Got this from ALPHA, Thanks dearie.
Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs... since the payment is pure love.
~Mildred B. Vermont
this year's mother's day is really special to me because for the past 1 year and 2 months, I have been a fulltime mom. 7 months with a yaya and 7 months, all by myself. I'm glad I got this job.
a candid photo of my mom and Ethan at his Christening
one of my favorite photos of me and Ethan, during our San Francisco vacay in October 2007 (magkamukha kasi kami dito)
Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs... since the payment is pure love.
~Mildred B. Vermont
this year's mother's day is really special to me because for the past 1 year and 2 months, I have been a fulltime mom. 7 months with a yaya and 7 months, all by myself. I'm glad I got this job.
a candid photo of my mom and Ethan at his Christening
one of my favorite photos of me and Ethan, during our San Francisco vacay in October 2007 (magkamukha kasi kami dito)
Share your favorite Mother’s Day quotes and place your blog/name right after the piece of artwork.
1. Irresistible Fascinations / Naomi 2. Manna from Heaven/Lena 3.And Life Goes On/Lena 4. Mommyallehs up-close and personal/mommyallehs 5. Confessions of a Supermodel Wannabe 6. Me,Myself+2 7. My life in this Wonderful World 8. All Things Me 9. Because Life is Fun 10. mind bubbles 11. Vanity Kit 12. A Detour 13. Something Purple 14. (YOUR LINK HERE)
Tagging: Abie, Farah, Meeya, Tin, Mel, Maver, May, Jane, Jacqui, Juliet, Quel and Weng.
I survived my midterms! One with flying colors and the other with an okay grade. Now, I am feeling the stress coming out of my system. I can't even put myself to blog but I need to post this video that my Kuya sent. My brothers are not really showy with their emotions but you know that they have been always there to protect me, especially my eldest brother. He makes sure that my parents, Dico, me, Titan and Ethan are always okay. He would give and do anything for all of us. Kuyang-kuya talaga! He can get mushy at times especially on occassions such as Mother's day but makes sure to inject a little humor in his every mushiness.Watch this video he sent me with his mother's day greetings. A MUST WATCH! hahaha! This is really awesome, I have probably said half of this to Ethan and he's only 3 LOL!
I am so stressed with my midterms exam tomorrow. For some odd reasons, my professors scheduled both midterms on the same day. I had to read 14 chapters all in all and I have just finished reading 4. I am rooting for an A (not just a passing score) because I am eyeing for an academic scholarship. Hay pressure pressure!
May 3, celebration with the clan.
Despite us insisting that we don't want to bother the rest of the family with a big celebration, everyone agreed to throw him a party. We cannot refuse such invitation. Ethan was delighted to see everyone again. The party ended at 10pm. When the last family member left, Ethan threw the biggest tantrums ever. He wanted everyone to stay and sleep with us. It melted my heart. He knows occassions like these are rare. Anyways, the highlight of the party was when Kuya Lucky gifted him with his 1st Trike. This ends Ethan's 3rd birthday kwento. Till next year, we promised him with an Orlando birthday celebration. Crossing our fingers! hee.
Despite us insisting that we don't want to bother the rest of the family with a big celebration, everyone agreed to throw him a party. We cannot refuse such invitation. Ethan was delighted to see everyone again. The party ended at 10pm. When the last family member left, Ethan threw the biggest tantrums ever. He wanted everyone to stay and sleep with us. It melted my heart. He knows occassions like these are rare. Anyways, the highlight of the party was when Kuya Lucky gifted him with his 1st Trike. This ends Ethan's 3rd birthday kwento. Till next year, we promised him with an Orlando birthday celebration. Crossing our fingers! hee.
May 1, 2008. Ethan Turns 3 years old.
After our advance birthday family celebration HERE and after receiving gifts from thoughtful uncle ninong, aunt and tita HERE, Ethan thought his birthday was over. Of course, I wouldn't miss surprising him on his birthday morn! Despite a 7-page school paper I did the night before, I woke up early and baked him some colorful muffins and a birthday cake he would blow as soon as he wakes up and before his baba leaves home. Good thing as his little Aunts helped us in blowing some ballloons which we placed in the backyard. The 1st thing that Ethan does when he wakes up is pull up the window blinds and look out of the window overlooking our backyard and lake. Unfortunately, the grass were sharp and some balloons popped out.
I was too busy the whole week and requested hubby to buy the baking ingredients. He missed out buying some of them, which explains these messy cakes and muffins LOL! But of course, Ethan enjoyed blowing his candles and eating his muffins with his baba. Hee!
and here are the rest of the pictures.
Then we dropped him at a Tita's house so he could spend time and play with his Uncle Silver and little Aunts. When they came to pick me up at school, he gave me this big smile. I know he had a fun birthday. His very first here.
and yes Grandma did not fail to cook pancit for long life!
Again, HAPPY HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY ETHAN XAVIER!!! May you be as healthy and as adorable as always. Be a good boy always. This video is for you mamyta, daddy yo, uncle ninong wowie, uncle ninong dico and yayay!
Pre-birthday celebration, April 29.
As I have mentioned HERE, it was impossible to squeeze in our busy schedule Ethan's 3rd birthday treat, so we had to do it 2 days in advance. We started this tradition since his 1st birthday that we go out as a family (me, the baba and the bday boy ONLY), bring Ethan to the mall/arcade and shop for his gift. However, we missed doing this on his 2nd birthday because hubby was already in Chicago at that time. This year, we originally planned to eat at AppleBee's, Ethan's favorite resto next to El Pollo Loco, but as soon as he sees Chef Red waving at him, he ran to him and gave him a hi-5. We changed our minds and had dinner at RedRobin.
