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| October 21, 2016 |
Finally, everything is falling into place. Maraming salamat Po.
Friday, October 28, 2016
A beautiful morning
It was a beautiful, beautiful morning. Our hearts were full of gratitude.
Finally, everything is falling into place. Maraming salamat Po.
Finally, everything is falling into place. Maraming salamat Po.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
I want to go back to Edmonton =(
Disclaimer: Please note that I recently moved here in Surrey from my comfort zone (Edmonton). My views are premature and may change in the coming days. I have no intention of putting Surrey/BC in a bad light. I guess I just miss Edmonton so much.
Twenty-three days. We've been here in Surrey for twenty-three days. How are we doing? The husband is ok, he easily copes with things so wala siyang issue. Ako lang naman daw ang maraming hinaing sa buhay. To be honest, if I will only be given a chance, gusto ko ng bumalik Edmonton.
Funny, I used to call that place Deadmonton. Complain ako nang complain na boring dun, na walang masyadong magawa. I first visited British Columbia in 2012 at talagang pinangarap kong tumira dito. Ang ganda kasi ng impression ko dito, ideal place to live in talaga. Pero ngayon na nandito na ako, parang gusto ko ng magback-out. Hay buhay nga naman!
Anyway, ito ang mga disappointments ko as of now sa pagtira ko dito:
(1) I loathe our apartment. I hate hate hate our apartment! Ang hirap magdowngrade ng housing. We used to live comfortably in a brand new 3-bedroom town house kaya talagang sobrang adjustment ito. Even though I know that this is just a temporary thing, nahihirapan pa rin ako (#bourgeoisieproblems!).
Also, the other day, we received a complaint from our neighbor on the lower floor (we're on the second floor) that we are "too noisy." They even accused us of having a party. My husband got agitated. He reasoned that we have a toddler and some noise can't be avoided. We live in an old building so talagang konting galaw o ingay lang ng kapitbahay eh magkakarinigan na.
By the way, we ended up in this apartment because we had no choice. Ang hirap maghanap ng apartment na maayos dito sa BC, lalo na at nasa Edmonton pa kami that time. Grabe ang demand. We want to move to a different place kaso pauwi na kami ni Nathan sa Pinas on November 7. Also, magpepenalty kami ng $1200+ kapag umalis kami in less than a year. Hay saka ko na nga lang iisipin pagbalik namin. If there's any consolation, we live just across a mall at super ganda ng location kaya keri na rin.
(2) Edmontonians are "nicer." In Edmonton, almost everyone you see will say "hello," or "hi, how are you doing?" Dito hindi eh. Parang lahat me pinagdadaanan haha!
Drivers are somewhat rude, too. In Edmonton, pedestrians are the bosses. Pagtapak mo pa lang sa kalsada, hihinto talaga ang mga sasakyan kahit malayo pa. Dito takot ako lalo na for my son. Dire-direcho talaga ang andar ng mga kotse eh.
(3) There is no Lucky Supermarket here (or its equivalent, in my opinion). Akala ko talaga mas ok "mamalengke" dito, mas mura at mas madaming choices. But for me, the best pa rin mamili sa Lucky Supermaket (na sa Edmonton lang meron). I am not a fan of T&T eh. I never thought na mamomroblema ako sa presyo ng karne dito. At galunggong -- di ko alam kung saan ako hahanap ng matinong galunggong dito (na paborito namin ng anak ko). Pati calamansi, mas mura sa Edmonton. Waaah!
(4) There's too much rain. My husband "warned" me already that it's too rainy in BC. I told him it's ok, that I love the rain. Kaso sobrang hassle din pala, lalo na since we have no covered parking. Tapos may little boy pa kami, mahirap siya isakay at ibaba ng car kapag umuulan.
(5) There is no snow. Snow is so beautiful, nakakamangha talaga kapag puting-puti ang paligid. Feel na feel ko ang Canada dahil sa snow. Kaso sobrang minsan lang daw mag-snow dito, tapos tunaw agad kinabukasan. Less than 3 years pa lang ako sa Canada kaya hindi pa ako quota sa snow. Gusto ko pang maglaro ng yelo!
(6) I have a feeling it's harder to find good friends here. In my less than 3 years in Edmonton, I am happy to have found really good friends there. Barkada talaga. Dito mukhang mahirap. Sa Edmonton kasi karamihan ng Pinoy ay TFWs (Temporary Foreign Workers) na naging Permanent Residents. Mga walang kamag-anak, lahat open for friendships. Saka mas relaxed ang buhay doon, palaging may time for get-together.
(7) Ang dami-daming chekwa! Maaming nagsasabi na mukha daw akong chekwa at hate na hate ko ito. I know it's bad to generalize pero hindi talaga ok ang experience ko with our Asian neigbors. Ayaw ko sa ugali nila.
At this point, I have no choice but to embrace our life here in BC. Sana talaga maging masaya kami rito.
Twenty-three days. We've been here in Surrey for twenty-three days. How are we doing? The husband is ok, he easily copes with things so wala siyang issue. Ako lang naman daw ang maraming hinaing sa buhay. To be honest, if I will only be given a chance, gusto ko ng bumalik Edmonton.
Funny, I used to call that place Deadmonton. Complain ako nang complain na boring dun, na walang masyadong magawa. I first visited British Columbia in 2012 at talagang pinangarap kong tumira dito. Ang ganda kasi ng impression ko dito, ideal place to live in talaga. Pero ngayon na nandito na ako, parang gusto ko ng magback-out. Hay buhay nga naman!
Anyway, ito ang mga disappointments ko as of now sa pagtira ko dito:
(1) I loathe our apartment. I hate hate hate our apartment! Ang hirap magdowngrade ng housing. We used to live comfortably in a brand new 3-bedroom town house kaya talagang sobrang adjustment ito. Even though I know that this is just a temporary thing, nahihirapan pa rin ako (#bourgeoisieproblems!).
Also, the other day, we received a complaint from our neighbor on the lower floor (we're on the second floor) that we are "too noisy." They even accused us of having a party. My husband got agitated. He reasoned that we have a toddler and some noise can't be avoided. We live in an old building so talagang konting galaw o ingay lang ng kapitbahay eh magkakarinigan na.
