At last I see the light

It has been months since we lost Dad. Saw him in my dream once. I wish I could see him more.

As I would often respond to friends, I'm okay and coping. With all this drama, too much isolation is not good. So, I'm putting myself out here to ponder and share again.

I can now play a ukulele. Felt like Stargirl every single time.

I had a haircut, sorry no pictures. I did a sketch though.  I'm thinking of buying a decent stylus and see how I'll progress from here :)

Two months ago, I set a fitness goal.  I lost 2kgs but there's 80% more to lose by doing 30-45min walk/run about three to four times a week enough to burn about 300-400 calories per session.  I try to eat healthy about 1200 calories daily.  I used to log my food diary in MyFitnessPal but too much trouble.  I still use it to check food calories though.


Suffice it to say, I'm taking good care of my body and heart.  There's more work to do for my soul but I'll get there.

25 Ten Years Ago

Age is just a number.  So True.

Optimistic me says, I have learned and become a better person with time.  Yet I know I have aged, matured, deteriorated.  Please, dear God, don't take me away yet.  There are so much more out there for me.

I am married (to the same awesome man) for 8 years and counting.

I am a mom to an almost seven-year-old lovely, amazing, bright daughter.

Though mortgaged, I have a house I can call my own, a decent dependable car.

I have been to Hong Kong for three times.

I have climbed Mt. Maculot for three times.

I have been to Boracay for three times.

I have seen the underground cave.

I have explored the islands of Coron and Puerto Princessa.

I ate authentic chicken inasal in Bacolod.

I have stayed in Pearl Farm, Davao.

I saw the Chocolate Hills with my hubby.

I was with Gunner at Corregidor.

I love chocolates, walnuts and carrot cake.

I love buco.

I want to spend more wisely and focus on a single project a year.

I want to study and teach.

I want to take more beautiful photos.

I want to go to Seoul and Busan.

I want to practice and improve my Hangul.

I want to pick strawberries with Dani in Baguio.

I want to experience Pico de Loro or Hamilo Coast

I wonder about the luxurious life

I want to cherish my friendship with Julie, Olgs and Bane

I want to spend more time with my family and in-laws

I want to lose 15lbs and shape up, be healthy

On a clear, dark night, I want to lie down and look at the stars

I don't care much about politics in goverment or at work

I try not to care about my ex's

I try not to be materialistic

I want to move on and not care about Pru mean girls

I want to read Neil Gaiman

I want to have a proper music and reading room

I want to have my piano tuned

I try to update myself with the latest trend but not be obsessive much

I still don't like doing housework

I constantly remind myself not to covet, not to be envious, not to compare

I am to be a better person, to be brave and not be scared of change

22nd of the Month

YDS Keng, I wish we're at New Bombay for that Palak Paneer or at Banana Leaf for that Curry Roti Prata.  Can't eat meat, it's Ash Wednesday.

A gift for myself and my family.  Signature on the dotted line.  Guaranteed service of five years minimum :D

Nostalgia

a week old

In preparation for our long trip this friday, the husband upgraded the memory of the little girl's phone.  He figured she can listen to her tracks while we are on board or whenever applicable.  On the other hand, it is my task to load it up with her past and recent favorite songs.  As you can see, I'm digging the archives at the same time so expect some historical photos soon ;)

Just Do It

Yup, if only I have one of those ajummah visor cap, this photo would've been more spot on!  


A photo of (can I still claim this?) early-thirties woman, mother of one, jobless and struggling to keep her weight down. Maybe I should try quick weight loss austin.  Better yet, maybe I should kick myself off this chair, start with the housework and burn these effin calories. That, I believe, will make the husband a tad happier.  Oh! The perks!

Sponge Cake for Sponge Mom

Breakfast
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

I haven't established my weekly routine yet much less my mornings.

Day starts at 5am, when hubby's alarm sound off. I'm still in bed, sleepy hehe. Quarter before 6, he kisses and bids us goodbye. I get up and see to the little girl's breakfast and baon. I wake her up at 6am and prepare her for school. Usually the school service picks up the little girl quarter before seven and won't be back until lunch time.

The four hours in between, I would've:
eaten breakfast
blogged an entry
tackled a house chore or two
cooked lunch
freshen up

Then, she comes home, gives me a tight hug and couple of little kisses, already sleepy. I try to quickly feed her (yup spoon fed still). Afterwards, maybe let her watch one episode before she takes her nap. That gives me another two hours before playtime and snack time.

