My Simple Passion

Yesterday sorrow filled me upon learning the unfortunate penalty given to our 'kababayans'. I was so sad! Perhaps because I'm just another mother. Perhaps, I am just another Pinoy OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker). Perhaps, I am just another person who values life and procreation...I don't know! Pasensya na mababaw lang talaga ang luha ko.

I carried the pitiful thought even at work until a colleague approached me for a simple favor. She asked me to give her samples of my bridesmaid dress sketches. Despite being doubtful, I still considered doing it. Surely, it will deflate the spell of sadness because I've always loved to draw.

I you have a little talent to share, go ahead! Don't be shy! Share it with us!

Michelle, it is truly an honor!

Her instructions: Short, simple, slightly conservative yet elegant looking.
Fabric: Gold Satin and Chiffon
So I came up with these! Well, at least I tried!

Michelle See with her family and friends.

Have a great day ahead!

The Secrets of Me and My Man: Opposites Attract!

With him, I was able to create my own fairy tale, my own music!

If you're going to asses us individually, I guarantee, you will derive a conclusion that opposites really attract.
May I share with you our beyond ordinary understanding of each other.

My husband is known for creating a 'bad boy persona' which from the start I was secretly enchanted to. His arrogance is more of being able to express his own intentions without being afraid of what other people may think of him. I realized, I found a pleasant and a relaxed man out of what other claimed 'the tough and arrogant guy'. Negative thoughts or outcomes will never rattle him neither will make him desperate. This attitude of his is totally contrary to mine. I am very vulnerable and I've got a sensitive soul. Perhaps they became natural part of my own sense of modesty. I'm so lucky to find my own hero in him!

I found my own star! He frequently tells me that life is too short for dramas but in situations when for an instance I get sick, he portrays good role and easily gets into the skin of a good nightingale. He can be a surreal quality film actor in his own terms. He can be overacting when it comes to caring and he definitely can render better nursing care than I do. Just deduct his being sympathetic and voila, he can surely take my place!
But when sickness strikes him, I can be the coolest. When he feels like very weak, I can effortlessly make him feel better. I know my man!

I found an Ilocano in Marinduque!
While coins don't last with me, he can be the total opposite. Economizing can be his great forte. Yes, he values money carefully. He don't purchase unnecessary things.  He is comfortable, thankful and satisfied with the little things available around him. He never wished for a lavish lifestyle, just within moderation is more than enough! His frugality is acceptable and that makes me so proud of him!

I am a night owl. Probably, this is the prize I have to pay of doing alternate day and graveyard shifting schedules. Yet he embraced my 'me time' at my 'night time'! He can tolerate seeing me awake until the wee hours of the morning trying to attack free Pinoy online shows, catching up with friends on Facebook, writing, reading blogs, visiting online shopping websites and doing minimal  domestic tasks. On the other hand, sleeping early and waking up early are always beneficial and healthy to him. This is his strict policy, 'respect me when I am sleeping' and so I have to abide by that simple rule.
When I wake up, great coffee comes from my great automatic coffee maker!

He is a madman when it comes to chocolates and ice cream. I'm trying to be flexible especially when it comes to food. I can just finish his left-over ice cream and sorbet. Don't give me a full share. It would only be a sin!

I have a profound memory loss when it comes to numbers, names and special occasions, but he always serves as my calendar even in remembering my parent's birthday.
In directions and locations, he can operate as my global positioning system monitor or my navigational compass.

My life became exciting when I chose to be with him. I mean, he is not apprehensive to take risks. He is adventurous while I am quiet, plain and stagnant. He can do both outdoor and indoor games. He found his passion for basketball when he was young and I suddenly found myself his greatest fan! Now, he's into windsurfing while I just remained his greatest fan.

I love romantic novels and movies while he is keen on seeing Robin Padilla's acting prowess strutting in action films. Well, I admit, I hate action movies before but now, I am trying to enjoy them because I watch them with him. Similarly, he carries out the same! You see, everything can be reciprocated if only both parties are willing to do so. Cultivate the willingness of being submissive!

