It's been quite a week full of activities here on my end. Alexander and I had a late start this morning - waking up at 10am and had this craving for pancake and bacon for brunch! We were actually up as early as 4.30 am to say goodbye to my sister-in-law who has an early morning flight back to Madrid. After they left, we headed back to bed - very sleepy and tired.
With Jan working today, Alexander and I are not really up for anything special - but he did propose for us to build a "volcano". Hmmm, we'll see about that. Otherwise, some house chores are on top of my list.
Yesterday's activity at the ESG Food Day had been great. My Pancit Malabon did well and there were quite a number of dishes there that I would love to try myself, especially the special cake from Australia which is said to be a national dish for dessert - a cream cake topped with fresh berries and mango bits. The chinese dishes were very interesting, too. I love the chicken dumplings and the bean curd dessert in sweet ginger sauce ... it reminded me so much of the Philippine's well-loved "taho". And then, there's the siomai and siopao which were just as I remember them to be - the Kowloon way!
Such gathering had also been an opportunity to get to know the other parents of children attending the school - more like bonding as children played out in the grounds and parents tittered and tattered among themselves. 'Twas an interesting mix of people ... young and old alike.
At this point now, I'm beat! There's no mistaking how great the week that passed had been, and then you realised you've put in a lot of effort into it and wonder how did you manage to pull it off ... I know I didn't. I may have been stressed without me knowing it, but I enjoyed doing it all.
Yeah, maybe I was stressed because I've been enjoying eating way too much desserts just this week. You see, if you spell "stressed" backwards, what do you get? DESSERTS!
Sunday, 31 May 2009
Saturday, 30 May 2009
Food Day at ESG
It's 8 am ... I've finally finished preparing my Pancit Malabon to serve at lunch time at Alexander's food day activity at school. I'm a little worried because I didn't get the right kind of noodle for my dish ... I hope the bean curd sauce would save it from total disaster 'coz it tastes great. I can only hope for the best.
Wish me luck!
Wish me luck!
On Mamma Mia-mode
Alexander made me proud (again!) yesterday. With some prodding, I convinced him to sing a Mamma Mia song to a friend whose son just finished his Gymnasium year (and with good grades I heard). I asked him to sing "Slipping through my fingers" and he asked me to write the lyrics down because he wants to sing it in its right order. So, I borrowed a computer to get online and wrote the lyrics - and then we hid in the bedroom and practised the song together. Everytime someone would peek in, he'd shoo them away saying it's a surprise. When he was ready, we gathered a small audience in the kitchen and he sang beautifully. I'm a proud Mommy!
Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia!
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Fullhouse!
That’s exactly what we had at home last night. Yesterday, my friend called in to ask me the favour of looking after her kids after school because she had to go on a day trip to New York City (USA) for a meeting. I was delighted to be asked and gladly accepted ‘coz they are not just any kids – they’re my favourite ones: Patrick (Alexander’s “bestest” friend, as he proudly calls him) and his little sister Sarah, one charming little princess. Their Dad, as it turned out, was also out on a business trip in Germany and wouldn’t be home until early evening. I was told he would pick the kids at our house from the airport before going home.
Anyway, Alexander was so thrilled at the idea of having his friend at home on a weekday – he knew we had to adjust our house rules when it comes to play and bed times (he is sent to bed at 7pm).
Picking up the kids at school was a breeze. The minute they saw me coming through the door, they dropped what they were doing all at once – danced and pranced their way to the changing rooms and got dressed. Little Sarah was so excited at the idea of walking home with me (we live close to the school) – but since it was raining, we brought the car instead. She was just as pleased as we shared one big umbrella as she declared I had the prettiest umbrella she has ever seen.
As soon as we were dropped off at the house, my husband went on to pick up his sister arriving from Madrid. I sent the kids off to do their stuff and busied myself: prepared my homemade pizza (using white bread) and baked tacos. The kids downed my ham and cheese pizza with milk and with gusto! They loved it so much that I had to make another round of slices for each of them.
By the time Jan and his sister got home, the house was in full swing with the kids’ laughter, giggles and screams of delight as they engrossed themselves in playing with the Wii, the race tracks and the LeapPad. Sarah’s favourite game was the Memory Game and the Snakes and Ladders’ board games.
