The house on a hill

Since my parents are now in their 70s, my sister and I deemed it would be much better and very convenient for them to stay at a centrally located place.  Since my sister now lives aboard and I've relocated after my marriage,  the condo has been their home.  A sanctuary that is quite accessible to the malls, places of worship, places that provide public utility services and everything else that one needs for a comfortable lifestyle.

But we still visit our house in the hills occasionally.  Coincidentally, I named my blog after the subdivision where our bungalow is located.  Our single detached house is still fully furnished and contains most of the trinkets and souvenir items we've accumulated from several of our travels as well as our stints overseas.  

So every time I enter its premises, memories just keep rushing in from all corners of our bungalow.  From pieces of furniture bought from exotic places, beaded curtains that adorn the rooms, wooden carvings and souvenir porcelain plates of different shapes and sizes that hang from the walls to numerous photo albums containing pictures taken in different countries.

The time frame of these pictures range from our toddler years up to the time we came back for good, 10 years ago.  An era of pigtails, thick eyeglasses, bulky shoulder pads spanning different hairstyles.  As well as the period before the onset of the digital camera.  

Unfortunately, some of the photographs are already discolored from the ravages of time.  They are also gathering dust in albums stocked into piles of boxes that are now misshapen from years of neglect.  I know I need to salvage them before it is too late.

Actually that is my main resolution for next year. Until then, I guess I have 2 months to figure out how to go about this task.  As well as canvass for an affordable scanner that can magically transform memories into digital form.  How exciting!

La Familia

D has been on sem break for several weeks now so we decided to go early to visit our departed ones.  The ashes of his father who died 3 years ago in Seattle are buried in a crypt beside the Loreto Church in Sampaloc.  It is a small yet intimate enclosure so it doesn't get as crowded as in the public cemeteries.

Sad to say I never met his father in person but from the stories I've heard about him, he seemed like a jolly fun person who lived life to the fullest until he passed away at the ripe old age of 95 years old.

The remains of my grandparents on both sides are located in cemeteries that are simply too far for us to visit.  I know it is only once a year but frankly I don't really do well in crowds so I deem it is best I avoid these kinds of situations.

I remember my maternal grandparents quite fondly. Though they were quite strict, they were the epitome of good moral values. They taught us to be God fearing individuals who must be respectful, value the dignity of everyone and understand that the family is the most important unit of society.

During past holidays, several generations would all gather in the ancestral house to partake a hearty meal with lengthy conversations peppered with laughter.  My grandmother would arrange all her Spanish inspired dishes on the large dining table adorned with her fine china and silver cutlery.  We would all eat till we would burst. It was so much fun. I really miss those reunions.

Nowadays, my cousins are all living in different far flung locations it is quite rare that we all get together during holidays. I guess times have changed, the present generation are composed of smaller units who celebrate with their immediate family.  I only get to see them through pictures they post on their FB.  I guess what's important is that we still adhere to the dictates of our grandparents.

Blogging challenge

It's the first day of the 11th month of the year 2012.

I've given myself this task for the entire month of November.

I will try to blog every day.

Quite a daunting challenge as it seems my brain cells have dried up.

Along with my skin which now requires tons of body lotion.

As well as facial moisturizer which tend to make my face look 'shiny'.

Hopefully I find interesting subject matters to rant about.

So wish me luck! :D

Tick tock tick tock

It probably seems like I've abandoned my blog. 

I guess I have.

Nothing blog-worthy thus the neglect.

Most of the time, it seems like I am running out of time.

To accomplish daily chores which need full attention.

It's not like my life is any different than what it was a week ago.

I just turned a year older but it seems I get tired more easily.

Probably signs of old age creeping in.

I always say I may not look my age (44) but I certainly feel it.

For instance, I got J.K. Rowling's The Casual Vacancy as a birthday gift.

I've never read the Harry Potter books so I'm not familiar with her style of writing.

After a long day of chores, I settle into bed and try to read before sleeping.

One night, I was holding the book up to get a better light on the pages.

I dozed off and boink the hard bound book fell on my forehead.

I was briefly awaken then promptly fell back into a deep slumber.

Next day I had a 'bukol' on my forehead.

A slightly red bump which D never fails to point at then laughs to his heart's content.

