Cutty

Johann's in school on weekdays.  Javi's about to start pre-nursery.  Bettina is already a toddler.  In a couple of years, she'll be starting school also.  My days will not be as engaged as it used to be.  I'm sensing that my days as a stay-at-home will be over soon. Since the franchise I am applying for isn't working out at this time, I am on the look out for more income-generating opportunities. Should I take up baking once again and revive Cathy's Kitchen?  I have the equipment, the recipes and the part-time help.  I'll only need to reproduce my packaging, which got drenched by Ondoy.  On the positive side, I do not need to look for THE perfect location since this can be a home-based business. Or, should I pursue another franchise application? Again, finding THE perfect location is vital to getting the most of my investment. I need to make up my mind soon. 

I got these in the mail today.  The numbers are in the images, if you are interested. I always get excited over these learning opportunities, specially the take-home goodies.  I hope I have nothing planned on those days.

I wasn't supposed to be in the concert last Friday.  My husband booked tickets for the race last March, way before the concert had its date.  But since I was part of the organizing committee, I just had to be there.  Vic flew to Singapore as scheduled.  I stayed behind and flew the next day. I took the early morning flight to Singapore.   Vic and I met at the hotel.  I arrived just before lunch.  I had enough time to shop and rest before the concerts and the qualifying session. I had been to the race in Sepang, Malaysia.  It was nothing compared to the energy and organization of Singapore F1. I can't begin to imagine how much boost Singapore's economy had gained in this one event.  Every part of the city benefited from this.  There were temp jobs to fill, an increased demand for shopping, for food, accommodations and transportation.  It was really worth the investment for the government.  Just look at how many people w...

Yes, it is that time of the year when everything needs to be this week. One of my choir's major concerts is happening this Friday.  As part of the project team, I am up till the wee hours. Daily rehearsals are being conducted also.  Cramming ba kamo? Then, on Saturday, I am flying to Singapore to join Vic for the F1 race.  That means I need to pack for the weekend trip and make sure that the kids bags are packed also.  I am dropping them off at my in-laws' house before the concert.  They are still recovering from their illnesses, by the way. I am not even sure if they will get to see me before I leave since I'll be arriving home really late on Friday.  So, I am spending more time with them in between errands and other commitments. I still have to print out my ticket, find my passport, get pocket money from the bank, finalize sponsorship details with Red Crab, print tarp and program notes, pick-up skirting for the risers and finally, order food fo...

The past week has been toxic for me and Vic.  In one week, we went to the ER twice because of ailments we can not relieve at home. Two Fridays ago, we brought Javi because of a viral infection that affected his bowel movements and has caused dehydration.  Before that week ended, we brought in Johann because of non-stop coughing and fever.  Fortunately, Javi tested negative for Amoebiasis and Johann has normal lungs and CBC.  We have progressed to three types of anti-biotics, with the next more expensive than the one before. Thankfully, Bettina's condition isn't too severe.  We just had an allergy scare that was quickly relieved by Zyrtec and Iterax.  If you remember Will Smith's allergy attack in the movie Hitched, then that's ALMOST what happened to her, without the eye swelling. With a lot of rest and meds, they are on the road to recovery.  I, unfortunately, caught the bug.

I was shopping for a birthday gift when I found this. I got a copy because I feel guilty whenever I let the TV babysit for me.  I am not really into arts and crafts and I am running out of ideas on how to spend quality time with my kids.  We usually spend time  reading books, playing before bedtime, cooking or baking together, going through old pictures.  It has nice ideas for special occasions, indoor and outdoor activities.  It has made doing experiments and learning math fun.  Most importantly, I am inclined to teach my kids street games I've played in the past.  Hello Piko, Patintero, Langit Lupa, Monkey Anabel.  I just might be able to tear them away from the TV.

This was shot ... when Johann was 2 years old and Javi was just a year old. ... when we only had 2 kids. ... when he a perfectly good set of teeth =D ... when we were still staying Pasig while our house is being renovated. I'm more inclined to take more videos to documents my kids' development.

I stopped by PC Supermarket last week to get some supplies when I found this I had to give out a little shriek of excitement.  I've been looking for something like since I started baking as a hobby. Marshmallow creme is one the vital ingredients in S'mores.  Don't confuse this with marshmallow icing.  This is more elastic and less spreadable than the icing. In the past, I had to resort to local substitutes.  I'd sometimes melt mini mallows in milk to form this layer.  Just recently, I learned that I could mix the mallows in white meringue mixture then blow torch it a la Creme Brulee. Soooo.... I tried it yesterday.  I baked a batch of S'mores and found it too sweet.  It over-powered the chocolate in S'mores.  Not good.  I probably shouldn't have put the whole tub in one batch.  Or, I should've put in more chocolates?  Nevertheless, it had this odd aftertaste.  Sayang, the graham cracker dough was baked perfectl...