Celebrating Friendship - Nov 29, 2007

Treasure the friendship you receive above all. It will survive long after your gold and good health have vanished."
— Og Mandino


Let me dedicate this post to a dear friend. I have not met her personally but she became as dear and as close to my heart as any bestfriends would ever be. Ours is a unique story. Each living a world apart, met through the world wide web and together began a journey of sharing and caring worthy of telenovelas and the likes. Today marks our first chika, the commencement of a long line of letters, emails, calls and chats. The beginning of a great friendship oblivious of time and space.

I have a box I call “jules box” filled with goodies from her. Whenever I am lonely or sad… I go to my jules box to find something that would lift my spirit up. It works everytime… until now I can still pick up one thing inside the box that would bring me to smile and bring me inspirations. It gives me countless ideas of what to do or what to write about. She is everything a friend is about and if Ibegin to describe her, I would not be able to finish my post. :) Hopefully ... i'm not promising anything ..hehe... that I would beable to bring her out in some of the future post I make.

She knows me enough to write my life story. And I hope I know her enough to write hers. A lot of times I long to hold her hands and to feel her warmth beside me. To share a cup of coffee and talk about anything endlessly. I wish I could always run to her house just to see her and say hi. But I guess that could wait.

I hope to meet her someday. Give her a huge embrace enough to catch up on those times we are apart. Until then.....

Thank you for being my friend Jules!!

CN Tower -- a different perspective

As close as one can be. I didn't know you my dear have patches but who cares?

wow... I almost saw the end of the earth.



The urban jungle

as far as the eyes can see.

No glass but the screen is needed. It was freezing in here.

the lake from high above.

See the following videos for more action: enjoy the ride

Family Day Adventures- Part 2- CN Tower

We had breakfast at Niagara Falls and out of the blues decided to go the CN tower. The map above shows our route by car. It’s about 126 km and takes around an hour 24 minutes. The route traverses the outline of the Lake Ontario. It would have been shorter if we can cross the lake on a direct path. During our travel we can even see the CN tower over the other side of the lake. See the picture below:

I enhanced the picture so that the outline of Toronto be more visible beyond the lake.

Defining the Toronto skyline at 553.33m (1,815 ft., 5 in.) and the world’s tallest for over 32 years, the CN Tower is Canada’s national Tower, an architectural triump, engineering Wonder of the Modern World and award-winning dining and entertainment destination. With breathtaking views from 3 observation levels including the Glass Floor and Sky Pod, world’s highest glass-fronted elevator featuring glass floor panels, theatre, ride, arcade, shopping and award-winning dining at 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower – it’s Toronto’s must see visited by almost 2 million people each year.

CN Tower Highlights:

The Sky Pod ---- we skipped this, which means we're coming back definitely
Lookout Level and Horizon's Café
Outdoor Observation Desk ----- freezing in here
The Glass Floor ----- i will have to post this separately
"LEGO Racers: The Ride" Simulator Ride ---nope we're there just to observe hehe

360 Restaurant - I'd like to try this sometime, i find it romantic to have dinner here
Marketplace Shopping and Café
The Edge Arcade

Details:

1. Price includes admission to the tower and the viewing areas ( Lookout Level and Observation Deck). There is an additional charge to visit Skypod which can be paid upon arrival or on the Look Out Level.

2. Tower is open from 10:00am to 10:00pm Sunday — Thursday, and 10:00am to 10:30pm on Friday and Saturday. Attractions (Simulators, To the Top, and the Arcade) are open 11:00am — 7:00pm daily.

3. Food is available at the 360 Restaurant (reservations are recommended), the Horizon's Café, or the Marketplace Café.

4. The Marketplace features 12,500 square feet of quality shopping.

5. Cameras and video cameras are permitted (and are a "must bring"!)

6. Casual dress is appropriate; however, a jacket or coat is recommended for the observation level.

7. Appropriate for all ages (except for those with a fear of heights). Height restrictions apply for simulator rides.

8. Wheelchairs can be accommodated. Service dogs are welcome.

9. Parking is available in multiple areas around the tower.

10. Prices vary depending on time of day, time of year, and proximity to the Tower. During the Family day... a family of four costs around $65.00.

