A Bit of Success

Today is parents conference day and I am contemplating on how to spend the three hours in-between. I tried this laptop so many times before but all I got was a warning in flashing RED saying that my request is not on the approved list of the district. So for the last two weeks I was just using this to take attendance. But I didn't want to give up just yet, This morning, I had extra time. After all I had written the agenda on the board, prepared the ingredients on the demo table and handed in my grades, so I started tinkering with the buttons I was rather unfamiliar with. You see, this is a Mac and I've only worked with a PC, when lo and behold I got through to my blog page! I got excited so I signed in. Got through again with no hitch. Went back to the sign-in page, added the site to the Bookmarks, then I thought of re-starting this ever cooperative machine. I hope no one saw me when I was able to sign in to this site again. My blood pressure would have shot up cuz I was hot all over. It felt like Eureka for me. Then the bell rang. Another tiny bit of success.

Rest in Peace, Dory

I received the news from our friend, Gloria. Apparently, our friend Dory attended mass last Sunday morning, passed by a market for some tomatoes and was walking to her house. Very typical of her. Everytime Gloria offered her a ride home, she would refuse. She always preferred to walk under the blistering sun even when her place is about three miles away from Glo's. The only time she would accept such an offer was when it was too late at night or if it was raining very hard for her umbrella. I can picture her that Sunday morning. She was walking briskly in her finest Sunday dress, either with a beribboned hat, or an umbrella, a plastic bag with tomatoes in one hand and a purse wrapped around her shoulder, and her pair of sandals clickety clacking silently on the cement. And, I will be surprised if she was not fanning herself, yes, even with her hands full! If it was windy, her silvery hair would be dancing with the wind and her cheeks would be bloody red for it was rather sunny and warm that morning. And, mind you she still has those cherubic complexion that many wish they had. But, Gloria's call was of a different picture. Dory was in the hospital. She suffered a massive stroke on the left side of her brain. She passed out on the pavement and fortunately, someone saw her. They found a number on her to a brother in Florida, who called another brother who is in San Francisco, who eventually called Gloria. I visited her on Monday afternoon and yesterday at 6:30 in the evening, she decided to go. Gloria and I have so many beautiful moments with her. She will be very hard to forget. May you rest in peace with the angels, our friend!!!

Yvonne's Writers Cafe

Yvonne of Grow Your Writing Business opened up a Writers Cafe where bloggers can meet and chat (you can talk about anything under the sun) with other bloggers and writers while enjoying her offerings of goodies. Request for anything that you desire for a relaxing weekend and she'll be glad to have it ready for you. You can even pick some on your way out. Last week I had muffins and coffee and, oh my, I tell you, you'll be praying for the next weekend to come sooner than the following day, not only for the sweet delights but for the exchange of ideas from other intelligent bloggers like her! Hmmm, wait a minute. Is that something with cinnamon-cardamom combination teasingly wafting in the air? I wonder what she's serving now. Come on, join the fun at Yvonne's weekend writers Cafe. And better hurry before it's too late. Those trays of goodies won't last!!! Have a great weekend, everyone.

We were happy.....

Everything went well with the Breakfast Burritos. I was totally surprised by the effort they put into plating their finished product! Quite a change and improvement, I might say. My only regret was I didn't bring my camera to remind me of how happy we all were. Today the Culinary Arts Club started preparing for tomorrow's Food Faire while my classes were busy practicing their knife techniques - well, actually they were just pretending to be cutting/slicing something on the cutting board. The emphasis was on how to handle and grip the knife properly. (Tomorrow, they will cut real frutis and vegetables). And again, they impressed me with their performance. I believe there is that good sign of what the semester is going to be.

My wish .........

WOW, didn't notice it's almost a week since my last post. I've been busy catching up on my reading and blog-hopping, I guess. The week went so fast, too. Been busy putting together my lessons for this semester, preparing for the Back to School Night last Thursday and planning on what to buy for their first cooking experience - a Breakfast Burrito - to test if they can apply what they learned in Safety in the Kitchen and also so I won't hear the question "When are we going to cook, Ms.?" ever again! I wish they understand (or, at least try to understand) the message of the course outline and syllabus - that it will be concerning and about food, tasting food, and not necessarily about eating (the food)! Well, I still can wish, can't I?

Having Problems? Read on..............

