Trippy Terrible Twos

"There's three of you leaving for Mexico but there might be four of you coming back", my friend teased, hinting I might get pregnant during the trip.  I laughed it off, as my fantasy only involved downing tequila shots and not really procreating.  I'm against drunk trying.  However, it was understandable that I get teased and asked about becoming a mom again.  I'd rather that than, "Oh wow, you've gained weight."  I might let that person carry on with THAT conversation by himself/herself.  Anyway, the funniest thing happened weeks after the trip besides my friend getting pregnant.  Yes, same one who teased me about getting knocked up(she's beautiful and blessed with a gorgeous family).  I started experiencing pregnancy symptoms(wanting to throw up, getting grossed out with whatever I smell, etc.).  Freaked out for a couple of days, I took a pregnancy test.

 

Bunky's first time in Mexico.  Cooling off with a soy drink

It was a false alarm and I had mixed emotions about it.

Of course I want another baby. Have you seen my last post?

I'm not yet ready for another baby. I mean, have you seen my last post?

The hubs told me that I do get psychosomatic reactions to impending events I dread going to, so he ruled that my body felt pregnant since the idea was floating in my head whether I welcomed it or not.  It's fascinating how on the way to Bunky's terrible twos, I'm on the road with him with my own scruples.  Thank goodness for blessings like this blog, my hubby, and my new job writing for a magazine.  They help me march the road with a banner that says, "The world is his oyster.  Just excuse him when he's crabby."  And on the back of my shirt, "Same goes for me."  Just saying. 

Overstimulation After Party

Bunky was an ultra Krabby Patty at a wedding reception and no one had the recipe to figure this burger out.  The hubs and I knew he was just overstimulated with all the music and the joyous crowd, but we still felt helpless when Bunky cried and shrieked.  We took turns eating and letting Bunky wail it out in the banquet hall lobby.  Hurrying home after dessert, I remembered I had to take his 19th month smile picture.  I half dreaded it for obvious reasons aside from my arms aching from all the shrieky squirming from hours before.  I brought out the camera and this miraculous moment unfolded:

That's Bunky drool on his shirt.  From teething or crying, I can't tell anymore.

This moment was just glorious.

Sporting a cheeky grin 

The hubs can't help but smile, too. 

Bunky turned 19 months last Canada Day.  Though there were no burgers on the grill and no Adirondack chairs to zone out in, his late night grin and giggles were all the fireworks we needed to end a great family day.

Rearview But in the Clearview of NKOTBSB

The super efficient production side of the concert

The front corner rearview seat appealed to me because I love to watch what I can from the production/backstage side of the concert.  The set-up crew did such a clean job that some of them were able to get down to Jordin Sparks' "I Am Woman"(she was amazing, performed several songs after hometown band Neverest wowed the early bird audience) and it was hilarious to watch.

I sat here to kind of see what they can see...

Before the curtain dropped, they were stretching, giving each other props, etc.

The earliest screams came from my side of the audience since we got first visuals on NKOTBSB!  I enjoyed seeing them give each other great vibes before their big show. 

Posing and hearing the shrieking fans before their show starts

They'll still be in the middle of their tour by the time I post this so I will not get into details of the concert.  But yes, I sang along to all the songs and so did 18,000+ fans.  It was phenomenal. :o)  This post looks like a photo blog but I'm sure NKOTBSB fans won't mind.

NKOTBSB revealed!

During a song where NKOTB was facing the back with their arms crossed(choreography), I realized Donnie Wahlberg was looking in my direction.  I had to make sure so I blew him a kiss and eventhough he can't move from his pose, he puckered up and blew ME a kiss too! 
I melted.

Packed Air Canada Centre

Howie, Danny, and AJ all waved to me from backstage when they heard me scream their names.  I had help from a few fans from my row.

Howie waiting his turn to go onstage

NKOTB singing "The Right Stuff". :oD

At one point in the concert, Brian Littrell of BSB faced our side and looked at me.  Of course I blew him a kiss.  He blew one back and I melted.  Again. 

Backstreet Boys at a mobile stage at the end of the catwalk

During one of the songs, Brian went back to the same spot(facing us) and pointed at me.  I pointed at myself and he nodded.  Then he pointed at himself, pointed at me, then did the "rocking a baby" motion with his hands.  In my books, that meant "I want your baby". 

I was so stunned, I nodded. :oD

After the same song, he went to that spot again and formed a heart with his hands.  I did the same and he flashed a big smile.

One super happy fan. 

NKOTBSB made me feel like I had the best seat in the house. 

Back in the early 90's, my mom asked me,"Why do you keep buying their cassette tapes?  They don't even know you exist."  

A few days ago, my mom and I had lunch together.  When I told her what happened at the concert and reminded her of what she said back then, she said, "See, it's good I said that.  Now you're able to throw it back at my face over sushi.  It's so much fun!"  Oh mom. LOL. 

