BITTERSWEET

Being down with fever is the pits. But it can be quite enjoyable too, if your Haligi brings you this...And more importanty, this...

I was telling my friends at Plurk, that he was probably gonna take long during his night out with friends, thus the "bribes." True enough, he came home at 1:00 am. Hehehe!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

FATHER AND SON LOVE GRAY & SONS

I caught my watchaholic husband, Haligi, surfing on Rolex watches via the Gray and Sons website once again. Gray and Sons showcases a wide array of classic timepieces such as Cartier, Patek Philippe, aside of course, from the timeless Rolex watches. The site also showcases classic jewelry, pins and brooches and so much more--which is why I do not mind sitting in while Haligi does his Gray and Sons browsing.

Some people may find this fascination with expensive watches rubbish. But both fil and Haligi think otherwise. They feel that nothing beats the quality of classic watches. It goes without saying though, that quality pays--AND HOW!

Last March, for his 36th birthday, Haligi received a hand-me-down used Rolex watch from my fil. The watch has been in fil's possession for almost 30 years and he deemed fit to pass on the classic timepiece to Haligi, now that he is at the same age as my fil when he purchased the watch years ago. My dear husband, of course, was on cloud 9!

It was not the first time actually, that my fil gifted Haligi with an antique watch. He also received a Speedmaster from his parents during our wedding. And while the watches may not be as shiny and shimmery as the brand new ones, they bring with them a certain charm and sense of history that make them both timeless and priceless.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

DOWN AND OUT, WITH GOUT

Haligi has been nursing episodes of gout since last week, causing him to miss his precious sessions at the boxing gym. (Iba na ang tanders!) You see, both of us enrolled at Elorde's early this year to get rid of those nasty bulges. I've fallen back from the routine but Haligi is still at it.

So much is Haligi's dedication, that now, more than ever, he has been very conscious of his food and calorie intake, as calculated by the Fit Fuel Blog. Ever since Haligi came across Fit Fuel, he could spend hours and hours end, browsing the site for sports nutrition, personal care, or even just plain tips for having fun.

The site has been a great inspiration for Haligi and he is hoping that it will grow on me too. We shall see.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

WHAT TO DO WHEN IT'S COLD OUTSIDE...

Get cold inside too!!!

Dying for a caffeine fix on this dreary day, Haligi braved the rains and took our son to the neighborhood cafe. Naninggit pa si Haligi as he sent me an MMS of what Haligilet had this rainy Wednesday afternoon. Who needs prohormones if you can have a load of this...

That striped tee, by the way, belongs to Yaya M's replacement. Hehehe.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

SPORTING CHANCE

While watching an advertisement on the olympics on myTV, Haligi couldn't help but reminisce. He was waxing nostalgic, thinking what his life could have been had he pursued a career in football. You see, not known to many, my Haligi, in all his 5'5 with heels glory, was once upon a time, a varsity football player.

Between you and me, I could not imagine watching my better half, taking part in any high school sports live game, strutting it out in the field before college recruiting officials. Shhh! Supportive ko noh?!? So much was his and his friends' obsession with football that they considered sending in college recruiting video.

There were so many unanswered questions. Yet, he realized, that despite the many "what ifs," he wouldn't trade what he has now for any other break in the sports arena. After all, he says, if he pursued that life, he wouldn't have met me. Naksss :D

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

RECLAMATION

Thank God, Haligi got reissued another US visa!

To those of you who have been following my blog, you would remember that we lost our passports to that darn travel agency, which included Haligi's and his sister's 10-year multiple-entry US visas. What added insult to injury, was the fact that the agency refused to shoulder the visa reprocessing fees and only agreed to set Haligi's appointment with the US Embassy. These people obviously do not know the meaning of ACCOUNTABILITY.

Anyway, that is water under the bridge. We have been vindicated.

Alas, after weeks of updating our savings accounts and other important documents, Haligi finally had his date with the embassy officer this morning. To tell you frankly, I never realized the importance of taking care of savings accounts until this little "tragedy" struck our travel plans. The embassy officer, must've had a good laugh at our outstanding balance! Hehehe.

All's well that ends well.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

ADDICTED TO WHEELS

Any of you have leads to the next car show?

As you all know, my son, Haligilet, has this deep and growing fascination, even addiction to all things with wheels.
He enjoyed this first trip of his to the International Motor Show last April, that we're now on the lookout for a similar event. Haligilet loved tinkering with the wheels, the doors, the trimmings, and everything else related to automobiles.

