ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  Kahirap kong i-install yang aking blog-look tapos papalitan ko lang? No way, highway! One of my weaknesses as you may have noticed is my penchant for old and shabby things (like my look  dito sa Ninang...)...kaya stick na ko dyan....(sorry, no relevance...) Just when I was opening my blog..a pop-up msg got me started...lol!

Today, I woke up feeling I miss SINGAPORE! Ewan kung bakit...I just do.  Maybe if I just talk about it....I won't feel this melancholy, na parang gusto ko bumalik even for a day with E. As some of you may know, we were stationed in Singapore for almost 5 blissful years....What made SG so special in our hearts?

We love the food. Have you tried going to Lau Pa Sat? There's this BBQ place we frequent (like every Saturdays and special occasions?) our favourite dishes were bbq crayfish, bokchoy with garlic, chilli crab and grilled stingray. Or the scrumptous beef noodle at Plaza Singapura...parang nalalasahan ko na...(mouth-watering...) Lol. Who wouldn't miss the Indonesian Chicken at Lucky Plaza with matching avocado shake...ay sus, patok ah!

Our SG home at Bukit Merah was very ideal, as I've shared before. Our place was walking distance to the community library, the grocery, KFC (my fave chicken place), Mcdo (with 24 hour library...ops, internet connection....ginagawang library ng mga bata doon hahhaa)...and of course, the hawker centres or food courts. Kahit saan ka umikot sa SG, sa ibaba ng mga housing laging me food court, where you can buy lunch for $2 (PHP66) like the yummy CHICKEN RICE. (Nagutom tuloy ako...) And our authentic roti with cheese breakfast and teh! Champion!!! Kapitbahay ng lugaw na me century egg..hay!

Where can you buy a $1.95 for a pair of undies? (ops, sorry po sa kumakain...hahaha) You got it? Only by our nearby market stall at Bukit Merah Central. Mura talaga ang bilihin sa SG in comparison dito ha. Well, clothes are expensive. If you want a new pair of undies  (paumanhin uli) the cheapest would be NZD5. Of course, maraming factors bakit mahal...as in namasahe pa ang galing Asia, napagod...(joke lang) at taxes..In SG you can buy cheap notebooks anywhere (gawang Japan or China) with lovely materials...pero dito hay, meron din pero frustrated ang lola ninyo dahil ang mamahal. I can't imagine na ang mabibili mo ng SGD10 at Borders ay bibilhin mo dito ng doble!  But I must say, mura dito ang meat and milk products. 

Yesterday, I went shopping at Spotlight, dahil nga halos every week they think of SPECIALS or discounts...kaya I got a new set of cutting board and a rotary cutter at 20% discount. And after browsing through my idea books of projects, I slept last night comparing our SPOTLIGHT over here (NZ) and the one in SG...missssss ko pa rin ang sa SG. Bakit? I love the location, the SG Spotlight is situated in a mall, (and you know how I love going to malls!) next to the bookstore...and DAISO, the $2 shop....the movie house at mga kainan. Need I say more? More importantly, next to E's workplace. So any time we meet, I don't mind if he's a little late dahil makakapaglibang naman ako sa Spotlight. Our Spotlight here is like a warehouse, so I guess they have more stocks. I can spend probably half a day in there and NOT get bored. My only problem is it IS THE LONG WALK, yes, 20-30 mins. walk from my bus stop.  On the plus-side, Red Cross Shop is along the way, so I can also walk in like I did yesterday...bought $10 worth of sewing materials (cloth). I was so happy! Kaya di pa umabot sa Spotlight dami ko nang bitbit! hahhaa. (me isa for 50 cents, $1 ang  2 meters for a bag material, and $2 for the interfacing material naman...etc) kaya I'd  say umuwi din akong tagumpay!

I could go on and on....about the things that made our lives in SG so memorable, but I can't forget the friends and family at Zion we met. They added so much flavour, colour and blessings in our lives. How we miss you guys....I wish one day we can visit and maybe we can once again gather at the nearby hawker centre...eat our hearts out and share how God has blessed us and kept us....until then...I'll be praying and dreaming....ONE DAY... 

SHE SEEMED FRIENDLY ENOUGH...or IS SHE? Questions I asked myself when I first saw this new girl in petfood aisle. We'll see then...for I had acquaintances from my previous employment, some nice and others not so. (Sorry!)

Days turned into months.... and I found myself waiting for you during our break time...or sitting eagerly swapping stories with you during *FACING time in the store. Oh, how we talked and shared parts of ourselves. Past experiences and present...family...love...life and I dunno what else. Hahaha. I said to myself, " Aha...she is indeed a lovely and friendly lady."

Remember when we started our new shift? How I dreaded coming in....not because of the morning schedule but moreso I'd miss our old friends. We had such a GOOD TEAM, you always say. Later on, I realised it was not that bad. Working side-by-side (hahaha, "facing") with a friend makes the job more colourful...enjoyable and FUN! Something that is really important to me...otherwise, work would just be a boring meaningless routine or something I needed 'cause it pays the bills.

I wish you can stay longer. (WAIT! Did I APPROVE YOUR RESIGNATION? I THINK NOT!!! just kidding!) But today is your LAST DAY....I don't know what else to say, but YOU WILL BE INCREDIBLY MISSED...by us, your friends. (You have made loads of them in different departments.) Especially by your partner over here. Who will I turn to during Sundays and there's no other lady fillers around? Who will teach me how to make the yummy coffee and cakes??? N, I am blessed by your warmth and friendship. I thank God for you. (teary-eyed...)

Don't you worry, I'll be fine....It's you I'm worried about, all the cleaning and packing you have to finish. I wish you and your family well, my dear friend. This ISN'T goodbye...even if you told me, you won't go back even for a visit in Palmy. I'll pray that you'll find some reason to come see us. SEE YOU LATER, DEAR! God bless!!! Love, MINDFULL

*FACING TIME - bringing the products forward to make the shelves look good and easy reach for the customers. We spend generally 3-4 hours a day facing depending on how many we are on specific days.

Guess what! I've got a "new" laptop now...yeah, he's a few years younger than HP (my Hester Panulat) but...he has his good points too. My new toy is E's old Compaq,which I named "Q" a few years back. A "hand-me-down" but a good one...even if I have 'things' to say about this one...(shhh...I'm using Q right now...lol)

E's got a new baby Q of his own...one I'd call a hybrid, HP Compaq. So does this mean...on with the new and "out" with the old???? I don't think so....For 2 days, I have been installing...downloading...trying to transfer files, programs like the moon and the stars above...Ay sus! But nothing seemed to work right in one computer. EACH ONE HAS IT'S OWN PROBLEM.

Kaloka! In life, you can't have everything and nothing is perfect, right? One has to make the most of what the Lord has blessed us with. I don't know, I just felt like editing and uninstalling the programs here....So for now, I'm holding on to Hester. I would still use her for my scrapbooking, photo-editing, music and artsy stuffs. And as for Q, he's in for the tougher job. (No wonder my migraine is worse...hahaha.) Kidding. I'm still hopeful that I'd find peace in both laptops...like world peace.  So help me, God! (Amen.)

Hester and I have come a lonnggg way. A bestfriend. When I needed someone to keep me abreast with life's going-ons...she's always there! I only had to go to her. Hester and I have been together for more or less 5 years. She knows my inner thoughts and my memories. I can't help but feel really sad, that somehow time has come for her to go....so soon?

By the way, Hester Panulat is my 5 yr old HP500 laptop. Paano na kaya ang buhay... she's gone ALL WHITE! She has all, if not most of my photos ( me back-up naman ako), several softwares/programs, vids and documents. She's quite ancient but i love her. Sure, it takes her at least 15 mins for her internet to open, but patience is a virtue. Who knows one day it becomes one of mine. Only this morning, I've tried to log on 6-7 times...ayaw talaga nya! Kaya heto....I'm using E's...(hindi kami magkasundo masyado nito e..)

Well, E  (hubby) will have to do something about this matter (find what's wrong with her...sabi nya she's probably had it.). I hope and pray she still has enough life in her. Yesterday, she was feeling out...as in kumukurap-kurap na, but I still got her going.

Teka...E!!! BAKA PICTURE TUBE LANG!!! (lol...biro lang....)

E has been doing a song and dance...persuading me to watch JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR for a week. So in the event of our 15th year anniversary, as a couple, I relented to his singing, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR...(in a high pitch voice, too!)

