Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)
It would have the day I woke up at 6am, put on the Nike Air Alaris (which my sister bought for me for my birthday last year and which I last wore in September 2009 when I went to Japan) and went out for a walk around our subdivision.
This was November 19, 2010. (The moment when I decided I would take care of myself better.)
That early in the morning, nothing's moving -- it's quiet and still -- it's still a bit dark and gray but you can also see a hint of pink and yellow flitting through the clouds.
I love that time of the morning -- it gives me a chance to collect myself for the day and to prepare myself for the lively activity in my house with my 2 kids.
Now I walk every morning -- at 6am. I have a lovely route, which our driver estimates to be around 2km. It takes me 30 minutes to complete the route and it's my most favorite time of the day. (In 2nd place would be when the kids are doing something productive and artistic.)
Thursday, December 09, 2010
December 2: Writing --
What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it? (Author: Leo Babauta)
Reading! I'm glad to have finally gotten some headway into my reading backlog --
I don't think I would want to do away with reading because, when I finally have time to write, what I've read affects what I write in a wonderful way.
Reading! I'm glad to have finally gotten some headway into my reading backlog --
I don't think I would want to do away with reading because, when I finally have time to write, what I've read affects what I write in a wonderful way.
December 1: One Word --
Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?
(Author: Gwen Bell)
2010 was my year of discovery. I discovered new (romance) authors to read. I discovered new recipes to try out. I discovered new colors to love (gray and yellow).
I also discovered what a mess I've made of my life and how careless I've become with things that should matter -- and I'm glad that I still have time to take control and make the necessary changes.
I would like 2011 to be my year of fulfillment -- the year where I would complete my MA and the year that will see the fruition of all the changes I've made in my life in 2010.
(Author: Gwen Bell)
2010 was my year of discovery. I discovered new (romance) authors to read. I discovered new recipes to try out. I discovered new colors to love (gray and yellow).
I also discovered what a mess I've made of my life and how careless I've become with things that should matter -- and I'm glad that I still have time to take control and make the necessary changes.
I would like 2011 to be my year of fulfillment -- the year where I would complete my MA and the year that will see the fruition of all the changes I've made in my life in 2010.
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Last words (A mother dies) RIP Elizabeth Edwards --
I read the news that Elizabeth Edwards has died.
I recently read her Thanksgiving post (posted on her Facebook page) and I was inspired by her eloquence and her grace.
“You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces — my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined.
The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And, yes, there are certainly times when we aren’t able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It’s called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful.
It isn’t possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know.
With love, Elizabeth.”
(copied from here)
She was an incredibly strong woman -- who faced scrutiny for her husband's infidelity in the midst of her own discovery that she had cancer. I think she handled the last few (difficult) years of her life with grace and dignity.
I recently read her Thanksgiving post (posted on her Facebook page) and I was inspired by her eloquence and her grace.
“You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces — my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined.
The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And, yes, there are certainly times when we aren’t able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It’s called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful.
It isn’t possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know.
With love, Elizabeth.”
(copied from here)
She was an incredibly strong woman -- who faced scrutiny for her husband's infidelity in the midst of her own discovery that she had cancer. I think she handled the last few (difficult) years of her life with grace and dignity.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Monday, December 06, 2010
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Christmas Wish/Want List! --
I love making my yearly Christmas Wish List.
It makes me focus and prioritize my "wants" for the coming year.
I think my yearly list also reflects what my interests are at the time I am writing said list.
Can you guess what the theme is this year? ^_^
1. I would love to get a necklace from Bear and the Honeybee. (Especially the Sweet Blue Daisy or the Sunshine Daisy)
2. A sewing machine from Manila Sewing. She had a Janome Elves a month ago and I missed out on it. I've been tempted by the QT by Merritt machine -- but there's a part of me that's holding out for a Janome.
This is a strange want for me because I don't sew and I don't know how to sew. Hahahahaha!
3. A smaller point-and-shoot. My Powershot A640 still works very well and I'm generally happy with the pictures I take using it. But I'd love a smaller, lighter point-and-shoot. I've been looking at the Canon Ixus 120 and 130.
Unfortunately, I don't think I can justify buying a new camera.
