book of days

Sun - December 14, 2008

7 miles past my exit

and it's all worth it.

mission san miguel, california

Posted at 09:54 PM

Fri - October 5, 2007

P I N K

pink is not my favorite color. but i think i look good in pink. i take no offense to the color, but there are somethings that are not supposed to be pink. pink tools in a pink tool belt? or a pink dodger hat?

for breast cancer awareness month, i am going pink. it does not seem like much, but i'd like for it to be a reminder for all the women that comes across my weblog to perform self-breast exams regularly. it's easy and there's no excuse for not doing it. we are fabulous women and we, more than anybody else know our body.

Posted at 09:15 PM

Thu - May 10, 2007

happy mom's day

Posted at 09:38 PM

Mon - April 30, 2007

what's in your bag?

well, purse is the more appropriate term, but i like calling it a bag. mine is not too small, not too big. not too dull, not too fancy. works with jeans- very casual....best thing is- it carries all the stuff i need. wanna know what's in my handy dandy bag? here goes....
digital camera, wallet, ipod, mini swiss pocket knife with mini flashlight, pens (red & black), back up battery for my camera, pez candy refill (kai's not mine), rewetting drops for my contact lenses, patanol eye drops (for allergy), clinique lip gloss (no fuss emergency beauty item), cherry flavored chapstick, a small pad of post it notes, wet wipes, band aids, panty liner, organ donor card, hair tie, hair pin, individually wrapped toothpick, altoids minis and some change.

Posted at 11:57 PM

Tue - April 24, 2007

on giving

am i the only one bothered by the ad campaign "don't almost give. give." do people really say "i almost gave to the cancer society"? does it make you feel like only the tangible gifts matter? that prayers don't count? doesn't the ad make you feel guilty for all the times you wanted to help, but could not? and if you gave as a response to this ad, did you really give to help?

i know the intentions are good, but the motivation for giving is askew.

Posted at 11:20 PM

Mon - April 23, 2007

in memoriam

kailea and i talk in the car, on the way home, every time i pick her up. i ask a casual "so, how was your day?" and each day, you'll never know what you'll get for an answer. sometimes she says, "ok. we played, played, played." sometimes she could go on and on and on...some of our most interesting conversations happened in the car.

a few weeks before the tragic event that took place in virginia tech, on our way home, kailea told me that they had a fire drill and a lock out drill. at kindergarten, i was curious on how the lock out was presented to such idealistic young minds, so i asked what a lock out is. she said, "it's when there's a bad guy in school, the teacher will lock the doors and shut the blinds and we will stay away from the doors and windows, and hide under the tables. so the bad guys won't get us".

yes, it is sad that this is the world we are in. but drills like these help prepare staff and students survive a fire, a natural disaster, a nuclear meltdown (we live by diablo canyon- yes, we have drills, elaborate evacuation plans and a syringe that you stick in your heart- maybe brent was joking...), or a tragic event such as last week's.
it's comforting to know that the schools have our best interest, our children, protected.

i pray for the souls of the victims, may they rest in peace, and the hearts the living be comforted.

Posted at 11:08 PM

Wed - March 14, 2007

my birthday girl

it was a blast. the cupcakes were a hit and the kids were all excited. everyone wanted to be next to her. she was the star!
kailea got 6 real hugs and a pinch (for an inch) from ms. carr. the kids made special messages and cards just for her. she was also thrilled to deliver the special cupcakes to mr. collins, their principal.

we usually let her pick the restaurant for her special dinner. this year, she picked panda express. she lined up, ordered sweet and sour kids meal and carried the tray to the table. she looked so grown up. my little girl is not so little anymore. one thing will never change- she'll always be my girl!

happy birthday sweetie kai!