The musical started promptly at 7:30 in the evening (Saturday, 21 August) as we thought it would be best to dress for the ocassion. In my black N white dress and coat, E in his handsome knitted ensemble we sat on the end of  the fourth row from the stage. (right in front of the speaker...)

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a well-known musical production with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.  It was initially produced as a musical album and then found its way as a stage production to Broadway and to London's West End followed by numerous wouldwide performances. This musical event brings the depth of local talents to the city's "big stage". (from Maurice Rowe, Chairman of Regent Theatre Board of Trustees)

In my younger years, I used to hear songs from JCS during Holy Week, featured in several noontime tv shows. But last night, we were in awe as we heard 27 songs complete with a live orchestra. The music and lighting were brilliant! I even felt E tapping along! (and I was humming familiar tunes, too! hehehe) I especially loved the costumes and the sets they used.

I asked E which character he would see fit for himself, because as some would know (our churchmates), he has acting in his blood...lol. (maarte!) He saw himself as HEROD. Herod was portrayed by Damian Thorne, taking his character like the lead singer from the rock band, KISS (minus the make-up) with furry top and skin-tight pants. We can't help but applaud him for his short but memorable rendition of KING HEROD'S SONG.

Jesus performed by Peter Flynn starred as Judas in the 1996 Jesus Christ Superstar Production. He along with Judas, Andrew Jamieson,  had the challenging roles as the lead actors they sang most of the high pitched vocals. I must say, the overall performance left a good impression on us that we still find ourselves singing...JESUS CHRIST...SUPERSTAR...

I give JESUS CHRIST THE MUSICAL 4.5 stars with 5 being the highest.  A great night...A different cultural experience...our first, definitely not our last. I wonder when GREASE will be in town....

     Three or four years ago in Singapore, I thought of using this name NINANG NI SAM for a photo blog. Yes, it still exists but I seldom add new pics now. Maybe it's rather difficult to manage 2-3 blogs with our current internet connection...o, kay bagal! (so slow!!!) or is it just my 5 yo computer. MAYBE I need an UPGRADE...(E!!!! maybe we can...kidding!) ANYWAY...

     WHO IS SAM? He is my 5 year old godchild and favorite nephew. And I'm his "ninang" (godmother) or ANG, as he and his mom lovingly calls me. (and he calls his tito, ONG, short for "ninong" or godfather). I have decided to make a handle of NINANG NI SAM for this blog...becoz it was either that, or NANAY NI BRUCE. (Bruce, as some may know, is our doberman who passed on some years ago).
 
     This blog may be all about our travels...family...love...work and the Lord. A few rants..or raves...bloopers and great experiences/adventure. Mainly about how we as a couple, face life here in our new environment we call, home.
 

I JUST realised it's my FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY @ work today! (4 August 2010)
What a way to celebrate, on my DAY OFF!!! (ohh, so happy!)

Last Friday, 30 July, we had a farewell gathering for our co-workers who have resigned and it was also a "farewell" (or "see you later") for the rest of us who were staying on. Our pool of 22 male and female workers were split into 2 groups. Five of us were chosen to do the day shifts (period from 8am to 9pm) and the rest would be doing the part-time and "graveyard shifts" (8pm to 12pm and 8pm to 6am). It turned out to be a melancholy parting...I'm just sorry I missed out... because my tummy didn't agree with me that night. I was sent home after 5 hours of work. :-( (they had cakes and coffee, too)

ADIEU OUR FRIENDS!!! TILL WE MEET AGAIN. GO SHOPPING, PLEASE!!! (we work in a supermarket...lol!) We MISS you guys already!

I'm blessed I have my very good friend, *NIEVA*, (not her real name) doing the same shift. Having a friend beside you makes work interesting, light and FUN...we get to be partners when times get tough like "looking for the needle in the haystack"??? (or hard to find products).

When asked (by our manager and supervisors) how we found the new job...I must say it is really challenging for us...CONFUSING, and CHAOS BREWING on every palette...lolz. (We started the new shift last Sunday, 1 August) But our supervisors assured us it will get easier IN TIME. On that note, we're keeping our fingers crossed and praying hard. ;-)

March 2009, nang isinulat ko ang post na ito (sa kabila: friendster blog: KAKAISIP)....ating balikan...

Halos dalawang Linggo na rin ngayon na nakapasok ako sa isang supermarket (Wellington) dito sa NZ. At hulaan ninyo kung ano ang akala nila sa akin……isa akong chengwa.

Wala naman akong pintas sa mga Intsik in general. Sa loob-loob ko pag-ako napagkamalan pa ng isang beses…malapit na ako maniwala. Noong una, customers ang gusto kumausap sa akin ng sarili nilang lengguwahe.

Ngayon nalang araw na ito, tatlo sa ating mga kababayan (Pinoy) na kasama sa trabaho ang nag-akalang miyembro ako ng “yellow race” hahha. Sagot ko nalang, “HINDI AH, MATAGAL NA RIN AKONG PILIPINO…MGA 45 YRS. NA.” biro lang.

Tama naman ang sabi ng kasama kong tunay na Instik, na karamihan naman sa mga Asiano ay magkakamukha…features tulad ng singkit at fair comp. At ganun din ang tingin natin sa mga Caucasians na parang magkakatulad din sila. Pano mo ma-differentiate ang British from Americans (na di kailangan magsalita ha) o kaya mga taga-Ireland kumpara sa Canadians…me point sya di ba?

Mabuti na nga lang nung gusto akong kausapin ng Intsik andoon ang 2 kong kasamahan na sumalo sa akin. Eh baka ang maisagot ko lang sa kanila eh..SIRIT!

UPDATE: Magpahanggang sa ngayon, halos isang taon na ako na nakalipat sa pangalawa kong trabaho, supermarket pa rin...akala nila: CHENGWA daw ako, nung isang araw THAI...aba nung isang linggo naman ay KOREAN...o di ba? Mahilo kaya sila...? Pero pag-narinig nila ako mag-ingles dun nila nalalaman na Pinoy! Hehehe. Bakit? Tunog Americano with a touch of Pinoy English-slang (SLENG??). LOL!

Naisipan ko na namang magbalik dito...sumulat muli ng blog. Di naman sa walang panahon, o walang maisusulat. Siguro lang ay "wala sa mood". Pero nitong linggong ito, naisip ko why not? Hehehe...

Matagal-tagal na rin ang lumipas na panahon nang huli akong sumulat dito. Sa "kabila" (friendster) may ilang entry ako from 2009 pero pa sulpot-sulpot lang. Ngayon ewan ko lang...

Tulad nyan...papasok na naman ako. Kailangan na naman magmadali...magluluto pa ako at maghahanda.
O well...ganyan talaga ang buhay! Kailangan me panahon para sa lahat...panahon ng pagluluto...paghahanda...pagkain at pag-alis...sige baka ma-late pa ako.

NINANG NI SAM...yan ang ipinalit ko sa dati kong blog na MINDFULL REFLECTIONS. Bakit? Parang mas may dating di ba? Ano sa palagay  nyo?  (sige, go na ako...) see yah lata!

Two months ago, we have decided to file our Permanent Residency here in SG. I did the research, E (my hubby) made queries at work. But somehow delays...a few things that needed our attention came first. Work and/or a much needed holiday? hehehe...More delays....
Funny how things really work out (or don't), arriving from our short vacation, E received an email from NZ stating that we are considered for a Work to Residence status. Finally! After waiting for more than two years. Great news! We were delirious...so happy!

Then came the 7:00 pm news.....

"10,000 March for Violence Against Asians in NZ". E sits with his computer, instantly viewing the latest on NZ. Will this news keep us from moving? Will it make us so afraid that our plans are more likely to change? Our first plan of action (SANA) was to sette in Auckland and try finding jobs there. See how the lifestyle would suit us.

I guess, every where there can be racism, xenophobia (that is, phobia of foreigners) even violence. And it is the Lord who holds us, his children safely in His hands. Wherever we are, in Manila...SG...at work or at home...anything can happen. Moreso, the Lord will give us the wisdom to keep ourselves safe and practise the fruits of the Spirit in dealing with others. Love, peace, joy, long-suffering/patience etc.

Don't you check yourself at times when you come across a person then pass a comment like "nakakainis itong mga ....(the race) na ito...masusungit." or "ang itim nila"... o "feeling-superior ito a.." Isn't it a form of discrimination? That is, generalising only in reference to one or two not-so-good experience? O baka naman comment lang...I'm not sure. Well...this is only my observation...(you are free to give your views on this..) That's me, being human...hehehe.

