October "happenings"

"October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came-

The chestnuts, oaks, and maples

And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet, 

And everything was grand, 

Miss Weather led the dancing, 

Professor Wind, the band."

- George Cooper ( October's Party )

I know I made a resolution to update my blog more often but it did not turn out that way. I find it hard to sit down and just write. Oftentimes, while I'm in the middle of something, my brain has this annoying habit of going 'bonkers' and ideas just pop out of my head ( and I don't mean that in a literal way ) By the time I decided to jot them down, they're gone.

So anyway, it's now November and it's amazing how days just seemed to sped by. Then out of nowhere, I had this thought, to come up with a short recap of what transpired last month. ( Not that it is interesting or anything. ) I just thought it would be a neat way to keep a record of what happened in the previous month. ( Hopefully, I'll keep this up. )

THANKSGIVING 2011

I had my second Thanksgiving in Nanaimo. Stayed overnight and hang out with the family. I had a great time. Stef was pretty good at mixing drinks.We played games after dinner. I had a few rounds of drinks and ate a lot of food.

KNIT and KNIT 

When I started to learn how to knit, I got so into it that I was torn between knitting and reading. So much so, that I only read two books for this month. It usually take me less than a week to read a book but for once, while I read "Cutting for Stone", it took me two weeks to finish it and even had to stay up late one night, to beat the due date. Silly me. Anyway, I'm proud of the finish product---a scarf.

SHAWNIGAN KINSOL HALF MARATHON 2011
The last Sunday of October, I ran in my second half marathon for this year. I did not aim for any personal best or anything. I just want to run and enjoy the sights along the way, which was awesome, by the way.

After slogging it out for two and half hours, I got this. And a cup of coffee too. :-)

Running has become a part of my life. And it doesn't matter if I run alone or with a group ( though most of the time, I run alone.) I sign up for a race in order to run in other places and in the company of others.

Look at where running takes me. Awesome, eh?

HALLOWEEN 2011

My first Jack-o'-lantern. I wasn't even thinking about it until someone suggested that I should try and carve my very own pumpkin and so I did. At first, I thought it was a tedious task but it wasn't and I even enjoyed doing it. And of course, don't forget the treats. If you ask me, I'd go for "treat & treat" anytime. Who cares about tricks, anyway? Just saying. :-)

And now, off to the next one....

birthday is coming up ( now what? )

"Our prayers are answered not when we are given what we ask, but when we are challenged to be what we can be." - Morris Adler

I woke up today and realized that it's already November. And you know what that means, I suppose. ( if you don't, never mind. ) It's now time to put on my thinking cap and flex my writing muscles and come up with this year's version of "the birthday wish" list.

Two years ago, I started writing about "what I want" for my birthday. True enough, my "wish" were granted. Somewhere out there, someone read this blog. And it was really cool.

Now, as I prime myself to usher in another year of my so-so life, I'm torn between coming up with another "shameless plugging" or just forget about it. Besides, I think I'm "too old" for the usual 'me want this and that on my birthday' list. Though, one time, I had this brief chat with a nice lady, that went like this:
Nice Lady: How old are you, honey?
Me: I'm 34.
Nice Lady: Oh, you look like 12.
Okay, I really didn't know how to reply to that except smile. I had this nagging thought, either I don't really look my age or my face reflects immaturity or something. I didn't know whether to be flattered or be bothered. Anyhow, let's not go there. We're talking about my birthday here, remember.

I don't have a list ( shock yet? ) And I know, come my birthday, it will just be like any ordinary day ( I'm the only one who thinks it's special ) I have no plans of going somewhere or doing something, except probably, go out for a run ( if the weather permits. I remember it was snowing last year.) Besides, I will be working at that day, so I'll see how the day will turn out.

Okay, now wait, I changed my mind. Scrap that "I think I'm too old" line. No one is not too old to 'want' something for their birthday, especially for someone who look like 12. :-) So, here's the 2011 version of my 'shameless plugging'. Don't worry, it's not a mile long.

I enjoyed all the books in the series. Recently, I decided to read it again. So, I'm on the third one and I already put a request in the library, for the next one. It would be awesome to have my own copy so I can read it anytime I want.:-)

Starbucks Stainless Miller Tumbler, 16 oz.

Stainless Steel Tumbler-Pewter 20 oz

I can't make up my mind between the two. They all look great to me. I'm so into coffee that if I can, I'd be drinking it the whole day.

A Book Lover's Diary

My Bibliofile

It just occur to me to start making some sort of  a record or list of all the books I've read. So far, I only come up with a list and sometimes, I don't even bother to update it. I'm thinking, a journal. Let's see.