Regular admission cost can be found here.

next.... some of the pictures and videos we took.

Family Day Adventures.... part 1

It was a holiday, at least in some provincial level. I am referring to February 16 being a Family Day. It’s an extra day after the weekend for families to spend more time with each other. I am fortunate enough to be working in a family friendly company so I had this day off too. Although most of the shopping stores were closed, most of the family attractions were generous enough to offer discount for families visiting their places. So, the zoo, the museums and other places have half price discounts!

It’s fortunate enough to have a mild weather this day. The maximum temperature is 1 degree and it was bright and sunny! This is the best we can have since its still winter. Perfect to go out and have some fun without the snow. We celebrated Family day in two places. The first place we went to is Niagara.

Off we went to Niagara Falls for breakfast! It’s a two-hour car ride but we wanted to be able to get away and see the falls in winter. We had a great big breakfast at Denny’s Restaurant. After that, we just had to get our butts for a walk to the falls. The air is chilly at 1 degree but the wind makes it feel a lot colder (colder means around –4 to –6 degrees), so under the bright shining sunshine we are wearing our coats hoods up. Meet Niaga Falls in winter:

The mist is alot thicker.....

The water is also denser. This is due to ice crystals in the water.


ice formations on the rocks near the fall.


The river covered with ice. Can we ice skate? Definitely not! It's too thin right now.

The falls seemed to be lethargic ...... I think I like the falls better in the summer time.

Anything I want Mommy? ... uh, who said that?

I remember telling one of my kids to ask anything and I’ll give it. Hmmm.... it’s because he made it to the honour roll and made mommy so proud. He also said he doesn’t need anything right now but would like to keep the option open. Completely fine with me.

Meanwhile... the other kid thought she could also ask anything she wants. She probably thought that since her Kuya can’t decide what he wants, maybe she could give it a go? And go she did! “Can I have my birthday gift in advance? Please?” Oh, here we go again. Night and day she negotiated. She bugged us to death.

..... until we gave in. A gift that is 2 months early. What can I say? Anything for peace and quiet. :)

Her Kuya’s eyebrow raised and his jaw dropped when the gift arrived. Well, you are just too darn slow!

My two kids are on opposite poles. My son doesn’t want anything and my daughter wants everything! How convinient is that? I guess my daughter is so happy to have a kuya like that....

Happy Na, Birthday Pa!

Maligayang Bati! Maligayang Kaarawan!
To a mother and a grandmother!
Lots of best wishes, lots of love
to a wonderful person from heaven above!

Little did she know, little did she see,
how important she is in our lives
how we see her as our hope and our light
to the path we are treding day and night.

To you grandma, we wish the best!
May many more birthdays be your yearly guest
May we be the source of your pride
as you are always ours!

___________________________

My mom's birthday is always a holiday back home. We used to spend the day and celebrate at Loyola cemetery. Some days were rainy, some days were really hot but all of them fun and fulfilling. It's been our tradition to do so every year. Now that we are in a different place ... the tradition have been tweaked somehow. We still go to the cemetery and pay our respect to our departed loved ones but we can't saty too long. It is cold and it will be a feat to stay warm unless we bring some portable heaters. Now, we celebrate her birthdays at home. This year, I cooked her some pansit, roast chicken and buttered asparagus.

To you mommy.... I thank you for everything that you have done for me and for my children. I love you always!

A Halloween Turning Point....

I think we have reached a turning point.

The definition of a turning point according to google is, "an action point that is a reaction to an obstacle in the way of a protagonist’s objective; turning points raise the stakes, move the action in a different direction or to a different playing area, and force the protagonist to take a new or different tack."

