of songs and myoozik

I love Jason Mraz's "Wordplay" song ang Aqualung's "Brighter than Sunshine". Once i've heard a particular song on the radio and the music or lyrics seem to get stuck in my brain, then that's a must have for me. I also have a knack of knowing if a song in an album would be a hit or not. So, yes I'm a frustrated critic. That goes for films and tv shows too. That's why I always read Nestor Torre's column on PDI.

Another favorite is Usher. This guy is an utter genius. Raised by a single mother pa. Very humble and his website is cool. I also like Craig David and Alicia Keys. And Destiny's "Cater to You" is so nice. I like complicated lyrics. I like the thrill of listening to the ups and downs of a melody.

I want to be a back-up singer. They are way cooler than the main acts. And they remain anonymous. But they get respect and lots of shows. They are so in demand that during live concerts' peak season, pinag-aagawan sila talaga.

being a better parent

i was browsing through parenting sites and saw this page: http://www.parents.com/articles/ages_and_stages/3096.jsp

I agree with all of it. Especially the hanging out together part. I remember my childhood filled with just being with Dad or Mama, listening to my siblings' stories and eating a lot. It was truly a nurturing time, we had so much fun.
I still have to decide if I'm gonna be a strict Mom or just laid back. Or both. What I do know is I'm enjoying being a Mom now. Contrary to my expectations. Hehe. I used to worry a lot if I'm gonna be miserable once I have all the responsibility. But here I am with a more positive perspective, just thanking God for blessing me with a child like him. He makes me want to do cartwheels and trapeze acts..yep, that's how great I'm feeling!

I love how he laughs at everything I say or do. And likewise. We are so in synch. And I love the way he snuggles on my shoulder. Perfect fit. And when I feed him cereals, even his nose, cheeks and neck have their share of food. And when I give him vitamins, he spits it or gargles it.

Don't you just hate it how mothers never seem to get tired of talking about their children? And how they get OA with every little achievement? And how they think their child is the best gift from God? Yes, I know and I'm sorry. I have become that Mom.

same, same

it's a slow saturday so indulge me with a trivial entry. Two of my favorite female actors, Diane Lane and Kate Hudson share a connection with me somehow (ipilit ba?). Diane's daughter is named Eleanor (mine has a different spelling though) and Kate's son's birthday is on January 7 too. It's really mababaw but I love having something in common with these women. They're just so classy and oozing with sex appeal. Meoow Rrrrr..

tv rants and raves

although i don't spend as much time watching television nowadays, i still stumbled upon the initial episode of the Amazing Race Family Edition. They're now more focused on the American destinations and historical places. And what chaos it produced when 40 people compete for airtime and camera views plus of course the coveted cool million prize. But it's also more exciting, with kids, parents, siblings bickering and laughing together.

The Xtra Challenge show with Maui Taylor saying P5k is nothing to her is such a controversial primetime quote. For her who gets money by showing her ass, boob job and everything else, it's such a pitiful thing to say. For us poor mortals who earn every cent with our clothes on, P5k is A LOT. So. I admire Joyce for her composure. If I were in her shoes, I could've punch Maui's already tomato nose into pulp bits. Oops sorry.

I'm semi-hooked to Pinoy Big Brother. I know their names, eager to see who's going to be eliminated next and singing the song in my subconcious. But since they moved it to a later timeslot, I couldn't watch it anymore since I'm sleepy already. Time to hit the sack with my precocious little tyke.

Oh and I'm obssessing about watching the Company's 20th anniversary concert at the CCP but too bad it's sold out na. SAyang. And i want to see "Dubai", I never pass up an Aga Muhlach film. He's just too yummy.

This made me teary-eyed

Read a really heart-tugging article from ivillage.com. Here it is..sob sob sob..