By the way, we ended up in this apartment because we had no choice. Ang hirap maghanap ng apartment na maayos dito sa BC, lalo na at nasa Edmonton pa kami that time. Grabe ang demand. We want to move to a different place kaso pauwi na kami ni Nathan sa Pinas on November 7. Also, magpepenalty kami ng $1200+ kapag umalis kami in less than a year. Hay saka ko na nga lang iisipin pagbalik namin. If there's any consolation, we live just across a mall at super ganda ng location kaya keri na rin.
(2) Edmontonians are "nicer." In Edmonton, almost everyone you see will say "hello," or "hi, how are you doing?" Dito hindi eh. Parang lahat me pinagdadaanan haha!
Drivers are somewhat rude, too. In Edmonton, pedestrians are the bosses. Pagtapak mo pa lang sa kalsada, hihinto talaga ang mga sasakyan kahit malayo pa. Dito takot ako lalo na for my son. Dire-direcho talaga ang andar ng mga kotse eh.
(3) There is no Lucky Supermarket here (or its equivalent, in my opinion). Akala ko talaga mas ok "mamalengke" dito, mas mura at mas madaming choices. But for me, the best pa rin mamili sa Lucky Supermaket (na sa Edmonton lang meron). I am not a fan of T&T eh. I never thought na mamomroblema ako sa presyo ng karne dito. At galunggong -- di ko alam kung saan ako hahanap ng matinong galunggong dito (na paborito namin ng anak ko). Pati calamansi, mas mura sa Edmonton. Waaah!
(4) There's too much rain. My husband "warned" me already that it's too rainy in BC. I told him it's ok, that I love the rain. Kaso sobrang hassle din pala, lalo na since we have no covered parking. Tapos may little boy pa kami, mahirap siya isakay at ibaba ng car kapag umuulan.
(5) There is no snow. Snow is so beautiful, nakakamangha talaga kapag puting-puti ang paligid. Feel na feel ko ang Canada dahil sa snow. Kaso sobrang minsan lang daw mag-snow dito, tapos tunaw agad kinabukasan. Less than 3 years pa lang ako sa Canada kaya hindi pa ako quota sa snow. Gusto ko pang maglaro ng yelo!
(6) I have a feeling it's harder to find good friends here. In my less than 3 years in Edmonton, I am happy to have found really good friends there. Barkada talaga. Dito mukhang mahirap. Sa Edmonton kasi karamihan ng Pinoy ay TFWs (Temporary Foreign Workers) na naging Permanent Residents. Mga walang kamag-anak, lahat open for friendships. Saka mas relaxed ang buhay doon, palaging may time for get-together.
(7) Ang dami-daming chekwa! Maaming nagsasabi na mukha daw akong chekwa at hate na hate ko ito. I know it's bad to generalize pero hindi talaga ok ang experience ko with our Asian neigbors. Ayaw ko sa ugali nila.
At this point, I have no choice but to embrace our life here in BC. Sana talaga maging masaya kami rito.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Random Chika # 7
1. Buck or Two Plus! I discovered this store last week at the Surrey Central Mall. Matalas talaga ang mata ko sa mga dollar stores. I went inside to survey their items. Ok naman, lalo na yung mga balloons nila. Ang daming klase talaga!
When I googled this store, I learned na may ganito rin pala sa Edmonton. Meron yata sa Londonderry Mall! Kaloka, bakit hindi ko alam?!?
Anyway, happy na rin ako. Another wasteland for me!
2. Happy Meal. Whenever Nathan would see McDonald's, ayun magtuturo na. Hindi titigil hanggang hindi kami bumibili ng french fries.
Kaso mas mabisyo si Mommy. Di mapakali pag nakakita ng cute na happy meal toys.
I used to collect happy meal toys when I was in college. As in lahat talaga ng lumalabas eh binibili ko. Now that I have a child, may legitimate reason na ako na mag-happy meal uli haha! Pero mas magandang bumili ng happy meal kapag may coupon, mahal din kasi kapag regular price.
3. Fried Squid Again. We didn't know where to eat dinner last Wednesday night so rushed to the Richmond Public Market again for some cheap Chinese fix. But it was past 7pm already and there's no more fried squid in the stall where we get it. Buti na lang meron pang natira doon sa isa (Captain Wa) or else maglulupasay talaga ako. Masarap naman din, pero mas masarap talaga sa Asian Foods.
When we were planning to move here in BC, Ford kept on telling me that he would buy a motorcycle because he can use it here all year round. Wala nga kasing snow at hindi kalamigan. Ako man, I want to get a small motorcyle, a Vespa perhaps. Haha, asa pa.
By the way, first to rescue daw ang bumbero dito basta tumawag ka ng emergency. Kahit ano pa mang kaso, mauuna ang bumbero kasi trained sila for first aid. It didn't make sense to me, sabi ko sayang ang resources at manpower. Tsk, third world mentality pa rin talaga.
When I googled this store, I learned na may ganito rin pala sa Edmonton. Meron yata sa Londonderry Mall! Kaloka, bakit hindi ko alam?!?
Anyway, happy na rin ako. Another wasteland for me!
2. Happy Meal. Whenever Nathan would see McDonald's, ayun magtuturo na. Hindi titigil hanggang hindi kami bumibili ng french fries.
Kaso mas mabisyo si Mommy. Di mapakali pag nakakita ng cute na happy meal toys.
I used to collect happy meal toys when I was in college. As in lahat talaga ng lumalabas eh binibili ko. Now that I have a child, may legitimate reason na ako na mag-happy meal uli haha! Pero mas magandang bumili ng happy meal kapag may coupon, mahal din kasi kapag regular price.
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| It's my mom who likes/loves Snoopy! |
3. Fried Squid Again. We didn't know where to eat dinner last Wednesday night so rushed to the Richmond Public Market again for some cheap Chinese fix. But it was past 7pm already and there's no more fried squid in the stall where we get it. Buti na lang meron pang natira doon sa isa (Captain Wa) or else maglulupasay talaga ako. Masarap naman din, pero mas masarap talaga sa Asian Foods.
