Bag Review: The Dooney and Bourke Leather Davis Tassel Shopper

Alright. I'm no bag snob, and I am only starting to collect bags now that I am fast approaching mid-life....

It started with my birthday. I thought, I deserved a good leather bag that was for keeps. I was initially pointing towards Banana Republic, but my bag expert friends discouraged me. With the sales everywhere in January, I realized I had an opportunity.

So I looked, and looked and looked. Bloomingdales, Macy's, Dillards, Nordstrom. Every day, night, until I realized how bags can be such a good, sturdy accessory to your outfit. Not only that, they are essential in protecting your stuff, so they can't be worn and torn easily.

I came across this bag. And the beautiful color TEAL was 50% off!!! My friends said, just buy it. So with the help of technology, and Johnny Air Cargo, I purchased this.




What do I like about this bag? Firstly, the price was just unbelievable. Secondly, once you opened the package, the distinct smell of leather permeated any place you bring it to. Even my hubby, the "practical" partner in our union, was spellbound.

The bag space is roomy, with many pockets that you can put your cellphone, comb, silica gels (ignorant me, I used to throw them. Bobo), and even a short leather strap to attach your wallet or key chains. Very practical.


The lining is red, which is smart. So all my stuff can be seen in one look. The zipper is essential (I am very paranoid and I feel zippers are necessary. Who knows how quick hands are in digging and getting your stuff).

I love the tassle details with the gold plate that says Dooney & Bourke 1975. Quite classic.

And the bottom has these metal feet that wont make the bag stick on tables that are dirty.

My only problem with the bag is that it is very heavy. I was on shopping mode in SM Megamall and after about 3 hours, my shoulder started to ache a little.

I don't recommend this shopper when traveling due to its heaviness, though.

But for a tote, a leather tote colored TEAL gotten 50% off, it 's all worth it. Especially since it is not produced anymore. Something like a collector's item, I surmise :)

Some Explaining To Do

Okay, I know. The last few entries I had written were quite depressing. Obviously, I was going through pain for a few months. You see, I am quite sensitive when it comes to people's feelings. I really am. When I enter a room, I can already sense the vibe that has been going on there. If you are close to me, I can not only pick up your mood, but feel what you are feeling. It's a gift, but at the same time, it's difficult because I feel the suffering, and I really feel the pain. I do know when your heart is breaking. And it breaks mine as well.

One does not need a tsunami or be in a state of calamity to know you have hit rock bottom. One does not require death, or a loss of a job to feel one's world crush before her very eyes. Triggers are all different for everyone, I surmise. But as I said, the blow is all the same. The heart bleeds, all too profusely, and length of time for the broken pieces to be mended is different, but the intensity, the severity, the dent it leaves, the trauma, they are all the same for everyone.

What is my point? We are all different and unique. We have different experiences in this world. Each day is new, each happiness, each sorrow, but the feelings, coming from different sources, they are what bind us together. The link that creates connections, relationships, friendships. I see this as my ability. To recognize what you are feeling, because this is akin to people.

Just want to say, actually, is that I do get it. I do get you. No judgment, no biases.

To You

Dear You,

I have been thinking a lot about you. And believe me when I tell you, I know your sadness.

Yes, I know our circumstances are not the same, you may say yours are harder to absorb, more complicated. But then, the triggers are all different for all of us. It may be a loss of a loved one, a separation, or even disappointment over work.

But believe me when I tell you that I can feel for you. I know how it is to wake up in the morning, feeling so unimportant that the whole world can function without you, that everything you touch turns into disaster. Failure after failure, for what? I feel for you. I can feel your trembling heart when you want to fight that rock in your throat, fighting back the tears. And when you force a smile to show how everything about you is doing well, when all you want to do is sulk in one corner and imagine how small and powerless you have become.

I feel for you when people try to say nice things to you, but you believe they know nothing of how you really are. That you are miles away from them, down below. I feel for you when you can't find the strength to breathe, and get through just an hour or two. Or when you wake up still with that heavy heart that you carried from nights before. I feel for you as you stare at the blank ceiling, thinking, worrying, crying.