There goes my 'list'. Now, I'm not saying, I will throw a tantrum if I don't get them. It's just a list anyway.

And now, for the serious stuff, having a another birthday is a good enough reason to be thankful for. ( Of course, it won't hurt to get the books and the mug.:-) ) I don't expect too much of anything on my birthday and for the years to come, except the following:

• Good health for my family and friends. And for myself too. ( I have yet to run a marathon, though, I'm proud to say this, I did 'survive' in my first ultra-marathon.)
• The means and willingness to provide for my family.
• To always "Be satisfied. Be grateful."
• To "don't sweat the small stuff."
• And to be able to run for as long as I can.

There I said it, now I can go back to.....

If my life is a mistake, I mean, a mixed tape :-)

Only Time ( Enya )

Music has always been a part of my life. Well, ever since I got hook to it. I even have this thought that it's cool to have music on, while driving ( anyway, it's just a thought since I don't drive, yet )

Welcome To My Life ( Simple Plan )

It has been a constant presence in my every waking hour, so much so, that I broke more than a couple of headsets, way back in college. I used to have a collection of cassette tapes ( too bad, I don't know where I have stash them) I had music on while I studied for exams. Some said it was a distraction. In some ways, it was. I put music on when I come close to exploding with anger, to calm me down. When AJ was still a baby, I used to carry her and "danced" to a favorite tune, before I head to work.

Anything But Ordinary ( Avril Lavigne )

November Rain ( Guns N' Roses )

Sometimes, music brings me to tears. Other times, it brings back good memories shared with friends and family. Now, it helps me either to run faster or just cruise along.

Smells Like Teen Spirit ( Nirvana )

Ana's Song ( Open fire ) - Silverchair

The songs I have here are in no particular order. I chose them for the simple reason that I like them at certain points in my life. And I just come up with a few, otherwise, it will go on forever.

Don't Look Back In Anger ( Oasis )

"All good music resembles something. Good music stirs by its mysterious resemblance to the objects and feelings which motivated it."

Jean Cocteau

Updated Book List ( at last )

“We read to know that we are not alone.” - C.S. Lewis

Since the start of this year, I put it upon myself to make a list of all the books I've read in a month. And I was able to do so, at least for the first quarter of the year, though. You can check it out here.

I think I'm lazy. Once I started to get engrossed in a book, I just completely zone out everything ( except my work, of course ) I have this thing of sticking a POST-IT note on the first page of the book I will read and jot down the title, author's name, date started and date finished. It's my way to keep track of the books I've read and the time it took me to finish them.

Somehow, I muster enough willingness to come up with the list and update it diligently. It's not much actually. I usually get the books I read from the library ( which has become my favorite haunt during my days off ) and some I buy from discount stores ( if and when I want my own copy of a book that I particularly like) And so, here it goes...

APRIL 2011 

1. The Help ( Kathryn Stockett )
2. Up Island ( Anne Rivers Siddons )
3. And Thereby Hangs A Tale ( Jeffrey Archer )
4. Mirage ( Soheir Khashoggi)
5. Water for Elephants ( Sara Gruen)

MAY 2011

1. The Mermaid Chair ( Sue Monk Kidd )
2. False Impression ( Jeffrey Archer )
3. Someone Knows My Name (The Book Of Negroes ) ( Lawrence Hill )
4. World Without End ( Ken Follet )

JUNE 2011

1. Roots ( Alex Hailey )
2. The Kite Runner ( Khaled Hosseini )
3. Life Without Limits ( Nick Vujicic )
4. A Thousand Splendid Suns ( Khaled Hosseini )
5. The Book of Awesome ( Neil Pasricha )

“It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.”  - Oscar Wilde

JULY 2011

1. The Distant Hours ( Kate Morton )
2. Sarah's Key ( Tatiana de Rosnay )
3. Marathon Woman ( Kathrine Switzer )
4. Any Known Blood ( Lawrence Hill )
5. To Be A Runner ( Martin Dugard )
6. The Hours ( Michael Cunningham )

AUGUST 2011

1. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan ( Lisa See )
2. Let's Take The Long Way Home- A Memoir of Friendship ( Gail Caldwell )
3. A Cup of Friendship ( Deborah Rodriguez )
4. Dreams of Joy ( Lisa See )
5. Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone ( J. K. Rowling )
6. The Splendor of Silence ( Indu Sundaresan)

SEPTEMBER 2011

1. Ancestor Stones ( Aminatta Forna )
2. Burnt Mountain ( Anne Rivers Siddons )
3. Kabul Beauty School (Deborah Rodriguez)
4. A Fine Balance ( Rohinton Mistry )
5. Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets ( J.K. Rowling)
6. Running on Empty ( Marshall Ulrich)
7. Prisoner of Tehran- A Memoir ( Marina Nemat)

My reading experience for the past few months has been wonderful and excellent. I cried when I read "The Kite Runner" and "Sarah's Key". I'm always transported to a different time and place whenever I start reading. I read about various subjects. Slavery, conflict between the Nazis and the Jews, and the ongoing struggle in Afghanistan. Then there's about India and China. And there's also about running.

