My Gratitude List (15/08/2015)

I am thankful for the cup noodles and bread my husband prepared for me before going to work.

My Gratitude List (13/08/2015)

I am thankful for alone time with Chris. We went out to try a new resto, a newly opened Asian Inasal in Hamdan which was recommended by Elizabeth.  The place was ok and the food was great especially the inasal and spaghetti.  The best time of the day is the bus ride going to Carrefour.  We normally do this back in the Philippines. Traveling from QC to Laguna.  I'm a little bit nostalgic at that.

I am thankful for our Little Girl's funny moments. Chris said the kid told him that when she grow up, she will drive her Daddy and me. I'll sit in the front and Daddy will sit at the back together with Lolo Fanny and Wowa. Now, this made me happy because I thought for the first time she finally choses me over her Daddy. But then she explained that she wants her Daddy to be comfortable so she wants him in the back. This made me laugh so hard. Some things never change.

I am thankful for this loofa being available in Carrefour.

I have been looking for this for over a month now. This is definitely the highlight of our grocery shopping. I quickly took a bath when I arrived home.

Thankful for "love love time" with Chris and Kenzi. It's our new term for just being silly together and giving lots of kisses and hugs.

Random Thoughts

Ever had that moment with your other half where you just spontaneously laugh at about anything?

Every small talk, make face or even a snide remark will make the two of you burst into laughter?!

And then while on the bus to work, the memory makes you laugh and it is freaking insane!!!

And even if you are having a shitty day in the office you would steal a few minutes to come back to that moment to make you feel better?!

I did....I still do...and I'd like to have more of those.

A Day in the Life of a Working Mom

Working in Abu Dhabi has been challenging for me.  For one, the working hours here is longer than that in the Philippines.  Our timing is from 8am - 5pm Sundays to Wednesdays and 8am-2pm on Thursdays that leaves us with one full day off every Friday.  It took me awhile to adapt to these changes, it was exasperating not to mention the line of business I am currently working in.

It was a challenge juggling work and mom duties especially when Kenzi started schooling.  I find it hard to tutor her in the evening since we can start around 8pm to 9pm where the kid is already tired from the days learning and play.  She goes to bed before 10pm and sometimes I have to stay up late preparing her homework or things to bring for tomorrow's class.  Thinking how little time I spend with her makes me sad.

At first, I thought I was doing an okay job spending time with her.  I make a point to bring her to malls or parks every other Thursday with just her, me and her Dad.  After attending service every Friday morning, I make sure that she is always by my side.  But a comment from her last night, made me think otherwise.

Before going to sleep I asked her if I am good to her.  The kid thinks for awhile and sheepishly said "No."  I asked her why and she said, "Sometimes you don't listen to me." I was astounded by her answer since I know her, she is the type of kid who doesn't want to  hurt anyone's feelings let alone her parents.  I can see from the look on her face she was contemplating whether to tell me or not.

The realization hit me hard.  I was trying so hard to be there physically when the Little Girl only needs my few minutes to listen to her.  She doesn't complain about me being gone away most of the time, she doesn't complain when I can't always be there to give her a bath, cut her nails or sit by her side, she just wants me to actually "LISTEN".

I am disappointed and ashamed of myself but I'm glad she told me.  I can never be a perfect mom but I can be better.  If again the day comes that I feel too tired, too upset about something or too engrossed with my "me time" that I cannot spare her my attention i'll come back to that night and remind my self that it is you, Kenzi matters most to me.

Unusual Grape

Nikki said I should blog about this unusual pumpkin like grape we saw earlier.

It made me laugh, not the unusual grape but her idea of me blogging this. 😉. Who am I to deprive her of that. So here it is...my entry for "The Unusual Grape."

I teased her that I'll blog all the weird things I have seen and it is more likely she will find her pic on it. 😛

It's Father's Day

It's Father's Day, 21/06/2015. We got you new Vans shoes but the kid really wants to buy you a new laptop. That made you smile. Afternoon, Nikki wants us to watch Jurassic World and I was so tired I don't want to go. For the first time, I saw you sad, maybe because it's the first time I'm not going with you or maybe because it's Father's Day. Whatever the reason, I felt the sadness but I'm glad I went with you, because I saw your smile looking at our kid while she sat beside you in the movie house. Eventhough the movie sucks because I was thinking the entire time how the female lead actress keeps on running with high heels, I am still glad I went because I saw your happiness that finally our Little Girl is your new movie buddy. I would not exchange that for anything else.

