Archive for March, 2008

monthly update

March 30, 2008

So Far, So Good, So Fast

It’s been more than a month since I started this blog. I was surprised I enjoyed blogging so much that even if I don’t get enough sleep at night, I still surf the net for a good read. Even the book I started more than two weeks ago is just accumulating dust and cobwebs. Is this good or what?

I’ve shared with you thoughts and feelings I don’t share even with my mom. Though, it’s not too many. Still, they are a part of me. I hate being melodramatic so enough already. I’ll give you updates, instead. This will take five minutes, tops.

My Weight Loss
I’ve lost a bit of weight but not in the vicinity of someone recognizing it. But some of my clothes don’t recognize me anymore. They don’t stick to me like they used to.

My Daughter
After much deliberation and thinking twice and a hundred times, I’ve decided to enroll my kid in a special school. Now, the only question is, which school? I have four choices and they’re all in Quezon City.

My Son
He’s already helping around the house and only gets to play computer games in the morning. Up until last week, he still did nothing pretty much. But after telling him that he gained weight and has a round tummy like his uncle, he began his exercise program which consists of badminton every Thursday and Saturday and he also goes jogging every Sunday morning. But the rest of the week, he just bums around the house. And he only gets Php50 allowance daily which he keeps telling me is not fair. I told him if he needs extra, he has to work for it which he finds more unfair. Right now, it’s 50 pesos or nothing.

My Reading
I aspire to read at least one good book a month. Two if a day has 48 hours which will never happen in this lifetime. I’m only halfway through Anne Rice’s Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt and I have 5 more books waiting in queue:

Cross by James Patterson

Portnoy’s Complaint by Philip Roth

American Pastoral by Philip Roth

A Case of Two Cities by Qiu Xiaolong

Nostromo by Joseph Conrad

My Advocacy
What triggered something in me to care about the environment so suddenly are my kids. Sounds cliché but have you ever thought of it this way? Our kids would stay in this world longer than we would ever hope for. Unless by some unforseen event that they would go before me but I sure hope not, our children would be most afflicted with the effects of global warming. I can’t imagine my kids experiencing extreme flood or storms, or drought or famine. I hope I can protect them for as long as they walk the earth but I can’t. That’s why I wanna do good now while I still can. For them.

My Partner (In crime)
We don’t see each other quite often this past month. He has been busy with cockfighting and derbies here in Metro Manila, Cebu, Tarlac, Batangas and as far as Zamboanga. He even went to the US last year and stayed with my sister in California to meet with a breeder and bought some “panabong”. I like our setup now. There’s a lot of freedom and room to groove. Hope it stays that way and eventually, you know…

So far, so good on all aspects. By the way, I plan to go out of town more often while it’s summer and take photographs of the places I’ll be visiting. I want to tour the Quezon Province and experience Viaje Del Sol. I would also like to go swimming in the beaches of Bolinao. I heard that more and more locals and foreign tourists are discovering the beaches of Bolinao. That’s why beach resorts have sprouted like mushrooms in the past year. I wish I could to Boracay or abroad but it might be too much for my daughter. When she’s five, probably.

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book of the day, dailies, photo of the day

March 29, 2008

Lazy Sunday, Photos & Some More Reading

This is what happens when I give my daughter a box of crayon and paper. She’s so proud of her work, she even held it for me while I took pictures. Those are her cute little hands.

Colorful Hearts

Planets in Disarray

I went to National Bookstore yesterday and some books were still on sale. I had a good two hours before I pick up my daughter from her therapy. What happens when moms have free time? They go shopping. But they shop intelligently.

The books I purchased for only Php300 and children’s activity books all for only Php158.

I promise to go back tomorrow and buy some more. Two-hour shopping is like a 10-minute nap. It’s not enough and will never be enough.

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book of the day

Losing My Pollution–Kids Edition

It’s never too early to start teaching your kids to think and go green. It’s not enough that you give them organic food or dress them the eco-friendly way or buy toys made of beech wood. Instilling green habits take more effort than that. Kids learn best by doing. Here are ways for kids to build some GREEN habits.