We started the day by giving Ethan his very delayed haircut! He only agreed to have one for as long as he sits on my lap and without a cape. He is used to go to kiddie salons in the Philippines but it's very impractical to go there here. Instead, he went to baba's salon and we paid only USD7.00 plus tip!
Ethan was sooo overly excited that in every moment he would look at us and say: "Happy mommy, Happy baba, thank you!". Afterall, it was his day.
Because of his too much excitement, he accidentally peed on his pants! Oh no! Hubby and I were laughing too hard as this happened for the 1st time since he was potty trained. What was funnier was he peed while on a ride in the arcade, we left the arcade immediately without cleaning the pee LOL! Ethan, on the other hand was so surprised to see that he wet his pants already, he didn't even feel the urge of his peeing because of too much happiness.We went to shop for his pants replacement at Gap. Hahaha! Dagdag sa regalo.
Then off we rest and ate at RedRobin. Ethan can't get enough of Chef Red the mascot! He was hugging him while giving him hi-5s alternately. The crew surprised him with a song and cake.
teach me baba! how do I transform the cars to autobots and decepticons!
We ended the long funfilled day with a short stop at Ethan's favorite bookstore, BORDERS. While baba had a cup of coffee while waiting for us. It was a joyous day filled with smiles and hugs from the celebrant. We love you Ethan, we're glad you had fun!
As I have mentioned HERE, it was impossible to squeeze in our busy schedule Ethan's 3rd birthday treat, so we had to do it 2 days in advance. We started this tradition since his 1st birthday that we go out as a family (me, the baba and the bday boy ONLY), bring Ethan to the mall/arcade and shop for his gift. However, we missed doing this on his 2nd birthday because hubby was already in Chicago at that time. This year, we originally planned to eat at AppleBee's, Ethan's favorite resto next to El Pollo Loco, but as soon as he sees Chef Red waving at him, he ran to him and gave him a hi-5. We changed our minds and had dinner at RedRobin.
We started the day by giving Ethan his very delayed haircut! He only agreed to have one for as long as he sits on my lap and without a cape. He is used to go to kiddie salons in the Philippines but it's very impractical to go there here. Instead, he went to baba's salon and we paid only USD7.00 plus tip!
Ethan was sooo overly excited that in every moment he would look at us and say: "Happy mommy, Happy baba, thank you!". Afterall, it was his day.
Because of his too much excitement, he accidentally peed on his pants! Oh no! Hubby and I were laughing too hard as this happened for the 1st time since he was potty trained. What was funnier was he peed while on a ride in the arcade, we left the arcade immediately without cleaning the pee LOL! Ethan, on the other hand was so surprised to see that he wet his pants already, he didn't even feel the urge of his peeing because of too much happiness.We went to shop for his pants replacement at Gap. Hahaha! Dagdag sa regalo.
Then off we rest and ate at RedRobin. Ethan can't get enough of Chef Red the mascot! He was hugging him while giving him hi-5s alternately. The crew surprised him with a song and cake.
teach me baba! how do I transform the cars to autobots and decepticons!
We ended the long funfilled day with a short stop at Ethan's favorite bookstore, BORDERS. While baba had a cup of coffee while waiting for us. It was a joyous day filled with smiles and hugs from the celebrant. We love you Ethan, we're glad you had fun!
Today is our sunshine's 3rd birthday. I was planning to write him a letter and post it here but God knows I tried to squeeze that in my busy sched and school papers due today, it's just that I have to choose between writing him a letter or surprising him with some colorful muffins. I chose the latter as obviously he would appreciate the muffins more than the letter now. I was worried that my son won't have a blast on his 3rd birthday. Considering that on his 1st Birthday and 2nd Birthday, he had big celebrations filled with many kids and loving family. But then, we have a new life here. As expected, it will be a quiet one. However, it is also this year that he had an inkling of what a birthday is, so I wanted it to be extra special. Hubby and I originally planned to cook for the whole clan but for some unforseen circumstance, we forego with that plan. Also, on this day I have a class till 10pm and it is impossible for me to celebrate his birthday today. We decided to have our family celebration last tuesday (part 2 of this entry). Busy people, we truly are!
And so I thought his 3rd birthday will be a quiet one, I was wrong. It turned out to be a weeklong celebration. Some few days ago, gifts, shopping money and birthday cards have been pouring in specifically coming from his uncle ninong wowie, ii jing and ninang chingkee! Thank you so much, you don't know how much you made Ethan very happy. The entire time, he keeps telling me that he wants to see all of you again. Here's some pictures to share. Notice the haircut? yes. finally he got one. To be continued... (this is part 1 of 4)
And so I thought his 3rd birthday will be a quiet one, I was wrong. It turned out to be a weeklong celebration. Some few days ago, gifts, shopping money and birthday cards have been pouring in specifically coming from his uncle ninong wowie, ii jing and ninang chingkee! Thank you so much, you don't know how much you made Ethan very happy. The entire time, he keeps telling me that he wants to see all of you again. Here's some pictures to share. Notice the haircut? yes. finally he got one. To be continued... (this is part 1 of 4)
I hardly slept last night because the whole frikkin night my ingrown was hurting really bad to the point of crying to hubby while he put on some Betadine. Instead of dwelling in pain, I started blogging at around 5am. Blogging was really therapeutic this morning in the sense that the pain was somewhat gone. I knew I was going to have a good friday, afterall I got an A in my 1st school paper. Yey! After breakfast, Ethan and I were strolling down the frontyard when we chanced upon this old couple, grabe they made my day. We had a short talk and I noticed how sweet they were. Hands intertwined and constantly patting each other's backs. (i know the pic is a crap, i can't take photos while they were still near, as this cutie neighbor of mine was asking why I was taking pictures again early in the morning hahah obvious na akong stalker!)
