1. My last 3 transcriptions (hurray! at the rate I'm going, that will still take two to three weeks.)
2. Start a part-time transcription job (which means I'll be earning, never mind that it's just in cents, some challenge but less time blogging :()
3. Plan a short family vacation (where to go? when to go?)
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Rain and Rain Away
I can't place exactly when I started liking rain. I know I haven't always liked it. When I was small, we weren't allowed to play in the rain because our parents said playing in the rain could make us sick. And indeed, we always got sick the times we disobeyed and got wet in the rain.
During my school days, I remember chanting the rhyme, "Rain, rain, go away..."everytime it looked like rain because I didn't like walking in the puddles, and getting all dirty, and because it was so hard to go and come back from school when it rained. Now that I think about it, it could have been in college that I started to welcome rainy days. Not because I enjoyed walking in the rain to and from the university, but because the rain gave me an excuse to use up the number of days I was allowed to be absent (in other words, I skipped classes, shhh!). It was definitely more fun to snuggle in bed with my favorite novel, than to get wet in the rain and shiver in class.
Then when I arrived here in Bangkok, and was on my own for the first time, I became all obsessed--if I may call it that--with walking and playing in the rain. I was always the only one happy in the office when the skies would open up and pour its great blessing just when we're ready to go home. Everybody else would scramble to their cars, and hurry home to beat the traffic, while I would refuse any ride, so I could walk, ever so slowly, umbrella-less, home to my apartment. My officemates thought I was crazy!
Okay, so that was just a phase. I've gotten over that it's-raining-I-just-have-to-get-out-there stage of my life, but the rain still makes me giddy-happy. I like it especially when my whole family is home and it rains very, very hard! Gives me a sense of peace, makes me feel safe. It kind of washes away my worries and cares too, like God is telling me, "I AM here for you, you have nothing to worry about."
Took this picture at Cha Am beach last Saturday (yes, we were at the beach again! We enjoyed the quiet--seemed like we were one of the few beachbums who love the beach even when it's raining). Wish I could tell you that those three people under the umbrella were us. How I envied them! Daddy E understood the struggle in me and was so kind to ask me, several times, if I'm game. Sigh. It looked like so much fun but I'm a mommy now. I have Roo to think about. The rain was heavy, and the wind was quite strong...it had to be a no-no.
This picture was taken the following day, Sunday. I tell you, it was eerie! Huge black clouds surrounded our area like we were doomed! Daddy E snapped pictures like crazy while I watched the rain pour from our window with a big smile on my face. Rain, rain away...
Look who else enjoyed the rain...
Mr. Snowman! This grasshead is Roo's first attempt at planting, and I was excited to watch the twinkle in his eyes when he sees the miracle of seeds growing. We followed the instructions ever so carefully, but I guess Mr. Snowman just didn't get enough water. Or like Daddy E says, the nutrients of the rain made a difference. Anyways, a few weeks ago, Roo and I shared a laugh as we counted the snowman's hair with just one hand! But look at him now! How he thrived in the refreshing blessing of the rain!
During my school days, I remember chanting the rhyme, "Rain, rain, go away..."everytime it looked like rain because I didn't like walking in the puddles, and getting all dirty, and because it was so hard to go and come back from school when it rained. Now that I think about it, it could have been in college that I started to welcome rainy days. Not because I enjoyed walking in the rain to and from the university, but because the rain gave me an excuse to use up the number of days I was allowed to be absent (in other words, I skipped classes, shhh!). It was definitely more fun to snuggle in bed with my favorite novel, than to get wet in the rain and shiver in class.
Then when I arrived here in Bangkok, and was on my own for the first time, I became all obsessed--if I may call it that--with walking and playing in the rain. I was always the only one happy in the office when the skies would open up and pour its great blessing just when we're ready to go home. Everybody else would scramble to their cars, and hurry home to beat the traffic, while I would refuse any ride, so I could walk, ever so slowly, umbrella-less, home to my apartment. My officemates thought I was crazy!
Okay, so that was just a phase. I've gotten over that it's-raining-I-just-have-to-get-out-there stage of my life, but the rain still makes me giddy-happy. I like it especially when my whole family is home and it rains very, very hard! Gives me a sense of peace, makes me feel safe. It kind of washes away my worries and cares too, like God is telling me, "I AM here for you, you have nothing to worry about."
Took this picture at Cha Am beach last Saturday (yes, we were at the beach again! We enjoyed the quiet--seemed like we were one of the few beachbums who love the beach even when it's raining). Wish I could tell you that those three people under the umbrella were us. How I envied them! Daddy E understood the struggle in me and was so kind to ask me, several times, if I'm game. Sigh. It looked like so much fun but I'm a mommy now. I have Roo to think about. The rain was heavy, and the wind was quite strong...it had to be a no-no.
This picture was taken the following day, Sunday. I tell you, it was eerie! Huge black clouds surrounded our area like we were doomed! Daddy E snapped pictures like crazy while I watched the rain pour from our window with a big smile on my face. Rain, rain away...
Look who else enjoyed the rain...
Mr. Snowman! This grasshead is Roo's first attempt at planting, and I was excited to watch the twinkle in his eyes when he sees the miracle of seeds growing. We followed the instructions ever so carefully, but I guess Mr. Snowman just didn't get enough water. Or like Daddy E says, the nutrients of the rain made a difference. Anyways, a few weeks ago, Roo and I shared a laugh as we counted the snowman's hair with just one hand! But look at him now! How he thrived in the refreshing blessing of the rain!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Thank God for Moles!
I've always known that I am special. That God created me in His own wonderful way. That every part of the body He designed just for me has its own function. That even the most tiny parts have their own purpose.
Even the moles.
I never really appreciated having moles. There were times I even questioned why I had so many of them. The flat ones, they're okay, they don't bug me. But the ones that grow, those are the kind I'd rather not dot my skin. I've had to go under the knife to remove them twice already. And that's one too many for me!
Roo, however, made me see things differently. The other day, I was still snuggling in bed when he jumped out of bed, and knelt down alone for his morning prayer.
"Dear Jesus, thank you for the beautiful world. Thank you for my mommy's mole. Thank you for being in my heart today. Amen."
He thanked God for my mole! Not just any mole on me, the real mole, he would say. All the others he calls my pretend moles. The mole he's grateful for is that tiny black protusion on my left upper arm. His source of comfort. When he's sad, or distressed, upset, or frustrated, he comes to me, cuddles and taps the mole until he feels better. He also loves falling asleep cuddled right next to the mole. Many times he exclaims, "I love your mole, mommy!"
God must have smiled as He carefully molded the tiny black spot that was to comfort and soothe my son. He must have enjoyed warm thoughts while He placed that mole on of my arm, knowing the peace and love my little boy would feel as he touches my mole.
God, I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.
Even the moles.
I never really appreciated having moles. There were times I even questioned why I had so many of them. The flat ones, they're okay, they don't bug me. But the ones that grow, those are the kind I'd rather not dot my skin. I've had to go under the knife to remove them twice already. And that's one too many for me!
Roo, however, made me see things differently. The other day, I was still snuggling in bed when he jumped out of bed, and knelt down alone for his morning prayer.
"Dear Jesus, thank you for the beautiful world. Thank you for my mommy's mole. Thank you for being in my heart today. Amen."
He thanked God for my mole! Not just any mole on me, the real mole, he would say. All the others he calls my pretend moles. The mole he's grateful for is that tiny black protusion on my left upper arm. His source of comfort. When he's sad, or distressed, upset, or frustrated, he comes to me, cuddles and taps the mole until he feels better. He also loves falling asleep cuddled right next to the mole. Many times he exclaims, "I love your mole, mommy!"
God must have smiled as He carefully molded the tiny black spot that was to comfort and soothe my son. He must have enjoyed warm thoughts while He placed that mole on of my arm, knowing the peace and love my little boy would feel as he touches my mole.
