Singular Adventures

I Laab You (a.k.a. "Negotiation")

2011-12-21T08:24:00.002+08:00

Miguel, with a funny accent: I laab you. Get me milk.
Me: No.
Miguel: I laab you. Get me milk please.
Me: You already love me.
Miguel: I will laab you more.
Me: Get your own milk.
Miguel: Please please please. I laab you.
Me, sighing: Okay. I'll go down with you.
Miguel, reaching over and handing me a big teddy bear: Beartolucci will be my ambassador while I watch TV...
Me, laughing: No! You have to go down yourself!
Miguel, losing the accent: Since you're laughing, you're gonna get me the milk, right?
Me: I'm only going to accompany you.
Miguel: Aw.
Me: Do you want milk or not?
Miguel: No....yes.
Me: Let's go.

Pillow Talk

2011-09-14T14:28:00.003+08:00

While saying goodnight to my son:

Miguel: "5...4...3...2...1.
Ah, silent but deadly."

Costume for the day

2011-03-07T09:05:00.010+08:00

Spider costume for tomorrow's Anansi play.

Language Reviewer

2011-03-07T09:05:00.009+08:00

Direction: Write a friendly letter. Use the topic "the time when you went to a very exciting place."

Miguel's letter:

February 33, 2011

Dear Chuck Norris,

Hello! Yesterday I went to Chuck Norris Land. Let me tell you about my experience.

First I went to my hotel to check-in. It was the best hotel ever. Then I went to the Roundhouse Roller Coaster which almost made me barf. So I went to the Beard-fisted Cafe to buy some Chuck Cookies. Then lastly I went to my room and slept hoping that Chuck Norris wouldn't find me.

I hope that you can go there someday.

Your friend,

Miguel

Currency

2011-02-21T11:34:00.007+08:00

This hit me while I was researching for music pegs:

True currency is not money, but time.

Think about it: money is but a valuation of what people has invested their time in.

When you pay a worker his wages, you pay foe the time he spends on the labor.

For example, I pay my yaya for the time she spends washing my son's clothes, preparing his meals, inspecting his school bag and nagging him to stop watching TV so he can study.

The advertising company pays me to help form strategies, brainstorm, develop copy and boards, supervise shoots and watch over post production (aside from researching music).

My yaya and I both have 24 hours a day, except that my time is exponentially more valued - in monetary terms - by the skills that I've developed over years of schooling, plus the experience of my previous and present jobs.

Applying the principle on objects, a 10x12 canvas costs just over one hundred pesos. But if I paint on it for 3-5 hours, I can produce an artwork that can be sold for probably eight thousand pesos. If Malang paints on it, he can sell it for more than a hundred thousand pesos. The thing is, Malang has spent a lot of time honing his craft, and the time spent marketing it as well - by himself or others - has added to the value of his artwork.

What about objects which are not works of art?

A diamond is an object of great value. Its value is intrinsically attached to its properties - like hardness, clarity, luster. But you have to consider that it also took a great amount of time (and heat and pressure) to create a diamond, about a billion years or so. (No wonder they say that a diamond is forever.) Not to mention the effort spent in acquiring it through digging, drilling, political wrangling and even cutting and polishing.

I know I'm going somewhere with this thought, so bear with me...

Goodbye, myopia

2011-02-21T08:38:00.005+08:00

I want to be farsighted, in more ways than one.

Interactive E-POW

2011-02-17T11:52:00.010+08:00

I don't know where he gets his ideas, but I love it!

*POW stands for Problem of the Week. I forget what the E is for. ("Extra?")

Oh the difference an hour makes

2011-02-15T17:18:00.006+08:00

One hour ago I was getting stressed.

Then my friend asked me to go accompany him for merienda, and told me how his fiancé went all wacko on him. Now he's seriously thinking of calling off the wedding, notwithstanding that they have a child and have been living together for several months.

And now I don't feel like my troubles are so bad after all.

They're probably just...common.

To yaya for not to yaya

2011-02-14T11:01:00.005+08:00

That is the question.

Because Miguel's nanny of 8 years (on and off), Yaya Reiza, will be leaving us mid-March. She's become like family to us.

In the years that she's been with us, she's left to get married, asked to come back, and gotten pregnant (by her spouse). So now it really is time to say goodbye. Well, Miguel is ten years old, and he has adjusted to middle school. So now I'm wondering if maybe it's time to say goodbye to having a nanny.

Imagine how much I would save! :P

But then, as if to really present the issue to me, Miguel got sick last night. Just a fever, which will hopefully be gone by today. It just so happens that yaya is on leave today, so I had to stay home and take care of him first. Who would watch over him when he's sick and I have to be at work? Luckily my mom volunteered to check on him throughout the day. But that's only for today (if you know what I mean). Sigh.

Inadequacies

2011-02-09T09:42:00.011+08:00

Don't let me fool you into thinking I've got it all together. I might act like I do, but I most certainly do not.

Take for example this upcoming Father and Son Night in my son's school. Such a big hullaballo. I've known about it for years, and I always thought that I'd go anyway, be the one of the few women at the campfire (I know a few other single moms in the batch), maybe even knock over a few beers, and show those men how much balls we single moms have got. Or just show up to watch the festivities, then leave with Miguel as soon as it was time for dinner.

But alas, ten days ago we were all advised that moms, other family members, and caregivers will not be allowed to attend the entire affair. So much for my attempt to prove that I am just as good as any man.

I asked Miguel if he would like Ninong to go with him instead - Ninong is, after all, an alumni of the school - but Miguel's reply was swift, as if he'd settled the matter in his mind long ago: "I don't want to go."

What's a woman to do?

Blame the men.

Yes, this is the part where I blame my ex-boyfriend for not being man enough to bond with my son, so that: a) I wouldn't have dumped him; b) we would've been married by now; and c) he'd be going to the Father and Son Night with Miguel.

Well. I've been down this emotional path before. Many times, mind you. And while the impending Father and Son Night merits a visit down memory lane, I won't take long on this stroll.

There was a video that I watched some time ago wherein the speaker mentioned that "blame is a way to discharge pain and discomfort." And that's when I realized why I blamed my ex for so long after I ended the relationship - there was pain, and a lot of it. Basically, me realizing the inadequacies in my life (and subsequently, Miguel's) and wanting to fill a male, testosterone void that I cannot fill. There were many reasons for me to get into a serious relationship at that point, and that, apparently, was a major one.

Well, it's been a few years since I wised up and realized - and accepted - that marriage just isn't for everyone. That there's no point in being unhappy in a relationship when you can be happy without one. (And since I never made any wedding vows to anyone, I'm not defaulting on any deal.)

And as for those inadequacies? Embrace them. You can't have it all, you see. And while I still have my idols and idolesses - married couples who put family first and are pretty cool in my book - I'm not hung over about having their picture-perfect lives. Because looking at my son, I know he's happy and that he's turning out pretty well for a ten-year-old, thanks God. And not surprisingly, I'm happy too.

There, I've said my piece. Enough with that walk down memory lane. As for Father and Son Night, if you read my earlier post, you'll see what we'll be doing instead.

Today's Costume for Choral Recitation

2011-02-09T09:10:00.007+08:00

It's about the tieeeeeee!

Filing for a leave

2011-02-08T10:47:00.002+08:00

There is always a bit of drama going on with me. When you're a single mom, it's guaranteed!

Dear (boss),

Sorry I didn't ask permission personally first regarding the (date) leave. I do remember that email you sent; I just misunderstood because I thought that you were referring to a leave request that was filed after the leave was taken.

On (date of), the Grade 4 batch will be celebrating Father & Son Night, which is the biggest event of the year for the batch. There's been a lot of preparation and to-do about the whole thing, but being a single mom, I can't take part in the activities. I've asked my son if he's like his ninong to attend with him, but he'd really rather not go. Rather than let him feel bad that he's missing out on the whole thing, I've decided to "make it up" to him by taking him out on that day, "father" and son, right after classes while the other boys are pitching tents with their dads.

It really is a long story, and I felt a bit awkward about explaining the whole thing. But since the the event had already been announced, I didn't want to file at the last minute while I was fighting my discomfort. Perhaps writing about it makes it easier for me, and I'm glad that I can explain myself in this way, even if belatedly.

I hope that you don't mind this lapse, and rest assured I will inform you personally before filing in the system. Thank you also for granting my leave request :)

Yours truly,

Sandy

Chuck Norris Files

2011-02-07T10:21:00.006+08:00

Facebook status, February 6, 5:30 PM:

Just now, from Miguel: Did you know that when you misspell "Chuck Norris" in Google, it doesn't correct the spelling? It says, "you have ten seconds to live.

Facebook status, February 7, 8:00 AM:

Last night, at bedtime...

Miguel: Chuck Norris used to work for the FBI.
Me (drowsy): Hnnh.
Miguel: He was their best negotiator.
Me: Yeah?
Miguel: All he had to do was say, "I'm Chuck Norris.

Facebook status, February 7, 8:02 AM:

This morning, over breakfast:

Miguel: One day Chuck Norris was hungry for a banana. He went to an apple tree. There was no banana. He said, "I'm Chuck Norris." And then a banana fell.

(This one was made up by Miguel. Given his track record, I say it's an original.)

This one's going into "Miguelisms"

Finally, at Forty

2011-02-02T09:30:00.004+08:00

I'd like to share this article that I wrote for the Silver Book, which was published for our 25th homecoming last January 3. (High school batch '86, St. Paul College Pasig) You could say that it's my thesis statement.

Finally, at Forty

I know that some of you are in denial about being forty, but to be honest it’s one of the most wonderful ages to be – better even than thirty.

Finally, at forty, I gained a degree of financial independence, confidence and poise. Chalk it all up to experience: By forty, I had studied abroad, cared for a sick parent, borne a child (out of wedlock!), lost my dad to diabetes, changed careers, nursed various bruises, tummy aches and fevers, fell in love, fell out of love, saw my son through the rough-and-tumble world of big school, become a supermom, lost my other dad, and accomplished something in my chosen field. My list grows longer by the day, as undoubtedly does yours.

I know that there are several experiences that are not on my resumé – getting married, starting a business, having multiple kids, building a house, or experiencing the support of a spouse. But neither did I have to live through marital infidelity, an acrimonious separation, loss of a home through floods, or grave personal illness or injury. For that I am thankful as well.

Finally, at forty – through all these happy, sad, funny, trying experiences – I realized that, hey, I am a woman – a strong woman at that – and that I no longer had to take any BS from this world. And that although I am quite capable of dishing out the crap as well, I can choose not to, because the world crooked and evil enough as it is. But more than that, I have learned to accept with grace the portion and the task allotted to me in this life. Being a single working mom is no easy task; but I relish the adventure of it all.

I’ve been rich and poor, loved and abandoned, strong and weak, supported and alone. And finally, twenty-five years after I stepped out of high school with great hesitation, I have found my center.

Finally, at forty, I have laid aside the illusion that my worth is measured by the amount of my material possessions. I have learned that life can change or even disappear in the blink of an eye, and that I had better be prepared for eternity. I have learned that my greatest legacy is not my triumphs in the corporate world, but my child who will carry on the love for God in his heart. I’ve learned that in the end what matters most on this earth is the family that I hold dear. And that if I’m wise, I’ll learn to expand my heart and extend that love to the rest of humanity as well.

I share these lessons with you out of humility, knowing that you have your own stories to tell. And having you with me as I walk through the furnace of life, it is no small comfort knowing who my true friends are. Finally, at forty, I can say that we are sisters for life.

I hope that time has been kind to you as well. And if ever you’re going through a rough patch, remember: Sis, here’s a hand that you can hold on to.

God willing, I will write for you again twenty-five years from now.

Science project - with cupholder!

2011-01-25T15:07:00.020+08:00

Directions: create a periscope using milk cartons.

Illustration/guide:

Actual:

Car ride

2010-07-23T10:11:00.004+08:00

Getting into the car.

Miguel: Mommy, you should clean this car. It smells bad.

Me: Really? What does it smell like?

(Silence as Miguel thinks a while)

Miguel: Like a dog barfed on a radioactive sponge.

*I laugh*

Journal 2001

2009-09-20T09:42:00.002+08:00

Here's what happened in 2001.

January 1: Sits with support.

January 5: Sits unsupported. Sat up in the stroller.

January 7: Sat up from crawling position! 3:27 PM at Lolo Benny and Lola Perla's house. All the cousins were there to witness it!

January 13: "Ma ma!" Can pull up on his own from crawling position. Also, baby kisses mommy! More like sliming me with saliva but mommy loves it!

January 14: More pulling up and kissing.

January 15: More pulling up and kissing. Miguel is one very healthy, very happy baby.

January 16: Waves bye-bye.

January 23: Can see second set of incisors.

January 24: Upper incisors coming out.

January 31: Definitely getting his balance while standing with support. Will stand alone soon.

February 3: Baby stands for 3 seconds!

February 7: Baby stands for 5 seconds!

February 10: Photography session at home with Tita Gai and Tita Lisa. Finished 4 rolls of film or 142 shots in 1 1/2 hours.

February 11: Miguel went out with Mommy and Lola to buy first pair of shoes: Chicco size 5 (for 1-year-old)

February 12: A typical day

6:30 Wake up, play
7:15 Cook
7:45 Morning pages
8:30 Breakfast
9:00 Play with Gueli
10:00 Bath - Gueli
10:30 Bath, then computer/internet - Tirbune article
11:30 Lunch
12:00 Go to SFI
1:00 Meeting with writers. Check plugs, scripts, etc.
6:30 Leave for home
7:00 Home, dress up, dinner
7:30 Gueli's bath, dinner
8:00 Sleep

February 13: Stands for 10 seconds!

February 14: Stands for 16 seconds!

February 15: Doesn't like eating cereal. Drank milk instead.

February 22: Stands for 21 seconds.

February 24: Stands for 26 seconds.

February 25: Stands for 36 seconds.

March 1: Stands for 40 seconds.

March 3: First real cold. Runny nose.

March 5: Gets better.

March 7: Still a little runny. 7th tooth out.

March 8: Daldal (talkative) morning. Go to doctor - start of an ear infection; buy 3 more medicines.

March 9: Kisses mommy upon waking up! Twice! Sweet boy!

March 10: "Clap your hands!"

March 19: First lunch out with Mommy, Ninang, Ninang and Yaya at Katre in Quezon City. Had blueberry cheesecake crust (and milk).

March 23: Photo session at Babysitter Studio with Remy Bautista. Accompanied by Mommy and Ninang and Yaya.

First swim in the pool! Swim mates are Ninang Aly, Dino, Mara, Gian, Selene, Mommy and Ninang Leslie.

March 24: Ninong Dennis's birthday party. All the cousins are playing with Miguel's toys.

March 28: 8th tooth out - lower left incisor.

April 4: 9th tooth out - upper left cuspid. Second swim in pool.

April 9: Swimming with 2 ninangs and cousins. Dinner at Lolo Benny's - happy anniversary!

April 10: Mommy can see 9th tooth now.

April 11: New vocal: "ju ju ju ju ju" Baby takes one step (right foot only) recorded on video! Swimming with cousins and Ninang and Mommy.

April 22: Landmark day. Walked 2 steps. Also learned give-and-take. Removes blocks from box one at a time.

May 22: Says "bye."

May 24: Walks unassisted. Puts blocks back in box. Says "ba-bye" while waving. Hugs a lot!

June 2: HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY!

June 22: First haircut

June 28: Picks up ruler, points at letters

July 4: Pushes stroller around

July 23: A new word a day - July was the month of talking

July 26: The diarrhea but happy and active month. Fish and lugaw forever. Bananas and cereal. 2 stool tests. Words are "bite, wala na, ABC, durian." Laughs at "bite." This is the one nap a day month, asleep by 6:30pm month. Still adorable, never tired.

July 27: Visits Cradle of Joy, sees Ninang Leslie and Ate Selene.

July 29: Playtime with Sarina and Keiko at home.

July 31: Pushing furniture around.

August 1: Got toys from Ninang Aly! Miguel falls asleep on the bed on his own after drinking milk.

August 2: Eats durian after lunch :)

August 16: Took down the crib.

August 28: First sentence: "Meme na na" when I left the room.

September 1: Four new teeth!

September 5: Triangle! He gives me the cutout triangle of the foam "A" and gives a triangle block saying "triangle!"

September 12: Word for the day: "cricket"

September 15: Trina Velilla: "When I have a baby I want it to be just like him."

September 16: Word for the day: "women"

Journal 2000

2009-09-20T09:24:00.007+08:00

For lack of a baby book, here's what happened in 2000. This isn't everything that happened, but what I happened to write down at the time, verbatim. Am doing this so that my records can be paperless.

August 22, 2000: Baby falls asleep on his own while looking at mobile. A first!

August 24: Picture-taking with Chloe. 9 hours sleep at night.

August 25: 10 hours sleep at night.

August 26: Almost 11 hours sleep. I actually worried because I wasn't used to it and woke him up.

August 27: Baby falls asleep in crib after bath for the 3rd time.

August 28: Baby eats a lot of strained papaya. Practices grasping objects in crib.

September 9: Grasps rattle for the first time.

September 10: Puts rattle to mouth.

September 11: Reacts to "Butterfly!" "Ladybug!" "Swimmer"

September 18: Crawls on tummy.

September 25: Baby is very talkative in the evening.

September 28: Stick-out-your-tongue day.

September 29: Baby flips onto belly.

September 30: First costume party: Isabella Artuz's birthday. Wears Bam-bam costume while Chloe arrives as Pebbles. What a coincidence!

October 3: Start Cerelac with papaya in the afternoon. Crawls backwards.

October 6: Foesn't like potato with cereal in the morning. Would rather sleep some more.

October 7: 6 ozs. of milk in the evening before breastfeeding. Super active evening, crawling all over mommy. Holds out teether with 2 hands.

October 8: Staring at hands.

October 9: Very good mood. Turned over from tummy to back when mommy wasn't looking! Enjoyed "stomping" his feet while sitting on the table.

October 11: "Itik-itik sa Manila Zoo..."

October 14: "Walking" backwards.

October 15: Sitting with support of hands.

October 16: Blows raspberries!

October 22: Rolls over front to back.

October 25: Rolls over continuously.

October 26: First mall outing at Shangri-la. Tita Grace buys a stroller for Miguel.

November 7: Strolling and got caught in the rain!

November 8: Vocalizing at night.

November 22: "Ta ta ta ta" and "a-te"

November 24: Hooray! He activates the "itsy-bitsy spider" crib toy with his hands! "Da da da da" and "ga ga ga ga"

November 25: "Ya ya." Picking up and dropping objects (his teether). Start stage 2 milk (Enfagrow Lactofeee).

December 3: Splashes around in bath. Wears first pair of shorts. Attends party of Alyssa and Nicole de Jesus, daughters of Agnes.

December 13: First naughty trick! Pulling out tissues from box.

December 15: Second naughty trick: "eating" rubber mat.

December 21: Baby crawls on bed to get blocks! Later he crawls faster on dining table.

December 24: Diaper rash. Miguel looks so cute in his blue polo! Noche Buena and Christmas gifts! Santa gave a stuffed toy alligator.

December 29: First teeth!

2009-08-11T10:44:00.006+08:00

Was suckered by Animal Planet's Lost Tapes series entitled "Night of the Devil Dragon" last night.

Of course, having been suckered, I was a bit upset. And since I was worried that my son might think of going alone into the rainforest to hunt for wild animals one day, I try to make a point:

Me: Never go into the rainforest alone, okay?! Or the desert, or the ocean, or on any mountain or hiking trail.
Miguel: Uh-huh.
Me: Always have a buddy. Do you have a buddy system in the Boy Scouts?
Miguel: Uh-huh.
Me: Why do you need a buddy?
(Pause as Miguel thinks.)
Miguel: So that you can both be eaten alive?
(I supress my laughter - this is a serious lesson after all, right?)
Me: No, try again.
Miguel: So that you can have someone to share your misery with?
Me: (Not so serious anymore) That's good, but try again.
Miguel: So that you can help one another?
Me: That's good!

When he leaves, I start laughing.

In his daddy's shoes

2009-07-20T11:54:00.004+08:00

Jyo as discovered by Miguel

And now we present...Chowder!

2009-06-30T12:19:00.007+08:00

This is what we've been singing lately.

I believe you can cook! You should believe, cause I believe in you! You just have to try and trust your gut that you can put food on a plate! 'Cause you're the best chef in the world! And everything I learned, I learned from you! Even if I didn't understand a word! On the wings of an eagle.

Baker Boy

2009-06-27T21:38:00.004+08:00

Admittedly, this is a late post, but I have to note this milestone: Miguel's first venture in baking!

So it was Mother's Day, and everybody has to contribute to the potluck lunch (yes, even the moms!) Not one to be left out, Miguel decided to bake apple brownies as his gift to all the moms.

Of course I had to buy all the ingredients, but yaya swears that he actually did the preparation, from the peeling of the apples to the slicing to the mixing - with her supervision, of course.

The oven was on the blink so we had to use a turbo broiler for the first time, hence the slightly burned top. But we overlooked that of course, and the brownies tasted heavenly!

I had to ask

2009-06-05T09:35:00.004+08:00

Although I thought that the Silmarillion would be too boring for Miguel, it actually reads like several Shakespearean plays - full of love, war, death, and drama.

Last night we finished the tale of Turin Turambar, who through fate and doom and a dragon's malice (amnesia included) was destined to be a curse to his family:

The next spring, Turin proposed to Niniel again, promising that if she married him he would not go into battle except to defend her or their home. Niniel agreed and they were married at midsummer. The woodmen celebrated with a feast and gave them a house in Ephel Brandir.