When I was exchanging conversation with our cutie neighbor (harold, I swear ang cute niya talaga hahaha! pakilala ko sayo pagpunta mo dito), Ethan accidentally hit the bricks and had these bubus. These are his 1st major bubus ever not counting the stitched bubu on his left eyebrow when he was a year old.
Knowing Ethan's pain threshold being high, these bubus really hurt as they made him cry. Wawa naman baby ko nangangapitbahay kasi ang nanay!
We immediately returned to the house and I put Betadine on his bubus, pareho kami ngayong may bubu. Whattafriday! Have a good weekend everyone! And by the way, some improvements on our weekly separation thing, Ethan did not cry, wail or shout when they dropped me off to school yesterday but he still didn't get the haircut, he kept saying: "with mommy lang."
When I was exchanging conversation with our cutie neighbor (harold, I swear ang cute niya talaga hahaha! pakilala ko sayo pagpunta mo dito), Ethan accidentally hit the bricks and had these bubus. These are his 1st major bubus ever not counting the stitched bubu on his left eyebrow when he was a year old.
Knowing Ethan's pain threshold being high, these bubus really hurt as they made him cry. Wawa naman baby ko nangangapitbahay kasi ang nanay!
We immediately returned to the house and I put Betadine on his bubus, pareho kami ngayong may bubu. Whattafriday! Have a good weekend everyone! And by the way, some improvements on our weekly separation thing, Ethan did not cry, wail or shout when they dropped me off to school yesterday but he still didn't get the haircut, he kept saying: "with mommy lang."
This is a usual scenery of my son when he needs to be on his own and would want to rest from his joyful day. Finally, I was able to capture it last weekend.
His favorite resting spot. He's just like me and his baba, we all love to watch the birds fly, see the trees move as the wind blows them and listen to ducks as they quack and wade in the lake.
This is his shy smile when he caught you looking at him.
Then, he would give you a full smile, that's your queue to take snapshots.
His favorite resting spot. He's just like me and his baba, we all love to watch the birds fly, see the trees move as the wind blows them and listen to ducks as they quack and wade in the lake.
This is his shy smile when he caught you looking at him.
Then, he would give you a full smile, that's your queue to take snapshots.
I was having a busy but boring weekend. After baking 2 pans of Crema de Fruta, I was ready to finish my last Sophie Kinsella book in between housechores and watching AUGUST RUSH dvd with hubby, which I would highly recommend to every flickwhore out there. It is by far the most genius and most intense romance movie I have ever watched for the past 12 months! Grabe ang intensity, as usual I cried at the ending and had goosebumps just by listening to the movie's soundtrack. So same old weekend routine when all of a sudden, I received this surprising YM SMS from my bestbud. She has been my buddy for 7 years, we see each other everyday and practically do the same thing together! We know each other's family, we were like family to each of our families, redundant ata yun! hahha! Basta we were really tight not to mention that we live in the same neighborhood and up to now even I am so far away from her, she still has connections with my family and our family pets LOL. Their toy poodle was recently mated with ours which I found out from mommy. And if there's one person I absolutely miss back home, it's her. (she doesn't want to mention her name here LOL! she said I can blog about this happy moment but no names haha!) Picture how close we were, just imagine your life with someone you spend every single day and when you left and led a new life, you're no longer part of her routine. I even spent most of my day time with her than my son and hubby. She was my partner in everything for the past 7 years. We know each other's topak, moodswings, etc...So anyways, going back to her SMS, which made me and hubby stopped what we were doing last Sunday morning, she announced this: "EM! May Boyfriend na ako, Kanina lang!". It was so simple and yet so funny and so exciting! This was such a big news from her. She was the type who would shy away from boys and so she never had a boyfriend since birth and now she's 29! She is so timid yet so charming that any boys should have noticed a long time ago. It's just that from among the barkada, she is naive one when it comes to romance and love. She said to tell the full details when our other barkada goes online. After spending about 30 minutes or so figuring out why we can't see each other on the YM conference, we all decided that she just tell me the story one on one. YM Conference sucks sometimes. Oh my, I can't helped but be protective of her new relationship, I was like her big sister interrogating her with all the details. But as a proud friend and someone who knows her inside and out, I know she chose the right man and she made the best decision. I don't have any teeney weeny bit of doubt on this decision of hers.
To my bestbud: I am really really happy for this new milestone in your life, I-journal lahat ng 1sts sa relationship na ito LOL! Kelangan lang pala mawala kami nina Mishel at Val sa tabi mo. Regards to Getty and I hope to meet him real soon!
one of our sabog pictures!
To my bestbud: I am really really happy for this new milestone in your life, I-journal lahat ng 1sts sa relationship na ito LOL! Kelangan lang pala mawala kami nina Mishel at Val sa tabi mo. Regards to Getty and I hope to meet him real soon!
one of our sabog pictures!
This is part of our lunchtime routine. I am so glad that my school schedule are after 6pm. I don't ever want to miss this show with my son. Watch him as he dances to the wiggle dance of YO GABBA GABBA! Next time, I'll video the funny faces, think happy thoughts etc...And it would be a clearer video, I promise heheh. Medyo ititilt niyo na naman ang mga heads niyo but I'm sure you'll enjoy watching him as he HOLDS STILL and WIGGLES! We love this Nick show to bits. Lokang loka kami ditong mag-ina!