4. Filipino Version. I got so kilig when I saw a Filipino text version of PC Plus' (Real Canadian Superstore's rewards card) ads. Nakakatuwa kasi acknowledged nila ang malaking Filipino community dito.
5. Motorcycle Accident. It was my first time to see a motorcycle accident here in Canada. Kapag summer lang kasi may motor sa Edmonton, kasi nga sobrang lamig doon at ma-snow.
When we were planning to move here in BC, Ford kept on telling me that he would buy a motorcycle because he can use it here all year round. Wala nga kasing snow at hindi kalamigan. Ako man, I want to get a small motorcyle, a Vespa perhaps. Haha, asa pa.
But I am amazed talaga sa rescue system dito sa Canada. Kung sa Pinas ka nadisgrasya, goodluck na lang sa iyo.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Thanksgiving Day 2016
And I thought this year's Thanksgiving Day will pass without us doing anything.
As I've mentioned before, I am a fan of celebrating occasions. Gusto ko lahat talaga sine-celebrate kahit papano. That's why when I came to live here in Canada, natuwa ako. Nadagdagan nga kasi ng "Thanksgiving Day" ang listahan ng mga dapat i-celebrate.
I've always had this vision of a 'sossy' Thanksgiving dinner table (complete with all those autumn trimmings) pero di ko pa nae-execute. My first Thanksgiving here in Canada was in 2014 , I was pregnant kaya simpleng celebration lang. Last year naman (2015), Nathan and I were in Pinas. This year, lalong hindi feasible. We just moved here in Surrey last October 2 and we are practically living in mess (as in until now!). Our things, including the furniture, are still in storage.
Anyway, happy pa rin ako because Ford came home last October 10 (Monday) with a pot and portable burner! Tapos may mga ingredients na. Haha, hindi na niya talaga napigil ang craving niya. Napabili na talaga siya ng pang-hot pot!
So ayun, we feasted na. Ang sarap, bagay sa rainy weather. Happy Thanksgiving to us!
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Ooops, before I forget, these are the things that I am majorly thankful for this year:
As I've mentioned before, I am a fan of celebrating occasions. Gusto ko lahat talaga sine-celebrate kahit papano. That's why when I came to live here in Canada, natuwa ako. Nadagdagan nga kasi ng "Thanksgiving Day" ang listahan ng mga dapat i-celebrate.
I've always had this vision of a 'sossy' Thanksgiving dinner table (complete with all those autumn trimmings) pero di ko pa nae-execute. My first Thanksgiving here in Canada was in 2014 , I was pregnant kaya simpleng celebration lang. Last year naman (2015), Nathan and I were in Pinas. This year, lalong hindi feasible. We just moved here in Surrey last October 2 and we are practically living in mess (as in until now!). Our things, including the furniture, are still in storage.
Anyway, happy pa rin ako because Ford came home last October 10 (Monday) with a pot and portable burner! Tapos may mga ingredients na. Haha, hindi na niya talaga napigil ang craving niya. Napabili na talaga siya ng pang-hot pot!
So ayun, we feasted na. Ang sarap, bagay sa rainy weather. Happy Thanksgiving to us!
--------------------------------------
Ooops, before I forget, these are the things that I am majorly thankful for this year:
- I was able to help Ford even in my little way (too vague ba haha!)
- We were able to sell our house (despite Alberta's real estate situation)
- We were able to move here in BC (na matagal na naming pangarap)
- I've made a lot of new good friends in Edmonton (who I will cherish in my heart forever)
- My bond with the "Cuatro Hermosas in Edmonton" have strengthened and they will always be my core group here in Canada despite the distance
- All of us in the family are in good health and we are happy
Nathan is turning 2 next month!
For the nth time, I will be saying this: "Oh how time flies!" Imagine, Nathan will already be two next month!
Nathan and I are going "home" to the Philippines next month and we'll be celebrating his second birthday there. Kung dito kasi sa Surrey, hindi kami makakapag-party. Wala pa kaming maayos na place at friends dito eh. Yun nga lang, wala si Daddy Ford sa party. Di bale, in spirit na lang.
Anyway, unlike like year when we gave him a really big first birthday and baptismal party (which I haven't posted yet, sorry), we'll keep it simple this year. We'll only be inviting close friends and relatives. Sa bahay lang din namin gagawin ang kainan.
It will just be a simple salo-salo lang at home. Walang games, walang anumang arte. Parang Canadian party lang sa house. Basta marami lang balloons.
I chose a minion theme kasi gusto ko ng yellow motif naman (wala pa namang preference ang birthday boy kaya si Mommy na lang ang pumili). Nung 7th month kasi ni Nathan at naghanda kami sa Edmonton, Mickey Mouse theme na. So red. Tapos red na rin sa first birthday niya kasi barnyard. Kaya yellow naman ngayon para may distinction.
Plus may mga minion paper plates and other party materials na available dito. Ang sabi ko kasi last year when I had a hard time gathering stuff for a barnyard theme, ang next na party ni Nathan ay something generic na. Para hindi ako mahirapan.
So there, I will be bringing home some minion-themed party paraphernalias like plastic table cloth, paper plates, balloons, loot bags, etc. Mostly sa Dollarama ko lang binili.
Lola Mamoosh (my mother) will be shouldering the food (haha, ang sarap ng may nanay!). I have a cousin-in-law who cooks very well kaya walang problema. We will also have lechon courtesy of Nathan's Lolo Jim and Lola Elsie (Ford's parents). I ordered a small minion cake na rin from Box of Sweets (the same maker of our barnyard cake last year).
I wish lang na mag-cooperate si Nathan sa birthday niya. He's very shy of people kasi, Ayaw niyang lumapit (lalo na sumama) sa mga hindi niya kilala.
Oh well, excited na ako! Sana lang walang bagyo sa November 12.
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Nathan's birthday is November 13. Gagawin lang naming November 12 ang party para Saturday, hindi masyadong maha-hassle yung mga bisita na me pasok on Monday. =)
Nathan and I are going "home" to the Philippines next month and we'll be celebrating his second birthday there. Kung dito kasi sa Surrey, hindi kami makakapag-party. Wala pa kaming maayos na place at friends dito eh. Yun nga lang, wala si Daddy Ford sa party. Di bale, in spirit na lang.
