Goodbye 2010. Hello 2011.

My firs blog for the year 2011.

Another chapter has gone by. I can't believe a year, that's 12 months or 365 days or 8760 hours or 525600 minutes or ... alright I'll stop. But can you believe that? It looks like forever but it isn't. It's just passing by like pffftt. I look back and skipped 2 years and there I was always praying in silence to give me the best gift. And now here I am, about to bid goodbye to another year but still praying in silence that the gift given to us could stay in good health and away from harm. We all are lucky individuals with all these blessings that's coming our way. I do let myself wallow at the previous chapters of my life at times because it helps me to be a lot more appreciative of what I have now than before. And this looking back thing only occurs in my mind once a year so let me do it now again - in writing - so when my age strikes me back and i couldn't have the same memory capacity of a 20 something *alright 30-something then! sheesh* I would have something to help me play some part of the movie titled "my life", that is if life would be kind enough to let me have a good eyesight. Alright then, let's start now.

In January, was able to get another designer bag in addition to my collection and baby C’s into solids for the first time. The first major downer of our year was the cebupacific incident.

In February, a first time for me to meet a favourite author when Mitch Albom in flesh went to Singapore.

In March, everything that occurs was a downer for my year. It was the saddest month of my 2010. First was the biggest blow, the unanticipated demise of a good friend. Another followed by Toffee’s bidding us goodbye forever. Toffee has been with us for years. Then last was when baby c’s PR got rejected.

In April, just got busy for the preparation for the little princess’s first birthday.

In May, still into preparations and baby C’s first trip to Malaysia.

In June, finally got a reply from my email complaint to cebu pacific after 5 months which meant nothing really. Then my blog after years of being in black has finally picked a new look. Then there’s Baby C making few steps on her own. And last is finally going for the first time to Wild Wild Wet and we really enjoyed it. And a downer for the month is when I lost my ezlink and money.

In July, still feeling the tension and stress from preparing baby c’s birthday and the birthday celebration of our little princess which surprisingly I didn’t have any post about it. Anyway, pictures are in my FB account :D

In August, is my most loved month of the year. I finally got my dream LV and celebrating my nth birthday with Kuya and family is the cherry on my sundae. love love this month!

In September, celebrating our 3rd year wedding anniversary is the top 1 of the month. Although it’s still my most hated month as we felt so much down finding a decent place.

In October, another updates from our growing princess and baby C’s first time to attend Halloween party with kids almost her age.

In November, is a big family event for us when the little prince – Nathaniel Kristoff arrived. My newest pamangkin.

In December, aside from celebrating Christmas, my top 1 of the month is the christmas gift I got from habidad - a chanel pair of earrings and the last hirit we had for Christmas is going to Manila on the last day of December via Singapore Airlines another first time for baby Cheska.

This year has brought us so many blessings to thank for but the sadness it brought is a lot to take in. I hope 2011 will bring us more happiness and less of heartaches. Problems will always be there and I’m not asking it to go away because at times, it makes us stronger. I just hope no one will say goodbye this year or if possible for the next more years. I just hate when sadness come at this form. So, 2011 we’re ready for the challenges you’ll be putting on us. And could you please please send more blessings and happiness in our way?

Goodbye 2010! It’s been fun and lovely being with you!

Nathaniel Kristoff

Born Nov 29, 2010 at 6:22 pm. 2.92kg and 48.5cm. New angel and a pure blessing from God. I can't wait to finally meet our new bunso, our prince! I'm overjoyed and soooo excited to come home. More and more reason for me to look forward to January. Congratulations sis A. You are really a remarkable woman for going through a lot of things in life. Labyu to bits!

Baby Nathan's name meaning:

Nathaniel

The name Nathaniel is a baby boy name.

Hebrew Meaning: 
The name Nathaniel is a Hebrew baby name. In Hebrew the meaning of the name Nathaniel is: Gift of God; God has given. One of the 12 biblical apostles.

September

September isn't really a good month for us. A LOT of things has changed. Change is inevitable and i know that. Maybe I'm sulking much into the shadow that I don't see much of the goodness of everything that's happening now. But inspite of it all, God has been and always been good to us. One day, we will learn to live by what is there in our plate and just accept that everything happens for a better reason. God is good. God will provide. 