You know what they say about living here? "hinahabol parati ang oras sa Amerika!" I don't believe that famous quote until this week. Oh my goodness, hubby and I have been running in circles. We have started ticking off some numbers in our long TO DO LIST. Errands, Errands. Decisions decisions every single day. And for the 1st time in many months, I miss my son's yaya chona. Imagine a son throwing a huge tantrums in a bank? I couldn't blame him because the bank are not for kids and the banker was just so slow attending to his parents. "Dyosko po! Ke hirap ng walang mapagiwanan sa bata while you attend to some important things." As for my school updates, I was supposed to take up only 1 subject this spring classes but I was required to take 2! But no complains, really. Ika nga ni Tin, think long-term! We are Tin, that's keeping us strong. Kung kaya nila, kaya natin hehe!
So anyways, that's the reason why I bombarded you with opps and not so much of personal updates. Really busy. Opps are priorities. Bloghopping will have to wait. My Apologies. Kung pwede lang hatiin ang katawan, naku matagal ng maraming em at maraming titan hahaha! Here's something to compensate my lack of updates. Titan and I thought that our Easter day was a premonition of the busy weeks ahead of us. We had a good family moment. Not thinking that the coming weekends even Sundays, will be working days for us both at the homefront and the unhomefront.
I began the Easter by baking my own version of SUPER chocolate mallows overload, I was supposed to bring it to Ethan's Sunday school classmates but before we even got out of the house, nabawasan na ng isang slice! Sinong salarin? Walang umaamin.
Then we went off to church. Ethan was as usual sitting behavely on his seat. My son really loves going to church, he is most behaved when he is attending mass. If you know my son, you would know why I am so proud of him acting really behaved on church masses. My friends and family can attest to how likot, restless, dennis the menace copycat, pilyo, daldal, he can, but not in church. He just knows that the church is a special place. Then after that, we let Ethan play on the school playground and had a picnic lunch. It was really an easy breezy day, we were able to unwind. After the long day, we went home and finished packing the winter clothes as well as some things we needed to box for the apartment move. Then we had dinner with the clan. As usual, sira ang diet heheh. Here's some of the pictures on the Easter that was. I hope you all had a good one!
So anyways, that's the reason why I bombarded you with opps and not so much of personal updates. Really busy. Opps are priorities. Bloghopping will have to wait. My Apologies. Kung pwede lang hatiin ang katawan, naku matagal ng maraming em at maraming titan hahaha! Here's something to compensate my lack of updates. Titan and I thought that our Easter day was a premonition of the busy weeks ahead of us. We had a good family moment. Not thinking that the coming weekends even Sundays, will be working days for us both at the homefront and the unhomefront.
I began the Easter by baking my own version of SUPER chocolate mallows overload, I was supposed to bring it to Ethan's Sunday school classmates but before we even got out of the house, nabawasan na ng isang slice! Sinong salarin? Walang umaamin.
Then we went off to church. Ethan was as usual sitting behavely on his seat. My son really loves going to church, he is most behaved when he is attending mass. If you know my son, you would know why I am so proud of him acting really behaved on church masses. My friends and family can attest to how likot, restless, dennis the menace copycat, pilyo, daldal, he can, but not in church. He just knows that the church is a special place. Then after that, we let Ethan play on the school playground and had a picnic lunch. It was really an easy breezy day, we were able to unwind. After the long day, we went home and finished packing the winter clothes as well as some things we needed to box for the apartment move. Then we had dinner with the clan. As usual, sira ang diet heheh. Here's some of the pictures on the Easter that was. I hope you all had a good one!
HAPPY 0319 STRIPE!!! Here's to our 13 years of togetherness. We've come this far and going stronger and happier than ever! Hope for the Flowers, Hope For all Highschool Sweethearts. Hope for everyone who is on a Long-Distance Relationship. Time and Distance can make you stronger and the foundation more solid. Happy happy joy joy! http://fotop.net/stripeandyellow
MARCH 19, 1995 (MAKULIT!)
MARCH 19, 2008 (MAY MAKULIT NA ANAK!)
Stripe and Yellow 1995-forever
MARCH 19, 1995 (MAKULIT!)
MARCH 19, 2008 (MAY MAKULIT NA ANAK!)
Stripe and Yellow 1995-forever
Last Saturday, Ethan was misbehaving so badly that I had to give him a time out and a little cold treatment. But he insisted on doing "the time out" on the bed and eventually fell on a quick slumber. My goodness, this angel wannabe is really annoyingly sweet sometimes! Pano mo naman matiis itong mukhang mala-anghel na ito! Look at those long lashes, rosy cheeks and lips! I am so madly in love with my son, mahirap idisiplina ang ganito ka cute na bata hahahah!
this is what happens when you leave your boys to 2 kikay girls!
a toddler with a blue headband and a big boy with a cool hairstyle and a blue lipstick! LOL!
just a sec baba.
oh that one!
which color do you like?
hmmm, let me choose.
that one!
My boys definitely love to shop online too! However, they were shopping something that isn't in my list of eye candies, not even in the near future. haha! They were shopping for this:
The ALL NEW 2009 Toyota Vensa
(they're hoping to get it by end of this year, goodluck to them! LOL!)
Today is probably one of the best days of my stay here so far and the most memorable to boot. I got the biggest and happiest news this afternoon and was jumping up and down,
Mark this day, March 11, 2008. The start of best days and new beginning! God continues to amaze us with His plans which are far better than our own!!!
Today, March 9 marks the anniversary of the effectivity date of my resignation with my former employer whom I stayed for almost 7 years.(which reminds me I should be sorting out and posting pictures for the many send-offs I had and some entries about them) It was exactly a year ago when I made that big decision to give up my happy diplomatic career which offers so much comforts in my career life. For more than 10 years since I started working (aged 18 as a partime research associate from where I took my internship then decided to take some banking position and eventually took this diplomatic mission career shift), I never had bum years or days. You could just imagine the big transition and adjustment I made when I quit my job and decided to be a fulltime mom. The feeling was liberating! I never imagined I could do SO MUCH MORE when I left. I took a short course and had some time sorting pictures, and important stuff (including my life!) where I couldn't squeezed in between my work and family. I realized that I could be anything and everything and SO MUCH MORE. I discovered that after all those years, that job was TOTALLY not for me. But as they say, experience is the best teacher if not the worst.
What do I miss?
THE WORK? Absolutely not. My POS+ gadget. maybe. The sound was addictive and had me going.
THE SALARY? A little bit, but with this little racket I have now, I am enjoying more than what I have been earning there and is also tax free. Money is just money. Follow your heart and not your wallets'.
THE PERKS? What perks? LOL.
THE CONTROVERSIES? Naku, I am sooo glad I am out of it. Hahaha Life is good so far! NO STRESS! I have been a better person without the plastics, the competition brouhahah, the two-faced cliques just so they can kiss ass! Get over it guys, there is SO MUCH life has to offer outside the corners of the embassy.
THE ROUTINE? Yes, I miss the shuttle rides, the elevator rides, the mc do deliveries, my lunchmates, the cleaning people (they're the people I missed the most!), my bosses who have nothing but good appraisal words for me, the meetings, the window people, our clients and their antics, ang mga afam, the parties and food, the admin people, my trade friends, the immigration colleagues etc... I MISS THE ROUTINE and the people I spent my everyday work life with. Come to think of it, I spent more time at work than at home eh, during those 7 years.
The joys of being a stay-slash-work-at-home mom is truly rewarding that no biggie career promotions nor positions would ever compensate the time I spend with my son 24/7, but I definitely miss this group of people whom I call family and is still is. My MG family. Somewhere in my heart, you are there forever etched. I grew up with all of you, (grew up in a sense, I became matured with you guys) you were there in every milestone in my life with an ever-prepared surprise party or what-nots to prepare me for every step I took. (READ: 6 birthdays I had was filled with your surprise handa and gifts, SURPRISE bridal shower, Wedding, SURPRISE Baby Shower, Ethan's Christening, Ethan's Birthdays, SURPRISE Red Box Despedida, SURPRISE AVP etc...) Which If I could sum up the expenses you spent for all these parties, It may total to Mother Michelle's 1 month salary. LOL. But, like I always say, money is just money what's more important were your efforts and thoughts. I often wonder why I deserved people like you and people like you treating me this way, making me feel really special.
I really miss you guys! No matter and wherever we may be, I am forever grateful for being there at the HR's office, in that table where I signed my acceptance letter for the position they offered to me because what truly matters up to this day is not the prestige the Embassy marked in my Resume but I found the best barkada I could ever have in my working life. Who said that we cannot mix friends with work, doesn't know the true MG barkadahan! Let me leave you with this song OLD FRIENDS by EBTG, which I dedicate to this group of crazy gals and gays whom I call family. I can't barely finish listening to this song, I crumble with tears everytime I do.
I MISS YOU GUYS and I LOVE YOU! Happy anniversary to me and Val for being who we are now.
What do I miss?
THE WORK? Absolutely not. My POS+ gadget. maybe. The sound was addictive and had me going.
THE SALARY? A little bit, but with this little racket I have now, I am enjoying more than what I have been earning there and is also tax free. Money is just money. Follow your heart and not your wallets'.
THE PERKS? What perks? LOL.
THE CONTROVERSIES? Naku, I am sooo glad I am out of it. Hahaha Life is good so far! NO STRESS! I have been a better person without the plastics, the competition brouhahah, the two-faced cliques just so they can kiss ass! Get over it guys, there is SO MUCH life has to offer outside the corners of the embassy.
THE ROUTINE? Yes, I miss the shuttle rides, the elevator rides, the mc do deliveries, my lunchmates, the cleaning people (they're the people I missed the most!), my bosses who have nothing but good appraisal words for me, the meetings, the window people, our clients and their antics, ang mga afam, the parties and food, the admin people, my trade friends, the immigration colleagues etc... I MISS THE ROUTINE and the people I spent my everyday work life with. Come to think of it, I spent more time at work than at home eh, during those 7 years.
The joys of being a stay-slash-work-at-home mom is truly rewarding that no biggie career promotions nor positions would ever compensate the time I spend with my son 24/7, but I definitely miss this group of people whom I call family and is still is. My MG family. Somewhere in my heart, you are there forever etched. I grew up with all of you, (grew up in a sense, I became matured with you guys) you were there in every milestone in my life with an ever-prepared surprise party or what-nots to prepare me for every step I took. (READ: 6 birthdays I had was filled with your surprise handa and gifts, SURPRISE bridal shower, Wedding, SURPRISE Baby Shower, Ethan's Christening, Ethan's Birthdays, SURPRISE Red Box Despedida, SURPRISE AVP etc...) Which If I could sum up the expenses you spent for all these parties, It may total to Mother Michelle's 1 month salary. LOL. But, like I always say, money is just money what's more important were your efforts and thoughts. I often wonder why I deserved people like you and people like you treating me this way, making me feel really special.
I really miss you guys! No matter and wherever we may be, I am forever grateful for being there at the HR's office, in that table where I signed my acceptance letter for the position they offered to me because what truly matters up to this day is not the prestige the Embassy marked in my Resume but I found the best barkada I could ever have in my working life. Who said that we cannot mix friends with work, doesn't know the true MG barkadahan! Let me leave you with this song OLD FRIENDS by EBTG, which I dedicate to this group of crazy gals and gays whom I call family. I can't barely finish listening to this song, I crumble with tears everytime I do.
I MISS YOU GUYS and I LOVE YOU! Happy anniversary to me and Val for being who we are now.
I had the grandest "ME" time today. Hubby surprised me by taking an emergency off day for a father-son date. Haha. Siguro naawa siya kakapuyat ko because of that WordPress Domain Mapping glitch in my upcoming beauty blog, which until now remains unresolved :((. They had lunch at Mc Donald's and went malling the rest of the day. It was funny coz when I was packing Ethan's bag, hubby reminded me to pack the digicam as well, because he knew I am gonna blog about it hahah! He even joked about him starting a blog about me and Ethan, because he feels violated by being over exposed here in this blog LOL! Seems like he's correct, most of my entries are about Ethan and most pictures include him and Ethan and little of me. hee!
They arrived around 5pm and by that time, I sooo miss Ethan already. Today was the 1st day that we were apart that long, I wasn't myself the whole time. I'm used to him being around me kahit nauubusan na ako ng pasensya sa kalikutan niya, I just love my son's presence 24/7. The joys of being stay-at-home mom are the best! Here are some pictures of Ethan's playdate with his baba, obviously no pictures of baba. (sayang they wore matching caps, shirt and khakis pa naman.) Hubby said he only looked for me once when he was sleepy and he was well-behaved the entire time.
he's getting to look like one of his uncles, my dico
with his playmates
nanliligaw ng kana!
They arrived around 5pm and by that time, I sooo miss Ethan already. Today was the 1st day that we were apart that long, I wasn't myself the whole time. I'm used to him being around me kahit nauubusan na ako ng pasensya sa kalikutan niya, I just love my son's presence 24/7. The joys of being stay-at-home mom are the best! Here are some pictures of Ethan's playdate with his baba, obviously no pictures of baba. (sayang they wore matching caps, shirt and khakis pa naman.) Hubby said he only looked for me once when he was sleepy and he was well-behaved the entire time.
he's getting to look like one of his uncles, my dico
with his playmates
nanliligaw ng kana!
So this is the 2nd part of THIS ENTRY. I had no pictures to show of the 4 celebrants (hubby, tito edmond, michael and silver)-birthday-party last sunday, but I tell you the handa was really a hit. It was 14 all in all, major panira ng diet. Hubby and I feasted on Tita Babes inasal na manok ala Joel Torre style. We were all too lazy and busy eating to take pictures and since we get to see everyone else every weekend, remember the clan's feast day weekend! Like I said, I didn't get hubby any gift for his birthday as we were always together whenever we go out and we check on each others bought stuff, no way to surprise him. He's the kind of person who is really hard to please when it comes to gifts, if you can't afford his wishlist: read: Omega Watch and LCD TV, never mind. Although he very much appreciates customized gifts such as scrapbooks and the like. The more simpler/well thought of and grander like his Omega Watch, the better, no mediocre gifts for him. However, I saw this post of Peachy and decided immediately to grab an inspirational book for him at Barnes&Nobles online store. Tamang tama, swelduhan ng OPPS hahaha! However, it turned out to be my next online shopping adventure and bought books not only for him but for myself and the little boy as well. Here are my book grabs and some advices when buying books at Barnes & Nobles online.
these I got, shipping was fast and these books fell under the FAST & FREE SHIPPING
the only books of Sophie Kinsella which I don't have, addict ako sa kanya!
I actually finished 1 book in 2 days already. Siguro iniisip niyo na kung natutulog pa ako LOL!
I wanted the hardcover of Remember Me? So to have a picture of my most loved author, THE SOPHIE KINSELLA, i love her dress by the way! beetle prints!
and these for the little boy, he has Goodnight Moon already but for some reasons, I can't find it and it has been his routine before sleeping that I read that book to him, medyo magwawala sya pag wala yung book sa bedside niya.
I Intend to let Ethan learn how to read some few lines from the pop-up Happy Birthday To You Dr. Seuss book before he turns 3 on May 1! Challenge ito!
And this I got for hubby, I paid a FRIKKIN $3.00 for the gift wraper and the card with printed personalized message for him, not worth it noh? The book is part of Oprah's Book Club, A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle.
and this bubble wrap has no silbi, medyo nayupi some parts of the books I purchased huhuhu. I treasure my books pa naman.
PPS: DON'T BUY THE PRE-OWNED BOOKS because if you're going to add the shipping cost, pareho lang ang total with the new one which are sometimes free shipping.
the only books of Sophie Kinsella which I don't have, addict ako sa kanya!
I actually finished 1 book in 2 days already. Siguro iniisip niyo na kung natutulog pa ako LOL!
I wanted the hardcover of Remember Me? So to have a picture of my most loved author, THE SOPHIE KINSELLA, i love her dress by the way! beetle prints!
and these for the little boy, he has Goodnight Moon already but for some reasons, I can't find it and it has been his routine before sleeping that I read that book to him, medyo magwawala sya pag wala yung book sa bedside niya.
I Intend to let Ethan learn how to read some few lines from the pop-up Happy Birthday To You Dr. Seuss book before he turns 3 on May 1! Challenge ito!
And this I got for hubby, I paid a FRIKKIN $3.00 for the gift wraper and the card with printed personalized message for him, not worth it noh? The book is part of Oprah's Book Club, A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle.
and this bubble wrap has no silbi, medyo nayupi some parts of the books I purchased huhuhu. I treasure my books pa naman.
PPS: DON'T BUY THE PRE-OWNED BOOKS because if you're going to add the shipping cost, pareho lang ang total with the new one which are sometimes free shipping.