Hazel, my nephew Kirby's special friend, sent me this thru the e-mail and I thought I should share it: 5 Reasons GOD Permits Problems The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you—it makes you better or bitter depending on how YOU respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring. It is a choice (free will). Here are five reasons God May have Permitted the problems you experience in your life: 1. God permits problems to DIRECT you. Sometimes God must light a fire under you to get you moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change. Is God allowing this situation to get your attention? "Sometimes it takes a painful situation to make us change our ways" Proverbs 20:30 2. God permits problems to INSPECT you. People are like tea bags ... if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God tested your faith by allowing a problem or two into your life? What do problems reveal about you? "When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience." James 1:2-3 3. God uses problems to CORRECT you. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something...health, money, a relationship...by losing it. "It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws." Psalms 119:71-72 4. God permits problems to PROTECT you. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem-but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good"... Genesis 50:20 5. God permits problems to PERFECT you. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity. "We can rejoice when we run into problems...they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." Romans 5:3-4 God is at work in your life-even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it's much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him..

Apple Moment

Jacob and Joshua having an apple moment this morning as Ed and I babysat them while Dad went to play golf and Mom went to work.

Like Father Like Son

A priceless picture of Jet and Matthew. Mattie (his dad's nickname for him) just turned 7 1/2 months old when this was taken.

We're grateful!

Our vacation would have been ordinary if not for you, folks! * Dindo, Ate Baby's youngest son. He designated himself as our offficial driver during our whole stay in the Philippines inspite of the fact that he has to supervise everyday the building of houses he designed and work with Keats on the finishes of even more construction projects. We can not thank you enough because we wouldn't see the places we went to without your expert driving, even with your cell phone ringing no end! Driving and texting at the same time? And not a scratch on the car after 6 whole weeks? WOWWW! * Neil, Dindo's eldest brother, and his wife Jona, leaving Ken's room at our disposal and the unlimited use of their Pajero. In that weather and with Dindo's itinerary for us, your generosity, is worth even more than a million! Thank you, too, for those wonderful dinners at Leslie's (Alabang), Sonya's in Cavite and the Santa Rosa Blue Grill. * Mark, for those luscious, sweet, golden, juicy Japanese corns freshly harvested from your farm. I gained 10 pounds yata ah. * LenLen, Dindo's "sweetheart", and Gabe's mom - for making me feel like a Princess for six whole weeks! - you know what I mean. * Marivic, for your delicious ginisang bagoong, bags and wraps. I won't forget our "trip" to the market that one morning. Konting practice na lang, talo mo na akong mag-drive. * Nikko, Dindo's third older brother, for being our other designated driver. Boy, am I glad you don't text as much! * Tammi and Greg - that full body massage was truly a treat for Ed and me. That being my first added more to the fun, tickles and all!!! * Nor, for finding time to keep me company even when I know your hands are busy and full. BTW, the hairdo lasted me another day! Or two, counting the dateline leap. And those no-pins rollers, fantastic! * Apollo, for the exciting boat ride while shooting the rapids in Pagsanjan and a dining experience on a raft at Kamayan sa Palaisdaan. * August, for a tour of Nasugbu and another dining experience at Kainan sa Dalampasigan. * Fe, for a cultural experience at Villa Escudero. Masarap palang kumain na nakalubog ang mga paa sa ilog. * Jules and Rachel - for a sumptuous dinner that put Jules' culinary expertise in the kitchen on a center stage. I can still taste those tender, juicy ribs! BTW, loved your cozy nest. * Dida, for being around so we could feel again how it was before. Your anaks just don't know what they missed! * Tet - for the "research" work and for the bonding we had. * Tia Paring - for assuring me that when you worry less you live longer. She's already 93 years old and still looking and feeling great! * Keats and Ves - for making me love coffee even more * Baby, Cora, Jim, Gie and Vir - for your friendship and for filling Ed and me with childlike excitement as we travelled to our moments of yesteryears. *JayVee - for your philosophies in life and for being their Kuya and last but not least: * Ate Baby and Kuya Edes - for everything!!!

Sweet Little Angels

These little angels made our vacation young and memorable!!! Meet them: Meet Marcus, (4) my cousin Fe's first grandchild. His Batangas accent will put any Southerner smiling. He is a very smart, caring little boy. He never wanted me to leave his sight all the time we were in Villa Escudero and cried when I didn't ride with them on the way home. He's quite a story-teller, too, especially about his toys that his Mommy GemGem sends him.

