Xofia is 2 and all I'm thinking is this

I watched as Xofia, now 2, wiggles away around the living room while singing along Blues Clues theme.

I wondered what I was doing, what I was capable of, when I were her age. Surely, I wasn't singing along to some TV character, we didn't have one.

Probably, I was out in the backyard, early in the morning, to join my Lola in the garden. I remember relishing the moment over a mound of pulled grass by my side and thinking how good I was at this. Now, I smell a freshly-cut grass and all I remember is this sweet and poignant memory of my Lola.

Xofia is now 2. They say it's high time that she'd have a brother or sister. I think you'd have to let me enjoy a full night's sleep first before I plunge into another months of sleeplessness. And besides, my God, the crisis!

I'd like to take a step back for awhile. Imagine life worrying about one person's heartbreaks and pains and joys and happiness when she'd old enough to experience all that. Gosh, that is already a handful; what about imagining two person's worth of all these? How can a mother endure?

That unforgettable scent

I seldom shop these days, even window shopping. Last weekend we did, and all we got was for Xofia, none for us. Being most of the time online anyway, I realized there's more bargain to be found in the Internet than anywhere else. I find tools for comparing prizes nifty. (Stop me before I talk how numerically-challenged my brain is). And being bargain sucker that I am, or maybe just cash-strapped someone who wants to get the best out of her buck, I shop early for Christmas, too.

One of my most favorite item to give away is fragrances. I don't use them due to an allergy, so I give them to my loved ones who can enjoy them on my behalf.

I especially like Calvin Klein's Euphoria, which is one of the award winning fragrances. Euphoria boasts a contrast of "exotic fruits, seductive florals and a rich, creamy signature." Ah, scent after all, is one of the most unforgettable memory. Gotta get that something you want to be remembered with.

I am also thinking of getting a cologne for my husband. Cool Water is a classic favorite but I'm thinking of something else. Pasha de Cartier, perhaps? I think we'd both enjoy a blend of lavender and amber with mint, citrus, wood and musk thrown in. HAH!

I wish for a balloon twister

So, Xofia will turn two in a few days. You must be thinking I got myself so busy planning for her party. While I wanted so much to give her the best party in the world, the current economic condition and our savings account disagree.

I tried pushing for the jumper rental, complete with colorful balloons, pinata, pabitin, popcorn stand, balloon twister, what-not. Sadly, I always go back to the monthly household budget spreadsheet. And I just don't know where to fit all these in there.

And then there's the reality that Xofi is still two. She won't remember most of this, really. She won't remember much of a party, lavish or not. The important thing is the people we love and cherish are there to celebrate this wondrous anniversary of her birth with us. And most especially, lots of children to make it a fun, rambunctious crowd.

The balloon twister and jumper rental can wait. Maybe when Xofi's old enough and the economy is no longer screwed.

A good way to save money is to stay home

I very recently mapped out the family expenses against our fixed income. The result won't give us much for a fixed monthly savings. I guess it's time to forget about getting a new car, like seriously. Anyway, as long as the old one is still running, there's no real need. Help me convince my husband that our old Gallant is a real neat car ;)

Then there's the problem of personal insurance policies. I figure, as soon as we're done paying for the old insurance, which probably will take two more years, we can get the new one we're planning for my husband. So actually, our situation is not too bad, we're pretty much in good shape, financially.

However, we as a family never stays put when it's a good weather out there to be in the beach. After curling in our cocoons for long, we'd be screaming for a holiday or two. Hey, we need to reward ourselves once in a while... and we hate scrimping on our self-rewards! There lies the rub.

Or maybe we can just console ourselves with the fact that Philippines is a tropical country and almost everyday is beach day, so there's a lot to go around. And staying at home is not really that bad. Here's proof:

Don't mess with Xofia's heart, you hear?

It's been more than a week since Xofia's transcath ASD closure procedure. She's back to normal even before now, she was back to her old silly self the moment we came home that Saturday. And me? I could never be any happier. Totally broke, but perfectly happy, nothing could really affect me, even with my no-carb diet.

It's a wonder how, this being, this person who entered my life a little over a year ago changes everything. My outlook, my perceptions, my reasoning. You can say that this little girl has such an influence in me. And what an influence it is! I knew I was tough, I've always known to stand up and speak out, and I've thread through life chin up no matter what. But I never knew I could be this strong as to go through what I went through. To stay whole and still find beauty in things I see.

