AJ's prayer to his Guardian Angel

The Guardian Angel Prayer is, as far as I can remember,  the first prayer that I memorized.. rather than the The Lord’s Prayer. Maybe because it’s shorter than the latter.

And so this is the first prayer I taught my 3 year old boy. Though he can’t say the words clearly, he knows the words that comes after the other.

First, I though him how to make the sign of the cross. At first he always interchange the holy and the spirit  which suppose to be from left to right.. while he does it right to left. (maybe because he is a lefty. I don’t know hehehe!) After a few weeks he finally got it right.

They next is the words in the prayer. Since he already knows how to make the sign of the cross, I let him do it before I start reciting thewords of the Guardian Angel Prayer. And I let him say the word AMEN (which he does clearly, by the way) and end with another sign of the cross. For about a month.. this is the ritual before going to bed. AJ makes the sign of the cross, I recite the prayer and he ends it with AMEN and close with another sign of the
cross.

Now, he’s the one telling me when he is all settled in bed: ‘ mommy, pray angel of god’.. and so he starts with:

In a name of the fader da sun and da oly pirit amen.

aaaangel of God my gardian dear to ummm Gods love mmmmts me
er, every day be at mi ayde to aight and gard to ule and guide Amen.

In a name of the fader da sun and da oly pirit amen.

Here are the right words to that if you didn’t understand a thing (hehe!):

Angel of god, my gardian dear to whom God's Love commits me
here, ever this day be at my side to light & guard to rule and guide Amen.

God Bless everyone.

xoxo

S

advice to bride-to-be

Memories come flashing back circa 2005. Planning for my wedding.(sigh). I chance upon my friend doing her shortlist on floral arrangements and table settings for her upcoming wedding. I was excited to share my opinion on what I think is nice and what’s not. I also searched for the flower that my friend used on her wedding as her bouquet. I ended up texting her to know the name ( its snap dragon by the way). I also recommended a florist and a supplier for the cake. I guess when it’s your own wedding that you’re planning, you actually don’t get to enjoy it, since there’s the stress all over the place that comes along with it. What’s the nice thing about giving advises is that I’ve been there and done that. So I’m sharing what I could have done to make my wedding even more fabulous ( if I only knew about it then). Took note of the good and bad.. the endless possibilities that might caught the bride (and groom) off guard. The best advice I can give to a bride-to-be out there…. Be a hands-on-bride especially during the preps even if you’ll go mad during whole the process (at least you get to have the wedding that you want) and get a wedding coordinator.. at least for “the day of the wedding” (if you are on a budget)– let them handle the stress – that’s what they are getting paid for. xoxo.

Meeting Sophie Kinsella

In this day and age, nothing is impossible. The internet has given people different ways to communicate across the globe. And who would have thought that my favorite British Chic Lit writer would send me a message over a discussion board at Facebook... not in my wildest dreams.. but it did happened.

I received a newsletter from Sophie with the Subject:Chat with me on Sept. 9. As I looked at the calendar that day, it was Sept 9! I checked the time and googled the time difference of London and Manila.. 7 hours! whew! I'm safe. I thought I missed it already. Since FB is banned in the office. I asked hubby to logged in to my account and confirm my attendance to Barns & Noble's Group Meetings....

15 minutes before 11pm, I was already online and ready to meet Sophie. There were already 4 pages on the discussion board and as I was reading through it, others have already posted their questions for her. So I posted a couple of questions for her on the discussion board hoping that she'll find my question interesting enough to answer.

The time came when B&N's moderator announced that Sophie is already online and ready to start the Q&As. I was excited when I saw her first message on the board. And I was patiently waiting for my turn...hours went by and I was reference checking her answers to the questions... which page is she on? Remember my question was posted at the 4th page of the discussion board. She was just answering question from the 2nd page... so its okay.. she hasn't passed by question yet.. after another hour.. nothing.

I posted another question on the board, thinking that she might see it after hitting the entry key. Then a fan replied to my question: "Good question Shiena. I was thinking of the same thing" (referring to my question- Who she thinks is the best person to play the part of Emma and Jack on the Big Screen, since Can You Keep A Secret is the next book that will be adopted to film)...but then.. no reply from Sophie.