What I enjoyed most about the show was the exhibit of vintage cars. We feasted our eyes on old and new Camaros, Jaquars, Mustangs, even those luxury cars like the new Cadillacs Harrisburg PA. Haligi has always been a fan of Cadillacs for their character. He even has great memories of riding his grandfather's Cadillac when he was a kid. And the most amusing memory of all, was that, he traded the battered and bruised car for a new colored tv when he was 10 years old. Hehehe!

So please, give us leads to the next transhow--for Haligi and Haligilet's sake. :)

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

EASY ON THE CREDIT

After swearing off credit cards for almost 3 years now, my Haligi seems to be having withdrawal symtoms. He tells me now that he is planning to avail of one of those instant approval credit cards! He goes on by telling me that he has finally learned his lesson and than he vows to take it easy on the credit from now on.

You see, during the first couple of years of our marriage, Haligi had a swiping spree, and how! Buying at every gadget and gizmo at whim, treating friends, left and right, eating at the most expensive places, traveling to our heart's desires. It was fun while it lasted, actually.

But then again, Haligilet was so deep in debt that it took its toll on our finances and even on our relationship. I had a lot of sleepless nights then, and was even pregnant when Haligi's credit fiasco struck. Luckily, his parents were willing and able to bail him out of his mess. And Haligi has (hopefully) learned his lesson since.

A lesson learned the hard way, indeed. I guess I just have to trust him on this one.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

thINNOVATION

Please, please Lord. Open Haligi's heart to this...Come Christmas, I am hoping that with the bonus(es) coming in, Haligi and I would be able to save up for a replacement for good ole Neo. While Neo has been my loyal coverage buddy for the last 2 years, and blogging buddy for the last 6 months, he is getting tired and weary. I am getting tired and weary too, because Neo weighs like a ton! Shhhh! Baka magalit si Neo :)

The new Mac Air would be an ideal companion when I'm on the field especially now that airlines have slashed down baggage limit allocations. Haligi has his own reasons for agreeing to cough up some bucks for my future (wishful thinking tayo :D) blogging baby. You see, our friend J, has gotten him hooked on online poker! He particularly fancies Mac Poker, an exclusive provider for online poker and casino games for Mac users.

Mac-susugal pala! Hehehe.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

ANXIETY SHOPPING, ANYONE?

Aside from Haligilet's rendition of "Endyelofgod," what kept me company during the past sleepless nights was this...
I had always been intrigued by those As Seen on TV bargains, and had always been tempted, countless times, to pick up that phone and avail of the latest "limited offer." The Slender Shaper, the Perfect Lift, the Shape-N-Style, the Body Pro--all those promises of better health and greater bods, were just some of my ex-future purchases :D

The past nights were no exception, and the desire to buy was even greater, given the higher level of Haligi anxiety. Sinisi pa si Haligi noh? And it didn't help any that Ces Drilon had publicized some of the footages from their captivity. Kaba to the nth level!!!

Luckily (or unluckily), I was just too darn tired to call them. More importantly, a better body should be the least of my priorities now that Haligi's well-being is on the line.

Haaay, ika nga ni Mama Mee, tenks God, (and Endyelofgod), that my Haligi is safe!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

SWEETS FOR MY SWEET

Ever since I could remember, Haligilet had developed a very strong bond with sweets. Theirs was a love affair that blossomed ever before he turned a year old.

As I recall, his fascination, no, obsession, with all things sugary began even before his first tooth came out. Be it be cereals, cookies, chocolates, jelly beans, gummies, yada yada yada, walang pinalamapas si Haligilet.

Case in point...
To further complicate things, he also had an affinity with things non-edible...Both a parent's and a dentist's nightmare, indeed.

Backed by a family history of diabetes, I resolved that I would steer my loved ones clear of known agents of the killer disease. Obviously the resolution was not firm enough. My son slept with the enemy, and how!

I was really puzzled how Haligilet developed such affinity with his glucose fiends este, friends. After all, I have tried to keep the enemy out of our abode for the longest time. But with my weight and waistline, what credibility did I have, right? Hehehe.

Alas, I found the root cause. The affinity had been passed from one generation to the next...
Kung ano ang puno, siya rin ang bunga.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

MY BOY'S TOYS

Here's a long overdue tag from Meeya and Em. Churi! Churi!

The Rules:

Post a photo of your baby with her first ever favorite/comfort toy. Write some details of your fondest memory of your baby and her toy. This will make a good memento when your baby grows up!

Lastly, before you pass this on to six (or more) mommies, don’t forget to add the link to your website/s at the end of the page. I’m sure many moms would love to see your sites, too!

The Answers:

As far as we were concerned, Haligilet was pretty "low maintenance" when it came to toys. He was content with playing with even just a spoon, a box or even tissue! Rather than splurge on the latest educational games for kids, Haligi and I deemed it best to shower our son with something priceless--hugs, kisses, bedtime stories, laughter, and lotsa memories!

