Hello September

I'm relatively happy to wave August goodbye, with its seasonal thunderstorms and floods, and memories of hospitals, and one too many stresses of the here and now.

I’m waving it farewell in order to welcome the start to one of my favorite times of the year:

**Christmas** 

(which is a September - January affair for me).

September is the ideal time for thinking anything shining, shimmering, splendid. So as I sit, trying to ram knowledge into my brain, my mind tends to wander to more delightful things. But this blog is officially welcoming you the best holiday season ever!.

And such as what I want to do this December:

*Treat mother to her favorite place
*Have a picnic in some beautiful gardens
*Watch live TV show
*Make no-bake goodies as Christmas give-aways
*Visit bazzars and night markets.
*Eat at Banchettos in Pasig.
*Sleep in a hammock
*Go to the zoo and look at penguins.

I'm sure more things will pop into my head as I think about it...

Christmas to me is always more than just the 25th, it's the run up to it.

So, there. I give up. I'll keep my anticipation, thank-you very much, and you can keep your problems. I don't want them, they’re bitter and thoughtful.

::

Holiday Bug

Happy Friday and Happy Holidays again to you all, my dear friends. Here's to a wonderfully relaxing weekend of peace and joy spent with family and friends. I'm sending you giant hug through the computer. Can you feel it? I'll be eating lots of sweets this weekend and watching Twilight movies (I haven't seen yet Breaking Dawn Part 2...).

And in case you did not get the gifts you wished, or your plans failed, or found that the long vacation is really more tiring than relaxing, remember to:



Remember that what comes around, goes around. Okay?

It's Almost Christmas, People!

                         I thought I want to share this with you, my friends.
                
                      Have a Blessed Christmas and by the way…..the world will not end today. 
                      It is just the beginning of another beautiful life ahead.

Getting Through Christmas

{The breaking news started midmorning. Elementary school. 20 kids shot. Five was the youngest. Teachers killed. I broke down. All those children. So, in honor of the kids who passed away, ten days short of Christmas, I give this poem. I imagine them all excited for the holidays, telling what they want to have under the tree. }
Dear Santa

Dear Santa, here's my Christmas list. I hope you'll bring it all. I've only asked for gifts my parents can't find at the mall.

I'd like to have a UFO, with aliens inside, and maybe a Tyrannosaurus Rex that I could ride.

A ninety-nine foot robot is a present I could use. I'll also need a time machine, and rocket-powered shoes.

Please bring a gentle genie who will grant my every wish, and don't forget a wizard's wand, and, yes, a talking fish.

Of course, I'll need a unicorn, and won't you please provide a dragon, and a castle in the English countryside.

Of course, the weight of all these things might cause your sleigh to crash. If that's the case, dear Santa, just make my growing up years, cheery and bright!

Ana Marquez-Greene, 6

Jesse Lewis, 6.

Emilie Parker, 6

James Mattioli, Jessixa Rekos, both 6

Noah Posner, 5.

Olivia Engel, 5

Dylan Hockley, 5

Daniel Barden, 5

"The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him."--Paolo Casals

If You Don’t Know Then You’ll Never Understand

While many of you cram to look for soft and hairy, or excited to dance Gangnam Style at your office Christmas parties, you are lucky, people!

We don’t have Christmas party.

So contrary to the year after last year where we are asked to dress up like in the 70’s like you see in the picture below.

I miss this psychedelic, spotted, Gina silk costume already. You see, I don’t mind wearing shower curtain some days.

The pleasant feeling stays and the memories linger even after so many years. I now enjoy parties, which I don’t when I was a kid. I was embarrassed at the time but luckily I outgrew being self-conscious of my klutziness and find it hilarious now.

Parties bring people together, in one room, eating and drinking, and sharing stories that never end. My officemates still laugh when they remember my legs wrapped in fishnet stocking looking like a Chinese Ham. But despite of all the shame of looking like K-Pop star gone mad, I enjoyed every minute of it.

Not that I take pleasure in being laughed at. I am just so “game” for anything fun. Clean fun, though. I have realized that sometimes you got to seize the moment and have a good time. That instead of clamming up in one corner, why not mix with people, enjoy their company and tick each other’s funny bones.

But then I realized, its not only parties, not even food and drinks that bring people together. It’s really more the friendship and closeness that build up throughout all of the years of working together.