I am a Shaina Magyadao fan and to him Shaina became the prettiest and the most versatile actress in local show-business. I remember the time when he delivered to me the offensive rumor of Shaina and John Lloyd, the couple being referred to in the dirty hospital scandal. True or not, that we really don't know.
But liking hard rock musicians like the legendary Guns N Roses and Nirvana is yet for me to understand! Well, I have nothing against them. I just find them loud and noisy. I love serenity and he understands that! Listening to Bob Marley and U2 can be tolerable at all times!


I am a certified trying hard artist and he is not! But the moment I started to touch my pen and pencil, my camera and other art paraphernalias, he will try to ease his boredom by watching TV Patrol, Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations, Steve Austin's adventures on Animal Planet or if not, he would cling to NBA playoff games.
In every rule there is an exception, he can be my photographer whether he likes it or not!

He loves current events and latest news updates, from a different standpoint, I don't. Why? I just hate seeing news about murder and other tragic events around the globe. They'll unfailingly haunt me for days and I don't like that. He serves as my personal broadcaster keeping me abreast with the latest news so that they won't sound too exaggerating!

He is the best cook ever! Ironically,  I'm just another constant dumb taster! Well, I can always try.
He loves my Sweet and Sour and Batchoy though.

Vices? Yes, but honestly, I never admired them (no wife would, i presumed). He was a chain smoker before but because of his strong determination to quit, he was able to do it. He made me the happiest wife and  I was truly proud of him.
He drinks moderately in separate few occasions. Well, i think that's okay. Episodic drinking will not overload and damage our liver and kidneys.
One thing I don't really understand is his slight enthusiasm about cockfighting. He would breed roosters but then he would subject the latter to possible death. My husband please don't give me a discreet silence, just help me understand!

Behind his very masculine aura is a soft-hearted, god-fearing and tender loving man. I can never forget the time when I made this man cried with great gusto. And that was when I finally favored to his courtship, that was the day I was ready to accept his flaws and future failures. Saying I Love You became extraordinary out of the ordinary. It is one way to keep our romance burning!
Yes, he is so crazy about me just as I am to him! Our daughter would often say with amusement 'ang baduy nyo Dadi' whenever she hears our love story.

I am not perfect. I am vulnerable to commit mistakes. My husband, forgive me when such imperfection persists!

Yes, we are indeed blessed and happy couple. We always believe in living happily ever after without forgetting the call to holiness as a couple, the love and blessings we usually share to his family, my family and vice versa and finally, the demand of total dedication and constant love to our child, Dayne!

Looking forward to do penance for 'Semana Santa 2011'

And in this season of Lent, I hope we stand firm amidst the debris of great problems that assaulted our lives and may we continue to live within the richness of God's love!

Indulgence After Duty

After being exhausted from the morning shift, a good friend invited me to have a taste of fro-yo. I value goodwill tremendously so I gladly grabbed his invitation. It's a blessing!
I didn't know about Sour Sally until we came across a colorful kiosk at Wrisma Atria.
This yogurt chain can really attract your attention because of its fanciful display named Sally, whose persona  can really woo yogurt fans. The chewy toppings blend with the frosty yogurt with great panache.

A Sour yet Sweet Sally!

Thanks Joe!

Sour Sally

There is a girl named Sally
all bright-eyed and merry.
Even when the dark and dreary.....
Sally's always up and cheery.

You're so sweet!

The color reminds me of St. Patricks day.

------------------------------------------

To my dear friends Rodella and Cris,  may your blessings multiply and exceed the number of Shamrocks that grow. God bless!
Kiss little JT for me.
Happy St. Patrick's day!

Photo credit: Cris

Bestfriend ko si Shawie!

Another Nightingale

In journey of life, two things are sure: Birth and Death. Two more things are almost sure: A nurse to receive us at birth and a nurse to assist us at death.                       -Favourite Prayers-

5:00 AM - Starts my morning shift. Coffee for brekky despite the gastritis.

7:00 AM - After one hour travel, endorsement begins.

8:00 AM to 3:00 PM - The tales of a morning staff nurse! Same goes for the afternoon and night shifts.

You know what else would follow if I were to tell you more.

Some branded us a professional maid. Worst, others treat us poorly like the latter.

I really don't mind at all!

