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.

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.  ^_^

I want to make this --

Outrageous Brownies by Ina Garten

I'm craving burgers ...

I wonder why ...



The Mickey Mouse Burger charm hangs from my wallet and the Stitch charm hangs from my phone.

^_^

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. ^_^

Yay! Happy update! --

Am so, so happy that The Book Depository now ships to the Philippines --

The Book Depository offers FREE worldwide delivery.

Yes, I said FREE.

Massage --

Living in Katipunan has spoiled me for life -- everything I need is just a few steps (well, more than a few) away --

One of my favorite places in Katipunan is the Natural Spa -- and I used to go fairly regularly.

When I came home to Iloilo, one of the first things I looked for was a spa --

Never found one that I was compelled to try --

But, a few days ago, I woke up with a really tired back and I was desperate for a massage -- we found a flyer for a massage-at-home service stuck to our gate --

Being fatalistic, we saw it as a sign and gave it a go.

We called the number and set an appointment.  I was pleased that the two masseuses arrived on time and they had their massage kits (with oils) ready.

A quiet hour of pampering costs PhP299.

And they are available 24/7!

There's another one that also offers home service -- will try them next time.

Home Bliss
Tel # 033-8564499

Lava Cake!!! --

It's a gloomy day here in Iloilo --

Thought it would be a perfect day to try to make Lava Cakes.  (Perfect for me -- poor helpers, though.  They have to clean up after me.  And it's raining.)

I used the recipe I found on Shine because it seemed like the most straightforward Lava Cake recipe I've encountered.

I started this morning by making the chocolate balls that will become the lava center --

Finished making the cake after lunch.



The recipe said it would take 13 minutes to cook.  We set the timer to 10 minutes and I asked one of our helpers to check on it.  I was surprised/worried when she called on the intercom a few minutes later to say that the timer had gone off but the cakes looked raw.  I rushed down stairs and took a look.

They were, thankfully, fine.



Only problem was that the chocolate balls were too big so a bit of the "lava" is peeking out from the top.

They're cooling right now so I'll take more pictures later when we actually eat them.

* * *

Apparently, it's already "later" --

Johann and my sister couldn't wait any longer and ate two of the lava cakes.  (Gave 1 to the helpers so they could have a taste.)



It's yummy -- I mixed dark and milk chocolate.  I'm not sure if it's gooey enough, though.  I wonder where I went wrong...

Somewhere in this picture is a zucchini --

The infectious disease specialist who came to see Anya really loved our garden.  She told us her father in-law, who studied agriculture, maintains a vegetable garden also.  She sent over these really small zucchini from their garden.

They're so small!!!

Some recipes I want to try --

Bob Blumer's Chocolate Wontons

Lava Cake

Gooey Chocolate Mug Cake

This cheesecake recipe <-- I like the recipe that is listed on the Philly Cream Cheese box because it has sour cream but this one looks interesting.

Schweinhaxe <-- saw this featured on Anthony Bourdain.  I think pork is slowly replacing chicken as my favorite meat.

Wow --

I read in one news article on Yahoo that Chelsea Clinton and her husband were supposed to read this poem as part of their wedding ceremony --


I looked it up on Google and it made me go, "Wow" --


The Life That I Have by Leo Marks
The life that I have
Is all that I have
And the life that I have
Is yours

The love that I have
Of the life that I have
Is yours and yours and yours.

A sleep I shall have
A rest I shall have
Yet death will be but a pause
For the peace of my years
In the long green grass
Will be yours and yours and yours. 


Wasn't that a lovely poem?


* * *


Another poem --


About 2 weeks ago, I was feeling really sh*tty about myself -- as usual, I overthought the situation and felt like my brain was going to burst.


Long story short: I felt like my high school self and I felt all the awkwardness and gauche-ness that comes with being that age.  And it annoyed me to feel like that because I'm 32 years old and should have overcome all that.


Anyhoo, a dear friend was kind enough to listen to me through my pity party --


And then an off-tangent idea came to mind and it was this poem:


Bonsai by Edith Tiempo
All that I love
I fold over once
And once again
And keep in a box
Or a slit in a hollow post
Or in my shoe.

All that I love?

Why, yes, but for the moment -
And for all time, both.
Something that folds and keeps easy,
Son's note, or Dad's one gaudy tie,
A roto picture of a young queen,
A blue Indian shawls, even
A money bill.

It's utter sublimation,
A feat, this heart's control
Moment to moment
To scale all love down
To a cupped hand's size,

Till seashells are broken pieces
From God's own bright teeth,
And life and love are real
Things you can run and
Breathless hand over
To the merest child.


I'm fine now, by the way.  ^_^

Funny thing --

Johann and I celebrated our 5th anniversary last July 23 --

I had the idea of asking our friend, C (who was going to Singapore) to buy a copy of SFX for Johann.  (It's one of his favorite magazines.)

I didn't tell him because it was going to be a surprise.

What I didn't know is that Johann had also asked C to buy some M&M Peanut Butter for me.

He didn't tell me because it was going to be a surprise also.