It was getting late but I posted another comment: about the MANHATTAN ONCE OVER. No reply still but I got a reply from another fan who posted something about the MOO a few seconds after I posted mine. "we are thinking of the same thing at the same time!" - Cool isn't it.. I guess Sophie's fans have the same brain waves..

And so I finally gave up waiting for a response and decided to post 1 last time before I hit the sack.. it was 2am anyways.. and I have a meeting at 9am.

And then... She replied to me!!! It was not the answer that I was expecting from her though but nonetheless, I was thrilled! For her to know that I am a fan and I exist is enough for me :) It was not such a waste after all.. haha and I also learned things about her that I don't read from her website... so its all good :)



Scroll down if you want to know more about Sophie Kinsella- the writer.

- Madeleine is her real name. Sophie is her middle name and Kinsella is her mothers maiden name
- favorite biscuit is Chocolate digestives partnered with Ceylon tea, Earl Grey tea or plain old builders tea
- her sister is a writer too - Gemma Townley
- She got a souvenir scarf from the movie premier of Confessions of a Shopaholic.
- Her friend Claudia Bradby was designing a dragonfly during the time she was writing Twenties Girl - Claudia gave her the necklace described in the book. check it out at claudiabradby.com .
- She uses coloured file cards to organize her plot. She does not know if it makes things any better but they are very pretty..if in doubt buy stationary.
- There are talks for an Italian film of Remember Me?
- Can you Keep a Secret is going to be a movie
- She has a blanket ban on reading someone else's work/ other projects while doing/writing a book
- All the people who are mean and snide to her have all been immortalized as one evil cow Alicia Bitch Long Legs
- When she writes, everything starts off with a germ of an idea and build on it till she have a plot that she is really happy with
- She is useless at castings as characters have their own looks in her head and cannot envision anyone real
- She heads to a coffee shop if she wants to plan and undisturbed, she likes being surrounded by buzz but be anonymous too.
- She didn't know she wanted to be an author until she started writing
- Did some scriptwriting and enjoyed it but her heart lies to books
- the Next shopaholic book will be out next Autumn..but dont hold her to that.. as things can always change!
- When not writing she likes to shop, see her friends, play with her kids, play tennis and take long baths
-Finds cringe worthy, embarrassment moments very funny and likes ridiculous childlike comedy.
-She honestly don't know how many pairs of shoes she have, but she have a shoe cupboard with pink shelves.. so Becky!

hope you enjoyed reading those as much as I did :)

xoxo
S

avoid Commonwealth Avenue today

Am i relieved (glad, ecstatic, enthralled.. etc.) that PGMA declared today a non-working holiday. You see, everyday for the past 12 years my daily route to school and now to work is the long stretch of Commonwealth Avenue. And since tomorrow is the burial of Iglesia ni Cristo's late Executive Minister, Era�o Manalo, I can only imagine the influx of his followers.. Remember Cory's burial? might be not as big as hers but it will definitely cause heavy traffic and counter flows which will make my day stressed on the onset.

Thus, I really do appreciate Arroyo's proclamation and my advise to motorist... avoid Commonwealth Avenue today... please.. don't add up to the traffic of people. Just this once.

I love long weekends!

xoxo

Candid at the Fort

 

Celebrated Ninoy's day at the Fort for a candid photoshoot for Andre courtesy of the Picture Company. I have been on hiatus from photoshoots for the past a year and a half and now my addiction is back :)

Andre can no longer stay put in one place during our studio shoot so it was just perfect for TPC to have thought the candid shoot available to its members... Kudos for the Queen Bee and the rest of the TPC team.

Try it out... its great!

We'll be back for more.

Location: Boni High Street

Watch our Love Come to Life

Four years ago,

You have witnessed

The binding of two people

As one.

"Like a flower under rain

Like a child's first day

Like a story's first page

Watch our Love Come to Life. "

03 September 2005

Chapel of Transfiguration,

Caleruega, Batulao Batangas

Chateau Royale Country Club

Nasugbu, Batangas

CREDITS:
Music by:Marie Digby
Song: Come to Life
Album: Breathing Underwater

Sea Goat's August 2009 Horoscope : Source OK!