The Little Girl is Growing Up

"They grow up so fast."

A cliché all parents hear about their kids and yes it is true.  Our little girl, Kenzi is not as little as she used to be and we just want to enjoy every bit of her growing up.

So, she used to be our bulinggitoy baby girl:

See, she seems happy getting home.

Now, she's an adorable Chubby Princess:

Yup, everyone is wrong, Snow White loooooves chocolate cakes and not Apples.

And then, she used to bath like this:

But now…this:

She fits anywhere:

But now, she barely fits her stroller:

Hi there, cousin Valene!

She used to be put on the shopping cart:

But now, she put things in the shopping cart:

She drives by herself:

Now, she's cool having company:

She's modeling at home:

Now, she prefers at a party:

She looks so small standing in front of the TV:

Now, not so small at all:

She had a strange way of style:

And then she grew up to be a fashionista:

I could go on forever on this, but I guess what I really wanted to say is:  I don't want these moments to pass without even realizing how important and special they really are.  I cherish every moment with you my dear child.

I'll Blog Again

That's what I said four months ago.  I even took a note on my handy notebook, but for the life of me, I cannot bring myself to open my blog.  Then for some unknown driving force, I reopened my blog, retrieved my long forgotten password and carefully wrote these sentences for my comeback post.

Boy, that was hard.  I was just staring on a blank page for quite awhile.  Not knowing what to say. Contemplating what kickass comeback post should I write.  I wrote some ideas but I am saving them for our first year here in Abu Dhabi.

Yes!  The family migrated to UAE.  A lot had happened.  It was a wonderful journey and at the same time a hard one, but I am saving these stories for my later post.

Du-Deee-Dum-Dee-Dum...nothing much to say but......laters!

You and me Together

People ask how long Chris and I are together...I'd like to say I don't know for it seems to be forever. It may be as "cheesy" as it sounds but that is how I feel. Life turned 180 degrees when I met him and until now I am loving the change.

On this day I wanna go back to all the "best" and "most" times of our lives together.

Best Surprise from him
A C and E stuff toy from McDonalds. It's a free toy from their Happy Meal. What made it sooo special is I remembered asking him once for it but it was not in a way that I super like it and I never thought he had taken it seriously.

Best Surprise from me
Texting him that I am pregnant with our first child. I can truly feel he was so happy at that time. He doesn't even want me to retake the PT, baka kasi bawiin pa raw. He is not a "praning" person but during that time he's really extra concern with my safety.

Biggest Fight ever
We never really fight, we have our shortcomings but we learned to deal with it. Our biggest fight?! Well it's about him not wanting to buy the phone I want. Dinner time, we're not talking and I was really crying and I told him I hate him and he said "I hate you too" in reply. I guess I won the fight...yeah! I have my ways. "Wink"

Best Lakad ever
Watching the Ginebra game live in Araneta Coliseum. I'm five months pregnant and gee that didn't stop us. Although Ginebra didn't win, I am still glad I watched it.

Best Moment
PBA finals 2011 Ginebra vs Talk and Text
TnT leads 3-2 the game was really close...It came to an overtime. Ginebra had a chance and Chris and I was like in a prayer meeting, holding hands and praying ( I was praying di ko lang alam kay Chris ) for Ginebra to win. As we all know they didn't, but it was a moment for me to comfort him. He was really really sad, I swear. It's like he bet all his money to a gamble and didn't win.

My Most Embarassing Moment
Although there's none since we've been together for a long time but I guess this will be considered embarassing if we're just "bf and gf." He was teaching me how to drink...alcoholic drinks that is...disclaimer just in case my parents read this, I insisted! So, he finally agreed in helping me, and I didn't know I should not take it as if it is just some kind of soda. Shame on me, it made me blackout! I'm still awake but I can't see a damn thing ( my eyes are open btw ) and next thing I knew I was shouting in our bathroom.

His Most Embarassing Moment
He said not to tell anyone about this and to create a happy and peaceful married life, I am not telling. I am giving you a hint, we arrived at home from a whole day window shopping in MOA, he had his shocking revelation. I was really contemplating whether this is the most embarassing or the one in Pagudpod. What you think?