At the end of the day, I see a smiling face on a sufferer's bed.
I am covered with patience. My jewels are my touch and love, which know no fear.
My words can reduce fear of images of pain and suffering brought about by the stigma of incurable diseases.
I am haloed with a strong faith when in face to face with death.

Sometimes temper flares me when things become frustrating. It's actually normal!
Sometimes laziness can be so unbearable but I always try to choose to serve with diligence.
Sometimes I'm being haunted with fear but I know the guarantee of God's protection is not just a fairy tale.

I'm hoping to grow more in goodness and grace and leave off all fault-finding and self seeking.

God bless the nurse

It's such a hectic day, With little time to stop and pray.

For life's been anything but busy, Since a nurse You called me to be.

Running around doing tasks, Helping patients from morn to dusk.

Cleaning, feeding and comforting, All these things that patients need.

As I go to bed each night, Lord filled my heart with Your light.

That I may be true to my vocation, And that You'll always be my guide.
-Favourite Prayers-

My Ward 9 Family

Let me share with you my favorite prayer!

NURSES' PASSION OF CHRIST

Let me direct your attention to a horrible scene

That has all the aspects of a feverish dream

One Friday, on Calvary like a hospital ward

Three men were dying, among them Our Lord

It was the worse case of neglect that was ever recorded

These patients, whose pains Pontius Pilate had ordered

On three hard beds in a shape of a cross

Without pillows of blanket, no nurse would endorse

Now the one in the centre our own attention should claim

Jesus of Nazareth the chart gives His name

Some cardiac condition examiners find -

Excessive love for all mankind

Now you who are nurses, just listen to this:

Unsterilized nails pierced His feet and wrists

And what about this for a cruel medication

Vinegar and gall for His alleviation

And His back was swollen from the blows men dealt

But no soothing ointment to lessen a welt

No cold compress were applied to His eyes....

The world's greatest Lover just hangs there and dies

Not a grain of morphine or a tourniquet set

As Mary's Boy is bleeding to death

The chart then concludes as further we see

The sad Man from Nazareth dies about three.

Now don't blame the Jews for this frightful neglect

Our sins did it then, our sins do it yet.

This treatment of Christ demands reparation.

It falls on, nurses of this generation

Whenever you see anyone in pain,

Just make believe it is Cavalry again.

And do for that patient what you wish they had done

For the man in the centre who was Mary's Son

It will thrill His angles; it will please Him too

Just keep at it until your life is through

And when after your death your soul goes on high

He will cap you again in His Home in the sky.

-Favourite Prayers-

Our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the disasters in Japan.
And may the regions situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire always be free from danger.

A Million Little Things

Aside from the love of my family, there are certain things I am truly thankful for.

I've got a huge, grateful heart to those who disposed their kindness and thoughtfulness to me.

Yes, it's always sweet and kind to say 'Thank you'.

In Random:

• Couple's watch - a pre-valentine gift from Archie. Not a very expensive signature watch, nonetheless, I love it!
• Snowman statuette - A wonderful Chrissie present from my daughter and my sister Annelyn.They were like Santa Clause who mysteriously hid their pressie from us. They played a  good connivance
• Our picture done by my sister Richelle. She can be the sweetest! I love her! 
• Aeropostale shirt from my sister in law Kareen. She has been too generous not only to me but most specially to Dayne and Archie.  
• A Crucifix and a Didache book - Extremely beautiful despidida gift from my best-friend Norren.  She's a great blessing to me! 
• A designer bag from Tita Mila.
• Tita Merla and Tita Eva for their kindness and generosity while I was in college.  
• Hollister shirt - Jho sent four shirts for me and Archie all the way from California. She's a goddes! She's a mom of three and that makes me so proud of her.
• In December, I was greatly surprised by a Christmas message via Royal Mail from one of my closest friends in college. I remember confiding my problems to her. She Ria-lly never tolerated my wrongful conduct.
•  Green purse - A Dhel-ightful pressie from a 2007 radiant bride. Another generous friend from Ireland who gave this to me during her 2007 wedding. Now, she'll be a mom of two. I pray for her safe delivery. 
• A DKNY bag from Rey - a generous friend from college I had not seen in years! I tried to keep it away from dust for almost eight years. :) 
• A blouse from Ate Sharon Medina. I love it!
• A comfy blouse from Melissa Dy. I wore it during the last Sunday mass and I find really comfortable. I also look petite on it. 
• A native bracelet from my cousin Manoleth.  
• Charles and Keith discount card handed by Jemily. I love it!
• A great deal from Ricky. The notebook I've been using for almost seven years finally bid goodbye so I had to replace it. We're so lucky that Ricky gave us a great deal. God is so good! There are always available angels around. 
• A blue frame from Ate Mercury and Kuya Jerry. I put the picture of the Mother I  love most! 
• A notebook - Just another Parkway's gesture. I find it useful for my blog drafts, grocery list, recipe list and budget list of expenses. 
• Parker pen from a former nurse manager Mr. Singh.
• A mini cat - She's my little Mila, Joe's lovable Persian cat.
• A cute coin purse from a sweet husband. I love this white purse with Little Twin Star design in front. Kiki and Lala are so adorable.
• HK shirts from Ate Me-ann, Kuya Efren and Ate Carina. They are so kind.
• A hand over top from Cherrylyn Co. It doesn't fit me anymore but I still keep it with me. I can pass it over to Dayne. 
• Books from previous patients. I treasure them!
• A mirror from a Chinese colleague Ms. Looi. She tendered her resignation recently. I'll surely miss her transparency. 

 Forgive me if in case I missed anyone!

I'm so blessed!

As the cliche goes, the best things in life are free. But in this place full of desires for mundanely possession and power, there are great things that we ought to be truly thankful for:

 Smiles, compassion, bed time stories, Sunday breakfasts, honesty, friends, hugs, support, kindness, a walk on a beach, growing, belief, glimpsing a sunrise, holding a new born baby, comfort, shooting stars, listening to the wisdom of our elders, seeing a butterfly, calling a sibling, breathing deeply, looking into the eyes of our beloved, singing happy birthday, gratitude, passion, coloring with a child, the flickering of fireflies, listening to awaken us to dawn, hope, standing up for something good, caring, sunsets, sharing a poem, good memories, learning something, forgiveness, lovely dreams, laughter, tenderness, love songs, decency, a pat on the back, sharing a special treat, sleeping in a soft bed, family, acceptance, accomplishment, sitting by a fire in winter, finding a seashell, dedication to a cause, moonlight, compassion, finding animals in the clouds, listening to the questions of a child, clear water, forgiveness, family dinners, bubble baths, children's recitals, flowers, love making, fancy chocolates, silence, snow angels, starfish, dancing, devotion, making a difference, God. - Credit to Goodness Graciousness by Jennifer Jones.

Have a wonderful Ash Wednesday morning!

 Let's try to avoid complaining about trivial things. Remember those that we oftentimes take for granted. Be happy! Be thankful and be contented even with the littlest things!

A True Bliss

Archie and I disregarded seeing a movie in lieu of having freshly brewed coffee, fresh from the oven pies, baguette bread, glorious lunch and a good talk. Yes, having a conversation with him is the most attractive option to me when I am free from hospice induced stress. Obviously, it doesn't give me that 'now and again' feeling. It's seemingly prime and pleasing as always. Being with him is such a pure bliss!

Every time we go to work, we always pass by a small inexpensive country cafe along the side of a mall near the MRT station. The religious songs they usually play, if not, the golden oldies from the 60's are truly entertaining and inviting. The few photographs of their passé pastries and savories are also quite impressive.

Here are some of their savories. They also offer a wide variety of cakes, mixed drinks and gourmet coffee.

 Sit back, relax, and enjoy your cuppa in our little cozy cafe, situated at the corner of White Sands Shopping Centre. With the interior rendered in natural wood, the soothing shades of brown brings about a calming effect on the tired mind. Drift away into a world of your own and instead, let your senses be seduced by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the scent of freshly baked pies.

Choose from a wide array of delectable country-styled pies and savouries. But one should definitely not miss out on the chicken pie, our house specialty. Bite into one and you will know why it sells out really fast. So come on down and give yourself a little treat!