So with or without office parties?

It's the time to make your own party.

With some of your nicest officemates, few burgers and fries, and a Magic Sing? BOOM!

=====

*Okay, may be it’s not that bad. Many government agencies have also called off their Christmas parties this year.

• The Office of the President

• The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

• Armed Forces of the Philippines

• Philippine National Police

• Department of Education, Culture and Sports

They are donating the funds to assistance for victims of typhoon “Pablo.”

Lets Talk Christmas Niceness

Do you also get sad during the holidays? During the cold, dark nights, some of us get quiet and melancholy and don’t feel like themselves. Many who are separated from the family have nothing in mind but to be at home with their love ones. People’s feelings and sentiments are under that metaphorical microscope so much more these days than any other days in the year. We feel the strongest and get sad the hardest. Sadly the feeling stays until all of the Christmas lights, decorations, ornament are back in the box again. Oh, the emotions. They all so palpable in the air around this time.



So before we get so excited to Christmas parties we are going to attend, and ahead of all the business, chaos and obligations we need to fulfill, let’s take a second to think of the ways we can do to make the season brighter and happier for others. Here’s my suggestions.

Send Real Christmas Cards

Not the electronic or virtual cards hanging around in the internet. That paper card with cute little design on the cover? You know with all the envelop, stamp and stuff? It's a lot more genuine than words and smiley faces on a tiny little screen. You never know. Your little card can go a long way to brightens someone’s day. Too often, we thought that public greetings we post on our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram wall are enough. Life gets so hectic that we feel we have to do things faster, easier and cheaper. But this time, why not add a personal touch. Let your kids scribbled the message, and may be you can insert the family’s most recent photo. This will surely bring a smile. All because they feel you remember.



Give a Smile

Remember the thing I said about smile on my valentine post? The same applies when its Christmas . It could very well brighten someone's day. Too often, we walk with our heads down, glued to our cellphones, rarely ever meeting another person's gaze. Sometimes we feel we have to be forever "plugged in", fearing that we'll miss an important call or text. But what could be more important than that face-to-face exchange? So go ahead, and look up. You never know who you might see. Why not even take this smile one more mile and say hello to someone as you pass them on the street? Filipinos are now getting well, a bit aloof because of the hardness of times. We become staid and dull when it comes to social interactions. Now is the perfect time to defy fear and suspicion and say "hello" to someone. And mean it.

Be selfless

It seems, especially during the holidays, that we're so quick to push and shove and push and shove our way to the head of the line like little kids on the playground. We don't care who we push aside in line as long as we find ourselves at the front of it. And we fight tooth and nail if ever someone make singit. But imagined how surprised and taken aback someone would be if you said, "Oh, here, why don't you go ahead of me in line?" And if it's a mom or dad with a full cart and children who have chosen that moment to exercise their lung power? Well, I'm sure they'll be particularly grateful.

How are that, friends? I'd love to hear your own ideas.

Shopping Guide List For Her

Wondering what to give your wife or girlfriend this holiday? This is why I’ve decided to create my Shopper’s Guide List of what to buy for your female love ones. I am sorry to tell you all that no, this does not guarantee your girlfriends/ wives will love you more. Until my husband still takes me for Atilla the Hun occasionally, you’re all on your own.

Okay so lets down to business. The first thing on my list is inspired by my latest obsession.



The Diet Plate. This is great for ladies who watch their food intakes. The plan is to guide you with accurate portion of carbohydrate and protein foods to facilitate weight loss and maintenance. It can be used just like an ordinary dinner plate. You can eat everything inside the whole plate and not feel guilty. However, the little tagline says you only use one plate. Seriously, if you will have 3 diet plates bursting with steaks, chops and barbeques at the brim this really spoils the idea. Okay?

Foldable Hunter Boots. Good for fashion conscious slash germ-fighting women. This is different from the ones you see in palengke. This is a lot sosy, as they say. Why? Because the late Princess Diana used it before. That's why. This is great in hot pink because pink makes everything cuter. Besides a pair of this will save you from flood-related illnesses. So habagat-friendly.



BDJ Beauty Box. Perfect for young and older ladies alike with incessant need for perfect eye brow. Surprise her with BDJ online subscription and discover why the most dolled up girl in the office is always aware of the latest trend in fashion and know why her lips shape like fish and burning in red. This may astound the husband because her wife can become Ann Curtis over night.



Dismember-me Plush Zombie. For stressed wives who cannot vent their frustrations. The interest in zombies just never dies, does it? Well, if you're tired of being pushed around by the zombies at home, work, gym, school, store, or wherever, take out your frustration on this sucker. Pull him apart. Remove his brain. Give him a taste of his own medicine! Grrr!



ZombieSmarts Desk Calendar. Can be given for stay-at-home Mom or practically any ladies who has someone in the family she wanted to give a heart attack. But more than that, this simple little desk calendar could help you avoid becoming another cerebellum-munching member of the walking dead with its "grisly facts about the history, habits, and hungers of the living dead. Daily you will learn how to combat a zombie invasion". Not to be taken lightly..

So, there you have it, folks: a short and simple list of all of my suggested Christmas gifts for all the ladies.

What do you think?

First on My Wish List

As you know, this blog has ushered you, my beautiful friends, into a holiday sense of way. Oh how I love Christmas, no matter how stressful and nerve-racking it can be. It always delights us into something only a child in heart can appreciate and relate with.

And if you are a reader of this blog, you will know that we live in a semi-complete, 2-story structure, with open holes and unpainted walls and a comfort room that‘s all toilet bowl. No vanity, no shower, frosted glass or that stainless towel bar or that glittery mirror over bowl.

Really, how can a person possibly decorate a” dump”?

But then I saw this!

Oh how I love, love, love the idea...beautiful ceramic tiles printed with digital images. For some reason this is exactly what I want to have. Out of wit and imagination, I already visualized it to be filled with images possibly of birds or trees or may be inspiring words to live by, or may even family photos. I wonder how many poems, blogs, plans, castles in the sky will crop up in mind while seated on the porcelain pot. Nasty to think, but accept that sometimes we become our most productive when we are attending to the calls of Mother Nature. Our imaginations fly away, as well as thoughts and introspection about life and we often leave the bathroom already with answers to world peace.

Don't you think so?

How I Feel in Photos

After the spooky, comes the merry! Let me greet you Happy Holidays in advance. I hope you're surrounded by everyone you love. And I hope this holiday is everything you ever wanted it to be.

How I Feel On This Monday Morning

Happy Monday, dear friends! How was your weekend? Are you doing anything exciting this coming week? Really where did the two days off go? Sometimes just by staring at my house chores, two days seem not enough. Oh yes, they’re short, they’re sweet and yep, they end. Oh well I will not veer into rant mode. Because every time I think how anti-climatic Mondays mornings I always remember…

*That our days will be better and will not be as difficult as they are today

*We can control our lives, therefore we can also control our finances

*And even if things are unstable right now, everything will be as it should be

*That the only disability in life is a bad attitude

*And negativity can only feed on negativity therefore, feel good, look blessed and share!

*And finally Christmas or not, surprises abound!

*Thanks Margj!

Christmas Is Early In This Part of The World

I was sweeping the floor when I heard a Christmas song suddenly played on the radio. Well what do you know, its Christmas time once again. Who wouldn’t like the thought of happy times one more around? Really if there’s one favorite part of the year, this is it. The part where I always contemplated on buying a dreamy 45 inches flat screen but always ended up buying an electric fan.

I wonder if that will happen this time.

May be not. I’m flat broke.

Our future money is enough to pay our debt, and so we really can’t plan something big this time.

Since Monday we’re living on loose change. And I am always in search for cash left somewhere else. In fact, I hardly look at my wallet these days . I only see it when I pull out the plastic card. Gah.

Building a house cost a lot. It drains every bit of your soul. If that’s a metaphor, that’ s the metaphor I’m feeling right now.

But broke and all, we love our new built house. Even if we have to weave in and out of the piles of things that we have left everywhere. For instance the other day, I put my door keys down and I collapsed on the chair and stared at the TV. The next day, I couldn’t find them anywhere!

And by "anywhere" I mean the little side table and shelf. Ahem.

Hubs was certain that I must have left them under the stairs, and his argument soon convinced me that that's exactly what had happened. And then I moved a pile of crap on the floor yesterday--three days after "losing" them-- and there they were. Hubs may have psychic power somedays.

Ok, back to the story. Sorry for all of the tangents, but because this is the most tearful post about money and the lack of it, I'm overwrought and words just fly away. Like what a drunk person does.

So to Hubs

*throat clear*

Thank you for going with me through all these. You are my support system. Oh please I will make you lunch everyday but just don’t think of buying that flat screen. I need all your paychecks until end of the year.

To my children

You know I love you most deeply, and most strongly. So may be we can have our next trip to your favorite toy store, say, next year? Don’t worry, I’ll save enough for your chichiria.

To all my godchildren

I have a heart of gold. I care very deeply about many different things. And I care about all of you. But please come next year.

And finally to Santa,

You know I’ve been especially good this year. Oh let's go straight to my point.. can you pay off my loans?

Beautiful As Ever

Christmas is here and each day is a count down. It was right around this time that everyone seems eaten up by what called holiday rush. You know, shopping, spending, indulging. It’s weird, but all the stresses and pressures of keeping up with the holiday spirit, and as difficult as it is financially burdensome from this time until it’s over, it is still is the merriest time of the whole year. As a child, I don't think I'll ever be able to forget how it all left me feeling: Thrilled, eager, happily expecting.

However, the feelings toned down a bit now that I am older. Although I still get this “mystical” holiday experience occasionally, heightened by all of light decorations, Christmas songs, Christmas parties, family reunions, it still dawned on me that this isn’t only the merriest, but also the most emotional, most sentimental of all months in the year. In fact, so many emotions were flying around at this time. On quiet nights, like last night, for example, when it was so quiet in my house that I could hear the sound of a pin drop, things creep into my mind and send me to some realizations. What did I achieve now that 2011 is almost over? And what is ahead of me this coming year? That’s why I sometimes think, adulthood spoils the spirit. You became overly realistic and practical, you just can’t afford to stay mesmerized and enthralled with delightful events like Christmas.


Heck, but the kid in me refused to grow.

I still want to get lost in the moment, be inspired with all the joy and bliss I see in my children’s eyes, and the love and loyalty of my husband. Enjoy the company of my mother, sister, brother, nieces and nephews. And though some friends went away, I’d love to have them in my life once again, keep them, connect with them, and love them. And to my present friends, I hope to have you for all what’s left of my life. Yes, I still get thrilled with wrapped gifts. But the gifts of time, love and devotion from family and friends are more valuable than any human will ever have.

All I Want For Christmas

Dear Santa,

I may have annoyed few people, and told few white lies, but I have also had really good moments this year, haven’t I? So if you feel like rewarding me, here’s what I want. And please, don’t get through the chimney. We don’t have one. Don’t sneak at the window either; my violent reflex could really hurt you.

Anyway, here is my Christmas list, in no particular order. I want it all. Thank you.


What could be a more perfect stocking stuffer than the latest iPhone 4S. It is full of amazing new features that make it even easier to stay not only on top of your business,but it will also make you the great envy of your techy friends. Meet Siri, the built-in intelligent assistant, to schedule your meetings, set reminders, find a great lunch spot, fix your car, or send message to wife. Can you beat that?



You know how much I love singing. Well, this Extreme Magic Sing is for me. And I’ve been dreaming for it for years. IT’S TIME, SANTA, IT’S TIME. And it's only P 10K at Abenson or ShoeMart...I should know since I caress it every time I'm in there.


And what’s best for killing time, this pink Nano Ipod is just the thing. With 2,000 songs and 5 hours of video, I can’t wait to have one of these.



Sure, I thought at first that this Hawaii Chair was another exercise gimmick. It's a chair with a motor strapped beneath it. The base of the chair gyrates your bottom and thaws your stubborn fats. Since I hate going to the gym and diet isn’t in my daily vocabulary, so this one might work for me. Who knows I might end up looking as hot as a Playboy centerfold one day?



And finally, a cd of one of my favorite local singers, Regine Velasquez. Unfortunately, I still don't have a copy of her “Low Key” album. I just love her until today. I’ve always had an attraction to her kind of songs. This is actually affordable at P 400.00 at Astrovision.

So, let's try to forget all of the times I may have thrown temper tantrums, or how I was to blame for frequent headaches and pains of people around me. Just concentrate on the good times...you know, the ones that involved me being unconscious.