Yes, we have become so minute in this grand scheme of things. Yes, we have no power to change things, and we do not know why these tragedies do not seem to get tired of us, one after the other. Until we are absolutely empty.

Empty.

But then, even the fish and the birds, ladybugs and worms, small as they are and relatively of no value, they are taken care of. God is there to make sure that they are safe, even if nobody else will do that for them.

It is when we are the at our most vulnerable, at our weakest, when life simply cannot give us answers to all our countless questions that God is performing His miracles. When we are most alone, and empty, God picks us up and lifts us, putting us in a better position. And in a few moments, His greater, much better plan will unfold.

Yes, you. You in your most withered, tired and depressed state. You who have no strength to fight life's battles. And you how cannot see how beautiful this world is especially since you are in it. You are not alone. I believe God works through people as well. And so I just want to say that God loves you. And I love you as well.

Tornado

Tornado


Can you actually feel the air, first whistling through your ear?
Only to find it louder, stronger, deadlier?
A whisper turns into a cloud
A dream, into a nightmare.

I am in the middle.
It twirls fast.
It chases me
While I stand firmly on the ground.

Why pick me?
All around me,
Houses, pieces of paper
Sharp objects

They are all blown into the cone.
They scratch me.
Scathe me.
Strip me naked.

I can hardly breathe.
I get dizzy.
I get blown by the wind.
But I still hold firmly.

Each finger lets go.
I scream.
My hair, my clothes,
my sanity.
Everything is pulled away from me.



Until the last finger lets go.
I close my eyes.
Fighting whatever ounce I have

And I enter into a world.
One last kick.
But I'm drawn.

I can hardly breathe.
I can see the world
whirling.
Until I finally close my eyes.

Dolphy, etc. on my mind

With the demise of Dolphy, one can't help but feel a huge, unexplainable loss in the entertainment business. If you think about it, he's no relative of mine (even if he had many families and I have so many relatives!), and the last time I watched a show with Dolphy was at least 5 years ago.

But he was a fixture in our lives, he made people laugh. And he also made people cry. I remember watching his show John and Marsha, and the iconic lines, "Kaya ikaw John, magsumikap ka!!" and "Mato, magwalis-walis ka nag ng sahib" and there would be money from under the rug like dust.

I think Dolphy was even better at drama. I remember watching this episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya and he and he portrayed Vandolph's father, but had to hide that fact since he gave up Vandolph to his sister. My God, my sister caught me crying when they had to part. I was probably in high school then, and knew nothing about being a parent, but I really felt his heart break as he let go of his own son.

I do think he's one of the most talented persons ever created. And even his personal life can attest to the fact that many, many people loved him. Yes, he was a womanizer, a bit polygamous with the harem-like arrangements, but no one is perfect. And I do find it out of respect that he did not marry Zsa zsa so that all the other children would not be considered illegitimate.

Anyway, I guess I'm being all wistful and sad, because he is an icon, and someone we are just used to living with. And I guess it reminds me of my own personal dealings. I have been uprooted from Pasig and brought to the world of Quezon City. And I realized that I had taken for granted a lot of things, conveniences I used to have in Valle. Now I have to adjust to the distance, to the far malls (my retail therapy!!) and groceries, and to my own family that is now far away.

But like with Dolphy's passing, I guess it's also time to move on. It's time to build new memories, build new experiences. Dolphy will forever be the king of comedy, but now it's a brand new ball-game for the others to make their move. And likening this in my life (I'm feeling symbolic, all of a sudden), it's really up to me to choose to use my new home to my advantage.

But please give me time to grieve, too....

GIRLS

*photo courtesy of pjmedia.com

My 28 year old co-teacher introduced me to this HBO series. With the forewarning that it's no Sex and The City. She's correct. The film's texture reminds me of an indie one, all edited to look like it's not edited. And the first two episodes got me thinking if I was really the market for this kind of show. And I think I still am.