A huge downer in our life

was trying not to focus on it but it's really hard for me not to feel down with the recent events. it's already tiring to view units one after another and with the prices really gone high, we don't seem to have much of a choice. blame it on our 10 yrs of stay in singapore and got used to staying in much better places. now, though it's suppose to be not much big of a deal, i think it's becoming a downer for us. after a lot of viewing taking our strength and time with cheskapot, we cant seem to find the right place that suits our needs. maybe we'll get used to it :(  all i really wish is to have a place of our own in a place we called home for 10 years. and wishing that it's not that high to rent your own place so we can live a normal life without stress. wish lang naman :( hayyyzzzz

The Wine Company and about Friendship

Just came home from our lovely fabulous dinner at Dempsey Hill. I didn’t know this place exist in Singapore lol. The place is really cozy with very affordable wines! This place is a heaven for wine lovers and for the not so into wines, it still should go to their must see places. The place was recommended by the two girls. I had a really fun night tonight. Serious talks, girl talk hihihi over a yummy ribs and sausage platter and pizza with a bottle of Reisling, feeling Carrie of SATC ang beauty ko! Thank you girls! I’m so glad I still have few left pa pala.

Over a fun dinner, of course, I couldn’t help with a few realization about friendship. A) that not all the people you know and listed as friends are genuinely happy with what you have in life. they find it annoying to see something new happening in your life. or they seem to be happy but eventually you’ll find in another way that they weren’t. honestly, i don’t get it. BUT if they’re happy always finding something off with you, just let it be. B) that i wanted to do things just to “cleanse” off the negative air around me but I just don’t know how. C) that FB helped me to find out that i have millions of friends and it also helped me realized that only 100 of them are genuine or sincere. SO, i’m about to start with my downsizing BUT then again, I don’t want to put a flammable liquid into the already burning fire SO I might take time to let few remain for the reason that I alone can only understand.

Ok so above all the items i listed, one thing’s for sure. i’d rather keep 1 or 2 of my most priced possessions than keeping all with the rustic vibes else i might end up with nothing at all. thank you for your post for making me realize the above things. in all honesty, i was a bit affected at first, but now, i’m feeling a little happy about it. why fret over a rustic nail when it won’t ever helped you get hold of that beautiful painting you have? i still have my un’amica stretta and i’ll be glad to spend my time on them :) I don’t want to be remembered as the one causing so much annoyance in someone else’s life so i’d rather stay away so I won’t cause them stress. i’m sorry if i bother you with some information about my life. i’ll try to be boring next time.

My First LV

Another blessing indeed and a dream come true

I always thank God for letting me reach some of my “impossible” dreams. Though I admit, they seem to be shallow, but still, it is something that I’m really thankful for. I just want to blog this day that I finally got another blessing. Of course, I wouldn’t let it pass without blogging the details. but at the moment, let this suffice.

Thank you dadi for always “spoiling” me in everything as long as you can. Thank you for the birthday / wedding anniversary / christmas / bf-gf anniversary / valentines gift.  I’m not one to complain. I got what I really really wanted. Been drooling on it for years and now it’s here. So, thank you, thank you, thank you!

I love you dadi! Even without the material things you’re giving me. I will always do. Because through you, I have known your family. Through you, I’ve gone so far and achieved so many things in life. Through you, I’ve been strong whenever I wanted to give up and when my life was filled with so much drama. And through you, I have my little miss busangot, who never fail to make my heart flutter each minute of the day.

Uberly happy!

Don’t you sometimes wish???

To be extremely rich so you’ll be able to buy those pretty little things with exorbitant price tags around their neck? I do. It’s selfish. It’s worldly sinful. But I admit my shallowness shows whenever I see these lovely pieces. Sigh. Well, like they always say “libre lang mangarap”. Whatever it is. You’ll never know :)

Some women adores shoes and collects numbers of them. They get extremely high whenever they visited shoe stores. I am not one of them. Because my heart belongs to bags :D Here’s a few pieces I really love and made my heart flutter each weekend we paid a visit to these shops along Orchard. And I swear I’m loving my husband for giving in to my vices sometimes. It’s my happiness at the end of the long stressful week :) Bags, bags, bags, I can’t seem to get enough of them… Wish, wish, wish, wish I’m rich as any celebrity in hollywood.

