POWER of 7

 We're a fun-loving group that enjoy pretty much being together. 

With nothing much to do, aside from my daily chores, I had this sudden thought to write about the POWER of 7. Yes, that's what we are, back in those days.

We've come a long way, though we only met a few years ago. After the preliminary introductions, we hit it off at once. And we managed to have loads of fun while in pursuit of the same goal--to finish and pass the Caregiving course--unscathed. I can say that it was during that time, I had the most fun in my post-college life.

It's nice to be with people you feel comfortable with. And know that they won't abandon you, when push comes to shove. ( Well, one time, they did not left me behind me on the curbside when I was so drunk to even know my way home. )

So, what is this all about? Well, I guess it's just my way of saying that I MISS THEM and our time together. And I hope we can hang out again, soon....

O Canada, you had me at hello

First 'taste' of snow.

It's been a year since I first set foot here. Sixteen months to be exact. We're all too familiar with the phrase 'how time flies so fast'. Well here, "it" does literally flies fast. And after a year, I felt like a hundred years old and 25 lbs. lighter ( thanks to running ) :-)

Oftentimes, out of the blue, I can't help but smile when I realized that I am, in fact, here,  a thousand miles away from the place I grew up and supposedly called "home".

Armed with just a bit of anticipation and excitement, I welcomed and embraced my new life in Canada. Actually, I don't have to "overhaul" myself or get culture shock. In some ways, I was prepared to met head-on whatever this "Canadian way" of life throw at me. Even before I came here, I was already "living it", if only in my mind. 

Spring is finally here.

It's amazing what a year can do to you. When you live in an entirely different setting compared to what you've been used to. In my case, almost everything has changed. Fortunately, I did not have a difficult time adjusting to it. Somehow, it felt like I should be here all along. The years I've spend living away from home has prepared me in some ways ( well, that's what I like to think ) so I did not have to deal with a lot of homesickness. It helped that my sister is already here.

With my sister ( my partner in 'crime' )

I've been asked a few times if I like Canada. My reply is always, "I like it here." with a smile. And really, what's not to like? I like the temperate climate because I don't sweat like crazy anymore. The food? Well, I learned to adjust my palate to it. And I still get to eat Filipino food. I like the fact that I can just wear anything and no one would care ( not that I wear 'out of this world' clothes ) I like the beautiful scenery I pass by whenever I go out for a run. I like the fact that there's no traffic and no black smoke from vehicles to suffocate me. 

Living in Canada has opened my eyes to a lot of things. Sure, there are things back home that I miss from time to time but that's about it. I learned to adapt myself to this new country if I have every intent to survive and make it. Coming here has afforded me the opportunity to better myself as well as my family. 

Anyway, I can't help but point out a lot of disparity when it comes to how things are handled here compared back home. Of course, I'm not saying that I'm now partial to Canada but then, who knows. I will always be a Filipino but it doesn't mean that I stick to stuff that doesn't work anymore.

Being Auntie

 With AJ, Marielle and JR ( from long time ago )

As the world ( I'm not sure if it's the entire world exactly) celebrated "Mother's Day" a few days ago, I had this sudden question in my mind, "How come there's no such thing as 'Happy Aunt's Day'? ". I kind of toyed with it for awhile before coming up with this post. I mean, every woman at some point always becomes an aunt, before eventually becoming a mother or vice versa ( whichever comes first) And what led me to this musing? Well, I'm proud to say that I am an aunt. An "awesome" one, I might add. ( Though you have to ask AJ to confirm that, I  suppose)