Posted at 08:43 PM

Sun - March 11, 2007

unplugged weekends

i spend an hour or two on the computer everyday. after all the chores, after kailea's gone to bed, i check my mail, check my bookmarked sites, the usual. some nights i download stuff from itunes, upload photos from my camera, write an entry on my blog. on rare occasions, i chat with my friends.

this weekend, we have been really busy with all the activities that i didn't even got the chance to check my mail until a few minutes ago. do you know what i found out? i did not miss a single thing. it was rather nice, all my time was spent away from the computer. i got to spend a lot of time with my hubby, my daughter, and some friends. talked on the phone with my mom and mom-in-law to catch up, read a few chapters of charlotte's web to kai, helped her with her homework and played paper dolls. on top of that, the chores are done and i even made it to walmart for my grocery list.

hence the announcement: i will be 'unplugged' from friday night to sunday night. if it can wait till sunday night, then i prefer not to be bothered with it. i'd like to spend my weekends savoring life. i recommend you do too.

Posted at 10:26 PM

Wed - February 21, 2007

so little time...

i will take an exam next saturday. i still have a lot to touch on my study guides and there's just so little time left. finding time to study is really hard when you're juggling career and home. don't get me wrong- i am not complaining. it actually makes life interesting. 6 years ago, i was getting started on the licensing process, until i found out i am going to have a child. some people may call it 'putting your life on hold'. but i never looked at it that way. it is life- happening. and i am so happy with the way things turn out. right now, i thought it is time to do something for myself...no, my priorities haven't changed- i just need to add more balls up in the air. juggling can be fun, you know...

Posted at 09:10 PM

Sat - February 10, 2007

birds of a feather...

think wonders together...yes, i made that up. i thought it's an appropriate introduction to my new favorite group, pinoy moms network. the name says it all. and you all know what we'll be blogging about- our kids. no, it isn't a brag site for our cute, smart and amazing kids (ok, maybe once in a while...we can't help it. we're moms!). it will be a place to share experiences, voice out our views and opinions about important topics on parenthood. time and distance may restrict us from meeting at a coffee shop, but we are there for each other, offering genuine concern and support. after all- being a mom is not as easy as it looks.

Posted at 08:37 PM

Thu - January 11, 2007

solo

for the moment, the whole thing about photography overwhelms me. i'm an amateur, with an eye for it (some people tell me so)...but i lack the technical knowledge to take it to the next level. i don't have the expensive, high tech gear, but armed with my 'regular' digital camera, i aim to prove that just about any camera can capture a moment.

one friend's advise is to know your camera like the back of your hand (thanks, josie). i'll do that- and to simplify things, i'll start with portraits. i hope to get good luck in finding people who'll allow me to have their photographs taken. volunteers? tips and tricks are welcome as well.

Posted at 08:41 PM

Wed - January 3, 2007

wheels are spinning...

well, i still had a hard time getting out of bed this morning- i got to work at 8:30 am. yeah, i was late- but i was able to get this butt to the gym- and met with chris for some studyin'. i sent e-mails to some friends and family last night and look, i am writing a blog entry. true, resolutions are passe', but to me, the new year is synonymous with fresh start, a clean slate, even a second chance which i definitely can use. it feels like i didn't do squat last year. i thought of making a list of resolutions, things i'd like to try/do/learn....i thought i'd get to the bottom of things and start with 'BE INSPIRED' and see where it will take me.

and oh, yeah- i'll eat my veggies.

Posted at 09:24 PM

Tue - January 2, 2007

a new year's greeting, 2 days late

it seems like 'do not procrastinate' will be a hard thing to keep on my new year's list.

Posted at 09:09 PM

Thu - October 19, 2006

flying out of slo

i dropped brent off at the airport for his grand adventure. thailand, vietnam (?), guam and the philippines. he'll be halfway around the globe from us for three weeks. i can tell he is a little worried. it's the little things, like telling me where he keeps his small stash of cash for emergency, giving me contact numbers, etc. i knew he was a 'little' worried when he told me i can always call linda. linda is our good friend. she is about 5 hours away from here. she can fly here if i really needed help. and- linda is a very good lawyer. 'what kind of trouble can i possibly get into that i would need a lawyer?', i asked. he just laughed.

