Cutty

Yes, I am a recent convert.  I am a member of KDrama Addicts Anonymous. I am no expert when it comes to KDrama.  I've only seen 5 dramas.  I can't remember the actors' names.  I can't even pronounce or spell the characters they play. But. I've noticed a pattern in the plot.  The story always revolves around a successful and wealthy male boss and his financially-challenged, career-oriented female co-star.  The lead characters are always impeccably dressed.  Expect them to have glowing skin.  Most often than not, there is a third party involved or some sort of hindrance to their budding relationship.  There will always be "ramyeon" and Korean barbeque involved.  Sharing a bowl of "ramyeon" is how the relationship usually starts.  Each episode will last for an hour, mainly because of the "music videos" of the characters. It used to bother me that theirs is a male-dominated culture.  Hierarchy and social status is always give...

Capizfornia is our code name for our 2018 vacation.  My husband and I coined this term because we decided to keep the details of our vacation a secret. In the beginning of the year, my kids have been pestering me to go to the US.  Because it wasn't planned, my husband and I would give vague answers.  March came and plans for our trip firmed up.  In the days leading to our departure, we'd forget about our big secret and cover it up with our plans for visiting Capiz instead.  Capiz is where our fish pond is located.  The kids dreaded the trip to Capiz knowing how bored they'd be.  We told them that there'll be endless days at the beach and lots of time fishing at the pond.  We even conspired with the grandparents and other relatives to NOT divulge the big secret. Only my eldest caught on. He wasn't sure but he kept quiet. Javi hinted that Capiz was just a code name, but couldn't figure it out. The rest would question why we had to bring a ca...

With numerous resources out there, I do not really know if I am doing the right thing.  There are methodologies that I can not fully grasp, let alone apply in real life.  Am I being to hard on my children?  Am I neglecting their needs?  Am I being too strict?  I apply what is tried and tested.  I use the method that was applied to me.  I try to raise my children exposed to the reality that is out there.  I do not pamper them nor do I protect them from what is necessary.  They are exposed to hard work and chores.  They have their own anxieties. I do not have a career to speak off.  My children are my laurels.  To be told that they are nice and capable individuals is like receiving an Academy Award for parenting.  Di ako nagtataas ng bangko.  I am just grateful that the hard work is starting to pay off.  But, we still have a long way to go.  The hard work continues.

It has been a few days since my family got back from our vacation.  We are slowly and reluctantly going back to our routine.  I've barely adjusted to the time and I am itching to leave again. Does that happen to you too or is it just me?  This traveling thing is addicting. We get to experience life without responsibilities, work, bills, and just live the good part.  Who doesn't want endless sight-seeing, shopping, feasting and living la dolce vita ? But we can not escape reality.  For now, work is a necessity... necessity to fund my next leisure activity.  So, until the next trip.  Adios!

When I was growing up, we'd spend Holy Week at the village chapel participating in the "Pabasa."  If we weren't singing at the chapel, we'd hear the Pabasa being sung in the neighborhood.  On Good Friday, we'd go around the subdivision, with umbrellas over our heads, singing for the Way of the Cross.  On Easter morning, we'd be dressed as angels for the "Salubong."  Because we do not have "Pabasa" in our neighborhood, my children aren't exposed to this.  Thankfully, we have rituals with the ACS that help me build the Holy Week tradition with my family. Nowadays, Holy Week is synonymous to vacations, beach trips, commercialized Easter celebrations, et al.  I just hope parents do not forget to teach their children the significance of Christ's Passion, Death and Resurrection.   Children need to know who freed them from sin.  Children need to understand that there is life beyond this tangible world.

My birthday must have coincided with Good Friday at least twice in this lifetime.  I am not sorry that it happened that way.  I am quite pleased because I was forced to  focus on what is really important on that day.  It was so easy not to think about getting old.  It was one of the most significant, if not solemn, birthdays I've celebrated. I've been celebrating my birthday for three days now.   I guess people got sad for me because I had to fast and abstain on my birthday. We've celebrated my birthday the whole weekend, even up to Easter.  I've been fed well.  I've gifted myself well, too. _______________________ Easter as you know is a time of renewal.  I've made this the starting point of my own personal renewal.  I've decided to recondition my life.  Here's how. 1)  I'll take control of my health.  I am starting to feel a lot of aches and pains I haven't felt before. 2)  I will start preparing for ...