Yesterday while I was pampering myself with a Spa Pedicure (at California Nails Spa -yay free plugging), I've picked up an OK! mag (PH ed) and read my horoscope. To my astonishment, everything in it is what I was exactly experiencing this month.. I can't believe my eyes on how truthful it is that I even read it aloud to Erben with matching side comments. And the worst part is there wasn't any solution given but to bear it a little bit longer...

I took a photo of the article as proof but its so blur since I only used my phone cam. So here is the August Horoscope for Capricorns with my side comments:

"The responsibility you have in life are beginning to wear you down. - Oh so true..I'm overwhelmed with responsibilities at work, at home..being a mom, a wife, a daughter that I just like to disappear to nowhere.

Your health and your relationships are starting to get affected. - OMG so true! Literally. Did I mention about being diagnosed earlier today to have a diabetes milletus type 2 and since my BMI is 29, I am already considered obese? And true enough, hubby and I was in no speaking terms for a few days last week due to some inappropriate actions.

What's worse, there seems to be no way for you to release this heavy weight. - Are you kidding me? If i'll take this word for word.. it means that I will be stuck with this obesity..this can't be true!

Bear the cross a little bit longer and take it day by day. - Ok, so there's a good suggestion in loosing this weight - Take it one day at a time.. no crash diets.

There is a reason you are asked to carry this challenge.- oh no! This means.. this is long term babe! Good luck to me!

They always say that horoscopes are just guide to everyday life and should not be the basis of how you life your life. There might be Capricorns out there that have the same exact challenge as mine or may be not as literally described here but can associate it with what they are experiencing now. There is always a choice to live up with what was written on the stars or a choice to challenge what was said on your horoscope to make it insignificant.

xoxo,

S

Marie Digby Live in Manila

I chose watching this concert over a bag. And I'm so glad I did! The "might be" once in a lifetime chance was all worth it.

Hubby bought me her CD (not 1 but 2!) and we get to meet and greet her in person.. and that's not all.. had the CDs autograph and I hugged her!

You're the Best Marie! Thanks for coming to Manila... :)

xoxo
S

Wow La Luz!

Our family's one and only trip this summer to the beach was last May 16-17 with my friends from the office.. it was a long drive from Manila but it sure was worth it!

Will not say more.. these pictures justify how beautiful our beaches here in the Philippines. 

Reminising thirteenth of June

About three years ago is was anticipating the arrival of my first born. We know he’ll be a boy. We have picked out a name for him that means manly, courageous and a biblical name for his second name which means dove.

Carefully watching my belly move. Awaiting for that signs of contraction. We are all excited on his pending arrival. Mine and my baby’s bag are all packed a month before. And we wait and wait.. until the late night of Independence day, June twelve  in the year two thousand and six, I didn't’t see nor feel may water bag broke, but I felt extreme pain that I can no longer stand by myself. I knew that it was time.

We drove to the hospital which was an hour away from our house (I know! I know! Why did I have to choose to give birth to a far away hospital when there’s a hospital 5 minutes away from where we live – that’s another story..)

I was looking at the time.. it was a few minutes past midnight of June Thirteen. My husband drove quietly (probably tense and scared out of his wits) as he listens to my Agrhhh!! and Aaahhhww!! After like somewhat an eternity of pain every 5-10 minutes. We have arrived at the emergency room around 1:15am. Why do they ask so many questions even if they see a person is in obvious pain and is having a baby? I no longer have the strength to answer all their questions, I just hand over them the written instruction from my OBGyne on who to call when I came in for delivery (Anesthesiologist, Pediatrician etc.).

After a few more questions, they finally wheeled me to the Delivery Room. Adrian have to stay outside the DR since it’s a hospital policy that only the attendants and the patient are allowed inside (except if we attended Lamaze and opt to have a natural, drug free birth).

Inside the room, still tons of questions, what time did my water bag broke? (I didn't notice really! Might have peed while it broke), how long are the intervals of my contractions? what time I last ate? what time I last pooped? etc… After which I was hooked into a machine that checks the heart rate of my baby, they did an IE to check if how far am I dilated… believe it or not my cervix was already 8cm dilated which meant I was already in active labor while I was still in the car!!! HUWAHTT?!. and my OB hasn’t arrived yet.

