Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Mom turns 3-0
I turned 30 yesterday (Nov 7).
I’ll never forget when my aunt told me on my 21st birthday that I should be at my prime when I reach 30. I should have an established career by then making loads of money or I should be working towards family life. If I am in one of those categories by 30, I should consider myself successful. Well, I’m 30 and I do consider myself successful. Looking back, I’ve accomplished quite a lot. I’ve been in the rat race of the corporate world. I’ve reached my goals of working in the garment/fashion industry, I finished my Masters degree and I worked in an IT department as a Systems Database Administrator. The pinnacle of my “calling” I would say is being a MOM. It is a full-time job and it’s a career for life.
My husband Trent took the day off since we had made plans to go to San Francisco for him to apply for a tourist visa at the Philippines Embassy. He wouldn't need one if we were going together but since he'll be traveling by himself and will be staying for more than 21 days, obviously he had to get one.
Upon arriving at the embassy, I just felt the aura and the ambiance change. You'll really get a taste of Manila. You'll barely hear a single word in English from the time you step in the door until you leave the building. It felt like I was walking into the GSIS building in Quezon City.
Me: "San po magpa-litrato?" (Where can we have pictures taken?)
Guard: "Pip plor" (5th floor)
When I got to the 5th floor with Trent and Aden, I checked if there was anybody at the desk to take visa pictures. Then I noticed a lady from across the desk talking on the phone. I waited for her to hang up.
Lady: "Miss, ano yon?" (Miss, what is it?)
Me: "San po pwede magpakuha ng litrato?" (Where can we have pictures taken?)
Lady: "Ay, di pumasok ang tao dyan e. Katok kayo sa sunod na kwarto." (Oh, the guy didn’t come to work. Try knocking at the next door down.)
I went to the next room, knocked and tried to open the door. The door was locked so I went back to the lady that directed me to that room.
Me: "Miss, naka-lock" (Miss, it’s locked)
Lady: "Ay, subukan nyo sa sebent plor. Meron din don" (Oh, try 7th floor. They also have it there.)
So we took the elevator to the 7th floor. Finally I saw a guy with a Polaroid on his desk. He was helping a family whom I overheard asking about how to replace their lost passport. He was telling them that if they submit their application to him, they wouldn't have to fall in line at the embassy which was only 1 floor below us! Wow. Then he looks at me.
Guy: "Ano kelangan nila?" (What do you need?)
Me: "Papakuha ho ng visa picture" (We need a visa picture taken.)
Guy: "Sino? Yang kasama mo?" (Who? The person with you?)
Me: "Oho" (Yes.)
Guy: "O, sabihin mo umupu na" (Tell him to sit down) Pointing to the chair in front of the camera. He was talking to me & not Trent. He relied on me to give instructions to my husband. After taking his picture, he looked at me and said...
Guy: "Tapos na. Antayin nyo lang, dalawang minuto." (All done. Just wait 2 minutes.)
So, after the whole picture ordeal, we went to the lower level, 6th floor where the embassy is. The process was pretty smooth or I probably didn't realize it since I was looking out for Aden. Trent paid the fee then we headed downstairs. We were told to come back in the afternoon to pick it up.
On our way out, I heard someone faintly call my name. I turned around and saw a friend who used to be a swimmer. Yes, I used to be a swimmer for many years. I was really surprised to see her so I called my husband to come back inside the building so I could introduce him and Aden to her and her husband. Man that was a blast from the past. I remember going out with her and a bunch of other swimmers to Big Bang Alabang. One of our friends even wrote her name on the wall saying "K---- TevesORO was here." Haha! Well, time flies pretty fast and now, we’re both happily married.
Afterwards, I called my mom's friends who arrived in the States the day before yesterday (Nov 6). I haven't seen them in almost 7years. We got directions, got lost several times, but as soon as I saw her and her husband, I was deeply moved and got very emotional. I hugged both of them really tight and tears just ran down my face.
We took them to lunch at the Beach Chalet and had an interesting conversation. Food wasn't too ambrosial but the view was spectacular. In retrospect of my childhood memories with our barkada, I started asking how everybody was and how they were doing. It was nice to know that a lot of them were doing okay.
After lunch, we took them home since we had to get Trent's visa. I wanted to hang out with them more but we had to do some major errand. I have to say that aside from being with my family all day, seeing them and spending some quality time with them was the highlight of my birthday...
When Trent finally got his visa, we decided to head home. We were both tired and Aden was getting bored and cranky. We couldn't walk in the city anyway since it started to drizzle.
When we got home, our answering machine was full. We had a lot of birthday wishers. I also kept receiving text messages and phone messages all day. Then before going to bed, I went online and saw a lot of well-wishers sending notes via email and through friendster.com. I was touched to see a lot of people whom I haven't been in contact with for a while and yet they greeted me on my special day.
I’ve been so blessed with so much. Sometimes I even wonder what I did to deserve this. I have a good life and a good family.