Chicken Pie - Cottage Pie's signature pie. Petite-sized pies with a heavenly taste. Good things definitely comes in small package!

Chicken Sausage Roll - Equally tempting chicken sausage roll made with mince chicken meat. A tasty treat anytime!

Beef Stew Pie - Chunks of succulent and tender stewed beef encrusted within flaky layers of golden pastry.

Pepper Steak Pie - A pie filled with hearty pieces of aromatic pepper steak and fresh garden vegetables.

Chicken Ham & Egg Pie - Rise and shine with our chicken ham and eggs pie. Excellent to start the day with.

Chicken Mushroom Pie - Chunky chicken, mushroom and mixed vegetables cook in a creamy sauce. 

We ask, and we know we shall receive!

I so love these statuettes.

Share the L-O-V-E!

As usual, I brought my personal photographer!

I so love the wooden interior!

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread.
St. Augustine said that there are three levels of meaning to the bread we ask for: (1) all those things that meet the wants of this life; (2) the Sacrament of the Body of Christ, which we may daily receive; and (3) our spiritual Food, the Bread of Life, who is Jesus.

Oh, How I love thee!

"A picture says a thousand words."

 And then lunch at Ikea Tampines.

Bring home a taste of Sweden! - Ikea Food

What a sweet pressie for a mom like me!

Easy as a pie!

I'm truly blessed!

Happy International Woman's Day to all ladies, moms and grannies. Loads of hugs and kisses!

Stay pretty and healthy! 

God bless!

Joe's Lovable Mila

The life of a stray cat is uncertain - some may struggle to find food to survive, the vulnerable may be abused, and many become accident victims. Others are fortunate enough to be adopted by caring people, but the fact remains that there are not enough homes for most of them. - D. Moss

I just found myself purchasing a book about cats. It might be a unique present for Joe. I want him to be happy in my own little yet sincere way!

Amazing photograph by Bian Huibin

Their survival instinct is something that is truly admirable.

You sexy little thing!

Yearning for L-O-V-E......Oh,  poor little creature!

 A colleague asked me to visit him and take pictures of his Persian cat named Mila. 

At first, I was quite hesitant because I really don't like cats. I mean, I basically grew up having dogs and cats at home but I've learned not to become fond of them, perhaps because I was bitten by them several times when I was young and I had to experience the agony of anti-rabies vaccine. I've also tried the local traditional remedy known as 'tawak'.

Contrary to me who don't like pets, my sister Richelle adores them. She looks like the motherly type to them. She adopts stray animals (commonly dogs and cats) and providing decent home for them makes her truly happy. She would even sleep with them (always been the subject of our argument!), feed them (with her bare hands!), kiss them (oh, she's not even afraid of rabies!) and bathe them (that's quite tolerable).  
But honestly, I envy the way she would mingle and talk to them.

Muning's humble little shelter with my sister Richelle who seemed to have that strange magnet to animals.

And another thing, I'm a certified novice! I don't think I could even render a good shot.
 ....Until one day I've got the chance to meet Mila, the lovable cat!

Come closer Mila!

My first encounter with Mila was agreeably fine although she became quite apprehensive and coward of me when I took my first shot using a synchronized quick flash. I didn't know that cats are too sensitive to light to the extent that it might cause them having serious vision troubles. Anyway, Mila knows how regretfully sorry I was, (lucky I didn't step her slender tail or else....!).

Nonetheless, she still welcomed a stranger like me with the greatest excitement, evidenced by her continuous flirty wiggling tail as she tried to slide her body against my legs. Oh, she is so domesticated, graceful and submissive!

I'm just starting to appreciate her.

Meet lovable Mila!

According to Joe, he would oftentimes chase her around, giving her marshy thumps.

Mila values vanity. Like ladies, she also has her own early morning beauty regimen.

I wish I could write as mysterious as a cat.  -Edgar Allan Poe-

Oh Mila not that catnap stare, please give me those beautiful expressive looks!

And meet her Daddy Joe!

No amount of time can erase the memory of a good cat, and no amount of masking tape can ever totally remove his fur from your couch.  -LoeDworken-

Yes, I'll see you again, lovable Mila!