And so I was moved into the Operating Room by 1:45am.. I saw nurses placing oxygen on my nose.. clipping my finger with a heart rate monitor.. saw a Sister (I was in a Catholic Hospital anyway) who I assume is either a nurse or a doctor  because she was wearing a white gown and a stethoscope on her neck..I remember her touching my cheek and saying "Its gonna be all right"... "Don't push ... keep breathing...your baby needs the oxygen, If you push you stop breathing..." But I can't help the urge of pushing... he wants to come out already!!! Minutes passed and my doctor finally came.. they turned me sideways and gave me a shot... I think it was epidural because every pain just seems to fade.. and the next thing I know.. some one was on top of me pushing my belly down. I heard my doctor said "PUSH, hold it for 10 seconds..like you are constipated".. and so I pushed with all my might.. hold it for 10 seconds and then breathe..........and then another push.. I can hear them counting.. 1, 2, 3, 4....10. For the third and final push.. I passed out. At 2:24am I finally gave birth.

The moment that I was looking forward to see my son for the first time didn't't happened. They did not place him on my chest after delivery because I passed out! As in! I was conscious only during the time they are stitching me up and cleaning my uterus.  I can't even speak.. I was too groggy to ask where my son was... I was exhausted to the highest level.
The next thing I knew I was in the recovery room. Waking up at 5am after hearing a noises from chatting nurses and interns. Then I was brought to my room around 7am where my husband was waiting for me. He have see our son already and I so envy him for seeing our son first..but then I was advised by the Pedia that he was fine and he will be brought to our room around 10am.

And finally, I met him, this little person with little hands and complete fingers and toes.. black hair and chinky closed eyes.. red chubby cheeks. The little guy that I have kept for myself for 9 months is now born to this world.

VOTE EARTH!

I was in Glorietta last week and saw this big tarpaulin hanging in the Activity center. I can't remember what it looks like but I remember wondering why they will shut off electricity in this Mall on March 28 from 8:30-9:30pm.. then I got this email from a colleague in Malaysia encouraging us to visit http://www.voteearth2009.org/home/ and participate... And then I understood.

And so I am encouraging you also to do the same. encourage your community, office, friends to participate. An hour wouldn't hurt.. if it means saving our Earth for the future of our children's children.

a tribute to Francis M.

Francis Magalona's death is a definite loss to the country's music industry and a loss of one great talented person. May you soul rest in peace.

There are a number of songs that I like... Mga Kababayan Ko, Kabataan para sa Kinabukasan, Meron Akong Ano! etc... but these three songs are my favorite :) Kaleidoscope World, Cold Summer Nights and of course Girl Be Mine. I bought a CD of Happy Battle back in 2006 because of Girl Be Mine. hehehe! (may pagka tomboy ata ako noon!?).


Girl Be Mine

Let the sun shine
Let the rivers run away
Coz it’s a beautiful day now
To play now
As I close my eyes and pray
Lord have mercy on me
‘Coz I’m feeling kinda lonely
Would you be, could you be…
My one and only
Took a train at a station
And almost lost my patience coz I was waiting
Damned rain delayed the train
Now I’m waitin’ in vain
Just to see your face
Is this the one that im supposed to be afraid of
Is this the one that im supposed to be ashamed of
Hard as a rock not soft like play-do
Everytime I hear a song playing on the radio
Let the wind blow
Let the wind touch my face
I wanna take a little break now
Shake now
This is what I have to say
I feel so fine…
So fine that it blows my mind
Tell the truth
When will you… be mine
And in my dream you are so real
So it seems
Inside my head a giant screen
Plays every scene
While I scream
I feel you everytime I go to sleep
Wake up in the middle of the night
And I weep
It’s gotta be mine
That girl is so fine
Girl be mine
Girl be mine
All it takes is a matter of time
And in my dream you are so real
Or so it seems
Inside my head a giant screen
Plays every scene
So you see
I feel you everytime I go to sleep
All it takes is a matter of time
Tell the truth
Will you be mine
Sunshine
Let the rivers run away
Coz it’s a beautiful day now
To play now
As I close my eyes and pray
Lord have mercy on me
You know im feeling kinda lonely
Could you be, would you be…
Let the wind blow
Let the wind touch my face
I wanna take a little break now
Shake now
This is what I have to say
I feel so fine…
So fine the it blows my mind
Tell the truth
When will you… be mine
Let the sun shine
Let the rivers run away
Coz it’s a beautiful day now
To play now
And as I close my eyes and pray
Lord have mercy on me
You know im feeling kinda lonely
Could you be, would you be
Could you be, would you be
Could you be, would you be
Be mine

