Bacon of the Month Club and then some other food-related thoughts --

I did not know that such a thing existed --

I thought bacon only came in one variety = delicious.

But it was featured in The Family Kitchen --

And, apparently, there's more than 1 club operating. Google clickety click!

* * *

Why I love Robinson's Supermarket --

I found the following cool food items there:


Maya Whole Wheat Pancake Mix (they use Muscovado! Yum!)


A different Coleslaw dressing! Very excited to make coleslaw! Yay! (And Double Cheddar Pasta sauce!)

* * *

Cake Pops! --

So, so cute!

And they are relatively easy to make!

Bakerella

Bakerella's Red Velvet Cake Ball Recipe.

December 18: Try --

What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try in 2010? What happened when you did / didn’t go for it? (Author: Kaileen Elise)

My husband and I wanted to try the Mongolian Buffet at Eon Centennial -- and we sat on that for 2/3 of the year. We finally found the motivation to move our fat asses over there and gave it a try. And we loved it. It's one of my favorite buffets here in Iloilo.

I want to try to be a more open and available person next year. I want to try to reach out to people and form relationships. (Whitman's A Noiseless Patient Spider!!!)

I want to try to save up some money and buy myself a nice, extravagant treat in 2011. ^_^

December 17: Lesson Learned --

What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward? (Author: Tara Weaver)

My favorite has to be from Gary Trudeau's interview with Reader's Digest (US Version) November 2010 issue. I forget how he said it, but the gist is: "It's Not About You."

I have had a lot of instances where I become indignant over something I perceive as a slight against me -- and then I remember that it is not about me. And it reminds me to park my ego and re-view the situation. Almost always, I realize that I am being selfish and I find a way to rememdy it.

I know the world does not revolve around me and I am not entitled to anything that I did not work for.

So, I will go out there and work for it. ^_^

December 16: Friendship --

How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst? (Author: Martha Mihalick)

I have few friends in my life, but I am fortunate that they are all good friends.

Dear F, is my brother's friend but I "inherited" her and her husband because we are all based here in Iloilo. She's an amazing mom to her 3 kids and has such a wonderful, positive outlook --

In the years of our friendship, she has taught me to "react with love" to the most difficult things and people.

She is not afraid to embrace life and to enjoy it fully. Our last outing before she gave birth to her 3rd child, we went to Dulgie's and ordered 4 different desserts. I could not do this with any other person. (Maybe, G -- but she is in Singapore.) We ate, we talked -- I always come away from our meetings with lots of insight and strength.

And she is younger than me!

World Book Night: March 5, 2011 --

It would be lovely if they could do this worldwide.

World Book Night

December 15: 5 minutes --

Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010.
(Author: Patti Digh)

1. My daughter's first birthday and baptism. Friends from Manila in Iloilo for the celebration. C watching TV and knitting during naptime. 1kg of bacon.

2. Text conversations with F about romance novels. Silly one line reviews of the books we've read.

3. Seth's first trip outside of the country. Singapore before Chinese New Year. Carlton Hotel breakfast buffet. Seth's own MRT card.

4. Mactan Shangri-la last October. The breakfast buffet. Discovering that I hate how sand feels. Discovering that I love being in the water surrounded by hungry fish. Spice Fusion with my cousin. Consuming 2 plates of naan.

5. Last Monday, December 13. Coffee at Bluejay's with a friend. 3 hour conversation. "We should do this more often."

6. Meeting B at Seattle's Best. 2 hour conversation. Grabbing the free coffee grounds at Starbucks afterwards.

7. My husband saying he will buy me a new wallet because my current wallet is so grotty. (I didn't even realize this -- made me realize that my husband is thoughtful and insightful in a way that complements me.)

8. Playdate with F and her kids. 4 kids + 3 yayas + a house with no breakables and lots of wide open spaces = total madness.

... 5 minutes over ...

Happiness is a bag of books --

This is beside my bed. I used to stack books on my bedside table but my backlog was getting taller and taller that I had to find a different way to store it.

I won the bag in Jennifer Haymore's contest last Christmas.



What's in the bag right now are:
- Books 2 and 3 of Stieg Larsson's Millenium Trilogy
- Tiffany Clare's debut novel
- Judith James' Libertine's Kiss
- some older titles that I've never read

Not in the bag are Books 2 and 3 of The Mysterious Benedict Society. ^_^ (See, I read non-romance also. ^_^)

December 14: Appreciate --

What’s the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it? (Author: Victoria Klein)

My family. I have a great support system around me --

I have a husband who understands my moods. (And who is able to see things that I have overlooked so all our bases are covered.)

I have kids who are so open about their love (and their complaints) --

I have a sister who listens to me.

I have parents who call every morning (sometimes too early, though) to check up on us.

I have brothers who don't blink even when I ask them to get me a bra at M&S.

Even my extended family is awesome.

My kids' ninongs and ninangs are amazing people who (I know) will inspire my kids to do the amazing things that they do.