Tomorrow is my husband's birthday, Nov 9.
I’ll never forget when my aunt told me on my 21st birthday that I should be at my prime when I reach 30. I should have an established career by then making loads of money or I should be working towards family life. If I am in one of those categories by 30, I should consider myself successful. Well, I’m 30 and I do consider myself successful. Looking back, I’ve accomplished quite a lot. I’ve been in the rat race of the corporate world. I’ve reached my goals of working in the garment/fashion industry, I finished my Masters degree and I worked in an IT department as a Systems Database Administrator. The pinnacle of my “calling” I would say is being a MOM. It is a full-time job and it’s a career for life.
My husband Trent took the day off since we had made plans to go to San Francisco for him to apply for a tourist visa at the Philippines Embassy. He wouldn't need one if we were going together but since he'll be traveling by himself and will be staying for more than 21 days, obviously he had to get one.
Upon arriving at the embassy, I just felt the aura and the ambiance change. You'll really get a taste of Manila. You'll barely hear a single word in English from the time you step in the door until you leave the building. It felt like I was walking into the GSIS building in Quezon City.
Me: "San po magpa-litrato?" (Where can we have pictures taken?)
Guard: "Pip plor" (5th floor)
When I got to the 5th floor with Trent and Aden, I checked if there was anybody at the desk to take visa pictures. Then I noticed a lady from across the desk talking on the phone. I waited for her to hang up.
Lady: "Miss, ano yon?" (Miss, what is it?)
Me: "San po pwede magpakuha ng litrato?" (Where can we have pictures taken?)
Lady: "Ay, di pumasok ang tao dyan e. Katok kayo sa sunod na kwarto." (Oh, the guy didn’t come to work. Try knocking at the next door down.)
I went to the next room, knocked and tried to open the door. The door was locked so I went back to the lady that directed me to that room.
Me: "Miss, naka-lock" (Miss, it’s locked)
Lady: "Ay, subukan nyo sa sebent plor. Meron din don" (Oh, try 7th floor. They also have it there.)
So we took the elevator to the 7th floor. Finally I saw a guy with a Polaroid on his desk. He was helping a family whom I overheard asking about how to replace their lost passport. He was telling them that if they submit their application to him, they wouldn't have to fall in line at the embassy which was only 1 floor below us! Wow. Then he looks at me.
Guy: "Ano kelangan nila?" (What do you need?)
Me: "Papakuha ho ng visa picture" (We need a visa picture taken.)
Guy: "Sino? Yang kasama mo?" (Who? The person with you?)
Me: "Oho" (Yes.)
Guy: "O, sabihin mo umupu na" (Tell him to sit down) Pointing to the chair in front of the camera. He was talking to me & not Trent. He relied on me to give instructions to my husband. After taking his picture, he looked at me and said...
Guy: "Tapos na. Antayin nyo lang, dalawang minuto." (All done. Just wait 2 minutes.)
So, after the whole picture ordeal, we went to the lower level, 6th floor where the embassy is. The process was pretty smooth or I probably didn't realize it since I was looking out for Aden. Trent paid the fee then we headed downstairs. We were told to come back in the afternoon to pick it up.
On our way out, I heard someone faintly call my name. I turned around and saw a friend who used to be a swimmer. Yes, I used to be a swimmer for many years. I was really surprised to see her so I called my husband to come back inside the building so I could introduce him and Aden to her and her husband. Man that was a blast from the past. I remember going out with her and a bunch of other swimmers to Big Bang Alabang. One of our friends even wrote her name on the wall saying "K---- TevesORO was here." Haha! Well, time flies pretty fast and now, we’re both happily married.
Afterwards, I called my mom's friends who arrived in the States the day before yesterday (Nov 6). I haven't seen them in almost 7years. We got directions, got lost several times, but as soon as I saw her and her husband, I was deeply moved and got very emotional. I hugged both of them really tight and tears just ran down my face.
We took them to lunch at the Beach Chalet and had an interesting conversation. Food wasn't too ambrosial but the view was spectacular. In retrospect of my childhood memories with our barkada, I started asking how everybody was and how they were doing. It was nice to know that a lot of them were doing okay.
After lunch, we took them home since we had to get Trent's visa. I wanted to hang out with them more but we had to do some major errand. I have to say that aside from being with my family all day, seeing them and spending some quality time with them was the highlight of my birthday...
When Trent finally got his visa, we decided to head home. We were both tired and Aden was getting bored and cranky. We couldn't walk in the city anyway since it started to drizzle.
When we got home, our answering machine was full. We had a lot of birthday wishers. I also kept receiving text messages and phone messages all day. Then before going to bed, I went online and saw a lot of well-wishers sending notes via email and through friendster.com. I was touched to see a lot of people whom I haven't been in contact with for a while and yet they greeted me on my special day.
I’ve been so blessed with so much. Sometimes I even wonder what I did to deserve this. I have a good life and a good family.