Anyway, unlike like year when we gave him a really big first birthday and baptismal party (which I haven't posted yet, sorry), we'll keep it simple this year. We'll only be inviting close friends and relatives. Sa bahay lang din namin gagawin ang kainan.
It will just be a simple salo-salo lang at home. Walang games, walang anumang arte. Parang Canadian party lang sa house. Basta marami lang balloons.
I chose a minion theme kasi gusto ko ng yellow motif naman (wala pa namang preference ang birthday boy kaya si Mommy na lang ang pumili). Nung 7th month kasi ni Nathan at naghanda kami sa Edmonton, Mickey Mouse theme na. So red. Tapos red na rin sa first birthday niya kasi barnyard. Kaya yellow naman ngayon para may distinction.
Plus may mga minion paper plates and other party materials na available dito. Ang sabi ko kasi last year when I had a hard time gathering stuff for a barnyard theme, ang next na party ni Nathan ay something generic na. Para hindi ako mahirapan.
So there, I will be bringing home some minion-themed party paraphernalias like plastic table cloth, paper plates, balloons, loot bags, etc. Mostly sa Dollarama ko lang binili.
Lola Mamoosh (my mother) will be shouldering the food (haha, ang sarap ng may nanay!). I have a cousin-in-law who cooks very well kaya walang problema. We will also have lechon courtesy of Nathan's Lolo Jim and Lola Elsie (Ford's parents). I ordered a small minion cake na rin from Box of Sweets (the same maker of our barnyard cake last year).
I wish lang na mag-cooperate si Nathan sa birthday niya. He's very shy of people kasi, Ayaw niyang lumapit (lalo na sumama) sa mga hindi niya kilala.
Oh well, excited na ako! Sana lang walang bagyo sa November 12.
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Nathan's birthday is November 13. Gagawin lang naming November 12 ang party para Saturday, hindi masyadong maha-hassle yung mga bisita na me pasok on Monday. =)
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Random Chika # 6
1. Hotwheels. Nathan's always been into "broom broom." Dugong Reyes nga yata talaga. Now that he's bigger, I'd start buying him metal match boxes na. Ok pala ang Hotwheels, made in Malaysia (at
hindi sa China). Mura lang sa ang mga ito sa Walmart ($1.25) at Dollarama ($1.50). Plus tax pa syempre.
2. Goldilocks Cake. We got invited to Tito Harold's "surprise" birthday party last October 7 (Friday). There's a Goldilocks branch in Guildford Mall so we went there to get a cake.
Their cakes are not similar to what are being sold in the Philippines. Ibang-iba ang itsura, di tulad sa Red Ribbon sa US na kamukha talaga (pati ang pastries).
There weren't much choices so I ended up choosing this round choco 'something' cake. It costs $23.25 -- not cheap considering na maliit lang siya. According to the friendly staff, it's a "thaw" cake. Kailangan palipasin ng one hour bago kainin.
They asked me if I want some flower decors for the cake. I was hesitant kasi nga panlalake. But they suggested a 'blue and yellow theme' so sige. Eto ang finished product.
There were many cakes in the party but I was happy kasi yung dala namin ang ginamit for the 'blowing of the cake.' Siguro kasi personalized, saka the guests wanted to taste na rin the cake.
In fairness, masarap siya. Even Ford (who's not into sweets) liked it. Sulit na rin.
3. Lakompake Book. This is the very first book na hahanapin/ bibilin ko sa Pinas pag-uwi ko next month. Sana may stock na by then kasi sa ngayon eh nagkakaubusan daw. Haha, tawang-tawa kasi ako talaga kay Senyora!
4. Food Trip sa Richmond Public Market. We regret buying combo meals at one of the food stalls in Richmond Public Market, hindi kasi ganun kasarap. Pero mura ha, $7.50 lang tatlong ulam na.
Pero the best talaga ang fried suid. $8.50 lang super dami na. Hay, I am craving for it now! Makabalik nga dun uli bukas.
5. Aling Mary's Kutsinta. Meron nito sa Edmonton eh, pero di ko pinapansin. Di naman kasi ako mahilig sa kutsinta. Pero dahil made in Surrey ito, sige tinikman na ng asawa ko.
Ang verdict -- hindi masarap! Sobrang artificial ng lasa, ang layo sa totoong kutsinta. I wonder kung meron ba dito talaga na me gusto nito? Oh well, siguro meron nga kasi ang tagal na nito sa market eh.
My husband tried to finish it kasi sayang, kaso di na talaga keri ng powers niya. Kaya ayan, tapon na ang tatlong piraso.
hindi sa China). Mura lang sa ang mga ito sa Walmart ($1.25) at Dollarama ($1.50). Plus tax pa syempre.
2. Goldilocks Cake. We got invited to Tito Harold's "surprise" birthday party last October 7 (Friday). There's a Goldilocks branch in Guildford Mall so we went there to get a cake.
Their cakes are not similar to what are being sold in the Philippines. Ibang-iba ang itsura, di tulad sa Red Ribbon sa US na kamukha talaga (pati ang pastries).
There weren't much choices so I ended up choosing this round choco 'something' cake. It costs $23.25 -- not cheap considering na maliit lang siya. According to the friendly staff, it's a "thaw" cake. Kailangan palipasin ng one hour bago kainin.
They asked me if I want some flower decors for the cake. I was hesitant kasi nga panlalake. But they suggested a 'blue and yellow theme' so sige. Eto ang finished product.
There were many cakes in the party but I was happy kasi yung dala namin ang ginamit for the 'blowing of the cake.' Siguro kasi personalized, saka the guests wanted to taste na rin the cake.
In fairness, masarap siya. Even Ford (who's not into sweets) liked it. Sulit na rin.
 |
| Happy birthday, Tito Harold! |
3. Lakompake Book. This is the very first book na hahanapin/ bibilin ko sa Pinas pag-uwi ko next month. Sana may stock na by then kasi sa ngayon eh nagkakaubusan daw. Haha, tawang-tawa kasi ako talaga kay Senyora!
4. Food Trip sa Richmond Public Market. We regret buying combo meals at one of the food stalls in Richmond Public Market, hindi kasi ganun kasarap. Pero mura ha, $7.50 lang tatlong ulam na.