And what a husband I have! In moments that I find myself shoulders hunched down and sobbing, my husband has kept the optimism. He is always the calm, level-headed, rational one. I am always the passionate, impulsive one. What a team we make!

At the end of it all, I can't help but thank the heavens for giving me such a beautiful family. We are not perfect, but we are perfect for each other.

So... fifteen or so years from now, if I happen to see some teenage nitwit messing with my Xofia's heart, I am so ripping that boy's heart literally, if I could. I'd like to get that heart out, bore a hole, and see if his mother can go through fixing that hole as I went through fixing Xofia's. I guess what I'm saying really is, boys, don't be messing with my daughter, and mothers, tell your boys to steer clear.

Our Journey on Transcath ASD Closure

Dr. Kelly, a blessing in the guise of toxic goiter
Dr. Raquel "Kelly" Pasimio introduced us to Amplatzer. Before we met her, all I could ever think of was how I could let my daughter undergo open heart surgery. I was frustrated. I had no other option. My only hope was that the surgery would not be needed until she's older.

About the same time we learned of Xofia's congenital heart anomaly, my husband had to take medication because of his toxic goiter. He casually mentioned our situation to his doctor, Dr. Marsha Tolentino. Dr. Marsha told him about how Dr. Kelly is working with a team of doctors in Manila doing transcath closure of heart defects. We met Dr. Kelly a month thereafter. She's not just a ray of hope, she bonded with Xofia instantly. We had no doubts. We wanna see this non-surgery ASD closure to the end.

Questions
On Xofia's next transthoracic echocardiogram (2d-echo), the hole very slightly increased according to the reading, but the local pedia-cardio advised surgery before she turns two. Isn't that a bit drastic? The hole is not even bigger by a size. Emotionally, I was back to square one. Why is the hole not closing up? How can Xofia has this when she's a perfectly healthy, happy baby?

Sometimes when your current doctor cannot answer all your questions, you look for answers from somebody else. It's tiring to be asking the same question to the same person and be getting the same answer that never satisfies you.

We sent the 2d-echo results to Dr. Kelly. Because of her being based in Manila, we're only able to catch her every once in awhile when she's in Cebu---and while in a vacation at that! I couldn't believe the heart of this petite doctor, how she accommodated, guided and helped us through.

Through a letter, she let us know that Xofia is certainly needing an intervention, but a surgery this early isn't necessary. This opinion was based on the two readings by our local pedia-cardio obviously stating that there is no dramatic increase in numbers. This opinion was being collaborated by Dr. Charles Cuaso and Dr. Jonas del Rosario, both interventional pedia-cardio experts. But if we wanted a real opinion from her and from Dr. Cuaso, we'd have to fly to Manila for a transthoracic echocardiogram done by her.

Higher numbers
Six months later, which was last week, we were in Chinese Gen doing a very intensive echo on Xofia. Dr. Kelly was reading higher numbers! The hole has gone bigger. From the previous reading's 6.5-7, it is now in 12-13! The inferior rim has also gone dangerously small, 6-7.5mm. If the rim is any smaller than 6, we wouldn't have a chance on transcath closure. Dr. Kelly told us that if we wanted the transcath, the procedure has to be done ASAP. Even so, Xofia's was a 50-50 case. There's a big possibility that she's not viable for the Amplatzer implant, this Dr. Cuaso explained. The rims around the hole has to be enough for the device to latch on to. Xofia's inferior rim was borderline.

We made it clear to Dr. Cuaso how we wanted the procedure, and that surgery is the last thing that we'd entertain. And we wanted the procedure done ASAP, no time to wait. Since only St. Luke's has the small TEE probe that can be used for Xofia, the procedure has to be done in St. Luke's. We didn't mind the least. It's the best hospital in this country, and we have the best team of doctors attending to Xofia. Dr. Cuaso made some calls, and had it not been a legal holiday (May 1) and banks were open, we would have done it right away. We then scheduled for the transcath ASD closure on May 7.