Unknown to the bride and groom, Niniel is actually Nienor, Turin's sister. Fortunately or unfortunately for me, when presented with such clear moral issues, as a parent I'm tempted to comment and ask questions just to make a point.

Me: Oh my gosh! Do you know what that means?

Miguel: What?

Me: Who did Turin Turambar marry?

Miguel: Niniel?

Me: And who is Niniel?

Miguel: His sister?

Me: Yeah. And why shouldn't he marry his sister?

Miguel, smiling: Because they're going to have a baby with three eyes.

:-o

Or should I say .:-o

Am loving the book, by the way! Tolkien writes so lyrically, like a grand old version of the Old Testament. It must have been more than 20 years since I last read this book!

What is adoption?

2009-05-22T15:29:00.006+08:00

One time I picked up Miguel from his cousin's house, and my Tito Diego pulled me aside to ask "Why it is that you're the only one (among the siblings) who's thin?" My answer: "Because I'm adopted! Hahahahaha!" What else could I say?

So on the way home Miguel wanted to know what was so funny about my being adopted.

That was when I had to explain that it was just a joke, and that I really wasn't adopted, and that adoption isn't a bad thing but a good thing, yadda yadda yadda.

But wait! Does he even understand what adoption is?

"What is adoption?," I ask.

"It's when somebody gets adopted," he says.

"No," I say. "I mean, um, what is the opposite of adopted?"

"Unadopted?" he replies. His smile is audible.

"No, no. Give me a definition of adoption, like, Adoption is...what?"

"Adoption is when some phoneybaloney people pretend to be your parents so that they can make you do household chores."

Wahahahaa! He understands.

What he's reading now

2009-05-19T11:03:00.004+08:00

The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien. A gift from the tooth fairy. In fact, the tooth fairy brought him to Fully Booked last April 18 so he could buy the book himself.

The tooth fairy even treated him out to fries and a strawberry slushie...what a tooth fairy!

Hmm. It shouldn't be a coincidence then that this picture was taken in his dentist's office.

Favorite summer images

2009-05-19T10:17:00.004+08:00

"You are the bomb!"

2009-03-27T10:47:00.006+08:00

I've never seen Miguel so thankful and excited. He's been waiting for this game since late last year, and has been viewing videos of the Japanese version on YouTube.

Yesterday the Pokénerd texted me to say that the new game was now available in Greenbelt and that I can have his reserved copy. In 15 minutes I was in Data Blitz to claim it.

When I got home for dinner and showed Miguel what I had, he did a dance in the living room. This gesture of mine merited me lots of voluntary hugs and kisses all through the night.

Yes, I am the bomb.

Waiting game

2009-02-23T11:05:00.005+08:00

Me: Do you want to go to Chloe's today?
Him, not looking up from his Nintendo DS: Yes.

(Pause.)

Me: Don't you think you should call her up to see if you could go?
Him, still playing: Nah. I'll just wait for her to call me.

Problem of the week

2009-02-13T12:56:00.005+08:00

Math: Arrange 8 chairs in a square room such that there is the same number of chairs along each wall.

"Mommy, I want to make a square room with walls with two chairs on each wall."

Who am I to say that it can't be done?

"Superman"

2009-02-10T10:10:00.003+08:00

See that smile? He's just looking for an excuse to wear his briefs on the outside and look silly.

Disclaimer: It was totally his idea.

Astig!

2009-01-30T11:49:00.005+08:00

I didn't know that they allowed cigarettes in the cardiac cath lab of Massachusetts General Hospital.

That's my dad, btw, in 1966.

No, I don't smoke.

Pet lovers, please keep in mind that you may need a cardiologist one day.

Science quiz

2009-01-27T13:43:00.004+08:00

Topic: Plants

Essay question: You see your classmate taking the leaves and flowers off a plant. What will you do?

Answer: I will tell him to stop so that the plant will survive. And I will tape the leaves and flowers back on the plant.

Me, surprised: Miguel, why did you write this? You got minus one on the quiz!

Miguel, angrily: That's because my teacher doesn't have a sense of humor!

c70s

2009-01-25T04:25:00.004+08:00

So here's what I found while sorting through my mom's photos. Photoshopping was my "therapy" after scanning so many of her pics!

Will look for a look-alike photo of Miguel :)

Saying goodbye

2009-01-22T16:58:00.009+08:00

Last Sunday, Miguel and I passed by Lola Perla's house.

She had sold it, bought a beautiful new home, and was in the process of transferring her furniture. I thought that maybe I might be of help - or support - somehow. But when I got to Purdue, everyone, even the grandkids, were already gone.

So Miguel and I hung around. He was content to just play his DS, but I was saying goodbye to all the nooks and crannies.

Don't get me wrong; I don't mean to bring anybody's mood down. I'm totally excited about the new house, but of course I'm sad about saying goodbye to 30-plus years of memories: the rumpus room where we spent countless Christmas, Thanksgiving and birthday celebrations; the beautiful pond with koi that were fed by 3 generations of Sulits (4 if you include Lola Ceriang); the long bench where Lolo Benny loved to sit; the master's bedroom where everybody hung around to cool off, sleep, or watch TV (Cartoon Network, The Buzz, or La Salle-Ateneo basketball games); the second floor bedroom-cum-storage room which used to house Beau's train set while he was growing up; even the bonsais and the staghorn fern in the driveway: I said goodbye to them all.

As we walked around the empty house I was telling Miguel about the things we used to do there. (He has his bit of history in Purdue too, like when he fell in the pond.) I don't know if he understood the poignancy of that moment, but I sure do, and I know that there are others there who do. I think he does, because on the way home we were talking about Lolo Benny, as we do from time to time, remembering what he was like - not that I'd ever forget.

One day he will have to say his own goodbyes and will feel this same sadness too. Maybe he will read this post and understand me then, and know he is not alone.

Cowboys

2008-12-27T07:10:00.011+08:00

A trip to Batangas with Butch, Jean, Chloe and Chino! Miguel was afraid to ride at first, but quickly got jealous when he saw Chloe and Chino trot off. After his first ride, he was all smiles and asking for more! He rode on Dip Tank, a very friendly quarterhorse who got his name because he fell into a...dip tank!

Thanks to Butch and Jean for bringing us, and Chloe for inviting us!

The snake is an albino python, a pet of our host.

Christmas at our house - A tale of seven mice

2008-12-09T10:13:00.010+08:00

I don't remember when we started draping the pearls over the photos, but this year Gueli added the Christmas mice, and I must say that they're a nice touch!

I wish that the camera could capture what I see with my eye.

Mouse #1

Mice #2 and 3...

Numbers 4 and 5...

Six and seven.

Close-up of number 7.

Plus an angel.

BWI forever!

2008-11-26T10:11:00.004+08:00

See the graffiti that Lisa made of our group in Facebook! Such a sweet and talented friend! So lucky!

Bedtime prayers

2008-11-07T16:02:00.009+08:00

It sorta went like this:

Setting: Miguel's bedroom
Time: Night

Me: ...and thank you for Ninang, and Ninong, and Tita Essie...
Miguel: ...and Jyo...
Me: ...and Lola and Tito Alan and Tita Grace. And please bless Tito Mike.
(Slight pause)
Miguel: (Serious tone) Mommy. When you break up with someone, you have to stick to your decision.
Me: But I am sticking to my decision. (Looking at him) Are you afraid that I might get back together with Tito Mike?
Miguel: Uh-huh.
Me: No, I'm not.
Miguel: Then why are you praying for him? It's supposed to be for family.
Me: Well, we also pray for friends.
Miguel: How come?
Me: Well... (I have to think about this one) Tito Mike is going through a tough time because we broke up, so I'm praying for him too. But we'll be friends one day.
Miguel: Don't you mean boyfriend? (Teasingly, although I know this question is loaded)
Me: No, friend friend. Are you glad?
Miguel: Yes. Because I don't want you to have a boyfriend.
Me: Why?
Miguel: (Hugging me) Because he's going to take away your attention from me.
Me: (Thinking as I speak) Well it doesn't have to be that way. What if I find somebody that you like, and instead of taking my attention away from you, he's someone who gives you more attention?
Miguel: (Smiles and nods) Uh-huh. (Then turning serious) But mommy, there's a very small chance of that happening.
Me: (I almost chuckle) You know, you're right.

P.S. There was also a discussion about him having a girlfriend one day and going "smoochie-smoochie" with the woman he was going to marry, but I won't get into that now.

Don't ask

2008-11-03T10:05:00.009+08:00

You just have to see this costume!

Since I needed more time to make his Deoxys (Pokemon) costume for the Sunday party, Miguel decided to make his own costume for Lola Perla's trick or treat party on Saturday. As he explained to ninang beforehand:

"I'm going to wear my magician costume, plus my Cable costume, plus my Superman costume. And then I'm going to hold my light saber."

Ninang: "Okay."

Miguel: "And then I'm gonna hold a sign that says Don't ask!"

It was a hit at the subdivision party! The emcee described it as "three years' worth of costumes" - so right he was - and kept on saying it was his favorite. Needless to say, Miguel won again for best costume!

The best part was, it was all his idea.

His new favorite shirt

2008-10-29T15:07:00.006+08:00

It's soo him!

"If you can't make a move, make a stupid move"

2008-10-22T17:02:00.004+08:00

(Sung to the tune of "If you're happy and you know it.")

So this is about Miguel's latest thing.

Two Saturdays ago he started attending the SECOND Ateneo Saturday Chess Clinic. What happened to the first one, you may ask? Well, that was offered some time in the first quarter, but he was already had an activity during Saturday mornings. So when the second one was offered, he begged me to let him attend.

You've gotta hand it to the boy; he knows what he wants.

So for the past 2 Saturdays, we've been trooping to the Blue Eagle gym for chess lessons. To my surprise the place is filled with (by my estimate) fifteen young, noisy, active boys who are truly excited about chess. They relish the challenge of a game and have a lot of energy. I don't know what goes on inside that chess room during clinic hours, but I got to witness Miguel playing against a classmate after hours. With them, a game of chess is not at all quiet, but punctuated with a lot of animated conversation, side comments and antics.

I've discovered that there's a lot of etiquette involved in chess, and they will learn the rules eventually. But right now they're just having a lot of fun while learning.

I knew that he had an interest in chess, which is why I brought home a beautiful chess set from China last year (pictured above). But I never suspected that he would really take a shine to it. Well, at least for now he does. I daresay it satisfies his intellectual curiosity.

"I Have To Pee"

2008-10-07T13:03:00.008+08:00

You've got to credit these two for coming up with a crazy movie idea. 212 hits already and it's been only 4 days, without advertising support. Hmmm.

World premiere!

2008-08-27T14:23:00.007+08:00

And heeeere it is! The famous light saber fight that we've dying to show you!