And then, there was a knock on the front door – another friend of Alexander dropped by to come and play. There was no mistaking Alexander and Patrick’s shrieks of joy as Lucas joined in their afternoon of fun.
As I served the children their ice cream – vanilla with crushed chocolate bits and strawberry cream toppings – we, the adults settled to have our taco meal and our own share of titter-tatter. That’s until we heard a commotion in the media room.
It turned out that Alexander, as he is not used to losing a game with someone, got so upset that Sarah and Patrick was winning the race all the time and lost his cool over the game to the point of getting hysterical. To calm him down, I separated him from the group to talk to him while the others continued to play.
I had a lengthy talk with Alexander over this incident and didn’t let him out of his play room until he’s calmed himself down. He was crying profusely as I explained to him that in a game, or anything else, you can’t always win. That sometimes, we all have to lose a game and that winning isn’t everything. He gets easily upset over things he has no control of, and this is something we try to train him – acceptance of the force of nature or luck when things do not go the way he wants them to. In due time, he will learn this … he’s only 8 yrs old and he has all the time in the world to see things through.
All things considered, the kids were quick to dismiss their differences and went on to play – this time, I introduced the “bubble games” where they could all take part in blowing bubbles and chasing them all over the garden – they all had great fun! The laughter, the giggles and screams were back … ‘twas heaven, again.
Soon after, Lucas was picked up by his older brother – it’s time for supper! Lucas was of course disappointed – he doesn’t want to go home yet. But saying no is out of the question. So, home he went with his big brother.
Well after 8pm, as Patrick and Sarah was still at play, the doorbell rang. As if on cue, we heard a chorus: “Oh no!” - and then there was a scrambling noise all over the house – Patrick and Sarah went into hiding!
I opened the door to meet Stephen, their Dad, coming all the way from the airport to pick them up. But the kids don’t want to go home as yet. But again, to say no is a big no-no. As their eyes pleaded to stay longer, their Dad said no. Getting them dressed and ready took a while, same as with them saying good-bye to us. Sarah gave me a big warm thank-you-hug with a soft question whispered in my ear:
“Can I come again?”
“Anytime, Princess Sarah”, I answered lovingly.
Sarah smiled her sweetest smile. She loved that … me, calling her Princess. She’s one little adorable girl.
Suddenly, the house fell silent. Quiet. It was somewhat eerie. As we settled in for our “grown-up time” in the living room zapping to one TV program to another, Alexander was left on his own – still at play on his Wii.
After awhile, I gave the order for him to get ready for bed. He did so without much of a fuss – he knew he went on “overtime”.
Last night was a night full of fun and surprises. Once more, Alexander’s social skills was put into test. I guess he needs occasions such as these to be reminded that the world does not revolve around him … that there are other children whose feelings he needs to address, too. Life is a learning process – we win some, we lose some.
What a day!
Anyway, Alexander was so thrilled at the idea of having his friend at home on a weekday – he knew we had to adjust our house rules when it comes to play and bed times (he is sent to bed at 7pm).
Picking up the kids at school was a breeze. The minute they saw me coming through the door, they dropped what they were doing all at once – danced and pranced their way to the changing rooms and got dressed. Little Sarah was so excited at the idea of walking home with me (we live close to the school) – but since it was raining, we brought the car instead. She was just as pleased as we shared one big umbrella as she declared I had the prettiest umbrella she has ever seen.
As soon as we were dropped off at the house, my husband went on to pick up his sister arriving from Madrid. I sent the kids off to do their stuff and busied myself: prepared my homemade pizza (using white bread) and baked tacos. The kids downed my ham and cheese pizza with milk and with gusto! They loved it so much that I had to make another round of slices for each of them.
By the time Jan and his sister got home, the house was in full swing with the kids’ laughter, giggles and screams of delight as they engrossed themselves in playing with the Wii, the race tracks and the LeapPad. Sarah’s favourite game was the Memory Game and the Snakes and Ladders’ board games.
And then, there was a knock on the front door – another friend of Alexander dropped by to come and play. There was no mistaking Alexander and Patrick’s shrieks of joy as Lucas joined in their afternoon of fun.
As I served the children their ice cream – vanilla with crushed chocolate bits and strawberry cream toppings – we, the adults settled to have our taco meal and our own share of titter-tatter. That’s until we heard a commotion in the media room.