We had a very busy weekend. Yesterday, a party was held at home to celebrate hubby's and 3 other people's birthdays in the Clan, but will blog about that on a separate entry. Last Saturday, I was saddened because for the 1st time in many weeks, hubby has to go to work. Good thing as an impromptu invitation was sent on my and my son's way. It was supposed to be just a simple mall visit and some buffet treat but it turned out to be a mini tour for me and my son. It was impromptu as we were just given 5 minutes to prepare hahaha! As in biglaan lang talaga, explains my very unplanned outfit in the photos lol! The Aunts and the Uncles heard that the newly opened mall in Williamsburg is giving out HUGE discounts, so it would be nice to give it a try and probably find some good finds particularly at JC Penney. Do you still remember my very 1st trip in Sephora at Anaheim, California after our Disney Resort trip? Here was my picture the 1st time I sat foot on my newest beauty haven in this other side of the world. I was like a little kid visiting some candy store. 
You all know how much I adore make-up so Sephora was really a must shop stop for me. However, from where we are there is no nearby Sephora, just ULTA. For one thing, I don't like ULTA as they don't carry as much brands as Sephora does and the artists are not as accomodating as Sephora's artists are. I was sooo happy to see SEPHORA inside the newest JC Penney in the nearby Williamsburg. Ahem, more frequent visits there.
After some little shopping, off we went to The Colonial Gardens of Williamsburg so they could show me the 300-yr-old houses in the famous Ghost Town. Virginia is known for it's history and culture. This is where the American Revolution started as well as the 1st Civil War. According to Wikipedia : Virginians were instrumental in writing of the United States Constitution. James Madison, considered the Father of the Constitution, drafted the Virginia Plan in 1787, and the Bill of Rights in 1789. Virginia ratified the Constitution on June 25, 1788. The three-fifths compromise ensured that Virginia initially had the largest bloc in the House of Representatives, which with the Virginia dynasty of presidents gave the commonwealth national importance.[42] And one of the most famous tourist spots in America is the The Colonial Williamsburg. This place is said to be a historic district of the independent city of Williamsburg, VA. The buildings and houses here were built between the years 1699-1780 (yes that old!). It is meant of to be an interpretation of a Colonial American city, exhibiting colonial houses and the American Revolutionary War. And added info from Wikipedia states that: "It was here that Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, James Monroe, James Madison, George Wythe, Peyton Randolph, and dozens more helped mold democracy for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States". They restore all these buildings and houses to preserve the physical environment of the colonial period so tourists are educated about the origins of the idea of America, which was conceived during many decades before the American Revolution. So there, did I bore you of some American history? heheh! Here are some of our pics I and tito Etook. I wasn't really taking much photos as weather stops us from going further with our mini tour, after all the place is not fully operational till springtime on March21. Silver and Ethan were soooo inseperable, they were holding hands all throughout the tour.
the ghost town!
this is how they persecute people 300 years ago
the very old William and Mary university, where the civil war started
Ethan's 1st sheep encounter
holding hands forever!
Geddy House
the whole clan minus hubby, the Shorts, tito jun, tita elizabeth, candace and tito edmond (taking the pics)
they were trying to look for a ghost in the small holes. time to go for some Peking buffet!
that's all folks! Chinese buffet as usual serves the best food!
You all know how much I adore make-up so Sephora was really a must shop stop for me. However, from where we are there is no nearby Sephora, just ULTA. For one thing, I don't like ULTA as they don't carry as much brands as Sephora does and the artists are not as accomodating as Sephora's artists are. I was sooo happy to see SEPHORA inside the newest JC Penney in the nearby Williamsburg. Ahem, more frequent visits there.
After some little shopping, off we went to The Colonial Gardens of Williamsburg so they could show me the 300-yr-old houses in the famous Ghost Town. Virginia is known for it's history and culture. This is where the American Revolution started as well as the 1st Civil War. According to Wikipedia : Virginians were instrumental in writing of the United States Constitution. James Madison, considered the Father of the Constitution, drafted the Virginia Plan in 1787, and the Bill of Rights in 1789. Virginia ratified the Constitution on June 25, 1788. The three-fifths compromise ensured that Virginia initially had the largest bloc in the House of Representatives, which with the Virginia dynasty of presidents gave the commonwealth national importance.[42] And one of the most famous tourist spots in America is the The Colonial Williamsburg. This place is said to be a historic district of the independent city of Williamsburg, VA. The buildings and houses here were built between the years 1699-1780 (yes that old!). It is meant of to be an interpretation of a Colonial American city, exhibiting colonial houses and the American Revolutionary War. And added info from Wikipedia states that: "It was here that Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, James Monroe, James Madison, George Wythe, Peyton Randolph, and dozens more helped mold democracy for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States". They restore all these buildings and houses to preserve the physical environment of the colonial period so tourists are educated about the origins of the idea of America, which was conceived during many decades before the American Revolution. So there, did I bore you of some American history? heheh! Here are some of our pics I and tito Etook. I wasn't really taking much photos as weather stops us from going further with our mini tour, after all the place is not fully operational till springtime on March21. Silver and Ethan were soooo inseperable, they were holding hands all throughout the tour.
the ghost town!
this is how they persecute people 300 years ago
the very old William and Mary university, where the civil war started
Ethan's 1st sheep encounter
holding hands forever!
Geddy House
the whole clan minus hubby, the Shorts, tito jun, tita elizabeth, candace and tito edmond (taking the pics)
they were trying to look for a ghost in the small holes. time to go for some Peking buffet!
that's all folks! Chinese buffet as usual serves the best food!
This was what transpired on hubby’s birthday last February 25. While people were rallying in Manila, we were having a quiet happy celebration of his 31st birthday in the suburbia land.