Hmmmm.... indeed, Halloween of 2008 is a turning point. My youngest has shifted from trick or treating to Halloween parties. She has surrendered the sack full of candies and goodies and instead immersed herself to the new path that was opened to her. Grade 7 and grade 8s were allowed to attend the Halloween party at school. Being in grade 7, it was her and her classmates first time to go. She had her costume and camera to school and embraced the new freedom.

She got home all tired and sleepy... and was quite ready to miss the traditional evening trick or treating stroll this year.

*sigh* I was hoping to get sugar high tonight...

__________________________

The pictures I used in this post were taken by my daughter during their school halloween dance party.

I dear say... they are almost as sweet as the candies and chocolates... almost....

Happy Birthday to a friend

Today is a special day for it's my friends birthday. Last year, she woke up with this song greeting her. She thought then that it's not a coincidence that brought the song to her for it made her stop and think. This was what she thought then when she heard the song "Hmm... my predicatment exactly. Is this a message for me? I wonder if I get an early opportunity to be closer to my family..." . Since she got the opportunity to work in Manila, she has long to be with her family in Bohol.

It's her birthday again... and this time I guess it is very different. The premonition of last years birthday has come true. She is now re-assigned to Bohol and is now enjoying all her time with her family.

Now, this is my song to you. And like the song says... " It would be so fine to see your face at my door, Doesn't help to know you're just time away". I miss all our happenings.

I hope you opened your eyes this morning with a new song and a new realization. A realization that It's a wonderful world... and it's yours to take.

love always....

The Proudest Mommy....

October 16, 2008 - the Honor Roll awards night at my son's school. I sat very proud and all smiles while I waited for the program to start. I was surprised by a school letter handed to me by my son last week. It was an invitation to attend this very important night. The school is awarding all students that was able to get in the honor roll last year. And... my son is one of them. This is what I've been waiting for... for my son's turn to feel the return of his academic endeavors. All parents were so proud... and the atmosphere is an air of a bright hope for the future. Truly a celebration.

My son... you made mommy so proud! You can ask anything! Anything at all...

It is Done.... it is cast!

A special day indeed

to exercise my right

and my say in government

my hope and my plight

This is my assigned voting place

X marks the spot for sure

a hundred steps from home

a thousand step to a new future

Hmmm... this is new! This is queer!!

This is not what I was used to back home..

No people around, no one to hand out little leaflets

It almost scared me but lets see some more !

No armed guards, no intimidating bullies

I went directly to my polling booth.

Gave my card and proved my identity

And in a covered desk i did my truth.

No computers, no high tech gadgets

Just a list, a ballot box and a covered desk for privacy

No lobbying, no leaflets and endless chaos

Just a stream of people, exercising their right and duty.

This is my piece of mind and my piece of hope

My first in Canadian history

May they be heeded, may they be heard

May they be an intrument of unity and harmony.

Today I Thank Thee

Today we gather round this bounty
To celebrate our gratefulness
For the blessings of plenty
For deeds of compassion and kindness

We thank our Lord
We thank our family
We thank our friends
We thank everybody

I say thank you Lord
For the blessings of each day
For the gift of life
And the guidance along our way

I say thank you to my family
For their love and support
I may lose everything I own
But their love will never fall short

I say thank you my friends
For making life complete
For caring and encouraging
Making life sweet

I thank everybody
For we live in harmony
We take challenges together
And make earth a better place.

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYBODY! Kain na!

Another Team Building Event - Hockey Tournament (with a twang!)!

It's that time of year again when the company gets their employees butt out of their chairs and engage in some kind of team building event. Last year was a pot luck. This year, the management opted for another pot luck but added another activity. They have set up a street hockey tournament before holding the pot luck lunch. Teams of 4 individuals volunteered. There was female and male competition. Your's truly who has no experience or even knowledge of the game was asked to join a team. Much to my reluctance, I gave in but only after warning my team mates that if I join, there will be a possibility that I will embarass myself.

10 minutes before each game, HR calls in the team in her office. We were surprised to know that embarassment is included in the game! My goodness... the team playing were asked to wear funny accessories while playing. See the following pictures as a testament to the mortification that we were subjected in, in the spirit of fun of course!