The few friends I have here in Iloilo are so, so much fun and insightful.

I have not been able to show my appreciation to all these people. (I hope they know how much I appreciate them.)

December 13: Action --

When it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step? (Author: Scott Belsky)

I'm a list-maker -- and I try to do everything on my list. The list stays with me until I finish everything on it.

I have quite grand plans for next year -- and I've listed them all down already. I'm actually not waiting until the new year to start on my resolutions. I've started on them already.

I just hope I don't lose steam before I accomplish my plans for the year. ^_^

Best Romance of 2010 (According to Smart Bitches, Trashy Books) --

Article Found Here.

Last Night’s Scandal by Loretta Chase (Avon, 2010)
Hot Finish by Erin McCarthy (Berkley, 2010)
The Summer of You by Kate Noble (Berkley, 2010)
Something About You by Julie James (Berkley, 2010)
Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie (St Martin’s, 2010)
Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey (Carina Press, 2010)
Iron Duke by Meljean Brook (Berkley, 2010)
Butterfly Swords by Jeannie Lin (Harlequin, 2010)
His at Night by Sherry Thomas (Bantam, 2010)
Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (EgmontUSA, 2010)
What the Librarian Did by Karina Bliss (Harlequin, 2010)
Archangel’s Kiss by Nalini Singh (Berkley, 2010)
Scoundrel by Zoe Archer (Zebra/Kensington, 2010)
All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins (HQN, 2010)
Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts (Berkley, 2010)
Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews (Ace, 2010)
The Forbidden Rose by Joanna Bourne (Berkley, 2010)
Nine Rules to Break when Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean (Avon, 2010)
Naked Edge by Pamela Clare (Berkley, 2010)
Strawberries for Dessert by Marie Sexton (Dreamspinner, 2010)
Seven Nights to Forever by Evangeline Collins (Berkley, 2010)

I've only read 3 books in the list. (I'm at a disadvantage because I only read historical romances.) I'm glad Sherry Thomas made the list -- I love all of her books!

Now I'm thinking of my choices for Best Romance of 2010. I'll probably write about it next week.

Here's Kirkus' list of the Best Children's and Teens Books for 2010.

December 12: Body Integration --

This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present?
(Author: Patrick Reynolds)

I know what this feels like -- to have everything in place and everything just runs smoothly. It's exhilirating to feel that alive But I can't remember a moment when I felt like this this year. I am sure I have -- but I can't pull up a memory right now.

When I sit down with my kids to read or play, I feel a synergy between my mind and my heart -- it's wonderful to be in tune with the joy and wonder that's around you.

When I am out for my morning walk, there is an integration of mind and body. I walk, I plan the day, I walk.

But all at the same time? Hmmm...

December 11: 11 Things --

(Yay! I've caught up!)

What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life?
(Author: Sam Davidson)

1. About 30 pounds of weight. I can't use "post pregnancy" as an excuse anymore because Anya is almost 2.

2. Sugar. Not the white stuff because we don't really use sugar for anything. But the sugar content in the stuff me and my family eat. We're actually very vigilant and don't usually buy anything with more than 7g of sugar ... but the temptation of chocolates ... and Krispy Kreme ... and juice in tetra packs.

3. Negativity. I want next year to be about "yes" and "can do" --

4. Anger. I used to be very patient and very zen. Then I became intolerant and angry all the time. I want to find a good balance in my temperament. (And I will try to stop swearing so much.)

5. Silence. I don't listen to music that much -- and neither do the kids (which is why Seth is unfamiliar with Nursery Rhymes and stuff) -- I will try to change this for next year. I went my kids to be the loudest singers of Nursery Rhymes in their school.

6. Small, useless things -- I accummulate lots of these small things for 50 pesos and 100 pesos. They bring instant gratification and nothing more. When I look at all these small objects that are cluttering up drawers and shelves, I realize I could have pooled all that money and gotten myself something of greater value and use.

7. Frumpy clothes -- I have become a lazy dresser and I don't think too much about what I wear when I go out. I haven't bought anything for myself since January. (It's part of forgetting about myself: the weight, the dry skin, etc, etc) -- but I'm trying to take better care of myself and I've allocated time for myself every day. I have declared next year as "me" year. ^_~

8. Flat shoes -- I have 2 pairs of Crocs flats -- a pair of Cotton Pink Prima, which I've had for a very long time and a pair of Cotton Pink Malindi, which I bought last year. I think it's time I wore heels. (I am planning to buy one last pair of flats ... a pair of Crocs Lady. In Cotton Pink!)

9. (Too much) TV, Internet, iPod time -- the amount of time I spend on these things horrifies even me. I could have accomplished so much more if I could give up even 20% of the time I spend on these things.

10. My (over)dependence on my credit card -- Part of my new financial plan is to limit my use of my credit card. I've taken it for granted and have become careless with the decisions I make regarding my purchases. Hopefully, I'll be more prudent in what I spend my money on this coming year.