I'll look forward for more great reads in the future. Many thanks to the South Cowichan Library here in Mill Bay!

Let's keep reading.:-)

SWIM.BIKE.RUN

Growing up, I never thought of getting into any form of physical activity. I was content to play "patintero" after school. Ran around the school playground. Played hide and seek and "luksong tinik". And that's about it. Back then, the word "sports" was foreign to me.

SWIM
Learning to swim has never occurred to me, considering the fact that my family just lived across a beach. I could have just cross the road and swim to my heart's content. Unfortunately, it did not pan out that way. My Granny always stop us ( me and my younger siblings ) from going into the water lest we'd drown or something.

Anyway, a few weeks ago, I muster enough courage to try to learn how to swim, when the opportunity presented itself. I found out that it was cool. I had no qualms while I stepped into the pool, clad in a swimsuit ( which, frankly, was my first time ) Being in the pool is just amazing. Sherry, the swimming instructor was wonderful and made me comfortable while I try to get my bearings around. She was very helpful. I think so much about nailing my kick, that I end up stressed and stiff as a board, so she told me to imagine something I love doing ( which is running ) and just go from there. It worked. I had a great time.

I find that, learning to swim  ( or swimming for that matter), entails a lot of hard work. Especially on my part since I'm just starting out. I expected not get tired easily, because I run, but I was wrong. After only a few minutes during my first lesson, I was already out of breath.

Still, it maybe a lot of work but it is loads of fun. I wish I can do it everyday.:-)

BIKE
I first rode a bike when I was about 9 or 10 years old or older. I'm pretty sure, I was still in elementary school at that time. There wasn't enough space in my Aunt's front yard so I just went around in circles. When my Granny heard about it, she forbid me to do it again. I could fall and hurt myself. There goes my first "taste" of a bike ride. I haven't ride the thing ( besides I did not have one ) ever since.

Then I moved to Canada and months later, I found out that I still know how to get on a bike and go for a ride ( though just around my aunt's neighborhood and not out on the streets) It felt like I lost something and found it again. I did struggle at first, to keep my balance, but after I get the hang of it, off I go. It was an exhilarating experience. I love the rush of the wind, against my face, when I pedaled fast. And the prospect of hitting into something give me a thrill. Now, that's weird. This was when I still live in Nanaimo.

Now, I live in Mill Bay, in a quiet neighborhood. And two weeks ago, I had another chance to go for a ride again. A friend let me borrow her bike. So, one day, I felt very brave and decided to go into the road, leading to the nearby school's parking lot. I figured I have ample space to work around there. In my excitement while going down the road, I went out too fast. I was overwhelmed at the speed I was going that I forgot to grab hold of the brakes. With legs straight out and flailing to the side, I was desperate to stop the bike but I was unsuccessful. I fell off it and crashed on the pavement. I bruised my left knee. So much for speed, eh? What surprises me was, I kind of like it. I mean, not the falling off the bike part but "going out fast" It was awesome. In fact I was more worried about the bike being wrecked and if someone saw me ( I wasn't sure if anyone was around at that time ) It was only later that I felt the pain and noticed the purple mark on my left knee.

It has been two weeks since that incident and I haven't been on the bike again. Not because I am traumatized. I'm just taking my time. Besides, I don't want the risk of hurting my knees again.

RUN
Now this is the best part. I don't need to ask permission from Granny to go out for a run. At least, not now anyway. Besides, she's not around anymore.

My first 21K race ( Scotiabank Vancouver Half-marathon 2011 )

I discover running when I was already in my mid-thirties. It came at a time when I needed something that I can do all by myself and does not need the company of others. I started running to hopefully, get in shape ( primarily to lose weight because I could not stand anymore the struggle I had when I pick out clothes and go for the largest size possible) But I was doing it wrong so I end up gaining more weight and hurting my legs.

After awhile, when I changed my attitude about my "running", I was transformed ( of course, not into a robot ) I began to enjoy my outdoor excursions and look forward to it. I even love it to a point. ( I have a blog solely for it.) Surprisingly, I lose weight ( without me stressing about it ) along the way and sparing myself from "stupid" diets.

Anyway, there's no question about running being number one on my list. But then, there's no reason I can't do the other two. I find that I enjoy doing them too, so I'm all for it.

 I'll continue to learn how to swim and work on my biking "skills" ( going out into the streets without falling from it, hopefully) In the meantime, I'll keep running, for as long as I can.

And no, I'm not thinking about a  triathlon.

A walk that ( we'll do again )

On occasions that I go to Nanaimo, it's primarily to hang out with my sister and aunt, then of course, run. As always, my routines get out of whack. Stay up way past my normal bedtime and eat like crazy. But then, I'm cool with compromises as long it won't get out of hand.

So last Friday, for lack of something "interesting" to do, my sister and I agreed to go out for a walk. I already ran that morning but I'm still game for another outdoor jaunt. We armed ourselves with water bottles and brought along our mp3 players. We decided against taking Taco along because we're going on a new route, which was quite far.

We started at around 6 PM. The sun was still up and it was warm. I brought along my GF to measure the distance we will cover and the time it will take us. 

Boy, we're happy to see this. :-)

We talked about almost anything while keeping up the pace. The walk is also my way of testing my new shoes while walking because I usually just use it for running. It was doing alright so far. I told my sister about the roads where I run on and she told me, "Naabot ka diri og dagan." 

It was a relief when we finally get to the end of Departure Bay Road. We walked on the beach and stayed there for awhile. I took some photos and tried throwing pebbles on the water. I sat on a driftwood and stretched my legs. The sights reminded us of "home". After a few moment's rest, we went on our way.

Somehow reminds us of "home".

After more than 3 miles of walking, she's still game.

We encountered a steep incline and my legs started to act up. Yet, it wasn't that hard actually, because walking that uphill, my sister and I were laughing about something. An effective way to take our minds off from what we're doing.And we were mighty proud of ourselves when we got to the top. Our next goal was to get to McDonald's. I was already hungry at this time. ( Based from experience, I'm not myself when I'm hungry.)

Pit stop. A convenient ( though unhealthy ) way to justify our "walk".

I finished the chicken burger in record time. I'm that "hungry". 

After we had our fill, we continued on our walk. It started to get dark. I felt a bit of chill in the air. I zipped up my jacket and walked fast. The trail we were on was dark and was only partly illuminated by the lights of the passing cars on the highway. We were worried because we don't have any reflective material on our clothing or shoes to make us visible. We did not take this in consideration and we underestimate the time.

We're kind of scared on the trail so we tried to walk fast to beat the time.

In the end, we had to take the bus and ride in comfort. 

The trail felt like it was going forever and we were happy to get to the nearby bus stop. It was already past 9 PM and we don't like to take the risk of walking on unlit and deserted back roads. With only more than a mile left to our aunt's place, we took the bus home.

After 8 miles and more than 2 hours of walking, my legs were just about ready to give up. The bus ride home was a blur. My sister and I plodded toward the house, ready to drop.

The next day, she told me, I snored while asleep. I seldom does that, only when I'm so dead tired. I was still able to run the next morning. 

Anyway, I'm glad to get to spend some time with my sister. And it's cool that we now have this activity we can do together. Besides, it's an inexpensive way to chill and just hang out. 

My e-reader experience

So finally I got hold one of them e-readers. Cool, eh? Well, actually it is more than cool if I may so. I'm happy I have the opportunity to try it before I go ahead and buy one for myself. 


First, I commend the Vancouver Island Regional Library ( VIRL ) for coming up with this brilliant idea. They have this KOBO e-reader for loan to the adult reading public. How nice is that? Libraries are just awesome.


Since they first come out, I've been wanting to try one. Even went as far checking out the Chapters website and almost place an order. But something always stop me. The price, for one. And other reasons that somehow managed to make its way through my "I WANT THIS " state of mind. 

KOBO e-reader

Anyway, the day I got the e-reader, I can't wait to use it. And it's a no-brainer ( if you know how to read and follow instructions ) And the library took the time to provide a laminated help sheet to better aid the users as they go along. So, it's pretty easy to use.

And now, if anyone will ask me, would I buy one? 


Frankly, yes, if I have the extra dough to burn ( but sadly, no ) And if my reason for wanting to own one is just for the sake of keeping up with the times. 


I'd still go for the ol' real books. I like the feel of the paper against my fingers when I turn the page. I like the smell of the books. I like the different textures that a paperback has compared to the hardcover one. I like the idea of a book having its own self through its print, the kind of paper use, the images used on the inside cover or jacket. 


Convenience-wise, e-reader has its advantage. You can take it anywhere without an added weight. But then that's the only good point I can think of. Or maybe, I'm just not totally into it.


"Real" books will always be my choice. Whenever I pick a book and decide to read it, I feel that I have already establish a relationship or bond with the author and the story. And I don't feel that way with the e-reader.


Well, anyway, that's just me saying. Call me old-fashioned but I'd still go for the "real" ones.

Be direct if you must but don't forget to thaw....

No name salad.

One of the things I am known for is my obvious lack of "cooking" skills. I am helpless in the kitchen. If there's a "Cooking for Dummies" book, then I'm sure as glad to get hold of one.

I recall an incident about the "frozen lasagna". I haven't bake a thing in my life so what I did was look over some recipe. Actually, I did not have to go that far. The people I work for before were kind enough to let this "slight handicap" go by. All I need to do was just pop it in the oven then set the timer and temperature. It was pre-made for my convenience. I didn't realize though that I have to thaw it first before the baking part. This is fairly common sense but sometimes, at desperate times, common sense fails me. After the timer went off, I was excited and ready to dig in, only to find out that it's still hard as a rock and cold as a corpse. I spewed out obscenities in my mind. I was hungry and of all times to messed up. Anyway, when I told my sister about this little episode in the kitchen, she laughed. We both ended laughing about it. Oh well... ( Note to self: It's not too bad to, sometimes, find humor in your mishaps and remember, don't forget to thaw... )

Buns for anyone who's game....

There are a few times in my life that it is more readily convenient to lash out at anyone or anything that somehow miff me. Oftentimes, when I do realize what I've done, it's too late to patch things up. Or worse, irreparable damage has been done.

I've been in certain situations, wherein I am tempted to rip someone's face off because of some discontent or misunderstanding.  I can't deny the fact that no matter how I try to live in harmony with others, people do get in my nerves. ( Especially those who are nosy and ask stupid questions.)

One thing I learn and do know for sure is, it pays to cool off and see things in perspective, before readily launching an attack. I used to be hotheaded, that usually involves throwing things and slamming doors. I could get angry for no apparent reason and just went crazy. But then, I say to myself, I'm not going to be like this forever, every time someone or someone sets me off. And it can be exhausting really.

One way to cool off and be "ice cream struck".

So when I seethe with anger ( and feels like hitting someone or something ), I try to coax myself to think what it is that makes me angry in the first place. Try to look it in a different angle and mull over if it is really worth my time and effort. ( I know it's easier said than done. Since I arrive here, I find it that it's not really hard after all, if I  will it to be so. And once I get over the first few minutes, I'm  okay. )  Besides, when it's out of my control, I'm better off letting it go. It's a fact of life, sometimes, I don't always get what I want. I'm not saying that I'd deny my anger or pretend I'm not angry because that will only makes me sick.

So, anyway, if you're curious as to what happen to the lasagna, well, I ate it the next day. And I'm a happy camper.

As for "cooking" skills, I'm a work in progress. Fortunately now, I bake bread and chocolate chip cookies; whip up a passable gravy and mashed potato and come up with an edible salad ( with a few trimmings like pecans, raisins and pumpkin seeds )

I still can't "cook" but now remembers to thaw.... :-)

...my three "friendship" reads...

I wish it's that easy ( like ABCs ) to walk up to someone and say, "Hey, would you like to be my friend?" or "Can we be friends?" or "Can we hang out?"

Maybe it's no coincidence that the three books I've read lately dealt about friends and the intricacies of friendships. I am loathe to admit it, that I too, need friends. After living for more than a year in a foreign country, I have yet to call someone a "friend". I have friends back home and I miss them ( but I try not to dwell on it so much )

So, here goes...

"People are not always obedient. We say one thing and do another. We feel one thing; then our hearts open in another direction. We see one thing but don't understand that blinders hinder our vision."

"Grief is what tells you who you are alone."

"What they never tell you about grief is that missing someone is the simple part."

"You must be true to yourself even if it goes against the grain of what is expected."

"Remember that life is short and full of surprises. If you wait too long, opportunities fade like the setting sun."

I tried to come up with a book review but I draw a blank. All I can say, is that, having read these books, made me think, about the friends I have.  A friend is not merely someone whom you have almost everything in common. Sometimes, a friend can be someone, whom at first, you thought it's unlikely for you to be friends with, but once you hit it off --- there's magic.

Enough said.

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.