4. I want this bag from Kate Spade.
I don't really buy designer bags but, when I saw this one, I wanted to have it. There's a clutch version but it's way, way beyond my means.
5. More rubber stamps. And a stamp pad. And more blank paper to stamp on.
6. A food processor. It is mystifying how Nigella uses it for EVERYTHING. I want one also! (For the future, when I decide I want to make a crumb base for cheesecakes.)
7. A new Macbook (Pro? Air?). My current Macbook White has cracks and chips and whatnot. It's been stepped on and dropped by both kids. It's still alive. But I want a new one. ^_^
8. A subscription to Romantic Times. It's a great guide to new authors and to new releases.
I really should just get myself a subcription.
9. A tin of Old Bay seasoning. I've seen on many cooking shows that this is an essential ingredient in making anything seafood-related. (Crab Cakes, Seafood mix for sandwiches, etc)
10 A trip somewhere. (I want to travel with my friends F and her hubby and maybe have our kids tag along. Although that would be hellish. I would also love to travel with C.)
11. Books by Ina Garten. (The Barefoot Contessa.) She's my second favorite cooking show personality after Nigella.
12. A mini saddle bag from Cath Kidston. I was all set to have Johann buy me one in Singapore but the store that sells Cath Kidston is in Tanglin Mall and it was a bit out of the way for him.
13. A cute necklace from Gingersnaps. I don't think it's meant for someone like me -- but I've seen the designs and they are so, so cute! (I've seen the Alice in Wonderland-themed one. Very nice!)
It makes me focus and prioritize my "wants" for the coming year.
I think my yearly list also reflects what my interests are at the time I am writing said list.
Can you guess what the theme is this year? ^_^
1. I would love to get a necklace from Bear and the Honeybee. (Especially the Sweet Blue Daisy or the Sunshine Daisy)
2. A sewing machine from Manila Sewing. She had a Janome Elves a month ago and I missed out on it. I've been tempted by the QT by Merritt machine -- but there's a part of me that's holding out for a Janome.
This is a strange want for me because I don't sew and I don't know how to sew. Hahahahaha!
3. A smaller point-and-shoot. My Powershot A640 still works very well and I'm generally happy with the pictures I take using it. But I'd love a smaller, lighter point-and-shoot. I've been looking at the Canon Ixus 120 and 130.
Unfortunately, I don't think I can justify buying a new camera.
4. I want this bag from Kate Spade.
I don't really buy designer bags but, when I saw this one, I wanted to have it. There's a clutch version but it's way, way beyond my means.
5. More rubber stamps. And a stamp pad. And more blank paper to stamp on.
6. A food processor. It is mystifying how Nigella uses it for EVERYTHING. I want one also! (For the future, when I decide I want to make a crumb base for cheesecakes.)
7. A new Macbook (Pro? Air?). My current Macbook White has cracks and chips and whatnot. It's been stepped on and dropped by both kids. It's still alive. But I want a new one. ^_^
8. A subscription to Romantic Times. It's a great guide to new authors and to new releases.
I really should just get myself a subcription.
9. A tin of Old Bay seasoning. I've seen on many cooking shows that this is an essential ingredient in making anything seafood-related. (Crab Cakes, Seafood mix for sandwiches, etc)
10 A trip somewhere. (I want to travel with my friends F and her hubby and maybe have our kids tag along. Although that would be hellish. I would also love to travel with C.)
11. Books by Ina Garten. (The Barefoot Contessa.) She's my second favorite cooking show personality after Nigella.
12. A mini saddle bag from Cath Kidston. I was all set to have Johann buy me one in Singapore but the store that sells Cath Kidston is in Tanglin Mall and it was a bit out of the way for him.
13. A cute necklace from Gingersnaps. I don't think it's meant for someone like me -- but I've seen the designs and they are so, so cute! (I've seen the Alice in Wonderland-themed one. Very nice!)
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Someone was thinking of me when they made this list --
I've written about this before, my love for stationery and office supplies and how I take time when I am traveling to visit stores that sell stationery and office supplies.
It used to be a practice for my siblings to bring home a blank notebook for me whenever they were out of the country as well.