Best Thing that we do together
There are so many things that we do together but I must say the best is when we watch movies. After each movie we talked how we feel about it but not in a "class discussion way of talking." There was a time when the movie is really good we started clapping after it ended. Too bad I can't remember what movie it was.

It's so nice to reminisce, but the only thing I want to say is that HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! I've said this once but I am saying it again, you are the best thing ever happened to me. You made me realize many things and made a meaningful direction in my life. You're my husband and my "bestest" friend and it will always remain that way. I luv u so much!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

His N Hers

I was rummaging through our stuff when I realize the things Chris and I have are always the same, it's like buying stuff for twins.

His and hers PSP - obviously mine is pink. We use it to play Monster Hunter together. He said I can help him finish missions faster.

His cup of coffee and my cup of pineapple juice.

His black Jansport bag and hers blue. Very helpful when traveling.

His phone and hers pink phone.

Kimy Banana Ice Cream

I wanted to taste Kimy Banana ice cream since I watched it's commercial. I've never even thought it would be possible to actually peel the yellow thingy, turned out to be a jelly, but it was. I'm skeptical about this, you know how commercials are really far from the truth when you see the product.

So, one grocery day I remember buying one. To my huge surprise it never failed me. It was actually fun peeling the jelly and it was twice the fun eating the white banana ice cream. I hope they have this banana flavoured ice cream, I can eat half a gallon by myself.

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Additional applications

I have added three more application for my phone.





Baby Journal - a good way of keeping memories of Kenzi's childhood. I already wrote an entry of her "first" things. Good thing I can add pictures. A nice application for all Mommies out there.





A "feel good" journal. It will make you think of all the blessing you have received everyday. It will make you realize how lucky you are. The application helped me realize that each day there are small and big blessings to be thankful for.





Memorable Meals - nice application for those who love to eat out with friends and families. It's a fun way of keeping track of all the restaurant you've been to and the people you're with.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Lomo Lomo and Pocketbooth

Two applications I have installed recently. Thanks to may friend Marie for introducing Lomo Lomo to me. I know iPhone camera is not as good as Sony's but with Lomo Lomo it gives more drama on my pics. It looks like the pic was taken by a pro. Plus, I don't have to Photoshop it. Really neat! Here are some pics I have taken using this application.












Just this morning I stumbled into Pocketbooth. I installed it and toom pictures of Baby Kenzi. Soooo, nice!





I love it! I can't wait to use this to take pictures of my friends. Before I end this blog let me leave you another Pocketbooth pic.




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

So happy I found this application, it makes my blogging easier and faster. I've always wanted to update my blog diligently, but as work and responsibilities get in my way, I am having a hard time doing so. Whoever made this application...ur a genius!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A Lot of Catching Up to Do

And so I am back....

A lot of things have happened...birth of Baby Kenzi......new job........busy weekends and I really don't know where to start.

Last November 12, 2010 my Kenzi Beauty was born through cesarean section. I hope I can put into words the overwhelming happiness I've felt when I first saw her. Cute little face, cute little hands and that first cry?! I sooo love to hear my Baby cry, for it is an assurance that she is alive.

I can still remember the first time I held her in my arms and the first time I breastfed her. Even now, when I look at her I can't believe how lucky and blessed I am to have her in my life. Healing has been faster now that she is here. I love Baby Kenzi to bits!

New job...new account...same old company...new friends...and some old ones! I've handled ISP account for several years and this will be a whole new experience for me.


Training has always been fun, but I must say Toshiba training is the best and the most fun learning experience I ever had. The trainer and my wave mates is as crazy as me. I can't even think of a dull moment when I was with them...maybe during exams...hehehe!

Daddy's here from Jamaica

I can't still believe Chris is here. I wish I could describe the feeling of seeing him again after six weeks of being apart. I saw him cross the street to where we are waiting, and I was just smiling like crazy, staring at him, looking like a starstruck fan until he got near me. I was just looking at him and not moving...hahaha! Until he motioned me to come to him.