I'm fortunate to have grown up with two wonderful aunts around. I'd like to think that they have impacted my life and I wouldn't be what I am today without them. And I'm not saying this, just to be on their good side because I am already. :-)

 with Tiya from way back when

Tiya is my father's older sister. I've been told that I am like her in some ways, especially in our passion for reading. Before I heard about Bones and House, I grew up on Tiya's stories. And I can still recall some of them. She has been instrumental in my love for books and even for writing. I know this may not be a big deal to some but to me, it is part of everything. Tiya has been unfailing in her kindness to us and I'm sure it's not only because we are her younger brother's children

with Mama, last November

Mama, on the other hand, is my father's younger sister. I really did not get to hang out with her until now ( well, only in my days off ) I thank God for that one particular day, when Mama taught me how to draw straight lines on a piece of paper and she noted how I did it well. She decided right there and then that I have a good head on my shoulders. She sent me to a private high school ( and also two of my younger sisters) and to a well-known university to get matriculated. Too bad, I had disappointed her in some of my choices. At first, I balked at the thought of her meddling in my affairs, without realizing that she just want me to have a good life. Fortunately, she hasn't given up on me. Now, thanks to Mama, I'm here in Canada.

My aunts have their own shortcomings and all, like everyone of us. Their lives may not be perfect but that does not discount the fact, that they've been and still good to us --- their nieces and nephews. And what's cool about them is that they never lord it over to us. They never throw it in our faces--all the help they did for us all through these years.

And I don't hear them saying, "Ta, it's now payback time." Instead, they instilled in me the value of paying it forward.

Now, that I am an aunt myself, I get to do what Tiya and Mama did for us. I have the opportunity to pay it forward to AJ, Marielle, JR, Jun-Ac, TJ, Marshmallow and Jandi  (quite a bunch, eh ) And I'm doing the "auntie" part well. I am "Tata" to them, except for the occasional 'mommy' if they're feeling extra endearing to me. I am happy that I have the means to provide for them. The only downside is that I don't get to hang out with them that much. I am fair to all of them, though AJ can get away with anything, if I'd let her. Of course, I will not hesitate  to smack her if she goes out of line.

Being auntie is something I did not look forward to, but when AJ came into my life, I embraced the part wholeheartedly. And that goes for the  rest of the bunch. I just hope they'll all turn out alright.

Maybe if I have some clout, I'd designate a special day for all the aunts out there. But then again, I don't need the world to recognized how an "awesome" ( really? ) aunt I am. My nieces and nephews can attest to that fact and that's all I ever need. And I'm sure Tiya and Mama don't need the accolades, it's enough for them to see that we're doing good in our lives.

To Tiya and Mama, a big, big thank you.....:-)

What Makes You Happy?

"Happiness comes only when we push our brains and hearts to the farthest reaches of which we are capable."

-- Leo C. Rosten

I'm at the point in my life (I'm in my mid-thirties, for Pete's sake!) where I can say that I have fully get a grip about what matters most to me. The "me should get this and that" phase has pass. Sure, I suffer from occasional lapses but it never gets to the point where I actually shell out cash for something I "think" I want, only to regret it later.

I think I have matured. I realized that happiness does not necessarily mean having "everything"( feel free to think about what"everything" encompass, to you). Of course, it doesn't hurt to have money.

So, what makes me happy?

• a clear, sunny day
• when I'm sweaty and hungry, after a tiring but awesome "long run"

 My two girls, AJ and Marielle.

• my new pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11 ( I don't wear them when it's raining because I don't want them to get dirty. Weird, I know.)
• spend time with my sister and aunt ( and with Taco, too)

 Nanay used to cook this for me back home. Fortunately, I still get to have it from time to time. ( thanks to Ferdinand)

• read an interesting book ( except for those that I thought are interesting at first but turn out to be the exact opposite)
• have a little chit-chat with my "folks" on the phone ( My family is far from perfect and there's nothing I can do about it. There's a reason I'm a part of their lives, in the same way that they're a part of mine.)

 Running ( or should I say, jogging) towards the top of Sugarloaf Mountain Park. The view is amazing.

• Coffee. I'm all for it, anytime of the day.
• The smell of freshly-baked bread ( especially the ones I make from scratch)

 Happiness is relative. What makes me happy may not work for someone else. And I learned from experience that it's not a good idea to based your "being happy" on a certain individual.

You are happy when you decides to be happy. No matter what the circumstances.

"It is not easy to find happiness in ourselves, and it is not possible to find it elsewhere." 

--Agnes Repplier 

Now, what makes you happy?

...my "resolutions", so far...