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR A WILLING HEART. Sinabi ko na nga ba, there is a reason why this phrase strikes a heartstring as we turn to the July page of our table calendar (next to our computer). We are willing. Soon we will be packing our bags...but for now, we are praying that our last few months here will still be fruitful as they have been with our friends and the churchmates. Getting ready for the next adventure. At heto pa rin ako, wishing for more time with our family and friends back home. Possible? Well...Nothing is impossible with God.

Glory to God. ;-)

Last year, we had a series of tests done for some application. Unfortunately, I had to do a repeat test for the Liver Function. Liver function tests (LFTs or LFs), which include "liver enzymes", are groups of clinical biochemistry laboratory blood assays designed to give information about the state of a patient's liver. Then on the day of pick up (for the result) I also had a "review" appointment with a doctor and he tried to explain to us the relevance of my elevated GGT, SGPT and Alk Phosphatase.

Naku, ano bang malay ko sa mga abbreviations na yan. Masyadong SCIENTIFIC! Buti na lang at may internet dahil kahit papano ay nagkaron ako ng idea at natutunan tungkol sa mga standard liver panel na ito. Itong GGT,SGPT at Alk Phosphatase ay ilan sa mga items ng LFT. O kay LuFeT!!!!

A friend of mine, who is going through some liver problems of her own encouraged me, "Madali lang yan! Ingat ka lang sa kinakain mo". Kumain daw ako ng veggies and fish. Control sa pagkain sa madaling sabi. It's easier said than done. Lalo na sa mga adik sa chicken (na tulad ko), o kaya mga porkchop and liempo lover.

Kahapon dumaan ako sa supermarket after paying off some bills. Dampot ako ng fruits, a pack of crabsticks, 2 kinds of leafy-green vegetables, snob ko ang chicken at kinawayan ko na lang ang mga pork...(hello, ms. piggy!) diretso sa seafood area. Timbang ng lapu-lapu at 12 pirasong hipon. Aba...mahal din.

Panay-panay din ang offline ko sa bro-in-law kong doctor,asking about this stuffs GGT, SGPT at Alk. phosphatase achuchuchu. He's given us a backgrounder that once I have my gallbladder taken out, my liver enzymes will normalise. Kasabay nito ang aming dalangin for the right schedule, the best doctor to operate, and the Lord's provision for the financial side of the surgery/ hospitalisation. He (the bro.) has also advised me to do a little walking (as per advise ng obgyne) ewan ko lang kung me restrictions sa MALL...hahaha. I know the important thing is to keep on moving.

Grabe na ito…wow, 5 hours of non-stop banging, oldies songs and those I can’t understand. You see, may lamay (wake) sa ibaba namin, sa ground floor. Kahapon it was all quiet although you can smell the food. Pero today, dhay! Maloka ang tenga ko….I think it’s the last day of the funeral service. Palagay ko may kaya itong “uncle” na ito (man siya) dahil magarbo ang presentation ng banners, I believe it’s the announcement of the deceased affliations.

From one side of our building to the other side meron siyang mga parang pinagdikit-dikit na tela na may sulat na intsik at meron pang mga naka-mount sa mga metal na bars, parang mga painting ng mga taong nag-mamartial arts or may mga gawain I’m not sure kung ano, puro may glitters ito at nababalutan pa ng plastic cover dahil umuulan. Maganda naman sila, mga 5-6 ito. Bukod pa sa mga quilt na may naka-pin na salita na nakasabit malapit sa mga naiwan. I think I’d ask our church mates ano ang relevance nito.

Ayan nagkakantahan pa rin…o, well, it has to end some time….

has it been a month since my cystectomy operation? time flies...but i guess for us who have undergone an operation, we wish days would go reallllyyyy fast! (...woosshhh!)

the other day though i had some light spotting. not sure if it's my menses becoz it's due next week. i read somewhere that sometimes spotting is normal and that the operation somehow causes our system go haywire. so for now, hubby and i are observing. 3rd day spotting, very light. also got stomach pain, don't know if this is from gas again or probably just hunger.

just praying the Lord will help me through all this. so far, minimal pain (sharp pains sometimes) and healing well. Praise God.

COFFEE PLS...

FIRST thing that comes to mind soon as i wake up is COFFEE. i've been a "coffee-drinker" ever since i can remember. minsan nga naging bansag sa akin ay "miguel"...we had this neighbor before, si miguel. he has downe-syndrome but a very gentle and friendly person. i guess he's in his 30s then...who can tell? pagpumasok yan o kumatok sa bahay ninyo ang unang hinihingi niya ay kape. tapos saka siya nakikipagkwentuhan.

"may kape ba kayo?" o "pahingi ng kape." aniya. BLACK. kadalasan binibigyan na lang namin siya, black talaga...kasi kahit kami sa bahay black din walang cream o gatas. my barkada knew him, kaya pagpumupunta ako sa bahay nila dahil wala naman kaming pambili ng coke o softdrinks, kape ang request ko...thus the name, "oy, miguel...!" (yessss?)

sa ngayon at 44, ang iniinom ko na ay milo kundi ovaltine. yes, may caffaine pa rin daw, not that strong. dahil sa aking kidneys pinagbawal ng doctor. don't worry, they're both fine now, the stones passed. but i'm still off a lot of my comfort foods like peanuts and taho. strawberries...and a whole lot more.

THE REAL THING....

another one i miss is coke...the COLA. natatandaan ko noon pag kumakain sa school, (teacher na, lakas na ng loob umutang sa kantin) yan ang padulas ng pambara (lunch). there was a rumour going around the water was not safe, something that has to do with a cat....(nyeee!) kaya imbes na uminom ng tubig, softdrinks o mineral water ang order namin.

dahil hindi mo namamalayan na pati ang sistema ng katawan ay apektado, kundi pa bumigay ito...saka mo marealize, tama nga sila kailangan nga ng 8 glasses or more of water sa araw-araw. advantages: (1)ganda ng sistema ng katawan, since most of our body is made up of water...replenish! (2)good skin (di tuyot) (3) kidney feels good. sa tutoo lang!


BOOKS..books..books!

after a year here in sg, i realised i spent half of my allowance on books. i frequent fareast plaza, an interesting mall. mura ang tinda nila. they have shoes, bags, belts, clothes and second hand books! but there is a cheaper option. be a member of the national library, one can borrow 4 books/magazines for a fee. this is for a period of 3 weeks per item. ayaw ka pa niyan..laki ng menos sa budget. eh ang isang bagong paperback dito $16+ (SGD) converted, mga P496 din yun...

anyway, madalas ako sa community lib malapit sa lugar namin mula ng nagmember ako (walking distance lang) pwede ka tumambay at magbasa on arts and crafts... photography...news...at kung ano pa ang interest mo. and free aircon din.


SCRAPBOOKING

i can remember mahilig ako mag-gugupit ng maliliit na picture tapos ididikit ko sa notebook o sa album. minsan may photo album ako na binili on sale kasi, P10 ang isang bundle ng refill....ang gagawin ko lalagyan ko ng makapal na cardboard bilang cover at mapaganda ito ng hallmark na pambalot. plastikan...at meron na kaming photo album.

next step, halukayin ang mga naghambalang na mga litrato. idikit sa madikit na refill...at lagyan ng palamuti na pinaggugupit mula sa mga stationaries na luma o yung bang mga pinag-malian. imbes na itapon kadalasan hilig kong itabi. o cute di ba? dagdagan ng mga old bookmarks o mga remembrance na galing sa camp from your camp barkada. kundi naman mga movie tickets, ribbons/string o kahit ano pa man na may relasyon sa pictures na naka-feature dun.

scrapbooking na yun. pero ngayon natuklasan ko ang mga SCRAPBOOK PAPER. heto na ang bumili ako tuwing maliligaw ako sa mall na may tindahan ng scrapbook materials...ang nakakatawa sa akin ay nanghihinayang ako gamitin ang mga ito. bibili ako tapos nakatago sila sa mga folders/plastic according sa kulay at gumawa. meron na din naman akong mga natodas na binili ko for specific projects like my doggy album, birthday and anniversary albums. sa itinagal ko dito hindi ko namalayan ang dami na pala ng abubot ko. may ilang bags na ang laman ay pintura, mga bulaklak, threads, buttons, beads, tela, pens, brushes, etc. mahirap na i-itemize..

sa ngayon, tumigil muna ako bumili ng mga papel at burloloy. hay salamat. pagnaliligaw ako sa mga craft store, pumipikit nalang ako...hehehe.


