Like the Ant (or how we're preparing for the Holy Week) --
Johann and I are preparing for Holy Week next week and we've started stocking up on DVDs to watch during that time. Today we went to Metrowalk with my sister and we purchased the following:
Elizabethtown
Serenity
Everything is Illuminated
We still have half a box of the Gilmore Girls Season 3 and full boxes of Seasons 4 and 5.
There were a LOT of good titles available at Metrowalk and we'll get them the next time we're in the area --
Good Night and Good Luck
The Squid and the Whale
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
plus a shedload of Indie films
We've discussed grocery plans for Holy Week and we plan to do our buying on Tuesday.
* * *
Oh --
And I got to eat Iceberg Halo Halo today with my sister (and Johann paid for everything) --
Yummmmmm.... ^_^
Monday, April 03, 2006
Jaa ne --
My youngest brother is now on his way to Japan to take his PhD in Japanese Studies.
I really admire my youngest bro's determination and vision -- he applied for a Monbusho scholarship and was granted one. I'm not surprised, though -- if you look at his CV, you'll see how dedicated he is to the study of Asian/Japanese history and how he has pursued it so passionately since he graduated from college.
I remember meeting with his Philo teacher (who was a batchmate) and she told me that, even then, my bro was able to connect questions in History to questions in Philosophy.
My other brother recently found out that he got the scholarship to pursue his MS in the United States. He'll be leaving this August. This brother's interest is Science and he works for the Manila Observatory. I've visited him several times at his office and I am always amazed at how effortless the work is for him -- how forecasting and crunching data seems like second nature to him.
I'm really proud of my sibs and how they were brave enough to pursue their passions -- ^_^
* * *
Sunday afternoon with Mahar --
I needed to return a book to Mahar and he wanted to show me his new place so we decided to meet up yesterday afternoon.
I really LOVED visiting his new home -- it has a very welcoming feel to it and you could really see how the place was designed for a family. He took me around the neighborhood and talked about some of the people living in that subdivison as well.
... now I want to live there, too. O_O
After we left the subdivision, we both started talking about wanting something sweet to eat. We decided to check out Cordillera Coffee along Xavierville only to find that they were closed on Sundays.
So, guess what we did --
We drove to UP and had carrot cake at Chocolate Kiss.
Carrot cake is an ongoing craving of mine. It has been indulged by Johann and my sister many many times already. During one really intense craving moment, Johann and I took a jeep to UP to have carrot cake at Chocolate Kiss.
... I really should just learn how to make it.
After UP, Mahar was contemplating going to Gateway for the sale but we decided to swing by Shoppersville so I could pick up a half-gallon of FIC Pistachio ice cream. We got to the FIC freezer and saw that it was near-empty. Thankfully, there was someone kind enough to dig down to find the last Pistachio ice cream for me. (Guess he understands the needs of a pregnant woman. ^_^)
All in all, it was a wonderful afternoon of conversation and spontaneity. ^_^
Best bit of advice from Mahar (actually, Mahar's mom through Mahar): It is practical to be happy.
* * *
Oh --
and I finished reading The Professor and The Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Apparently, one of their most prolific contributors was a doctor who was also an inmate in an asylum.
It's an amazing reconstruction of the greatest set of books (IMHO) was formed.
Now I want to read this: The Meaning of Everything : The Story of the Oxford English Dictionary also by Simon Winchester.
I'm a big fan of the OED -- and, at one point, I was actually working towards getting my own 20-volume set. I had called the local Oxford books distributor and inquired about how to get it in. The books are expensive, costing $800 dollars (used) on Amazon. Let's not even talk about shipping costs. The guy I talked to used words like "container" and "ship by sea" -- O_O
I'm currently reading Jonathan Carroll's Sleeping in Flame. Carroll is one of Johann's favorite authors and he is very happy that I have finally decided to read one of his books.
* * *
Joy and Jubilation! --
Martha Stewart on Lifestyle Network! Mondays to Fridays at 9pm!
My youngest brother is now on his way to Japan to take his PhD in Japanese Studies.
I really admire my youngest bro's determination and vision -- he applied for a Monbusho scholarship and was granted one. I'm not surprised, though -- if you look at his CV, you'll see how dedicated he is to the study of Asian/Japanese history and how he has pursued it so passionately since he graduated from college.
I remember meeting with his Philo teacher (who was a batchmate) and she told me that, even then, my bro was able to connect questions in History to questions in Philosophy.
My other brother recently found out that he got the scholarship to pursue his MS in the United States. He'll be leaving this August. This brother's interest is Science and he works for the Manila Observatory. I've visited him several times at his office and I am always amazed at how effortless the work is for him -- how forecasting and crunching data seems like second nature to him.
I'm really proud of my sibs and how they were brave enough to pursue their passions -- ^_^
* * *
Sunday afternoon with Mahar --
I needed to return a book to Mahar and he wanted to show me his new place so we decided to meet up yesterday afternoon.
I really LOVED visiting his new home -- it has a very welcoming feel to it and you could really see how the place was designed for a family. He took me around the neighborhood and talked about some of the people living in that subdivison as well.
... now I want to live there, too. O_O
After we left the subdivision, we both started talking about wanting something sweet to eat. We decided to check out Cordillera Coffee along Xavierville only to find that they were closed on Sundays.
So, guess what we did --
We drove to UP and had carrot cake at Chocolate Kiss.
Carrot cake is an ongoing craving of mine. It has been indulged by Johann and my sister many many times already. During one really intense craving moment, Johann and I took a jeep to UP to have carrot cake at Chocolate Kiss.
... I really should just learn how to make it.
After UP, Mahar was contemplating going to Gateway for the sale but we decided to swing by Shoppersville so I could pick up a half-gallon of FIC Pistachio ice cream. We got to the FIC freezer and saw that it was near-empty. Thankfully, there was someone kind enough to dig down to find the last Pistachio ice cream for me. (Guess he understands the needs of a pregnant woman. ^_^)
All in all, it was a wonderful afternoon of conversation and spontaneity. ^_^
Best bit of advice from Mahar (actually, Mahar's mom through Mahar): It is practical to be happy.
* * *
Oh --
and I finished reading The Professor and The Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Apparently, one of their most prolific contributors was a doctor who was also an inmate in an asylum.
It's an amazing reconstruction of the greatest set of books (IMHO) was formed.
Now I want to read this: The Meaning of Everything : The Story of the Oxford English Dictionary also by Simon Winchester.
I'm a big fan of the OED -- and, at one point, I was actually working towards getting my own 20-volume set. I had called the local Oxford books distributor and inquired about how to get it in. The books are expensive, costing $800 dollars (used) on Amazon. Let's not even talk about shipping costs. The guy I talked to used words like "container" and "ship by sea" -- O_O
I'm currently reading Jonathan Carroll's Sleeping in Flame. Carroll is one of Johann's favorite authors and he is very happy that I have finally decided to read one of his books.
* * *
Joy and Jubilation! --
Martha Stewart on Lifestyle Network! Mondays to Fridays at 9pm!
Friday, March 31, 2006
Madness! --
This is really, really fun! (Or do I just think it's fun because I haven't been able to go clothes shopping in almost 7 months? ^_^)
Dollmaker!
This is really, really fun! (Or do I just think it's fun because I haven't been able to go clothes shopping in almost 7 months? ^_^)
Dollmaker!
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Plans --
Yesterday, I submitted my final grades online so the only thing I need to do is clear my desk at the department and I would've completed all the requirements for this semester.
My stint at the ALLC ends on April 21 and I really, really want to take on a second module for May -- but my ever-growing girth is slowing me down and this infernal heat is really, really, REALLY getting to me.
April 9 marks the end of the Childbirth Preparation Seminar that we've been attending for the past few Sundays now.
April 13 to 16 is Holy Week and we haven't really made plans yet.
* * *
Remembering --
Had lunch with E yesterday at Ateneo. We ate at the Clubhouse (Manang's -- to the younger batches) and I was telling him my plans.
We talked about how much free time I will have after the baby is born and he said, "Well, the bright side is that you get to write again."
And that's when it struck me -- that I had forgotten that. And I am glad to be reminded of it -- it is something to look forward to. ^_^
* * *
Take 2 --
My Johari window --
Again. ^_^
Yesterday, I submitted my final grades online so the only thing I need to do is clear my desk at the department and I would've completed all the requirements for this semester.
My stint at the ALLC ends on April 21 and I really, really want to take on a second module for May -- but my ever-growing girth is slowing me down and this infernal heat is really, really, REALLY getting to me.
April 9 marks the end of the Childbirth Preparation Seminar that we've been attending for the past few Sundays now.
April 13 to 16 is Holy Week and we haven't really made plans yet.
* * *
Remembering --
Had lunch with E yesterday at Ateneo. We ate at the Clubhouse (Manang's -- to the younger batches) and I was telling him my plans.
We talked about how much free time I will have after the baby is born and he said, "Well, the bright side is that you get to write again."
And that's when it struck me -- that I had forgotten that. And I am glad to be reminded of it -- it is something to look forward to. ^_^
* * *
Take 2 --
My Johari window --
Again. ^_^
Saturday, March 25, 2006
A bite at a time --
So this is what's been on my checking pile:
- 6 brown envelopes containing my En11's group project on Critical Thinking <-- done!- 21 brown envelopes containing my En11's individual evaluation papers (a follow-up to Critical Thinking)
- Final exams of my Lit13 classes (x2) <-- done!
Deadline for grades has been pushed back to April 3 but, if all goes well, I'll be done by Wednesday next week.
H'ray! ^_^
* * *
Am curious about this --
Sebastian's Ice Cream
Flavors:
BANANA BONANZA - Banana Ice Cream with chunks of Dark Chocolate and Walnuts
SWISS CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE - Delectable Cheesecake ice cream with Graham Crust pieces and chunks of Toblerone Chocolate with honey & almond nougat
CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH - Creamy Vanilla ice cream with gobs of unbaked Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Walnuts
CHOCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - Rich Chocolate ice cream with a thick Fudge ribbon & even more Dark Chocolate chunks
BAILEYS FUDGE - Bailey's Irish Cream ice cream with a thick ribbon of rich chocolate Fudge
PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE DOUGH - Dark Chocolate ice cream with unbaked Peanut Butter Cookie Dough loaded with chocolate chips
BERRY WHITE - White Chocolate ice cream with a luscious Strawberry ribbon made from real fruit
PB & J - Choco-Peanut ice cream with Graham Crackers & a whimsical Strawberry Jelly swirl
MAPLE WALNUT - Sweet Maple ice cream loaded with crunchy Roast Walnuts
MIDNIGHT PEANUT BUTTER CUP - Devilishly rich Dark Chocolate ice cream with Reeses Peanut Butter Cups
MACADAMIA WHITE - Delicate White Chocolate ice cream garnished with Macadamia Nuts
MANGO SANS RIVAL - Buttercream-Cashew ice cream garnished with wafer pieces, Cashews, and a luscious Mango ribbon made with real fruit
Contact info:
sebastians.icecream(at)gmail.com
* * *
It's been a while --
I love my hubby. ^_^
So this is what's been on my checking pile:
- 6 brown envelopes containing my En11's group project on Critical Thinking <-- done!- 21 brown envelopes containing my En11's individual evaluation papers (a follow-up to Critical Thinking)
- Final exams of my Lit13 classes (x2) <-- done!
Deadline for grades has been pushed back to April 3 but, if all goes well, I'll be done by Wednesday next week.
H'ray! ^_^
* * *
Am curious about this --
Sebastian's Ice Cream
Flavors:
BANANA BONANZA - Banana Ice Cream with chunks of Dark Chocolate and Walnuts
SWISS CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE - Delectable Cheesecake ice cream with Graham Crust pieces and chunks of Toblerone Chocolate with honey & almond nougat
CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH - Creamy Vanilla ice cream with gobs of unbaked Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Walnuts
CHOCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - Rich Chocolate ice cream with a thick Fudge ribbon & even more Dark Chocolate chunks
BAILEYS FUDGE - Bailey's Irish Cream ice cream with a thick ribbon of rich chocolate Fudge
PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE DOUGH - Dark Chocolate ice cream with unbaked Peanut Butter Cookie Dough loaded with chocolate chips
BERRY WHITE - White Chocolate ice cream with a luscious Strawberry ribbon made from real fruit
PB & J - Choco-Peanut ice cream with Graham Crackers & a whimsical Strawberry Jelly swirl
MAPLE WALNUT - Sweet Maple ice cream loaded with crunchy Roast Walnuts
MIDNIGHT PEANUT BUTTER CUP - Devilishly rich Dark Chocolate ice cream with Reeses Peanut Butter Cups
MACADAMIA WHITE - Delicate White Chocolate ice cream garnished with Macadamia Nuts
MANGO SANS RIVAL - Buttercream-Cashew ice cream garnished with wafer pieces, Cashews, and a luscious Mango ribbon made with real fruit
Contact info:
sebastians.icecream(at)gmail.com
* * *
It's been a while --
I love my hubby. ^_^
Friday, March 17, 2006
Almost there --
It's the last week of classes. Next week, I just have to be in school on Monday to proctor the Lit13 exam and on Friday to receive the final papers from my En11 class.
My parents are arriving next week and I'm looking forward to going baby shopping with them. (The last time they had to go into a baby section for a massive purchase was when my youngest bro was born 26 years ago! O_o)
On my watch list is V for Vendetta and *koff* She's the Man.
It's the last week of classes. Next week, I just have to be in school on Monday to proctor the Lit13 exam and on Friday to receive the final papers from my En11 class.
My parents are arriving next week and I'm looking forward to going baby shopping with them. (The last time they had to go into a baby section for a massive purchase was when my youngest bro was born 26 years ago! O_o)
On my watch list is V for Vendetta and *koff* She's the Man.
Monday, March 13, 2006
A follow-up to the previous post --
After that wonderful experience of discussing syllogisms with my class, I decided to give them a quiz (to check how much they've actually understood).
My class looked at the syllogisms on the blackboard and quickly went to work analyzing its validity. Some used the Venn Diagram method and others had an improvised version of it.
The outcome, everyone in my class got an 8 and up. (The perfect score is a 10) And no one groaned or complained when I announced there was a quiz.
* * *
School year's ending! --
It's almost over and I have survived another semester! Hurrah!
I had wonderful classes this semester and I'm proud of myself for rising up to the challenge of making this an interesting semester for ALL of my classes. Normally, I would be complaining about how tedious it is to teach English and how I prefer to teach Lit. This time, however, I'd like to say that my English class has made the whole semester enjoyable.
My only niggle this semester was having to check papers pregnant. No more lying on my tummy in bed checking. I have to sit at the dining table or the coffee table or fashion a table of sorts using pillows on the bed to check. But I have checked ALL the papers and I have NO backlog whatsoever.
Yes, I am smug. ^_^
* * *
On the weather --
I hate it. It's hot and humid and sticky and bleh.
I have made a mental note that, next time I get pregnant, it will be during the rainy months.
* * *
Activities this month --
Lit13 Exam - March 20
Mom's birthday - March 22
Bro's birthday - March 27
Submission of Grades - March 31
Bro's despedida - some time end of March, early April
ALLC teaching stint - TTh until April 21
Childbirth Preparation Seminar - Sundays until April 9
After that wonderful experience of discussing syllogisms with my class, I decided to give them a quiz (to check how much they've actually understood).
My class looked at the syllogisms on the blackboard and quickly went to work analyzing its validity. Some used the Venn Diagram method and others had an improvised version of it.
The outcome, everyone in my class got an 8 and up. (The perfect score is a 10) And no one groaned or complained when I announced there was a quiz.
* * *
School year's ending! --
It's almost over and I have survived another semester! Hurrah!
I had wonderful classes this semester and I'm proud of myself for rising up to the challenge of making this an interesting semester for ALL of my classes. Normally, I would be complaining about how tedious it is to teach English and how I prefer to teach Lit. This time, however, I'd like to say that my English class has made the whole semester enjoyable.
My only niggle this semester was having to check papers pregnant. No more lying on my tummy in bed checking. I have to sit at the dining table or the coffee table or fashion a table of sorts using pillows on the bed to check. But I have checked ALL the papers and I have NO backlog whatsoever.
Yes, I am smug. ^_^
* * *
On the weather --
I hate it. It's hot and humid and sticky and bleh.
I have made a mental note that, next time I get pregnant, it will be during the rainy months.
* * *
Activities this month --
Lit13 Exam - March 20
Mom's birthday - March 22
Bro's birthday - March 27
Submission of Grades - March 31
Bro's despedida - some time end of March, early April
ALLC teaching stint - TTh until April 21
Childbirth Preparation Seminar - Sundays until April 9
Thursday, March 09, 2006
So that's what THAT looks like --
My class and I have been struggling with syllogisms for the past two weeks. While other teachers have moved on to the next chapter of the lesson, my class and I are still neck deep in major premises, minor premises, conclusions and S, M and P (terms in syllogism).
I admire my class' determination to really understand the lesson and it's been quite a challenge.
Yesterday, we had a breakthrough -- we finally figured it out! After days of listless looking students, you could really see the spark of interest returning to their faces. So many hands were raised in recitation and students were offering ways we could improve our improvised Venn Diagram.
Tomorrow, we test how well we understood everything with an activity and then we move on to Fallacies.
* * *
You know your bro can't help you when --
You ask him if he knows how to plot Venn Diagrams
and he replies, "Why does that sound familiar"
* * *
Silver lining! --
I have, in a cardboard box sitting in our dining table,
the two-disc widescreen special edition of the RENT DVD
the DVD for Mirrormask
and the boxed sets of Seasons 2 to 5 of Gilmore Girls
... just in time for the summer. Whee!
* * *
Sweet thing my hun did --
My hun is a fruit hater -- who especially hates mushy fruits (and vegetables). I have recently developed a liking for avocados and was able to purchase really beautiful avocados from the Dizon's stall in Megamall.
I had forgotten that I had two neighbors (my brothers) who also love avocados so, in an act of SUPREME SACRIFICE, I gave up my perfect avocados so my brothers can enjoy them.
When I came home the next day from work, I saw four perfect avocados waiting for me. Apparently, my hun stopped by SM Makati on his way home from work and was touching/squeezing/weighing avocados to make sure they were nice and he got some for me. ^_^
My class and I have been struggling with syllogisms for the past two weeks. While other teachers have moved on to the next chapter of the lesson, my class and I are still neck deep in major premises, minor premises, conclusions and S, M and P (terms in syllogism).
I admire my class' determination to really understand the lesson and it's been quite a challenge.
Yesterday, we had a breakthrough -- we finally figured it out! After days of listless looking students, you could really see the spark of interest returning to their faces. So many hands were raised in recitation and students were offering ways we could improve our improvised Venn Diagram.
Tomorrow, we test how well we understood everything with an activity and then we move on to Fallacies.
* * *
You know your bro can't help you when --
You ask him if he knows how to plot Venn Diagrams
and he replies, "Why does that sound familiar"
* * *
Silver lining! --
I have, in a cardboard box sitting in our dining table,
the two-disc widescreen special edition of the RENT DVD
the DVD for Mirrormask
and the boxed sets of Seasons 2 to 5 of Gilmore Girls
... just in time for the summer. Whee!
* * *
Sweet thing my hun did --
My hun is a fruit hater -- who especially hates mushy fruits (and vegetables). I have recently developed a liking for avocados and was able to purchase really beautiful avocados from the Dizon's stall in Megamall.
I had forgotten that I had two neighbors (my brothers) who also love avocados so, in an act of SUPREME SACRIFICE, I gave up my perfect avocados so my brothers can enjoy them.
When I came home the next day from work, I saw four perfect avocados waiting for me. Apparently, my hun stopped by SM Makati on his way home from work and was touching/squeezing/weighing avocados to make sure they were nice and he got some for me. ^_^
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Bleh --
This is what I've been reading for the past few days now --
Syllogisms (wikipedia)
Syllogism Evaluator
Syllogisms (philosophy pages)
I finally figured out an easy way to teach my students this -- I do feel the satisfaction of having conquered something so unwieldy but, at the same time, the cynic in me know that my students will not appreciate the effort and will forget about this on Friday.
~sigh~
* * *
New experience! --
I took my mom's advice (that I should try to keep working until before giving birth so I won't have a difficult time recovering) and accepted the teaching stint with the Ateneo Language Learning Center.
It is an interesting experience -- twice a week, I meet with a group of 12 students from different parts of the world and we try to help each other improve our English.
I started today and the stint runs until end of April.
The challenge is to keep the class interested in learning English (and not killing their poor fingers from the activity sheets)
This is what I've been reading for the past few days now --
Syllogisms (wikipedia)
Syllogism Evaluator
Syllogisms (philosophy pages)
I finally figured out an easy way to teach my students this -- I do feel the satisfaction of having conquered something so unwieldy but, at the same time, the cynic in me know that my students will not appreciate the effort and will forget about this on Friday.
~sigh~
* * *
New experience! --
I took my mom's advice (that I should try to keep working until before giving birth so I won't have a difficult time recovering) and accepted the teaching stint with the Ateneo Language Learning Center.
It is an interesting experience -- twice a week, I meet with a group of 12 students from different parts of the world and we try to help each other improve our English.
I started today and the stint runs until end of April.
The challenge is to keep the class interested in learning English (and not killing their poor fingers from the activity sheets)
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Oscar Cheer List --
Monday is Oscars and I'm rooting for the following to win:
Actor - Philip Seymour Hoffman, Capote
Supporting Actor - Paul Giamatti, Cinderella Man <-- He should've been nominated and would've won for Sideways
Actress - toss up between Judi Dench, Mrs Henderson Presents & Keira Knightley, Pride & Prejudice
Supporting Actress - Rachel Weisz, The Constant Gardener
Animated Film - Howl's Moving Castle!!!