Sofia, (8 mos.) at her Papu's arms is the youngest angel of all. She just woke up in this picture but still "gracious" to pose with grandma Tammi.

Meet, TamTam - (7) Ate Baby's first and only granddaughter. She created a welcome gift for us and shyly gave me another go-away gift so we will always remember her and Gabe.

Jaz, (7) right, with his brother Ken, is the techie of them all. He can work on his gameboy, ipod, etc. and still talk to me at the same time. If Tam has a problem with a game, he's always ready to guide her through. On our first night, he made sure we didn't forget that we could spend the night with him, his Kuya and his mom and dad. BTW, he even gave me some tips on how to go-cart race.

Tisha, (7), Tammi's first granchild, is quite a songbird. How she belts those high notes without breathing still amazes me whenever I think about her. How I wish I had more time to bond with her.

This is Gabe, (8) nickname for Gabriel. He never missed greeting me each morning with a big smile that emphasized his two dimples on each cheek. Yeah, I counted them and he has four! He loves collecting matchbox cars and duplicating each model with his Lego cubes. He is also Tam's "guardian". When Tam talks loud, he would remind her to keep quiet or when she would sit with her legs apart, he would coach her to sit properly like a girl should. If Tam wanted to play with him and it was his study time, he would tell her to go home and study more.

DeeDee, Keats and Ves' little darling, is the big sister to them all. The little ones look up to her for solutions to their own tiny problems.

And of course, Yohan, Rachel's own little angel. He is everything the way Rachel describes him - loving, active, smart, sweet.

Absent from the pictorial is Sam. (I'm still looking for his pic). He promised to write me so I won't forget that he likes matchbox racing cars for Christmas.

These little angels kept me young because they saw to it that I played with them, read with or to them, danced and sang when they did and still "eagerly" coached me if I was not doing anything right. And they all echoed each other's wish that we can stay even longer!!!

This is Tam's welcome bookmarker for us.Still going to take a pic of your going-away present, Tam.

He's my grandnephew, need I say more?

Source: Philippine Daily Enquirer, Tuesday, August 21, 2007

A new nurse in the family!!

Congratulations to Monette, youngest daughter of my younger sister Tammi, and shown here with Chona, only daughter of Tammi's twin, Norma, MIL to Rachel. Received the good news that she passed the board exams for nurses the morning after we arrived from our trip. What a great welcome! Good Job, MONETTE!!!

Catching Up

Today, I - - started catching up on my blog readings - organized pics we took of our vacation - tried another program to create albums for posting - still catching up on the new time zone - visited friends on their blogs - answered e-mails - composed e-mails - started dusting rooms and shelves - tried to cook - reluctantly fixed bed - sweated in the heat - am not feeling so swell - had all electric fans turned on (air con konked out) - will try to put some clothes in the laundry - will water the plants and lawn to stay cool - have to remember I am not on vacation anymore!

A Big THANKS

Yvonne, Grammie, Rowena, Rachel, Chesca, SassyMom, Febeth, Paul, KK, Dine, Julie, Chona Thanks to you all for those good wishes and sincere welcome. I'll be visiting you soon!!

uprhs58 One of the first things I did during my vacation was meeting and seeing my former high school classmates from U.P. Rural High School in Los Banos, Laguna. It felt as if it was only last week when we went on our separate journeys. Take a look at us now!

The one that changed alot was my former high school building. Not just the site, but the size as well! It used to be just a few meters away from the gates to the college campus. Now it is miles away and in Bay, Laguna at that. I would have loved to see the old one, but I find that the new sprawling building spells progress and success!

Back to Reality

It's been 24 hours since our plane landed in LAX and now I can feel that reality is back! Vacation is over, really, really over. My brain's still confused whether my body should be in bed or in the kitchen washing dishes. Yes, another reality that bites hard is the fact that now I have to do everything by myself. During the last six weeks, everybody was already reading my thoughts even before I started thinking about anything - if I needed to eat, the table was always laden with food that I grew up with, and a sister and nieces would always be around to assist me with, say, dipping sauces, salt and pepper, etc.; someone's on hand to collect my used clothing as soon as I pulled one over my head, and water already boiling so my shower would be perfect. For the last six weeks, I never held a broom or sponge or duster. All that I had to care about was the time I should wake up and the time I should be ready for the next trip. Now, I have to convince myself real hard that those days and times are gone, gone, gone. Snap out of it. This is reality!!!