The show deals with twenty-something girls who are trying to figure out their lives in the city, trying to be independent but are living their lives with uncontrollable circumstances (no job, no money). Of course, love is a big part. And so is sex. As for me, I am a thirty-something mommy who has two children, also trying to make it big somewhere (motherhood? teaching? personal styling?). Dating is not an issue for me here since these women are all single, but their needs are very universal. In other words, I can still relate!!

I particularly find Hannah incredibly ordinary-looking, but extraordinarily talented. My other friend hated her in her indie film, so fat and always exposing herself. I get it. The first two episodes with her, she is quite irritating. But her homeliness grows on you. She is plain, and smart but can be stupid, needy and sometimes self-deprecating. BUt she is also strong when she wants to be, charming too and very very witty. She is painfully plain and awkward with her choice (or no choice) of putting together her clothes, not washing her hair, undressing herself with no shame. But you also feel her vulnerability (sometimes masked in catty wit). And that I do find endearing in her. On the side, I only realized she is the writer, actor, and producer of the show. How brillant!!

I have only watched a few episodes but I am hooked. I laugh, smile, and sometimes shed a tear and even though I don't feel I'm part of their group, I somehow feel I'm their older sister who has been through some of their experiences. That I also went through their journey. But that I can also learn a thing or two about their generation.

Revenge of the Nerds

I am getting my draft today. I am also having a quiz in my penalty course. After decades and decades of being disciplined by the academe and even working in the academe, I still get scared. I still get grade conscious. I still feel guilty when I am unable to read my handouts.

I was never the stereotypical nerd. Maybe I lacked the cognitive ability. I was always high average in my IQ tests, and everyone thought I was an overachiever (siguro ang baba talaga ng IQ ko). My mom would always joke that I showed so much promise in kinder, only to be average as I grew up. And I was always compared to my eldest sister who was a genius. I flunked out of Law school after topping exams the sem before. Imagine what effect this had on my self perception!!


Now that I'm a little older (not wiser, hehe), there are many realizations I have about myself. One is that I am blessed. Yeah, I have these limitations, weaknesses (you have no idea what an exam could do to me), distractions (so weak I will resort to reading 50 shades darker instead of researching)(and I always forget what I'm supposed to do!!!!), but I think at the end of the day, I get the job done! Yup, I am a scatterbrain, but once I hyperfocus, better be sure you perform your end of the deal or I bark at you. Also that I am older, a little more jaded and experienced, I am less afraid to tell you what you did or did not do.


Maybe I'm beginning to love myself more. Or tolerate myself even better.

Arrrggghhh.....

I am so angry. I mean it. I don't even know why anymore. Or with whom. The anger just keeps piling up until I guess it it's time to explode.


I noticed a stupid phenomenon. Is it mercury retrograde of some sort? It's as if I cannot get the message through, and back to me. What is wrong with me??


My thesis adviser whom I consider a god of knowledge thought that I was being irresponsible and arrogant. If she only knew, I'm even worse!! Haha. No, really, and all because I got the wrong information. I mean really, instead of people scolding their students, why can't they see our effort? I know how hard it is to complete my thesis. As my good friend who is equally gifted said, they should be happy and grateful I'm trying to finish this!! Bless her!! And this is one of those days that I want to give up.


Except that my really hurried and sloppy draft is waiting for me in my adviser's room. With all the corrections, COMMENTS, or even a clean draft which means, do it all over again. GOD, the waiting is killing me.


I seriously want to just stop. But part of me, a big part of me wants to fight this. It's really easy to walk away. But I guess everyone has his/her stressors. And this is mine. At least I can say that if I don't get to finish it, I fought a good fight. With teaching, I'm already at a point in my life that I know I'm good at it. But with a thesis, I always need to defend myself and it makes me feel really insecure. It's like I'm dumb and I have to pay them to confirm that I am.


Breathe, dear. Tomorrow is another day. And tomorrow I will get my draft and kill all the bad thoughts I have in my brain.