I found this post on Facebook (through my husband's account) -- and the notebooks are all so awesome! >_< Spot.Ph 50 Cute Notebooks to Give Away this Christmas
It used to be a practice for my siblings to bring home a blank notebook for me whenever they were out of the country as well.
I found this post on Facebook (through my husband's account) -- and the notebooks are all so awesome! >_< Spot.Ph 50 Cute Notebooks to Give Away this Christmas
Sunday, November 21, 2010
All set for 2011! --
I've been thinking about which 2011 planner to get. I was tempted to get a Moleskine because I am currently enjoying my Book Journal --
But I wanted a bit of color for the coming year so I ended up getting the 2011 Cath Kidston one.
It wasn't until it arrived (ordered it from The Book Depository) that I stumbled upon this one by Kate Spade.
Maybe for 2012? ^_^
But I wanted a bit of color for the coming year so I ended up getting the 2011 Cath Kidston one.
It wasn't until it arrived (ordered it from The Book Depository) that I stumbled upon this one by Kate Spade.
Maybe for 2012? ^_^
Sunday lunch: Nigella's Chicken and Chorizo --
Nigella cooked this in one of her shows and I was intrigued by the dish. It seemed simple enough and I liked that it was a one-pot (pan) dish.
I bought all the ingredients when I did the grocery for the week and I asked our cook to prepare it for lunch today.
We used 2 kinds of "chorizo" (longganisa) -- a local one by Jester's and the Virginia Cebu longganisa.
We followed Nigella's instructions and cooked it for 1 hour. (We did tweak it a bit: We didn't squeeze in the juice of 1 orange and we pre-boiled our chicken before baking them. Plus, we didn't have enough red onions so we added some white onions.)
The whole thing looked so amazing! My sister and I were very excited to dig in.
The chicken was so tender and the potatoes were yummy -- a bit of crunch and char and then mush.
I love how the chorizo colored the chicken and everything else.
I could just imagine this recipe using Alaminos longganisa. That would probably taste amazing. ^_^
Nigella's Spanish Chicken with Chorizo and Potatoes
What I remember from the show is that Nigella had leftovers and she used the leftovers for a quesadilla -- she shredded the chicken and chopped up the chorizo and mushed up the potatoes and added some cheese.
(Our cook was so pleased with this recipe also. Not a lot of prep and very easy to remember.)
I bought all the ingredients when I did the grocery for the week and I asked our cook to prepare it for lunch today.
We used 2 kinds of "chorizo" (longganisa) -- a local one by Jester's and the Virginia Cebu longganisa.
We followed Nigella's instructions and cooked it for 1 hour. (We did tweak it a bit: We didn't squeeze in the juice of 1 orange and we pre-boiled our chicken before baking them. Plus, we didn't have enough red onions so we added some white onions.)
The whole thing looked so amazing! My sister and I were very excited to dig in.
The chicken was so tender and the potatoes were yummy -- a bit of crunch and char and then mush.
I love how the chorizo colored the chicken and everything else.
I could just imagine this recipe using Alaminos longganisa. That would probably taste amazing. ^_^
Nigella's Spanish Chicken with Chorizo and Potatoes
What I remember from the show is that Nigella had leftovers and she used the leftovers for a quesadilla -- she shredded the chicken and chopped up the chorizo and mushed up the potatoes and added some cheese.
(Our cook was so pleased with this recipe also. Not a lot of prep and very easy to remember.)
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Colors! --
Found this from J's blog --
Color Palette Generator
You choose a photograph and upload it on the website -- and it will generate a color palette based on that photo.
... I think I need to dress Seth up in brighter colors.
Color Palette Generator
You choose a photograph and upload it on the website -- and it will generate a color palette based on that photo.
... I think I need to dress Seth up in brighter colors.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
The start of something new --
It's almost the end of the year and I'm already gearing up for the yearly round-up of "bests" in my life --
To my eternal shame, I've discovered that I could not recall most of the books that I've read this year!
I realized that I've been treating books as a "disposable" commodity that I go through and then forget afterwards.
So I bought myself one of these:
And I've promised myself that I would jot down a thought or two about each book that I've finished reading.