Cold Summer Nights

I keep on blaming my self
I should have eaten my pride
how can i convince you
its just a matter of time

many times i've hurt you
with my foolish ways oh girl
now i know i have to pay the price

is there a way for u to turn around,
turn around and come back baby
ohh baby cant u see

CHORUS:
its been cold summer nights since we drifted apart
cold summer nights since you walked out that door
cold summer nights here on my own
coz i miss you baby, i need you here

RAP:
cold summer nights girl, i really miss you
you rocked my world
i wanna touch you and kiss you
its my fault
i never called you at home
i'm on the phone, wishing you could call
i'm all alone
is there a way for you to turn around and
come back to me
i hope you understand
that i'm your man and together we can
kiss and make up
'coz you know i cant stand

Kaleidoscope World

So many faces, so many races
Different voices, different choices
Some are mad, while others laugh
Some live alone with no better half
Others grieve while others curse
And others mourn behind a big black hearse
Some are pure and some half-bred
Some are sober and some are wasted
Some are rich because of fate and
Some are poor with no food on their plate
Some stand out while others blend
Some are fat and stout while some are thin
Some are friends and some are foes
Some have some while some have most

Every color and every hue
Is represented by me and you
Take a slide in the slope
Take a look in the kaleidoscope
Spinnin' round, make it twirl
In this kaleidoscope world

Some are great and some are few
Others lie while some tell the truth
Some say poems and some do sing
Others sing through their guitar strings
Some know it all while some act dumb
Let the bassline strum to the bang of the drum
Some can swim while some will sink
And some will find their minds and think
Others walk while others run
You can't talk peace and have a gun
Some are hurt and start to cry
Don't ask me how don't ask me why
Some are friends and some are foes
Some have some while some have most

Every color and every hue
Is represented by me and you
Take a slide in the slope
Take a look in the kaleidoscope
Spinnin' round, make it twirl
In this kaleidoscope world

date with the Shopaholics: Confessions of a Shopaholic

After 3 months of planning to have my hair cut, finally its done! I'm back to my shoulder length hair. The last time I had my hair cut this short was back in 2006 before I gave birth. So I feel kinda different whenever I look in the mirror or touch my hair since it has been on ponytail for the last 2 years. Since I'm already at the salon, I took advantage of more ME-TIME,, so I also asked for a scalp treatment (stress can make your scalp dry!) and a pedicure.

After my salon Make-Over, my shopaholic girlfriends and I watched the hilarious Confessions of a Shopaholic. (Thanks Maya for setting up this movie-date!), ~will review on a separate entry (hehe!)~ For some reason, the movie was on THX and reserve seats only. We bought tickets 15 minutes before the show thinking that there are only a few people who will watch this chick flick. But to my surprise, the seats were almost full and the best seats in the center are all occupied. And the theater was not populated by women alone... they brought their boyfriends with them.. haha! (I hope they can also speak Prada like Luke Brandon).

Before we left the theater we just have to have a souvenir photo of this gigantic shopping bag of Becky Bloomwood. We ended the day with drinks and chats at Coffee Bean. here! here! to more me-time!



and of course... the new.. ME :)

uber busy

It's been over a month since I last posted something here. I have been wanting to post several weeks back but then I decided not to since I'll just rant and rant and rant on being uber busy with work.