Thanks to the following who made it possible:

Actors: Mommy & Miguel
Director: Ninang
Producers: Mommy & Miguel
Screenwriter: Miguel
Stunt Coordinator: Miguel

(Document reproduced above indicates the director's consent to waive all property rights in favor of the producers.)

Sit back, bring out the microwave popcorn, and enjoy the show, folks! :)

GREEN: "Nuninuninuninu..."
RED: "Cha!"
GREEN: "Waaah!" (Fighting sounds)
RED: "Hey look over there, a monkey!"
GREEN: "Huh? Where?"
(More fighting sounds)
RED WHISPERING: **Cut off my hand!** (RED attacks)
GREEN: "Aaaaaah!" (GREEN falls)
GREEN: "Ooooooh!" (DIES)
RED WHISPERS: **You're not yet dead!**
GREEN: (GAG! GAG!)
RED WHISPERS: **You're not yet dead! You're not yet dead! You're not yet...**
DIRECTOR: **Stab her!**
GREEN: "Yaaaaaaaaaah! I'm dead!"

Life is measured in clicks

2008-08-14T10:40:00.011+08:00

(Phone rings, I answer.)

"Mommy, there's something in your room and I want you to post it on the internet." "Oh, you mean you left something in my room and you want me to take a picture of it?" "Uh-huh. And post it on the internet." "Is it an art attack?" "You'll see. Okay I love you, bye." Click.

(Go home, get the phone camera.) Click.

(Go to work, turn on the internet.) Click.

(Click here...)

Broadcasting now

2008-08-13T15:16:00.006+08:00

Miguel has a very good piano teacher. I say this because not only has he learned to play the piano, but he loves doing it as well. I can tell too that Teacher Ems's other students enjoy playing because they keep at it year after year. It's like a mini-reunion twice a year: the same students, the same parents. Everything the same except that the kids keep growing bigger and getting better.

Playing the piano has become our ritual just before going to bed every night. I know that he finds school very stressful, but in contrast he says that piano is "relaxing." Just so he can enjoy his practice sessions even more, I encourage him to play a piece twice: first the correct way, and second any way he wants. I feel that it's a way of releasing his creativity, of which he has a lot.

He has a very playful mind, so what he'd do is mix up passages from different pieces that have similar chords. The result is an an impromptu medley. Or sometimes he'll change the notes on the right hand while keeping the left hand chords. Or keep the notes while changing the speed. All these and other stuff as well.

Well last night he tried a new trick: crossing his hands to play left notes on right hand and right notes on left hand. That's when he asked me to take a video and post it on YouTube.

So now I'm a member of YouTube. Except that this video isn't about a cris-cross performance. This is Miguel playing "Ode to Joy" with his eyes closed, just to prove that he knows it so well. The show-off...

And all of a sudden we were the clowns running the show

2008-06-21T06:30:00.002+08:00

How could we possibly fill in their shoes? They were giants, morally and professionally. We're not worthy.

Presenting Psyduck and Psyduck

2008-01-24T11:58:00.006+08:00

Miguel's first official pets. Fished them out of Uncle Benny's pond last Saturday, with Ate Chloe. Which also marked Miguel's first official fall into the pond. It just so happened that I was trying to take pictures of the cousins together when it happened, see....

These are red swordtails, and there were 4 of them in the beginning, 2 for Miguel and 2 for Chloe. I even instructed them to name their fishes. Chloe decided to call hers "Blue" and "Goldie;" taking his cue from her, Miguel decided to call his "Bluey" and "Gold."

But on Saturday one must have jumped out and slid down into the nearby sink. And on Sunday, I found another one dead on the floor in spite of the glass cover that I placed on the fish bowl. (Cue in Chloe and Miguel arguing, "YOUR fish was the one that died!" "No, YOUR fish!")

Anyway, it all started with the acquisition of a fish tank (advance token of the Grade 1 field trip to Bio Research on January 26th), which led to the acquisition of the fish, which led to the acquisition of a bigger fishbowl, an air pump, plastic sea plants, and a canister of fish food.

Somewhere along the way Miguel changed the names from "Blue" and "Goldie" to "Psyduck" and "Psyduck." One day when he has a son, he even wants to call him "Psyduck."

He can call the fishes anything he wants, as long as he leaves my grandson out of it.

Well yesterday he arrived from the field trip with a gold fish. I suggest that we call him "Golduck."

Who's afraid of the big bad tiger?

2007-12-12T10:37:00.001+08:00

I was rather blasé about it while I was there, but when I went to bed that night I thought to myself, "OMG! those are killers!"

I was imagining being on the other side of those bars. Went to sleep hoping that I wouldn't have any nightmares about it. Can't believe that I actually looked into the eyes of a tiger and lived to tell about it.

Miguel looks scared in this photo, but he's quite okay about it. He totally loved our trip to Subic, as did I, tiger fears aside.

I've asked him a few times what his favorite part of the trip was, and the answers always change: the swimming pool that looks like a beach," the bubble fight in the jacuzzi, and feeding the camel at Zoobic safari.

My favorite was the bubble fight. Dennis was right; the jacuzzi rules. Special thanks to him and Essie for the weekend at the Subic Yacht Club :)

And the winner is...

2007-10-30T10:08:00.001+08:00

number seventeen!

Happy accident it was that Miguel decided to wear the magician costume this Halloween. And to think that he's had it in the drawer for the past 3 years! He'd put it on now and then as the mood suits him, especially when he wanted to do a "magic trick." Thanks to Tita Nanie who provided the costume, complete with hat and bugs!

Oh, and here's the rest of the gang: cousins Selene, Gian and Dino; cousin-in-law Anne and "baby brother" Jyo, and second cousins Chloe, Chino and Tara (with Anne again).

And here's the token celebrity pic, with Marvin Agustin, who handed out the prizes for the costume contest:

How to stop a dam

2007-09-15T11:26:00.001+08:00

Miguel made this months ago, after I told him about the construction of the Three Gorges Dam along the Yangtze River. There are many arguments for and against it, but what made him oppose it was my remark that man can create many things, but "can never create what God created."

The dam is more than halfway through, and will be completed by 2009. When the Three Gorges gets flooded, mankind is going to lose one of the world's most beautiful natural sites. Not even I have seen it, but if you don't want to miss it, better visit before 2009.

Anyway, so convinced he was about stopping the dam ("Mommy, we have to go to China!") that he even drew out some plans. It's quite comprehensive, and involves: us sabotaging the blueprints with chalk and eraser; throwing pebbles into the turbines to stop them from turning; and releasing termites onto the finished part of the dam.

Not everything he drew is clear in this jpeg, but you can figure it out. Just don't report us to the Chinese authorities.

Supernova Sky

2007-08-16T14:43:00.001+08:00

I just heard this over the radio on my way to work, and it's my instant favorite! Granted that it's not new (at least 10 month old) but I really dig it. Just let it load before you hit "play."

Awww

2007-07-12T20:19:00.002+08:00

One of the perks of parenthood :)

Conversation with a dog

2007-07-02T15:21:00.003+08:00

Saturday night my brother's Minipin Hitler was pawing my mom for food at the dinner table. Seeing him, I said, "I'm sorry Hitler, but it's bye-bye for you."

"What do you mean?" Miguel asked.

"Well," I said, "now that they have a real baby, Hitler's not going to be their baby any more." I was referring to Dennis and Essie and their new baby Jose Yolo, a.k.a. Jyo. I went on to explain to Miguel that our Jackrussel terrier Rover used to be like a "son" to me. But when I became pregnant, I knew that I would be too busy to pay him attention because I was going to have a real son.

"Do you know that before you were born, I had to sit down and say goodbye to Rover?' I told Miguel. "I wanted to explain to him that I would be very busy with my new baby. That's what I meant when I said that it's bye-bye for Hitler."

As soon as I had explained this, Miguel got off his seat and said, "Mommy, can I wash my hands after this?"

Miguel went over to Hitler, crouched on the floor beside him, and stroked his head. "Goodbye Hitler. I'm gonna miss you. You're cute. I'm gonna babysit now. Okay. Goodbye. I'm gonna miss you. I'm gonna be babysitting now. (Pause) Wish me luck."

And with that he got up, went to the kitchen, washed his hands, and then got back in his seat to finish his dinner.

Now that's what I call closure.

Everything is evil

2007-06-13T13:46:00.001+08:00

The good news is that my thyrotoxicosis is in remission. The bad news is my cholesterol level is up. And she wants me to take Lipitor 3x a week. What?!?

As I said to Alice, Lipitor is for overweight, middle-aged men; not sexy thirthsomething me! (My apologies to those reading this who are taking Lipitor.)

So here are the stats:
Total cholesterol 203; Normal range 50-200
HDL (good cholesterol) 75; Normal range 40-60
LDL (bad cholesterol) 114; Normal range 0-100

Actually this isn't the first time that she wanted me to go on statins. She prescribed it last December, but after consulting with my cardiologist brother, I decided to just change my diet. That meant eating oatmeal everyday and no more Chickenjoy (leftovers from Miguel's kiddie meal). That's because my bro told me that my numbers were not critical and that I'm better off avoiding the side effects of the drug. Or maybe because I'm the youngest in family and it's also hard for him to accept that I'm approaching middle age.

Anyway all that oatmeal didn't make a dent in my LDL (it only went down 3 points compared to the previous test). So after thinking about it, I decided that I have to take more drastic dietary measures. Goodbye evil carbonara! Goodbye pizza! Just last Saturday I had nothing but carbonara and pizza, and the following day I could swear that I could feel the blood dribbling through a clogged artery! Ack!

Goodbye Jollibee and McDonald's! Funny thing is that I really don't eat much fastfood; only Miguel's leftovers I guess. I pondered over this as I ate evil pork sinigang for lunch. Everything is evil.

But then, my blood sugar is okay. So I can still eat cake.

Also, I considered that I should start exercising. I suppose that I have no excuse anymore since it seems that my hyperthyroidism is in remission.

Oh, and I gained 4 pounds. But I'm okay with that. And my doctor tells me that it's okay too.

First exhibit

2007-05-28T16:17:00.002+08:00

His is the still life in the upper right-hand corner. Not bad for a six-year-old, but then mommy has a lot of inside knowledge on the trade.

We never missed a single art lesson and religiously did all the homeworks. Mr. Sena gave him a grade of 97 and told him that he was going to get a trophy. We were glad, although at first we told ourselves that maybe everybody gets a trophy.

On graduation day, a LOT of trophies that were given, although I finally understood what they meant. I like the way Mr. Sena explained it:

"If you get a trophy, you are most outstanding. If you get a medal, you are outstanding. If you get a certificate, you are only standing." Mwahahahaha!

A lot of students got trophies, but not everyone. However, one girl went away with a trophy plus 3 gold medals: one for best in homework, one for best in group work, and one for best card. Those were the additional awards that distinguished the truly excellent ones. This girl, only in her tweens, had a one-woman show that summer and even donated a big amount of the sales to art scholars. She deserves every bit of praise and encouragement.