Pero the best talaga ang fried suid. $8.50 lang super dami na. Hay, I am craving for it now! Makabalik nga dun uli bukas.
5. Aling Mary's Kutsinta. Meron nito sa Edmonton eh, pero di ko pinapansin. Di naman kasi ako mahilig sa kutsinta. Pero dahil made in Surrey ito, sige tinikman na ng asawa ko.
Ang verdict -- hindi masarap! Sobrang artificial ng lasa, ang layo sa totoong kutsinta. I wonder kung meron ba dito talaga na me gusto nito? Oh well, siguro meron nga kasi ang tagal na nito sa market eh.
My husband tried to finish it kasi sayang, kaso di na talaga keri ng powers niya. Kaya ayan, tapon na ang tatlong piraso.
Friday, October 14, 2016
Missing Casa Blanco
It's exactly two weeks now since we bid goodbye to our very first home. I started crying the moment we left and closed the garage door for the last time.
I wasn't that sad when I left our house in Pinas, kasi alam ko bahay ko pa rin naman iyon. Makakabalik pa ako anytime. Sa Unit 99, hindi na.
We only lived in that house for 2 years and 8 months but we've built quite a lot of good memories there. I was still in the Philippines when Ford "bought" it. Pre-construction. Lumipat kami two months after I immigrated here in Canada. I felt so lucky and blessed. Imagine pagdating ko may bahay na agad ako.
Ford gave me the full privilege of decorating it, of turning it how I wanted it to be. Noon ko unang na-experience maging "wife" talaga.
It was truly a lucky home for us. Imagine, in less than three weeks of living there, nag-conceive na ako. That house witnessed how we became a 'family.'
Oh, and we've had quite a lot of house guests in less than three years that we stayed there. Lalong sumaya ang bahay namin.
And so here I am, watching the heavy rains outside -- badly missing Unit 99. It might take time bago ako makamove-on. Siguro kapag may bagong Casa Blanco na uli. Right now, we are renting a one-bedroom apartment and most of our stuff are in the storage. Pag nakapag-settle na kami talaga dito sa BC, sana makabili na uli. Sobrang mahal nga lang ng mga bahay dito so we might end up in a condo. I don't care, I just want to have my own house again.
We love you, Casa Blanco. You'll always have a special place in our hearts.
I wasn't that sad when I left our house in Pinas, kasi alam ko bahay ko pa rin naman iyon. Makakabalik pa ako anytime. Sa Unit 99, hindi na.
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| September 30, 2016 |
We only lived in that house for 2 years and 8 months but we've built quite a lot of good memories there. I was still in the Philippines when Ford "bought" it. Pre-construction. Lumipat kami two months after I immigrated here in Canada. I felt so lucky and blessed. Imagine pagdating ko may bahay na agad ako.
Ford gave me the full privilege of decorating it, of turning it how I wanted it to be. Noon ko unang na-experience maging "wife" talaga.
It was truly a lucky home for us. Imagine, in less than three weeks of living there, nag-conceive na ako. That house witnessed how we became a 'family.'
Oh, and we've had quite a lot of house guests in less than three years that we stayed there. Lalong sumaya ang bahay namin.
Pero sabi nga nila, walang forever. Lalo na sa bahay dito sa Canada. Don't get too attached daw, kasi unlike sa Pinas, normal ang pagpalit-palit ng bahay dito o pag-move.
When we had Nathan, we planned on getting a 'bigger' house din naman eventually. A 'small' laned home with a basement would be perfect, we thought. We will need kasi a bigger space for Nathan's stuff. Tapos November pa ang birthday niya, indoor parties lang ang puwede kasi nga 'winter' na.
But things happen and we had to leave Casa Blanco sooner than we expected. Kelangan na kasi naming lumipat ng lugar. Hay, if only we could bring our house with us! =(
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| huling sulyap |
And so here I am, watching the heavy rains outside -- badly missing Unit 99. It might take time bago ako makamove-on. Siguro kapag may bagong Casa Blanco na uli. Right now, we are renting a one-bedroom apartment and most of our stuff are in the storage. Pag nakapag-settle na kami talaga dito sa BC, sana makabili na uli. Sobrang mahal nga lang ng mga bahay dito so we might end up in a condo. I don't care, I just want to have my own house again.
We love you, Casa Blanco. You'll always have a special place in our hearts.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
A little update
It's almost 5am and I am still awake. I am feeling a little low. It's pouring outside and they say it'll rain straight till next week. Hell yah, welcome to Raincouver!
Just a little update after half a year of not blogging -- we are now living in Surrey, British Columbia! A lot of things have happened the past several months and I couldn't wait to write about it.
But first things first. I need to change my blog's description (or even title?). I'll do that soon.
Ahh, I miss blogging!
Just a little update after half a year of not blogging -- we are now living in Surrey, British Columbia! A lot of things have happened the past several months and I couldn't wait to write about it.
But first things first. I need to change my blog's description (or even title?). I'll do that soon.
Ahh, I miss blogging!
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
To be honest, I've only learned about this special cultural celebration of the feast of St. Patrick when I moved here in Canada. Heck, I am a Roman Catholic but I don't even know who St. Patrick is! O siya, I googled and learned that he's the patron saint pala of Ireland (he introduced Christianity in that country). At dahil land of immigrants ang Canada, sine-celebrate din dito ang St. Patrick's Day because of Irish diaspora.
Anyway, I know no Irish so my idea of how this day is/should be celebrated is very limited. Basta ang alam ko lang, a lot of St. Patrick's Day items are being sold bago mag-March 17. Dollarama (my favorite store here in Canada) has an area designated solely for green St. Paddy stuff. Basta, nakaka-engganyo haha!
I have a kid now and this gives me an excuse to be more playful in life. Oh how I wish Nathan cooperates, kaso ayaw pa niyang mag-outfit outfit! Hopefully in the coming years ma-appreciate na niya ang mga eklat ko sa buhay hehe.
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Oops, here's Nathan's Then-Now photo pala. I guess he'll be wearing green every March 17th of his life lol!