At home, make GREEN rules. It’s the little things like not using plastic, turning off the lights when leaving the room, taking shorter baths to save water, turning off the faucet when brushing teeth. Build these habits early and you won’t have to remind them again and again.

Make playtime enjoyable and stripped of electronic gadgets. Limit use of playstations, TV and computer games. It will definitely lower your electric bill, will save your kid’s eyes, too.

Stress the importance of reusing, recycling, and reducing. Show by example. Kids like to imitate what they see. When grocery shopping, BYOB! Bring your own bag. Buy recycled products. Take it up a notch by buying them recycled school supplies.

Read to them constantly about eco-friendly subjects. Not only will you teach them the love for reading and books, you’ll also teach them love for Mother Earth.

Recommended GREEN Books for kids (and moms, too):

A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids by Julie Hall is a solid, no non-sense information on the effects of global warming and the greenhouse effect. Uses simple words that children can understand.

Winston of Churchill: One Bear’s Battle Against Global Warming by Jean Davies Okimoto is a story about a Polar Bear named Winston who is worried about icecap melting and realizes he needs the help of people to save their Habitat. Your kids will fall in love with Winston who realizes that he needs to change first before he could change the world.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss is a classis Seuss and just like his more famous book, The Cat in the Hat, it makes a statement and that is, to save our planet before it’s too late and that progress is not always better especially if it’s at the expense of Mother Earth.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a story of a boy who makes the tree happy. Everyday, the boy would come to eat her apples and swing from her branches. As time passes, the boy demands more and more from the tree until the tree has nothing more to give. This is a story made for different interpretations. Read this and discover your own and your children’s, too.

My Bag & Me by Karen Farmer is a cute 100% recyclable children’s board book that comes with a reusable Tyvek bag. Now, what can be more eco-friendly than that? It’s a story of a boy who goes grocery shopping with his mom and somehow learns to save the planet one bag at a time. Your children will surely love this.

Unplugged Play: No Batteries. No Plugs. Pure Fun by Bobbi Conner is perfect for families with children ages 1-10. Contains more than 700 ideas for play and games without the use of plugs, batteries or electricity. Helps conserve energy and helps build imagination and “sweat”.

Together with our kids, let’s save the planet one GREEN book at a time.

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movie of the day

March 28, 2008

The Graduate

Fooled you! This is not about the movie. Though I enjoyed the movie the first time I watched it, this is not about Benjamin and Mrs. Robinson and their May-December affair. Not even a discussion on the Simon & Garfunkel soundtrack.

Summer is officially here. You can feel it in the humid air and you can see it everywhere–kids playing in the streets, halo-halo for sale in every corner, malls packed even on regular days, swimsuit-clad models in most TV commercials, and a whole lotta graduates dazed and confused.
After I picked up my kid from her therapy, we headed to a neighborhood pizzeria, a Veneto. We were early and just a few tables were occupied. We ordered Oil & Garlic Special Pasta and Cheese Munchers. Actually, we always order these two plus pizza but since it was only me and my kid, we skipped the pizza. I noticed that the big tables were reserved so I thought they were expecting a lot of hungry customers for lunch. It was good we were there early. Around 12nn, the place started to fill up. Always big groups, mostly families complete with the lolos and the lolas. I first thought there were far too many birthday celebrants in one restaurant then I overheard the lola say, “Congratulations, Carol. May trabaho ka na ba? Kung wala pa, dun ka muna sa Tito mo .”

They were graduation blowouts. Filipinos are really big on milestones. We get together for special events like this one. Parents stand so proud seeing the fruits of their labor. The lolos and the lolas are there to give support and wisdom to carry with them as they set out for the world. Everyone, who has shaped who you are now, is there to witness this joyous event.

So, what’s in store for the graduates? Job-hunting, apartment-hunting, money-hunting, opportunity-hunting…the list goes on. Sooner or later, you’ll be sleep-hunting and wishing you were back in school in the confines of your air-conditioned classroom and party-till-you-drop lifestyle. Haha. Everything has to end sometime.

