Wednesday, December 10, 2008

That time again

It's that time of the year again when we are hopeful and have faith in ourselves that next year will be better. Better for us, in terms of our lifestyle, our habits, our career, our love life, our family life, personal life, etc.

It's the season of hope, and I am thankful for it. That each year, we have to chance to feel that it is never too late to give it another go. In whatever that is that needs improvement. Really, don't you just love Christmas and all the mixed feelings it can bring?

Well, for me particularly, I am happy about all that and more, so many blessings 2008 has brought. But then again, I am just wishing I was in Manila especially during this festive season.

Oh well I can only hope, that next year I am home to celebrate. :)

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Countdowns


As much as I love lists. I love countdowns. For this means that one is looking forward to something. Something big, Something small; it doesn't matter. The best countdowns for me at the moment are:

Counting down to..

Christmas!
Hubby coming home!
Planning a baby!
Planning our second wedding!
Planning to come home to Manila!
Planning a long holiday!


Okay, I shouldn't get too excited. But I suppose that's the whole point of countdowns. To get excited!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Something about Jazz

For the longest time, I have been fascinated with Jazz Music. The earliest memory of me appreciating this type of music was probably when I was around about 10 years old. It was the summer of '88 and I was studying Ballet at the Cultural Centre of the Philippines, along Roxas Boulevard. For our Ballet recital's general dress rehearsal, everyone was inside the auditorium waiting for our turn to perform. One of the performances by the older dancers, had a very jazzy music to it. I don't recall how it went, but I remember the music. Since then I just learnt to appreciate it.

While studying at a University in Ortigas, there was this coffee shop that played Jazzy Blues music inside the store/cafe. I loved loved visiting that nook. Reading my case studies and class books inside this coffee shop gave me a sense of calm. I could hear the notes just glide on. As if the entire song is played in a suave, smooth breath.

Today I did a bit of Christmas decor shopping on my lunch break. I chanced upon this Jazzy Christmas CD (which I am listening to right now!). It's not a CD screaming a popular artist's name in the cover. Just plain, sweet Jazzy Christmas music. Traditional songs such as Deck the Halls, First Noel, O Holy Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, I love it! I love it! And so I remember my long love affair with this type of music. Especially at Christmas. Sweet :)

I've always imagined playing smooth Jazz in a dimly lit pad/apartment on a cool spring night, snuggling in bed with my man, and just sharing a good conversation topped with a bottle of bubbly or red wine. Perfect!! Oh romantic me. Haha!

Raising bilingual kids

I am pretty proud about our eldest being able to speak my mother tongue (Filipino). As young as one year old we taught her to speak Tagalo...