To be honest, I've only learned about this special cultural celebration of the feast of St. Patrick when I moved here in Canada. Heck, I am a Roman Catholic but I don't even know who St. Patrick is! O siya, I googled and learned that he's the patron saint pala of Ireland (he introduced Christianity in that country). At dahil land of immigrants ang Canada, sine-celebrate din dito ang St. Patrick's Day because of Irish diaspora.
Anyway, I know no Irish so my idea of how this day is/should be celebrated is very limited. Basta ang alam ko lang, a lot of St. Patrick's Day items are being sold bago mag-March 17. Dollarama (my favorite store here in Canada) has an area designated solely for green St. Paddy stuff. Basta, nakaka-engganyo haha!
I have a kid now and this gives me an excuse to be more playful in life. Oh how I wish Nathan cooperates, kaso ayaw pa niyang mag-outfit outfit! Hopefully in the coming years ma-appreciate na niya ang mga eklat ko sa buhay hehe.
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Oops, here's Nathan's Then-Now photo pala. I guess he'll be wearing green every March 17th of his life lol!
Saturday, March 12, 2016
We will get through this
I am so sorry for the lack of posts. I feel bad, really bad.
But you see, our family is facing through a tough time right now. Our life has changed in just a blink of an eye. =( If only I can blog about it, hay!
Anyway, I know that we'll be ok. Soon, hopefully. This is only a challenge, a test of our family's strength.
But you see, our family is facing through a tough time right now. Our life has changed in just a blink of an eye. =( If only I can blog about it, hay!
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| Picture taken from Instagram @snoopygrams |
Anyway, I know that we'll be ok. Soon, hopefully. This is only a challenge, a test of our family's strength.
Monday, January 25, 2016
Why I hate Sundays
Sunday is over. Here are three reasons why I now hate Sundays:
No Pinoy telerserye to watch. I've become addicted to teleseryes the moment I became an immigrant here in Canada. I am no longer shy to admit that when I wake up in the morning, excited na agad ako sa new episodes ng mga teleseryeng sinusubaybayan ko.
Kaya parang kulang ang Sunday ko kasi nga wala akong mapanood. Boo!
My intellectual friends will surely laugh at me when I learn this. But I don't care. When you're living abroad, isa ang TFC sa koneksyon mo sa Pinas eh. I only watch teleseryes and news/current affairs though.
Malls and Stores close early. Hanggang ngayon, di ko pa rin matanggap na ang aga agang magsara ng mga malls dito kapag linggo. Hanggang 6pm lang ang West Edmonton Mall, yung smaller malls hanggang 5pm lang. Late din sila mag-open kaya maikli lang talaga ang mall hours. Ang sabi nila, the Canadian government put so much premium on family kaya ini-encourage nila ang mga tao na sa bahay mag-stay kapag linggo.
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| Picture taken from the internet (credits to the owner) |
We normally do not go to the mall anymore on Sundays. Nakakabitin lang kasi. We usually wake up at 11am-12noon, then we'll have lunch, tapos ligo at bihis, prepare pa ng gamit ni Nathan, kaya past 2pm na kami nakakaalis ng bahay. Parang naghahabol lang kami ng oras kapag nasa mall kami.
Other stores close early as well. Not that I always shop, ayaw ko lang talaga ng idea na maaga silang magsara. Feeling ko napaka-restricting. Buti na lang bukas ang Walmart at ibang supermarkets.
Ford has work the following day. Just the thought that Ford has to work the next day is enough to spoil my Sunday. Bilang na kasi ang oras ng "pahinga" ko. One week na naman akong mag-aantay para hindi lang kami ni Nathan ang magkasama the whole day. =(
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| Nathan kissing Dad to wake him up |
Whew, Monday na naman! Ambilis ng araw.
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Nathan is walking!
Nathan started to take a few steps around second week of January 2016.
And look at him now. It was his first time to explore the world (outside home) with his two feet! And Mommy couldn't be happier!
I honestly thought that he would walk earlier. He crawled and stood up early kasi. Kaya I was a bit disappointed that he wasn't walking yet on his first birthday. Was it because I made him use a walker in the Philippines? Was it because of his 'heavy' weight? Or was it because he was tiptoeing when we were teaching/guiding him to walk (just like me, lagi daw nakatingkayad)?
Oh well, that's irrelevant now. My son already walk and I am now at peace. Good job, Nathan! We love you!
* The videos were taken last January 21 at Lucky Supermarket.
And look at him now. It was his first time to explore the world (outside home) with his two feet! And Mommy couldn't be happier!
I honestly thought that he would walk earlier. He crawled and stood up early kasi. Kaya I was a bit disappointed that he wasn't walking yet on his first birthday. Was it because I made him use a walker in the Philippines? Was it because of his 'heavy' weight? Or was it because he was tiptoeing when we were teaching/guiding him to walk (just like me, lagi daw nakatingkayad)?
Oh well, that's irrelevant now. My son already walk and I am now at peace. Good job, Nathan! We love you!
* The videos were taken last January 21 at Lucky Supermarket.
Random Chika # 5
1. Falling Prices of Oil. This pretty much illustrates Alberta's economy.
It's so ironic. When I was in the Philippines, I kept on praying for the price of oil to drop. Our family operates a transportation business so the price of fuel impacts our operation the most. Now that I am living in Alberta, syempre gusto ko mataas ang presyo ng langis para "mayaman" ang lugar namin.
Oh well, again we are having a scary economy here. When will this end?
2. New Buddy -- Handheld Vacuum. At long last, may sariling vacuum na ako! Pod has a lot of "big" vacuums (addict siya dun) at ang tagal ko ng sinasabing bilhan niya ako nito. It took a while kasi wala siyang bilib sa akin. Dati kasi nagpabili ako ng walis tambo sa isang Pinoy store dito, hindi ko ginamit. Nakakatamad kasi. Ayun winarningan ako na kapag hindi ko raw ginamit ito eh never na raw niya akong papakinggan sa mga pinabibili ko.
But I've proven him wrong. Sulit na sulit ito sa akin. Nathan loves eating biscuits kaya yung mga kalat niya ang palagi kong vina-vacuum haha! I love it talaga! This is very cheap though. Less than $30 lang yata. When it breaks down, saka na daw ako bibilhan ni Pod ng mamahalin.