A Homage to Mothers

"This is for all the mothers who have sat up all night with sick toddlers in their arms, wiping up spit-up laced with hot dogs, birthday cake, and fruit juice saying, "It's OK honey, Mommy's here."
Who have walked around the house all night with their babies when they kept crying and wouldn't stop.
This is for all the mothers who have shown up at work with spit-up in their hair and milk stains on their blouses and diapers in their purse.
For all the mothers who have run carpools and made dozens of cookies for school teas and sewn Halloween costumes.
And all the mothers who haven't because they are at work trying to earn enough to keep on top of the bills.
This is for the mothers who gave birth to babies they'll never see.
And the mothers who took those babies and gave them homes and all their love.
This is for all the mothers who have sat on cold metal bleachers at hockey, baseball or soccer games instead of watching from their cars, so that when their kids asked, "Did you see me?" they could say, "Of course, I wouldn't have missed it for the world," and meant it
This is for all the mothers who have yelled at their kids in the grocery store and swatted them in despair when they stomped their feet, like a tired two-year-old does who wants ice cream before dinner, and then hated themselves for "losing" it.
This is for all the mothers who sat down with their children to explain all about making babies. And for all the mothers who wanted to but just couldn't.
For all the mothers who read Goodnight, Moon twice a night for a year. And then read it again. "Just one more time."
This is for all the mothers who taught their children to tie their shoelaces before they started school. And for all the mothers who opted for Velcro instead.
This is for all the mothers who taught their sons to cook and sew and their daughters to be brave and strong. (And sink a jump shot.)
This is for all mothers whose heads turn automatically when a little voice calls "Mom?" in a crowd, even though they know their own offspring are at home or grown up.
This is for all the mothers who sent their kids to school with stomach aches, assuring them they'd be just fine once they got there, only to get calls from the school nurse an hour later asking them to please pick them up. Right away. And they do.
This is for mothers whose children have gone astray, and who can't find the words to reach them.
For all the mothers who bite their lips, sometimes until they bleed, when their 14-year-olds dye their hair green.
What makes a good Mother anyway?Is it patience?Compassion?Broad hips?
The ability to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time?
Or is it the heart? Is it the ache you feel when you watch your son or daughter disappear down the street, walking to school alone for the very first time?
Or the terror in your heart at 1 a.m. when your teenager with the new driver's license is an hour late getting home?
The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread, from bed to crib at 2 a.m. to put your hand on the back of a sleeping baby?
Or to feel the dull ache as you look in on your sleeping daughter or son the night before they leave for a college in another city?
The need to flee from wherever you are and hug your child when you hear news of a fire, a car accident, a child dying?
For all the mothers of the victims of all the school shootings, and the mothers of those who did the shooting. For the mothers of the survivors, and the mothers who sat in front of their TVs in horror, hugging their child who just came home from school, safely.
This is for mothers who have tearfully placed flowers and teddy bears on their children's graves. Whose children have died from illness, accidents and the worst of all and hardest to comprehend, suicides.
This is for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation.
And mature mothers who have learned and are still learning to let go.
For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers.
Single mothers and married mothers.
Grandmothers whose wisdom and love remains a constant for their grown children and their children's children.
Please pass this to a wonderful mother you know. (I just did.)"

Riley milestone

Riley rolled over for the first time last September 13 and he's now 5.95 kilograms.

Thelms told me to check her email today. She saved a survey email from me dated March 26, 2003. And Lo and Behold I found this entry:

NAME OF FUTURE CHILD? --> boy- Riley girl - Lexie Maeve

I forgot how 2 years ago I already thought of Riley as my boy's name. Weird. Must be the anaesthesia. Or it must be fate.

aneurysm and other diseases

Albert Einstein died of aneurysm. it has special significance to me because my Mama died of that too. I've never heard of this disease up until Mama was in the hospital already, right after passing out and going into coma. A deadly combination of hypertension, diabetes and a lethal too much of something diet will make you a likely candidate for aneurysm.

Riley has colds for days now. Poor thing. Last night, he slept the entire time without having his mimilk. He got stressed out over his vaccination. First bouts of physical pain. Ouch.

favorite quotes for today

"The juice would definitely be worth the squeeze."

"Improving your mornings can do wonders for your afternoons."

I was browsing some sites and got inspired with these quotes. Cute.

It's Riley's immunization day again. He is so cool in the mornings. He smiles right after waking up. Definitely not from me. That's why my mornings are better now because of his attitude. So he influenced me big time on that one. Hehe.

something from e-mode

lynette, your signature color is Aqua Paradise

You're one-of-a-kind, that's for sure. A unique individual like you will make her mark with a bold, eye-catching color that's not afraid to be noticed. That's why we're pairing you up with Aqua Paradise. Your friends may sometimes question your choices in everything from what you wear to who you date, but they are likely to admire your willingness to experience all that life has to offer. In fact, it wouldn't surprise us if your experimental nature has helped you become ultra-secure in yourself — and that's a great way to be. You've also probably got a creative way of looking at the world that gives you a unique approach to solving problems, at home and at work. And your offbeat opinions and adventurous spirit likely make you a compelling character to pal around with. So keep it up, Aqua, and never give up on whatever paradise you seek!

circa 90's

Just had a phone conversation with my bestfriend Mommy Thelms. We we reminiscing our era of the 1990's, the songs, the shows. Memories of highschool, endless daydreaming, watching tv, reading romance novels and journal writing. Friday nights laughing with Doogie and bestfriend Vinnie and learning about life as he writes on his online journal (PC na wow). And getting kilig over the whole cast of BevHills 90210. Brandon Walsh..wahh..

