I just listened. *Assuming mode: ON*  They might be thinking, I wonder how long is she going to keep up with this act. Soon she'll break and will be like the rest. Like the rest. Like the rest. Like an echo... It just keep buzzing like a fly hovering around my ear.

That is my problem actually:  When someone expects me to share my thoughts. I'm glad nobody is peeking on my notes/over my shoulders. It's just that I can entertain myself. Same thing at home. People ask me, what do I do? There are lots of things I can do, mostly selfish stuff not housework. Sometimes I do wonder if I'll get tired of this new found freedom like some others say. Like this friend who really wanted to work for years now. Maybe it really is easy to pine after things that you couldn't have or just different things than usual.

My parents called the other day. Apparently my sister told them I dont have money anymore. Which is pretty much true. I'll get to that part later. I just told them what they wanted to hear. That I miss earning money. That I'm planning to work again.

Honestly, I'm not there yet. I miss having money, true. It's more of the ability (privilege even) to buy and give something to the little girl. But I've been there. I've bought expensive gifts, simple gifts, some lasted longer but the rest -- stored in boxes. Forgotten.

If there is any other way I can make money at home (I've been praying for that since I had Dani) I'd like that. I did come across some online opportunities but I fear it would just take too much time from me that I would rather work (do actual work and earn rightfully). Sayang oras. I'm not sure if freelancing is for me either. TIME MANAGEMENT. The clock and I have issues. That's the truth. Dear future employer, please avert your eyes. This post is not for you.

There's just so much to do by yourself and what then? Like write and share to strangers? Here in my blog? At least I earn from this blog and let out these thoughts. The principal just came in. I haven't even blogged about fellow parents/guardians' gripes about this school. Sheesh.

I even wanted to visit the library. I am supressing my laughter here because its rue. If someone gets to read this entry he'll say: "Man, she got a lot of time on her hands." *I have to look the post so little time so much to do arkarna song*

Yesterday, I read the filipino librarian's blog. He made it sound like a lot of work if one one wants to be a librarian. It almost made me want to backout (from what?). He has this scribd history of the philippines (i hate history) and I read 2 freakin' chapters. I love reading. Its the retention of what I read that's difficult.

Doing this makes me feel like writing my language essays from school. I miss it!

Oh I forgot. He blogged about the Rizal library. I just want to spend a day actually more than that hehe like I used to. But I can't. I have a family who will miss me. I told A maybe I want to be a hermit with the way I'm trying to cut myself off from people. But I can't.  I'll miss dani. See I haven't been reading/studying and 30mins has passed already. I think I'll need more than that once I organize these thoughts in my blog.

Thursday, December 01, 2011

Family Business

Lollipops Playland Indoor Playground Toddlers Tauranga
by Lollipops Playground
Dani and I visited my parents from their new home.  It was still under renovation.  Mobile.  The kind you can easily pack up and go. Tagged along with their soft indoor playground business.

Dad was busy installing the split air conditioning.  He is almost done.  However, he worries that the guest room (where we will sleep) will over freeze.  The little girl was asleep so I decided to look around.  Mainly because I'm starting to miss my mom and tried to look for her.  I barely saw her today.  She used to be at home all the time but with the new gig, she's busy trying to figure out the next profitable move.

I went from room to room.  Empty.  Elevator.  More rooms.  Groups of two to three people (students, clients maybe?) going to their seminar possibly organized by my mom.  I went back to the house.  The little girl was tired, sleeping on the mattress somewhere in the sala.  The guestroom door was open so I took a peek and went inside.

Daylight was streaming from the window as I parted the curtains.  There I saw my mom through another window, busy as a bee.  Somehow she sensed someone was looking so I tried to hide before she sees me.