ARTS AND CRAFTS

Latest project: felt snowman and "caught"... (this is rudolf CAUGHT in a frenzy of christmas lights. lolz)

isa pa sa hilig ko ay ang pananahi. pangarap ko kasi ang maging mananahi. yung designer ba...hehehe. naalala ba ninyo pag panahon ng exhibit sa school sa H.E. o arts class? nagkakandakumahog tayong nagpapagawa sa nanay ng ating mga art projects?nung elementary, ako ang isa sa laging nauna mag-submit at nae-exhibit...hindi siguro dahil sa maganda ang gawa ko, kundi halatang gawa ko talaga...maaring hindi tuwid ang tahi, wala sa ayos ang kulay, o baka nakita lang ng titser ko na magiliw kong ini-submit ang aking gawa.

mahilig kasi ako sa pagkulay (crayola o watercolor), pag-crochet, pagburda, pag-beading. naalala ko nga ang project namin na ginawan ng frame ng tatay ko. isang beaded na fairy (grade 4 ata ako) dalawang beses nabasag ang salamin dahil napapabayaan ko. pero natutuwa naman ako sa tatay ko dahil supportive siya sa mga hilig ko. pagmay natapos akong painting, o tulad ng aking "fairy", i-fre-frame niya. buti nalang marami ata syang frames.

sa nanay pala ako nagmana manahi. noong buhay pa siya ay lagi kaming may ternong damit ni G, ang aming bunsong kapatid na babae. naalala ko siya, tuwing may pagkakataon isinasama niya ako sa palengke. bumibili siya ng tela, ayaw na ayaw ko sana sumama pero dahil ako ang madalas buntot ng nanay, sama ako kahit na masakit sa mata ang kemikal ng mga tela sa palengke. parang ako ang hilig ko tahiin ay mga blouse, pajama, shorts, bags at kurtina. kaya ng nawala na si nanay, ako na ang nananahi ng kurtina, kobre kama at kung anu-ano pang pwede para mapaganda ang bahay. ayun, medyo hindi pa rin tuwid ang tahi at mapusyaw ang kulay...hehehe


INTERNET

nahalata ko noon ang addiction na ito nang kaming mag-asawa ay inaabot ng madaling araw sa pagko-computer. naging member ako sa iba't-ibang site yahoo, hotmail, g-mail, icq, etc. iba hindi ko na matandaan...natuklasan ko na rin ang paglalaro ng mga games (scrabble, text-twist, bookworm etc.) gayundin ang mga trivia online. another form of addiction...

ang kagandahan pala ng may internet connection, any time pwede kang mag-check ng email, at sumulat din. mag-blog, sumali sa mga forums at mag-research. mas mainam kaysa maghulog ng sulat via airmail at mahihintay ka ng ilang araw bago makarating sa kaibigan mo at maka-respond sila uli. eh kung tamad pa sumulat tulad ng mga kilala ko...(ops.... nagpaparinig) baka mamuti lang ang mata natin sa paghihintay.

TODAY: i saw this old draft from my files. thought i'd post it here...thanks for looking

NOW I know how it is when they say, you would SEE YOUR LIFE FLASHING BEFORE YOUR VERY EYES. I was diagnosed with ovarian cysts, on right side the size of an orange (big) 8.8 cm and on the left was 6 cm. My doctor advised us to have them taken out because they have not changed in size after 8 mos. of observation.

I struggled. Hubby and I prayed, and sought others for prayers. I was afraid. A few months ago, a friend passed away unexpectedly from liver cancer. She was my peer in church and I was older by a year. What if it's time for me to check out too? Am I ready? What about E (hubby)? My family? Am I done here? So many questions...

Then as the time for my surgery approached, I received encouragements and prayers from friends by emails. The Lord has given us the financial provision here in Sg, otherwise we had to return to Manila for the operation and without the medical benefits. Can’t just imagine the bills and we have to stay longer. E reminded me, when we had his gallbladder taken out his recovery period was 1.5-2 months.

Finally I had the surgery last NOV 7, 07 at 7am. That morning I didn't have much sleep. But I was ready. The Lord was in control. He will see me through. That time I was lying on the gurney on my way to the operating room, in my head, I was singing gospel songs...praying...(commenting: ANG TAGAL NAMAN! ) then more...gospel songs...verses: even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for YOU ARE WITH ME….

When I came to, I was at the recovery room for the longest time. Next thing I knew, I was in the room with E. Later that evening my doctor came, showed us 2 pictures of the cysts. She told us they were able to take out all the cysts and that they are BENIGN, meaning not cancerous. PRAISE THE LORD! Then she gave us more advises for faster recovery and will come again to check up on me the next day.

I was more than rejoicing when it was time to go home! I was beside myself….(so happy!) makakatulog na rin ako ng maayos...or so I thought...at least now my sleeping time has increased to 4 hrs. (hehehe)

We thank the Lord for everything. For His care, guidance, love and healing power. He has also shown comfort through our family and friends who were praying and encouraging us. We are blessed. Not yet time to “check out”, therefore God has other “things”, HIS purpose lined up for me, as an individual…and for E and I, as a couple.

LOVING LIFE? Guess not, Living Life with a purpose. GOD’S.
A tall order? For somebody who came close to death's door , at one point or another you will ask yourself: what is my purpose in life?

these were questions my churchmates and friends asked me yesterday. i have to praise the Lord for His goodness. i am fine and not experiencing any pain at all. aside from the feeling of being bloated I'M DOING GREAT! sometimes i just feel nauseous because of all the air, parang busog ako all the time and i want to burp all the "wind" inside. hehehe.

seriously, i'm taking things slow. but still doing all my routine chores and my crafts. i love staying at home. this is something my girlfriends here, ask me "how to you do it?" i guess the husbands want to know as well how i cope with my being home all the time.

first, you've got to love your home. hehehe. our home is a small cozy hdb. not all grand and stuff but, we love it. simple and neat (that is, if i get around cleaning the place which is at least 2x a week...hehehe). our landlandy is so cool as well. anyway, we love fixing the place up. and the location is very ideal and accessible to our church, hubby's work and of course, the cbd.

second, got my interests to keep me going. i love to read. our place is three blocks away from the community library. usually once or twice a week i spend my afternoons browsing, reading, sketching, returning and borrowing more books from the lib.

i also enjoy emailing friends and blogging. thanks to technology we can keep in touch with our families and friends (daily). i send emails as much as i can, kahit hindi sila sumasagot. hats off to my relatives/friends for their prompt and fast reply. sarap din mag-blog even if i only have a few things to say.

arts and crafts: i'm in to scrapbooking, drawing and painting, want to go into carpentry...takot lang sa lagari (saw) kaya i can handle mga minor pukpok, screwing (the nails etc), can do a mean dressed up table or chair. sewing now has reduced to LILIP tamad kasi, no more dressmaking or cross stitch. masakit na rin sa mata. but if i need to make a purse or curtain...shorts or blouse pwede pa rin.

now i'm into jewelry making. last time i was home, yan ang naging pasalubong namin sa girls ko. sabi nga ni E, yun ang isang kilo mahigit na nagpabigat sa maleta namin. hehehe. they are more of semi-precious stones, plastic, and metal bracelets/connectors/hooks/blings. at di lang 10-15 pieces but MORE. i guess, i went overboard...yan kasi ang naging libangan ko since march 07 ata. maganda eh, i mean it is a relaxing hobby in a theraputic kind of way...hehehe.

sabi ko nga sa kanila..(my friends) i can think of a lot of things to do at home...kaya i can stay at home and still enjoy my time. hehehe. manuod ng korean drama, ibahin ang ayos ng bahay na pag-uwi ni E nagkapalit na ang ayos ng sala sa dining...ganun bang klase. or mag-telebabad. you know those sort of things.

you have to be creative. now that christmas is coming up you can start your decorations early. hehehe. tulad ng nakwento ko before, my sister and i visualize our christmas setting as early as the months of BER (september). tapos we decorate our house in mkna by november 1. sayang naman ang decors kung dec. lang ilalagay di ba?

o siya, got to run along...may therapy session pa ako sa labahan ko. hehehe... ayun pa pala you can try running, exercising and pilates/aero. coming from a person who haven't exercised in 2 weeks or so...at least i plan to...kailangan lang simulan...PS. umuulan pala, so postpone ang labada (baka hindi maganda ang tuyo). probably just clean up and do more jewelries. i saw this bracelet from the library the other day....lol!