>>>24th
I put Ethan to sleep as early as I could to finish the AVP surprise I was doing for hubby. I had no gift for him as I had no time shopping alone, we always go out as a pack and would always watch what each of us would bring to the registrars/cashiers’ end. Hubby arrived a little after 10pm, I literally slammed my laptop down so he couldn’t see what I was cooking for him. Expectedly, being the selfless person that he is, he arrived with a gift for the little boy, hence these photos and entry. I told him I had a lot of pending OPPS and that I'll be sleeping really late, thanks for my understanding hubby, he slept ahead of me. I started doing the AVP seriously at around 11pm. I was literally buzzing my technical people in YM (read: abie, mel, leah, tin etc…) asking them about slides, music, and moviemaker. With the gazillion of photos I had, it took me no more than 5 hours to compile everything. In between, hubby was waking up asking me what time I will be sleeping with him, I managed greet him with a kiss. For the 1st time in many years, we were celebrating his birthday together, last year, he was in Chicago, the other year, he was in Cebu and in previous years, he was either in Iloilo or Bacolod. By around 5am, I was ready to convert it to a movie, my laptop hanged on me, SH*T!!! Everything got busted!!! I restarted it and left nothing but a decision to make the photo slides in the very Jurassic site of slides.com tsk tsk. But with more than 100 photos, the system was hanging every 5 minutes or so whenever I was putting on the captions. I gave up at 6am =(((
>>>25th his birthday
Obviously, hubby and the little boy woke up ahead of me, I was groggy by the time they were both awake. As soon as they woke up, I told him that I made an AVP surprise but it was messed up, it was supposed to be playing to the tune of “What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong” (his favorite song) 1st thing in the morning when he wakes up. He said it was okay and that he was happiest since all 3 of us were together on his day and that itself made him complete (mush mushyness LOL!). I showed him this instead, a VERY unedited slides.com slides (you can try scrolling down your mouses in the lower part of the video to see the unfinished caption.) Sheeesh kainis talaga! Lesson learned: never cram a birthday surprise!
At lunch, we had pancit, cake and some other fattening food that day. Obviously, he left for work after lunch. I managed to sleep the rest of the afternoon. I realized, we don’t have a picture together, so here’s the only picture I took of the birthday boy with the best birthday gift he could ever have, that being with his son.
AGAIN, to stripe:
Happy happy 31st Birthday to my Husband who tries to make my son and my life as comfortable as he could, he thinks of himself always as his last priority in life, for a baba/papa who knows nothing except shower the boy with lessons, love and of course toyssss, for a selfless person who can’t say NO especially when it comes to his loved ones, for an in-law who loves and adores my family sooo much, especially my mom, for a friend with an old soul, good vibes and good communication skills and drinking habits LOL!, and lastly, for the chickboy who never ceases to amaze me with his goodlooks, charms and you know what else follows after that LOL!.
ETHAN and I LOVE YOU SO SO MUCH! We appreciate all of your hardwork, patience and selflessness. Looking forward to celebrating more birthdays with our family and most especially with our future APOs.
Love, yellow.
25.02.1977
…on to part 2!!! (yes there is LOL!)
>>>24th
I put Ethan to sleep as early as I could to finish the AVP surprise I was doing for hubby. I had no gift for him as I had no time shopping alone, we always go out as a pack and would always watch what each of us would bring to the registrars/cashiers’ end. Hubby arrived a little after 10pm, I literally slammed my laptop down so he couldn’t see what I was cooking for him. Expectedly, being the selfless person that he is, he arrived with a gift for the little boy, hence these photos and entry. I told him I had a lot of pending OPPS and that I'll be sleeping really late, thanks for my understanding hubby, he slept ahead of me. I started doing the AVP seriously at around 11pm. I was literally buzzing my technical people in YM (read: abie, mel, leah, tin etc…) asking them about slides, music, and moviemaker. With the gazillion of photos I had, it took me no more than 5 hours to compile everything. In between, hubby was waking up asking me what time I will be sleeping with him, I managed greet him with a kiss. For the 1st time in many years, we were celebrating his birthday together, last year, he was in Chicago, the other year, he was in Cebu and in previous years, he was either in Iloilo or Bacolod. By around 5am, I was ready to convert it to a movie, my laptop hanged on me, SH*T!!! Everything got busted!!! I restarted it and left nothing but a decision to make the photo slides in the very Jurassic site of slides.com tsk tsk. But with more than 100 photos, the system was hanging every 5 minutes or so whenever I was putting on the captions. I gave up at 6am =(((
>>>25th his birthday
Obviously, hubby and the little boy woke up ahead of me, I was groggy by the time they were both awake. As soon as they woke up, I told him that I made an AVP surprise but it was messed up, it was supposed to be playing to the tune of “What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong” (his favorite song) 1st thing in the morning when he wakes up. He said it was okay and that he was happiest since all 3 of us were together on his day and that itself made him complete (mush mushyness LOL!). I showed him this instead, a VERY unedited slides.com slides (you can try scrolling down your mouses in the lower part of the video to see the unfinished caption.) Sheeesh kainis talaga! Lesson learned: never cram a birthday surprise!
AGAIN, to stripe:
Happy happy 31st Birthday to my Husband who tries to make my son and my life as comfortable as he could, he thinks of himself always as his last priority in life, for a baba/papa who knows nothing except shower the boy with lessons, love and of course toyssss, for a selfless person who can’t say NO especially when it comes to his loved ones, for an in-law who loves and adores my family sooo much, especially my mom, for a friend with an old soul, good vibes and good communication skills and drinking habits LOL!, and lastly, for the chickboy who never ceases to amaze me with his goodlooks, charms and you know what else follows after that LOL!.
ETHAN and I LOVE YOU SO SO MUCH! We appreciate all of your hardwork, patience and selflessness. Looking forward to celebrating more birthdays with our family and most especially with our future APOs.
Love, yellow.
25.02.1977
…on to part 2!!! (yes there is LOL!)