The first womens team to play was asked to wear oversized underwears on top of their pants. Some were asked to wear a clowns hair. hehe



The male teams were asked to wear oversized bras. LOL! some wore blue wigs and pumpkin hats. We had a blast watching them play!

The champions!

After the tiring game... we feast on favorite food brought by everybody. I brought my famous cassava cake. It's my first time to taste a bit of deer meat brought by a colleague cooked as grilled steak.

Although I almost died on our first game... I managed to play the game with the least injury to myself and others. Our team finished 2nd place though.

For whatever torture the game and the garb put us through, the food has compensated. It was fun day indeed.... until the next day when we cannot move a single muscle without pain searing our consciousnes. :(

Wonderful World of Share

My first concept of Share's birthday gift. I tried adding titles and I think I did not fare so well. When it was finished and I watched it over and over. Still, there is something missing and somehow I was not so satisfied. Which in the end led me to my second photostory, the sweet escape. Just the same, I still want Share to have this.

This is to remind her that she lives in a wonderful world and her pictures shows it. That the world although sometimes pickle is a place full of wonder and love. May she choose to see the world with open heart and may love abound around her.

Happy Birthday Share!

This photostory is a compilation of what makes Share happy. We all have our own sweet escape and these are hers. During the making of this gift, I learned more about her. What makes her laugh, her fears, her dreams. This knowledge made me understand her as she is and it is beautiful.

To you Share... I wish the best. May you find peace within you and around you, today and always.

Keep smiling!

My First in Canadian History....

Tis they sent to me....

My first in Canadian history -

It said read carefully...

and bring to the poll a proof of identity.

Identity I have of course

although sometimes I ask myself..

but that is not my distress...

My apprehension and dread....

I will go to the poll bright and early

with radiant hope and reverie

but alas! My pen stopped suddenly

Who will I vote? Who will it be?

I think they forgot to put in the card...

"When you vote, you MUST

know your nominee's name!"

--------------------------------------------

I admit it!! It's exciting to be able to vote and really feel I belong in this country. It's my first time and I'm quite excited! My excitement is quite obvious as you can see on my poem. But! I don't have the slightest idea of who i will be voting for. Politics is like a monotonous movement of the windmills for me. It completely bores me and can put me to sleep anytime. I can tell the names of the leaders and dragons in the book i'm reading and their character and leadership styles but ask me the differences between these governments politicians running in the federal elections and I'll give you a blank stare.

Okay... I may know the names of the officials but other than that... I'm completely and utterly clueless!!

Aha! I know what I need! A voting buddy!!! Someone who can explain to me the vested interests of these candidates. Someone who will convince me why I should vote for which aspirant. I've got to find that person in ...hmmm... 14 days!

Ugh! I'm completely hopeless!

Birthday Blog Questions and Answers... As Promised!

A friend sent me birthday blog questions. There are only 20 or more questions anyway, so how hard can that be? I read and read and read… my oh my… I felt like I’m in a quiz bee or something. Kidding aside… I promised her that I’m going to answer all her questions and blog about it. So, I’m just keeping a promise and hope that I will not make a fool out of myself …and or put the poor readers to sleep….

So here goes….



THE BLOG

1. Of all the days, why September 20?

Hmmm… there’s no particular or special reason for the date. It could very well be the weather…hehe. This is quite true in a sense. September is the end of the summer season. People are slowly crawling back to their niches in anticipation of the cold weather ahead. It’s back to the cold days and school days and staying at home most of the time just gives the imagination an extra kick. It was also in September when my daughter said she wanted to have a Blog of her own. It was good that she is interested in writing because it’s the best way to express one self. I thought I should make a blog too, just to show them how things are done. A blog they can go in and read and know their Mom better.

2.Do you keep hard copies of your articles? Do you save each file in your HD?

Nope. I have not saved any in my HD. If for some reason, the www crashed to smithereens … I’m doomed.

