Cutty

... I want to be able to wear the clean lines and under-stated elegance of Donna Karan's clothes. Since I am all grown up now, and in full bloom, I'll just be content with the elegance and sophistication  of this little old goat

A few days ago, Vic asked me what I want for Christmas. Though it was nice to be asked, I do not have a ready answer for him. He didn't ask me last year, so I wasn't expecting the question. Besides, I grew up not being asked what I want for Christmas. When I was little, I do not recall getting Christmas presents from my parents. My siblings and I usually got a new set of clothes for Christmas parties. Those were our gifts already, according to my mother. After that, I never expected to get any Christmas gifts from my parents. I always had gifts from aunts, uncles and godparents. A couple of days later, here I am, still thinking of what I want to receive for Christmas. It would have been easier if I wanted another pair of shoes or another bag. But I don't. I really don't know what I want to get. ------------------ I was watching TV when I heard this. "Today is a gift. That's why it's called present." Tama nga naman. Whoever equated "to...

Why do I feel like I betrayed woman-kind after purchasing this? I actually got two. Just like Dr. Belo, I couldn't resist. They are very affordable and are packaged beautifully. Most importantly, they smelled good. It doesn't have the staying power of most Eau de Toilets, but it is good enough. Wag ko na daw payamanin, sabi ni Vic.

Christmas day is almost over. Next thing we know, we're bidding 2008 farewell. Christmas Eve was spent with both sides of the family. We had two Noche Buena feasts. Our first was with the Endrigas . As usual, we had enough food to last us for days. I particularly feasted on Emerald's Pata Tim and Cuapao . I was too full to enjoy our second Noche Buena so I just nibbled on some nachos, a slice of ham and some leche flan. Johann ate three versions of his favorite (spaghetti) at three different meal times. Dec 24 was quite long for the kids. Though this is our second baby's first Christmas, Javi's gifts are not open yet. We didn't have the energy to open everything for him. He was already uncooperative at around 1130pm, so we decided to go to our own home. He slept for 5 hours straight for the first time. I am quite happy for that since I got to sleep longer. As for the older boy, Johann enjoyed ripping the wrapping paper off. He didn't know which ...

Last weekend, I was in Panic Mode. Now, I am more relaxed. Things in my to-do list are slowly being eliminated. I got Vic a gift last Sunday. I am glad that TriNoMa was open till midnight. He passed by the store while I was paying for his gift. Luckily, he didn't enter the shop. I was rushing the cashier to give me the merchandise before he sees me. As he was walking to the other side of the store, I quickly made my exit through the other door. That was a close call =P My FIL's gift is ready for pick up. I got him a print from Gallery 7. I hope he likes it. Well, he likes everything with his face on it. I was afraid that it wouldn't make it since I approved the design just last night. Every year, I have a hard time looking for Christmas present for him. What do you give to someone who has everything already? There are still two people to buy gifts for. There are still lots of gifts to wrap. My cakes are cooling and waiting to be frosted. I need to finish this...

With a few days before Christmas, everyone is out and about. Traffic is so terrible. People spend so much time on the road instead of looking for gifts in the mall. I'm relieved that I have only a few parties to go to. However, there are still so many things to do.... I need to get gifts for the last few IMPORTANT people in my list. I am not worried about the less important ones. My first gift idea for Vic didn't work out. I am scouting for another one. I need to start packing for the HK trip. Johann still needs bottoms fit for winter travel. I need carrots and cream cheese. I need to prepare my documents for the ACS Tokyo trip...that is, kung makakasama ako. I need to get Johann and Javi their Christmas outfit. I need to make a list of chores for the househelp who'll be left behind when we leave for HK. I need to figure out what to wear for Bonnie's Filipiniana wedding.

We always get text reminders about our engagements from our choir manager. For our singing engagement last night, it read: TMW, 15Dec Caroling: CT/Rehearsal 8PM, casa de ARCH. Gerry EXXXXXXX.... So, I thought we'd be singing for a priest. When I approached the guardhouse to ask for directions, I asked, "San papunta kina Fr. Exxxxxxx?" The guard said, "Ma'am, kanan po tapos pangatlong bahay sa kanto." I got to the house with no problem. Once settled inside the house with the rest of the choir, I noticed that there was a bubbly guy talking to the group. I assumed that he was our host for the night. I asked the person beside me, "Siya ba si Archbishop Exxxxx?" Aba eh, tinawanan lang ako. Di pala siya Archbishop. Architect pala siya. Ganda! Kaya pala maganda pagkakagawa ng bahay niya.

Vic and I were able to squeeze in some Christmas shopping before doing our weekly grocery shopping. I scratched off 5 people from my gift list. I have 8 more people to buy gifts for. That number excludes Vic and the boys. Hay. I need ideas.