The longest 3 hours
Now Xofia has a memory like that of an elephant, and she hates hospitals. She was OK when we were at the concierge, but the moment we stepped into the room, the mood has changed. She wouldn't even sit on the bed! We had to place the IV on her and draw some blood. Everytime she's poked by nurses, she'd look at me almost telling me how her mommy can let something like this happen to her. I kept telling her I was sorry and that everything will be over soon. She did not take that lightly. As soon as her hands were free, she'd hit me with such passion I didn't know a baby's slap could hurt like that!

I accompanied her on the cath lab. She needed to be with me before she goes under. The anesthesiologist told me to keep her happy. The nurses were so attentive and caring. They kept Xofia entertained to the extent of kidnapping toys from lockers they didn't know who owned. At about 2pm, and while Xofia was under general anesthesia, I went to the waiting lounge to start my longest 3 hours. Dr. Charles Cuaso, Dr. Jonas del Rosario, Dr. Dexter Cheng and Dr. Kelly Pasimio then entered the cath lab. Dr. Cuaso, before he entered, said, "We will try and hope, but no surprises, ok?"

I could have watched, but I didn't. Apart from the fact that I wasn't sure I could handle it, I was confident that my baby was under the care of the best team of pedia cardiologists anyone can hope for. I can endure the wait.

I will not go through the details of how I dealt with the knots in the pit of my stomach and those lodged in my throat. I was only waiting for Dr. Cuaso or any of the doctors to come out of the door. While all our friends were praying, attending and offering masses, every piece of me hoped and prayed that the transcath procedure will be successful. Just please, don't let her have to go through open heart surgery, please!

Relieved and grateful beyond words
Three hours after, I saw the smiling face of Dr. Cuaso, the team of doctors by his heels, and I welled up even before he was able to do a thumbs-up. The gratitude that I felt is beyond words. Words, emails, texts, hugs can never do justice of the happiness I felt. We are forever grateful to everybody who extended help and time. We are extremely thankful for all the prayers. God must have heard the noise you guys were making!

Xofie only has a couple of puncture wounds on her groin area. It's nothing compared to open heart surgery. Now, the only problem is how to keep her from playing too much and running around. I hope she understands me when I explain that she has to let the booboo in her thighs heal before she can run. I think she does, but only for about three seconds, and she's off running again.

Needless to say, THIS is the best gift any mother could have. Happy mother's day to all mothers out there who knew exactly what I endured. We are tough, mommies! Oh, yes we are!

OMG, Where have I been?!

Phooooo! Dusty in here!

I may have to do some housekeeping before I could get this house blogging again. Sometimes, real life catches up and leaves you nothing more to spend online. Online life has to take a back seat.

I am not unhappy, though. I just wished I had more time and energy to be spending more time online and blogging. I miss all of my blogging friends, and I miss jumping from one blog to the next. I miss the mixed feeling of exhilaration, joy, sadness, giddiness I experience in each and every page I read. I miss laughing out loud and crying over YOUR posts. I miss blogging. Soon, I'm gonna get back to it in full throttle. Soon.

In the meantime, please excuse the dust and soot that has accumulated through the days. Housekeeping will come in no time.

...Well, maybe after the housekeeper is done enjoying her summer?

Aside from spam

... I also regularly get this with Yahoo:


Under those pink lines is my all-too-common YM alias. I think there are at least 3 people out there who mistakenly give my address to people confident that they just handed out their own addresses. You can't blame me for staying invi or just altogether not log on to yahoo chat.

I almost got pissed with the accusing tone. Almost, but didn't come to it. The second time I explained and tried to convince her that I am the legitimate owner of the address, she stopped replying to my chats--gone forever, I hope. Good for her, really.

Shake that booty!

I am so proud, my Xofia dances Jai ho and sings along as she does.

She wasn't a Slumdog Millionaire fan, but her Auntie Han probably was, or she's just liking the theme. The two had the Bollywood dance steps memorized perhaps while the Auntie is killing time or generally just wanting to make fun of her niece. Whenever Xofi starts getting fussy, turn the volume up and play Jai ho... everything in the world will seem right in an instant.

Presently, these are Xofia's favorites. She's also memorized some of the lyrics and sings along whenever she can and when she's not busy concentrating on her spin, skip or hop.