But, there’s hope here. Nothing compares to receiving your first paycheck. Well, that’s kinda exaggerated. But it will give you the much-needed pat in the back and the assurance that you’re on the right track. Nothing can stop you now and you go on to bigger things. The next thing you know, with all the money in your pocket (well, bank is more appropriate), you’re house-hunting, car-hunting, vacation-hunting…the list goes on. Sooner or later, you’ll be sleep-hunting and wishing you know what more you can do or buy!!! (You wish!!!)

To survive life after graduation, this book, How to Survive the Real World: Life After College Graduation: Advice from 774 Graduates Who Did is God-sent. It contains real practical advice from people who have been there. Kinda lessens the worrying of the dazed and confused grad. Or treat him to before-diving-into-a-miserable-life-this-is-what-you-need gift. A short-lived happiness that you can purchase and it comes in a box. What could be better than that?

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dailies

March 27, 2008

Special or Regular?

Special or regular? I’ve been plagued with this problem for quite sometime now. My daughter just resumed her therapy sessions after the Holy Week. My kid is turning four this June and her therapist informed me that she’s now ready for preschool. She needs to develop her social skills which she doesn’t get from her usual one-on-one therapy sessions. But I’m torn between regular preschool and preschool for special kids.

I asked the opinion of other mothers with kids on the spectrum but I was more confused than ever. Some moms think that I should enroll her in a regular school so she could copy or imitate the action and language of other kids versus putting her in a special school where they fear that my kid might not improve.

Others favor special schools. The teachers are used to handling special kids so they are more likely to handle situations wherein kids would throw tantrums or something. And they are equip with the necessary teaching skills. They also fear that my kid might be bullied and won’t be able to defend herself against other kids.

I also asked my kid’s Neuro-Developmental doctor and I was surprised with her answer. She favors regular school but the number of children should be kept to a minimum and 4-1 student to teacher ratio should be observed. She explained that my kid already gets the nitty-gritty and is ready to be exposed to the “real” world.

Any advice?

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who's who

March 26, 2008

Holy Encounter

These past few days I’ve been consumed with this overwhelming feeling of calm. We had lunch at Pho Hoa on Easter Sunday. We originally wanted to have lunch at this rave of the moment Thai resto called Som’s but there was no parking available so we ended up having Vietnamese that day. And I was really glad we did. Not that the food was extraordinary, it was just ok actually. But we met Fr. Jerry Orbos. This was in between noodles and fresh spring rolls.

He was eating alone. As he was about to pay for his bill, the waiter told him that it was already paid for by the family at the next table. He said thank you and joined them for a little conversation. He stood up after awhile and greeted everyone he passed, Happy Easter. But upon reaching our table, he sat down and talked to my daughter. He asked her how old she was and my kid answered four. He asked us how we were as if we we’re not strangers to him. And I was also surprised that out of all the people there, he spent time with us. He must have sensed that I need a little bit of help. I am a sinner and a good one at that. It was just all small talk but it made an impact on me. I wanted to cry but I held back. I don’t know why I felt that way. I think that’s how you feel being in the presence of someone “holy”. It felt so good. Have you ever felt this way?

Fr. Jerry Orbos writes for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. He still presides Healing Masses and leads pilgrimage visits to the Holy Land, Fatima, Medjugorje and other Marian shrines. He has been reminding the people through his homily, newspaper column and radio and TV programs this constant message: God Bless You, Mama Mary Loves You!”

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what's up

March 25, 2008

A Moment of Darkness

I thought the day would never come but Philippines (Manila, in particular) has finally come around and decided to participate in the worldwide event, Earth Hour 2008. On March 29, 2008, Philippines and the rest of the world would experience a moment of darkness for Mother Earth.

Earth Hour is a global effort to create awareness on the destructive effects of Global Warming and climate change. For one hour, participating cities around the world would turn off the lights. A simple step but the benefits are enormous.

Join Girl For All Status! Turn off your lights at 8pm on March 29, 2008 and together, we can make a difference even when you see your neighbor watching Big Love on HBO or catching reruns of The Sopranos on HBO Asia.

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trendspotting, who's who

March 24, 2008

Free-Spirited

I found this clothing line in my search for eco-friendly clothes. But most clothes are geared towards kids. So I was kinda envious when I came across KiceKice because the kid’s clothes look so comfortable and “cool” to wear. Much like being a bohemian princess.

This line consists of a unique selection of hand-appliqued dresses, t-shirts and complimenting pair of pants made with 100% organic cotton. These playful clothes are comfortable for children to run, play and dance.

Kice Kice is a partnership between twin sisters, Lesley Nishigawara and Karen Kice, both artists and environmentally and socially responsible people. The clothing line uses high quality organic fabrics and supports fair labor practices. The clothing line’s inspiration is children. And I think they have captured the innocence and the playful nature of children in their clothes. The designs are so carefree and unique.

Creating cute pieces and being aware of environmental issues are admirable traits, don’t you think? Visit kicekice.com.

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critic, movie of the day

March 22, 2008

Death, Taxes & Red Ribbon Bakeshop

In life, nothing is certain but death and taxes. How many of you have heard this phrase? We can’t deny this. Denial is just like running from the inevitable. It will find a way to catch up on you. This is the premise of the movie,Stranger Than Fiction. I just caught it being shown on HBO yesterday and decided to watch for lack of better things to do. Besides, it was a lazy Saturday. One more day, and life would be back to normal.

It’s about an IRS agent named Harold Crick (Will Ferell) and his regimented routine. His life is as boring as one can imagine. Nothing happens outside of his routine. He wakes up, brushes his teeth the same number of strokes each time, goes to work, makes his rounds, goes home and sleeps. Suddenly his life is turned upside down by a narration he alone can hear. The voice narrates his boring life, as if he doesn’t already know it, but Harold is alarmed when the Narrator declares that he is facing imminent death.

He then decides that he must find out who is writing his story and convince her to change the ending. The voice in Harold’s head is Kay Eiffel (Emma Thompson), the chain-smoking, jittery and neurotic loner who is trying to find an ending for what might be her best novel yet. Little does Kay know that Harold Crick is a real person and not just a character in her book. This is where the conflict collides when Harold Crick must find Kay and persuade her to change the ending of her book while Kay’s only problem is figuring out how to kill her main character.

Other characters come in the picture. Penny Escher (Queen Latifah), a headstrong assistant supplied by Kay’s Publisher to make sure that Kay finishes her novel on time. Jules Hilbert (Dustin Hoffman), a literary scholar who Harold Crick pursued to help him identify the author and later on, tries to convince Harold to turn his life from tragedy to a comedy to avoid his death ending and even suggests a love angle between two people who hate each other. This leads Harold to initiate an unimaginable relationship with Ana Pascal (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a baker who refuses to pay her full tax.

For the first time, Harold experiences love and life. He takes guitar lessons. He begins dressing up outside of his tie and suit and even brushes his teeth without counting the strokes. He no longer eats alone and counts his steps. Harold decides to live his life and make it the one he has always wanted. He becomes sure that he has totally escaped his tragic fate and has turned it around. But Harold is unaware that in Kay’s books, the main character always dies just as he is in the up and up of his life.

As you watch the movie, it makes you think of the value of life when death is always a looming possibility and taxes as integral part of one’s life. But death and taxes, however certain, are only the mundane aspects of life and the significant ones are found in fleeting moments like a sweet smile of your kid after giving her cavity-causing chocolates or the warm embrace of a friend consoling you after you broke up with your nth boyfriend.

Also makes you think what Red Ribbon Bakeshop got to do with all these? Ok, I’ll tell you. It’s true that death and taxes are the only certainties in life but I beg to differ when it comes to most food delivery service. Fastfood chains try to take a piece of the market and offer one-of-a-kind service and promos (30-minute guarantee, free pizza when late etc). It’s a burger-eat-pizza world out there. It is THAT cutthroat. It’s a competitive market so any wish or whim you might have will certainly be granted. Take for example, McDonald’s. For the longest time, I’ve always had my cheeseburger with extra loads of onion, cheese on the side and without catsup. Just to give in to my preference would take five minutes total. And with fastfood, every minute counts. Why do you think they’re called fastfood? So imagine my surprise when I couldn’t get a slice of Dulce de Leche cake at Red Ribbon one fine morning. I thought I was dreaming and kept thinking if I was hearing the call center agent right.

I snapped out of my dreamlike state and regained my composure. I asked the agent why it was not possible to get a slice. She explained that there was a whole cake available but not for slice order. I told the agent why not slice it. How many people would walk in their restaurant and buy a whole cake versus people who would buy a slice/s? This went on for minutes, the agent running out of reasons why I couldn’t get my slice. Until finally, I hang up, dialed another number and ordered my cheeseburger with cheese on the side. Life was back to normal.

So, what’s the connection? Harold Crick and Red Ribbon are both facing imminent death.

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dailies, style of the day, trendspotting

March 21, 2008

Losing My Pollution–BYOB

This is a series of my attempt to turn “GREEN”. Not literally (I never imagined being Incredible Hulk) nor figuratively (I haven’t been jealous since 2001). I want to do my part to help the environment by Losing my Pollution first. Losing my Pollution is a like a detox of my “disposable” mindset. For now, only men are disposable. The rest would have to be reused, recycled, reinvented, repurposed and reduced.

The easiest and most convenient way I could help is to stop using plastic bags or paper bags. Did you know that more than 100,000 birds, whales, seals and turtles around the world are killed by plastic bags every year? What would be left for our children to see? Plastic bags are not biodegradeable and paper bags are made from trees which also have drawbacks because of the natural resources and transportation costs involved in producing them. Some people consider them a better choice than plastic because they are biodegradable but just imagine how many tress would be cut just to produce paper bags for your groceries. And even organic materials take a long time to biodegrade. It doesn’t make sense.

So why not BYOB? Bring your own bag! A lot of companies, nowadays, are now becoming environmentally-conscious and are producing reusable bags. It’s a growing trend that even high-end fashion designers have joined in on the campaign against plastic. Anya Hindmarch started it all with her “I’m not a plastic bag” tote, which has been seen not only on the arms of many celebrities but also on common people. It’s no longer a question of paper or plastic. We should now examine how our everyday decisions affect the environment.

In countries like Germany and Ireland, some stores have totally banned the use of plastic bags. In the US, some stores, like Ikea, are charging 5 cents for every disposable plastic bag and a number of chains including Save Mart, Costco have begun selling their own reusable shopping bags usually made of canvas material.

But your reusable bag doesn’t have to be boring. They should not be confined to dull canvass styles and materials. Nowadays, there are so many to choose from. From the simple canvas tote to colorful and stylish bags made with recycled plastic drinks. It’s now a fashion trend. Now, carrying a reusable bag instead of plastic is very fashionable and highly functional as well. From a clutch that you have for running errands or a big tote for grocery.

The reusable, eco-friendly bag has come a long way….

Silky Pop bag from Hermes, a silk tote that folds down into a leather wallet with a silver-plated zipper. $960

Stella McCartney partnered with the king of lightweight carry-alls, LeSportsac bring us two functional and practical toiletry totes made from 100% recycled eco-polyester.

Envirosax bags are lightweight, portable, waterproof and holds the equivalent of two supermarket plastic bags courtesy of reinforced seams.They are made with renewable and recyclable products where possible, and are committed to operating on ecologically sustainable principles.

Comes in fuchsia, aqua, lime and salmon. Jenni Epperson’s “Shopaholics Anonymous” as tagline with an illustration by graphic designer AJ Omandac, the bags are eco-friendly and fun! Available in the Philippines and made for the benefit of Bantay Kalikasan.

Made from recycled juice packs - non-biodegradable foil and plastic packaging that would otherwise go into landfill sites and incinerators, and are created in the Philippines by a women’s cooperative. Bags are available at Nigel’s E co Store