Some people may find it hard to believe that there are people buying these kind of bags. I guess it’s an obsession. And everyone does have it, isn’t it? Owning a designer bag is an investment for some. You can resell them at a price almost the same amount. I’ve bought my very first designer bag in 2004 and for six years it has served me well. When I last visited gucci, the bag was still there and selling a hundred dollars more. So you see, it’s not just all a waste of money :D And I know a lot of second hand shops that are selling bags that you can’t imagine you’ll be owning for the half price. There’s also an online store that let the people rent a bag for a week at $50 or less :) Ok, so let’s have a peek at these lovely things.

Louis Vuitton – it’s the “IT” bag and almost everyone I know owns a piece from this famous brand. Or some like me still dreaming of owning one *lol*. The first two bags were my first love. It was on my wish list for 2009. Will it be Speedy or Neverfull?

Balenciaga – when I saw it last July at Glorietta 5 with the same color as below, I swear my heart skipped a beat. It’s like seeing Vin Diesel in person! too bad, wasn’t able to go inside the shop to feel them.

Chanel – this 2.55 bag is like part of my memories with SATC when Charlotte was carrying the white one.

Hermes – this Birkin bag is like a symbol of ultimate luxury. Like Chanel, it was also a part of my memories with SATC when Samantha was trying to red bag and uses Lucy Liu’s name just to skip the waiting list. And again was shown in second part of the movie where it made a lot of women gasp when it was broken. And I know, most of the fashionista’s already know what Lady Gaga had done to her Birkin. It’s her bag but still, it’s like, sigh. I don’t know how and why Hermes approved this kind of “inappropriate” behaviour. Sorry Lady Gaga. I do like you a bit but I think you’ve overdone it this time.

     

Christian Louboutin – still SATC. They should be thankful to Bushnell and the directors for introducing their lines to the “common” people. Now, even I know big names like Chanel, Hermes, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahniks. CL’s red soles are their trademarks and I saw one pair of shoes in Takashimaya selling at SGD $1250. 

Manolo Blahnik – love the color and the feather!


Jimmy Choo – i will have this! because i saw one from Charles and Keith! lol!


Done reading? Take a deep breath and continue dreaming :) You’ll never know when Santa’s just around the corner :D

Blind - Lifehouse

I was young but I wasn't naive
I watched helpless as he turned around to leave
and still I have the pain I have to carry
a past so deep that even you could not bury if you tried

after all this time
I never thought we'd be here
never thought we'd be here
when my love for you was blind
but I couldn't make you see it
couldn't make you see it
that I loved you more than you'll ever know
a part of me died when I let you go

I would fall asleep
only in hopes of dreaming
that everything would be like is was before
but nights like this it seems are slowly fleeting
they disappear as reality is crashing to the floor

after all this time
I never thought we'd be here
never thought we'd be here
when my love for you was blind
but I couldn't make you see it
couldn't make you see it
that I loved you more than you'll ever know
a part of me died when I let you go

after all this time
would you ever wanna leave it
maybe you could not believe it
that my love for you was blind
but I couldn't make you see it
couldn't make you see it
that I loved you more than you will ever know
a part of me died when I let you go
and I loved you more than you'll ever know
a part of me dies when I let you go

Wild Wild Wet

Last week, the benipayo's invited us for a Saturday weekend at wild wild wet. Although we were already booked for 5pm for w@w sg EB, we decided to go with them since I have never set foot on that place ever and was bugging dadi to go ever since. I was too excited that I already prepared Cheska's things Thursday evening. It is a first time for the abdon's thus explains the eagerness.

So, last Saturday morning even at an hour and a half late, we still made it. At first I find it a bit expensive for $15 fee but when I saw the place, it was all worth it. Team B (Benipayo team lol) were on time and Alexi is already swimming when we got there. Team A (Abdon hihi) had lunch first then they all went for swim as I'm still on support. It is a bummer but no choice and I wont let it ruin my weekend with my family and friends. At 1:30 I was done supporting and bebe's already asleep so we started with the fun while ate bheng stays with bebe. *I made her go while doing the support so it’s my turn hihihi*

First stop - TSUNAMI: a big pool with waves as if you’re in a sea. And water do taste salty. The salbabidas are free to use of different sizes. I can't seem to get enough of the happiness on mamu's face. She's like a kid lol. So am I. It was so fun!

Second stop - SHIOK RIVER: a long narrow size pool with water flowing like a river. It is really relaxing. Though I must say that I never relax with much excitement on wanting to try everyULAR-LAH rides and attractions and hoping *just now* that bebe would sleep a bit longer hehehe.

Third stop - ULAR-LAH: the closest thing to experience white-water rafting daw and indeed. saya saya!

We went back to our place for a while and found bebe already awake. It was ok as i have enjoyed much of the rides anyway. And I was hoping to have a swim with her. We went to the PROFESSOR’s PLAYGROUND and this is really a good fun for kids of all ages. We tried WATERWORKS with open tube while mamu and ate bheng and bebe were waiting for us at the pool. Ahihihi kakatuwa. Surprisingly, the water isn’t that cold. Longest time I’ve been in water I think lol.

Mamu and ate bheng went back with bebe to finish off. We still went for another last hirit. We went to try SLIDE UP. Waaaaa roller coaster feeling - plunging down a really high ramp accelerating really fast. Kalurky! Parang naiwan puso ko sa ere. Still had a feeling of vertigo after that nerve wracking ride. But I’m proud of myself lol. I’ve always been a coward and to try that kind of ride is really something. But if you ask me again to try it, no way jose. Once is exciting and fun, twice is too much for me to bear as if hugging my own death sentence lol. Ok I’m really exaggerating now. Next ride for us is the SKYRIDER. Imagine monorail on a twin bike. Feeling mary poppin ako hihi. umbrella na lang kulang. But don’t judge it for the way it looks. At first, it might have an impression that it’s boring and really easy. For people who have terrible fear of heights, better stay in the water. Got scared as if we’ll fall down and as if some of those mechanical things will fall off. If this is suppose to be a relaxing ride, they fail to meet my standards lol.  Ok last na, haba na ng post ko. Last ride was the WATERWOKS with close tube. Naman! Uber sa dilim! Can’t see a thing or a single hint of light. Scary but fun hihihi.

That’s about our experience in WWW. It’s a really fun experience for family especially to those who haven’t tried it. We will go back there definitely. All you need to bring are your changing clothes, towel and most important is money. No need to bring food as there’s a lot of choices around. I super like this weekend! Thanks Ninong Dennis / Ninang Che for inviting us. Parang disneyland feeling! And another good thing is, it somehow helped in healing bebe’s rashes. Kelangan pala ihian ang tubig :D

Here’s the wild wild wet link for more info :) Not a promoter or employed by this company. I’m just one very satisfied customer :D

Wondering

At the end of each day, have you ever wonder if, by your actions or joke or words, someone got really hurt or cried? It maybe funny to you but there are some who don't. It's either they are really sensitive or you are insensitive. People like you who knows how to ruin a good day with just a snap of a finger should be pondering on such things.

I so wanted to be out but too scared to take the first step. *sob*

Grrr to the max level

I was suppose to be on call last sunday in case of issues. Since I didnt receive any call, figures I wasn't needed. When I got to office this morning pagsabihan ba ako na dapat tumawag ako to check kung may issue or wala? Eh di ba dapat pag may issue you dont send mail or sms na d naman mababasa? You were suppose to call first then send msg? Ako pa talaga sisihin? Grrr! Halatang halata favoritism. Pulitika talaga. May malipatan lang sana ako. Kakapikon na! Tumaas lang position tumaas na din ere ng hitad. Maging kuto ka lang titirisin kita ng pinong pino!

Apologize for the rant and bad behaviour. Hayyyz!

The long awaited reply from CebuPac

Remember my post 5 months ago with my complaint to cebupac? Well, after 5 long months, they did reply. And I don’t know whether to be happy or grateful with their reply. Sigh!

 

This July, we “have to” take Cebupac again from Manila-Sg. We have to be on the same flight with Ate Bheng as Dadi won’t be coming back with us yet. Sana naman!

Lucky Kids

Few weeks ago, I post a photo of a bottle of shampoo for kids with the disney character on it. I was thinking how lucky kids are nowadays. And just now, saw a family with a baby of about 2 or 3 years, with the netbook in front of her, to entertain her im sure. My inaanak alexi is always entertained when her parents gave her a phone where she can watched elmo or anything. They sure are one lucky generation. I still remember my cousins having the play gun made of wood and rattles made of plastic which Im sure my parents or any parents in that time wouldn't bother checking if it's made in China. I'm sure when the time comes that cheskapot could understand, she'll be annoyed with my sentences like "you're so lucky! back in my days, blah blah". Well to be honest, I am starting now with all her stuffed toys and fisher price toys and branded clothes that are really way too expensive. Lol! I'm not the one buying it. I'm the "nudger" so I still have the right to complain. Good thing the financier is not reading my blog :D

Cocoon

There were phases in our life where we  sometimes felt the feeling of loneliness and emptiness and envy and unappreciated all at the same time for no apparent reason. Or maybe there is. It's just too embarassingly painful to admit - even to yourself. I have had enough moments like this and when I do, I take a step back and retreat in my own cocoon. This helps me think and wallow in my own selfish thoughts - or not. Whatever.   

Nights in Rodanthe

I read the book and found it to be really dragging. I love NS and I've read most of his books. I just found this one really boring. I mean I did cry for some parts but most of the time I was really looking forward to finish the book just bec I was hoping the ending is good. But it's not. It's the first time I got disappointed with a book. No offense to NS and especially to the readers who really loved the book. Im a huge NS fan but this particular story I'd really wanted to forget. I bought a DVD on sale hoping the movie will put justice to it. But it didn't. There were a lot of good things from the book that was omitted. A widows love for her late husband, a daughters love for her father and the love of a man for her late wife. Those parts were so good. In fact, I think the only good thing in the book. Inspite of this terrible particular book, I will still complete my NS collection and read and watch the movie adaptations. Hoping this is the only rotten tomato among the bunch.

Sentiments

there was a time in my life that i felt the joy and pain of being a parent to my siblings. more of like the "father" since i was there with them financially and not at times they really needed someone. i couldn't even say that i've been a sister to them since i never really knew them for that long. and i couldn't say that im proud of any of it. i was just trying to play the part that God asked me to. i don't even feel like i have the "authority" to tell them what's good and what's not for their life. but sometimes when they did a decision in their life, i had this feeling that i thought they owe me something - at least shaping their life into what you think is best for them. and when it's going the other way around, i felt cheated or moreso HURT. i guess, i have to accept the fact that what i thought would make them happy isn't really making them happy. they have their own life to live just as i had mine. im just praying hardly to God to be with them and guide them every step of the way just as He did to me. I'm not saying my life is perfect now. but i somehow had that notion that i passed what was expected of me. if it's hard for me, it must be million times for my mom. i wish cheska will go easy on me when she grows up.

Trip to ICA

This morning’s attempt to re-appeal baby Cheska’s PR application wasn’t what you called fruitful. I thought we will be talking to someone to reasoned out Cheska’s rejected application. It still is better to get rejected knowing the grounds than receiving a plain letter with only “Sorry, you application has been denied”. Anyway, we submitted the re-appeal form with the re-appeal letter we made and then we proceed to 4th floor where we applied for her extension. She got extended alright but only until end of May. Re-appeal takes another 6 months processing. Now, we were advised to apply for a long term pass for her. OMG! This is really really troublesome. I still can’t accept the fact that they can reject a PR application of a baby. Way to go Singapore! I love Singapore. Woooo-hooo! Hooooray!

Sad

We got the letter from ICA regarding bebe’s PR application. It was applied last October and we were just at the ICA last January which they said it was impossible for a baby to get denied especially if both parents are PR. But how come in the letter it reads “we regret to inform you that your application was unsuccessful”. I hope tomorrow when I call ICA, it’ll be something like “Sorry there was just a mistake. Your baby’s application is successful” But to be honest, THIS will be a big change in all of our lives. Sorry, can’t help it but be really sad and think of the could-have-been’s.

 

I wanted to cry but I know dadi b will only tell me there’s nothing to cry. But I really really felt sad. :(

Au Revoir, Toffee

Heard the news from sister K that our first baby Toffee was gone. I haven’t talked to her and she hasn’t replied to my sms yet as to what was the cause of Toffee’s demise. I know, if anyone will be devastated, it will be bunso. Toffee’s her real baby :( Goodbye, Toffee. If there’s a thing called dog-heaven, I’m sure that’s where you’ll be going :( Good riddance to the sweetest, smelliest and playful dog I’ve ever known. Say hello to Marley for us.