'what are you gonna do with all that time, inna?' asked frances. well, right now, i am enjoying grey's anatomy. maybe i'll continue on to e.r. and then i will clean the bathroom, vacuum the whole house, change the beddings, do the laundry, re-organize my closet, purge my spice cabinet, scrub the kitchen clean, wash my car...of course, not all in this same day. for fun? cleaning and organizing is fun. pretty ironic, you'll say- but cleaning and organizing is therapeutic. it keeps me relaxed. wait, i have a point. if you know me, i can only relax when everything is in order. seriously, we have a lot of fun in store. we'll have soccer saturdays, birthday parties, play dates and dinners, girls' nite in and sushi lunches. we'll bake cookies and paint and cook and play. see, brent- there's no need to worry. we'll be just fine. we'll miss you, but you'll be back before we know it.

have a great trip!

Posted at 10:09 PM

Tue - September 19, 2006

now really, do i look like them?

jasmine trias- makes sense....she's at least half filipina?
thanks josie. this is a lot of fun. try it .....

Posted at 10:41 PM

Sat - August 26, 2006

sleeping beauty

i was never and still am not a morning person. no, i don't growl at everybody in the morning, just find it hard to get up early. i always say '5 more minutes' whenever brent or kailea tries to wake me up. that is on the weekdays. now, the weekend is a different story. i get to sleep in as much as i want. brent and kailea will tip toe downstairs to watch a movie and saturday cartoons while i dream some dreams, big dreams (thanks honey....). i start waking up at around 8:30 am, take a few extra 5 minutes, and most of the time come down to make breakfast at around 9:00 am. i love making breakfast. in fact, i dream about one day operating a bed and breakfast. although, breakfast will never be served before 9:00 am. think that will fly?

Posted at 10:19 PM

Sun - August 20, 2006

drawer space shortage

i found the perfect place for my socks!

Posted at 08:47 PM

Tue - August 8, 2006

happy birthday, lola

in my family (my dad's side), this event is second to christmas. why do i say that? this is an event my grandma plans for in march. she would scout for restaurants, sampling each one of them before picking a 'venue'. she would have a dress tailored especially for the event, some even by pitoy moreno (a famous filipino designer), the guest list is huge. about 6 to 8 tables that seats 12, several courses of the best authentic lauriat- chinese, of course. but mostly, i say this is second to christmas because it's a time when all the families, along with some very special friends come together to celebrate. i remember asking her why she plans so far ahead, and why each one is as grand, if not grander than the last. with a smile, she said, 'it might be my last'.

she passed away several years ago, but she left me with the same outlook on birthdays- celebrate it while you can.
happy birthday, lola!

p.s.
growing up, i sometimes get tired of how you always remind me to behave, mind my manners, sit straight, legs together, etc...now, not only am i glad you did that- i find myself reminding kailea to behave, mind her manners, sit straight, legs together...

Posted at 09:51 PM

Wed - July 26, 2006

to pay my respects and express my gratitude

i'm due for a few months worth of writing. i don't know where to start. and then i thought a picture would say a thousand words. hopefully, this one will. tell me what emotions this photo stirs in you.

Posted at 10:17 PM

Tue - June 20, 2006

the not writing mood strikes

i had a couple of weeks worth of writing, but something came up and it put me on a 'not writing mood'. it should not take too long.

Posted at 08:29 PM

Sun - May 28, 2006

one year older, one size up

i got some shirts from my mom-in-law for my birthday. i told her i am an XS. to my surprise, they were too small for me. i had to go and exchange it for S. this afternoon, i bought myself a new bathing suit. the tops remained small, but i had to get a medium for the bottom. yikes- a size up is a lot for my already big butt. the suit cost me $90.00. ouch- i won't be eating lunch for a week! on the other hand, it is good- so i would look fabulous in my new suit.

just for laughs.