Welcome, Yesterday

For the last 6 weeks Ed and I had been savoring the beauties and memories of our childhood. Ed had not been home for almost a quarter of a century (24 years) so I know this break is very exciting and meaningful to him. We toured most of the cities in Northern Luzon, where he is from and the south of Luzon where I am from. While my homeland has changed a lot, both politically and structurally, recalling and re-telling stories from our past have not. From the first few minutes of settling into one of my nephews' car until this very moment, stories haven't diminished. Everyday, a relative would come and another event from our yesteryears would suddenly evolve. And, the amazing thing about all this is we never get tired of it. Each day passes so fast I can't believe our vacation will soon be over in 5 days, to be exact! Then, I can really sit down and write about those unforgetable moments........

Why this trip?

One thing about being an immigrant is the excitement that goes when you think about the possibility of seeing your homeland again. Though under different circumstances, it was the same thing when we were working in Africa,. We always looked forward to those few days that we would be with our families again, year after year. We're happy when we are in America because we are with our children and grand children and friends. But still, there is that unexplainable longing for those folks that you left behind in the land of your youth. This vacation was planned when I learned that my eldest sister, Conchita, who we all call Ate Baby, was showing signs of the Parkinson's disease. We became even more intent in pushing it to fruition when another news came that a younger sister, Norma, is also very sick. Of course we want to see them when they are still strong, not later. We are very grateful that they both overcame and are now healthy again, touring and laughing with us! In a nutshell, we cruised through the Cagayan Valley across to the Ilocandia shores, sidewaying to Baguio, Pangasinan, Pampanga and Bulacan. Then we continued on to Laguna, Quezon, Batangas and Cavite, not forgetting Manila, and Quezon City, Alabang and Makati. Oh, why do the roads have to end?

Till Next Post

Can't believe it. Ed and I are actually flying to Manila today! I know Ed is excited too, maybe even more than I am. After all he hasn't been home since 1983! But he doesn't show anything emotionally. He's the ever cool Ed that I married that summery day in June almost four decades ago. I know he is excited because he keeps reminding me if I had bought this and that for everyone. Yesterday he made sure I didn't forget to buy insect repellant and sunblock lotion. Another sure sign that he is excited is he keeps asking for the time, which I notice, is suddenlly moving so slowly! But as he keeps reminding me: "Just relax, sit down, keep quiet and leave everything to me." And like a little kitty (and so unlike me if I may be allowed to add), I obey (chuckle). I hope I can find a way to post from wherever we may be. Otherwise, till we're back!

Will everything fit?

What? The first week of my vacation gone? That was fast. Really, really fast! I know I've been in and out of stores trying to find a matching gift (pasalubong) for everyone we expect to see when we get to the Philippines. In fact, our problem now is how to fit everything in our Balikbayan boxes - from a pair of jimmies for a 6-month old grand niece to a night gown for a ninety-year-old aunt. Yes, my Tia Paring delights in receiving one everytime. And the soaps and lotions for my high school classmates? And, oh, yes, the pahabols (last minute take ins)!

But, this "problem" is part of the thrill of visiting one's motherland.

Tuesday we treated Rachelle to a belated birthday lunch. Her birthday was June 16 but she was in the midst of her finals. Matthew and his parents joined us.Then on Wednesday Patrick and family invited us to a barbeque and to watch the fireworks at Claremont from their garage. Yeah, they are that close to the real thing. Isn't that neat? Jacob and Joshua had a great time biting into their corn and watermelon.

And before I forget, Paul, my godson who joined the Navy after high school and is now with the medical corps as a nurse, is on home leave and came to visit me and his ninong. We had a great lunch at Chilli's. He came with his mom, and nephews Sean and Coby. Kirby went along with us, too.

Then, we were back to packing.