3. You prefer to post articles that radiate positive outlook in life. Is there a time that you struggled to give positive light?

It’s a real struggle at times. There were times that I’m tempted to just rant and rant and complain. You know what? Life is a bed of roses! But these roses have thorns and once in awhile we get pricked. My children should be able to see not just the roses but the thorns as well to learn important lessons in life. Sometimes they need to see the dark to be able to appreciate the light. The only difference that I made is that I choose to express sadness, frustrations, and disappointments more in poetry.

4. Your posts are categorized as pictures, poetry, places, music, food, occasions, books, movies, etc. Do you have a favorite post for each category?

Wow… all posts are dear to my heart. Some of them are short and some of them are howling in excitement. I love my poetry… I like “Kuya Kuya”, “Mga Munti kong Anghel” at “Sino Ito”. In the food category, I like the Brazo de Mercedes the best. My favorite post in Sights and Places category is our trek at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Special occasions are meant to be special, Birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

5. Is there a post that you consider as the best entry/article?

Honestly, I need someone else to tell me this. My best entry is the one that really brought out the finest in me. Something that has exhausted all the best I can give it in terms of creativeness and resourcefulness.

THE BLOGGER

1. Who is Em according to her blog?

Em is just an ordinary lady who longs to write about the things around her in a world completely different from where she was brought up. So, Em, I guess is a frustrated poet, a fan of fiction stories and a cook at heart. Em, If I could say this is also a hopeless romantic…lol

2. What are the lessons that you learned as a blogger?

I learned that distance is not a hindrance to friendship. I learned that if I keep throwing out there what I love doing, the universe will eventually reciprocate in kind. :) It’s from a famous quote of Ophra. This quote was shared to me by a popular blogger Senior Enrique and it just so true.

3. What do you consider as your greatest strength and biggest weakness as a blogger?

My weakness is my lack of confidence in writing. I definitely need to improve my creative writing ability. My strength?? Hehe…I can think of so many weaknesses but strength? Hmmm… if I really must think…. my strength is my unlimited imagination and having myself as my best fan. I love reading my posts over and over...

4. Has anything ever irritated you in blogosphere?

The blogosphere is as huge as the universe and as unpredictable. I surely came by blogs that I am not comfortable with. But it doesn’t mean they have no right to be there. It’s freedom of expression and I just need to respect that.

5. Please share with us your blogging routine.

Blogging routine? Some days I’m just totally too exhausted to blog. Being in a challenging work environment do takes its toll to my already growing old mind. But when I have good picture or a good idea in mind, tired or not, I will write something. Inspiration counts a lot too.

BLOGMATES

1. There are six bloggers in your blogroll. How did you stumble upon their blogs?

There’s only six there but they are so loved and treasured. The first blog that made it to my top picks was my friend’s blog from back home.

Then it was Senior Enrique’s Wish You were Here. I discovered his blog from my various blog-hopping stints. The way he writes his short stories and the many vivid pictures he has of back home is truly remarkable. I wish I could write as eloquent as him. He’s my creative writing guru.

Then there was Shift+7 blog. Owned by a warm, sweet, vivacious teacher who is simply contagious. Her blog tells about life, family, the true calling of being an educator, a lover of books and poetry. She left a comment about my poem and from then, friendship started and blossomed.

Then, there were this two travel blogs that I happen to frequent. I love the way they capture the beautiful places of back home. Lawstude and Escapo are my top travel blog picks. They take me to places I have never been or reminds me of places I’ve been. They are also gracious and respectful hosts.

The most recent one is a blog named “Where Life is full of Uncertainty”. I named the young owner Share. We share fondness of the same books and movies. We are both waiting for the arrival of our pre-ordered Brisingr book of Christopher Paolini.

2. You consider them as your friends. How do you define friendship that is technology-based and what makes it different from other kinds of friendships?

As I mentioned earlier, being far from someone will not hold back the friendship. The important thing is to maintain the communication and the love inside. I guess it’s a lot harder to not physically see each but the emotional intensity between communications always compensate for it.