1. Jai ho from Slumdog Millionaire
(Xofi: hooooooo.....)

2. Honey, Honey by Amanda Syfried from Mamma Mia!
(Xofi: Honey, honey, pa-pa-pap; to me.....)

3. I Hate This Part by the Pussycat Dolls
(Xofi: heeeee.....)

And oh, she loves it if she's infront of a mirror while dancing. Doncha?

Welcome to our home

Hi, thanks for coming over. Welcome to my living room. Make yourself at home. I hope the furniture is warm and cozy enough.

What can I get you? I have freshly brewed iced tea and freshly-squeezed tropical fruit juices. It's humid, but no matter, I just plainly love our weather! Anyway, I guess we better help ourselves to an air-conditioned room. Come, follow me. I had a hard time looking for the perfect living room furniture. The market nowadays is cramped with contemporary, sleek, futuristic designs. I love the plain, old-fashioned comfort. This one imparts a sense of warmth and historic feel to the room. Don't you agree?

Oh, let me show you the rooms upstairs.

I know I only have a twin bed here, but I'm planning to change this one to a more spacious queen-sized. Me and the husband doesn't like extra luxurious bedroom furniture. The thing that really matters is that the mattress is extra comfortable. You might say that the room is too youthful. That is just what I was trying to achieve. I hate four-posters, but gosh, how I swoon over storage beds. Crazy? Nah, I love the freshness and the extra storage spaces.

This is the Princess' but she can only hold on to it long enough. She loves that the bed has an "attic" where the loft bed is located. I like how the cubbyholes are designed beautifully to blend in with the rest of the design. It keeps her toys, knick-knacks and whatnots neatly in order.


When she's older she may move into this room which I already prepared for her.

I can't imagine her liking to stay in this floral-bordered pastel-themed room forever, though. I bet after high school, she'd wanna move in here.

I may have to change the beddings to suit her, but that can wait. I like how the storage is neatly tucked in this loft bed. She can just hide the pull-out to use the workstation, pull a chair -- it's all so clutter-free. The bed maximizes the room for some other things I know she'd have a lot of come college.
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OK, enough dreaming! Back to reality, but before you do, check out furniturefromhome's Captain Bed. Or you can use their Advanced Search feature to refine your searches based on your preferred room, style, and color. I had so much fun visiting the rooms and dreaming my dream home! :-)

Broccoli and prawns stir-fry

It was all I could ever wished for. I think not a day has passed since I had the duo (grill pan and wok) that I haven't used them. I cannot believe why I waited this long to have a grill pan, it's totally crazy! And the wok? HA! I think I just told the husband that I am never going back to using any other wok, ever! See how gorgeous and spacious that is!

I thought stir-fries can never go any easier. Then I stir-fried using THE wok, and guess what, it was so so much easier, I'd like to stir-fry anything and give some to the neighbors :-) Of course, there's a lot that I can do with the wok (I think I may be trying paella soon) but for now, let me give you this awesome broccoli and prawns stir-fry dish.


Recipe

• olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, pressed and chopped finely
• thumb-sized ginger, grated (I used microplane zester)
• 1 red onions, sliced
• three medium heads broccoli cut into florets, washed and drained
• three prawns, shelled and cut in bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• salt

1. In a heated wok, pour 2 tbsp olive oil and saute the prawns. As soon as they turn pinkish, set these little guys aside.
2. In the same pan, heat another 2 tbsp olive oil and saute the aromatics: garlic, ginger, then onions. You'd want the oil to get all that infused flavor.
3. Mix in the broccoli florets and stir fast coating each floret with the flavorful oil. All these must be done in high heat.
4. Pour the chicken stock.
5. As soon as the florets change color, add in the reserved prawns. Give another minute to mix these little guys in, season with salt, then turn off heat.
6. Serve immediately onto a plate. Be careful not to let the stir-fry sit in the wok long after it's done because the heat in the wok will overcook the dish.

Take me to HOME COOKING tab

I should get a Home Treadmill Equipment

I don't know what will finally make me move my lazy butt and exercise. Definitely the scale on a threatening forward lurch is not enough. I also don't know what number is enough for me to do something, but this I know: I must do something before it's too late.

The extra 10 lbs is definitely the hardest to shake off. I can imagine myself going to the gym, but have no idea how to fit gym time with my routine right now. If you know me, I'd rather be cooking or playing with Xofi than doing anything. And going to the gym takes so much time. Plus I hate taking showers in locker rooms where people I don't know take their showers, too. Sorry, I'm just weird like that.

I guess the best thing I can do is get my lazy self to use the treadmill. The best thing is I can do it at home, thus, I can take my shower at home. I'm not getting any younger and staying healthy as much as I can is the best thing I can do to myself and to my family.

Now, I have to work it into my routine. I can't do it in the morning. I am so not a morning person. Even my taste buds don't work on mornings. Dinner at home is around 8-8:30ish. An hour after would be a good schedule. I just have to muster enough will to do it. And here's hoping that putting it in writing helps. Cheer me on, people!

Because hey, it's bikini season. Gotta do something fast which doesn't include starving myself. That, and staying fit. Should be enough reason to shake off laziness.

My first grill pan

...is an IKEA Grilla.


I've been wanting to have one for the longest time. When I pass by the nearby mall, I'd sneak a visit at Rustan's and run my fingers on their pans tracing the grill lines. That's how much I wanted it.

Not so long ago, sister asked me what else I lacked in the kitchen. (She's my primary provider when it comes to pots, pans, and kitchen gadgets. My sister simply rocks!) In passing I think I mentioned a grill pan, a non-stick wok and Corelle dinnerwares. Of course, my stuff makes most of the box space. "Happiness" was my name when we opened the box! :-D

This one's from IKEA, and so far, I've read this is the best grill pan for less than $20. I really have no point of comparison. I'm just so so happy I finally got one.

OK, so for the first day that I got Grilla, I was able to grill chicken breasts, pork belly, pork chops, clams, and prawns. Ain't that a par-tay!

It just made my whole life a lot easier because grilling can now be done 15 minutes before meal time. I'm loving every minute of having Grilla. Sometimes, I find myself reaching for it thinking what I'd grill next.


Take me to HOME COOKING tab

Must.Wean.

When Xofi was hospitalized for pneumonia, we had to take the paci out to give way to her breathing. One can't really suck on a binki with a stuffy nose, so even if it comforted her greatly, we had to take it away. She survived. She did not ask for it. Or maybe because she was way too preoccupied with the pain and the medical people in white uniforms to bother with her binki.

Then she got well. My husband and I let out a gallop of joy thinking we finally weaned her from the binki. She did went through a couple of nights without it. But without the pain from being sick, I guess she remembered. She'd wake up in the middle of the night, though not a great crier, still enough to keep me awake. She fussed and couldn't go back to sleep.

It must be the binki. We thought. So we tried giving her the binki, and instantly, she fell back to sleep. She's been on the binki since, but only at night.

I want to wean her off it. I gave myself until she's 18 months, which is NOW. She'd be 19 months old this month. And I still don't know how to do it. I know for sure that I'd have to give up more sleep in the process of weaning. I read some moms put holes in the binki so it's not as effective as it should be, thus discouraging the baby from using it. I'm tempted to try that, but isn't it dangerous to be giving your kid a defective paci?

If you have tricks that worked, let me know. For whatever it's gonna take, I am so weaning her off the paci. Just don't know when, or if I'd have the energy to go through the pain of sleepless nights yet again.

Pesto Chicken and Pine Nuts

I know I can substitute, but for this instance I'd like to be a "nut" snob.

I have only a tablespoon of pine nuts left. And I don't have the vaguest idea when my next pack will arrive. I'm not buying them locally, they are priced ridiculously high, I'm afraid I'd gag eating my pesto. Yes, I rely on a balikbayan box my sister is sending me. Until that box arrives, I'm keeping my tablespoon of pine nuts as security blanket -- which my husband wisely advised.

The little pine nuts I have is what's left of the latest batch of pesto sauce I whipped up. It's not summer here, but hey, this is one of the best things living in the tropics -- I can have basil anytime of the year.

And because this is my husband's favorite, and I only get to pamper him through my cooking, this is the first dish I made with the batch. It's simple and fast, and super delish; and you can do this half asleep. :P

Creamy Pesto Chicken Recipe

• 2 chicken breast fillet, quartered and sliced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  

Prepare chicken slices thick or thin enough for a quick pan fry. Season with salt. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet. Fry chicken slices until brown on parts.

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 1/4 cup creamer
• 3 tbsp pesto sauce
• pinch of salt
  

In the same pan, heat olive oil. Saute garlic. Once fragrant, pour in stock. Bring to a soft boil. Add creamer little by little, stirring as you do. Turn off heat; then add pesto sauce. Season with salt.

Place the pan-fried chicken slices onto the pan and turn the heat back on. Coat the chicken slices with sauce. Once the sauce starts boiling again, turn off heat.


I wish I had a pic to show but nah! I made this early in the morning half of my faculties are still asleep. Just imagine chicken slices browned on parts smothered with creamy pesto sauce. Heaven!


Take me to HOME COOKING tab

So Soon, Girl?

I didn't expect for her to visit me again this soon.

Yes, I'm calling my migraine a "her" because for whatever it's worth, she has the temperament and a personality of a female.

She makes her presence known by gently throbbing at my head--which of course goes unnoticed (maybe I were a man, then?). Then she'd start her tantrum, this time not so gently, covering one part of my head, and if I'm not so lucky, the back, too.

Because I still deny that it was her again, I drink coffee. Now, unlike me, she loathes coffee.

I try to justify that maybe it was because I'm hungry from drinking too much coffee. "Stupid!" I can almost hear her.

So she gives me nausea and I start to vomit. But I can't, she won't let me. No matter how hard I try, no barf comes out. "Tease!" I shout back at her.

"That's what you get from ignoring me!" she said with finality.

Project: Renovate Porch

I think I should count me lucky. Even with the salary freeze, the company is giving us a little bonus -- something we didn't expect, which made us all the more happy. Guess they know how to counter the depressing effects of recession, huh!

Or maybe some higher being saw the situation I (yes, MY situation - my blog, mine!) am currently in. I need some serious house renovation, but is not willing to get the budget from the current household cashflow. I guess this is a sign that I really, really have to start doing it. Like, really.

I was thinking of starting with the porch. I've been wanting to build an awning to protect the area from heat and rain; but mainly to provide additional seating for the MahJong sessions we host for family and friends. Have I not mentioned before that MahJong is the family's official game? Which would make me an outsider for not learning it? (I'm on my way there, worry not... Or my daughter will save me from myself!)

Xofia learning the ropes early

If you're familiar with the MahJong game, the place must be well-lit. Maybe because I'm a woman, but when it comes to light fixtures, I am very particular. Lighting fixtures, for me, can very much make or break the room. Much thought must be invested on projects that involves home lighting. They have to be placed in the perfect location of the room where they can both serve functionally and aesthetically. Oh, I have such a picture in my mind where I can place a pair of charming, timeless sconce . And because tropical weather can be such a drain, I'd like to counter humidity with a casual ceiling fan.

Wait, how much was my budget again?

25 Random and Useless Things About Me

Reposting the list from my Facebook page. I'm new to Facebook and I'm taking everything in, little by little, baby steps so they say. So far, I've been having fun.

1. I am crazy over Figaro's Coffee Jelly. I swear I can have it everyday.
2. I love to cook dinner for my family. I'm lucky they don't mind eating late dinners.
3. I dream of living in a self-sustaining farm with a house sitting atop an ocean cliff.
4. I have sweaty palms...
5. Which is the reason why I shouldn't be drinking coffee, but what am I to do with the daily grind without caffeine?
6. I go into indescribable fits of happiness when I hear my Xofia says "Mommy" and is actually looking at me.
7. We have 3 coffee presses. Goes to show how much coffee means to me.
8. This mark right smack in the middle of my cheek is an indelible ink... kidding, it's a birthmark not many are blessed to have.
9. I hated morning sickness. It's the reason why I wasn't able to totally enjoy my pregnancy. Some say it's part of pregnancy, and should also be enjoyed. Not!
10. One of my closest friend told me she didn't expect we'd be this close after college. She said I was a snob, lanky social deviant back then. Well, not exactly her words, she was kinder. I told her that's what she got for judging over appearances.
11. I think my childhood was the most colorful, fun and dangerous childhood. I climbed trees, skied hills with nary a slipper, swam rivers and seas without proper training, ate wild fruits, made my own fire to cook my own food -- all in the name of play.
12. Everybody in my husband's side of the family adores durian. I can't stand the smell of it.
13. I have very shallow tear ducts. I think because I have very short eyelashes, and dust gets into my eyes all the time that my eyes have to be regularly cleaned, nature has to provide me with a cleaning agent at a ready. Ha ha.
    