OK, so to make a quick summary, I have been given the ultimate account to handle this year ( they are not only multinational, they are also a conglomerate) because my colleague decided that she had enough and need to seek a different direction. I accepted (of course) the challenge and everything it entails... but never have I dreamed of staying as late as 11:30pm doing reports, presentations, proposals etc. I had been doing so for the first 2 weeks of Feb. I won't be bother if I am still single.. hey, I can even stay overnight if I need to.. but my concern is I have a little boy that is waiting for me at home. I leave home while he is asleep just so I won't get stuck with the "stop entry of MRT" but then I can't leave work early because I have to finish all my pending deliverables and so when I get home, AJ is already sleeping. There was even a time when my son didn't see me for the 2 days for I have stayed in the office until 11:30 on 2 consecutive days.

And then my stamina can no longer sustain the stress, and all just shut down one day. I slept the whole day to regain my energy and hoped that my fever goes down because the more days you stay away from the office... your work just piles up.. no ones gonna do it for you. Now is the time I need Cinderella's fairy godmother. If only she exists. hayy!

we are so stressed that we are ashamed to show our faces... its utterly unpleasing... That's Mary & Me.

Andre's Lullaby

I have been meaning to post this entry a long time ago but I just kept on forgetting it until today. As I watch my son... sleeping soundly while hubby is snoring smoothly beside him... I remembered Andre's Lullaby.

I don't know when was the exact time I composed this song.. but I think he was around 1 year old. This had many versions before I have finally settled with this lyrics.

Goodnight...
my Andre boy,
The stars are shining
above you
the moon is sleeping
Even snoring
Because, its time for Bed....

(repeat until he falls as sleep)...

Now that he has memorized the song, he now fills in the next word while I sing it to him...

Officially Missing You

Honestly, I do not know what to say in this entry... I'm speechless... I'm numbed... I'm empty. I stayed late in the office, trying to keep myself busy until 10pm. I don't want to go home yet to an empty apartment. Had a late dinner with my officemate, Erben, which was nice because it kept my mind preoccupied. While waiting for Adrian to pick me up, I put on my ipod and maxed the volume...again keeping myself preoccupied.When I got in the car, I was in my chatty mood about how my day went (my meetings in Alabang, my new 16M target, etc..). But when I got inside the house,,, it was awfully quiet. I didn't hear M O M M Y! being shouted at the top of his lungs. No wide pearly white smile greeted me as I enter our bedroom. He's not here. I won't be able to brush his hair out of his forehead, won't see his smile when he open his eyes and catch me staring at him I won't be able to hold his little hand while we sleep...separation anxiety is so overwhelming.. it just pains me.

He is in Cavite. He is just 2 hour drive away from us. But not being with him every single day just breaks my heart. I do have a choice. Quit my job and take care of him. I would in a heartbeat if I could but with our situation right now,,,that's not an option. I have to make this sacrifice. I'm doing this for him. But why do I feel so guilty?

Guilt free shopping

Motherhood has changed my shopping habits. When I was single, I would shop for clothes, shoes, bags and jewelries whenever my heart desires it.. even on impulse.. mall-wide sale or not, I never hesitated swiping my reliable credit card. Becky Bloomwood was my hero. hahaha!

But now, whenever I go to malls, I always end up buying something for AJ, may it be clothes, shoes or toys I don't hesitate buying it. But when I see something that I want these days... I amazed myself with how much self control I have. I always access if I really need this (right) now, can I survive without it? This question is always answered by a big YES. So I usually walk out the store empty handed, no bulky paper bags.

This is the reason why I am excited to be invited to weddings. Because I have 3 good reasons to have a guilt free shopping's spree.

1. I have to buy a new dress. Especially if the guests are the same people who have attended the previous weddings that I went to.

2. My shoes should match my dress. I usually buy black stiletto or high heeled shoes to be practical so I can even wear it to the office.

3. Accessories should match. The bag that holds the press powder, lipstick, cellphone and digicam should be appropriate and coordinated to your dress. And thou shall not forget the jewelries (fancy or real) that will compliment the total ensemble.

And so I am happy to have swiped my little red credit card at VNC as I have finally found the shoes that I'll be wearing on Saturday for Janess and Varian's wedding on the hill. Their theme is Bohemian!!! And the motif are different shades of Lilac and Green. After 4 days of searching for the perfect pair for me... Erben and I saw this green wedge shoes that is so comfy and lightweight. i just LUVEEET! Now I just have to find the puuurrrfect accessories for my v-neck sleeveless tunic top and dress pants and I'm ready to go!