Posted at 10:26 PM

Thu - May 25, 2006

my genie of the list

i have completely forgotten about the birthday wish list i posted until brent walked in to work with a starbucks cup on his hand. he brought me my hazelnut latte. brent who does not drink coffee, let alone pay 4 bucks for coffee. he must have been confused by the question, "tall, grande or venti?"

the best part, i got lots of love from people i love and care about. thanks everybody...

Posted at 10:20 PM

Thu - May 18, 2006

moms rock!

we spent mother's day weekend with my mom. it was a good one. i got to celebrate as a mother and as a daughter. saturday was a lazy day. kailea was tired from the 5 hour drive up the night before and so a nap was necessary. brent and kailea stayed home while me, my mom and my dad hopped in the car to run some errands (more like shopping, really). in the car, i sat in the back seat, listened to my mom say something about my dad's driving, looked out the window, said something about changing the tunes....in the grocery, i picked up items, held them up for my mom's 'ok' nod before putting it in the cart my dad was pushing. i even rode the front of the cart- the same way kailea would whenever we are at the grocery for some shopping. i didn't have a list and i'm not paying. at best buy, my mom asked me to pick out 3 dvd's for kailea. and i did with childish delight. at macy's, i got to pick out my present. for a couple of hours, i was a daughter. half an hour later, i am cuddling with kailea who just woke up from a nap. is that the greatest? i had the best of both worlds .

happy mother's day mom.

with love,
inna

Posted at 11:51 PM

Tue - May 9, 2006

what i did last weekend

along with the carnival was a silent auction. both are major fundraisers that benefit the school, teachers and of course the children. this years big project was the upper yard. architecture students from calpoly helped design the yard. it is indeed a favorite play area of the kids. as young as 4 and 5, they are filled with excitement as they talk about the new bike path, the equipment, or any new feature in the yard.

i was one of two parents that volunteered to write the thank you notes for the businesses & families that donated items for auction. lisa took the odd pages and i took the even pages. all in all, we have about 20 pages, 5 entries each page. there are cookies of the month (2 dozen home baked cookies delivered each month), massage, facials and spa gift certificates, hand made quilt, 3 framed photos of flowers (that one's from and by me), dinner for two, dodger tickets, disneyland passes....there are items valued at $500 to $1,000. i was overwhelmed, and found out that i wasn't the only one. martha chivens, the director of the pre school was too. the auction started as a fund raiser with handmade, handcrafted items donated. martha proudly told me that each year, she would donate a home baked apple pie, and each year, her husband would bid on it. this year, she was worried that the estimated value of most items will scare the bidders away. she was wrong. the auction was a success. sure we had great items, but the motivation was to raise funds for a good cause.

it is almost summer, then fall. i will miss all the beautiful, happy people of umcc. i think that even after kailea moves on to kindergarten, we will always be "friends of umcc"

Posted at 10:41 PM

Thu - May 4, 2006

my, my, my, look who i found...

this pic is guaranteed to make malu jealous!

mylene! we met at the eagle rock mall- in the most pinoy place in glendale- jolibee. we talked for hours while eating palabok fiesta and chicken joy. we talked about our good old mapua days. yes, we gossiped a little. we can't help it. they were just too juicy to not share. and what else do girls do best besides talking? shopping. surprisingly, we both find shopping for kids easier than shopping for ourselves. we spent more time in the children's department. so different from 12 years back.

it was a very nice afternoon. i had a lot of fun reminiscing and catching up. best part is, it's good to know that some things never change. this beauty is still as down to earth as can be. still unspoiled by intrigue and still giddy like a high school girl. i look forward to seeing you again next time we are in glendale.

Posted at 11:16 PM

southern californian weekend

what's wrong with white socks and black shoes?