Picture - Capote / Good Night & Good Luck
Director - George Clooney, Good Night & Good Luck
<-- it would be interesting if he won, but I think they're going to give it to Ang Lee this year
Monday is Oscars and I'm rooting for the following to win:
Actor - Philip Seymour Hoffman, Capote
Supporting Actor - Paul Giamatti, Cinderella Man <-- He should've been nominated and would've won for Sideways
Actress - toss up between Judi Dench, Mrs Henderson Presents & Keira Knightley, Pride & Prejudice
Supporting Actress - Rachel Weisz, The Constant Gardener
Animated Film - Howl's Moving Castle!!!
Picture - Capote / Good Night & Good Luck
Director - George Clooney, Good Night & Good Luck
<-- it would be interesting if he won, but I think they're going to give it to Ang Lee this year
Friday, March 03, 2006
Finally! --
Johann and I finally got to watch a movie! Pride and Prejudice! H'ray!
We watched the first show at Gateway yesterday. I really enjoyed the movie -- Matthew Macfadyen is so cute!
* * *
I made this --
Watched Tyler Florence's Ultimate Cheesecake and suddenly started craving for one --
After the movie, Johann and I went to Rustan's Fresh and got the ingredients for cheesecake --
It looks a bit melty because I was impatient and took it out of the fridge before the prescribed 4-hour chilling was over. But it was yummy!
Johann and I finally got to watch a movie! Pride and Prejudice! H'ray!
We watched the first show at Gateway yesterday. I really enjoyed the movie -- Matthew Macfadyen is so cute!
* * *
I made this --
Watched Tyler Florence's Ultimate Cheesecake and suddenly started craving for one --
After the movie, Johann and I went to Rustan's Fresh and got the ingredients for cheesecake --
It looks a bit melty because I was impatient and took it out of the fridge before the prescribed 4-hour chilling was over. But it was yummy!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
New Toys! --
My bros were recently in Singapore and this is what they brought home for us --
I kept the Shuffle and Johann's using the Nano (I didn't want the Nano because it looks to fragile =P) --
So, what's on my shuffle? A lot of classical music and a Podcast of Fairy Tales. I stick one earphone in my ear and the other one in my belly button and *voila!* ^_^
My bros were recently in Singapore and this is what they brought home for us --
I kept the Shuffle and Johann's using the Nano (I didn't want the Nano because it looks to fragile =P) --
So, what's on my shuffle? A lot of classical music and a Podcast of Fairy Tales. I stick one earphone in my ear and the other one in my belly button and *voila!* ^_^
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Strange, strange --
Yesterday was strange, to say the least. I was already on my way to work when I found out that classes were cancelled for the day. This was a welcome relief, because I wasn't really in the mood to teach that day. (Case of the grumpies. *grump grump*)
I still went to the office to pick up readings and papers to check over the weekend.
I spent the day watching the goings-on on television and it was a very distant/alienated experiencing.
I didn't know what it was about--
I can't explain it, but something felt "off" about this "revolution" --
* * *
Sumo, raar! --
Met up with a friend for lunch today and we decided to try out Sumo Sam in Shangri-la. The menu is amazing! So many things to choose from! Johann and I were overwhelmed and we wanted to try EVERYTHING.
Since it was our first time, I decided to go with my Japanese "tester" food, katsudon. (Tester = something I eat at all Japanese restos -- if they muck up a Katsudon, then everything else must suck) Johann had the spicy chicken teriyaki. It was all yummy!
Sayang lang I can't have maki and anything raw. =P
Yesterday was strange, to say the least. I was already on my way to work when I found out that classes were cancelled for the day. This was a welcome relief, because I wasn't really in the mood to teach that day. (Case of the grumpies. *grump grump*)
I still went to the office to pick up readings and papers to check over the weekend.
I spent the day watching the goings-on on television and it was a very distant/alienated experiencing.
I didn't know what it was about--
I can't explain it, but something felt "off" about this "revolution" --
* * *
Sumo, raar! --
Met up with a friend for lunch today and we decided to try out Sumo Sam in Shangri-la. The menu is amazing! So many things to choose from! Johann and I were overwhelmed and we wanted to try EVERYTHING.
Since it was our first time, I decided to go with my Japanese "tester" food, katsudon. (Tester = something I eat at all Japanese restos -- if they muck up a Katsudon, then everything else must suck) Johann had the spicy chicken teriyaki. It was all yummy!
Sayang lang I can't have maki and anything raw. =P
Thursday, February 23, 2006
I made this! --
It was my bro's birthday last Tuesday and he asked me to prepare the Tofu Lasagna for his office. I also offered to make a Spinach Artichoke dip for him.
Everything was relatively easy to make and it took us 1 hour of prep and about 30 minutes of baking to make both dishes and they turned out really well. (IMHO *koff*)
My bro asked us to join him at his office for lunch and I was very happy to see that his officemates liked the lasagna and the dip.
* * *
Oh, and my current favorite --
I don't like the pregnancy pants being sold in the maternity stores -- the one with the adjustable waist band. I think it works when one is late in their pregnancy but, for someone who is just 23 weeks in, it looks really baggy and bleh.
I found this pair of pants from Yvonne's for under PhP600 and I love it! The waistband is elastic and wide enough to accommodate my growing girth and it looks very sleek pa rin.
^_^
* * *
Zaturnnah! --
My sibs and I (with Johann) watched the matinee show last Saturday and had the time of our lives! It is clever and campy and everything else in between.
Eula Valdez was a revelation as ZsaZsa -- and Ricci Chan was perfect as Didi.
After the show, we texted everyone we knew and told them to catch the musical.
It was my bro's birthday last Tuesday and he asked me to prepare the Tofu Lasagna for his office. I also offered to make a Spinach Artichoke dip for him.
Everything was relatively easy to make and it took us 1 hour of prep and about 30 minutes of baking to make both dishes and they turned out really well. (IMHO *koff*)
My bro asked us to join him at his office for lunch and I was very happy to see that his officemates liked the lasagna and the dip.
* * *
Oh, and my current favorite --
I don't like the pregnancy pants being sold in the maternity stores -- the one with the adjustable waist band. I think it works when one is late in their pregnancy but, for someone who is just 23 weeks in, it looks really baggy and bleh.
I found this pair of pants from Yvonne's for under PhP600 and I love it! The waistband is elastic and wide enough to accommodate my growing girth and it looks very sleek pa rin.
^_^
* * *
Zaturnnah! --
My sibs and I (with Johann) watched the matinee show last Saturday and had the time of our lives! It is clever and campy and everything else in between.
Eula Valdez was a revelation as ZsaZsa -- and Ricci Chan was perfect as Didi.
After the show, we texted everyone we knew and told them to catch the musical.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
How I spent my Valentine's Day --
Johann and I had a pre-Valentine's celebration last Sunday. We knew that things would be hectic on the 14th and we didn't want to be a part of it. We are also planning a post-Valentine's celebration this coming Sunday.
The morning was spent attending to bank-related errands and then a trip to Mercury to purchase this month's prenatal supplements. I also had to get bandages and a hot/cold pack.
You see, last Monday, our infirmary informs me that I have tendonitis in my left wrist and I have to keep it immobilized for a week or so.
We had lunch at Sweet Inspi and treated ourselves to Mongolian.
We were supposed to go to Gateway after to watch a movie, but we were so loggy from our meal that we went back home and stumbled upon Scorcese's Casino --
Wonderful film. Must get a copy of it. ^_^
I spent the afternoon reading Christopher Priest's The Prestige and ended up finishing it the same day. My hun is pleased that I finally read a book that he recommended. ^_^
It's a must-read! It's being adapted to a movie by Christopher Nolan and will star Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman.
We trekked off to Starbuck's to claim our V-day "freebie' and found ourselves in a line that stretched from the counter to the door.
* * *
Merriam-Webster's Words for 2005! --
Click here.
* * *
Movies!!! --
So many good movies out! ~sigh~
Must watch:
Brokeback Mountain - Gateway 2, 7:00 / Gateway 10, 6:20
Fun with Dick and Jane - Gateway 9, 5:20 7:20
Munich - Gateway 4, 6:00
There's also Malick's The New World, Goal! and The Pink Panther.
Johann and I had a pre-Valentine's celebration last Sunday. We knew that things would be hectic on the 14th and we didn't want to be a part of it. We are also planning a post-Valentine's celebration this coming Sunday.
The morning was spent attending to bank-related errands and then a trip to Mercury to purchase this month's prenatal supplements. I also had to get bandages and a hot/cold pack.
You see, last Monday, our infirmary informs me that I have tendonitis in my left wrist and I have to keep it immobilized for a week or so.
We had lunch at Sweet Inspi and treated ourselves to Mongolian.
We were supposed to go to Gateway after to watch a movie, but we were so loggy from our meal that we went back home and stumbled upon Scorcese's Casino --
Wonderful film. Must get a copy of it. ^_^
I spent the afternoon reading Christopher Priest's The Prestige and ended up finishing it the same day. My hun is pleased that I finally read a book that he recommended. ^_^
It's a must-read! It's being adapted to a movie by Christopher Nolan and will star Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman.
We trekked off to Starbuck's to claim our V-day "freebie' and found ourselves in a line that stretched from the counter to the door.
* * *
Merriam-Webster's Words for 2005! --
Click here.
* * *
Movies!!! --
So many good movies out! ~sigh~
Must watch:
Brokeback Mountain - Gateway 2, 7:00 / Gateway 10, 6:20
Fun with Dick and Jane - Gateway 9, 5:20 7:20
Munich - Gateway 4, 6:00
There's also Malick's The New World, Goal! and The Pink Panther.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Am curious --
Indulge me?
Tin's Johari Window
C, friend and co-faculty has a version of this -- a Johari Bag and she asks her class to fill it up as part of their Pre-Reflection paper activity. I was happy to stumble upon an online version through M's friends. ^_^
Indulge me?
Tin's Johari Window
C, friend and co-faculty has a version of this -- a Johari Bag and she asks her class to fill it up as part of their Pre-Reflection paper activity. I was happy to stumble upon an online version through M's friends. ^_^
Sunday, February 12, 2006
New blogstop! --
Check my links section and you will find my friend J and his blog New Age Pirate.
* * *
Love and Sacrifice --
Attended a wedding with my brother last weekend. It was his good/best friend's wedding and he didn't want to go alone. I tagged along because I love attending weddings and looking at dresses and whatnot.
The priest gave a lovely homily that started with a lot of palakpakan, which amused me and my brother.
It was what he said after the nth palakpakan that affected me.
He ended the homily with three words for the couple to remember --
Love.
Sacrifice.
Commitment.
I don't remember what he said about love or commitment. It was what he said about sacrifice that made me go "wow!" --
He said that to love is to endanger yourself.