HAPPY JULY 4, AMERICA

Images of freedom that is America

Impatience

All that I can think of right now is my coming trip to Batangas. My ticker says 6 more days. Yes, less than a week!!! Today I - * kept looking at my ticker * suddenly missed my sisters * kept myself busy by helping Ed fill up Balikbayan boxes * feel as if my head's going to burst as - * I see everything on tables, chairs, sofas and floor * looked for bucks .... * smelled Michael Kors for the first time and * found out I still prefer dolce and gabbana * bought a pair of white pants to wear to my mini-reunion with high school friends * wasn't successful in finding a matching blouse * went for a mammogram (my doctor was getting frantic about my not having it done) * craved for chow mein * had no motivation to cook * bought two bowls of mandarin chow mein * bought bowls of teriyaki chicken and orange chicken * bought a bowl of chicken fried rice * had dinner with Ed and Kirby * made a list of what will go into my carry-on * made a schedule of how to leave the house clean before Ed and I leave * made a mental picture to ask Kirby to help me set up my lap-top * "told myself" to write down numbers and addresses that I will need while away * thought of filling up my weekly medicine dispensers * am sufferring from the SoCal heat * feel so busy finishing nothing * wish we are already on the 6th day!

I have my own JACK

A niece e-mailed me the following article. I Googled the authoress and found out she's a minister's wife. I think her message is true and relevant not only in marriage but in any relationship in life. With my own brand of temper and moods - I consider myself lucky to have my own Jack - a fact my father-in-law (may God bless his soul) never quite understood.

The Secret to a Lasting Marriage: Embrace Imperfection Deb Graham When I was a little girl, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned toast in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his toast, smile at my mom, and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that toast and eat every bite! When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the toast. And I'll never forget what he said: "Baby, I love burned toast." Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his toast burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Debbie, your momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides-a little burnt toast never hurt anyone!" In bed that night, I thought about that scene at dinner and the kindness my daddy showed my mom. To this day, it's a cherished memory from my childhood that I'll never forget. And it's one that came to mind just recently when Jack and I sat down to eat dinner. I had arrived home late as usual and decided we would have breakfast food for dinner. Some things never change, I suppose! To my amazement, I found the ingredients I needed, and quickly began to cook eggs, turkey sausage, and buttered toast. Thinking I had things under control, I glanced through the mail for the day. It was only a few minutes later that I remembered that I had forgotten to take the toast out of the oven! Now, had it been any other day -- and had we had more than two pieces of bread in the entire house -- I would have started all over. But it had been one of those days and I had just used up the last two pieces of bread. So burnt toast it was! As I set the plate down in front of Jack, I waited for a comment about the toast. But all I got was a "Thank you!" I watched as he ate bite by bite, all the time waiting for some comment about the toast. But instead, all Jack said was, "Babe, this is great. Thanks for cooking tonight. I know you had a hard day." As I took a bite of my charred toast that night, I thought about my mom and dad how burnt toast hadn't been a deal-breaker for them. And I quietly thanked God for giving me a marriage where burnt toast wasn't a deal-breaker either! You know, life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I'm not the best housekeeper or cook. And you might be surprised to find out that Jack isn't the perfect husband! He likes to play his music too loud, he will always find a way to avoid yard work, and he watches far too many sports. Believe it or not, watching " Golf Academy " is not my idea of a great night at home! But somehow in the past 37 years Jack and I have learned to accept the imperfections in each other. Over time, we have stopped trying to make each other in our own mold and have learned to celebrate ourdifferences. You might say that we've learned to love each other forwho we really are! For example, I like to take my time, I'm a perfectionist, and I'm even-tempered. I tend to work too much and sleep too little. Jack, on the other hand, is disciplined, studious, an early riser, and is a marketer's dream consumer. I count pennies and Jack could care less!Where he is strong, I am weak, and vice versa. And while you might say that Jack and I are opposites, we're also very much alike. I can look at him and tell you what he's thinking. I can predict his actions before he finalizes his plans. On the other hand, he knows whether I'm troubled or not the moment I enter a room. We share the same goals. We love the same things. And we are still best friends. We've traveled through many valleys and enjoyed many mountaintops.And yet, at the same time, Jack and I must work every minute of every day to make this thing called "marriage" work!What I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults - and choosing to celebrate each other's differences - is the one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting marriage relationship. And that's my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your married life and lay them at the feet of GOD. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a marriage where burnt toast isn't a deal-breaker!

End of School Year Bonus