Another award I enjoyed was one that Mr. Sena made up on the spot. When Miguel's twentysomething classmate Kathy was called to the stage, she came went up in cropped jeans, a brown cotton blouse, and accessories worthy of a gimmick at Greenbelt. Mr. Sena commended her for her outfit and instructed one of his assistants to give her a gold medal for "Best in Costume."

Love that man!

Seriously, he's the best art teacher around, for kids and adults alike. Let me give you another insight as to why:

During his speech, he asked us if we wanted to know the secret of being a good artist. It was so silent, you could hear everybody pricking up their ears to hear a nugget of wisdom from a great master. And he said, "Mahalin mo ang magulang mo. (Love your parents.)" Huh?

"Dahil sila ang magbabayad ng materials mo at magpapaaral sa inyo. (Because they will pay for all your art materials and pay for your lessons as well.)" Wahahahaha!

He really brought the house down.

Disgraced tooth fairy

2007-05-25T11:15:00.002+08:00

I blew it.

This morning when Miguel woke up he went to my room carrying a tiny ziploc plastic and asked, "Mommy, why didn't the tooth fairy leave me a gift?"

I blinked. I froze. I didn't say a word. I really am so lousy at lying.

Looking at me straight in the face, he clambered up my bed and asked, "Mommy what are you hiding?'

...

He asked me the same question over and over again, and I looked at him, asking myself if he was ready to handle this. Well, more like I was thinking of how to get myself out of an embarrassing situation. First attempt: "I guess the tooth fairy forgot. Why don't you write her a note and put it under your pillow again tonight?"

But no. He kept asking me the same question, "Mommy, why are you smiling? What are you hiding?"

Sigh.

I hope you other tooth fairies out there won't get mad at me, but I actually told him the truth. Didn't seem like a bad thing to do either because more than once he's already asked me if I was the tooth fairy. But the only bad part is that I didn't just get stripped of my fairy badge; I busted my mom as well. Because she was the one who provided me with a Sudoku book for Miguel one time when he lost his tooth.

For a moment tears welled in his eyes and I asked him, "Are you sad because there is no tooth fairy or because you didn't get a gift this time?" He paused at first, then replied, "Because there isn't a tooth fairy."

"Tell me the truth," I asked.

"Because I didn't get a gift this time." We laughed.

Just like his mom, he's a lousy liar too.

Finally!

2007-05-23T12:33:00.000+08:00

Or should I say, finale! After weeks and weeks we finally watched the season-ender for Heroes volume one. I've been addicted to this series ever since my officemate started downloading and sharing the episodes on a regular basis.

For the season ender, we booked the conference room for lunch and connected his laptop to the big screen. Turn out the lights, cue in some chips, and voila! Forty-five minutes of sword-slashing, cranium-slicing action. The most common observation is that the last episode was a major cheesefest. My personal favorite was Ando's parting line to Hiro, "You look badass." :)

Nothing beats episode 20, as in HANEEEEEEP! GRABE TALAGA! This one was just, ah, okay.

But I will always be grateful for episode 20, so yes, I will watch volume two when it comes out. Someone in the office will be downloading it for us; I'm sure of it.

Best Mother's Day gift yet

2007-05-15T10:03:00.001+08:00

I gotta hand it to my son, he knows how to make a girl happy.

More than a week ago, he already told me what he wanted to give me: "Mommy, for Mother's Day I'm going to give you a realxing spa." He figured that he can borrow Ninang's foot spa and let me have a treat. No way was I going to stop him.

On the day itself, while the rest of the family was either munching away or swimming after our big Mother's Day lunch, he organized the spa for me. What a delegator! After asking for Ninang's permission to use the foot spa, he asked Aida to get the spa, Yaya to get the hot water, and then asked for a glass of grape juice for me.

And what, you may ask, was his contribution? "It comes with a free car show!" he said. Which meant that as I lay back in his bed, my head propped up with pillows and my feet in a warm foot spa (his is a trundle bed, which is quite low), I watched as he played with his remote-controlled car. After the car show, there was a robot show too - meaning that he tied some ribbons around 2 robots and I watched as he made them fly and crash through the air.

And oh yeah, after my feet soaked for 20 minutes, he handed me a towel and then gave me a foot massage! That was the cutest foot massage I've ever had, if you can call it that :)

By the way, his original plan was to give me the foot spa in Lola's room, so that I can play PS2 while I relaxed. I nixed the idea, but it was a charming thought. I enjoyed the car show much, much more.

Oh, and I know you're going to ask anyway: he got the idea from Cartoon Network, which had a Mother's Day promo, and one of the prizes was...you guessed it...a relaxing spa.

I know what you did this summer

2007-04-25T11:18:00.001+08:00

Finally! A picture from Mambusao, thanks to my mom's phone cam. There should have been a lot more, but forgetful me forgot the camera in Manila. This was my second visit to Mambusao after more than 20 years, and while some things have changed, a lot still stayed the same. I recognized the house where we had our first grand reunion in 1983. And while a lot of names sounded familiar, I was able to remember some of the faces too.

One of the biggest changes was - surprise! - I was the adult now. I was the one herding a little kid, giving permission to go and play with the cousins, and introducing the clan onstage. Sheesh. My mom and her cousins are getting older and fewer. Last time I was in Mambusao, my grandmother Flora was the senior; now it's my mom.

Anyway, Miguel had a blast there. So much that he wanted to stay behind - with me, of course. I had forgotten how great it was to be a kid from Manila visiting the province. Take this picture for example. Miguel got a kick out of holding that banner as we walked (or danced) around town.

I remember that somewhere there's a picture of Dennis too, circa early 80s, holding up an arch for the Flores de Mayo in Surigao. Those were the little "perks" that we got from our aunts and uncles. (Aside from unlimited Playstation time from mommy.) They sure know how to show a kid a good time - then and now.

Holy mackerel!

2007-04-17T10:35:00.001+08:00

Got Miguel's report card yesterday, and guess what, turns out the little tyke has 2 awards!

Sheesh. If I had known sooner, I would have gotten it on time.

Pardon me for my ignorance; I'm a first time big school mom. I forgot to pick it up last March 30. No big deal, I thought; I can pick it up later. But I didn't realize that you need the last report card to enroll your kid the following year. Oops. So off I march to Ateneo the moment the registrar's office re-opens after its summer break, and...holy cow! 2 awards!

The first was the Guardian Angel award, for academic excellence. I knew that it existed, but I didn't know that he qualified for it. I always thought that you had to have perfect 100's to get that award. (Bang head against wall.) Maybe half the class got the Guardian Angel award, but still! We have to celebrate!

The second was a certificate for being "Well-Behaved and Mild-Mannered" in class. Awww. Yaya was incredulous, because she knows how raucous he - and practically everybody else for that matter - is on the bus. She couldn't believe that he was behaving in the classroom. But yes, my dear Reiza, he really is an angel in class. I've been to their room a few times, and I can say that he is very well-behaved.

Gee. Now I really have to give him an "award shelf." I'm really proud because these are things that he earned completely on his own. Like I said, half the class probably got an award as well. But it's just so great to see his efforts validated this way. Way to go kid!

I believe!

2007-04-12T17:46:00.001+08:00

I must say, Marlon has turned me into an instant convert. Girlfriends, don't say that I didn't tell you about it. You really must try Olay Total Effects. It's been only 2 days and I'm totally sold.

You must buy it with the cleanser though. Marlon uses the serum as well, but I haven't gotten around to that yet. Right now I'm just too happy with my new facial cream.

And it has broad spectrum sunscreen too! :)

Couldn't resist

2007-04-02T13:09:00.001+08:00

See the rest of the pictures here

Ode to Joy

2007-03-23T13:11:00.001+08:00

Gueli had his third recital last Saturday. It was nice seeing the same faces again - Ems his piano teacher, Marion the directress of his old pre-school, the familiar moms and dads, and of course the recitalists. It's become a small community that meets on a yearly basis. We all know each other - some by face, some by name, some by face and name. And it's great to see how much the kids have grown - how much taller, prettier, or better at singing or playing the piano.

There were a lot of new gimmicks for this year's recital. Unbeknownst to us parents, Teacher Ems had the kids videotaped during their lessons. She had each child address his or her parents on cam, thanking the parents for letting them take lessons, and dedicating their recital pieces to them.

Call me a sucker but it was very touching. I've always been glad that Miguel and I stuck it out with Teacher Em's piano lessons. In the beginning we had problems about late or cancelled lessons, and there was a time when I considered looking for a new teacher, but my mom advised that I let Miguel continue because she saw that he enjoyed it.

Then, when Miguel had his first recital, that's where I saw Teacher Em's passion for teaching kids, and I really admired that. You don't find a lot of that these days. In the years that followed the lessons became more regular, and Miguel has really become adept at piano. Sometimes he'd mix together 2 pieces that sound alike, or play the same piece on a higher octave or on a different scale. As Teacher Ems said, he has good musical ears.

And he does practice every day.

Oh by the way: another gimmick Ems had for this year was a competition. Aside from their recital pieces, each child had to play a competition piece. For Miguel's level, it was "Ode to Joy." Miguel knows it by heart and can play it with his eyes closed. I knew it would be a cinch for him, but I just reminded him to play the chorus from piano to forte, repeat the chorus, and do his best. He knows that it's my favorite piece too.

And well what d'you know...he came away with the gold medal! Teacher Ems reminded the kids that it wasn't a serious competition, and it wasn't. But of course we were all proud - me, mom and Mike. Miguel said he didn't think he would win, and that if he didn't, he wouldn't cry. Mom said that after hearing everyone play, she was sure that he would get at least silver.

Me? I just had a feeling he was going to win something. He didn't miss a single note. He remembered to play from piano to forte. And he remembered to repeat the chorus.

Anyway.

It was just such a good day :)

(Miguel asked me later on what she meant that the competition wasn't serious. After a bit of thought, I said that if there was a big prize involved it would be serious. Har har!)

For Ms Santamaria

2007-02-15T14:01:00.001+08:00

As with any school day, Miguel was sleepy when I woke him up on February 14. But when I greeted him "Happy Valentine's Day," he bolted right out of bed saying, "I have to make a card for Ms. Santamaria!"

At that point I could have whined, "What about me?" but I didn't. I think that it's sweet that my son's knee-jerk reaction to Valentine's Day is to make a card for his teacher. Unless of course his teacher was a man.

Then he went to his toy shelf, and I asked him what he was doing. "Looking for a gift for Ms. Santamaria," he said. Handing me one of his Kiddie Meal action figures, he said, "Wrap this please." I convinced him to give a wooden puzzle block instead. But then Ninang came in and, being a teacher herself, convinced us both to give his teacher a pack of Hershey's Kissables.

Going back to the card, he insisted on a plain paper board, which he wrote and drew on. I would've been contented with "Happy Valentine's Day" but he wanted to say more. The personal touch. It was only after all this hullaballoo was over that he agreed to get dressed for school.