=^_^=

* * *

Postponed anniversary --

We had planned to watch a movie and have dinner at the newly-opened Mandarin Tea Garden inside SM City on our anniversary but we had to postpone our plans indefinitely --

Anya's yaya's mom was sick so the yaya had to go home.  It turned out that the mom had typhoid so the yaya is currently on quarantine for 2 weeks.

Top 10 Uses for Nutella

Article here.

My favorite is to mix Peanut Butter and Nutella on a sandwich -- great energy boost and a really yummy way to greet the morning. ^_^

I love you, Steven Moffat --

When Johann started watching Doctor Who, I resisted.  I don't like very long series that I have to catch up with -- and it takes forever to find the previous series/episodes.

This was the case with Doctor Who.  We came in at Season 5 with the 11th doctor (Matt Smith) and had to scramble and find Seasons 1 to 4.  Thankfully, Amazon UK has this amazing boxed set which was on sale -- and we bought it.

And we've been spending an hour or two every afternoon watching an episode or two of Doctor Who.

But I digress -- Johann's been squealing about Doctor Who for about a month now and I've ignored it -- until one afternoon, when he watched The Vampires of Venice.  We had to stop halfway through because he needed to go back to work.

I was stuck at home -- dying to find out how the episode ended.  So I did.  By myself.

Then I watched The Girl in the Fireplace.  And now I am hooked.

(Here is where Steven Moffat comes in.)

My sister and I have an uncanny ability to love directors/writers without knowing them.  Apparently, even from our younger days, we've unknowingly followed Ridley Scott and James Cameron.

Such was the case with Steven Moffat, who wrote The Girl in the Fireplace and several other episodes of Doctor Who.

I've shared Doctor Who with a few friends and I always recommend a Steven Moffat episode for them to watch --

Russell T. Davies who was responsible for jumpstarting the show in the 21st century has stepped down after Doctor Who Season 4 and Steven Moffat is now "running the show" --

For the curious, here are the episodes of Doctor Who which Steven Moffat has written (so far):
1. The Empty Child
2. The Doctor Dances
3. The Girl in the Fireplace
4. Blink <-- Carey Mulligan guest stars in this one
5. Silence in the Library
6. Forest of the Dead
7. The End of Time Part 2 <-- uncredited
8. The Eleventh Hour
9. The Beast Below
10. Victory of the Daleks
11. The Time of Angels
12. Flesh and Stone
13. The Pandorica Opens
14. The Big Bang


Titles in bold are Season 5 episodes.

He also wrote Time Crash -- a five-minute Doctor Who "episode" which was shown for a charity benefit show.

Information gotten from IMDB.

A reason to be in the UK in February 2011 --

SFX Weekender
Camber Sands, East Sussex
February 4 and 5, 2011

George Takei is going!

Weird Pringles flavor --

Found at the supermarket --


Lemon & Sesame
Blueberry & Hazelnut

I want!!! --

I don't craft or do scrapbooks --

But the acquisitive in me wants to get this.



It's a Cuttlebug Machine.  It's currently less than $60 for the machine.

World, don't get this for me.  I wouldn't know what to do with it when I get it.

Photos! --

Johann got the Hipstamatic App for his phone and he's been taking pretty pictures with it.

I really like this picture he took of me.  (Yes, I'm reading a romance novel.  Ravishing in Red by Madeline Hunter.  Very nice story!)  We were waiting for our haircut appointment at the Korean Hair Salon in Ledesco.



The slippers I am wearing have a very interesting story -- and they only cost 40 pesos.

I had a perm when I went to Tokyo last September and the curls are gone now.  I'm thinking of getting another perm at the Korean Hair Salon and I found this picture in one of the magazines there.  I showed it to the owner and she told me that I could probably get it done next month when my hair is the correct length.



I'm really excited to get it done!  (I wonder how it will look with all my grey/white hair.  Hahaha!)

Photos of the kids using the Hipstamatic in my other blog.

Epic fail morning --

The concept sounded sound -- cream cheese and blueberry in pancake --

The initial plan was just to swirl blueberry topping into the pancake batter but I read a recipe that mixed cream cheese in pancake batter.

I figured I could mix both into the same pancake batter.  (Did I mention it's a whole wheat pancake mix?  Bob's Red Mill Whole Grain Mix Pancake & Waffle, 10 Grain 26 oz)

It looked pretty but the inside was still mushy and wet --




See the lovely fleck of cream cheese?


Mushy inside! T_T



Good thing we had bread.

At the same time, Johann decided to experiment on the proportion of coffee grounds (Yes, C, we "brew" our own coffee now. ^_^)  And the coffee was too weak -- and we had put in the same amount of condensed milk into our cups.  Our coffee tasted like warm sweet milk.

This does not bode well for the rest of the day ...

It works! --

I read that you can "recover" scratched discs using metal polish.  Article here.

I tried it on one of Seth's Little Einstein's discs -- a lot of the shallow scratches disappeared -- the deeper ones are still there -- the most important thing is that the disc doesn't skip or pixelate anymore when we play it.

Caveat:  Don't try this on super expensive/super rare discs.  We only tried the metal polish yesterday and we don't know about long-term effects.