LIFE is so complex as man is. recently, hubby and i had time for a holiday back home (manila). hectic but still had a great time with our families. we had a routine check-up and ultrasound. for this year got a 2nd one, becoz i experienced a sharp pain in my lower abdomen which lasted for a day. my doctor here, advised me to observe. she gave me some pain killers and a referral in case it was appendicitis.the 2nd scan says I have 3 gallstones, 2 kidneystones and cysts in the ovaries.

so we decided to have myself checked out. face my fears. last week, i had 3 consultations: gen. physician who gave us the referrals to a general surgeon (gallstones/kidneystones) and an obgyn.today, our main concern is the ovarian cysts. we are praying that the cysts are benign and they won't have to take out an ovary. they have grown considerably, the left one as big as a baby's head. so the specialist advised it to be taken out soon.

at present, i have so much on my mind. i can't think straight. i am so afraid. but i keep thinking how the Lord has proven Himself in our lives. how good and gracious He is. He is in control of everything and that He will give us the strength to go through difficulties and uncertainties in life. i thank God for the friends who surround us with His love and comfort. We can rest assured that no matter how things turn out, we can always rely on the Lord for He is in control.

singapore is 42 today!

e and i watched the celebration on tv. very festive and exciting. the platform was well prepared and the programme was dramatic. they were able to use the element of water since the venue is surrounded by water at the marina bay, thus the cool landing for the divers and speed boats manuevers. there was the usual air show from the military and the red fox parachute jumps.

we were simply amazed how sg celebrates her birthday year after year. how the schools, the young and old, the government and different agencies come together for this great party. how elaborate their decors, costumes, and fireworks were. i can't help but be impressed with the work they did with the choreography and time they spent preparing for this occasion.hats off to you, singapore!

The Blessing of Life
"Waking up every morning is a blessing" I remember one of my friends say. It really is. How often do we stop and thank God for every breath we take? Or the blessing of just being here...or there?

Yesterday I was faced with 2 very different views. One of my friends, Ana (not her real name) was admitted in the hospital. Hers was a rare case. She have tried different doctors and medications. They say there is no other known case like hers. Yet she is full of life, hope and love. "The Lord sustains me", she says. Amen! Amen! For three years, she's been in and out of hospitals for various tests and scans. Ana and her family have grown closer and faith stronger.

Last night, I received an email from Terry (not her real name, as well) another good friend. "It's like I'm drowning..." she says. She's on the verge of giving up on life. Working 15 hrs a day, just to survive and so as not to be reminded of a life full of grief. In her mind she is "suffering", and would like to simply give up. Of course, I emailed her back ASAP. Prayed that she would seek the Lord who is the answer to all questions and situations.

I told her how I was in the same position a few years ago. I wanted more...More of life. Asking myself: Is there all there is to it? wala naman akong problema, I was happy too, lovelife? mukhang ok naman and family life, as well. Pero alam ko my kulang pa rin. Then I asked, should I die, san kaya ako pupunta? Morbid but these thoughts crossed my mind...

It was then I realized that the Lord sends people, like friends to encourage, and share the love of God...kahit ayaw mo. There were times, tinataguan ko pa si "S" because she was too persistent. Puntahan ka pa sa bahay at tadtarin ka ng tracts. Nahiya naman ako, and I considered her a good friend kaya nakikinig ako. It was then the Word she shared had taken root in my heart and when it was time, I received the Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior and I acknowledged that I was a sinner.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ." Romans 3:23-24

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved. Because it is with your hear that you believe and are justified, and it is with our mouth that you confess and are saved." Romans 10:9-10

I was so happy I was washed as "white as snow" because the promise was ...."I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:7) It was like a really heavy weight was lifted from my heart. Knowing that your sins are forgiven and now a child of God.

"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will but born of God." John 1:12

My life now, isn't without trials. They do come. But this time I won't be alone. I have the Lord to protect, guide and encourage me. He fights for me and reminds me constantly of His promises of love, peace and hope. Jesus is my Jehovah Nissi, the Lord is my Banner. (Exodus 17:15; Psalm 4:6)

I pray that my dear friend will seek the Lord and for sure she will find Him. Knocking...waiting on her heart's door. (Rev. 3:20) "I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me.

"Ironic? Here are two different cases. One, desires to live inspite of the physical condition she has and the other, a bright and healthy woman..wants to give up on life. What is LIFE to us?

The bottomline is: It is the Lord Jesus who gives TRUE MEANING to our lives. He is the reason why we live. To worship Him and give him glory in all areas of our lives.
Dear Reader,
If you want to experience God's unfailing love and power in your life, please pray this simple prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. Forgive all my sins. Wash me clean as "white as snow". And I accept You, Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe in my heart that God raised you from the dead to save us. Now help me live my life in You. Thank you Lord you have forgiven me and accepting me as your child. In Jesus' Name I pray, amen.

After praying this:
1. It is important you read the Bible for it is the Word of God. Start with the Gospel of Mark. Then from there you can move on to the other Gospels and the Old Testament books. A study guide can be a great help. Let God speak to you through His Word.

2. Pray. Talk to God...pour our hearts to our Heavenly Father. The Lord wants to know what is in our hearts, our pains, our joys and even our inner most desires. Pray without ceasing.

3. Fellowship with other believers. It is important also that we as believers attend a fellowship with others to hear the Word of God being preached, pray and worship.
Take care. God loves you!
Posted by mindfull reflections at Thursday, July 19, 2007
Sunday, May 20, 2007

felt great! added one more year last monday. i'm 44!been so busy the past few days. i didn't realize it was the 3rd month already of the year. how time flies....

a few days ago, i learned from a churchmate one of my peers passed away. she was diagnosed with liver cancer only last feb 24. i felt down and grieved for her, our church and her family. i also realized she was with the Lord now, no more pain, no more sorrow.... "...to die is gain..." recalling how she was before and what ministries we were involved in as youths, i found joy and the love she had for the ministry. she gave her all. i know she will be fondly remembered for the warmth she brought to us, her friends, family and the church.

i thank the Lord for exciting year of adventure and opportunities. for good health...and a loving family.

a card left over from last year.
new snowman project.
a pinecone and poinsettia on the background...

setting up the house for a homey christmas atmosphere. i still have to finish a few projects for gifts and cards to send next week. well, if there's not enough time to finish them all...there's always next year!

I'd like to share this article from Os Hillman:

I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me-to Aner, Eshcol and Mamre. Let them have their share. - Genesis 14:24

Abraham's nephew was a man named Lot. Lot was part of Abraham's household until the land on which they fed their flocks could no longer support their growing families and herds. Abraham allowed Lot to choose the land where he wanted to live. Lot chose the land of Sodom.Afterwards, four kings invaded Sodom, and Lot's family and goods were taken into captivity. When Abraham learned of this, he immediately gathered his best fighting men and pursued the armies to free Lot and his family. He was successful in freeing Lot's family and the families of Sodom. The king of Sodom was grateful to Abraham for what he did and wanted him to keep the goods he recovered. Abraham had made a decision before the battle that he would only keep what he rec! overed for his nephew Lot, and goods as payment for the men who fought.

Abraham understood the principle of receiving from God. He was a man with great integrity in God. He did not want to be known as someone who became wealthy because of the kindness of a wicked king. He wanted others to know that whatever prosperity he gained was a result of the blessing from God's hand alone. Abraham understood an important principle of receiving from God.Jesus also modeled this principle by receiving only what His Father wanted Him to receive.

God's will for Jesus was to receive based on a carpenter's wage even though He was the God of the universe who had access to all things. Imagine the discipline Jesus had to have, knowing what He could have had. He upheld His own financial integrity in God.Each of us must discern what comes from the hand of God rather than the hand of man. As workplace believers, there are situations that allow us to manipulate, sweat, and! toil our way to profit. There is also profit as a result of hard work done in obedience to our calling to the workplace. Knowing the difference in these two concepts is a sign of integrity before God. Only God receives glory when we receive what God wants us to receive. Are you receiving the fruit of your labor in God? Ask God to show you the difference of these two concepts for your own life.