This is my first book journal so I'm not familiar with the layout of other brands -- I'm pretty happy with the Moleskine one -- I love the star rating system at the bottom of the page.
What I don't like is the "telephone book" style of organizing titles alphabetically -- but Johann pointed out that it makes it easier to locate a book title. (I would prefer one that would just allow me to arrange titles chronologically.)
To my eternal shame, I've discovered that I could not recall most of the books that I've read this year!
I realized that I've been treating books as a "disposable" commodity that I go through and then forget afterwards.
So I bought myself one of these:
And I've promised myself that I would jot down a thought or two about each book that I've finished reading.
This is my first book journal so I'm not familiar with the layout of other brands -- I'm pretty happy with the Moleskine one -- I love the star rating system at the bottom of the page.
What I don't like is the "telephone book" style of organizing titles alphabetically -- but Johann pointed out that it makes it easier to locate a book title. (I would prefer one that would just allow me to arrange titles chronologically.)
Friday, November 05, 2010
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
World Teacher's Day Thoughts Part 1 --
Because yesterday was World Teacher's Day --
I consider myself fortunate that have had been surrounded by wonderful teachers my entire life. I had teachers who nurtured me as I was growing up in elementary and teachers who taught me discipline when I was growing up too quickly in high school.
And then I got the opportunity of a lifetime when I attended the Ateneo and I had teachers who helped shape my vision for myself and for my future.
I can really say, at the risk of sounding maudlin and cliche, that I would not be who I am today if not for these many teachers who tirelessly shared themselves with brats like me.
E. Barrera (HS) --
I had a rebellious streak when I entered high school and was determined to make my life (and my teacher's lives) difficult -- he called me irascible and impetuous -- and proceeded to teach me what those words meant and how to spell them.
A few days before I was going to Manila, uncertain of which university to attend, he told me: "Go to Ateneo. You can thank me later."
It's later. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
M. Bermudo-Libutaque (HS) --
She was my Algebra teacher in Freshman year and later became my Senior class's adviser -- my most wonderful memory of her was sitting down one Saturday afternoon with a few other classmates, trying to make sense of Math ... in Chinese.
We were daunted and intimidated. She wasn't.
We went back and forth, us translating the Chinese words for triangle, circle, radius, etc. -- she translating the language of Math into a more digestible format.
In that afternoon, I learned that I can learn anything -- given the right attitude.
... to be continued.
I consider myself fortunate that have had been surrounded by wonderful teachers my entire life. I had teachers who nurtured me as I was growing up in elementary and teachers who taught me discipline when I was growing up too quickly in high school.
And then I got the opportunity of a lifetime when I attended the Ateneo and I had teachers who helped shape my vision for myself and for my future.
I can really say, at the risk of sounding maudlin and cliche, that I would not be who I am today if not for these many teachers who tirelessly shared themselves with brats like me.
E. Barrera (HS) --
I had a rebellious streak when I entered high school and was determined to make my life (and my teacher's lives) difficult -- he called me irascible and impetuous -- and proceeded to teach me what those words meant and how to spell them.
A few days before I was going to Manila, uncertain of which university to attend, he told me: "Go to Ateneo. You can thank me later."
It's later. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
M. Bermudo-Libutaque (HS) --
She was my Algebra teacher in Freshman year and later became my Senior class's adviser -- my most wonderful memory of her was sitting down one Saturday afternoon with a few other classmates, trying to make sense of Math ... in Chinese.
We were daunted and intimidated. She wasn't.
We went back and forth, us translating the Chinese words for triangle, circle, radius, etc. -- she translating the language of Math into a more digestible format.
In that afternoon, I learned that I can learn anything -- given the right attitude.
... to be continued.
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Fulfilling dreams --
This time last year, Johann and I ticked off one thing on our places-to-visit list when we went to Japan.
This year, I've only travelled once (to Singapore) and have no plans to go anywhere for the rest of the year. (Johann is going to Singapore in November.)
I'm already thinking about other places I'd love to see -- and I'm excited for the coming year. ^_^
1. Hong Kong <-- I've been here a few times. The last time was during my honeymoon ... and it was raining the entire time. Johann and I were stuck in the Harbour City area and didn't really get to do much. I was recently inspired by Dessert Comes First latest trip to Hong Kong and would like to go back there to give it another try.