Save to Getaway, Save to Stay (Save the Philippine Seas: Blog Action Day)

The Philippine Seas can make a non - swimmer(my husband) snorkel.  I remember begging the currents to let us stare at the corals that are too precious to touch, as our world stood still in the presence of a giant clam on the ocean floor.  He has yet to witness the seas at night, where its magic astounds with endless twinkling of undersea spectacle akin to Christmas lights.

Even on foot our souls are filled with awe as we take in the sights and tastes of the seas.

The hubs and my little bro: Out to the waiting sea from the mangrove's embrace (Palawan, Philippines)

Gifts to feast on

Pure magnificence

We are spreading the awareness so more non - swimmers can snorkel. 
Visit Save the Philippine Seas and get proactive.

Mayhem Last May

Ah, the May that was solemn and sullen.  I'm pretty sure of not being the first mom blogger with mixed feelings for the flowery month.  If only it was whisk - deep as, "I love December for all the gatherings.  I hate it for sanding down my credit card".  May had me celebrating phenomenal moms, lost moms, and "I can't believe she's a mom" moms.  I can't say with full confidence that I toasted to my own motherhood the best way I could as May also marked the first death anniversary of a fellow mom, a dear friend of mine whose bipolar disease sent her to heaven way too early(Well, that's how it felt).  I wanted to use this blog entry for Mother's Day but I was struggling with grief.  Like I told you, not whisk - deep; more of Triton stirring the ocean - deep.  But before this entry goes on, a little revelation if I may.  Notice what my friend wrote on the scrapbook page she made during my baby shower:

"If there's one word to describe this picture, it would be DEEP". - Redge

Our connection remained even beyond her mortality.  In my sleep she showed me some of her own memories that I would otherwise not know of, and finally an image of pearls in the ocean arranged to profile her face glistening in the moonlight.  I celebrated her and yet I felt sad and bitter.  Was it grief?  It was only yesterday that I decided to call it missing and remembering.  Grief only held me back.  Missing and remembering did not lead to understanding but they helped me go on.  It was never the Resurrection that I doubted.  It was whether the ones she left behind can live their lives celebrating what they learned from hers.   If I get reunited with her and the angels boast of her brilliance, I would only be too itching to say, "Please.  I've already seen that when she was still on earth".

Not Lugging Luggage

The maximum combined weight for check-in baggage* is now 44 pounds.  Didn't it used to be 2 pieces maximum at 50 pounds each?!?  We haven't landed in Mexico or Manila, and I'm already fanning myself to calm down this mild panic attack.  Still in shock, we scrambled to redeem our Air Miles for some snazzy luggage.  I've been a Heys fan for 5 years now and find their luggage conveniently lightweight, easy to maneuver, and durable.  The older models I own only have scruff marks from wear and tear.  Hopefully, we won't luck out and have an ACME anvil drop - sharp edge down on these frameless beauties.

Lightweight aluminum handles, 360 swivel wheels, and a piggy back feature

My pick: The Heys Eco Orbis is made from 100% recycled ABS plastic

Bunky picks out his luggage since he's traveling with me(L to R: 30"-11 lbs., 26"- 9.2 lbs., 21.5"-7lbs.)

I'm freaking out about the baggage weight allowance because parents haul serious turtle shells when going anywhere with a toddler.  It's hilarious how the hubs and I are currently calculating how much formula and diapers we can bring for our upcoming trips. 

The hubs will roll with Heys Hummer Spinner Set

Lightweight luggage can carry more shoes, bags, and makeup.  There. Now I can breathe.

*(in our case)Cathay Pacific International Flight for Adult/Child, Economy Class, no restriction in number of pieces

Easter Basket Heavy

The home cooked meal your father whips up is beyond-words-phenomenal.  Out the window you see a colony of ants take apart some mangled remains of something they decide will be their dinner.  You call out to them to come over for better food, but ants cannot understand human talk.  Your father turns you into an ant so you can tell the others about that heavenly smorgasbord.  But the ants don't appreciate you questioning their system of where to get their meals, no matter how good you were getting at using antspeak.  You've formed a little ant line but also pissed off enough ant elders and you get all your six legs crucified, just because your way to better food was not sweet enough for the ants that called the shots.  

I giggled as my favorite professor (Sir Ray Aguas) ended this story by drawing a crucifix-turned-asterisk on the chalkboard.  This simplistic, yet powerful version of the Passion of Christ has been in my heart for the past fourteen years.  Holy weeks of years prior were spent in Candelaria, Quezon, witnessing the bawling Pabasa chanters, and joining processions marked with ivory faced, tear laced statues of holy people and men whipping themselves.  To understand the drama, here's Christ's physical suffering in a nutshell, as I learned from Lee Strobel's The Case for Easter: Hematidrosis(sweating blood from extreme levels of stress), respiratory acidosis(increased respiration leading to increased carbon dioxide in the blood and diaphragm malfunction, among others), excruciating pain(so painful, "pain from the crucifix" gave birth to the term excruciating), pericardial and pleural effusion(chest trauma resulting in inflamed sac pushing against the heart, and excess fluid in the lungs that impair breathing - the reason behind His chest shooting out water when the Roman soldier stabbed Him).   