Indeed all good things come from God. And He has the right to give us as He sees fit.
This message comes timely for us because E and I had to decide on a something major that will affect us financially. We are thankful our Lord uses us to bless our families and friends, thus connecting His Word and love in action. Sometimes it is not that easy especially when circumstances are difficult, but these are real opportunities given to us to express our Lord and who we really are in Him... -mindfull

pasko na! naamoy ko na ang pasko...

kaninang hapon galing ako sa orchard dahil type ko umikot-ikot nangangalap ng bagong gamit at pwedeng project for decors. hindi ko maiwasan ang humanga sa laki ng Christmas tree at sa garbo ng decorasyon sa loob ng isang mall...ang dami ng mga nakabitin na kulay PINK! (o gets nyo na kung saan yan? biggest tree in orchard?? )

lumipat naman ako ng lugar...naghahanap naman ako ng Christmas album ng RAY CONNIF SINGERS. naalala ko kasi ang mga paskong nagdaan sa maynila, madalas akong mag-shopping sa SM mall/s (window o hindi).... lagi ang ganda ng mga tugtog...(ang R.C.Singers...parang galing sa langit) hehehe. lalo na kung umaga mo maririnig... nakaka-inspire lalong tumingin ng shoes...bags...damit...

sayang lang, at hindi ko maririnig ang mga "tugtog-pasko" na yan itong taon. iba ang skedyul namin ng uwi ngayon. marami ata akong mami-miss. pati ang aking bunsong kapatid (GM) at ang kanyang pamilya, hindi namin makakasabay lumuwas. oh well, ok na rin, at least we can still spend time with the rest of the family.... (kuya ko at pamilya ni E, and other friends) naubos na kasi namin ang leaves niya for this year. gusto ko pa naman sana makitang mayabang lumakad ang first baby nila GM, at ngumiti ng nakakaloko....dami na teeth ha!

anyway, heto ang aming kaunahang pasko sa bago naming tirahan...sempre, hexcited din magpaganda ng bahay... sana lang makahanap pa ako ng mga murang decors. sa mga nakita ko kasi kanina......ang kulay na naiisip ko sana ay gold and red...pero wala ko makita maganda. bahala na pagwala- di WALA... o tama na, husto na...ayaw ni E ng OVER!

miss ko din tuloy ang aming ginawang puno nung 2000. 5 ft tree gawa sa chicken wire at pinagkabit-kabit na dahon sa isang mabigat na paso. taon-taon kaming nagdadagdag sa aming kulay gold na balls, o pinecones na may prutas etc...may nakabitin ding puno sa dingding...(para atang hindi ko na tinanggal yun mula ng umalis ako nung march.)...at may bilog naman na wreath. siguro miss din ako ni GM dahil ako ang gumagawa ng decors sa bahay namin noon...na as early as nov. 2 nagdedecorate na kami ng bahay. talo pa ang mall....para sulit naman ang pag-bili namin ng mga dekorasyon 'no.

oo nga pala, may daiso na sa cbd! great news...all for $2!
kaya palagay ko mas maganda ang shopping dito dahil mura at kakaiba!
hay, malapit na pala ang ....silver bells....ringaling!

C and I have been friends since high school. She's one friend I know who will always be there for me no matter what... For a time we've lost our connection. Somehow, I blame myself, because I assumed she's only a phone call away. I knew her contact no. and address. But how time flies and a lot can happen in a month, 6 mos. or a year...

After 2 yrs. I didn't realize we haven't really seen each other, perhaps we're both busy with work, or our schedules seemed impossible for us to set time to meet. She just started a new job, and in a relationship. In the same way, I'm so wrapped up with school work and busy taking care of hubby after office hours. I guess, by this time...we drifted apart.

Last March I came home, I had to see her. I missed our "chika-time". I tried calling the last 2 cell phone nos. I have of her. Zero....then I tried their 2 home nos., wrong number, both of them! I felt sad... I wondered how is it possible for us to drift apart and forget our friendship. Is the advancement of technology to blame? You know how easy it is to buy several sims and change cell nos. in the Phils. I changed mine, because I had to shift to a prepaid one (which is valid only up to 6 mos) and gave up my line since I was leaving the country soon. I thought of going to her house, but I was afraid to go by myself, with all the rumors of bombings... it was a good thing i didn't pursue the idea of looking for their house since they moved to a new home and surprisingly, near our house in marikina.

I tried several means, like chatrooms, search for old schoolmates or the alumni org. of our h.s. .... no sign of her. Later I searched for her at a new, and USO na website (friendster), even wrote some with the same last name... still no reply. I just hoped to trace her back when I go back home at the end of the year.

BUT GUESS WHAT! I searched once more at friendster, typed C's name...zero result. And another name (her sis) thinking she might be a member...YES! right nick, right profile...i found her sister!!! Of course, I inquired if she was so-and-so's sis...who studied in...etc. Then the following morning, I got an email....from my bestfriend and her sister! I was so happy!!!

Now we are emailing each other almost every day. And I hope that we can spend some time this Christmas together and now... i keep a neat record of her new contact nos.... ;)

sa wakas....makakahinga na rin kami.

during the past month or so, a trip to another country...with the option of living there...or not? all these in God's hands. the uncertainties of life...who can tell
what's in store for us tomorrow...the next day...or the next year?

but we (hubby and i) appreciate that God is in control of all things. knowing Him has given us the security that whatever He has lined up for E, who is in the verge of resigning and wanting to move to another job/country has better plans for us.

we were still abroad when his company asked him to renew his "working pass"? our lease on the place we were staying also hanging, because at a moment's notice we thought, we can go and move. we wondered why God has allowed us to view this "country of milk and honey" which we toured for 3 weeks. E, given an interview for a possible job offer. but in the end the final interview didn't push through.

i am blessed by how God has allowed things to happen (or not), making me realize He is indeed in control. like just recently we had to look for a new place as our lease was up, and they increased our rent by $100...wow! that i believe is way too much! anyway, we wanted a place of our own and we decided on a small apartment 2 bedroom with a hall for dining, living room and a lil kitchen. also has a neat toilet and bath...

1 september, we were scheduled to move. but somehow, even a deposit we made was not a guarrantee...2 days prior, we were advised that the apartment was no longer suitable for housing us since there were leaks and repairs had to be done. so what can we do? after purchasing an aircon...scheduling the movers...cutting the phone lines...and settling with the present lease? PROBLEMSSSS....(later we were tipped by former tenants that the company favored another couple over us...how can that happen? to an approved apartment...)

that afternoon i bought a newspaper from a nearby 7-11 store, seeing one area i liked because it was near the city (E's place of work), near our church and home cell...i encircled one ad. as soon as E arrived home, i asked about the details of the cancellation of our tenancy... had a few mins ranting. marvelling about how we could sue the company or ask for damages etc. then i asked E to call the ad from the newspaper, to our surprise, they said we can view the place that same night! and we did, we loved the place and the apartment was very well kept. even the landlady was so nice. so we struck a deal with them! same night we had the news of our cancellation, the Lord gave us another apartment...His best!

this is another new skin...
yep, decided to try out a new template for the time being.

for some time i have not been writing in this blog (just occasionally) because of so many things happening, one was our move from our old apartment: which was "enblocked", meaning, the buildings (5 of them) are either being remodelled or being renovated. our block situated at the very end and facing the main road was first to be renovated, we had to move fast.

we realized that "being enblocked" here is not really new. most old buildings are sold and once the new buildings are done, the owners rent out these apartments at higher prices. E (hubby) and i see the non-stop building of new hdbs (high rise apartments) and condos/flats in this part of asia. we are in awe of how the government can come up with the non-stop rise of infrastructures, coming from a country that a simple road repair takes months to finish.

we have made our move from our old flat to a new one further from the commercial centre.
we've been busy setting things up. buying new stuffs essential for our daily routine. tidying up the place is difficult due to limited space and my many "ahbubot" (scrap stuffs, crafts, etc.).
but the cabinets will have to do. more flat stories next time... ; )

i'd like to share a poem and some
funny stories from another site. in the past, i get lonely bouts ---
you see, i lost my baby a few years ago. but today i'm determined
to celebrate this special day with all women.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Mother's Day Poem and Funny Stories

Three old ladies were sitting around a table. The first says, "I'm getting so forgetful­ I was standing at the top of the stairs and I couldn't remember whether I was going down or had just come up."

The second lady says, "You think that's bad? The other day I was sitting on my bed and I couldn't remember whether I was going to sleep or getting up."

The third lady smiles smugly. "Well, I have no memory problems at all, knock wood."

She raps the table. "Who's there?"

---------

There was an elderly lady whom was in the waiting room with her daughter.The nurse entered the waiting area and announced for the elderly lady to go on back to see the doctor. The nurse spoke louder but still she could not hear.

The elderly lady's daughter leaned over and said, "mother let's turn your hearing aid up." Then she yelled in shock,"That's not your hearing aid, its a suppository!

The elderly mother replied,"Well, now I know where my hearing aid went!

------------

A man rushes into his house yells to his wife, "Martha, pack your things. I just won a million bucks!"
Martha excitedly replies. "Shall I pack for warm weather or cold weather?"
The man responds, "I don't care. Just so long as you're out of the house by noon!"

------------

These are real absence excuses sent to school from the parents of kids at the Wells Branch School District.

Dear school please accuse John from being absent on January 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and also 33.

Please excuse Dianne from being absent yesterday. She was in bed with gramps.

I had to keep Billie home because she had to go Christmas shopping because I didn't know what size she ware.

Please excuse Johnny for being. It was his father's fault.

Mary could not come to school because she was bothered by very close veins.

Chris will not be in school cuz he has an acre in his side.

John has been absent because he had two teeth taken off his face.

Excuse Gloria. She has been under the doctor.

Lillie was absent from school yesterday because she had a going over.

My son is under the doctor's care and should not take fizaca ed. Please execute him.

Carlos was absent yesterday because he was playing football. He was hurt in the growing part.

My daughter was absent yesterday because she was tired. She spent this weekend with the Marines.

Please excuse Joyce from P.E. for a few days. Yesterday she fell off a tree and misplaced her hip.

Please excuse Ray friday from school. He has very loose vowels.

Maryann was absent December 11-16 because she had a fever, sore throat, headache, and upset stomack. Her sister was also sick, fever and sore throat, her brother had a low grade fever and ached all over. I wasn't the best either, sore throat and fever. There must be the flu going around, her father even got hot last night.

Please excuse Blanche from jim today. She is adminstrating.

Please excuse Pedero from being absent yseterday. He had diah/ dyah/ the sh*ts.

George was absent yesterday because he had a stomach.

Ralph was absent yesterday because he had a sore trout.

Please excuse Wayne for being out yeaterday, because he had the fuel.

Please excuse Sarah for being absent. She was sick and I had her shot.

---------

Mom, I loved you yesterday, I love you tomorrow and everyday.
You were there for me my first day of school, to hold my hand and give me courage to go.
You listened to me when I needed to talk, you talked to me when I needed to listen.
You let me grow and learn from my own mistakes.
You never left my side when I was feeling down, I knew you would be there to pick me up.
I wish there was a way I could repay all the things you have done for me, but there's nothing great enough to repay the greatest mother of all.

It's Chinese New Year over here! All red stuffs floating about this side of the world... money trees every where... For some it's back to work today-like the malls. Which is a good thing because what is a holiday here in Singapore with all the shops closed? Tourists should really see the shops here...so grand and beautiful! Been here a year and I'd say I caught only a glimpse of some...

One of my favorites now (aside from my fave craft store: SPOTLIGHT) is the FAR EAST PLAZA. I guess this is one place you can get your money's worth, you just have to really search for the stuffs you need like shoes, bags, watches ...for me it's BOOKS! They have 4 secondhand bookshops where you can rent or buy books for less (about $4-6 off the regular price). But for hard to find books one ought to try BORDERS, where you can come, take a seat somewhere and browse through.

Another shop that surprised me the first time I got here was Takashimaya. They have one level devoted for art and crafts. Sometimes I just love hanging around and just letting the juice flow... This is where I get most of my projects from. My prayer is that when it's time to move on to another place or go back home, we can still find similar stores/shops for my projects.

I remember one Chinese New Year at home. Actually, we didn't know it was ... my friends and I just wanted to go to Binondo(our Chinatown) to buy some Chinese medicine for my friend's mom. And after learning we were going, one or two had us buying other stuffs for them too like tikoy or sticky rice cake in a variety of flavors. Next thing we knew we had to go against the crowd, not where the dragon and his band are going. It has been a tradition for them to welcome the New Year with the dragon dance, they go to different establishments like shops and hotels. And the owners for good luck give ampao or the small red envelope filled with new bills.

ok...so i gave in to the Christmas rush! fun day!!
i set out to have a look at the jap shop, Daiso (always $2), indeed! all for items for $2! maybe except for a 135 film which was for $4. nonetheless, i was browsing through before i knew it, i was there for almost 2 1/2 hours just looking around.

one item that caught my attention was this test tube mounted on a wooden block. different...maybe a few of our friends will find them cute, a display in their room? also got a bunch of incense and potpourri here and there....what i really enjoyed were the wooden things: like miniature chairs, utensils, holders and baskets. had to stop myself from buying a lot of stuffs, saying to myself...next time....next time! (maybe a few days after christmas? lol!)

my sched for today: buy christmas wrappers....probably some more gifts for the home cell members. what would you give a family? probably cookies? choco? today i'll target the mall, for some groceries. aha! marks and spencers? we'll see... the queues were not so bad...the secret was you pay for your stuffs and you bag 'em!

i'm having some problems downloading pics these days but anyway...it's a few more days before Christmas. shops and malls are sure to be full of people. been busy the past week thinking of ways to do gifts and cards for friends - maybe to save some $ but somehow... i'm on the late mode and zero thoughts as to what gifts to make...(gave it all i guess, making the anniv album...lol!)

it amazes me sometimes how the Lord gives ideas and how to do them. in my mind the procedures seemed so real and grafic...easy-to-do stuffs. now all i could think about is going on a "research-tour". this is what i do when lacking in ideas...
1. frequent bookstores in my area and research...browse through project/activity books.
2. visit my craft stores or websites for projects
3. pray real hard for ideas before starting out....
4. relax. don't be frustrated....if things don't work out. maybe tomorrow...

i'm not usually the planner who schedules all her projects way ahead of time. i'm more of the "cramming-type" like, i do my best work when pressured...sounds like an excuse, but true...

of course, i've got to have all my materials on hand like buying them in advance. i have the habit of buying stuffs i like and may need. if they're a bit expensive, would probably come back after saving enough for it. for example, have this round puncher for $13 and a flower puncher for $6.50 - i'll be weighing them down today...to buy or not to buy! maybe an early christmas gift for myself?

my real passion is PAPER! patterned paper. must have's.....there are no specific wants, i just pick them out randomly. although i truly love all colors... i'm more of the pink, blue, brown and black person. love playing around with what goes well with what.... my real problem is: USING THE PAPER.  since i started scrapbooking last year i have more or less a hundred (patterned papers) now, all neatly packed in pink plastic carrier bags from MADE WITH LOVE.

i'll probably venture out to DAISO today. a shop in the east where they sell everything for $2.
there would be a lot of people today...we'll see. but first, we'll see about some application....hmmm....

Pahabol Singit: i remember keeping 5-7 pieces of little notebooks for journals...ano kaya ang pwedeng gawin...isip...isip....

our big 1-0 wedding anniv (yesterday)! as the Lord would bless us with an early bonus, hubby E was given an early time off...so we met for lunch, i was doing our anniv gift the day before, i had to delay our date to finish off some details on our album (the secret gift)...as i was saying...we met at the mall, dressed in my new skirt and sleeveless blouse. E had sirloin and i enjoyed the salmon-mashed potato combo. we were first to get in the cinema, at 1 pm KING KONG the movie...i guess, with the new techno it can be a hit... but i'd still go for HARRY POTTER the goblet of fire any day...it was a 3 hours plus movie. walked through some shops and off we went to the pier for our dinner reservation around 5:30pm. funny thing though every time we went for a train at the mrt, we missed our train just by a few seconds (3 times?) so the 4th time going to harbourfront we made sure we got in as the train was stopping we made a run for it! just in time!

i saw some weird stuffs from the local people here...yes, they were really into music, IPOD style...to the extent of singing out loud and almost dancing..."shoulder-rocking"...really weird. anyway, we were just on time for our dinner reservation....the last to bolt! we were amongst the korean group, but we were happy to note that the staffs of the dinner cruise were Filipinos. we were given priority being the only couple there-the rest were in tour groups...first in the dinner line. great food: salad, bread, pasta, breaded chicken, thin slice beef in special sauce, satay with peanut sauce, kimchi, vegetable and mushroom, dessert....after dinner we enjoyed the sea air and sites....breath-taking. i was so sorry didn't have our camera with us....i simply forgot!

great day! got home early 9:30 pm and E dozed off. after my teleserye, i worked on the album
until 4 am...finally, wrote a msg on my clipboard for E HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY...READ THIS -----> arrowing the album! spent the day with E at home, bec. he had to work mid-shift on our day....which was ok, we celebrated earlier anyway. he worked. i attended a home cell christmas celebration....then another surprise gift from him! that.....is another story! = )

it's my anniv this week being
in a place for
over a year.
wow! great blessing
from the
Lord!

so a new year
i thought a change
of template
would
be a nice fit...