However, Haligilet did have his faves, which shifted quickly, just like Philippine politics! Hehehe.

Here they are, categorized, in random order:

The plushies. Haligilet loved these to bits for a time. They were his bed buddies, giggle mates, and occasionally, they became his naptime nibblers. The toughies. Made of hard plastic, these toys have stood the test of time and teething. Hehehe! And then there were cars...in every make, color, shape, state, size.
They have won his heart, hands down.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

THE EX-FILES

Nicked this off Kelly's blog. Thankies!

1. Sojourn 2. Pinay Mom in Czech Republic 3. See Me for what You Will 4. LAINY’S MUSINGS 5. OUR JOURNEY TO FOREVER 6. My Paperless Writings 7. As The World Turns 8. My Daily Discourse 9.From This Side 10. Our Family Adventure! 11. Shopaholic Ties the Knot 12. My Random Thoughts 13. A Reality Bite 14. Jenny 15.In this Game of Life 16. 100% Kelly 17. Gossip Gehl 18. YOU

Are you deeply in love with your spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend? If you do, let’s try how well you remember the moment of your life with him. but before you put yourself in the hot seat please read the rules of this tag first.

RULES:

1. This tag should be passed on to your friends.

2. Visit the blog of the person who you got this tag from.

3. Leave a comment on her/his tag post. Be sure to thank her/him for this tag.

4. Highlight and link all the list of people who accepted this tag by visiting their blog site.

5. There are 10 questions that you need to answer but you will be the one to write the 10th question for the next person you want to tag.

Here are the questions. Please be honest with your answers.

1. How did you meet your husband/wife or boyfriend/girlfriend?

Haligi and I (almost never) met on the eve of December 12, 1999. We met through a common college friend. We actually went to the same university, were students of the same college, ate at the same college canteen, but were only destined to meet 6 years later.

2. Where did you go on your first date?

Our first date was supposed to be at Cafe Breton, Makati, but Haligi went to Cafe Breton MALATE, and boy was he LATE! :D He finally met up with me and our common friend, hours later, at Bistro 110, which is (still) located on the same street as our current residence. The earth literally shook (earthquke magnitude 6.8) hours after we first met.

3. When was your first intimate kiss

Feb 5, 2000, with a neoprint as proof. Hehehe

4. How many girlfriends/boyfriends he/she had in the past? Do you honestly know?

Blackjack -- 21! The important thing is, I was his LAST :D

5. What is his/her ethnicity?

Pinoy, 5'5 with heels.

6. What is his/her favorite food

Anything cholesterol-ly.

7. What is he/she like if he/she is mad?

Red as a tomato. And seems to me, I'm the only one who can make him that angry. But as they always put it--when there's anger, there's passion! :D

8. What are the things he/she did you thought is the most romantic thing he’d/she’d ever done?

He lived in the province--a good 2-3-hour drive from Manila, when we were still dating. One time, he told me he was sending me something through his best friend and that I should meet his friend at my office lobby. It turned out that the "friend," was actually him, armed with a bouquet of stargazers. I chose stargazers for my wedding bouquet

9. Describe how he/you proposed to you.

No frills. He proposed to me the day he arrived from a two-month vacation in the US (sobra yata ako na-miss, :P) He proposed to me in front of the salesladies, while I was buying shoes at Duty Free. Hahaha!

10. What was your funniest wedding moment?

This wins, hands down...

Would love to hear your EX-files, dear Wifespeaks belles!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

PLAYING FOOTSIE

Ball footsie...

Despite a height disadvantage, dear old Haligi was a member of his high school varsity team. Tonight he reminisced about the good ole days--practices, games, tricks and even his football picks.

If he had his way, he said, he'd like Haligilet to have the same sport. Of course, that would really depend on our son, as we'd like him to learn to choose the things that he enjoys, on his own.

Scenes of sprains and gashes flash through my mind but I try to dismiss them. Sorry, can't help it. Mavers are built that way.

But who knows? Haligilet may just be the next Beckham. :D

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

ABRACA-JABRA

Uh-oh. Haligi toy alert.

Check out the latest from Jabra--bluetooth speaker phones! The newest Jabra baby is a speakerphone that aims to be THE happy companion for those more at home with hands-free communication. Haligi bullseye!

I never did fancy those thingamajigs that Haligi always wears around his earlobes. The newest mobile solution from Jabra is sleek, lightweight. I could finally say goodbye to those bulky, not to mention unsightly lobe loops!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

LP #12: ITAY

Tag-araw man o tag-ulan,
Pag-ibig namin sa yo'y walang hanggan;
Lakas at sigla, ikaw ang pinagmumulan,

Itay, susi ka ng aming kaligayahan.