3. Plastic Cover for Dining Table. Haha, this looks so cheap I know! Pero bakit ba kasi hindi uso ang glass na pang-protect sa table? People here use table cloths all the time. Kaso nadudumihan at namamantsahan naman. Even if you use placemats, di pa rin maiwasan na hindi matuluan o malaglagan ng ulam.
The only solution is to put a plastic cover. I bought one at Dollarama, saktong sakto ang size sa dining table namin.
Ford and I have not been using our dining table for a while. Sa counter lang kami kumakain para madaling linisin. But we have house guests now, at may parating pa next week, kaya mapapasabak ang table namin sa napakaraming kainan.
4. Nando's to Open Soon. We were driving in the south area last Sunday when Ford made a wrong turn. And I couldn't believe what I saw, Nando's! I asked my driver to stop a bit so that I can see for sure. Pucha, Nando's nga! The restaurant is still under construction but by the looks of it, I knew that it is opening soon.
I love Nando's. I would always eat there whenever I visit my BFF Raxie in Kuala Lumpur. Mahilig ako sa grilled chicken eh.
Pero hindi lang dahil sa peri-peri chicken kaya ako happy. Again, whenever a new familiar franchise restaurant opens here in Edmonton, nadadagdagan ang hope ko na mas dadami pa ang makakainan namin in the future. Mas maraming options, mas masaya. Sana someday hindi ko na tawaging "Deadmonton" ang Edmonton hahaha!
5. Dairy Queen's $7 Meal. It was my first time to eat DQ's "fan food." Puro vanilla ice cream cone lang kasi palagi ang binibili ko. But since McDonald's WEM Foodcourt is closed for renovation and I was craving for fries, sa DQ ako bumagsak.
Hmm, for $7, sulit na rin. The sundae in the picture is medium-sized. Dapat small lang talaga pero dahil kilala ko yung server, inupgrade nya haha.
Kaso gusto ko pa rin ng french fries ng McDo.
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| Picture taken from the net (credits to the owner) |
Oh well, again we are having a scary economy here. When will this end?
2. New Buddy -- Handheld Vacuum. At long last, may sariling vacuum na ako! Pod has a lot of "big" vacuums (addict siya dun) at ang tagal ko ng sinasabing bilhan niya ako nito. It took a while kasi wala siyang bilib sa akin. Dati kasi nagpabili ako ng walis tambo sa isang Pinoy store dito, hindi ko ginamit. Nakakatamad kasi. Ayun winarningan ako na kapag hindi ko raw ginamit ito eh never na raw niya akong papakinggan sa mga pinabibili ko.
But I've proven him wrong. Sulit na sulit ito sa akin. Nathan loves eating biscuits kaya yung mga kalat niya ang palagi kong vina-vacuum haha! I love it talaga! This is very cheap though. Less than $30 lang yata. When it breaks down, saka na daw ako bibilhan ni Pod ng mamahalin.
3. Plastic Cover for Dining Table. Haha, this looks so cheap I know! Pero bakit ba kasi hindi uso ang glass na pang-protect sa table? People here use table cloths all the time. Kaso nadudumihan at namamantsahan naman. Even if you use placemats, di pa rin maiwasan na hindi matuluan o malaglagan ng ulam.
The only solution is to put a plastic cover. I bought one at Dollarama, saktong sakto ang size sa dining table namin.
Ford and I have not been using our dining table for a while. Sa counter lang kami kumakain para madaling linisin. But we have house guests now, at may parating pa next week, kaya mapapasabak ang table namin sa napakaraming kainan.
4. Nando's to Open Soon. We were driving in the south area last Sunday when Ford made a wrong turn. And I couldn't believe what I saw, Nando's! I asked my driver to stop a bit so that I can see for sure. Pucha, Nando's nga! The restaurant is still under construction but by the looks of it, I knew that it is opening soon.
I love Nando's. I would always eat there whenever I visit my BFF Raxie in Kuala Lumpur. Mahilig ako sa grilled chicken eh.
Pero hindi lang dahil sa peri-peri chicken kaya ako happy. Again, whenever a new familiar franchise restaurant opens here in Edmonton, nadadagdagan ang hope ko na mas dadami pa ang makakainan namin in the future. Mas maraming options, mas masaya. Sana someday hindi ko na tawaging "Deadmonton" ang Edmonton hahaha!
5. Dairy Queen's $7 Meal. It was my first time to eat DQ's "fan food." Puro vanilla ice cream cone lang kasi palagi ang binibili ko. But since McDonald's WEM Foodcourt is closed for renovation and I was craving for fries, sa DQ ako bumagsak.
Hmm, for $7, sulit na rin. The sundae in the picture is medium-sized. Dapat small lang talaga pero dahil kilala ko yung server, inupgrade nya haha.
Kaso gusto ko pa rin ng french fries ng McDo.
Friday, January 22, 2016
Celebrating the fourth
We can't do anything special for our fourth anniversary because it fell on a Tuesday. Plus what else can a poor couple do with a toddler in tow? Not that we're complaining lol.
So I just requested a simple dinner at Tony Roma's. The last time we ate there was May 2014 pa kaya namimiss ko na rin. I chose the WEM location because we had to buy some things pa in the mall.
Since last year, dalawa na ang poging ka-date ko.
We'll always be grateful for this little boy. Mas meaningful na ang wedding anniversary because of him.
Mrs. Blanco for four years.
I ordered calamari for appetizer. Craving satisfied!
Our dinner.
Nathan was already happy with his gold fish and water-na-inistraw. He hasn't been eating solids lately. =(
Because we were too shy to ask our server to take our picture. Parang hindi kasi talaga uso rito ang pagpapakuha ng pictures. Ayan, groufie groufie na lang.
Tumatanda na talaga kami. Almost 9 years of being bf-gf + 4 years being married. Magkasama pa rin kami. We are living a simple yet happy life. Salamat Po.
Ford and I are not into desserts so we just had a venti mocha frappucino for sharing. Lagi kaming share sa frappucino naman. Unang frapp ko pala ito simula ng bumalik kami last November.
Happy fourth year wedding anniversary to us!
So I just requested a simple dinner at Tony Roma's. The last time we ate there was May 2014 pa kaya namimiss ko na rin. I chose the WEM location because we had to buy some things pa in the mall.
Since last year, dalawa na ang poging ka-date ko.
We'll always be grateful for this little boy. Mas meaningful na ang wedding anniversary because of him.
Mrs. Blanco for four years.
I ordered calamari for appetizer. Craving satisfied!
Our dinner.
Nathan was already happy with his gold fish and water-na-inistraw. He hasn't been eating solids lately. =(
Because we were too shy to ask our server to take our picture. Parang hindi kasi talaga uso rito ang pagpapakuha ng pictures. Ayan, groufie groufie na lang.
Tumatanda na talaga kami. Almost 9 years of being bf-gf + 4 years being married. Magkasama pa rin kami. We are living a simple yet happy life. Salamat Po.
Ford and I are not into desserts so we just had a venti mocha frappucino for sharing. Lagi kaming share sa frappucino naman. Unang frapp ko pala ito simula ng bumalik kami last November.
Happy fourth year wedding anniversary to us!
Christmas Tree 2015
It's already 2016, I know! But I have so many backlogged posts so please bear with me.
This was our tree last Christmas. It's simple but I liked it. I went for a yellow green-and-red theme because I have a child now. Para mas pambata.
I bought twenty stuffed Santa Claus and Snow Man (at Php99.75 each) at SM North EDSA because I found them cute. Ford and I were together when I got them and he was a bit shocked with the price.
FORD -- Php2,000 lahat?! Ang mahal naman! Tapos isang beses lang natin gagamitin?
CES -- Haler, ang ganda naman! Ang mahal kaya nyan sa Canada! Saka hindi naman natin once lang gagamitin. Magmimix-and-match tayo in the coming years syempre. It's just that isang set pa lang ang tree decors natin kaya we need to buy more pa.
At syempre walang nagawa ang Coblancs.
I know that changing our tree's decor every year is not practical but I don't want to see same tree in all our Christmas photos noh. Syempre dapat iba-iba. Also, Christmas tree na nga lang ang bumubuhay sa pasko namin dito sa abroad kaya dapat naman gawing special kahit papano.
Oops, I wasn't able to find a tree topper so I used the Santa hat that I also brought from the Philippines. The red and yellow green balls are from SM, WalMart, and Dollarama.
I was looking for a perfect tree ornament for Nathan and I found it the last minute. A Precious Moment again.
This was the night-time look pala:
Ford wanted to buy blinking Christmas lights but I objected. Ang mahal kasi nun, sabi ko di pa nasusulit yung binili namin last year.
FORD -- Bakit pag ako ang bibili eh kontra ka?
CES -- Live with it.
Hahaha! To be honest, I am not fond of patay-sinding ilaw. Nahihilo kasi ako.
When Nathan and I were still in the Philippines, I asked Ford to buy a smaller tree that we can just put on a side table. Gagalawin lang daw kasi ng bata ang puno, baka makuryente pa. But I changed my mind, ang mahal kasi ng bagong tree. Plus gusto ko talaga ng malaking puno. Bahala na kako si Batman.
Thankfully, Nathan has been very good to the tree. Hindi nila ginugulo. At times when he was tempted to hold the tree, he would look at me as if he was asking for permission. And when I say, "No," he will turn away. Sobrang good boy talaga!
We put up our tree very late (by Filipino standard). December 5 na nang matayo and it took a couple of days more para ma-decorate. November 25 lang kasi kami dumating at talagang nag-adjust pa kami. I hope maagahan namin next year para we get to enjoy our Christmas tree longer. Mas may appreciation na siguro si Nathan by that time.
This was our tree last Christmas. It's simple but I liked it. I went for a yellow green-and-red theme because I have a child now. Para mas pambata.
I bought twenty stuffed Santa Claus and Snow Man (at Php99.75 each) at SM North EDSA because I found them cute. Ford and I were together when I got them and he was a bit shocked with the price.
FORD -- Php2,000 lahat?! Ang mahal naman! Tapos isang beses lang natin gagamitin?
CES -- Haler, ang ganda naman! Ang mahal kaya nyan sa Canada! Saka hindi naman natin once lang gagamitin. Magmimix-and-match tayo in the coming years syempre. It's just that isang set pa lang ang tree decors natin kaya we need to buy more pa.
At syempre walang nagawa ang Coblancs.
I know that changing our tree's decor every year is not practical but I don't want to see same tree in all our Christmas photos noh. Syempre dapat iba-iba. Also, Christmas tree na nga lang ang bumubuhay sa pasko namin dito sa abroad kaya dapat naman gawing special kahit papano.
Oops, I wasn't able to find a tree topper so I used the Santa hat that I also brought from the Philippines. The red and yellow green balls are from SM, WalMart, and Dollarama.
I was looking for a perfect tree ornament for Nathan and I found it the last minute. A Precious Moment again.
This was the night-time look pala:
Ford wanted to buy blinking Christmas lights but I objected. Ang mahal kasi nun, sabi ko di pa nasusulit yung binili namin last year.
FORD -- Bakit pag ako ang bibili eh kontra ka?
CES -- Live with it.
Hahaha! To be honest, I am not fond of patay-sinding ilaw. Nahihilo kasi ako.
When Nathan and I were still in the Philippines, I asked Ford to buy a smaller tree that we can just put on a side table. Gagalawin lang daw kasi ng bata ang puno, baka makuryente pa. But I changed my mind, ang mahal kasi ng bagong tree. Plus gusto ko talaga ng malaking puno. Bahala na kako si Batman.
Thankfully, Nathan has been very good to the tree. Hindi nila ginugulo. At times when he was tempted to hold the tree, he would look at me as if he was asking for permission. And when I say, "No," he will turn away. Sobrang good boy talaga!
We put up our tree very late (by Filipino standard). December 5 na nang matayo and it took a couple of days more para ma-decorate. November 25 lang kasi kami dumating at talagang nag-adjust pa kami. I hope maagahan namin next year para we get to enjoy our Christmas tree longer. Mas may appreciation na siguro si Nathan by that time.
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