You step out of a world that you know and you control and you enter into a world that is unfamiliar and new --
The sacrifice in love is to willingly give yourself over to the experiences of loving --
the laughter and tears;
the celebrations and the defeats;
the everything and the nothing.
... wow, di ba? ^_^
Check my links section and you will find my friend J and his blog New Age Pirate.
* * *
Love and Sacrifice --
Attended a wedding with my brother last weekend. It was his good/best friend's wedding and he didn't want to go alone. I tagged along because I love attending weddings and looking at dresses and whatnot.
The priest gave a lovely homily that started with a lot of palakpakan, which amused me and my brother.
It was what he said after the nth palakpakan that affected me.
He ended the homily with three words for the couple to remember --
Love.
Sacrifice.
Commitment.
I don't remember what he said about love or commitment. It was what he said about sacrifice that made me go "wow!" --
He said that to love is to endanger yourself.
You step out of a world that you know and you control and you enter into a world that is unfamiliar and new --
The sacrifice in love is to willingly give yourself over to the experiences of loving --
the laughter and tears;
the celebrations and the defeats;
the everything and the nothing.
... wow, di ba? ^_^
Saturday, February 11, 2006
New Recipe --
I've been thinking about making lasagna ever since I saw Giada de Laurenti make one on her show Everyday Italian (Lifestyle Network). I also wanted to make something using ricotta cheese.
Today was a light day for the Ongs, so I decided to go to Fresh to pick up ingredients for a lasagna.
I found this recipe on Allrecipes.com and it looked easy enough so I decided to give it a go.
It's tofu lasagna -- and, yes -- it's meatless.
We did some modifications, though. The recipe calls for all the ingredients for the filling to be mixed. I decided to separate the sauce mix from the tofu-cheese filling. And had one layer of just the tofu-cheese and one layer of the sauce. And I used a canned sauce (Hunt's Garlic and Herb).
This is how it turned out --
I had extra sauce, so I put it in a bowl and served that as well. My hubby loved it -- he kept asking for another helping. ^_^
A tip for people interested in trying this recipe -- make sure to drain ALL the water from the tofu. It really does make a difference.
Apparently, there's also oven-ready lasagna sheets -- no need to pre-cook the sheets. O_o
* * *
More on cooking --
One of the questions I am asked whenever I bring out my baon during lunch break is whether I was the one who cooked the baon. Most times, the answer is no -- we usually get heatables from DEC or leftover takeout food and bring that to work.
There are times when I do feel like cooking AND cleaning up after myself. During one of those moments, I decided to make Katsucurry, which is really just pork tonkatsu and japanese curry sauce.
* * *
Pregnancy-Vanity issue --
I'm 21 weeks pregnant and it's still an awkward phase for me -- I no longer fit into my regular clothes, but I'm still too small to actually wear maternity dresses and whatnot.
At work, the news of my pregnancy is slowly making its rounds around our office and I am amused with people's reactions. The most common one I hear, though is this --
"You're pregnant?!? I thought you were just getting fat and I didn't want to say anything."
I don't take offense to it, btw. I guess it's really just an indication of the awkward phase that I'm in.
I have put on some weight -- a requirement for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. That's why I'm glad that we don't have mirrors in my house. What I have is my husband's assurance that I am glowing and lovely.
In case people are wondering what I look like -- here.
Vanity prevents me from actually placing the tag here. ^_^
I've been thinking about making lasagna ever since I saw Giada de Laurenti make one on her show Everyday Italian (Lifestyle Network). I also wanted to make something using ricotta cheese.
Today was a light day for the Ongs, so I decided to go to Fresh to pick up ingredients for a lasagna.
I found this recipe on Allrecipes.com and it looked easy enough so I decided to give it a go.
It's tofu lasagna -- and, yes -- it's meatless.
We did some modifications, though. The recipe calls for all the ingredients for the filling to be mixed. I decided to separate the sauce mix from the tofu-cheese filling. And had one layer of just the tofu-cheese and one layer of the sauce. And I used a canned sauce (Hunt's Garlic and Herb).
This is how it turned out --
I had extra sauce, so I put it in a bowl and served that as well. My hubby loved it -- he kept asking for another helping. ^_^
A tip for people interested in trying this recipe -- make sure to drain ALL the water from the tofu. It really does make a difference.
Apparently, there's also oven-ready lasagna sheets -- no need to pre-cook the sheets. O_o
* * *
More on cooking --
One of the questions I am asked whenever I bring out my baon during lunch break is whether I was the one who cooked the baon. Most times, the answer is no -- we usually get heatables from DEC or leftover takeout food and bring that to work.
There are times when I do feel like cooking AND cleaning up after myself. During one of those moments, I decided to make Katsucurry, which is really just pork tonkatsu and japanese curry sauce.
* * *
Pregnancy-Vanity issue --
I'm 21 weeks pregnant and it's still an awkward phase for me -- I no longer fit into my regular clothes, but I'm still too small to actually wear maternity dresses and whatnot.
At work, the news of my pregnancy is slowly making its rounds around our office and I am amused with people's reactions. The most common one I hear, though is this --
"You're pregnant?!? I thought you were just getting fat and I didn't want to say anything."
I don't take offense to it, btw. I guess it's really just an indication of the awkward phase that I'm in.
I have put on some weight -- a requirement for a healthy pregnancy and delivery. That's why I'm glad that we don't have mirrors in my house. What I have is my husband's assurance that I am glowing and lovely.
In case people are wondering what I look like -- here.
Vanity prevents me from actually placing the tag here. ^_^
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Wake-up Call --
The weekend was surreal, to say the least. What was up with the world then? In the Philippines, I literally woke up to the news that people died in a stampede at Ultra. I took a shower listening to news about the trouble that Danish caricature caused in the Muslim communities. And then there was the ferry boat accident in Egypt.
~sigh~
The stampede at Ultra saddened me the most, realizing who the majority of the casualties were and why they were lined up to get into a game show. It was difficult watching the news coverage and seeing even more people asking, despite what had happened, if the show was still going to go on -- people seeing the brief "disturbance" as their chance to get into the stadium and be part of the audience.
People were that desperate.
I was reminded of Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," which we took up in my fiction class a few weeks back. I think of all the stories for that section of the semester, "The Lottery" was the one that jarred them out of their dream existence. I remember reading about "The Lottery" when it was first published and how people were so shocked to come face to face with an account of their cruelty. Even though it was a work of fiction, people couldn't quite accept the remote possibility that they would be capable of such an atrocity.
And here we are.
Where life has imitated art. 72 people died and the question on most people's minds was still -- "Will the show go on? What happens to my lottery ticket?"
And then there's the blame game. Whose fault was it?
The easiest answer would be the security teams of Ultra and ABS-CBN. There were too few people managing the crowds. I watched the DILG interviewing/interrogating the ABS-CBN head of security. The head of security was trying to justify the 1:200++ ratio. The security from Ultra admitted that they weren't clear on their role at that event, so when the madness started they didn't know what to do. There are even accounts of the security guards being the first ones to leave and seek higher ground.
Some people were saying that it was the PNP's jurisdiction, since the lines were on public roads.
In today's newspaper, the headline for one of the tabloids said that the President will really go after ABS-CBN for this and I wonder whose best interest is being served here. I wonder if there is anything more to what our president is planning. Some other enterprising parties have also "cashed in" on the tragedy -- a class action suit is being planned and rival networks have used this to encourage people to watch their shows instead.
While ABS-CBN has taken full responsibility for the accident and is currently in the process to reimburse medical and funeral expenses, I can't help but think that this is a stopgap measure.
That there are harder questions with less digestible answers and more difficult sacrifices need to be made --
* * *
More on the weekend --
In contrast to the madness happening all over the world, my sibs and I enjoyed an afternoon with our sister (it was her birthday). She treated us to Steak MD and then we visited Wheatberry and Greens nearby.
Everyone went crazy for the Wheatberry sweets and we ended up having dessert there. I had the double chocolate cream puff and I finished the whole thing without sharing it with anyone. >_<
On our way back to Katipunan, we dropped by Cost U Less, which had always intrigued us. We were pleased to find some products that were featured on Lifestyle Network's Unwrapped.
Fun fun afternoon with sibs. ^_^
The weekend was surreal, to say the least. What was up with the world then? In the Philippines, I literally woke up to the news that people died in a stampede at Ultra. I took a shower listening to news about the trouble that Danish caricature caused in the Muslim communities. And then there was the ferry boat accident in Egypt.
~sigh~
The stampede at Ultra saddened me the most, realizing who the majority of the casualties were and why they were lined up to get into a game show. It was difficult watching the news coverage and seeing even more people asking, despite what had happened, if the show was still going to go on -- people seeing the brief "disturbance" as their chance to get into the stadium and be part of the audience.
People were that desperate.
I was reminded of Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," which we took up in my fiction class a few weeks back. I think of all the stories for that section of the semester, "The Lottery" was the one that jarred them out of their dream existence. I remember reading about "The Lottery" when it was first published and how people were so shocked to come face to face with an account of their cruelty. Even though it was a work of fiction, people couldn't quite accept the remote possibility that they would be capable of such an atrocity.
And here we are.
Where life has imitated art. 72 people died and the question on most people's minds was still -- "Will the show go on? What happens to my lottery ticket?"
And then there's the blame game. Whose fault was it?
The easiest answer would be the security teams of Ultra and ABS-CBN. There were too few people managing the crowds. I watched the DILG interviewing/interrogating the ABS-CBN head of security. The head of security was trying to justify the 1:200++ ratio. The security from Ultra admitted that they weren't clear on their role at that event, so when the madness started they didn't know what to do. There are even accounts of the security guards being the first ones to leave and seek higher ground.
Some people were saying that it was the PNP's jurisdiction, since the lines were on public roads.
In today's newspaper, the headline for one of the tabloids said that the President will really go after ABS-CBN for this and I wonder whose best interest is being served here. I wonder if there is anything more to what our president is planning. Some other enterprising parties have also "cashed in" on the tragedy -- a class action suit is being planned and rival networks have used this to encourage people to watch their shows instead.
While ABS-CBN has taken full responsibility for the accident and is currently in the process to reimburse medical and funeral expenses, I can't help but think that this is a stopgap measure.
That there are harder questions with less digestible answers and more difficult sacrifices need to be made --
* * *
More on the weekend --
In contrast to the madness happening all over the world, my sibs and I enjoyed an afternoon with our sister (it was her birthday). She treated us to Steak MD and then we visited Wheatberry and Greens nearby.
Everyone went crazy for the Wheatberry sweets and we ended up having dessert there. I had the double chocolate cream puff and I finished the whole thing without sharing it with anyone. >_<
On our way back to Katipunan, we dropped by Cost U Less, which had always intrigued us. We were pleased to find some products that were featured on Lifestyle Network's Unwrapped.
Fun fun afternoon with sibs. ^_^
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