Last night I only made through a couple of paragraphs before I dozed off.

I gasp in horror as I realize I am only 44 years old to feel such exhaustion.

I can only imagine how my parents in their 70s feel.

But mind you, those two have more energy combined than I have in my weak knees.

So there! I've explained myself.

Now onward to preparing lunch and everything it involves.

Double Four

It's the 19th of October, time for me to usher in my 44th year.

I wish I had the energy to compose a long post reflecting on what my life has been like all these years but I'm too lazy to force my brain cells to do some heavy thinking.

But one word comes to mind as I reflect back on my life much like a flashback scene in any movie - "blessed".

I owe much of my blessed life to my beloved parents, my very generous sister and for the past 4 years my loving hubby.

My key word for this year and as well as for my future is 'sparkle'.  

I wish that every aspect of my life will shine as brilliantly as the gemstones on these dangling earrings I received as gifts from my beloved sister.  =)

New lease on life

Finally my Harriet got fixed. 

Apparently one of her parts (memory card) was corrupted thus causing those irritating blue screen moments coupled with her "today.I.switch.on-tomorrow.I.won't.switch.on" tantrums.

Yesterday, our reliable tech guy worked on her the whole day. Aside from the new component, I finally decided to make the switch from Windows XP to Windows 7.  

I'm a traditionalist so I'm guided by the age old formula that if it works why change it mentality. I've been using Windows XP for eons now. I kept postponing the switch because I've grown accustomed to its ease of function style.

But the tech guy said it would be quite difficult to find drivers for Windows XP if we use newer component parts. In fact, Harriet is already 5 years old and by normal standards, parts can get obsolete within 2 years time.

So I'm happy. I was willing to go for a complete overhaul.  Well actually that was D's idea. It was going to be his gift for my birthday. But we were able to save as it turns out just one part was needed for Harriet's rebirth, for now.  The tech guy said Harriet would have to be phased out within 2 years or less.

There are many exciting features in Windows 7.  I get an adrenaline rush from tinkering with the various options.  I feel like a kid in a toys store and I was up until the wee hours just exploring with a huge smile on my face.It's wonderful how a tiny component can add a new lease on an already aging device.  

Now don't you wish this was applicable to our own body parts? I know there are certain joints in my soon to be 44 (years old) body which could use some replacement parts and make me feel brand new again!  :D

Put a ring on it

Several months before our marital union, we scouted the crowded streets of Binondo to canvass for our wedding rings. With a limited budget and a traditional design in mind, we practically entered all the shops lined up in that very busy stretch of jewellery shops.

It was so overwhelming because there was a wide variety of rings on display. I am quite satisfied with the rings we finally ended up purchasing. It was well within our budget and the design is simple yet elegant if I may say so myself. 

From time to time, I still check out some websites which offer wedding rings. I was drawn towards a  talented artist named Todd Alan. He offers unique wedding rings which are originally designed and hand braided with the finest technique.  His unique wedding bands are made from the finest materials like silver, gold, white and red/rose gold as well as two toned and tri-color wedding rings. Each ring is intricately designed one at a time upon order.  He has developed a Celtic knot inspired design that is quite distinct with a fine polished finishing that is quite elegant. 

With a guaranteed secure online ordering facility, it also has a free 30 day risk free return policy so you are assured of good quality at all times.  So check out his online wedding ring art gallery and I'm sure you will have a feast just ogling over his very unique handwoven and braided designs.

I'm back

12 days of constant dining out with shopping spree galore not to mention the special bonding time with my beloved sister can sure take its toll on me. 

My 43 year old body has gained 5 kgs from all that bingeing. Imagine that!  I'm exhausted. My feet hurt from all the walking (albeit in the malls).  My monthly lasted more than its usual expectancy.  My head hurts from staying up late as we watched TV shows on her laptop.

BUT.

I managed to purchase new clothes, new shoes.  I got my early birthday gifts (yes plural) from my sister. I was also able to sneak in a hair treatment with haircut session which was so relaxing!

My cup runneth over, I'm extremely content and feel thoroughly blessed as I usher in my 44th year in a week's time. 

Thank you,  Lord for the continued pouring of abundant blessings. =)