Even over breakfast, he would ask,"Mommy, where is my gift? Did you wrap it? Did you tape the card on?" Such attention to detail. I hope Ms. Santmaria enjoyed the gesture. I sure did...as if I were on the receiving end of that card.

...

When I got home that night, I had a card from Miguel as well. It read "I love you Mommy even when you stink." Sound familiar?

The smurf smile!

2007-01-09T18:21:00.001+08:00

Defined as "smiling without showing teeth," this was taught by none other than Ate Mara during our Christmas eve celebration. Miguel picked it up right away and put it to good use the entire night.

I think, though, that the best smurf smile belongs to Ninang Aly :)

Presenting - Mommy Sandy!

2006-12-02T21:53:00.001+08:00

Early this week Miguel got up from his breakfast for no apparent reason and went into a monologue at the foot of the dining table.

Let's talk about Mommy Sandy!

(Assuming a booming announcer's voice:)

Mommy Sandy: Talking to her undies.
Mommy Sandy: Always brushing her teeth after breakfast.
Mommy Sandy: Thinks that she is an animal.
Mommy Sandy: Being chased by the police at night.
Mommy Sandy: Forgetting to pass by the bank.

(Bow)

So according to him I am an obbssessive-compulsive animalistic nighttime fugitive with Alzheimer's who talks to her undies. Don't ask me where he got it from. And no, I don't talk to my undies.

"I'll tell you in song!"

2006-11-20T10:08:00.002+08:00

Bedtime is the final frontier of your child's day, your last chance to find out the most significant thing that happened to him in the last 24 hours. In the midst of all the cuddling and kissing and good-nights, he is wont to reveal to you his deepest darkest secrets. I always use it as a time to find out what's really going on in his life. A lot of times Miguel tells me things that reveal something about his character, his wants, or his anxieties. But sometimes he just makes me laugh.

Well last Thursday I wanted to find out how he felt about riding the bus, or more specifically, why he only threw up in the mornings. Here's how our conversation went:

Me: Miguel, do you like riding the bus?
Miguel: No. I mean, I don't know.
Me: Do you like it better in the morning, or the afternoon?
Miguel: I like it better in the afternoon.
Me: Why?
Miguel: I don't know.
Me: I'm trying to find out why you throw up only in the morning and not in the afternoon.
Miguel, suddenly piping up: I'll tell you in song!
(Starts singing, to a tune that sounds suspiciously like "The Yellow Submarine")

In the morning, the bus is stinky
It smells like a pinky
Mrs. Binky!

In the afternoon, it's very fu-un
Games games games
Games games games

I couldn't stop laughing. Like I always tell him, I'm glad that he has a sense of humor. I totally believe him that his nausea is triggered by smell, because he's always been consistent about that. The smell could be an accumulation of the boys' sweat (eww) or the exhaust from the tail pipe, but certainly it's the full stomach that allows this to happen in the mornings.

I also suspect that afternoons are more fun for him because it's just the Prep and Grade 1 kids who ride home with him - a smaller, more homogenized group that is bent on play.

'Course, it could also be that he's unconsciously trying to get my attention. In any case, I'm just glad to know that he's a really happy boy.

Faster than a speeding bullet

2006-11-13T13:20:00.001+08:00

Guess who flew in for Halloween. Superman was "it" this year. No amount of persuasion could convince him to change his mind because "Superman is Enoch's favorite." Enoch is as close as you can get to a friend among his busmates.

I would have preferred a home-made costume (see last year's outfit), but since the folks at Binondo are already much better at making Superman costumes, off I went to the mall and bought a set. I was so proud that I had the official outfit, endorsed by the Justice League and Cartoon Network. When I presented this to Miguel, he took one look and said, "I need a red brief."

But of course! A quick trip to the tiangge and I had Superman's brief - or rather, panty - to which I sewed on the requisite yellow belt and buckle. A brief with a buckle. Now that's what I call...anyway.

Had to create the red boots too, and sewed on the cape - both of which satisfied my need for a home-made component to this costume. And to complete the transformation, we put a cowlick on his forehead.

He was the most authentic Superman in the village Halloween party (all 7 of them, excluding the Supergirls!) but of course that's me talking. He was upset that he didn't win a prize, and I had to explain that there are just too many Supermans every year. Well, now he's looking for a prize-winning costume for next year. And I say, go for gold! :)

Overdue

2006-11-13T13:06:00.002+08:00

And a happy United Nations Day to you too.

This is Miguel's costume for Guyana, lovingly made by mom just 2 days before the UN "assembly." Not bad, I must say (a little self-patronizing here). Felt cloth is always a heaven-send when it comes to these requirements. Sword not included :)

Take a breath

2006-10-20T15:15:00.001+08:00

Adults (that's me) can be so neurotic. What seems so complicated and convoluted to us is actually quite simple to a child's eyes. Maybe I'm just reading too much meaning into motives and social contexts.

I'm glad I survived these last 2 weeks. Marlon was right - maybe I'm the one who needs a psychologist, not my child.

Just taking a breath before I go under again.

Storm Chronicles

2006-09-29T15:05:00.000+08:00

(Annotations added October 10)

That clump of bamboo is as old as the house - about 30 years. "Mommy, you should see this!" Miguel said. "I wish I was here to see it fall." Well not long after he said that we were having lunch (without electricity) and our makeshift china cabinet came crashing down. That's because it was placed against a floor-to-ceiling screen window with wooden grilles. Who'd ever think that the wind could blow it down.

I was saddened about the broken antiques. Not because of their value, but because I honestly feel that they are a part of our heritage. Granted most of these came from China, but then you have to consider that they travelled hundreds of miles to get to our shores. I felt bad that these vessels survived hundreds of years and they finally came to an end in our home. See, these are the things that convince me that I'm a nerd.

At the time I thought that only dad and I were the only ones who appreciated the value of these things. Gee, maybe dad was a nerd too - a sort of cultural nerd. Anyway the other night I was talking to Fr. Tito Caluag about the incident and he expressed the same sadness that I did over the broken shards. I felt validated by his reaction. I'm not so strange after all. Most of my family members shrugged off the breakage. It's true that we still have a lot of other antiques and they do tend to occupy space and gather dust. But I really do see a historical and cultural value in them. Sigh. Only dad would understand. Well at least Fr. Caluag does too.

As it got darker Leslie and Miguel resorted to odd games to distract us from the fact that there was no electricity. Hence the impromptu costumes, and much later - flashlight games. The piggy bank and candle shot is from my room.

Papparazzi

2006-09-25T12:45:00.002+08:00

As you may or may not know, parents are not allowed into the grade school during classes. But on the pretext of being head of the decorations committee for Miguel's class salu-salo, I got to go in for an ocular visit.

Rare photo opportunity like this must not be wasted.

Birthday

2006-09-14T17:11:00.001+08:00

Late post I know. Eight days late to be exact. But it was a really great day for me - didn't go to work, then surprised Miguel by picking him up from school.

The pic was taken at Dulcinea, which is Miguel's favorite restaurant because of the churros. Mom and Les joined us there for lunch.

Afterward, we went to Timezone to play his latest obssession, Soulcalibur. Little tyke ended up going home with a few prizes. Seemed like it was his birthday.

Had to do a quick change after that and get ready for my dinner date. All in all a good day :)

What the...?

2006-08-28T11:52:00.001+08:00

Joke of the day

2006-08-16T12:39:00.001+08:00

Coming back from lunch, I find a bouquet of on my desk. Supposedly from my Anonymous Secret Admirer Mr. "F"

Anonymous Secret Admirer Mr. "F"? Har har! Anonymous na, secret pa!

I must say, I really got a good laugh out of that one. The carnations are almost dried out, for crying out loud. I accosted Ome and Omie but they swear they have nothing to do with it.

Of course they had a field day poking fun at me and our colleague F.

If Ome and Omie didn't do it, then it must be Ace. Just the other day he joked about F giving me an old bouquet of Mondo's. Next time Ace, please make sure that the flowers are fresher. At least it wouldn't be obvious that they're recycled.

We're singing

2006-08-07T14:18:00.001+08:00

...so you might as well sing along too. It's Miguel's new piano piece:

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before Thee,
op'ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness,
fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
earth and heaven reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
flow'ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving,
ever blessing, ever blessed,
Wellspring of the joy of living,
ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
all who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals, join the mighty chorus,
which the morning stars began;
Love divine is reigning o’er us,
binding all within its span.
Ever singing, march we onward,
victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
in the triumph song of life.

He's already memorized the piece and can play it very well too. And he sings the song at the piano, at the dining table, in the car, while brushing his teeth, and before going to bed at night. Isn't that cute? It's been going on for more than 2 weeks now.

You gotta hear it.

Goal for the day

2006-07-26T12:21:00.001+08:00

Yesterday.

Classes were called off for the second day in a row due to bad weather. Miguel's quarterly exams start the following day but by 9:30AM he's already reviewed all his lessons and done his piano drills. Nothing left for him to do the rest of the day.

Me, about to leave for work (ha! late!) : Miguel, I think that you should have a goal for today.

Miguel, playing while watching TV: What?

Me: I know! Why don't we ask Lola (Grandma) to teach you the rest of your piano piece? After all, you were supposed to have piano lessons today.

Miguel, self-importantly: I already have goals.

Me: Like what?

Miguel: Watch TV.

Me: That's not a goal! Okay, that's it...your goal for the day is to learn the rest of your piano piece.

Miguel: I don't want to learn the rest of my piano piece.

Me: I'll give you 5 extra minutes of Playstation time if you learn it.

Miguel, turning away: No thank you, I don't need 5 extra minutes.

Me: But if you don't learn it you'll lose 5 minutes.

Miguel, suddenly running toward Lola: Lola, can you teach me the rest of my piano piece?

How to make a strawberry-flavored cake

2006-07-25T15:29:00.001+08:00

Cute, isn't it? That's what you get when you watch too much of Dexter's Lab and cartoonnetwork.com.

In his words:

You get a cannon, then take out the bullets, then replace them with strawberries.

Now that's what I call a recipe for world peace.

Just to enlighten you, the cannon at left shoots icing; the one on top shoots sugar; the one at right shoots strawberries; and the one at bottom shoots butter. The finished product comes out at the lower left corner. He was conscientious enough to draw two legs for the machine to stand. And of course don't forget the remote control!

He even drew instructions on how to set up the machine:

On my birthday, he wants me to make a strawberry-flavored cake using this diagram. Piece of cake, huh?

It rains, I sneeze

2006-07-25T02:31:00.001+08:00

So it takes an allergy at 2AM for me to blog.

It's not unusual for me to wake up early in the morning just because I feel cold - even in the summer. What's worse is when I wake up feeling cold,and then I sneeze.

Once that happens, it's goodbye peaceful sleep.

To the fortunate, oblivious ones, it poured this morning - as in typhoon-grade downpour, the kind that makes you wonder where in the city it's flooded right now and whether classes will be suspended.