Three months had pass since I reluctantly, ushered in 2011. And I'm thinking, whatever happened to "my list", of which I blog about, obviously. Despite my best intentions, right after I click "PUBLISH", I totally forgot about it, except for one thing.

BOOK LIST

 One place where I get most of the books I've read.

That one about making a list of all the books I've read. I realized that it's not really hard to do as long as I remember to take note what I'm reading. Books I've read since January of this year.

January 2011

1. The Girl Who Played With Fire ( STIEG LARSSON )
2. The Forgotten Garden ( KATE MORTON )
3. Last Night In Twisted River ( JOHN IRVING )
4. Predator ( PATRICIA CORNWELL )
5. The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest ( STIEG LARSSON )
6. The Confession ( JOHN GRISHAM )

February 2011

1. Of Love And Evil ( ANNE RICE )
2. I Feel Bad About My Neck And Other Thoughts On Being A Woman ( NORA EPHRON )
3. MiniShopaholic ( SOPHIE KINSELLA )
4. The Pillars Of The Earth ( KEN FOLLETT )

March 2011

1. Paths Of Glory ( JEFFREY ARCHER )
2. Secret Daughter ( SHILPI SOMAYA GOWDA )
3. Mockingjay ( SUZANNE COLLINS )
4. The House At Riverton ( KATE MORTON )
5. Mosaic ( SOHEIR KHASHOGGI )
6. I Remember Nothing And Other Reflections ( NORA EPHRON )

Note: I'm not "bragging" about this, though it seems that I am. Honestly, I don't. :-)

I'M STILL RUNNING

I'm proud to say that I have been running, consistently. Want proof? Check out my Daily Mile account and my running blog. Sure, I'd understand if you have the urge to shot back, "Who cares if you're running?"  Well, I just thought I'd let you know.

WHAT BOOK REVIEW?

I've read other blogs, book blogs for that matter. And that's where I get the idea of writing a book review. I mean, the bloggers, really write nice reviews. And so I say to myself, why can't I write one too? Unfortunately, I am hopeless. Though I wrote something about "The Forgotten Garden" but I'm sure it won't pass for a book report ( remember, the ones we used to do in school ), let alone a book review ( the kind that makes people "want" to read the book ).

WHAT BLOG?

Lately, I can't seem to find the motivation to come up post for this blog. Not for short of topics to talk about. I guess I'm just lazy. Or worse, I have a lot of things in mind that I end up blank. Anyway, I'm trying to write as often as I can.

I'M A WORK IN PROGRESS

 All that "kneading" is worth it.

In the kitchen, that is. I can't cook. An upfront admission. I am fortunate enough to be stuck in a job that--of all things--requires me to be "adept" in the kitchen. I can't say I'm good at what I'm doing but I'm working on it. Baking, for one, is a lot of work but fun. When it comes to food, I'd do anything or maybe not.

WHAT JOURNAL?

my Moleskine notebook

My Moleskine notebook is filled halfway ( thank God, now I have a "valid" excuse to buy a new one ) Actually, what's written on it is not entirely about the minutiae of my daily life. I wrote drafts of possible blog post. Favorite quotes. Again, I tried to keep at it but to no avail. I think, I can't do the "write what happen today" stuff almost daily.

So there it goes, the first quarter of the year, went by in a blur. I've proven that "resolutions" are just that, resolutions. And somehow, one way or another, they're bound to be ignored or followed. Whichever works for you.

Go figures.

...first time...

Since I can't be without a book for long period of time, I make it a point to have one handy. I have put my library card to good use. The library is now one of my "favorite place on earth" aside from the bookstore of course.

Last week's visit to the library resulted in three books. From Anne Rice, Nora Ephron and Clive Cussler. I've read three books of Cussler before so I thought I could read another one. I've heard about Anne Rice, especially from the "Interview with the Vampire" fame but never actually read her books. I figured I could start now and read her works so I picked "Of Love and Evil". Nora Ephron is another story. I saw her on The View and I never realized that she's a writer. And someone told me that she writes well too. Actually, I borrowed "I Feel Bad About My Neck..." for a friend and after she finished it, I got into it too. And enjoyed it.