Tomorrow is my husband's birthday, Nov 9.
Tito Danny, Tita Myrna & Aden
Tita Myrna, Aden, Me & Trent
Tita Myrna & Aden
Tito Danny, Tita Myrna, Aden & Me********************
Aden's Milestone:
Nov. 5 - new word: Miy (milk). he's been trying to say some more words. i just don't understand it but he'll try to copy you if you make him say it.
Nov. 6 - tried to nod his head for yes; puts his hand in his mouth for "eat" or "hungry" although he hasn't really mastered it yet
Friday, November 04, 2005
Grandma's visit
Ok, I haven't been writing for quite some time now. I'm still here and I've been busy doing other things aside from going online.
My mother-in-law visited us for 2weeks. She visits us twice a year around spring and fall. I think she has favorable lifestyle. She's based in Rhode Island with her daughter who has a charming 1930's home that has an attached studio. Then she stays with my other sister-in-law in Florida in the winter. We say she pretty much migrates with the weather which a lot of us can only dream of to get the best of all 4 seasons in the States.
While she was here, my husband was able to take 2days off. We went to Bishop's Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland which I posted earlier. We took her to Apple Hill which I highly recommend if you're looking for a quick getaway in October. My husband also took her to see her best friend in Santa Rosa. Aden and I stayed home since it will be physically and mentally tiring for me to keep him occupied during long trips. I also took her to Aden's gym class and took her to the mall several times. Tuesdays though, I had my playgroup so I had to leave her at home. Well, the first Tuesday she was here, she made chocolate chip cookies. Then the following Tuesday, she baked raisin oatmeal cookies. Yummy!! She also treated us to dinner for our early Christmas present since we'll be spending Christmas in the Philippines.
Anyway, I think her trip here was relaxing despite all the activities. At least it was touristy and fun stuff.
Then after that was Halloween. This is the best holiday of the year. I think it's not fun to be born on any holiday but Halloween is an exception if you live in the US where people actually prepare, wear costumes and go trick or treating. Our neighborhood alone seemed like a block party. Even the city police roaming the streets where handing out candies. How fun is that?!
Now, for the other fun stuff I've been doing - SCRAPBOOKING. Gosh! I never thought I'd get hooked to it this bad. I was even considering digital scrapbooking since I know I don't have a lot of spare time but I like having fun with tangible art materials. I stay up 'til 2AM for a mere 2-page spread. I know it sounds ridiculous and I can't help it. The biggest drawback is waking up the following day especially now that we're in daylight savings time. Aden is so rambunctious in the morning while I, on the other hand, am so sluggish.
I'll post some pics next time of some of the pages I've done.
***********************
Milestone for Aden:
Oct. 31 - he smiled willingly when he saw a camera.
Nov. 3 - new words: che (chair), ba (bird), bo (ball)
My mother-in-law visited us for 2weeks. She visits us twice a year around spring and fall. I think she has favorable lifestyle. She's based in Rhode Island with her daughter who has a charming 1930's home that has an attached studio. Then she stays with my other sister-in-law in Florida in the winter. We say she pretty much migrates with the weather which a lot of us can only dream of to get the best of all 4 seasons in the States.
While she was here, my husband was able to take 2days off. We went to Bishop's Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland which I posted earlier. We took her to Apple Hill which I highly recommend if you're looking for a quick getaway in October. My husband also took her to see her best friend in Santa Rosa. Aden and I stayed home since it will be physically and mentally tiring for me to keep him occupied during long trips. I also took her to Aden's gym class and took her to the mall several times. Tuesdays though, I had my playgroup so I had to leave her at home. Well, the first Tuesday she was here, she made chocolate chip cookies. Then the following Tuesday, she baked raisin oatmeal cookies. Yummy!! She also treated us to dinner for our early Christmas present since we'll be spending Christmas in the Philippines.
Anyway, I think her trip here was relaxing despite all the activities. At least it was touristy and fun stuff.
Then after that was Halloween. This is the best holiday of the year. I think it's not fun to be born on any holiday but Halloween is an exception if you live in the US where people actually prepare, wear costumes and go trick or treating. Our neighborhood alone seemed like a block party. Even the city police roaming the streets where handing out candies. How fun is that?!
Now, for the other fun stuff I've been doing - SCRAPBOOKING. Gosh! I never thought I'd get hooked to it this bad. I was even considering digital scrapbooking since I know I don't have a lot of spare time but I like having fun with tangible art materials. I stay up 'til 2AM for a mere 2-page spread. I know it sounds ridiculous and I can't help it. The biggest drawback is waking up the following day especially now that we're in daylight savings time. Aden is so rambunctious in the morning while I, on the other hand, am so sluggish.
I'll post some pics next time of some of the pages I've done.
***********************
Milestone for Aden:
Oct. 31 - he smiled willingly when he saw a camera.
Nov. 3 - new words: che (chair), ba (bird), bo (ball)
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