Checking at my cellphone, I saw a message from my co-parent that came in at midnight: classes suspended according to the news. Yahoo!

That means I don't have to get up early, my son doesn't have to get up early, he won't get caught in the rain, and more importantly - he has a chance to recover from his month-long cough.

We've been to the pediatrician 3 times in the past 3 weeks. My son was getting frustrated that his cough hadn't gone away. Since he had no fever and it's persisted for so long, the doctor suspects that it's brought about by allergy. Another possibiliy is primary complex, so we took an x-ray to help us find out.

And he had to prescribe stronger medication this time. He was even apologetic about it - I can see that he's not too keen about giving prescribing antibiotics and other such medicines.

So unlike Miguel's other pedia, who always brought out the big guns at the slightest symptoms. By age 3 my son was no stranger to corticosteroids; he was even taking puffs from a babyhaler. We were at her clinic once a month, without fail. That's why I left her.

When I switched doctors Miguel's visits were limited to maybe 3 a year. And I like Tito Doctor's less aggressive approach. That's why I'm still sticking to him.

During yesterday's visit, I frustratedly asked him why Miguel's cough won't go away, and he pointedly told me, "because it runs in your family." Well I am exhibit A right now, with my inflamed sinus and post-nasal drip brought about by a 2AM downpour.

I'm trying to comfort myself with green tea right since there's no Claritin in the house. It seems to be working. But more than that, my son is sleeping soundly. His medication seems to be working too.

Fingers crossed, please. And prayers.

Art attack weekend

2006-07-10T12:23:00.001+08:00

Thanks to Neil Buchanan for the snake activity. Thanks to Ninang Aly and her Fun Factory book for the pull-down puppet activity.

65/100

Checkmate

2006-07-06T15:29:00.001+08:00

Miguel hit the jackpot this weekend: 2 Superman movies, trips to Powerstation and Egg, coming-home gifts from my bro and his wife, plus his latest object of fascination - a chess set that he coaxed out of my sister-in-law G.

While we were eating a post-movie merienda he took his tita's hand, ostensibly to show her the baby grand piano that was playing on its own. Then I saw them heading for the arcade and the toy store, and I knew that my beloved sis-in-law was about to be hijacked. Or rather, held up.

They were in the toy store by the time I caught up with them, and sure enough, G had asked him to choose a toy. Well, she did miss his birthday so it was a kind of belated gift. He pointed excitedly at wooden box that had sported a chess board. I suggested that he get the classic "barrel of monkeys" instead. But he liked the box because it read "5 games in one." In other words, he wanted something for 2 or more people.

G gladly bought the set, which contained pieces for chess, backgammon, checkers, dominoes, and pick-up sticks. He was so excited that the moment we got home we played a game. Surprisingly, he was quite good for a first timer. And not surprisingly, I made a lot of mistakes. Much like my billiard and bowling games, I'm lousy at chess. But I discovered that it's so much nicer when you're playing just for fun.

I won in the end; it was probably the first time that I've ever won. But it was a good game. I've never really had an interest in chess before, but with Miguel's new fascination for it, I'm already looking forward to the next game.

63/100

Mr. Potatohead as you've never seen him before

2006-07-03T17:10:00.001+08:00

Here, tucked inside Miguel's latest art attack...is Mr. Potatohead.

I really like it.

I know that my brother would be appalled if he sees this, it being so girly.

You can blame me for that, because most of the stuff is mine. And I was the one who gave Miguel the violet paper. He asked me for colored paper, and that was the only unused sheet that I could find.

The round box came from a craft project I made in one of Mama Aly's children's parties, and some of the beads came from a broken bracelet of mine. That's why everything looks so girly. And that's why I like it.

The earthworm, of course, is his.

But honestly, as an artist, I find it quite good. It's an example of unbridled creativity, and I totally support it. Except that I don't know if anybody will pay money to buy it off him.

Actually, you could call it a collaboration, because I was the one who wrapped and taped the potato, "so that you can see the shape," as he instructed. And I was also the glue gun operator.

The sweetest thing is that Miguel made it for Ninang, who just left for camp Friday night. He made it for her because he will miss her. Awww. Too bad she won't get to see it for 21 days.

I reminded him that since he has to keep it intact, he cannot play with Mr. Potatohead until she comes back. His response: "Grr. I knew that I should have put holes in it."

62/100

Die, varmints!

2006-07-03T10:45:00.001+08:00

Okay, so I've been waking up around 2AM or 4AM for the past 4 days. And guess who's responsible? No, not my wisecracking, hyperactive, super inquisitive, ADD-suspect son. But scores of tiny, sneaky, stubborn, insiduous, stinging ants! In my bed!

What did they think I was, a midnight snack?

Lately ants have been invading strange parts of our home, like my mother's bathroom and the computer table. They must know something that we don't.

My guess is that they invaded my bed because I sorted Miguel's pre-school artworks there a few days ago. I suspect that among all those drawings, stained glass windows, mosaics and mixed media, there must have been some sugar. For the record, I do not eat in my room...and neither do I store snacks there.

I thought that vacuuming the mattress would do the trick, but apparently not. They may be tiny, but their bites really do sting! By the 4th night I had had it with the rude awakenings. So instead of brushing them off my bed or crushing the nasty biters between my fingers, I decided to be more methodical in my extermination.

No, I did not burn the mattress. I just got pieces of scotch tape and stuck them in between. A bit labor-intensive, but sure to get the job done.

By now you're starting to worry if I have a sick mind. But if you ask me it's more humane than what I did to that cockroach in my bathroom when I was in college. Never again! Besides, it would ruin the marble tile.

Now I've got a tiny collage of scotch-taped ants on my bedside table. I'm thinking of posting them on my headboard, just as a warning to other intrepid ants. Kind of like Vlad Dracula impaling victims in the front of his castle.

You can run, but you can't hide!

61/100

Portfolio

2006-07-01T03:23:00.001+08:00

Woke up at 2AM, and as I sometimes do when I wake up in the middle of the night, I started to fix my room.

My first target was a clear book filled with a hodgepodge of stuff, namely Miguel's piano pieces and bits of my portfolio. It's about time that I organized it, since he practices piano every day. I keep forgeting to buy another clear book, so we'll have to share this one a bit longer.

Going through through my partial portfolio, I noticed that I had included a short story and a children's poem. Those were from the days that I wrote for children's educational TV. I looked at them side-by-side with my print ads, and then I realized: my short stories are way better than my print ads.

Not to say that I haven't had any ads that I'm proud of. They're all decent, some are cute, and a few I really like. Just a few. But the stories - now those I really enjoyed writing.

It takes a little blood and sweat too to create a story. But sometimes you can call it "sweet sweat." You don't mind the effort. Other times you work too hard that the story becomes "tired" and you have to throw it out. And then there are times when the work is effortless; when you crank out a good piece - or a good painting - in just 30 minutes. But that's rare, I must point out.

By "good" I mean "good enough for me." Keep in mind that your friends are a different set of critics, you colleagues another, the publishers yet another, and the general public still another.

Gosh, when I think about it I have so much output - in terms of paintings and writings as well. At the time you make them they are all okay, but when you look at them after a few years your opinion changes. Except for the ones that you're really proud of.

But what matters I guess is that you're satisfied at the time that you produce it.

Gee, I talk too much. Gotta get back to bed.

60/100

Peace

2006-06-30T11:01:00.001+08:00

All right, all right. Saw the bus operator this morning. She's okay. I'll stop calling her crazy.

Erase erase erase.

59/100

Rock 'n roll

2006-06-29T22:12:00.001+08:00

As my son discovered, it ain't so grand missing a day of school.

Good thing that I was able to sleep in all morning while he was in school, because when he got home, he had a lot of assignments: review this, answer that, and prepare for the quiz tomorrow. Not to mention that he had to go to his piano lesson. We were on a tight schedule just to get everything done.

Poor kid had to answer the worksheets that he missed, plus I insisted that he answer his textbook as well. Turns out he had to do 10 pages just for his Reading subject. Towards the end of his review session, he was already getting tired. I had give him a breather, so guess what we did instead? We reviewed Math, his favorite subject. AAAAAUUGGGHHH! That's how tight we were for time.

He said it so well, "I knew that being absent wouldn't be a good thing."

Now we know. Beware the Friday quiz.

Anyway, when he finally reviewed all his lessons, I said, "congratulations, you're finished!" And with that he let out a big sigh of relief and plopped on his bed. I'm not kidding; in that moment he looked 3 to 5 years older. He was mentally tired. And I was emotionally drained too - from nagging him to finish his worksheets in time.

We zoned out on his bed, and after a while he stood up to get his musical instruments. He grabbed his harmonica and gave me his drum. I was just as stressed out, so we tooted and banged and made a whole lot of noise. "Follow my beat!" he said. The neighbors might have found it weird, but I didn't care; we just had to get rid of this stress, both mother and son. Besides, it was still early.

We kept changing instruments: xylophone, tambourine, maraccas. At one point I even made a louder ruckus just to get some release. My son did good, and I'm gonna let him make some noise!

After about 30 minutes we were ready to wind down.

What a relief.

Don't be surprised if we have another concert.

58/100

Looking for home

2006-06-29T21:37:00.001+08:00

(For Wednesday, June 28, 2006)

So there I was in Miguel's old pre-school waiting for him to finish his piano lesson. He bounced back to health today and was well enough to go to school, but I was still recovering from the flu. Meanwhile, his nanny came down with something much worse, so I took it upon myself to accompany him to the 1-hour lesson. It was low-stress anyway, and I had a driver.

While we were there we saw so many friendly faces: his friends, his ex-teachers, co-teachers, and even parents of ex-classmates. People greeting you and your son by name, asking how you are. It was so comfortable, so much like home. That's the benefit of going to a small school.

I was wondering, when am I going to feel that way in Ateneo? Who knows, maybe it'll happen. Maybe I'll find some semblance of "family." Maybe in that guard who's always there when I see him off, or the guidance counselor who escorted my tearful son to his classroom during the first week of class. Maybe that co-parent with whom I swapped contact numbers with during PTC day or maybe even that crazy bus operator.

I'm just looking forward to feeling that way there.

57/100

Get well soon

2006-06-27T22:22:00.001+08:00

I come home from work with a bouquet and Miguel asks, "what's it for?" I smile and say, "it's because I'm sick." Then he pipes up, "but I'm sick too!" I laugh and tell him that the flowers are for both of us.

Yeah, we got the bug.

Later at bedtime he catches me taking a cellphone snapshot of the bouquet. "Why are you taking a picture of the flowers?" he asks. "So I can remember them," I say. "I want a picture with the flowers too," he says. So, voila!

Well, a little confession here. I always take a snapshot of the flowers Mike gives me. And like I said, it's because I want to remember them.