God, I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Beach Bums Return to the Beach
Bangkok is hot and humid. Fresh air at the beach beckons. We just couldn't resist.
Result: Another unplanned trip to the beach!
Because we were at the beach just two weeks ago, and because there wasn’t time to make any hotel reservations, we decided to make it a day trip. To the nearest beach just for the day. Never mind that it’s usually crowded there. Never mind that the beach there is not that nice. We just want the fresh air. And Roo just wants the sand.
Bangsaen beach is about an hour’s drive from Bangkok. The last time we came, Roo was about four months old. That's way, way back. Too long ago for him to remember. So when I asked if he would like to see the fishies at the aquarium, he said "Yes!" right away.
Bangsaen aquariums is part of Bangsaen Marine Institute. It's located about two hundred meters away from the beach. The fish and other underwater creature collection is quite large and varied, even better than the ones at Underwater World in Pattaya where you pay three hundred baht to get in. Entrance fee is here is just Bht.30 (used to be twenty baht).
Because my memory is shorter than Dory's, I can only tell you that this fish is the lion fish. The other two, I'll have to ask Roo. I completely forgot.
And that's the grumpy old grouper who coughed right in front of Roo and scared him so much that we had to cut our visit short and head for the beach to help him forget the nasty-looking fish.
And Roo started his hungry strike. So happy that he can finally be in the sand, he politely refused our invitations to eat lunch with us. While we enjoyed tinolang manok, chicken barbeque, somtum and spicy mango salad, Roo scooped shovel after shovel of sand into his bucket.
This is what happens when you play with ice on the sand: a cold and dripping sand wonder for our little explorer.
Lucky for him, his photo-hungry daddy couldn't resist taking some pictures on the beach. First chance he got, he followed daddy right into the midday heat and enjoyed the few minutes he had playing with the water.
Result: Another unplanned trip to the beach!
Because we were at the beach just two weeks ago, and because there wasn’t time to make any hotel reservations, we decided to make it a day trip. To the nearest beach just for the day. Never mind that it’s usually crowded there. Never mind that the beach there is not that nice. We just want the fresh air. And Roo just wants the sand.
Bangsaen beach is about an hour’s drive from Bangkok. The last time we came, Roo was about four months old. That's way, way back. Too long ago for him to remember. So when I asked if he would like to see the fishies at the aquarium, he said "Yes!" right away.
Bangsaen aquariums is part of Bangsaen Marine Institute. It's located about two hundred meters away from the beach. The fish and other underwater creature collection is quite large and varied, even better than the ones at Underwater World in Pattaya where you pay three hundred baht to get in. Entrance fee is here is just Bht.30 (used to be twenty baht).
Because my memory is shorter than Dory's, I can only tell you that this fish is the lion fish. The other two, I'll have to ask Roo. I completely forgot.
And that's the grumpy old grouper who coughed right in front of Roo and scared him so much that we had to cut our visit short and head for the beach to help him forget the nasty-looking fish.
And Roo started his hungry strike. So happy that he can finally be in the sand, he politely refused our invitations to eat lunch with us. While we enjoyed tinolang manok, chicken barbeque, somtum and spicy mango salad, Roo scooped shovel after shovel of sand into his bucket.
This is what happens when you play with ice on the sand: a cold and dripping sand wonder for our little explorer.
Lucky for him, his photo-hungry daddy couldn't resist taking some pictures on the beach. First chance he got, he followed daddy right into the midday heat and enjoyed the few minutes he had playing with the water.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
A Day at Chokchai Farm
We left Bangkok prepared for another scorching summer day. Surprisingly, Saraburi was enjoying rainshowers that day, making our visit at the farm pleasantly cool :D
First stop: Cow-milking! They showed us both the traditional and modern methods of milking cows.
Here's Uncle Nimit trying his hand on the old fashioned way of cow-milking...
This carriage was our ride around the farm.
I want to ride the horse Dodo!
Boy, these deer sure eat fast!
Whoah! This calf is ravenous! I'm having a hard time holding the bottle!