3. Do you see yourself meeting them personally?

I will answer this with a phrase said to me by my very first best e-friend. “I am a realistic, and I do know that the chances of us meeting personally are not extremely in our favor. But at the same time I am a romantic, and I am open to the possibilities of whatever the future holds”. Awww!

3. Do they make a difference in your life? How?

Every friendship makes a difference in life. The value of friendship has transcended time and space. I have experienced the best and the worst in friendship. ehe… I will have to use the lyrics of Natasha Bedingfield song to describe the difference my e-friends make in my life:

“They take me away
A secret place
A sweet escape
To better days
A hiding place
Where nobody know
Where the river flows
And there no more lies
There’s only butterflies.”

4. Are there other bloggers that you admire aside from those in your blogroll?

Hmmm…there’s a cooking blog that I frequent only for the recipes. It’s unfortunate that I don’t have the luxury of time to check out other blogs. I’m sure there are more fantastic blogs out there waiting to be discovered.

MISC QUESTIONS

1. What are your dreams for your children?

I only want them to be respectful of people around them. To value charity and service to the less fortunate. To find refuge and faith to the Lord. To love and be loved unconditionally.

2. How do you rate yourself as a mom?

Hmmm… another question that only my children could answer. All I can say is that I did my best. I'm a fussy mom, strict when it comes to studies and doing homeworks.

3. What do you miss most about the Philippines?

Too many to mention. I miss the food, I miss the beaches, I miss my friends and our gimmicks and happenings. I miss the laid back life in the provinces.

4. How do you cope up with work related stress?

After a stressful work, I always pass by the mall on my way home. So I guess shopping does it. Sometimes, I will subject myself to a cooking marathon.

5. Have you ever experienced racial discrimination?

Fortunately not.

6. You said once that you’re in your best element when you’re cooking. Are there other things that you feel passionate about?

Believe it or not. I am also passionate about teaching. There have not been any opportunity for me to do so but it’s the next best thing after cooking. LOL ... and shopping!

7. If you were a song, a movie and a day, what would you be?

The most challenging question! Songs have been a part of my life since I was young and i have always associated every phase of my life with a song. when I was in the University, my song was "Do You Know?". It goes like this, "do you know where you're going to? Do you like the things that life is showing you.. do you know...". I was completely clueless then...hehe. When i'm in love my song would be "Just Another Woman In Love". When I got heart broken my song was "Sad Movie". There was a phase in my life that I feel soo "I Will Survive". Now, I guess … I’d be “Happy” by Natasha Bedingfield.

If I’m a movie? Hmmm... this is tough for the only movie I watch are fiction, fantasy and comedy. Should I say Desperate Housewives??? LOL... Maybe Mama Mia... yes... i guess that's much better.

A day? A Wednesday! Did I just made that up?? Hehe… it’s a half way day of the week when the pull between work and home is balanced.



8. Who is your major influence in life?

Hmm… I should say most of my inspirations came from my faith in God.


9. What is the best advice that you can offer to anybody?

The same advice I give my children. Respect others, this goes to all people, to all living things, to your surroundings. Do your best and still be humble about it. Celebrate love and have faith in God.

10. What is your beauty secret?

My beauty secret? Love of family and friends….. :)


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Whew!!!! Almost fell asleep !!!

I just re-read what I wrote above and I am tempted to remove it from this blog. I know that all these answers are not the greatest or the wisest. But, inspite of that, I have decided to leave it in. I guess all of you will be shocked at some of my answers and that if I don't hear from anyone again, that I have scared them off (either that or I have put you all to sleep). In any event, I do hope to hear from you.

Bato Bato Piks Birthday Celebration!

Here it is! Finally! The pictures of the party!

The cake courtesy of Jules of Shift +7. The best of Goldilocks !

The food! I cooked 7 dishes on this day! Six of them in the picture.

This is a fovorite and the 7th dish!

Who could resist a game of pinata?? hehe

Happy Birthday Bato Bato Pik! Mommy loves you!