Birthday Blues, Pinks, Kinks...

"I keep forgetting it's my birthday tomorrow. Until I realized why I was so cranky the whole day. I'm having the blues. I have not done anything extraordinary or spectacular. If I get wiped out today, tomorrow, there is nothing that would link me as einstein is to relativity. So, I'm in some panic mode now, trying to search for memories that would help me feel that I had actually achieved something." Alright, alright. This was the day before my birthday, and I guess I was into some kind of drama. Not the best comeback, right? It's been a long time since I wrote here in my infamous blog (as if, well, allow me my illusions of grandeur!!) and I realized how much I missed it!! I even changed the title of this blog, because I realized that I'm really not all that positive (haha, I try to be) and I want to be true to myself (but not so true that I'll write the title the bitchy, shitty mother, right? See, I have some ounce of self preservation!!). My students might catch this and yes, I have a reputation to take care of. Well, a lot has happened althroughout this time. I have gained (weight) and I have lost (seriously, a family member). I am quite different from the first time I logged in. My self confidence seesaws, and so does my sanity. I think I'm stronger now (except no marathon talk anymore, my knees are jammed. I'll walk the whole time.) I am back in the academe to finish my MA (i.e., kissing asses again). I now have two kids I am crazy about, and I still have my traveling. Well, well, well, here's to more writing.

Grief

I recently lost someone very dear to me, my Aunt Linda. She was the eldest sister of my dad, and she did not marry. We all lost her to cancer. She beat it the first time eleven years ago. But this time, it came with a vengeance, warning her only for a few months.

And then she was gone.

The last time I lost someone was in 2002-3, my grandmother and my uncle passed away, both within four months. It was a very sad, painful experience. But getting married and having two children somehow clouded those memories, and now that I am older, also because it was very fast, the grief is much more complicated to handle.

There are days when I feel really lonely. I panic at the thought that I will never spend any December 23 or 24 with my Ninang. I panic at the thought that I will never, ever see her again. That she won't call me to buy something for her, or she will not ask me to book a flight for her. I feel sad all of a sudden and I fight the tears.

There are days when I feel remorse or regret. I was not my ninang's favorite. And the initial stages of my grieving even involved jealousy. She and I never had a trip together or a moment together. She gave me jewelry through my sister. That moment of passing it on to me was stolen. She and I never got to say good bye. I told her I loved her but she was not able to say the same to me. For days, there was doubt. But after some time, I had begun to realize that she did love me, and had given me so, so much, even my husband and my children. I was not her favorite and I was not truly close to her because there was also a part of me that did not allow that, maybe out of fear. I don't know.

Many times I feel the loss. My Ninang was not just mine alone. She lived this world for all. She occupied such a big role in our family and everywhere, even in the church. She was everyone's leader and it will take someone really strong, talented and generous person to fill that void. Actually, no one can really take her place.

I dream about her many times. But no face in it. I just know it's her, because in my dreams, I can't stop telling her how much I love her.

I know that someday I will meet her again. But as I live the rest of my blessed life, I continue to pray for her. And for all of us she has left behind. She knows how much we miss her. But just as she wanted, we have to live our lives to the fullest.


There goes that rush of panic again...

Love That Body

I was recently talking to my best bud, Karish about diets and exercises. She's on a bootcamp, which is about to end, while I, breastfeeding mother, am taking my sweet time and just immersing myself in different exercises. Ever since I can remember, I have always been an exercise freak, but I have always, always hated the gym. I think I had one whole post on how the gym could be my friend, but then again, it's a different culture altogether, plus parking, plus buffs, and all that stuff. I'd rather stay home.

Anyway, I have downloaded many exercise videos and I find myself interested and entertained. Right now, I like Zumba cardio party for, obviously, cardio. There is also the ministry of sound pump it up video, which I cannot complete since it's more than one hour. I also do the Tracy Anderson post pregnancy for muscle and definition. 2nd child plus caesarian section = huge ab workout project. I can't even imagine how I looked in Sitges beach. Good thing I was just a tourist!!