Mommy, the camels are very bbbaaa-hoooo!
Baby Roo wants to hold the little lamb
Like Mary's lamb, its fleece was white as snow.
This is what we mostly go back to Chokchai Farm for! Yummy steak burgers!
What better way to end of the day at the farm than to sit down and enjoy a cup of chocolatey fresh cow's milk! Ummm, milk!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Sleepless but Happy
I'm counting down. Alone (huhuhu). Blame it on a severe case of insomnia. My boys are fast asleep, snoring their way to dreamland. I can't sleep. Not only because ten pm is not bedtime for me yet, but also because in about an hour's time, we're supposed to pick up my mom and dad at the airport! Yaaaay!
This afternoon, while Roo was biking around our tiny living room, he noticed that I was extraordinarily happy. So he asked, "Mommy, why are you happy?"
I told him I'm happy because my mommy and daddy are coming! He beamed me a smile that said he understood the feeling, then said, "I'm happy too mommy, that your mommy and daddy are coming."
That's an understatement. The last time my mom and dad were here, he didn't even eat for many days because he got too excited! This time I didn't even want to start a countdown with him, for fear that all his physiological processes and schedules will get skewed again. But nothing can stop him from planning what he'll do with his "dodo and doda" when they arrive. He knew that they were coming in April, and for more than three months, I had to put up with "Mommy, is it April already?" just about everyday. He claimed one of our desk calendars as his own, asked me to show him where April was, then proceeded to inform us what he would do with dodo and doda on this "number" and that "number," pointing to the dates, as if he really knew what he was talking about. His dad and I could only smile in amusement.
The next twenty days with dodo and doda will surely be busy for Roo. He has lots of stories to tell, many new songs to sing for them, and he's excited to show them how to do puppet shows! He also can't wait to show them that he can now ride the bike that they gave him as a present for his 2nd birthday. He's going to a farm with them, watch traditional and modern cow-milking with them, learn how to make ice cream with them. For Songkran, he's going to the beach with them! Of course, he doesn't forget to add, "And with mommy and daddy too!"
Exciting days ahead for me too! Since I will have very willing babysitters, it means I can go out on a date with MY man (finally! It's hard to even have a meaningful conversation these days). I also need to finish my med transcription course, catch up with my reading, take up a short cooking class, and hopefully, do a lot of blog-hopping, if not blogging :D
This afternoon, while Roo was biking around our tiny living room, he noticed that I was extraordinarily happy. So he asked, "Mommy, why are you happy?"
I told him I'm happy because my mommy and daddy are coming! He beamed me a smile that said he understood the feeling, then said, "I'm happy too mommy, that your mommy and daddy are coming."
That's an understatement. The last time my mom and dad were here, he didn't even eat for many days because he got too excited! This time I didn't even want to start a countdown with him, for fear that all his physiological processes and schedules will get skewed again. But nothing can stop him from planning what he'll do with his "dodo and doda" when they arrive. He knew that they were coming in April, and for more than three months, I had to put up with "Mommy, is it April already?" just about everyday. He claimed one of our desk calendars as his own, asked me to show him where April was, then proceeded to inform us what he would do with dodo and doda on this "number" and that "number," pointing to the dates, as if he really knew what he was talking about. His dad and I could only smile in amusement.
The next twenty days with dodo and doda will surely be busy for Roo. He has lots of stories to tell, many new songs to sing for them, and he's excited to show them how to do puppet shows! He also can't wait to show them that he can now ride the bike that they gave him as a present for his 2nd birthday. He's going to a farm with them, watch traditional and modern cow-milking with them, learn how to make ice cream with them. For Songkran, he's going to the beach with them! Of course, he doesn't forget to add, "And with mommy and daddy too!"
Exciting days ahead for me too! Since I will have very willing babysitters, it means I can go out on a date with MY man (finally! It's hard to even have a meaningful conversation these days). I also need to finish my med transcription course, catch up with my reading, take up a short cooking class, and hopefully, do a lot of blog-hopping, if not blogging :D
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