14. I love to scrapbook by hand, the traditional way, but found no time for it lately.
15. I am still not giving Xofia her MMR shot because, darn, the autism scare still scares me.
16. Xofia is the best thing that ever happened to me, next to Bongkie, of course.
17. I love a glass of orange juice with my morning cups of coffee.
18. I used to make scented candles. I find making them equally soothing as lighting them. Then my allergy got worse because of all the fragrances, had to stop.
19. I am still green with envy over Lelany's first edition of The Graveyard Book, and signed by no other than Mr. Sandman himself.
20. I think Neil Gaiman is the coolest person to ever grace the literary world. I also think Edgar Allan Poe was cool but stupid for wasting all that talent over alcohol.
21. I'd like to believe I'd be the Barefoot Contessa in my second life, minus the celebrity status and the TV show.
22. I think cockroaches are the most despicable thing. I was told they're the only ones who can survive a nuclear attack. Still. Ick.
23. I hate to see people leave even if it's just for awhile. Whenever I can, I avoid instances that I have to see them go. Again, see number 13.
24. I don't do well with numbers; and thankful that cellphones now have built-in calculators.
25. I grew up pampered by my Lola (grandma). Mother thinks this is why I act so bratty at times. I think we just happen to have different opinions and I happen to assert mine more strongly. :P

Useless, but I hope you had fun :-)

If not a new kitchen, a Coach purse then?

I am frantic. I lost my keys.

I must have left it or dropped it when I was hurriedly preparing to attend an induction ceremony of a good friend of mine, Emi. (Emi who makes speeches so passionate and heartfelt jaded people like me gets inspired in an instant.)

I try not to think about it, but I get really stressed thinking where could I possibly left my keys. And by golly, when I'm stressed, my senses heightens and I start noticing little things around me that needs fixing.

I need a new set of cupboard. We need to move the sink to the right, and please, position the stove near the window. I need a windowsill, a place for my herbs to sit. A new countertop, a polished and repainted drawer doors -- Ok, I'm putting it simply, I need a new kitchen that offers a lot of shelf space. And while we're at it, give me a new workshop for my home improvement projects. I swear if I were a man, I'd be a carpenter!

And what does a girl do when she's stressed? Shop!

Letting my fingers do the shopping, I stumbled upon this great site that shows everything that's on sale on the net, not just from stores that paid for the placement.

In the meantime, while the I'm passing on the stress to the husband for wanting a new kitchen, I am content on momentarily soothing my stress away with shopping. Ah, retail therapy. Who said this never works?

Foot-In-Mouth Disease

By: Bongkie

Editor's note: This is a guest post from my better half. While he's accumulating issues to talk about in his planned (?) blog, I let him -- no, beg him -- to put his thoughts here in the meantime.

Secretary Eduardo Ermita is a good comedian. Why? Because he made me laugh till my gums hurt. And I don’t laugh that easily especially if the topic involved is government and most especially GMA. In fact, Ermita is such a funny guy that he was able to tell a joke about Obama. According to a news article, Secretary Ermita claimed that Obama could learn a lot from GMA in being President. Say that again? OBAMA CAN LEARN A LOT FROM GMA! BWAHAHAHAHAHA! (evil laugh)

How the hell did he arrive at that conclusion? Well, the answers are simple, really.

1. GMA became president when Obama was still in diapers at the Senate. Obama is just starting while GMA is already on her way out. And during the past few years that GMA was president, she has survived a couple of attempted coup d’ etats, people power rallies, petitions for impeachment and other creative ways to unseat her from office and yet she was able to hold on like a rodeo cowboy on a crazy jumping bull.

2. Both GMA and Obama assumed office during a time of crisis and Obama can learn how to stay in office even without solving the crisis just like GMA did.

3. Remember the Hello Garci controversy? Now, that’s a classic that Obama can really learn from a lot. The denial, the apology, and the acting chops that went with it were Oscar worthy. (NOT!!!)

Please feel free to add what other things Obama can learn from GMA. I know you’ll be able to think of something funny, although not as funny as Sec. Ermita’s joke.