At 6pm, sometimes, I still cook dinner or add another dish to whatever is left of lunch.

The little girl eats dinner ahead of us around 7pm. By the time her dad arrives from work, usually at 8:30pm, she's still eating :p Vitamins and warm quick bath by 9pm and off to bed we go. One to three books will take about 30mins. A glass of milk later after saying her prayers, we kiss her goodnight and call it a day.

I stated in oDesk that I can work 4hours/week. Goodluck to me.

Put on a smile on a Bad hair day

Michiota! What did you do today to deserve such torment?! What are you doing in my blog anyway? ^_^
Honjabogoshipo.

33

ahjumma
Originally uploaded by kitakitts

Its just a number :D Nugu esseo?

I still yearn to play the piano more than I could. P.E.D.R.O.S. remains my hobby. I am in conflict with my SAHM-wanna-be alter-ego. I subscribe to TTMIK podcast. I read Neil Gaiman, I am an ahjumma who stalks KHJ.

With age comes cynicism and bitterness I wish to replace with more optimism and lots of love, mani saranghe nun. To be more patient and endearing to my loved ones, I hope, I pray. Because they deserve a better me.

HBD - Tapsilog at Matty's

Brunch at Mattys. I crave for greasy tapsilog. O had grilled liempo. Coffee from the vendo for P10 not worth it but better considering my option is tonki ali coffee. I should've prepared more for our date and took one of those best diet pills. Binge eating, here we come.

O decided to cap her brunch with an ice cream, I settled for yummy yema instead :) We were so full, we decided to walk it off and do some window shopping in a nearby Japan Surplus shop. I scored some stuffs for the little girl, downfall is I have to carry them the whole day, praying I wont break any of them :)

Friday Trivia

Snatched from Aggie:

What color is your toothbrush? Blue and White (not my favorite color really)
Name one person that made you smile today? hmm..
What were you doing 45 minutes ago? Studying table structure
Have you ever been to a strip club? Adonis :)
What is the last thing you said aloud? Late ka! -- to a staff.
What is the best ice cream flavor? torn between hazelnut and pistachio.
What are you wearing right now? Black Company Polo shirt, Blue Jeans and my Red canvass shoes.
What was the last thing you ate? Kebbler's Soft Batch Choco Chips
What is your favorite flavor of popcorn? Cheese -- not a good idea for someone taking weight loss pills :D
Who is the last person you sent a comment/message on friendster? Milleth -- a college friend

Do you take vitamins daily? Caltrate+ for my Calcium and Fern-C for Ascorbic
Do you go to church every Sunday? No.. *guilty*
Do you like sweets? I LOVE sweets
Do you like Chinese food better than pizza? Incomparable
Do you drink your soda with a straw? Usually
What did your last text message say? I forgot hehe that was yesterday pa
Are you someone's best friend? I'd like to believe so
What are you doing tomorrow? Spend time with Dani in the morning, attend an afternoon pool party
Where is your dad? Probably at home, mad at me for not making his birthday special..
Look to your left, what do you see? scratch papers, my unwashed water bottle, mug with yesterday's leftover buco juice and a neon green marker

What color is your watch? silver, I've had it years ago as a gift from hubby
What do you think of when you think of Switzerland? chocolates and the alps
Do you use chapsticks? i prefer nivea lip care in cherry red
What is your birthstone color? Amethyst - semi precious stone in purple
Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive through? - i like dining in
What's your favorite number? - twenty two
Do you have a dog? - Spark, an askal who looks like a crossbreed of terrier and spitz
Have you met anyone famous? Yes
Any plans today? Finish my module and catch up with another project, do my grocery and buy pasalubong for Dani
Ever gone to college? - Yup

Do you dye your hair? - an instant makeover for me
Last song listened to? - Let the sunshine in by Frente
Can you say the alphabet backwards? No :p
Do you have a maid service clean your house? We have househelp/yaya :)
Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? No faves, they get ruined easily. Blame my feet.
Are you jealous of anyone? As in selos. Wala.
Is anyone jealous of you? None that I'm aware of.
Do you love someone? Anu ber :p
Do any of your friends have children? Its a mixed crowd :)
What do you usually do during the day? I relish every hour of being a corporate slave

Do you hate anyone that you know right now? Hate is a strong word. None.
Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Not really.
Do you like cats? I prefer dogs.