11. Ego -- sometimes I think I have all the answers and I refuse to admit that there is a better way of seeing/doing something. Thank goodness I have a husband, a sister and a mother who can shake some sense into me and there's God who reminds me weekly of the value of humility.

December 10: Wisdom --

What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)

I'm not sure if this is the wisest decision I've made but I know it's one of the best decisions I've made --

We put in some of our savings in a mutual fund and we are enjoying the yield of this decision this Christmas.

I really liked what our financial advisor at Philam said: "You worked hard for that money. Now let your money work hard for you." ^_^

I'm trying to be more careful with my family's finances -- having 2 small kids takes out a large chunk of our expenses every month and our savings suffer a bit. (Plus, we had Anya's illness early this year.)

I sat down and thought about this and I've discovered that I had been making a LOT of unnecessary spending so I've written down a better savings plan and I've been on it for the past 3 weeks now. So far, so good. ^_^

December 9: Party --

What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.
(Author: Shauna Reid)

I really enjoyed my friend M's baptism party for their son, Matthew. It was a mostly family affair and they invited some friends. They have a great family dynamic and it was so wonderful to see that.

That same evening, they celebrated his parents' birthdays -- his parents love to travel and that was the theme of the evening. They gave away luggage tags to all their guests.

They also showed pictures from all the trips they took. It was so, so cute seeing them pose in those cardboard cutouts where you stick your head in and then take a picture. It was fun to see Tito M and Tita L have a good time.

They own the restaurant/hotel where both parties were held and the food was amazing! They prepared stuff that were "off the menu" and it was such a wonderful treat! They cook a really, really amazing Fookien Fried Rice.

December 8: Beautifully Different --

Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful.
(Author: Karen Walrond)

My thoughts and ideas have always been a little different from everyone else's -- and that used to worry me so much (thinking why I'm the only one who see's it that way) -- but I'm not so worried anymore -- because I have been told by my family and the few friends I have that they appreciate my unique point of view.

I've never seen myself as beautiful and have never been told that I was beautiful (except by my husband who is legally and spiritually obligated to believe it) -- so it comes as a bit of a surprise when people exclaim how pretty Anya is and how she looks like me.

I have never aspired to be beautiful or to be adored by many -- I have always strived to be comfortable in my skin -- lately, I haven't been feeling this. I've let myself go and I'm heavier ... and I feel it. And I don't like it. (Which is why I'm walking -- I haven't actually lost any weight -- but I feel better about myself.)

As for lighting people up -- I'm afraid I don't. I have always had a somber and serious disposition. (There was this home video of me and my cousins when I was 10 -- my cousins and my brothers were all laughing it up and I was standing to one side of the garden, quietly looking on.)

I have a cousin who does this -- light up the room when she's there -- and it's wonderful to be around her. (I visit her in Cebu just for this. ^_^)

I do wish I were the same way ... but I'm not. I don't mind it, though -- at least I have someone in my life who provides me with sunshine. ^_^

December 7: Community --

Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?
(Author: Cali Harris)

Online, I have always appreciated and enjoyed Newlyweds@Work -- I'm a little chagrined because my participation in the group is very sporadic -- but I read the list religiously and I reflect on the experiences of my fellow N@wies.

I've also enjoyed reading the interaction of my husband and his friends on Facebook. I don't have my own Facebook page (because I'm not a big fan of micro-blogging and I am already on 2 online venues: Blogger and Multiply and, etc.) -- it's amazing how that place has helped people to reconnect and to have an opportunity for small daily chats and such.

For 2011, I would like to participate more actively in my life here in Iloilo -- I'm still hovering on the fringes of (what was once) my community and am still struggling to find a way to get my big foot in the door -- but I am being patient and am biding my time.

December 6: Make --

What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it?
(Author: Gretchen Rubin)

I made my daughter's birthday invitations this year -- piece by piece. I didn't have all the necessary tools, but I made do.

I'm also trying to make a connection with some people here in Iloilo. It's depressing to be this isolated and alone -- so I'm trying to put myself out there and to renew ties again. ^_^

I'm most proud of all the cooking experiments our cook and I have been making -- some successful and some, not so.

December 5: Let Go --

What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why?
(Author: Alice Bradley)

I let go of my fears this year. (I'm still trying to let go of them as we speak. ^_^)

It's so exhausting to be worried and afraid all of the time. I realized that I was 32 years old and I didn't want to be afraid anymore.

And I don't want to pass this fear on to my kids. (Seth sometimes gets anxious about things -- and I think he gets that from me.)

I would like to be more bold and "out there" -- but also careful. ^_^

December 4: Wonder --

How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year?
(Author: Jeffrey Davis)

This happens all the time when I am with my children.

It's wonderful to be able to see the world from their point of view. It's wonderful to be able to feel excitement about the world all over again.

We interrupt the reflection with a letter to JackTV --

Dear JackTV,

Please get this show?

The Sing Off



Thank you!

Merry Christmas! ^_^