My friends are also influencing me to join Plana Forma. Actually, I have tried it. And I still have one more session that I paid for. I am quite tempted to enrol and go unlimited for one month. But a dwindling milk supply stops me to do so. So, I have decided to put that on hold.

I also tried running again. But slowly and really taking it easy. Had fun the other day running two miles.

I was telling my best friend that I used to be thin. I used to carry a long and lean figure. Why didn't I love myself before, and flaunt whatever I got? My teenage years were all about illusions of grandeur. And now, what I have always feared got to me, creeping like a vine and would not let me go. These fats from college, to motherhood and old age. It's crazy.

Since I cannot diet and I cannot devote so much time to exercises, I have decided to commit myself to the following:

1. Try my best to eat healthy. I started eating brown rice again, and raw food (i.e., greens, fruits, veggies) Yup, I still have a bag of chips, and ice cream, but I'm being more conscious this time...
2. Exercise 5 times a week for at least 30 minutes. It does not have to be so hard, as long as I am having fun and sweating.
3. LOVE MYSELF and MY BODY. Must remember this. I had just given birth. And I must accept the fact that my body is always changing. And I hate the time when I'm all old gray and I'm regretting why I did not love myself when I was actually at most most beautiful phase.

Here's hoping I can do this....

Europe With A Four Year Old and A Baby

I have no idea how I survived this. But I did for 16 days. It was helpful we were on a cruise. But most of it I think was divine intervention. If you don't have a baby bjorn and a stroller, you're dead. I think those are the first two things you need to pack when you take the plunge. My 6month old slept in the bjorn while my daughter rested on the stroller.

Bringing lots of food also helped. I brought chocolait for Ava and it saved her from gastronomic tantrums. Mc Donalds and Burger King also saved us from a lot of expenses. But how could we resist gelato???

Lots of sandwich bags. All the leftovers came in handy. Everything was converted to 65, so imagine how much the prices of certain things were!!! Especially from the ship. I had no shame in bringing plates of fruit, cookies and bread to my room. It just had to be done.

Shopping? Everybody knows I am a stingy person who takes time in shopping and considers everything an investment. My solution to no chances of trying on clothes? H and M and nothing beyond 20 euros. It was either an expensive disaster or a cheap one that could be given away if the clothes did not fit me. Luckily I have an idea of how my body looked and my size (and the truth still hurts), and so I chose cheap clothes that I knew kinda fit me. A few items to satisfy my urge to shop.

I realized in this trip how helpful my husband was. And how good my children were. What a blessing. Beyond the painful episodes of trying to carry 3 huge bags and the heaviest stroller, I will not trade these experiences for anything. I would do it over and over.

school fever

My first born is going to the big school. I am over the moon with excitement. But I'm also worried how she will adjust to all 30 classmates and different teachers. Anyway, I just attended the orientation this morning. I have been in that same situation, giving the same instructions and now, I am the parent. It feels weird and creepy? Anyway, I am inches away from laughing at some parents. Maybe because I grew up in that school, but some of them, it's as if it is the parent who is enrolled. Feeling!! I am just hoping our representative is not such a soccer mom. I hate it that they live their lives through their children.

I also hope I'm not that windang mom. Whom the teachers find ridiculous, clueless as to the daughter's schedule. PE day and the kid comes in uniform. No classes and you find her kid in the waiting room. It's really sad. Some parents can be like that too. Maybe because they have such busy jobs and it's really yaya who makes the follow up. Oh well.

I don't know how it will be from the other side of the fence. Scared and excited for my little one. I just hope she'll have the time of her life. All I want is for her to be happy. Always.

Birth Pains

Im so sleepy. Yet I can't sleep. Is this the result of exhaustion? Probably. Or a cup of brewed coffee. Oh well. anyway, yes, I have given birth already. I am now trying to overcome the pain of a caesarian birth, and this common but not so common case of my recovery from my adhesions poses a challenge. I want to enumerate all my pains, in order for me to overcome them.