~~

Not much updates, no? Not even a weekend photo. Life is meant to be lived realtime, so I keep telling myself.. but I do miss my online life :D

Thank God for holidays

dani kitts new haircut
Originally uploaded by daniellaveronica

Yup, I had a treatment and cut last saturday morning. I've no suki parlor so I just told my husband to drive me to the nearest one :) Lekat na bading ayaw akong gupitan ng mas maikli kasi tataba daw ako. Hay, I'll just think of it as a challenge talagang kelangan na magpapayat kung gusto ko ng short-short hair.

Maya ko magkwento, internet and dani-willing :D Meanwhile: promotional products ang sidebet ko :)

Smiley Friday Tag

Snagged this from Toni :)

1. Do you want to grow old with someone or be single?
:: Ever since I heard about prince charming, with me still on my pigtails, I've been wanting to grow old with him :) Now who is my prince charming, that is the question ;)

2. What were you doing at 8:00 this morning?
:: I am at work as early as 7:30AM, coding eh ;)

3. What were you doing in last 30 minutes?
:: having breakfast, yummy corn beef pandesal and milk tea

4. What was something that happened to you in 1998?
:: I graduated at 22 and months after had my first job

5. If you were stranded on an island with the person you hated and without food what would you do?
:: If that person is a she, I would let her be and scout food on my own. Otherwise, I imagine myself as madonna in Swept Away ;p

6. When someone catches your eye,do you try to make an eye contact or avoid it?
:: Most of the time I feel so transparent that I do avoid eye contact.

7. What color is your comb?
:: Neon green

8.What was the last thing you bought?
:: The corn beef pandesal for two :D

9. How do u know when ur in love?
:: I have this stupid smile on my face as I endlessly day dream of us, i hum songs, sing out loud even, walk with a slight skip here and there

10. Have you been to China?
:: Does Macau count?

11. Where do you keep your money?
:: Err, do I have any to keep? :p

12. Do you wish you were back together with any of your exes?
:: No regrets.

13. Do you like peanut butter?
:: with jelly please

14. Have you been to UK?
:: UKay-ukay

15. Dream country?
:: Philippines, minus all the negativity.

16. The thing you love about relationships?
:: You learn not to be selfish

17. The thing you love about being single?
:: Freeeedoooommm (in a braveheart shout)

18. Would you give up a dream for someone you loved?
:: Shouldn't he be helping you achieve that dream?

19. Do you wanna cut your hair?
:: I want someone to cut it for me (so literal haha)

20. Are you over the age of 25?
:: sadly, yes

21. Do you talk a lot?
:: Depends on the person I'm with, if she's a talker, I listen, vis-a-vis

25. Favorite ice cream?
:: Pistachio, Melon-Macapuno

26. Could you date someone who has been only your friend for a long time?
:: I don't date friends

27. Are you typically a jealous person?
:: I hate when hubby teases me and tries to make me feel jealous, but normally I'm not the jealous type.

28. Is there such thing as perfect relationship?
:: It's a state of mind.

32. Do you chew on your straws?
:: No.

33. Do you have curly hair?
:: Definitely

35. The kind of person you're first attracted to?
:: Has a timid smile

37. What is something you say a lot?
:: Nye! or Ah talaga (when partially listening haha)

40. Do you have to work tomorrow?
:: Yey, its saturday-no-work-day!

41. Who was the last person you said I love you to?
:: Dani

*whew, ang haba pala neto :) Happy Friday!

I Saw Red

Sorry ha, may hangup pa sa slowrock post hihi.. Mari just tagged me, pahabol sa Love Month

START COPY HERE

Here are the rules:

1. Post YOUR photo wearing red, may it be a red top, bottom, the least would be red accessories if you hate wearing red… If you can’t find one, you still have an option…. Either post your Significant Other’s photo or your child’s photo, if you have one. Of course, they should be wearing red.

2. Let us know the reason why you were wearing red that particular day. Was it your birthday? Is red your fave color or was it the shirt that you first saw in your closet that day?

3. Tag 3 people close to your heart. By the way, they have to be in your blogroll. No cheating heart pleaseeeeeeee!

4. Once you’re tagged, could we please keep it going - just for this month?

END HERE



Since, I'm pretty sleepy already and I wanted to get this tag done, I googled "kitakitts" under images and saw this. Twas taken year 2005 and unknown to people at work, I was 8 weeks then :D

The Big Three-0

I am exactly where I wanted to be in my life and I couldn't be anymore happier.

Well, a little more green wouldn't hurt hehe

I am so thankful to the Man for the past twenty-nine years.

I have no expectations for today.

Tomorrow though, is another story :D

Gosh, I'm thirty-something na! :p

At work

Whatever possessed me to have my photo taken on this boring work day? :p Boredom, whatelse!