Dream Rooms

There's this really great site called www.potterybarnkids.com sobrang cool ng mga stuff for kids. And these are my favorites..Love all the colors.

Happy Bday G~!

It's G-Anne's 20th birthday last August 24. I'd like to thank her
for taking care of Rye and me during those early months. A true
Tita Ninang.

Old Manila and its charms

I have a new hobby, well, it sort of been happening for awhile now but didn't realized it till today. I'm collecting articles, photos and trivia of Old Manila. I get it from Philippine Star's City Sense columnist Paulo Alcazaren, Carlos Celdran and Lakbay Pilipinas yahoo groups. I just want to keep it. I dunno why. Maybe something to share with Riley when he's older. Or for me when I'm old and wanted to reminisce about Manila: Ermita, Malate, Intramuros, Binondo, Pasay, Taft..all these places where I've stayed for years and years. My footprints littered its streets.

Recently, I've been to U.N. The old Burger King across Mcdo is now Shakey's. Wala lang, it's sad when new structures replaced the ones I have memories with. Sniff. Sniff.

motherhood

sabi ni Ben I should post some Mommy stuff, so here goes..hehe.

Being Mommy means:
-forgetting uninterrupted sleep
-buying milk and diapers instead of all my "luho"
-going home straight after work (no more "hmm, where do I go tonight?")
-waking up in the morning and being grateful for this little person beside me
-doing the baby babble - Oh Riley, Abatootoot Bananaks, coochi coochi coo
-managing my time well (now that IS tough)
-staring at my kiddo while he's fast asleep
-making dutdut kalikot his ears, nose, feet, hair (yucky cradle cap) for some thorough cleaning
-having a picture of my baby on my fon, in my MSN messenger, on my PC
-Burping is a breakthrough
-seeing a smile from my son makes me sane especially when I want to declare war with the world (wahh)
-i make effort to be kinder, gentler coz I don't want Riley to visit me in jail!
-I now understand my parents, especially why my Mom was strict with me
-being dazed with joy everyday knowing I have a son

My dream boy!

Can't get enuf

Riley - Irish term for "strong"
Matthew - "gift from God"

I think he's living up to his name! This kid wants to grow up and fast. I hope he's tall. I can't wait to know what his talents are. I want to hear his voice. I'm excited to hear his laugh.

My Batootoot Anakish

Here is my son, my precious son...

Oh Riley

Hey Arj, even I can’t believe I’m a Mom already. I had an emergency CS operation coz my pelvic bones are small, Rye’s heartbeat was going down and his umbilical cord was tied around his neck. It’s great that my OB and her husband anaesthesiologist helped me throughout the delivery. And I have pictures of Rye in the E.R. immediately after he came out. May 19, 4:31 pm. 5’5 lbs 4.2 cm. Those were his stats. His birthday coincides with the Star Wars world premiere. Hehe. Comedy nga birth story nya eh na may halong drama. I'll post his pix soon.

Belair History

Last year, I bid goodbye to a place I called home for 26 years. It's a national treasure, a rare work of art right in the heart of Manila. It's called Belair Apartments. Formerly known as Boulevard Alhambra Apartments and designed by National Artist Pablo Antonio. I knew of this trivia from Carlos Celdran and his blog - celdratours.blogspot.com. It was able to withstand WWII and earthquakes. I saw how this place evolved --from a domestic haven to a busy commercial hub. Gone were the days when I knew the faces of each tenant and the floor they occupy. I spent my childhood aware of every major rally and national event by glancing from the windows and balconies of Belair, overlooking Luneta Grandstand and Manila Bay. It was the best.

Even before all these condo units came around, there was Belair. And it still stands, mighty and proud.

a mom at last

i'm back at work completely changed. Well, for starters I'm a Momma to a beautiful curly-haired baby boy named Riley Matthew. It's been 2 months of roller-coaster emotions. All intense full-speed ahead ones..He's amazing. He now smiles at me and makes his first sounds. And he's so chubby! Best of all, he looks at me with adoring big brown eyes, pouts and puckers his full lips and pushes me with his strong hands. The best smell in the world for me now is his feet, baby smelly feet. This 4 kilo miracle is now the center of my existence second to God. He sleeps better now. He eats more and doesn't fuss around that much anymore. He doesn't cry, he whines and whimpers..too cute for words.

I'm still amazed everyday that I have this kid to have and to hold, unlimited hugs and kisses, that's why babies are called "bundles of joy". It's so true. I've never been lucky with men but this time around, i think i've got the MAN.