2. Taipei, Taiwan <-- I went there on a Boy/Girl Scout trip when I was in High School. Taipei left a good impression on me and I'd love to visit again. ^_^
3. South Korea
4. Macau <-- Ever since I read C's entry on her trip there (and saw her pictures), I've always wanted to go. Johann and my sister don't seem so enthusiastic about visiting this place, though.
5. Grand Tour of Europe <-- this one, we are just waiting for the kids to be a little older before we leave them to their own devices for 2 months.
6. Japan <-- probably Osaka the next time. ^_^
This year, I've only travelled once (to Singapore) and have no plans to go anywhere for the rest of the year. (Johann is going to Singapore in November.)
I'm already thinking about other places I'd love to see -- and I'm excited for the coming year. ^_^
1. Hong Kong <-- I've been here a few times. The last time was during my honeymoon ... and it was raining the entire time. Johann and I were stuck in the Harbour City area and didn't really get to do much. I was recently inspired by Dessert Comes First latest trip to Hong Kong and would like to go back there to give it another try.
2. Taipei, Taiwan <-- I went there on a Boy/Girl Scout trip when I was in High School. Taipei left a good impression on me and I'd love to visit again. ^_^
3. South Korea
4. Macau <-- Ever since I read C's entry on her trip there (and saw her pictures), I've always wanted to go. Johann and my sister don't seem so enthusiastic about visiting this place, though.
5. Grand Tour of Europe <-- this one, we are just waiting for the kids to be a little older before we leave them to their own devices for 2 months.
6. Japan <-- probably Osaka the next time. ^_^
Monday, September 13, 2010
Thursday, September 09, 2010
I'm craving burgers ...
I wonder why ...
The Mickey Mouse Burger charm hangs from my wallet and the Stitch charm hangs from my phone.
^_^
The Mickey Mouse Burger charm hangs from my wallet and the Stitch charm hangs from my phone.
^_^
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
More on The Book Depository --
There are 2 websites for The Book Depository --
A (dot)com website (which I assume is in the US)
and a (dot)co(dot)uk website (which is the original one based in the UK)
Both websites look the same and sell the same books.
BUT --
There are small price differences between the 2 websites.
Before you make your purchase, check both websites first! -- and remember FREE worldwide shipping.
For example:
Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed by Tracy Anne Warren
.com price = $7.61 (SRP = $7.99)
.co.uk price = $7.89 (SRP = $10.77)
Three Nights with a Scoundrel by Tessa Dare
.com price = $7.19 (SRP = $7.99)
.co.uk price = $7.10 (SRP = $7.99)
* * *
My Book Depository Experience --
We ordered some books through the .co.uk website on August 13.
The first book arrived on August 24 and the 2 other books arrived on August 26.
They were delivered directly to the house. (A savings already since I didn't have to pay the 40 pesos handling fee when I claim Bookmooch-ed books at the parcel section of the post office.)
We were able to use the 10% discount (which ended yesterday) and I'm merrily reading my books now. ^_^
A (dot)com website (which I assume is in the US)
and a (dot)co(dot)uk website (which is the original one based in the UK)
Both websites look the same and sell the same books.
BUT --
There are small price differences between the 2 websites.
Before you make your purchase, check both websites first! -- and remember FREE worldwide shipping.
For example:
Wicked Delights of a Bridal Bed by Tracy Anne Warren
.com price = $7.61 (SRP = $7.99)
.co.uk price = $7.89 (SRP = $10.77)
Three Nights with a Scoundrel by Tessa Dare
.com price = $7.19 (SRP = $7.99)
.co.uk price = $7.10 (SRP = $7.99)
* * *
My Book Depository Experience --
We ordered some books through the .co.uk website on August 13.
The first book arrived on August 24 and the 2 other books arrived on August 26.
They were delivered directly to the house. (A savings already since I didn't have to pay the 40 pesos handling fee when I claim Bookmooch-ed books at the parcel section of the post office.)
We were able to use the 10% discount (which ended yesterday) and I'm merrily reading my books now. ^_^
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