It turned out that Alexander, as he is not used to losing a game with someone, got so upset that Sarah and Patrick was winning the race all the time and lost his cool over the game to the point of getting hysterical. To calm him down, I separated him from the group to talk to him while the others continued to play.
I had a lengthy talk with Alexander over this incident and didn’t let him out of his play room until he’s calmed himself down. He was crying profusely as I explained to him that in a game, or anything else, you can’t always win. That sometimes, we all have to lose a game and that winning isn’t everything. He gets easily upset over things he has no control of, and this is something we try to train him – acceptance of the force of nature or luck when things do not go the way he wants them to. In due time, he will learn this … he’s only 8 yrs old and he has all the time in the world to see things through.
All things considered, the kids were quick to dismiss their differences and went on to play – this time, I introduced the “bubble games” where they could all take part in blowing bubbles and chasing them all over the garden – they all had great fun! The laughter, the giggles and screams were back … ‘twas heaven, again.
Soon after, Lucas was picked up by his older brother – it’s time for supper! Lucas was of course disappointed – he doesn’t want to go home yet. But saying no is out of the question. So, home he went with his big brother.
Well after 8pm, as Patrick and Sarah was still at play, the doorbell rang. As if on cue, we heard a chorus: “Oh no!” - and then there was a scrambling noise all over the house – Patrick and Sarah went into hiding!
I opened the door to meet Stephen, their Dad, coming all the way from the airport to pick them up. But the kids don’t want to go home as yet. But again, to say no is a big no-no. As their eyes pleaded to stay longer, their Dad said no. Getting them dressed and ready took a while, same as with them saying good-bye to us. Sarah gave me a big warm thank-you-hug with a soft question whispered in my ear:
“Can I come again?”
“Anytime, Princess Sarah”, I answered lovingly.
Sarah smiled her sweetest smile. She loved that … me, calling her Princess. She’s one little adorable girl.
Suddenly, the house fell silent. Quiet. It was somewhat eerie. As we settled in for our “grown-up time” in the living room zapping to one TV program to another, Alexander was left on his own – still at play on his Wii.
After awhile, I gave the order for him to get ready for bed. He did so without much of a fuss – he knew he went on “overtime”.
Last night was a night full of fun and surprises. Once more, Alexander’s social skills was put into test. I guess he needs occasions such as these to be reminded that the world does not revolve around him … that there are other children whose feelings he needs to address, too. Life is a learning process – we win some, we lose some.
What a day!
Monday, 25 May 2009
Our weekend
We did one of those spontaneous outing as a family yesterday afternoon - and with gusto! We actually didn't feel like doing anything early morning yesterday as it has started to rain and dark clouds hung dark and heavy. We lazed and did our own stuff until Jan, slouched on the couch reading his morning paper saw the ad announcing the Tjolöholm Classic Cars Meet. It's something my boys would not miss for the world. So after lunch, we packed our rain gear and headed off to the castle grounds of Tjolö
holm and gawked at the wonderful car collection. Alexander was ecstatic: "I'm in car dreamland!"The cars were a wonderful collection of old and new models - some of which I failed to recognise, of course, unless I read the signs alongside of the car. I am even at lost when my boys started to talk about the engine make, horsepower, exhaust systems and all that. So, I let them do their "boy thing" as they strutted around checking out the cars in its abundance on the castle grounds. Me? I settled with my camera taking pictures of my boys, and some fancy cars for them to enjoy later on. It was somewhat great to be outdoors with these car enthusiasts - young and old alike. And the grey weather somehow cooperated ... with its heavy clouds threatening with rains, sort of just "hanging" around ... sending a breeze and soft winds in all directions. Looking around me, I realised no one was really paying attention to the weather. They were simply enjoying themselves ... and like us, they were armed with umbrellas and rain gear, just in case.
We sure had a wonderful time ... inspecting cars!
... and as soon as we were leaving, the rains poured from the skies - heavily at that! And my little boy Alexander can't help but sigh: "Poor beautiful cars. They will all be wet."
Friday, 22 May 2009
Understand this - - -
... I love to talk about my son.
... I love my family - they are everything to me!
... I love to share about things that goes on with my life, good or bad, to people who are genuinely interested to know how things are on my end
... I love the job some people hate - why not? We all get our share of ups and downs at our workplace. But in all that experience and in everything else, you get to learn and appreciate whatever good or bad that comes out of it.