- adhesions
- sore nipples from breastfeeding
- lack of sleep
- hunger
- anxiety
- other body pains

My adhesions are really, really bad. Even my ob gyne feels for me, although she never experienced it. The pain heightens at night, when I am really exhausted and eager to sleep. And it is bothersome when I pee, sneeze, laugh, or cough. Terrible, terrible. This will take about a month or two to fully disappear.

Sore nipples- Agustin is not just a voracious eater but a cranky, fussy voracious eater. He gets so fussy before he can latch onto my nipple. It's crazy. It takes 5 to even 20 minutes for him to succeed, and it bothers me. Although once he gets it, it gets smooth sailing already. i think the lack of patience comes from me. After all he is only reaching his second week, and I am so eager to get past the adjustment stage. So there, I know I need a support system (hubby, etc) to let me get through this.

Anxiety - that is my problem now. My mind keeps running wild with unnecessary worries, thinking and thinking, to a point I am in tears and crying uncontrollably. I have no reason to be sad, in fact I am grateful for everything. But, I find myself fearful of the future, thinking of what will happen, trying to protect my two children. I feel guilty that I have to let go of my first born as my baby, but I also feel sad that she has also let go of me as the center of her life. It is a sad and painful journey to witness this, but I guess, I just have to accept this change. She is sometimes regressing, sometimes acting up, but I am also glad that she loves her baby brother very much.And as much as possible I try to involve her in taking care of the baby.

There. Now that I have finally written down my thoughts and feelings, I feel a little bit unloaded. I know this is temporary, fleeting, and that in due time, things will get better. I know it...

For My Babies

To my Ava and Baby Coochie, this song is for you. Thank you...

What are you doing the rest of your life
North and South and East and West of your life
I have only one request of your life
Is that you spend it all with me.

All the seasons and the times of your days
All the nickels and the dimes of your days
Let the reason and the rhymes of your days
All begin and end with me.

I want to see your face in every kind of light.
In fields of gold
And forests of the night.
And when you stand before the candles on a cake,
Let me be the one to hear the silent wish you make.

Those tomorrows waiting deep in your eyes.
In a world of love you keep in your eyes
Ill awaken whats asleep in your eyes.
It may take a kiss or two

Through all of my life
Summer, winter, spring and fall of my life.
All I ever will recall of my life
Is all of my life
With you.

LET IT ALL OUT!!!!!

I cannot thank God enough for listening to my prayers. I was not sure I would be able to see Tears for Fears on May 2, but a week before that, my spotting had stopped already.

And it was the best decision to brave Araneta Coluseum, with the mad fans all lost in awe and worship. It was pretty uplifting!! It also helped that I was with my college buddies, the most game and fun people you can be with during concerts!!

Well, of course, it started with a few hurdles. Lost tickets, rerouting due to heavy traffic, verification of affidavit, and finally, lining up to get good seats. Araneta is the best concert venue in terms of securing yourself with good seats and a pretty good view.

I did not vomit the whole day, and good thing, despite my excitement, I showed no urge to do so there at the concert. But as fate would have it, I missed the historic entrance of Curt Smith in the half complete Mad World Intro. Had to go to the bathroom.

Yup, some songs were not sung, Change, Mothers Talk (one of my faves), and Advice for the Young At Heart, probably, you just have to rely on your Video Hot Tracks Memories.

I remembered my two older sisters and how much fun it would have been for them to see this. And I missed them terribly. I still recall the Top 10 songs that we used to watch, somehow despite our big age gaps, we had something in common. But like our laughter in the car with my college buds, no matter how far we want to stretch the time, we just simply enjoy a beautiful night and resume our daily tasks.

Great to see Ely Buendia, too...:)

Hoping for THE CURE!!

Bed Rest

It has been three years since I got pregnant. Somehow, motherhood overshadows the dark memories. This pregnancy, however, turns out to be more delicate than my first. Age, probably? Anyway, I dont remember spotting when I had Ava, and now, its like it is part and parcel of my first trimester.