I so love flowers! Wouldn't you guess by the many arrangements I've painted already? And I know my mom loves them too; I'm like her. Well come to think of it, it's a rare woman that doesn't like them.

I'm of the belief that it's better to give flowers to people while they're alive to appreciate them. As long as I get them during my lifetime I won't mind a simple flower-free funeral. Maybe I'll put out a sign, "in lieu of flowers...."

Anyway, I'm just glad that I've got a guy who loves giving them as much as I love receiving them.

56/100

Nerd

2006-06-26T12:35:00.001+08:00

Exam week is one month away and I'm already thinking of making a reviewer.

Nerd! Nerd! Nerd!

I have a good friend whose son is a consistent honor student in Ateneo and I remember him telling me that whenever it was exam week, his wife would take 3 days off her extremely high pressure work (she was an accounts head in advertising) just to review their son.

Man, I don't know if I'm ready to do that. Talk about commitment. But then of course my friend's wife comes from a family of consistent honor students. Her son has good genes. Good study habits are probably transmitted through their DNA.

I was also a bit scared - is that what it takes to get through Ateneo? It's not uncommon to hear of Ateneo kids spending their afternoons with tutors. But I - I just want my kid to have a life after school.

A couple of years back I consulted with another friend, who taught at the Ateneo Grade School for several years. She now holds tutorials in her home in Katipunan. She told me that the only reason that parents send their kids to her for lessons is because they don't have the time to review them after school.

Bingo.

Doesn't that sound just like me. I'd be happy if I could just get home in time for dinner. (Cue in guilty thoughts. Fade in video of Miguel waving his finger at me and saying, "Follow my finger...you will let me play Cartoonnetwork.com everyday." Nice try, bud.)

The good news is that my OC son seems to have good study habits. After settling down at home and eating lunch, he will automatically do his assignments before going off to play or watch TV. Thank God for that. And thank God that I read Queena Lee and Maribel Dionisio's article about good study habits when it was published in the Inquirer several years ago.

Now I understand why his teacher makes him review the work sheets almost every day.

And to think that he's only in Prep.

55/100

So that's how ganglion cysts disappear

2006-06-24T06:22:00.001+08:00

Yesterday as I was in the shower I hit the cyst in my wrist against the wall - OUCH! - that gave me a dull ache for a few hours.

This morning instead of a shiny, bulbous protrusion I have a wider, flatter bump where it used to be. Maybe the impact ruptured the sheath and the liquid's dispersing into my hand.

I just hope that it doesn't recur.

53/100

Explaining the silence

2006-06-24T06:11:00.001+08:00

(For Friday, June 23, 2006)

If you noticed I've been skipping a few posts.

Over the past few days I've had to deal with a silly - correction, wacko - school bus operator who had me confused with a different client.

I will spare you the petty details.

But suffice it to say that the incident was so annoying that I actually witnessed my mother lose her patience at the woman. She actually got mad. But in a very dignified way. See, she's human after all :)

And for that, the incident will always stand out in my mind.

52/100

Hallelujah!

2006-06-21T10:15:00.001+08:00

I finally put my son on the bus this morning! No tears, no trouble.

The kids made a fuss over him the minute he got in. Maybe because they're used to seeing him only during dismissal time, when he rides with them without a hitch. As the bus drove away, Miguel turned and blew me a kiss.

I even called the bus driver afterwards, and he assured me that Miguel was okay during the ride.

My secret: I told him that if he makes a fuss on the way to school, he doesn't get to watch TV for the rest of the day PLUS he loses 5 minutes from his weekend Playstation time. But if he goes to school without any trouble, he gets to watch TV and gets 5 extra minutes playing video games this weekend.

I've been doing this for the past few days while I was bringing him to school myself. So far the technique seems to work.

And it's amazing what I was able to accomplish in the 2 hours before I headed off to work: cleaned my drawers and one closet. Who knows, maybe one day I might even muster the energy to paint :)

50/100

Escape

2006-06-19T14:30:00.001+08:00

As my sister the teacher says, parent-teacher conferences are a way of giving teachers a break. Well we parents know how to take a break too. After meeting Miguel's teacher for the PTC, I took the rest of the morning off...helloooo spa!

I haven't had a full-body massage in months! It was so good to just lie down and have someone kneading my muscles. It's probably the only time I don't mind being treated like a piece of meat.

Soothing music, the soft hum of airconditioning, the smell of eucalyptus, clean sheets against your skin, and expert hands skillfully rubbing the stress away. Sigh.

It would've been great to take the whole day off, but I have to make judicious use of my vacation leaves. Besides, I already committed to a couple of meetings today. Work is work.

But man, play is way okay too!

48/100

Culture

2006-06-17T22:34:00.001+08:00

Went to see my friend May's art exhibit today, with Miguel in tow. The gallery at UP CFA (College of Fine Arts) was part of a long itinerary, which included: a trip to Ateneo to familiarize him with the routes to his classroom; a heavy merienda (snack) at Jollibee; a trip to Claret so he can see what other schools are like; a quick pass at Kamuning Elementary School; and a haircut at the barber's. I kid you not - we did all that in 4 1/2 hours.

But I digress.

I was very excited for May, who is finally having her first one-woman show. Her canvases range in size from small to gigantic. The way I see it, her works are mainly about shape, since she used mainly square formats with round aluminum washers as major elements. Then of course there is texture, with overly-generous strokes of acrylic and the addition of mixed media. She also chose a dominant color for each artwork, which, along with the circle-square balance, help unify each piece.

Hey, this is just my opinion, okay?

My favorite is a work called "Body," the invitation piece, which my friend bought. It's a very strong (red) piece that can hold a wall on its own. I especially like the swath of different materials, like a palette of textures, across the midsection.

Miguel's favorite art piece is called "Meteor Shower," which as it turns out was acquired by another friend. It's another favorite of mine too. I must say that my son shows good taste.

By the way, here's an extreme close-up of one painting that he took so that, as he said, "you can put it on your blog."

It was nice dropping by the CFA after all these years. I saw a few "kids" in front of the padlocked studios, with their trademark CFA attitude. Driving up I could tell that they were sizing me up, and knew right away that I used to be from the college. You bet your ass.

Haay. It's so good to know that you've been around.

46/100

I hereby declare

2006-06-16T15:07:00.002+08:00

that being Superwoman is humanly impossible. As I wake up in a stupor at my desk (talk about a powernap) I ask myself, "what was I thinking?"

It is physically impossible for me to bring my son to school every day then go to work in Makati. I'm sure it's even worse if I try to take the train everyday, because that would mean taking a 20-minute walk across four city blocks and man would I be exhausted!

Waking up at 430AM is no joke with my schedule. Even if I limit my social life to weekend nights, I still end up sleeping late because I have a launch event to attend (morale support for the brand) or a 10PM on-line meeting (yes, it happened last week).

Not to mention minor emergencies like Miguel's school bag breaking down yesterday, so that last night I had to go to the mall (after the aforementioned launch) and buy him a kick-ass stroller bag, the kind with a lifetime warranty.

And speaking of weekends, I don't always have the weekend off. Last weekend was spent in Hawaii, Pixar, and the Power Rangers. The one before that was spent on Miguel's birthday, his recital, and his first-day-of-school preparations (see the June 5 entry)

My body's been screaming for sleep for days.

Come to think of it, I'm not new to sleep deprivation. No mom is, I'm sure. Some years back I asked Gai if i could crash in her house anytime, even for 2 hours of rest. I believe that her offer still stands. For the record, I've used her house only once. Another time I showed up at my uncle's house after a shoot and slept for a couple of hours before I walked home.

It was important that I sleep in someone else's house because if I tried to nap in my house, Miguel would somehow find me and my beauty rest would be interrupted.

Back then I just needed to catch some sleep because of work. Today the combination of big-school responsibility and work is bearing down on my waking moments like a big, heavy metal helmet.

Man, I'm putting him on that bus next week.

I seriously need a break.

45/100

For the record

2006-06-15T14:02:00.001+08:00

Here's a list of Miguel's favorite foods.

1. strawberry
2. chicken joy
3. chocolate
4. french fries
5. pan de sal with butter and jam
6. fruit shake (mango banana)
7. piyaya
8. iced tea
9. churros
10.barquillos

and don't forget his his thosandth favorite:

1000. peanuts

This list was developed as we drove home from church last weekend; it was a successful atempt to distract him and get his mind off something. So successful that even I don't remember what we were talking about before this.

Oh well.

44/100

The fruit of our labors

2006-06-14T15:20:00.002+08:00

Lazy post I know it is, but considering that I had to get up at 4AM today I make no apologies.

Yes, you can add this to my "magpakatotoo ka" list of photos. I look really harrassed here. (These days, I always look harrassed.) But guess who felt like a million bucks?

Totally worth it.

Would I do it again? Hmm. Let me think about it.

43/100

A message from my cerebral cortex

2006-06-13T10:42:00.001+08:00

sometimesidon'tknowwhogetsmoretraumatizedthesonorthemother
don'tworryi'llbeokaywe'llbeokaywilljusthavetomakeafewmoresacri ficesoverthecomingweekswe'lladjustwe'lladjustwe'lladjust

42/100

It may be bad acting

2006-06-12T23:16:00.001+08:00

...but the Power Rangers are BIG.

On Sunday, as we ate a late lunch, Miguel and I saw it on TV: meet the Power Rangers at Shangri-La Mall. "Oh, cool!" we thought. We junked the idea of going for his haircut and casually invited Ninang along. "It'll only take a while," I said. Big mistake.

We braved an afternoon thunderstorm just to get Shang, and when we arrived, we were engulfed by quite another storm. It was called "Dino Thunder." It made fools of kids and parents alike, who waited in line for hours just to get a photo onstage with the Power Rangers.

Four hours later my sis was one credit card swipe poorer, my son was one toy richer, and I was one tired but wiser mommy. Yes we got the coveted photo, but I can't post it for bragging rights just yet 'cause I forgot to bring the camera for downloading.

Well, there's a first time for everything.

41/100

Happy birthday

2006-06-11T15:39:00.001+08:00

Today is my father's birthday. He would have been 71 today.

When he passed away almost 6 years ago it was difficult to believe that he was gone. I remember thinking to myself, "so this is what Jesus's disciples must have felt when he died." It was just...unbelievable. In spite of his chronic illness, he made a lasting impression as someone so powerful, so successful, so charming, so funny. You thought that he could do anything, even charm the consul into giving you a US visa.

I think that during the time that he was so ill, we always chose to remember him as strong. Chronic sickness has a way of doing that to you. When there's no way out, sometimes all you have left are the memories. And of course we prefer the good ones to the bad.

Today I try to imagine what he would be like if he were alive, but I can't. My life doesn't resemble what it did back when he was still around. My son has grown up since, and so have I.

Maybe he would be like my uncle, his brother. Two seniors slowing down in the twilight of their lives surrounded by a gaggle of growing grandchildren. Isn't that a comforting thought.

He would've made a great grandpa.

40/100