... I love talking about Sweden - but that doesn't make me love the Philippines less! There are things to love and hate between these two countries, it's just that there's far too many negative vibes the Philippines gives me - what is difficult to understand in that? I simply cannot turn a blind eye on what is very wrong about the Philippines ... I call it my privilege to point certain things out and take it from there.
You see, my growing up years was spent with people telling me what to do and not to do. I was often told to say this and that and seldom did I, or was I ever been able to really get to express what I wanted to say or do. But I'm way past over that as I am now more inclined and free to say and do things the way I wanted to.
One's self expression is important to one's sanity. I've always believed in that. But in the culture I grew up with, you shut up when you are told to shut up. To argue or try to reason out is pointless as it will only get you into trouble, or even get yourself branded as "difficult" or "stubborn". Now, that's a stigma not easy to shake off your system. The thing is, I don't really have to explain myself when I say or do things in my own way. Rather, it's important for you to understand that this is who I really am - whether you like it or not.
... I love my family - they are everything to me!
... I love to share about things that goes on with my life, good or bad, to people who are genuinely interested to know how things are on my end
... I love the job some people hate - why not? We all get our share of ups and downs at our workplace. But in all that experience and in everything else, you get to learn and appreciate whatever good or bad that comes out of it.
... I love talking about Sweden - but that doesn't make me love the Philippines less! There are things to love and hate between these two countries, it's just that there's far too many negative vibes the Philippines gives me - what is difficult to understand in that? I simply cannot turn a blind eye on what is very wrong about the Philippines ... I call it my privilege to point certain things out and take it from there.
You see, my growing up years was spent with people telling me what to do and not to do. I was often told to say this and that and seldom did I, or was I ever been able to really get to express what I wanted to say or do. But I'm way past over that as I am now more inclined and free to say and do things the way I wanted to.
One's self expression is important to one's sanity. I've always believed in that. But in the culture I grew up with, you shut up when you are told to shut up. To argue or try to reason out is pointless as it will only get you into trouble, or even get yourself branded as "difficult" or "stubborn". Now, that's a stigma not easy to shake off your system. The thing is, I don't really have to explain myself when I say or do things in my own way. Rather, it's important for you to understand that this is who I really am - whether you like it or not.
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Shameless "steal"
I am a big fan of the Swedish "Så ska det låta" TV music program. Thanks to my sister-in-law who published this on her blogg ... now I know just where to find my favourite video clips from this very show. I am likely to publish more video clips soon - either from SVT or YouTube.
Meet Samuel Ljungblahd in his great and jazzed up rendition of "You've Got a Friend" ... hang on until the end of the song, ok?
Extra video clip - "Soul Man"
I kinda like his style ...
Meet Samuel Ljungblahd in his great and jazzed up rendition of "You've Got a Friend" ... hang on until the end of the song, ok?
Extra video clip - "Soul Man"
I kinda like his style ...
Lazy fun days ahead
Bank holidays ... I looked forward to these coming 4 days - no work, hah! I plan to get lazy ... really lazy this weekend.
Alexander had some friends over after school, and I'm glad he's busy entertaining them. It gave me the opportunity to attend to some other stuff I've been putting aside for the longest time - sorting out the cupboards and pantry. I also managed to bake "Pelle's cake", now that I've perfected his "cola" topping. My boys can't get enough of it ... it's yummy, of course.
Sometime next week, I have to make my special "pancit" as Alexander's contribution to their school's International Food Fair. My chicken adobo and rice and "lumpiang shanghai" was a big hit last year ... I hope I could duplicate that this year.
Oh well, my lazy fun days starts now ... I'll share my weekend escapades later - that is if and when I remember to write it all down.
Alexander had some friends over after school, and I'm glad he's busy entertaining them. It gave me the opportunity to attend to some other stuff I've been putting aside for the longest time - sorting out the cupboards and pantry. I also managed to bake "Pelle's cake", now that I've perfected his "cola" topping. My boys can't get enough of it ... it's yummy, of course.
Sometime next week, I have to make my special "pancit" as Alexander's contribution to their school's International Food Fair. My chicken adobo and rice and "lumpiang shanghai" was a big hit last year ... I hope I could duplicate that this year.
Oh well, my lazy fun days starts now ... I'll share my weekend escapades later - that is if and when I remember to write it all down.
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