 Anyway, I never expect to encounter the mention of God in Anne Rice's Of Love and Evil. No that there's something wrong with it. I like it though.
" Remember this. Talk to God. No matter how you're feeling, no matter what you're facing, no matter what happens to hurt you, or disappoint you or confuse you. Talk to God. And never stop talking to Him. Realize that because things go bad in this world, because they go well, because they come easy or they come with difficulty, well it doesn't mean that He is not here. Talk to Him. No matter how many years pass, no matter what happens, always talk to Him."

With "I Feel Bad About My Neck..." comes another phrase that somehow sum up what I feel about reading. Nora Ephron put into words what I can't do for myself and I thank her for that.
" Reading is one of the main things I do. Reading is everything. Reading makes me feel I've accomplished something, learned something, become a better person. Reading makes me smarter. Reading gives me something to talk about later on. Reading is the unbelievably healthy way my attention deficit disorder medicates itself. Reading is escape and the opposite of itself; it's a way to make contact with reality after a day of making things up, and it's a way of making contact with someone's else imagination after a day that's all too real. Reading is grist. Reading is bliss."

Reading is bliss indeed. :-)

...are you a "bibliobibulus" ?...

What is a bibliobibulus? Someone who reads too much.

An awesome reading experience ever. :-)

Is there such a thing as too much reading? I have no idea what brings this question to mind. One morning, over coffee, the thought just popped out of nowhere. I'm guessing maybe it's from the sort-of resolution I wrote in my blog, that thing about listing down all the books I will read this year. So far, I got six already.

I'm thinking probably, this is what makes me so antsy, to read almost everyday. I'm not sure. So I wonder if out of this activity, I get "overdosed", for lack of a better word.

On various occassions, I get lost in what I'm reading at any given time. Whenever I fnished a book it felt like I've lost something. I can't be without a book for a long time. Reading is something very personal to me. And I hope it will stay that way.

 From an editorial I chance upon, one morning.

For some people, reading is viewed as a boring activity, especially for those who are not into it. I have been asked more than once, why I love it ( reading, I mean). I always give the same answer. I love the feel of books and being transported to places I could only imagine. I also have my fair share of weird looks when sometimes, I get so animated with what I read and want to share it with someone and only get, a blank face in return. I can tolerate a mall if there's a bookstore in it somewhere. I remember once when I visited my sister in Vancouver and we went to MetroTown. After a few minutes of walking around, I got so tired and sat down on one of the bench.  In the end, I seek refuge in a nearby Starbucks and slowly sipped my iced latte, while my sister went on with her "window shopping".

There were times that I declined my aunt's invitation to go out and prefer to stay at home and read. Frankly, I'm happier with a book than with a bunch of people I hardly know, unless it is "extremely necessary" to be with them. Then in that case, I have no choice.

 Running-related reading from the library.

Nowadays, there are advocacies for reading. Parents are encouraged to read to their kids at a young age, some even before they are born. I grew up with no one reading bedtime stories to me. Still, I love reading just the same. I can't remember the exact time when I really get into it. But even then, I've always been fascinated with stories. Fortunately, I have an aunt who make up for what my parents were not able to do. My aunt is an awesome storyteller. And she loves to read too. Most of all, she's the one responsible for my "reading" addiction and for that I will always be grateful.

 For the first time, I managed to read one article in this magazine about Timbuktu. Hmm..

So anyway, are you a "bibliobibulus"?

...way past my bed time...

What’s the last thing you stayed up half the night reading because it was so good you couldn’t put it down?


I seldom stayed up late just to read but with "The Forgotten Garden" by Kate Morton , I made an exception. I tried to pace myself but just could not stop. And so I tackled the last few chapters way long into the night, fortunately, I did not have to get up early the next day, so it was all good.

 Books, especially good ones, has this funny way of getting me hooked, that sometimes, it feels like, I'm oblivious to the world around me. Time ceased to exist and all I want to do is to be engrossed in the story. 

...no particular...

Is there a book you absolutely love, but for some reason, people never think it sounds interesting, or maybe they read it and don’t like it at all?

 I can't name a particular book that I absolutely love that people showed a slight interest in , if any. I seldom get the chance to offer a book suggestion to anyone. Besides, the few friends I have are not much into reading.