Dreadful as it was, His existence meant to teach us about love, forgiveness, and what smells so good up there.  His life is (since He was resurrected) teleological and because of us, has extrinsic finality.  His message is love, and not religion.  At the wedding in Cana, He turned water into wine and used jars that were supposed to store holy water for cleansing hands.  The extremely religious thought this act was plain rude.  Jesus wanted to say, "Marriage is a celebration of love.  Let's party!"(something I learned from Bruxy Cavey's The End of Religion)

It's disappointing when I don't love and forgive enough.  It's heart wrenching to see anyone miss the point(especially the religious doing REALLY BAD things).  Easter makes me reflect.  Easter makes me celebrate.  Easter makes me love all the more.   The little one gets to hunt Easter eggs.  I can't wait to teach him what Easter is all about.

What each egg represents: A new life, a new understanding of love

What Bunky knows for now: toys inside eggs and he gets EGGStra kisses for growing new teeth!

It's Easter Skittles Mani, three coats after!

L to R: Essie's Beach Party, Blueberry Crumb, St.Martin Mint, Barbuda Banana, Castaway

Silver Shatter by O.P.I. :o)))

It's like transfiguration for this Easter mani

Love all year round, Bumparoos.  It won't be easy, but it'll be worth it.

Plastic, No Plastic

Festive weekend afternoons involve cakes, balloons, and ball pits.  The jealous weekdays got me thinking that two of the three need inflating, and one will just "inflate" me.  So cakes aside, my hubs and I got Bunky a toddler-friendly ball pit that he can crawl into before we can toss him into one.

The 3-in-1 Arcade Play Center comes with 25 plastic balls

spiral ball ramp, ball drop, and crawl tunnel

By Fisher Price.  Hi Bunky!

For wanting to make the whole week fun (read: For fetching balls thrown out of the pit), we need to stay hydrated.

For Mommy

For Bunky

For more about SIGG Premium Reusable Water Bottles and where to buy them, click here.

I'm eager to take playtime outdoors as soon as this chilly Spring weather lets up.  Until then, it's festive cabin fever on the weekdays, Bumparoos. 

 

Evil, Caveat!

A girlfriend and I thought of each other when we saw the trailer of the movie Insidious, we had to see it together.  We both stayed away from horror flicks for a while(she got a new house, I had a baby) and we were curious if we're ready to get back on the freaked - out bandwagon.  I guess the anticipation of getting spooked psyched me out because before heading out, I realized I dressed myself as my favorite tv villain.

An evil character can laugh off a scary flick...right?

(KRMA Jade jacket, Lavajewelry Lapis Lazuli pendant, La Mer wrap watch, FCUK skinny jeans, Bebe bracelet, Hunter Jimmy Choo rainboots)

The Vampire Diaries' Katherine Pierce(played by fellow Torontonian Nina Dobrev)

Image courtesy of CW

The movie was carnival - scary fun, with the cheat of blaring background music/sound effects.  If it was anything like The Shining, I would have been mortified.  Whew!

Proud that I wasn't jumpy at the theater and wasn't freaked out the next morning, I celebrated by painting my nails in a kick - ass fashion.

OPI Not Like The Movies (Katy Perry Collection)

Topped with China Glaze Black Mesh Crackle Glaze

It's like Disco peeking through Black Forest.

Mmmm...Black Forest cake...Sorry.

And that's what's "crackle"- lackin, Kraken.

Discovering Me Time

Now that I'm someone's mom, I'm laughing at the thought of going for a semi-MILF look.  It will take a lot of work because for starters, I have three nipples; one of which is a binky(pacifier) hanging off of my top.  I'm as Total Recall sci-fi sexy as they come.  Kidding aside, any break from the nurturing I do taught me to crave for "Me Time".  One was due when the most badass thing I've said to my husband recently was, "I'm shaving my legs.  Don't wait up."  My time in the shower is precious, precious time.

A couple of days before I indulged with my girlfriends on a small road trip walking off slices of cheesecake, I developed an urge to drool over bottles of nail polish(my new indulgence) and get the girliest mani pedi.

Polish: OPI's Senorita Rose-Alita

Yes.  Girly.

Since your mind is stuck on the word cheesecake...

Clockwise from top left: Red Velvet cheesecake, Dulce de Leche cheesecake, Blackout Choco cake, Tiramisu cheesecake.

The Cheesecake Factory

Me Time is awesomesauce.

Rainbows After Raindrops

I consider myself lucky if I can blow dry 75% of my hair with a crabby Bunky wanting to play.  Resourceful as he is, of course he finds a way to entertain himself and save me from a looming wet hair headache.  

He was having a blast (of air, pun intended), I had to take a pic.

My mom used to dry her hair while sitting on the bed.  I'd lay down behind her, close my eyes and enjoy the "raindrops" on my face.  Realizing that I used to do the same thing Bunky's doing now blew my mind. 

Giggling too much with hands a blur

What else is there to do but laugh with him? 

Oh right, I have to dry my hair.