... of S&R yesterday. The main objective of my visit was to get candy canes for Javi's baptismal centerpieces. Somebody from the Newlywed group suggested that I can find green canes at S&R. Instead of going all the way to The Fort, I went to the Congressional branch instead. Upon arriving, I inquired about the membership. I am torn between getting the Day Pass or the Gold Membership. The Day Pass holder would be charged an additional 5%. Becoming a member for P700 will entitle the holder free membership to all S&R branches. The CSR suggested that I check out the place first to see if I'm interested in purchasing a lot. That would, at least, help me decide if I wanted to become a member. So, I went around. I saw a lot of great stuff. Some expensive, some really reasonably-priced. I was convinced. Besides, I wanted a reason to frequent the place. I miss shopping at Costco. S&R is a good alternative. After going through each aisle , I've seen ni...

This was sent to me privately, but I want to share the news to all. For those who are looking for techie gifts, this a great opportunity for you. ---------------------- Come and join the much anticipated 2-Day Microwarehouse Year-end Sale. This will happen on December 14, 12:00PM until 7:00PM and on December 15, 10:00AM until 9:00PM at the 21st floor The Enterprise Center, Ayala Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas Street, right at the heart of Makati City. Enjoy great discounts as your favorite digital lifestyle brands such as Apple,Philips, iHome, Linksys, Palm,iPAQ & Belkin bring their prices down to extreme lows. See you there!

In connection with the three-year countdown towards Ateneo de Manila University's 150th Anniversary, the Sesquicentennial, and in celebration of this year's theme of Deepening Spirituality, you are cordially invited to *TAKE AND RECEIVE: THE FIRST FESTIVAL OF ATENEO MUSIC* Sunday, 7 December 2008, 6:30PM Church of the Gesù Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights FEATURING: Ateneo Boys Choir (Daisy Marasigan, Conductor) Ateneo Chamber Singers (Jonathan Velasco, Conductor) Ateneo College Glee Club (Ma. Lourdes Hermo, Conductor) Ateneo High School Glee Club (Jose Emmanuel Aquino, Conductor) Dulaang Sibol (Dr. Onofre Pagsanghan, Managing Director) Jesuit Music Ministry (Fr. JBoy Gonzales, SJ, Director): Blue Symphony, Bukas Palad, Himig Heswita & Musica Chiesa AND The premiere of RYAN CAYABYAB'S medley arrangement of "Take and Receive" ----- FREE ADMISSION ----- *Donations accepted for the benefit of the Ateneo Sesquicentennial Scholarship Fund.*

We are less than 60 days away from Christmas. We are in the -ber months already and the air is still too "friggin" hot. Is it just me or is really global warming?

After an uneventful Thursday, the succeeding days were jammed with places to visit and things to do. Mall-wide Sale at Megamall I was looking forward to this sale since I really wanted to jump start my Christmas Shopping. It may be not worth going if you are not going to buy a lot. Most items are marked at 10% below its original price. Very few are at 20%, 30% or even 50% off the original price. It took me two hours to finish the home section because of the crowd. The other floors were less crowded. I haven't even gone to the mall part. Raves: I was very thankful for the valet service. I didn't have to tire myself out and lose my patience over a parking space. The mall employed extra attendants to help people like me carry big items to the package counter or to the car. There were stools for people waiting in line at the cashier. It makes the wait more tolerable. Best purchase of the day was the Igloo ice chest at 50% off. It came with a smaller ice chest and a small wate...

Yesterday, I made an unscheduled visit. My family went out of the way, all the way to The Fort, just to get to the NBC tent. The main purpose was to get some sleep-shirts that could double as nursing gowns. Of course, I had several more items when I came out of the tent. My mission was accomplished. ------------------------ When the Holiday season nears, I frequent this specific bazaar at The Fort. Before I had Johann, I always stop by the NBC tent after hearing mass. I love this place because it has a very wide selection of clothes, accessories and food. This bazaar is also the perfect place to search for unique gift items. Most importantly, I can haggle (not as much as I can in Divi but still....) One drawback, however, is the entrance fee. It's not much. But, if you are used to going to the mall that doesn't charge upon entry, you would be dismayed. Now that we are approaching Christmas, more options are available to the ever-generous gift-giver. I plan to make...

Since the husband is enjoying himself in Lalah land, I made it a point to make plans for myself while he is away. Yesterday, I decided to hire a driver for the day and make a trip out of it. I don't want to stress myself by driving in the the narrow and confusing streets of Manila. The main target of the day is Divi. But, since we are in the area, I decided to stop by the luggage sale in Juan Luna first. Unfortunately, the place was located on the other end of the street. Turning back, on a one-way street, is nearly impossible. We decided to make that our last stop instead. I initially planned on getting some additional baby stuff for Baby#2. I also wanted to get some new tree ornaments. Mother wanted to get a tall Christmas tree to match the high ceiling of their soon-to-be finished house. My mission was accomplished. I purchased a couple of dozens of gauze diapers at 230/dozen, a couple of milk dispensers at 75 each and a cleaning brush also at 75. I was surprised that th...