Lately, I've been reading a lot. Sometimes, it feels like I'm required to have a "reading quota". Anyway, I don't mind it. I enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed running. :-)

..."meaty" or "fluffy"...

Do you prefer deep, intellectual, “meaty” books… or light, “fluffy” books? Why? Give us an example of your preferred type of book.

I have no special preference. It depends on what I'm up for and my desire to read. Books that can't stop me from turning the pages is definitely a must. To name one, "The Forgotten Garden" by Kate Morton. I finished this book in three days.

But then, there are books that I can't just find my way around and let alone finish it. I just finished reading "Last Night in Twisted River" by John Irving and I'm not sure if it's "meaty" but definitely not a "fluffy" one.

I prefer books that makes me think and from which I can glean something.

...why I'm not smart...

 Current read.

I love books and reads a lot but I can't cook.

I feel like a fake or a phony. I read a lot but that doesn't say much about me. When people told me I'm smart, I really can't agree with it. I thought, they must be off their rockers. Just because I read a lot doesn't mean I'm smart. Heck, I don't even know how to tell if a baked potato is already cooked or not. ( now that's pretty odd, eh?) Sometimes, when I need it most, common sense eludes me. And I am left floundering, amidst the mess I've always managed to create as a result.

You see, I'm no cook ( or should I say it, I'm useless in the kitchen) And to me, this is some huge "handicap". To think, I find myself in a line of work where I'm expected to know my way around, from slicing vegetables to mixing flour. I mean, no one would really give a shit if I read a ton of books if I can't whip up a decent meal, at least once in awhile. And I bet AJ could not care less, if I read to her all the books in the "Harry Potter" series, if I ( her beloved aunt) can't put food on the table for her to enjoy. Of course, I'm sure she won't mind if we either go to Jollibee or McDonald's instead.

 Probably, the only person who can tolerate my cooking.  

I feel bad that when it comes to things that matters most ( like cooking ) I draw a blank. I am inept and obviously, lack real-life skills.

I have no social skills. 

And I have no idea why. I just can't be around with people most of the time. I'm no recluse or something.

I can't speak my mind. 

Most of the time, there are things or ideas I'd rather keep to myself than sharing it with someone. And it's not about trying not to "ruffle some feathers".

So much for my lament here. I know I'm not perfect and there's no point in trying to be one. Sometimes, accepting yourself is a far more easy thing to do than going through all the works of being perfect.

I can't change who I am even if I want to. And I really don't want to. Especially when it comes to the "love for books and reading" part.

Reading will always be awesome. :-) And if it will make me smart, then all the more reason to keep at it.

...The Forgotten Garden...

Finally, it has come to an end. The weather outside seemed to take note of it. Fog, slowly descended, making the surrounding all the more dark and gloomy. Reading "The Forgotten Garden" has kept me on the edge of my seat, for three days. I told myself to keep a slow, steady pace, but no matter how I tried to curb my enthusiasm, I could not resist the temptation to turn page after page. Even stayed up late one night, to finish one chapter but ended up reading a few chapters more.

It is by far the first book I've read for this year that has made quite an impression on me. And what's more amazing is that, I usually don't just sit down and read a book in three days, tops. Oftentimes, a book takes me a week or more, depending on my mood and the circumstances I'm in.

"The Forgotten Garden" somehow struck a chord in me and I believed that's what keep me going.

Awesome read.:-)

...things I'd do in 2011, hopefully...

 Resolutions always abound at the start of the year. I even come up one myself a few years back but never get to follow it through. Let's just say I'm not good on seeing things through, not when my heart is not really into it. When I'm just doing it for appearance's sake.

Fortunately, I realized I've grown up a bit. Physically, it's pretty obvious. I've come to the point ( or I guess it's just me ) that want  to be rid of the common notion that 'resolutions' are some sort of a destination that need to be arrived at. I, on the other hand, would like to think of it as something  to be dealt with everyday, like an ongoing process.

So here's what I'd like to do for this year, hopefully...