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

MELANISM

Remember this from your childhood?

Yan ang pasalubong ng kunsintedor na ama ng alas onse ng gabi. Hindi naman sya ang nagtoo-toothbrush ng anak nya!

Ika nga ni Melanie M., THE NERD!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

PUSONG NAGDURUGO

It's true what they say: all mothers are working moms--whether you put in a full-time day or work a few hours a week. It isn't easy to balance work and family. And I especially felt it today, when I left our home with a bleeding heart.

Ever since Haligilet started school last June 10th, our morning routine would be:

6:00 - 6:30
Maver's bath

6:30 - 7:00
Haligi's bath
Maver dresses up
Haligilet's breafast

7:00 - 7:15
Haligilet's bath
Maver prepares Haligilet's baon

7:15 - 7:30
Maver walks to work
Haligi has breakfast
Haligilet dresses up with Yaya M

7:30 - 8:00
Yaya M and Yaya A have breakfast
Haligi and Haligilet relax

8:00
Haligi brings Haligilet and Yaya M to school

The routine suited us fine for the first week.

But today, awww, my Haligilet goes, "I want to have breakfast with Mama. I want Mama to watch me take a bath. I want Mama to dress me up." The clincher was "How come you don't come with Dada to bring me to school, Mama?

Haaaay, the tragedy of working moms. :(

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

LINGUISTICS

One of Haligi's meni, meni, meni quirks, that I have grown to accept and have been practicing as well, is the ability to recite tagalog words backwards. Some of the word translations are hilarious...

Alalulut - Tulala
Ditapak - Kapatid
Golti - Itlog
Ngisngis - Singsing
Sotsag - Gastos
Waswasan - Sawsawan
Yangi - Ingay

A personal favorite is...

Tosnab - Bansot (hulaan nyo, kanino ko sinasabi to? Hahaha!)

It took me a good six months trying to decode this. I remember, back when Haligi and I were still dating, that I was both fascinated and amused the first time I heard him and his father having an entire conversation in err..."Russian" :D

Tonight, Haligilet makes his debut...

"Mama, Yaya is IKAL!"

Nyiii!

EKS-OH-EKS-OH

A HUG FOR HALIGI

I was struck by yesterday's homily...

God made fathers with broad shoulders to carry their children;
With large hands to cup a child's face;
With big feet to lead us or walk with us;
And tears, to show us that they care.

Thank you Lord, for the gift of Fathers...

Happy Fathers Day ulit, Dada!

{Start Copy Here}

Started by Mitchteryosa

There are no words to express how much this man means to me, to us. All we know is that, it is in his corner, that we’ll always find the safest place in the world.

Rules

1) Copy from {Start Copy Here} to {End Copy Here}.
2) Blog Brag about your husband - yes, the father of your child/ren. As I’ve said singles may also join by bragging about their own fathers, or even grandfathers. It doesn’t matter! Of course, Daddy bloggers themselves may also join, but you have to blog about your fathers and not about yourselves, deal? Okay. Good.
3) Add your blog in the list below linking to the post that you just made. Or if you wish, do it as how I’ve done it in my other blog by adding a new page.4) Leave some love here. Yup. Here. Thanks!
5) Let’s not forget Peppermint Creative for the corner border I used for the badge.

Participants

When Silence Speaks; Everything About Deye: Etc Atbp; Pinay Mommy Online; Coffee Cup Princess; Garden of Moments; Aeirin’s Collection; Never Dainty; The Long Journey Of My Life; A Mother Of Yesterday, Today And Tomorrow; Everything That Has Breathe Praise The Lord; Can Of Thoughts; Anything And Everything In Between; No Place Like Home; Pinay WAHM; Only In Silence; Bisdak Footprints; Simply Me, Simple Life; Fun Fierce Fab; Confessions Of A Supermodel Wannabe; Embracing Health For Life; Raptured Dreams; Jona Thinks; Uncomplicated; Points Of View; Beauty Of Life; Hue And Hysteria; Leaf In Deforest; Just Me Eds; Momie’s Space At Momie’s Pace; Juliana’s Site; Purpled Sky; In Love For Life; All About Mye Life; Cookie Jar Of Entertainment; Faery Dancing; The Nambiars; CC’s Online; Precious Moments; Me And Mine; Little Peanut; A FilAm Journey; Walk2Remember; A Message From My Heart; Rhodilee; MrsWorkingGirl; Gossip Gehl

{End Copy Here}

EKS-OH-EKS-OH