Most of my collegues were out, Minnie and I were messing around with her cam, testing the new 1GB SD Card (P600) she bought for me.

Couple of clicks after, I felt a huge relief when I blurted out to her that I have just had a crush. It felt weird having that feeling again, acknowledging it to myself and debating if i should tell someone. After letting it out, it just felt normal, a bit giddy for a while yes, silly even like a highschool girl sharing some secret with her bestfriend.

I silently laughed at Irmee's comment: "nagkakacrush ka rin pala.." Yes, mare, I am but a woman with a pair of eyes that can appreciate beauty haha. No more, no less :D

* * *

Was able to finish sheriff's assignments, yey! downloaded some songs from Jack Johnson and Michael Buble. I use limewire, btw. I used to frequent #MP3Download channel in mIRC but that was eons ago so nakalimutan ko na mga syntax hehe. I'll leave you with Jack Johnson's ..

Gone, going, gone..

~~~
Tennessee land for sale

Ika-22 ng Pebrero

Your Birthdate: February 22

You tend to be understated and under appreciated. You have a hidden force to do amazing things, doing them your own way. People may see you as strange and shy, but they know little. Your unconventional ways have more power than they (and even you) know. Your strength: Standing up for what you know is true Your weakness: You tend to be picky and rigid Your power color: Silver Your power symbol: Square Your power month: April

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

* * *

Wala lang, gusto ko lang i-announce hihi feeling ko birthday ko buong buwan. As early as now, may bumabati na sakin :D

More Photos

I don't think I can do Gerah's 4th birthday photos so eto na lang

I swear these two are so kulit together. Away-bati ang storya nila.






Not so greeting-card-ish, ey?!

P is better than F

I almost forgot about my LOMA 290 Exam. The results are in!

LOMANET Grade Report

Student Name: Dela Cruz, Vanessa
Student Number: xxxxx
Course: LOMA 290
Exam Date: 11/06/2007
Grade: P
Score: 89

Congratulations on passing this examination!

Yey! What a way to start this week :D I know I said I'll post wedding pics yesterday but I was so beat. Nagpunta pa kasi kami sa Tita ko who celebrated her lunch birthday so ayun pagod din. May utang pa kong STD cards kay bro. Anyways, ano na?! Punta na tayong Tropezz hehe nakakadalawa na ko ;) Ay punta nga pala kong OSMAK later, my SIL is scheduled for CS today so I'll be seeing my new nephew soon at eto pa, nakalimutan ko ang digicam ko.. waah.. I'll make do with mini's digicam (borrowed syempre). Maya po ulit! ;)

Note to self: Just smile.

This photo was taken last weekend (which i now realized should have been stamped). It was just waiting there in vain, hoping to be scrapped one day, among other photos. Anyways, I feel like as if Dani and I should have more photos together. To be honest, since I haven't returned to my old physical self, I shy away from the camera hence the lack of photos. I keep thinking maybe if I lose another pound or so then I'll be less chubby in them and well look thinner for a change. Ha-ha, sadly, photos will have to wait until then so I thought, unknowingly sacrificing something more important than my pitiful self. It dawned on me as I see this photo that our brain can only do so much to hold on to our memory of that precious moment, which is what exactly photos are meant for.

Hmm.. this post is making me feel vulnerable. So anyways, I promise myself not to be so self-conscious anymore since part of my goal here is to share myself to you remember? So there has to photos here of me every now and then because this is my blog, right? And so I'll try not to sulk any further and do something more in trying to regain my confidence and address my weight issues :p

Ok just so you'd know, maybe this post has also something to do with the wedding we'll be attending later today. Oh well I'll just try not to get them to me and convince myself that they mean well when they tell me to go on a diet or something. I totally strayed away from my original post. I better hit the sack.

Good day to you guys, may the sun share his warmth with your hearts!

Second Month of the Year

Peachy was born when flowers bloom, somehow it fits hehe

1. Mention the person who tagged you and create a link back to them.
2. Copy-paste the traits for all the twelve months (see below).
3. Pick your month of birth.
4. Highlight the traits that apply to you.
5. Tag 12 people and let them know by visiting their blogs and leaving a comment for them.
6. Let the person who tagged you know when you've done it!

My birth month:
FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

The Twelve Month
JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.
FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.
MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.
APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.
MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.
JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.
JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.
AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.
SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.
OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.
NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.
DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

I am tagging Irmee, Bang, Maybelle and Mari.