NICE title....at the moment I am on a standstill. My waiting time. Resigned from work and trying my wings possibly in another field. Something I'd always wanted to do...or not...? Most of my waking hours back "home" all I had was my duty as a wife and my job as a teacher. I have always wanted to be an artist, a dancer, a designer or even an entrepreneur... The list could go on...and on...but a teacher...hmmm. Maybe an ART TEACHER...can...

This is something I've taken for granted. A comfortable position in school. There I met great friends...Now, I miss the kids as much! My kids...those who made my hair grow silver and gray!!! and show all my "litid" sa leeg....

SO...THIS is how it feels...

it's november 2! the world celebrated halloween october 31-november 1...while i stayed at home, slept and read two books (SOUTH BEACH DIET and Sue Grafton's A....for ALIBI) .

hubby, E and I spent two weeks in manila to visit some friends, family.... to file some documents for school and take care of other pressing stuffs like fixing our "waterfalls" at the extension room and kitchen. we had them constructed once and for all...seeing mushrooms growing and red ants all over the "kisame"- it was really a blessing that the Lord has given us enough budget to get them done. He has also allowed no rain even it was the "wet season" for 3 days and on the last day when the carpenters/workers finally laid the quick-dry cement, it showered only a little....how powerful is He????

we had time to go around SM (not a commercial, mind you!) fairview for days ...remembering how we would shop and sometimes just browse ...some days we would watch a movie, a last full show... try some new resto, or meet up with family since everyone on E's side live in the area.

time in manila seemed so short...but we, through the Lord's blessing was able to make the most of everything. indeed, He provided opportunity to bless and be blessed... to see clearly, God is in control of every single detail in our lives. How he allowed and disallowed things to happen...
made us more excited to live in His purpose!

August 12, we set off to take the mrt to punggol, wait for the bus to a pier and finally our ferry ride to the ubin resort. akala ko pag sinabi mong "...cc", yun na yun! hindi pala iba pala ang club sa resort. sa country club there are facilities like gym, resto, boating, function halls etc. but in the resort there are team building areas, dining, session halls, bike and trekking areas ...of course the lodging or sleeping areas. dito pwede ka magkamping...

at the pier, merong mga speedboats at iba pang boats na nakasabit at syempre nakalutang sa dagat. my first time to see na pwede palang ihaus ng ganon ang mga boats, kinakailangan ng forklift para mailapag sila sa dagat.

isang bagay na hindi ko malilimutan ay ang napakalaking isda (apat sila) sa lagoon na ito, na nang makita ko ay bahagya ata akong napaatras sa takot na baka SILA LUMUNDAG at makain ba kami....parang sa cartoons....hanep talaga sa laki! siguro isang dipa ata ang haba ng pinakamalaki. super din ang mga rooms, ganda ng mga furnitures (antique-style)me cable pero hindi naman namin maintindihan ang mga ito, news lang...malay, indian at instik kasi.

the food was great too, loved the fish in light sauce for lunch with salted rice and barbeque dinner. grabe! tumaba na naman ako banda riyan... we had to cook our own barbeque, it was another unique experience! konti lang ang mga tao sa side ng aming room halos karamihan ay nandoon sa campsite sa kabilang ibayo...a co. event.

i missed swimming...hindi makalangoy kasi pangit ang tubig madumi....ang nakalagay nga duon "SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK" hehehhe! kaya hayun... may i read nalang kami sa may gilid ng lake (na karugtong ng dagat) at pa ikot-ikot sa mga lodging areas...

after a lazy afternoon of reading and preparing the barbeque dinner, we slept in an "over-busog" state (ang dami pala nun eh, good for 4 ata!)....nagbreakfast uli kami sa tapat (resto yan) at nagmasid habang naghihintay sa lagoon. we checked out at about 11 a.m. and set off at about 12 past... ventured towards chinatown for bun-takeway and uwi na via outram.

conclusion: like in life, you can't have everything. may maganda, may di ganoong kagandahan... and basically it depends on how you look or view things. pwedeng "ok sana...kaya lang...." o kaya "kala ko maganda pero mas maganda pala"??? o plain " OK, aprub! walang problema!!!" hehehe! ang rating ko: OK! APRUB! kulang lang sa beach!!! scale of 1-10...siguro mga 7! ano kaya kay E...(hanyo, itatanong ko!)

wow! it has been a year since my first step here in the lion city. i recall it was only for 4 days that i came over for my weekend with my hubby. so blessed that the Lord has allowed certain things to happen for us to learn...it doesn't really matter where...of course wag lang siguro sa mga delikadong lugar. ang mahalaga magkasama kami....kahit saan.

nung una nga akala ko airport palang sasabit na ako pag-alis ko noong august 2004, kasi hinanapan ba naman ako ng leave form ko...weekend lang pa-leave form-leave form pa? buti nalang at pumayag din na ako'y paalisin... sabi naman, next time hindi na pwede. ang lupit ha! first time paglabas ko pa naman ng bansa yon, kala ko papalpak pa. anyway, nagpasalamat pa rin ako lalo na sa Panginoon dahil kundi Niya pinalambot ang puso ng mamang immigration di sawing-palad naman ako.

paglapag ko naman dito...eh walang problema...diretso palabas, mabait pa nga ang malaking indianong immigration officer. sabi, "ah filipina.... maganda...." sabi ko, "yes, i am filipina"...tumatangong ibinalik ang passport ko...thanks, ika ko....

isang hangang-hanga ako ay ang kanilang airport, sa Changi napakagara. para akong nasa rustans, o shangrila mall... first class! ayaw ko pa sana lumabas para hanapin ang aking asawa pero dali-dali ko na hinanap ang palabas dahil wala din naman akong luggage. ang dami naming napag-usapan daang pauwi sa taxi. halatadong miss na miss ang isa't-isa.

dahil huwebes ako dumating, kaya may pasok pa ang aking asawa, si L, aming flatmate ang nagpasyal sa akin ng kinabukasan....sa Lucky P, Great W at sa iba pang mall na hindi ko na matandaan ang mga pangalan. at noong sabado na, sa ibang island kami namasyal- naka-cable car pa!...sana ay overnight pero parang hindi kami mag-eenjoy sa tubig ng dagat dahil hindi pwede magswim. e di umikot-ikot na lang kami sa monorail at sa bus nila. nakakatuwa ang mga pink dolphins, at may area din for barbeque at camping...with matching ahas at peacock with blue feathers...say mo! nakarating din kami ng zoo. napakaganda at malinis....

first time ko rin kumain sa lau pa sat at maikot hanggang mahilo sa esplanade. kakapagod din pala dito ng maglakad. di tulad sa maynila...konting lakad, may jeep....ayaw maglakad...may tricycle o sidecar. pag gusto mo na bumaba....sigaw ka lang: PAAARRRRRRAAAAAAA!
di tulad dito lakad ka ng lakad at sa tamang babaan ka talaga ibababa ng mga bus.

wala akong masabi kundi enjoy ako talaga nung una kong salta dito. para akong lagi maliligaw kaya may dala akong (1) MAPA (2) PERA (3) MRT card and the most important of all (5) ang aking asawa....baka ako maligaw pagwala siya. pero nakakatuwang isipin na sa ngayon ay mas gulat siya sa mga kaalaman ko sa tamang pagsakay ng MRT at ang pagtuklas kung paano makarating sa isang lugar. ( hanggang dito "navigator" pa rin ang lola niya! ako yun!)

matapos ang isang kakaibang weekend sa abroad, balik trabaho ako. hindi makapaghintay ng Nobyembre para makasama ko na uli si E. Mataas ng phone bill, at kuryente sa aming internet at sa overseas calls, para lamang maibsan ang lungkot ng aming pagkakalayo. kaya ng dumating na ang takdang panahon...napakasaya naming pareho! hay! isang taon na pala mula....

this blog has somehow turned into a scrapbooking/hobby blog...well, i guess that is becoz it is part of who i am. i have to do something creative...otherwise i feel nasasayang ang araw ko. if it's not bracelet or jewelry making....it's scrapbooking.

i praise the Lord for this part of me that needs to express itself. and i realised that all our talents and abilities are from God. As He has made man for Himself. His enjoyment, to worship Him and to fellowship with Him. i am in awe how God has filled man with such great talents like singers, musicians, artists, etc... but yet man does not need to have great capabilities to please God. He wants a "man after His own heart".... a heart willing to be molded into what God wants us to be.

these are the stuffs I have been busy with these past few days.
bracelets and bible cover.