If I could tell the world just one thing, it would be that we're all ok
And not to worry because worry is wasteful and useless in times like these
I will not be made useless, I won't be idle with despair
I will gather myself around my faith for light does the darkness most fear
- "Hands" by Jewel
It's been a while since I last dropped by Booksale -- it's hard to go there during the weekends because it's usually crowded and we have Seth with us.
This morning, I had to meet someone there for an Ebay transaction and I decided to spend a bit of time browsing through the books and magazines.
These are what I came home with:
Johann loves to pick up old issues of MacLife because of all the nice tips on how we could maximize our Macbook and his phone. These days, even my sister (who used to be a die-hard PC person) reads it and loves all the gadgets that they feature.
I was also happy to find a copy of Real Simple -- love, love, love this magazine. ^_^
I picked up the copy of Locus Magazine because it's supposed to contain a "Year in Review" for Sci-fi and Fantasy novels, which Johann and my sister read. (My sister already read the magazine and said it was dangerous because now her list of wants has grown longer.)
I also got this book on a whim:
I'm happy that I have another non-romance novel to read. ^_^
* * * I am a proud Mama --
I'm a relatively new Mac convert but I can safely say "Apple Forever!" -- (Johann echoes this sentiment) --
I want Seth to grow up with a Mac -- and he's off to a good start. He already knows how to unlock his Papa's phone and scroll through all the Apps. (Johann has installed a fun App for Seth and it proves useful when we're waiting at the doctor's and Seth is super restless.)
He knows the Apple logo and he knows where the volume controls are (and the power button). <-- the last two are meant to annoy us.
Yesterday, I caught him fiddling with the Mac and I told him I'll be taking some pictures of him.
<-- this button makes things loud, which annoys Mama and wakes Papa up
Every now and then, my mom would ask us if we have any regrets about moving back to Iloilo and our answer would always be "No, but --" (It is appended with needing to go to Manila once in a while for books and other things.)
It amazed and befuddled me how enamored my mom was of Iloilo and how she felt that she didn't need to go anywhere else.
I sort of understand this now --
About a week ago, I stumbled upon some blogs that were about Iloilo and that lead me to websites and forums -- I've spent a few afternoons now reading up on my city and I am, admittedly, embarrassed to admit how little I knew about Iloilo.
I've been entertaining (read: boring) my family with all the fun facts I've learned -- did you know that, considering how small the city is, we have 4 SMs? And, rumor has it, they are thinking of building #5? ^_^
Another interesting development here is the number of new, local restaurants that opened in Smallville (a popular nightlife area). We tried one of them last Tuesday -- Mojave Grill and Steakhouse --
And, after dinner, we hopped over to the dessert place next door called "Nothing But Desserts" --
(Photos plus more comments on the restaurants to follow ^_^)
In terms of food places alone, there's still a lot that we haven't discovered. Then there are the old places to rediscover -- the downtown area with its offering of cheap cloth and other knickknacks. (I had a brief glimpse of this when I went to Iloilo Shanghai, located in downtown, last December to buy ribbons.)
So now I'm excited -- and I can't wait for it to be Tuesday (date day) so that Johann and I can try something new again. ^_^
1. Where is Cagayan Valley and where is Cagayan de Oro? (And where is Dave G from? ^_^)
2. What's the difference between purple, violet and indigo? (Discovered that I didn't know this one when Seth and I were learning about colors.) In line with this, why do some oranges look like red but are called orange and why do some reds look like orange but we call them red? (Again, this is poring through Colors picture books.)
3. Considering that it's only one nut per fruit and seeing the abundance of cashew products in the supermarket, are there really that many Cashew trees? (Some of the mystery of the cashew has been debunked for me by Andrew Zimmern when he visited Thailand.)
4. What is barbecue? (We recently saw an episode of Barbecue Paradise on Discovery: Travel and Living and it's very different from what we do.)
5. Which goes first: the end quote or the comma? "He said," or "He said", On a similar note, which goes first: the end quote or the period? --> His name is John but we call him "Buck." or His name is John but we call him "Buck".
He brought home two bags full from his recent trip -- so I kept busy last night reading: The Umbrella Academy Series 2 Issues 1 and 2 <-- Sayang lang that James Jean is no longer doing to cover art but it's a great series. ^_^
Neil Gaiman's The Dream Hunters adapted by P. Craig Russell <-- great artwork! What blew my mind was Russell's transformation of the Dreamworld to fit the Japanese theme. (Cain and Abel are cuties!)
So Johann came home from Manila last Monday and gave me a copy of Rumors, the second book in the Luxe series by Anna Godbersen.
Like the first book, this one was a page-turner and I finished it in two afternoons (during Seth's nap time) --
Now I'm itching for the third book, which will be released late this month.
The good news is, I'm looking for non-romance novels to read and I now have Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers on my bedside.
It's a bit difficult to scrounge for a book to read right now because Johann and my sister are in "Fantasy-mode" and I don't read Fantasy. (They are currently reading The Ten Thousand by Paul Kearney -- which is like 300 but has 10000. <-- Johann's blurb. O_o)
When I was doing my year-end lists, I was a bit appalled by my list of Top 5 books. It took me quite some time to remember the non-romance books that I read in 2008.
Just so I don't have the same problem at the end of 2009, I've been spending the first few days of 2009 reading.
So far, I've finished: 1. Born to Buy: The Commercialized Child and the New Consumer Culture by Juliet Schor <-- I've seen this book many times at the bookstore but never bought it because it was hardcover and too expensive. It went on sale recently and I asked Johann to get me the copy. Very interesting read --
2. The Gospel of Judas edited by Rodolphe Kasser, Marvin Meyer and Gregor Wurst <-- saw the documentary on National Geographic and was curious
3. The Luxe by Anna Godbersen <-- a YA novel. This was referenced in one review of Gossip Girl and was curious about it. I was able to find a cheap copy and couldn't put it down. Had to sleep late for 2 nights straight. ^_^
It's a series and book 2 (Rumors) is currently available in hardcover format (saw this at National Bookstore Katipunan the last time I was there) and the paperback edition will be released late January.
I'm also tempted to reread Nigella Lawson's cookbooks but I haven't yet -- considering that my sugar/diet is being strictly monitored, I'm not sure it's a good idea. ^_^
* * * On packing bags for my hubby --
My hun cannot fold clothes or pack a luggage to save his life. If I let him have his way, all of his clothes would end up wrinkled and the space wouldn't be maximized. So I pack for him.
He needs one of these:
He left for Manila today. Last Monday, I asked him whether he planned to (a) check-in his bags. He answered no, he didn't want the hassle of waiting for his small bag to roll around in the luggage carousel.
Then he went over to our cabinet and looked at the clothes that had just come back from the laundry.
This is how geeky he is -- he told me, "Hun, pack my superhero shirts." O_o
He also has this shirt, btw:
* * *
Which one is the video camera?
Me, Johann and my youngest brother chipped in and gave one to my sister for Christmas. It's a nifty little thing that can actually record 60 minutes of video! And you can connect it to your Mac via the USB. ^_^
We first heard about it in MacLife where it was reviewed. It was also reviewed in Real Simple. It comes in many colors and is actually quite affordable. ^_^
When we saw the Giant Pocky in the box my bro sent from Japan, I went "Whoa" -- and then worried about how Seth was going to eat it. (He hasn't yet -- and we might not let him.)
To date, Seth has already consumed the Milk Pocky and has started on the small chocolate Pocky. He is so cute when he asks "Open Pocky Please." >_<
I'm seriously thinking of starting a Pocky of the Month Club -- sending out a Pocky flavor every month to everyone who subscribes to it.
Insane idea, I know. ^_^
* * *
This also came with the Pocky --
Another laugh-out-loud moment was unearthing these two from the box my brother sent.
<-- it's the Mugen Puchi Puchi (INFINITE Bubblewrap!!!) <-- there's a Wii version, btw.
And the other one is the Mugen Periperi. (INFINITE box/letter opening experience!!!)
We're giving these as gifts to two unsuspecting (poor them) friends. ^_^
Happy Thoughts for the Year 1. Seth and Sidekick #2 2. My little romance novel business =^_^= 3. My Macbook 4. 1030 to 12nn from Mondays to Fridays <-- when Seth's at his Toddler class. This is my time for myself. 5. My family
Things I'm Looking Forward to 1. Turning 31<-- it sounds like a good age to be 2. Meeting Sidekick #2 in April 3. Watchmen the Movie <-- ohpleaseohpleaseohplease ... 4. Seth's 3rd Birthday <-- we didn't celebrate his 2nd but I'm thinking of celebrating his 3rd 5. Being able to drink coffee again after April (and, hopefully, going to Singapore before December 2009) ^_^
5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Me 1. I love office supplies <-- I like to make sure we are prepared for everything. Every chance I get, I buy extra ballpens, scissors, paper clips, etc. When I travel, I make it a point to visit office supplies stores in other countries. I usually end up buying blank index cards (for Gocco), notebooks, interesting ballpens, etc.
This Christmas, one of our Christmas gift ideas was giving Dymo Labelling Kits to the 'tweens but Johann vetoed it -- saying, "Hun, not everyone shares your love for office supplies."
2. I get excited trying out new bath products. <-- new shampoo, new conditioner ... but not so much on new toothpaste flavors. We recently tried the Apple-flavored toothpaste of Colgate and Johann loved it. I kinda grew into it but I'm still not a big fan. O_O
3. Every year, on my birthday (for three years now), I get a Hayao Miyazaki/Ghibli DVD. The Cat's Return in 2005, Howl's Moving Castle in 2006 and Ged's War Chronicles in 2007. This year, I was thinking of what to ask my brother for my birthday and Ponyo on the Cliff came to mind. Too bad it isn't scheduled for release yet. ^_^
4. My two favorite bread spread mixes: Butter + Strawberry Jam, especially on white bread and Peanut Butter + Nutella
5. My three favorite ice cream flavors are: Sebastian's Chocoholics Anonymous, FIC's Raspberry Rapture and Selecta's Coffee Crumble.
5 Things I miss in Manila 1. Friends T_T 2. Walking around Ateneo <-- especially now that I'm pregnant, I miss being able to "exercise" 3. Good decaf coffee <-- I miss coffee... 4. Dairy Queen and Cinnabon 5. Riding the LRT2 to Gateway <-- Although, I have a feeling that I won't like it so much when I'm actually faced with the opportunity -- it's the idea of it more than anything
5 Things that made me go "WOW" 1. Barack Obama winning the US Presidential elections 2. The ups and downs of the Peso-to-Dollar exchange rate <-- also the stock market 3. My first taste of Galbi 4. Opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics <-- especially the fireworks and the drums. Some parts were a bit slow and boring. 5. My Macbook =^_^=
5 Discoveries for 2008 -- 1. There's no such thing as an A Cup when you're pregnant 2. One of my dad's friend's mom cooks the most amazing Chinese-style roast beef 3. Dave's Fun House is fun for Seth (he plays there) and fun for me (some "me" time to shop and do my errands) 4. Pretzels at Tinapayan, when freshly cooked, is an amazing salty-soft treat 5. I love Macs and Apple and everything Steve Jobs
5 Favorite Places - Iloilo 1. Booksale 2. Bourbon Street <-- ribs, yum! 3. Kim's Bob <-- samgyupsal, bibimbap, yum! 4. SM Department Store <-- you'd be surprised of all the great, inexpensive things you'd find there 5. Puerto Real Clubhouse <-- Seth loves to wade in the pool and walk around the covered basketball court
5 Favorite Places - Manila 1. Krispy Kreme <-- funny enough, I don't eat Krispy Kreme when I'm in Manila. We usually buy a box or two and bring it home to Iloilo and eat it there 2. Pepper Steak <-- A and G convinced me it was a good idea and I have been converted 3. The two bookstalls at UP AS Walk 4. Trinoma <-- Powerbooks, Iora, Debenhams, Gymboree, Healthy Options ... all happy places 5. Starbucks/Seattle's Best <-- when Seth napped, Johann and I would "sneak out" and have coffee and enjoy each other's company ^_^
5 Favorite Books Admittedly, I was reading a lot of romance novels this year -- especially towards the latter part.
1. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch 2. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell 3. The Search for Delicious by Natalie Babbitt 4. Uncle John's Bathroom Reader series <-- not really a book-book 5. Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas <-- a romance novel written by a Chinese-American (who only learned English when she came to America)
5 Favorite TV Series 1. Weeds 2. Pushing Daisies 3. Dead Like Me 4. Entourage 5. Dirty Jobs
also Ugly Betty, Avatar and Big Bang Theory
5 Favorite Magazine Finds at Booksale 1. Romantic Times 2. MacLife and MacWorld 3. cheap copies of Real Simple 4. Games <-- I get this for my youngest brother 5. Ready Made <-- newer issues are very hard to find! >_< I usually find 2006/2007 issues. Bleh.
also Parents, Cookie and Bookmark.
5 Favorite Comic Books 1. Avengers Fairy Tale 2. Green Arrow/Black Canary 3. Batman by Grant Morrison 4. Plain Janes: Janes in Love <-- a TPB 5. Umbrella Academy Series 2 <-- well... I've actually never read this because it just came out but the first series was AMAZING and I'm sure the second one will be just as good (if not better)
... more tomorrow. (If anyone wants me to list a top 5 of something, just let me know. ^_^)
Well, Christmas is done and we're counting down to 2009 --
5 Things I Love About Living in the Philippines 1. Cheap, overnight, trackable delivery <-- I love 2go and Air21 and their amazingly efficient service. We sent a gift to our inaanak in Benguet and he received it the next day. Talk about fast. It's too bad our government-run Post Office can't offer the same service.
2. Cheap books from both US and UK publishers <-- Yesterday, for example, Johann found this AMAZING anthology of Steampunk Fiction published by Solaris. Cover price is GBP7.99 and we got our copy for 345 pesos.
3. Access to anime, Korean/Japanese TV Drama, US Sitcoms, British movies, etc.
4. The Food <-- Lechon, Sans Rival, Taho ... I can go on and on ^_^
5. SSS and PhilHealth <-- I'm a big fan of these two government institutions. I've experienced the benefits of paying my monthly dues to SSS and Philhealth. They should promote themselves more, though -- it makes me sad to know that some people don't bother to avail of these.
I also like the NSO and their e-service. Imagine being able to get your birth certificate and your marriage certificate with a click of a mouse button. (And a quick trip to the bank. ^_^)
6. Cheap airfare <-- With PAL offering Econolite fares, domestic and international trips are now more affordable. ^_^
5 Best Purchases for 2008 1. Our White Macbook plus the RAM upgrade <-- the beginning of a long and beautiful friendship. Next on my list is an Apple desktop.
2. My son's "Nano House"
3. Our second-hand Samsung refrigerator <-- Early this year, we heard about a Korean student having a "sayonara sale" and was selling his appliances cheaply. We were able to guy his 4-month old refrigerator for half the price.
We have about 3 cakes in the ref right now and we appreciate the extra space. ^_^
4. Johann's phone
5. My Lesportsac bags
5 Favorite Movies of the Year 1. The Dark Knight 2. Iron Man 3. Wall-E 4. Juno 5. Kung Fu Panda
also Atonement, Wanted and Tropic Thunder (Downey deserves the Golden Globe nomination ^_^)
Yesterday, Seth discovered the bags of toys his Gwa-ma bought for the children of our workers. He wanted to open and play with them and we couldn't let him.
He ran around asking EVERYONE's permission but no one could give it.
The allure of shiny new things talaga. ^_^
* * *
Can only happen in a house full of kids --
I got this reply from my friend, F -- I loved the message so I haven't deleted it yet.
I'm still wrapping all my gifts! And ang hirap with 2 kids getting tape, tearing the wrapping paper, and licking the boxes!
We got a package from my brother in Japan yesterday.
It's always fun getting things from him because he always surprises us with fun things from Japan.
One of the usual "fillers" he adds in each box are uchiwa (Japanese fans) that are handed out for free around Japan.
Since we are the land of (almost)-regular power interruptions, it is helpful to have one by our bedsides so we can fan Seth when he sleeps (or tries to sleep).
I got excited when I sorted through the stack of fans and found these:
(from L to R: Miyazaki's Ponyo, FFXI and a fan for the Tokyo 2016 Olympics bid)
* * * More Pocky! --
Was surprised to discover 5 boxes of Pocky stuffed in the box as well.
When Seth saw it, he immediately wanted to eat some and I told him to wait until I had taken some pictures of it for my blog.
The little one has some patience but not a lot when it comes to Pocky -- observe the tiny hand sneaking in ...
The Blueberry Pocky smelled soooo good! I guess that's why Seth chose to eat (and demolish) that box first.
Notice three different chocolate varieties? I'm curious about the Creamy Chocolate.
The flavor that frightens me the most is the Brazilian Pudding ... but Johann and I have a plan. (Cue: foreboding music and thunder)
Seth's yaya is slightly OC and she had some free time yesterday and decided to organize the stuff on top of our TV.
We used to just have a Yakisoba cup stuffed to the brim with pens, pencils, scissors and whatnot. She found empty containers and decided to fix up the system.
I thought this was cute --
It's the rolls of adhesive tape that I am using for Christmas (and for my book business) --
^_^
* * * Diaries of years past --
I try not to be a packrat but it's hard to throw away something that you've had with you for an entire year.
So I keep my yearly diaries.
I've had the pleasure of owning two Starbucks diaries (2005 and 2006 -- I think I left my 2005 diary in our place in Manila) and those were what inspired me to keep a record of my daily/weekly activities.
This year, I actually have 2 diaries -- my small, red Moleskine one for portability and a regular one I bought at National Bookstore, which I keep on my bedside. I don't really use the big one because it's usually covered by books and whatnot. I use it to keep my receipts and tracking numbers (for my book business).
I like reading my diaries -- it's fun to remember movie dates and dinner dates and when I went somewhere. ^_^
When I saw this a few months ago, I knew I wanted to get one for Seth.
I had such grand dreams of making a personalized discovery book for him. It's been sitting on or counter all this time, waiting for me to do something with it.
The shiny pages intimidate me! >_<
* * * Ready for 2009! --
Last year, I splurged and got myself the red set -- but I decided to be a bit more practical this year and opted for a soft cover 2009 weekly notebook and a hardcover black moleskine notebook instead.