Gosh, I have not had a life for about two weeks now, I have developed a fortress, forever in my bedroom. Watching Brothers and Sisters (I am almost up to date), reading to and with Ava, trying hard to enjoy every minute. But yes, I fail from time to time. I worry, sometimes, because I throw up almost everything I take in (lost 5 lbs since I got pregnant), I feel weak, and helpless. I miss going out, working out, living my life.

But then again, I have seen the baby in my womb. And despite the bitter taste I am struggling with, this baby is very strong willed and stubborn. And seeing his/her heart beat in that black screen, I get inspired to fight all the negative stuff I deal with, all the stuff I worry or dread. I hope for the best, that this child will be strong, and healthy, and for all that I have offered as sacrifice to make his/her life better. Hopefully my challenges will make this baby better.

Another Day, Another Destiny...

I guess my last race, Run United, will be the last. Good bye to running for now.

Hello, bed rest, spotting, and A NEW BABY!!:)

Its all worth it, I know. The 60 lbs. I accumulated from my first, and now, how many more? But, I am hoping to be more careful now. Especially since I am 34, and my body is not as agile as it was 3 years ago. Now I am yaya less for the Holy Week, I have no choice but to get my butt moving. Anyway, since I am ordered by my OB to be on bed rest, here are some things I have kept myself busy with...

1. DVD marathons. Yup, since the plan of doing my first marathon will not happen in about 2 years, I bought some movies to get myself engaged. I have watched Nine (mixed reaction: okay but overall quite forgettable), An Education (I liked it, I thought Carey Mulligans performance was notable, and the movie could REALLY happen), my usual shows: Modern Family, Project Runway (which I recommend!! Better than last season!!), Greys, Gossip (Chuck Bass, hello!!), and Brothers and Sisters.

2. Mommy Dearest, Well, I have to attend to Ava, so sometimes I do lose my patience. Sorry!! But I am so fixated on her thighs, thinking Im making her lihi.

3. Avenue Q: just watched it and thought it was hilarious...


Well, while Im still in my first trimester, I also need to rest. Hoping I find a fun activity while lying on my back...

Running The Run United Race

I thought last Sunday was the most organized race I had ever been on. Yes, it was packed, yes the route had been previously run, but marshalls that had megaphones, abundant drinks, the markers, even claiming freebies without the hassle of lining up was just unbeatable. I got my results the next day, and true enough, I did not do a sub60 in Century. The route was too short, which was the fault of the uninformed marshalls. Anyway, running 10k was a thrill for me. I did not walk at all. And it also did not hurt that I saw Aga Muhlach behind me, only to finish way before me. And the late but speedy Rovilson.

I dont know if a race will be this good or even better. But in my mind, something this expensive can also be worth it.

Anyway, I am getting a little bit more ambitious and I feel like I want to do long runs. Hopefully my knees wont rebel against me.

Family..

I am hooked on a new TV series, Modern Family. It''s hilarious!! It's about three connected families, and as the title explains, these families are not the usual kind. Anyway, known to be a comedy, I find myself in tears as the episode is about to end. Perhaps because beneath the different exterior or set up of these families, the issues are just plain universal. I am a parent myself, and I feel that despite how busy and dysfunctional families turn out to be, there is still respect, love and care for each member.

Anyway, speaking of family, my heart goes out to the family of the late JP U. I did not know this young man personally, but his sister is my daughter's teacher. The situation did not even call for any connection for anyone to feel the loss. Such a young guy, only boy in the family. I cannot imagine how the parents are feeling right now. Sorrow, anger, shock, you name it. I attended the wake teary eyed most of the time, and yet I never met him. Anyway,Ｉam praying for his soul and his best friend's too, and for the family for God's grace. I am trying to explain to my daughter, but the deepest thing she can comprehend is that it was something sad and that the brother is now in heaven, up in the sky.