• Make a list of all the books I will read this year
• Be consistent on my runs
• Maybe, come up with a book review on books I've read ( at least one )
• Update my blog ( often )
• Make myself "useful" around the kitchen
• Start a journal ( all the more reason to fill up my Moleskine notebook )

 Anyway, these are all the stuff I can think of, for now. I'm not sure if I get to do all of it or maybe not. Let's see how this list will turn out. :-)

Happy New Year!!!

...I came, I bake and then, eat some...

Have anyone of you out there thought about or even give a thought about how exciting it is to actually "keep busy" in the kitchen. Probably, "keep busy" is just too broad a term because I think it encompasses anything anyone would do within the confines of a kitchen. Am I making sense? I hope so.

I'm not the one who "keep busy" in the kitchen, unless it involves stuffing something edible in my mouth until my bloated tummy's content. Except for the occasional "frying an egg" or "cooking some rice",  I can't hardly consider that as being busy. For someone who just only discovered two days ago, what "cream" means, the kitchen is really my least favorite place in the house, unless it's chow time.

 I had my first encounter of some sort with the rolling pin and I have to say, it was awesome. :-)

For the past few days, I've been hopping around the kitchen like a bee. I had my first ever experience of baking some cookies. To most people who are pretty much domesticated, this kind of stuff is ordinary, but to me I had a swell time. I found the experience surreal to me. I've always been honest for my lack of "culinary" skills so when someone told me that I did good with the cookies, all I can do is grinned like crazy.

 Getting my hands "dirty" was worth it.:-)

Hands were sore after all that "work" but I wasn't complaining.:-)

I discovered the wonders of the oven and the delicious concoction that comes out of it. I began to revel the sound of "ding" after it has been preheated and is raring to go. And of course, that other "ding" sound that signals whatever is inside is ready. :-)

When all the "baking" is done, it's nice to enjoy more than a couple of slices of chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream on the side. Now, I'm "talking".

So, that's it for now. 

...the first five days...

For those of us who have spend almost a decade or more earning a living and supporting a family, being unemployed is not the least bit ideal situation to be in. What, with all the bills piling up and other stuff, it is imperative to find a job at once.

 Lunch for today which Marilyn prepared for me: cottage cheese, smoked fish and pickles. For dessert, custard cake.

Fortunately, I was able to find another work without having to wait and sit still for a long time, twiddling my thumbs. Though, I had to admit it, the only upside of being unemployed, is I have plenty of time to pursue "running" and I can do so, as often as I can.

At present, I'm somewhere "southeast shore of Vancouver Island". A more than an hour bus trip from Nanaimo. Not really that far if you think about it but it can be a hassle and pretty much expensive, to commute back and forth. Of course, that doesn't mean I'm not going to visit my aunt anymore or hang out with my sister.

 Beating your brains out to come-up with that 'word' is fun. :-)

So anyway, for once I had a first-hand experience as to what it feels like to be "in the moment". I'm not saying that I'm moving on auto-pilot before.  For the past few days, I haven't been thinking about the usual stuff that pretty much takes space in my mind. Heck, I wasn't even thinking about my bumblebees.

For the past five days, I've been snapped at, once. Practically conversed in English all the time ( which I like actually). Started doing crossword puzzles which I found to be fun after all and challenging. Made chicken soup from scratch. Munched on 'raw' vegetables ( take note: "raw", the likes of green pepper, broccoli, carrots, mushroom and celery) Helped prepare roast beef for supper. Over-boiled the spuds. And the highlight of it all, cried in front of someone I just met a couple of days ago.

I never thought how refreshing it could be to be thrown out of your comfort zone. It felt so much more 'alive' when you're not just going through the motions.

From where I came from, being "nice" is really not on top of the rank when it comes to interaction with others. How often I am caught off-guard when anyone I meet here, always inquire politely, how I'm doing or how's my day. When saying "Thank you" and "Please" comes naturally. Well, I'm not saying people back home have no manners.

So far, the first five days is like a bucket of ice-cold water thrown over my head ( in a good way). Hopefully, I settle into my new routine and surroundings here. And whatever speed bumps I may encounter along the way, I'll get through it fine.