Okay?

What Saved Me From Grinch-ing

No matter how I adore Christmas, I also detest the tension that comes with it. It’s not because of the familial trauma that they entail- though that would certainly be reason enough- but just because it is sometimes too demanding. It required to be celebrated regardless of how you are feeling at the time.



For example, you need to put up Christmas tree and cram the house with greens, and reds and anything gold right now. Or don’t put them at all and miss out on seeing them for an entire year, which I don’t think my kids would agree. But I'm slowly, but surely, getting there. I have already hanged our wreath and added Christmas lights to it this weekend. But more to it, I still haven’t made any plans yet where to take the children. For this year, Christmas will just be me and the kids since husband has work on Christmas day (grrr!). I seriously believed that Puregold Price Club has bosses that if not separated, are annulled and divorced.

At the risk of sounding sappy and Grinch-ly, I have to admit that, as emotional and ephemeral as my other posts are, I am actually just as anyone this time of the year. Who isn’t completely terrified at the realization that the holidays and the forced interaction with family members and the gifts that they need to get are all but upon us?

In other news though, my son is going to get his dream laptop this year. How’s that?

I can just hear him.

Me: “Aunt is going to give you a laptop”
Son: “Really!?
Me:”But that’s pretty early for you”
Son:”But everyone has laptop already.
Me:”you’re just going to spew peas to hordes of walking zombies all day”.
Son:”Uh okay, I can switch to angry birds if you like.”


Since this will be more likely the case, my only saving grace is that I can now blog during weekends. I just hope the kid will share it with me.

So? it’s Christmas after all.

Merry November

Oh I love this time of the year. As usual, October just flew by and I am quite excited that Christmas is just around the corner. I think it’s the best time of the whole year. Suddenly the air gets colder and chillier, but just enough to leave you feeling fresh and clean in the first hours of the morning. This is what November should be: cold crisp mornings and clear, calm starlit night. And who wouldn’t get lost in sweet thought when you start to hear Christmas songs? Aren’t they reminiscent of your past Christmases?

By this time, people begin to plan for Christmas gifts. And shopping now was made easy by these ever growing shopping websites.

For bags, dresses, accessories and what ever you need, shop on line at ChuchayOnline and relieve yourself from the hustle and bustle of going to the malls.

For other assortment of things you like, visit Cucumber. Great finds await you with just one click.

And what is sweeter than having your gifts personalized? Go on line to ThingsRemembered and check their ribbons, calendars, note pads made customized for you.

So, tell me, friends, what are your give-aways this year? Here's wishing (as I metaphorically raise a tall glass of wine in the air) everyone an advanced Merry Christmas full of love, laughter, and of course, shopping!

Here Comes December

I always love the feeling this month brings. It’s like a magic to me of some sort, fascinating and all. It’s as if there’s a supernatural power that turns things and people around. Ever notice that people get less complaining, worrying or critical? Have you ever been just sitting there and all of a sudden you feel like doing something nice for someone you care for? Have you ever been thinking about somebody that you haven't seen in a long time and then next thing you know you see them or receive a phone call from them? Could this be an act of chance? I know that these things can happen anytime. But why of all months, December seems to be when nearly all act of kindness, favors, charity, forgiveness come about? It is a trend, you say, fleeting and short-lived. But true or not, the spirit is alive in them. How sad it can be for one person to get through Christmas and misses no one, wishes nothing and never changes anything.

But surely, these are not always easy words to accept. We know, of course, there are others who are in crisis, in a time of dread, in days of isolation and pain, and hoping and wishing and dreaming hardly take them out of their present situations. But no matter how does one feel, no matter where they could possibly are, there is always a reason to be happy about this time of year. I look at my family and hope that it is Christmas all year through. My husband Jun, though no longer romantic as he was before, is the same thoughtful and loyal person I know. And my children, Lian and Yana, they are what Christmas is all about: puritan happiness and joy. I look at my mother and I take pleasure that she is still with us, tempers and all. My other siblings who love me dearly and accept whatever this life has made me. My in-laws, who show nothing but kindness and concern and my friends, who help bring out the best and worst in me. This said, I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Or may be not.

How about a car for next year? An I-pad? Kidding.

Hope you find your own reason to celebrate the holidays.