I can still remember the misadventures we had during his departure. I was crying already on our way to the airport and when we got there I can't contain the feeling of sadness that I burst out crying like a baby.....only to find out that we have to fetch him again because he was on the wrong terminal. It was so hilarious that I forgot for a while that I will be missing him for six weeks. When we finally drop him off to the right terminal, emotions were overcame by the fact that he is running late. Just a quick goodbye and we send him off immediately. Up until now we still laugh about this. The loneliness sank in when I went home all alone. Suddenly our house doesn't feel like a home anymore. Yes, we talk everyday...but still a big chunk of my life was missing. It was like the song "I left my heart in San Francisco"...only mine has a different tune "I send my heart in Jamaica."

But he's here already...the feeling was so surreal. I can't help staring at him, hugging him for a very long time and talking to him like I've never talked to him in ages. I am just sooooo happy! I keep on thanking the Lord above for keeping him safe always. Thankful for such a wonderful blessing!

Because I am missing Daddy Baby soooo much!

I haven't blog about this but Daddy is in Jamaica for two weeks now. He will be staying there until next month ( hopefully it will not be extended ). I really miss him so much...I still get to talk to him everyday...thanks to the technology nowadays...we IM and talk through Skype.

I made a video of some of our pictures together. Everytime I miss him I just watch this video and somehow it eases the pain of missing him. The background music is Lucky by Jason Mraz.

My Preggy Photoshoot

I've been pestering my brother to have this photo taken. I know he's always busy during weekends, so I'm really, really happy to finally have my preggy pics.

It only took us 20 minutes to finish the set-up and have the pictures taken. They arrived late in the afternoon and I have to go somewhere else at around 6pm. No make-up, I didn't have the chance to comb my hair and I can't find the skirt that I should be wearing. So, I settled for a black skirt that didn't match my brown tube...but seeing the pics it still went well with my top.

The badgering of my brother didn't stop there, I was so excited to see the pics that I didn't stop texting him to finish it. The next day, I had my pictures posted on Facebook. It's so nice...

Preggy pics:

The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks

I just finished reading this novel and like other Nicholas Sparks book it made me cry. The ending is not what I have expected, surprisingly I never saw it coming. It is a book to inspire married couple that it is never too late to renew the burning passion that once lost. It is also a realization that a man can truly do something to change what is bound to happen.

While reading the first part of the book, I can't help thinking about my own marriage. I've been married for almost three years now and so far it has been a wonderful experience for me. I just can't help thinking what will it be after 10 years, 20 or even 30 years...will we be able to keep the enthusiasm towards our relationship? I know things will be a lot different with children around, problems will arise, more misunderstandings maybe....but I hope it will not ruin whatever beautiful thing we have right now.

Thanks romanticscholar for the pic.

Wordless Friday

Weekend break from the hustle and bustle

I think this staying-at-home-during-pregnancy thing is really working for me. Well at first I must admit I was kind of sulking about the idea. Why not? I am so not used to staying at home let alone for a year ( because most probably I would be working next year ), I am used to earning my own money, not that Chris doesn't give me anything, but it is just different to have your own money and spend it.

I realized it is not a bad idea after all. Chris is really nice in tagging along his preggy wife to all his "lakads." I get to spend time with him, we always go out even if our off are not the same but now, it is just so easy. No more checking of schedules, we can always have fun on weekends.

We usually spend our Fridays with his office mates or go to San Pedro. Sometimes we have Mama, relatives or friends visit us at our humble home. Sundays are also check up day for me and we sometimes schedule some get together while we're in the city.


I have to say, this is the most exciting thing ever happened on our weekend. WE GOT TO WATCH GINEBRA LIVE!!! We have been planning this for the longest time but since our schedules are not the same we totally put behind the idea of watching it. If your wondering why Ginebra...it's the only team we've ever agreed of liking. In any sports we usually root for a different team. I like Ginebra since I was just in highschool back when Jawo was still playing.


Here are some pics of our great time with Chris' office mates. I'd really think Baby Kenzi will be a pro when it comes to singing...that's what we usually do when we're together...well, aside from eating and indulging myself to sweets, which by the way is the number one issue in my diet. Can't help it!



And some pics of us spending time with our family. Special occasions such as birthdays and some pics of people who have visited us at home:


Would I ever forget to spend time with my sisters by heart? Of course not. Jhongkie is also a bum like me but she often go to Tiaong and Elaine is very busy....we only had the chance to see each other once...but it was really, really fun!




Look, Daddy's present: