This Isn't What It Looks Like

A Tree

2011-11-07T07:04:00.000-08:00

A tree on the way home

Sometimes, a tree is really just a tree even if the trunk looks quite interesting. Sometimes, I drive by and see something neat. I'd whip out my iPhone and take a picture. Sometimes, I like the picture, and othertimes, I don't know if I like the picture. Anyway, it's 7 days into November. Year is almost over. I don't know what I have accomplished really. I have no idea. All I know is my family is happy and that makes me happy, too.

Twentieth Anniversary A Week From Now

2011-10-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

Oct 17, 2011

My husband and I are going to be married 20 years a week from today. How's that for amazing!

Happy Birthday, Mama!

2011-10-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

Sunset in Dallas on October 18. It also happens to be my mother's birthday.
I'm sorry to say that I was caught flatfooted on the cake.
I forgot to order sugar-free ice cream cake. But, I'm taking her to an awesome play.

It's my mother's 60th birthday. She doesn't like big celebration. So, I'm giving her 4 small celebration instead. Maybe a trip to New York City with me.

Favorite Picture

2011-09-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

At Angel Island off San Francisco with my daughter. Played around with filter, Too bad the camera has a smudge right in the middle of the lens. Have no idea how to fix that.

Water and Hot Days

2011-08-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

While having my car washed yesterday, I heard that we're almost breaking the record of 1980 of 69 days of triple digit weather. I don't want to break any record. Really. I want it to be nice and cooler now. I also heard that this hot trend will continue til the end of October.

On the other hand longer swimming season. But who's got time to swim when homework shall descend like locust amongst my 5 children? I know balance is the key. That means my ability to make sure all kids are on tract so they are assured of free time for swimming. It is quite difficult when I'm dealing with 5 different personality. Each with his or her own idea on what priority should be. This is going to be a good year.

Third Day of School

2011-08-24T23:34:00.001-07:00

This is my baby. He's 5. The last one to go to school. I sent him for pre-K last year. But unfortunately for him, he's got a teacher who is a dead-ringer for someone with mental deficiency. I'm not saying she is, but she sure acted like one. She spends a good two hours of the 4 hour class scolding children. So, even when a child is not a target, a loud lecture for that long tend to make a child feel like he's the one being scolded. After a few weeks of that, I decided that it's not worth it to send my baby to school only to make him hate it. A few weeks might have been too long because he's still not thrilled about going to school, at all.

This picture is taken on Aug 24, AM. He's a little sad about going to school and not being able to find an empty swing set. I still have to hang around his classroom for a good hour to get him settled. It's a good way to get to know his teacher. She's a good teacher, I think. I help around the room so my baby can see me but not get used to me holding him in my arms. It breaks my heart to leave him behind, but this is the next step for him.

My 2nd grader and 4th grader is a bit more independent. It's bittersweet to see them ran straight to school when I drive them. I'm thinking it's not long before this last baby I have will do the same. It's life.

This was taken on the 1st day of school, at the end of the day. My kindergartner is only half day all week, that's why he's out of uniform.

At Houlihans

2011-08-23T23:54:00.001-07:00

This was actually on the corner of the dessert menu in this bar. I just thought it's interesting.

This is from the Golden Gate Bridge.

More signs here.

Sepia Scenes

2011-08-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

I included the 'scene' from where that sepia eyeball shot came from. took the picture with my Sony DSC-T110. I think it came out great.

My 9 year old and I just came back biking from Fisherman's Wharf to the Golden Gate bridge. This time, we didn't cross it. We went under it. There was also a park near there with fun hills. My son went a different way instead of uphill, so I couldn't find him for all of 5 minutes. For me, that was forever. I was literally dialing 911 when I saw him biking towards me.

We stopped here because he got teary. I guess relief from almost being lost in a strange city. I was just relieved that I found him. Scary moment in that vacation for sure. Overall, we had a great week-long vacation together. This was after I got him to smile again.

Sign at Angelika Theater

2011-08-10T13:12:00.000-07:00

I wanted to see this Brad Pitt movie. The preview, well, it didn't really convinced me. So, I'll wait when it comes out on DVD. However, when I went to see a movie at Angelika Plano, I saw this sign.

TODAY'S FLOWERS # 151

2011-07-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

I found these flowers last Friday while biking along the trail heading towards the Golden Gate bridge with my 9 years old. I love San Francisco. That city has the most flowers that I have seen. Must be the weather. I'd love to own a summer hhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifouse there. I have no clue what these are, but aren't they lovely? They are my Today's Flowers.

Vacation at Lake Buchanan

2011-06-21T18:10:00.000-07:00

Right after school, we went down to Texas Hill country and enjoyed a few days at Lake Buchanan. The lake was beautiful. It was in the 96F, but perfect weather for jet skiing and kayaking. The kids love the sand and water. I swear they swim 6 hours at a time. It was fun time for all of us. I love it there. We're probably going back again before summer is over.

Yoash loves the sand. He played with it for a long, long time.

Yoav on a kayak. I like this kind of kayak.

I like the Jet ski. Every one gets to drive/pilot it.

Summer of Reading and Books

2011-06-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

When I was a child, I read a lot. I read so much, my mother threatened to burn my books if I stay up all night reading again. I do it anyway. All the time. I'm averaging 5 hours of sleep ever since I can remember. That's probably why it's harder for me to shed off these pounds I've gained.

On the other hand, my children enjoy a variety of electronic entertainment. I don't know why I buy them, but somehow, we have 7 nintendo dsi, 3 Xbox 360, 3 desktop, and games. Of course, they hardly have any time for reading anymore. Reading to them means watching a DVD of a book recording. I have to admit I like the video presentation of The Cat In The House or Click, Clack, Moo: The Cow That Types. However, that is not the same as holding a book and getting lost in print.

Are we really so digitized that reading now means electronically? I'm guilty of owning a Kindle 3, Sony pocket reader, and a color nook. If it seem to be an overkill, it probably is. But Kindle was an 18th year anniversary present (upgraded), Sony reader was for borrowing digital items from the library, and the nook, well. I think it might have been the Angry Birds that did it! I did buy Taming the Beast by Eloisa James. I love this book.

Anyway, my husband and I think that we will have a relatively electronic-free summer for the children. I am sure they will survive two months of books, books and more books. Yeah, they can take piano and guitar lessons, too. I might even take them to sports camp, too. But for now, we're powering off the electronics. Wish me luck!

Finales

2011-05-29T09:27:00.000-07:00

This was taken a few weeks ago. We had to go to Sams Club. He wanted me to carry him, except that I was wearing high heels and couldn't accommodate. Doesn't he convey utter dejectedness here?

Every single time I get engrossed in a show, TV show that is. This little guy will come and start talking. He specially likes to tell me things in details during important moment. If that doesn't work to get me off the TV, he'll request food and drink...even if he just finished eating and drinking (chocolate milk). If that still does not work, he starts talking to himself about the books he's read, the letters he knew, and he does this very loudly in front of me and the TV. Just in case I'm giving the wrong impression here, I spend a lot of time with him. But he hates it when I watch TV, or do anything that does not involve him.

Nevertheless, I managed to work my way through a few season finale, and even a big one of Smallville show finale.

The long and short of the finales I saw.

Smallville: Not impressed, it was kind of sucky. In fact even with Lex back, it was still off. I can only compare it to weakly diluted chocolate milk. (I'm sure my son would say like the one Picasso Grill served him which is practically invisible) Who wants that? I feel like the writer just dropped the ball on that one. I WANT a do-over. I was thinking, there was too much flashback so there's little time to do the story-line of one fabulous finale. They should have told me more story, more of anything except flashbacks. I saw them all already. I own the first 9 seasons worth of DVD. I want a grand goodbye show. I didn't get it. Oh, well. Still glad to have watched the show. But, let me just say this. If you come into Smallville starting with that finale show, don't let it stop you from watching from the beginning. Don't judge this show by it's finale. Was there even a writer for that finale?! WTF.

Bones: I like Booth and Bones. I started out by watching Buffy and couldn't get enough of David Boreanaz. That's how come I started watching Bones. Then, I ended up loving the show for itself. I enjoyed the last episode of the season. Angela has a baby and Bones is pregnant. Don't know where they are going with that.

And finally, today, I watched Greys Anatomy. I almost gave up on this show, but then I like Owen Hunt. His romance with Christina is what keeps me coming back and checking for more. So far, (I only say this because my husband and I have not seen House finale) Greys Anatomy has the best finale. It was intense! I would like to know and cannot wait to find out where they are going with the story. Meredith has a baby, Christina's pregnant, and both their husbands cannot stand to be around them! Alex, my dear adorable porcupine-y Alex is so close and managed to effed his life once again. Just once, I'd like for Alex to be not so Alex. Yep, that makes perfect sense to me.

I don't really watch a show weekly. Because I get lost in reading, too. But, I record them and have a marathon. Now, I get to take my kids out. It's nice outside. We might even kick some balls, and short of that, we can always chase each other.

Wrong Name...Oops!

2011-05-25T08:20:00.000-07:00

Oh boy. I named my boys with exactly the same first syllable, 'Yo'. The thing is, I end up mixing their names quite often. Sometimes, and this is the bad part, I do not even noticed that I did. My husband told me this morning that I called my baby by his older brother's name.

Is it old age? Maybe. I hope not because in that case, I'm screwed! I have 4 boys. And I would really like it if I don't mix up their names before I get really, really old. My 9 years old asked me one time if I mixed up his name due to my old age. I said, maybe. He nodded sagely and seem to come to terms with his mommy forever mixing up his name.

Finals Today

2011-05-11T04:43:00.000-07:00

Yay! Last day of school. Not sure what to do with summer. Should I take Spanish 2 since I really like my professor? Or take that Formal Logic course so I know more about it? I have not even check my schedule. I'm too busy procrastinating and putting together my finals essay. Both in my Spanish and anatomy class.

Or, I could spend almost ALL my entire summer picking up toys around the house. Hmmm, what to do?!

Please Don't Honk

2011-05-03T14:03:00.000-07:00

I was driving home today after I picked up my 3 younger boys from school. At the intersection where I have to turn right, the SUV behind me kept honking for me to go. I don't see how it's possible since the cars are trickling at about 45 mph. I let it passed. I also let the next 6 other thoughtless honks passed.

Then my blood started boiling at her (and it was a girl, blond, middle-aged and apparently, brainless!). I kept thinking I should not get mad. It's bad example to my little ones. I'm always telling them to take deep breaths instead of losing it. But the bitch just won't let up. I am sure she can see the traffic. And there is no way for me to make a right turn safely. She kept honking anyway like a bad-tempered, inconsiderate idiot. The next thing I know, I was honking, too. And I found myself tailing her. Thank goodness I come to my senses in time to stop myself from squashing her car. Some other bastard will get her. Maybe even one with a more violent tendency. They can take care of each other.

Still, I took her license plate picture, just in case I get unlucky and see that car again. I am not a driver who waits for red carpet to be rolled out before I can make my turn. However, I also know when to turn so I don't have to meet any of the motorist, thank you very much.

The moral of the story is, don't honk without a good reason. Short of someone about to be killed by a plastic gun, don't honk. And lesson for me is don't lose it. I think I freaked myself out after the fact. My kids thought my horn is broken. I'm going to think of happy thoughts now.

P is for Park

2011-05-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

For me, P is for the park one Sunday morning. With eggs aplenty.

Kids chasing bubbles, and running all around. What fun!

This is my abc Wednesday post.

Cultural Week

2011-04-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

I took this picture from cultural week at my school. This is a Russian Doll. Neat huh?

Want Some Peanuts With That?

2011-04-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get those times when you just told sometime how something always seem to trip you up. Say, when I take my exams, it has been under extreme stress from another part of my life.

So here I am, holding on to my A-grade my the tip of my bloody fingernails. I am about to take another exam this week, and what do you know. I just got a call about the very thing I have been dreading. RIGHT BEFORE I HAVE TO TAKE MY FUCKING EXAM!

It is very vexing because I wanted to make a grade in this exam that is not hard-earned. Anatomy and physiology is hard enough already without having to deal with it on top of a pile of dog crap!

Wish me serenity and calmness for this exam please because right now, I'm just boiling. Some people are just incapable of following simple directions like "don't fuck up my exam week!"

Sepia Scenes #129

2011-04-21T05:09:00.000-07:00

That's me driving and somehow managing to take a picture of me.

I haven't done this in a while. I like sepia because it hides the blemishes, though not completely. :)

Check out more sepias here.

Camera-Critters #158

2011-04-17T06:17:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I had so much time to sit there and watch the antics of some bugs.

I think this is one of those chick killer bug. Just look at him trying to get into that other bugs' pants.

The other bug, the 'chased' one tried to get away. But this Lothario is quite persistent.

She almost got away, but he still on sniffing distance. Never give up...that's probably his motto.

Skywatch Friday, Season 4, Episode 40

2011-04-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

This was on our trip to Granbury to try out hand at strawberry picking. The drive was about 2 hours each way. I called before we we left the city. There was light shower when we were halfway out. So, I called again; the message was still the same: they were open. When we finally arrived, no one answered the gate. After 15 minutes, someone came to the gate. He told us that there's no strawberry picking. Yes, we waited 15 minutes because we have already driven 2 hours! I was very much annoyed at the inconvenience of it all, not to mention 5 disappointed children. I wish they were more accurate on their messages. Or that they'd change the message is more up to date. Fall Creek Farms you suck big time.

We should just have gone to the park and enjoy our day. Gasoline isn't exactly cheap these days.

More sky watchers here.

WW: In A Park

2011-04-13T06:46:00.001-07:00

Check more WW here.

My Daughter's Drawing

2011-04-13T03:21:00.000-07:00

My daughter can draw very well. I can tell you now that she did not get this talent from me. I cannot draw anything that resembles what I want it to be. It's very interesting when I try to draw anatomical parts of the body for studying. Nobody can tell what it is, but at least I can.

Anyway, so glad my kids can draw. That is all from my husband's side of the family.

Save It, Save It

2011-04-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

I have been hanging out in Marshalls and Ross a lot lately. I think I might be having a retail therapy. However, it's not very therapeutic when I gather my receipts and finally took a look at the total. Then I have to go and shop some more so I can get over the stress that I might be spending a 3rd of my income in clothing. Seriously, this is NOT me. I'm the reading, borrow my book from the library kind of girl. However, my hair turned blond recently and I'm shopping a lot.

My husband is wondering if I am cheating on him. The answer is 'hell no'! Why would I want to add any more things to do on my schedule? That's just plain crazy. Besides, my husband is the sexiest man for me. No one can compare. Yes, I might watch Smallville for 12 hours straight at a time, but it doesn't really mean anything. I just like the series.

And now my hair is blond. And I have lots of shoes. And even after almost 20 years, still very much in love with the guy I married. Blond hair and all!

She's Back!

2011-04-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

I'm talking about my roses, and myself. About being back, I mean. My roses, I never water them. They die and then they live again when it rains. I get these flowers. And arent' they lovely? My son called them vampire plants the other week when he noticed how our walkway are blooming again. Why do I find it extremely attractive to blog when I have a huge exam to take. I'm taking anatomy and I have exam in lymphatic and respiratory. Isn't this like shooting myself on the foot?

Well, I have until tomorrow to take the test. I also have another test in Spanish tomorrow. "¿Habla español?" anyone?

Skywatch Friday, Season 4, Episode 16

2010-10-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

My entry for sky watch this week. This was taken at White Rock Lake by the arboretum. Yep, the flower place, but this part of the garden has none because this is where concert and performances happen. Those are my two older boys.

Sepia Scenes #106

2010-10-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

Here's my 3rd and 5th child. We were at the arboretum two weeks ago. We're going again this Saturday to do trick-or-treating there. I think it's much safer, and definitely more fun for me because I do not have to guess which house is available.

This is a picture of me and my eldest son. We were riding a ferry towards Santa Catalina Island off the shores of Long Beach. It was a fun summer vacation for us two. We went zipping, scuba diving, jet skiing, hiking, and swimming in the cold ocean. At least cold compared to the Pacific ocean I used to know in the Philippines. This was was 65-68 F.

These are my entry for sepia scenes.

TECHNORATI TAG: sepiascenes

Ruby Red

2010-10-25T14:47:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, I feel like the only time they're quiet is when they're both asleep. Otherwise, they're always running after one another and after one thing or another. These are my two babies probably having sweet dreams.

Last Week

2009-06-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

Last week today, we visited our cousin on a 3-hour round trip from our home. It was lots of fun. The kids really love it there.

My baby tried his hands at billiards.

He spents hours at this pool table. I think he's ready to play for real after that.

Origin - Spirits of the Past

2009-06-23T23:53:00.000-07:00

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

2009-06-23T23:48:00.000-07:00

I wasn't too wild about New Moon, the book. However, they've re-written this movie, and I hope Edward appears a whole lot more on film than he did on the book. So, I'm almost giddy with excitement to find out what they did with this book.

A Lot of Things Has Come to Fall

2009-06-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

Or, a windstorm and a thunderstom came and a lot of thigs fall. I think there might have been a tornado or two.

Unmanned

2009-05-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

Charlie Brown is now Charlene (birthdate: Jan 29, 2009). He didn't have sex-change operation, but he's neutered now. He still humps any leg he can hug. His doctor promised that it would go away in time. He's still got residual hormones for a week or two.

I took him running for two miles today. If Charlie goes running with me every day the whole summer, I bet I'd be in better shape by Fall. We'll have to see.

Painted

2009-05-16T00:02:00.000-07:00

Here's my daughter painting her face away. I let her because she has to practice sometime, and now seems like a good time.

TECHNORATI TAG: photo hunt

This Morning

2009-05-13T09:20:00.000-07:00

I took a picture of my newly opened rose...

And then, I took a picture of me! It's so much easier going fat than going thin. That's for sure!

Scan and Scan and Scan

2009-05-11T23:32:00.000-07:00

I'm very fortunate that I did not have my old albums right here. I wouldn't get anything done. I finally made my scanner work, and it works very well. I think I need to clean up the scanner bed a little, but here's what I found so far! This was the first time I chopped my hair short. I was pregnant with my second child here.

Here I was, 2 months pregnant with my first child. The hair...oh, the hair! I went overboard with the curls. This was the last time my waistline was within whispering distance of 20 inches.

There's Always Somewhere to Go

2009-05-10T22:42:00.000-07:00

This is why we love Six Flags. There's always somewhere to go. We have season pass, and we never get bored. Why? It's probably because we only make it out there once a week, and only for less than two hours. We have short packets of free time, and that's where we spend it with the kids.

My boys prefer bumper cars. Is it because they're boys?

Free Cell Game #878

2009-05-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture to enlarge.

I don't feel like doing anything...except clean my floors and kitchen. And play backgammon and free cell.

I'm stumped on this one. I played it twice and it dead-ended. Place this free cell and let me know how long it took you to finish it or how many tries it took you.

Mellow Yellow Monday #16| Today's Flowers 37| Emerald Sunday 24

2009-04-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

Yossi kept asking me what I would do if a banana grows in my house. I couldn't quite figure out what he meant. I didn't get it until we went outside my front door and he pointed out to me that we have a banana growing right now.

When I saw this yellow thingy, I'm wondering if this is a dead flower, or it's going to be a yellow flower. Time will tell, I guess.

TECHNORATI TAG: mellow yellow Monday, today's flowers, Emerald Sunday

LP 54: Gusali (Building)

2009-04-23T04:32:00.000-07:00

Centennial Building in San Francisco

A theater in DFW.

More LP here.

TECHNORATI TAG: Litratong Pinoy

Purple Hunt

2009-04-18T00:06:00.000-07:00

TECHNORATI TAG: photo hunt

A Flower, A Bug and A Cow

2009-04-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Didyou see the yellow ladybug?

I saw this while driving home. It's hard to take a picture in twillight in a moving car.

I'm trying to see how many meme I can fit in a post. What do you think?

Camera-Critters #53 Flowers Today Emerald Sunday Mellow Yellow Monday

TECHNORATI TAG: mellow yellow, Emerald Sunday, camera critters, today's flowers

Camera-Critters #52 | Emerald Sunday 22 | PhotoHunt 156- Stripes | LP 52: Paboritong Litrato (Favorite Picture)

2009-04-04T07:04:00.000-07:00

We're driving through McDonald's window, when I saw this bird enjoying a moment by the flowerbed. Can you see it? Enlarge these pictures to see better.

I forgot what flower this is going to be, but I'm just really glad I haven't killed it yet. This happen to be my favorite picture right now. It looks like I'm going to get a blooming garden after all, and the promise of that is just making me giddy!

TECHNORATI TAG: camera critters, Emerald Sunday

Weekend Snapshot 82

2009-03-30T05:08:00.000-07:00

We went to Six Flags last Sunday. It was fun. The day was nice and cool and sunny.

TECHNORATI TAG: weekend snapshot

Emerald Sunday 21

2009-03-27T02:36:00.000-07:00

This looked green but it sort of came out blue. It's this telescope at Six Flags Over Texas.
My daughter after buying a few things at Target.

TECHNORATI TAG: Emerald Sunday

Skywatch Friday No. 37

2009-03-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

These are skies over Santa Rosa, California.

These are skies over DFW, Texas.

TECHNORATI TAG: skywatch Friday

Toy Hunt: Wings

2009-03-25T22:53:00.000-07:00

My son insist that this is his best airplane invention ever. So, it's my toy hunt for this week. It's an airplane made of lego complete with wings!

TECHNORATI TAG: toy hunt

LP 51: Sapatos (Shoes)

2009-03-25T20:57:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Bongo boots, as modeled by my youngest baby in his favorite suit.

TECHNORATI TAG: litratong pinoy

Ruby Tuesday

2009-03-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

One of his bedtime rituals, but also a good chance for him to delay bedtime by stretching this activity to a half-hour event. Isn't he a darling though? He always keeps a monologue the whole time why he needs to be doing something on the way to brushing his teeth!

TECHNORATI TAG: Ruby Tuesday

Today's Flowers 32

2009-03-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

What do you call these flowers? I think they're weeds? But a weed is a weed if it's unwanted, and I wanted this one. Anybody have a clue what they're called?

TECHNORATI TAG: today's flower

It's The Little Things That Matter

2009-03-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

I received this as an e-mail, mass-forwarded. However, it's got good lessons, and why not post it here so I can read it again someday? Take time to read it, you might just get away with some food for thought.

When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.

Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.

She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?
I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Dew. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.

She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Dew so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.

The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Dew.

When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.

In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce.
She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.

This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.

She requested that everyday for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.

I told Dew about my wife's divorce conditions.. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.

My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mummy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time... I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.

On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Dew about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.

She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily..

Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.

Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mum out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.

But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.

I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind... I walked upstairs. Dew opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Dew, I do not want the divorce anymore.

She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Dew, I said, I won't divorce.. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other any more. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.

Dew seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.

At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.

That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.

The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank, blah..blah.. blah. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!
If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you.

If you do, you just might save a marriage.

TECHNORATI TAG: marriage, relationship

White Astro Repair

2009-03-23T01:31:00.000-07:00

White Astro:
Last month: repair heater blower, plus headlights aligment: $90.00
Today: Ignition switch
$70.00 labor
190.00 parts

Green Van:
$50.00 driver side door

TECHNORATI TAG: astro repair

Monochrome & Music Monday

2009-03-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

This is my youngest baby and my lotion. Who needs moisturizer on leather when I've got him?

This is an 8-bit grayscale conversion.

This is charcoal effect.

This was the music I was listening when I walked in on my baby and his thing. My husband and I loves this Lady Gaga.

Mum mum mum mah
Mum mum mum mah

I wanna hold em' like they do in Texas Plays
Fold em' let em' hit me raise it baby stay with me (I love it)
Luck and intuition play the cards with Spades to start
And after he's been hooked I'll play the one that's on his heart

Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, ohh-oh-e-ohh-oh-oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got
Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, ohh-oh-e-ohh-oh-oh,
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got

Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)

I wanna roll with him a hard pair we will be
A little gambling is fun when you're with me (I love it)
Russian Roulette is not the same without a gun
And baby when it's love if it's not rough it isn't fun, fun
Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, ohh-oh-e-ohh-oh-oh
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got
Oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh, ohh-oh-e-ohh-oh-oh,
I'll get him hot, show him what I've got

Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)

I won't tell you that I love you
Kiss or hug you
Cause I'm bluffin' with my muffin
I'm not lying I'm just stunnin' with my love-glue-gunning
Just like a chick in the casino
Take your bank before I pay you out
I promise this, promise this
Check this hand cause I'm marvelous

Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)

Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)

Can't read my,
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)
Can't read my
Can't read my
No he can't read my poker face
(She's got to love nobody)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)

P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)
P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face
(Mum mum mum mah)

TECHNORATI TAG: monochrome Monday, Music Monday

Emerald Sunday 20

2009-03-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

I thought of this picture from a year ago taken at Six Flags Over Texas.
I saw these tiny flowers growing on my yard. I really like them, they're small and beautiful.
This sorry looking green is another rose bushes that I am attempting to grow again. I killed about a dozen of them last year. This time, I'm only planting two of them. What kind of plant do you usually try to grow?

TECHNORATI TAG: Emerald Sunday

Camera-Critters #50

2009-03-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

I was up early and cleaning my car when I saw this thing. I couldn't bring myself to touch or disturb it, but I thought it might have been dead because it's was upside down. I came back an hour later and it was gone, so maybe not?

TECHNORATI TAG: camera critters

Backgammon or Birthday?

2009-03-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

I've wasted over 6 hours of my life this week playing backgammon. Most of the times I'd have a winning streak, but the rest of the time, I lost. I find it annoying when I lost. I get quite cranky about it too. It just occur to me that I should be reading instead.

Or prepare for this child's third birthday party. Or maybe remind him not to go naked on the day of his party.

TECHNORATI TAG: birthday

PhotoHunt 154: Yellow | Today's Flowers

2009-03-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

I like how I get flowers from my husband even on days when there's no special ocassion.

I think my roses are sort of sideways. Too lazy to switch it around.

photo hunt

Tag by a Dictionary

2009-03-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

Acey got this tag. You're to visit Urban Dictionary and find definitions to the words in bold, whatever your answer may be.

Name: Midas
really good, golden

Age: 36
The Correct Canadian Slang for the number '36' is Pussy.
--holy cow! Really?

1 of your friends: Chana

A Hebrew name. It means graceful, and only the very coolest people in the whole entire world get this name. Chanas are very unique and someone you really want to be friends with. If you need someone to talk to, a Chana is always there, and ready to listen and give advice. If you have a friend named Chana then you are very lucky. If your name is Chana, congratulations. Chana is the best name you could possibly ever have. All Chanas are unique and beautiful. Sometimes they are brunettes, and Chanas ALWAYS have the most beautiful eyes.

what should you be doing: taxes
Money coerced and collected from honest, hard-working people in proportion to their INCOME. This means that the harder a person works, the more he is taxed. Taxes are NOT collected on WEALTH, which explains why rich people pay few taxes.

favorite color: red
One of the three primary colours of paint. When mixed with yellow, it would make orange. When mixed with blue, it would make purple. It is opposite green on the colour wheel.

favorite number: 7
The fiercest digit known to man.

month of your birthday: February
February is the best month of the year. Its still nice and cold and snowy, but you know that spring is just around the corner if you're tired of all the bad weather. February is also the most unique month. 28 days long,(unless its every four years on a 'leap' year)

last person you talked to: Vickie (she's helping me cook for my party this Sunday)
a person who knows how to fight, and shouldnt be messed with. the person doesnt need a older sister to help her bitch at someone else, a vickie can do it herself. should watch out for vickies

1 of your nicknames: Girlie
A term used to describe how a girl is.
Also a term used to refer to one's friend. Usually one girl talking to another.

what you are wearing now: halter
Someone with a presence or talent that brings people to a halt; to stop or stand motionless.

Pink Friday 1

2009-03-20T11:17:00.001-07:00

I just happen to have this pink rose. I saw Pink Fridays, so why not huh?

This one's a little wilted. I took the picture about a week after I got the flowers.

Drawings

2009-03-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

My daughter loves to draw. She does anime. I'm amazed at how good she is, considering she just started a few months ago. Below is the head sketch.

Shopping For Goodies

2009-03-19T21:30:00.000-07:00

I woke up late, really late today. I did make food late last night so my kids won't starve while Mommy sleep until 11 AM. Then I took my daughter and 3rd son shopping for giveaways for my 4th son's birthday party this Sunday. I can't wait to see friends and relatives who can make it.

We went to 4 different places. My daughter managed to buy a bunch of leg warmers, new shoes and some outfits. And yeah, we managed to buy some giveaways. I suck at picking up things to include in the giveaway. I have friends making food for the party. Thank heavens for friends who can make yummy foods.

This is the birthday guy. He's going to be three.

Skywatch Friday No. 35

2009-03-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd give you three this week. If I'm not mistaken, this is the lane leading to our house.

These are some pictures my husband took after taking the kids home from karate class. It's just perfect for my sky watch Friday. Click on the picture to enlarge. It's taken from a cell phone camera, so it isn't going to be as clear as it could have been. I still love the view though.

Emerald Sunday 19

2009-03-14T02:16:00.000-07:00

This child is going to be three years old in 9 days. The last baby of mine. The next babies will be grandkids, which I hope won't happen for a while since my eldest is only 11 years old.

I took this picture of some plants which grows in my yard. Is this poison ivy? I can't be sure. It could be that Indian strawberry I saw last year, I really don't know for sure.

Emerald Sunday 18

2009-03-07T07:42:00.000-08:00

These are my happy hyacinths. Last year, my husband bought them for my birthday. He got almost a dozen fully bloomed plants in pots. They're so sweet smelling, my husband sneezes when he sniffs them. The first one below is the happy plant because it was planted here.
As oppose to this one which might not so happy because it was planted in a patch of my yard I had forgotten. My trash can was happily driving over it before we noticed that it's valiantly trying to grow. I wrote these hyacinths off as goner when I tried planted them last year and they just sort of died on me.

Photo Hunt #172: Space

2009-03-05T23:49:00.000-08:00

Nothing says space more than 14+ tons of sand for my kids to play in.

Emerald Sunday 17

2009-02-28T08:49:00.000-08:00

These are my kids in our sand pile. When they roll around the sand like these for over an hour, they remind me of puppies. Sweet, lovable and huggable puppies. They're perfectly happy doing it.

Yes, even my 11-year old daughter does it. She the one in black in the middle. She only does it when she forgot to play grown up!

Thankful: Photo Hunt

2009-02-28T06:03:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for my mother. She's the best one I know. There's not enough words to say how thankful we all are for her. In the lottery of parents, I surely hit the jackpot!

Thursday Thirteen

2009-02-25T22:05:00.000-08:00

Here are the first thirteen books of Troubleshooters series by Suzanne Brockmann. I fell in love with this series when I read Prince Joe from her Tall, Dark and Dangerous series.

1. THE UNSUNG HERO, Ballantine, June 2000

2. THE DEFIANT HERO, Ballantine, March 2001

3. OVER THE EDGE, Ballantine, September 2001

4. OUT OF CONTROL, Ballantine, March 2002

5. INTO THE NIGHT, Ballantine, December 2002

6. GONE TOO FAR, Ballantine, July 2003

7. FLASHPOINT, Ballantine, March 2004

8. HOT TARGET, Ballantine, December 28, 2004

9. BREAKING POINT, Ballantine, July 12, 2005

10. INTO THE STORM, Ballantine, August 15, 2006

11. FORCE OF NATURE, Ballantine, August 14, 2007

12. ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT, Ballantine, October 30, 2007

13. INTO THE FIRE, Ballantine, July 22, 2008

Super-Industrious Baby

2009-02-21T13:26:00.000-08:00

He exercises. I see it every day!

Emerald Sunday 16

2009-02-21T00:36:00.000-08:00

This was taken when baby is two years and 3 days old. What a difference a year can make! He's much bigger and taller now.

Sexy Friday

2009-02-19T07:39:00.001-08:00

April has this Sexy Friday thing...and I just have to post my sexy.

Emerald Sunday 15

2009-02-14T13:58:00.001-08:00

This is my first younger sister. I took this picture when we drove to Mississippi to visit a friend of mine in Biloxi.

I Get Mr. Darcy!

2009-02-13T06:40:00.001-08:00

Finally, a quizz with the results I want! I got this quizz ideas from Sanna and April. Take and see if you get Mr. Darcy too!

Take the Quiz here!

Emerald Sunday 14

2009-02-06T16:52:00.000-08:00

I was at Home Depot buying some screen for my trampoline when I saw this. It reminds me of how perfect for Emerald Sunday post this plant would be.

I apologize for dropping the ball on this guys. I hope you can still join. I've been in a thousand different directions and couldn't honestly find the time to do blog post for a while. But, I wanted Emerald Sunday to grow. I hope you can join me.

Tag: Emerald Sunday

Photo Hunt: Bridge

2009-02-06T16:33:00.001-08:00

This is my daughter at a tall bridge in Japanese Gardens in San Francisco. This place makes the most devine Jasmine tea that got me hooked on it. I used to be coffee drinker, now I'm a tea drinker.

Ruby Tuesday

2009-02-02T18:02:00.000-08:00

My husband gave me this flower. This rose is short of miraculous. It was alive for over two weeks! I could hardly believe it myself.

I have new roses this week, but I haven't taken a picture of it yet. This is my Ruby Tuesday entry. Enjoy!

Trouble is a Friend by Linka

2009-02-02T12:48:00.000-08:00

I love this song, and well I have a thing for Major Owen Hunt from Grey's Anatomy. I paid for this particular song in iTunes.

Trouble will find you
No matter where you go
Oh, oh
No matter if you're fast
No matter if you're slow
Oh, oh
The eye of the storm
Wanna cry in the morn
Oh, oh
You're fine for a while
But you start
To lose control

He's there in the dark
He's there in my heart
He waits in the wings
He's gotta play a part
Trouble is a friend
Yeah
Trouble
Is a friend of mine
Ahh

Trouble is a friend
But trouble is a foe
Oh, oh
And no matter
What i feed him
He always seems to grow
Oh, oh
He sees what i see
And he knows
What i know
Oh, oh
So don't forget
As you ease
On down my road

He's there in the dark
He's there in my heart
He waits in the wings
He's gotta play a part
Trouble is a friend
Yeah
Trouble
Is a friend of mine
So don't be alarmed
If he takes you
By the arm
I roll down the window
I'm a sucker
For his charm
Trouble is a friend
Yeah
Trouble
Is a friend of mine
Ahh

How i hate the way
He makes me feel
And how i try
To make him leave
I try
Oh, oh, i try

But he's
There in the dark
He's there in my heart
He waits in the wings
He's gotta play a part
Trouble is a friend
Yeah
Trouble
Is a friend of mine
So don't be alarmed
If he takes you
By the arm
I roll down the window
I'm a sucker
For his charm
Trouble is a friend
Yeah
Trouble
Is a friend of mine
Ahh

Ooh
Ahh
Ooh

Sky Watch

2009-01-29T13:03:00.000-08:00

This is my wonderfully cold and blue sky for today's Sky Watch. No, this picture is not from today. This was taken on the closest overpass of I-635 aka Lyndon B. Johnson Freewway. I love this shade of blue.

Thursday Thirteen in Pictures

2009-01-29T03:36:00.000-08:00

This was going to be a T13 post, but I have to get the kids up for school. I'll have to continue later. :)

9. My baby has forsaken clothes for new year.
10. McDonald's is the new obsession for my youngest baby. He loves their ice cream. He's quite vigilant about it too.
11. My sister and her only child. We were at their house for New Year.
12. My first two oldest children. They get along pretty good, except for when they aren't.
13. My daughter is playing with make-up now. At this age, it's more trowel it on. I think she's doing great. :)

Oh No!

2009-01-26T19:23:00.000-08:00

I went and have my eyebrows waxed at this new place. I thought she was scrapping and puling and now I don't have eyebrows! I feel like I walked into a fired and singed my eyebrows. Ugh. I should have stayed with my usual wax girl. Ugh! Some people like it, but not me. I like having eyebrows. That should teach me to try something new when it comes to my eyebrows.

Photo Hunt - Aftermath

2009-01-09T23:49:00.000-08:00

This is my baby on the aftermath of a busy and exciting day. He always gets cranky. I can almost always count on it.

Monochrome Monday

2008-12-28T22:17:00.001-08:00

Emerald Sunday #14

2008-12-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

He's Squeaky - Photo Hunt

2008-12-27T10:04:00.000-08:00

See this child? He was quite squeaky when I took the basket from him. This was at a store in the Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco.

Damn You, Daniel Craig!

2008-12-22T23:24:00.000-08:00

I'm on a Daniel Craig thing. Remember how I was obsessed all over Timothy Dalton? You probably can't remember that long. I have to tell you that it's all of Daniel Craig's fault that I have lost over 30 hours already!

Darn if I didn't find myself watching Casino Royale two times, Tomb Raider 3 times, among other movies. I find myself oggling his naked behind in Flashbacks of a Fool. Oh boy! But that movie is hot! I was pleasantly surprise at how good the movie was once I got past rewinding the naked parts. I think I stopped counting at 6. Hey, what can I say, he's got those cute behind.

He's not really that handsome in the handsome scale of faces, but he's got animal magnetism by the boatload! It's those eyes, it's those dimples, and those very kissable lips. Not that I'd know a lot about kissing his lips, but they sure look good in Quantuum of Solace, a movie where my husband fall asleep in my lap after a few minutes into.

I find myself watching one after another. I watched him in Sylvia where he played opposite Gwyneth Paltrow, watched him hanged in Infamous, watched him get stalked in Enduring Love, enjoyed him in Munich - there's no naked parts of him there, but it's alrgiht because Eric Bana was. Oh, yeah, the story's great.

I'm sure I'll go back and watch Road to Perdition because I don't remember seeing him there when I watched the movie before. He also didn't get naked in The Invassion with Nicole Kidman, but he's sexy to look at fully clothed too. I'm also going to watch Elizabeth again because he's in it, plus Kevin McKidd too. Did I mention that I also like watching Kevin McKidd in Journeyman, Rome and Grey's Anatomy? But we're not talking about him. We're talking about Daniel Craig here.

So, whom do you obsessed with from time to time?

Emerald Sunday 12 & 13

2008-12-20T07:20:00.000-08:00

That's actually dirt that my kids dug up from my yard. We used to have a sandpile in our other house and they missed it. I have got to get some sandpile before I have a crater in my yard!

You're looking at a little bird in this sea of grass. I parked next to it and it didn't pay any attention to me. That was rather unusual for birds.

Photo Hunt: Wide

2008-12-19T08:04:00.000-08:00

I was just thinking about this picture when I saw the theme. This is my 4 years old. He used to startle easily.

Emerald Sunday 11

2008-12-06T05:02:00.000-08:00

I missed the Thanksgiving weekend. Too many funerals to go too and I just plain forgot. I thought I'd travel down the memory lane for this Emerald Sunday. The first picture of of my 11-year old daughter about 6 years ago. The bottom picture is of my 7 years old when he wasn't even 1 yet. In the background, far away, you can see my oldest two and their cousin.

**I'm editing this from 10-11. Gemma has been posting. :)

White Van Repair

2008-12-05T15:24:00.000-08:00

So, my white astro battery won't charge.

120 Mechanic from Decatur
345 Manuel, alternator replacement, wiring
45 Dan computer read
82 Computer
124 alternature from Autozone
------------------------------
716 total

Cold, Cold Day

2008-12-04T14:55:00.001-08:00

It's such a cold day today. I tried jogging and it made me chest hurt. I think on cold days, I prefer to huddle under my warmest blanket, big cup of hot tea, with my ipod and favorite books around me. I prefer not to speak to anyone at all, thankyouverymuch.

Of course, I didn't get that today. Still, it was fun to be hurt, despite painful chest. :)

Here's some random pictures because well, it's there.

He's like a budding contractor here.

Yes, this is a baby sleeping on top of my stroller.

They're just so bored waiting for the rest of the party to arrive.

Repairs Again

2008-12-04T14:51:00.000-08:00

But it's different cars this time.

120 = red Saturn car...brake pads, etc
160 = labor, white Chevy Astro
140 = alternator parts.... and this story ain't over yet. IT's the curse of the old cars, eh?

At least, this is a real repair, instead of the phantom repair designed to bled my bank account dry. I can't believe it took us ages to wake up from that swindling.

You can see more repair expenses story here.

Weekend Snapshot

2008-11-23T23:41:00.000-08:00

I noticed my template is off. I have no idea how to fix it. I don't even think anyone can access it. I certainly am having a hard time trying to. On Saturday, we ditch karate class in favor of visiting my widowed Aunt.

I was trying to get a picture of my kids cousins, but it's very hard to make the kids stay still. I only get parts of them. I don't think I'll have them still long enough to take a nice portrait. See these tiny figures in this picture? That would be my other kids running after a cute blond dog.

And my mother took pictures of me to convince me that I wasn't as fat as I was a few months ago. I'm not sure I believe her since I'm still near 140s instead of the hundred I wanted. But here's a picture of me.

Emerald Sunday 9

2008-11-21T16:07:00.000-08:00

Emerald Sunday 8

2008-11-15T22:02:00.000-08:00

This is from Friday. My baby refused to go home right away after we dropped the students off. We hang around this parts until 9. That's a whole hour in there.

The first slide he tried on later was a wet slide. He got wet and promptly landed on a muddy pool of water. For a few seconds, he was upset, but when I offered to go home, he didn't want to.

Here he is on a warmer day. The same delaying tactics. It's a good thing I don't have anything plan for 9 or I'd be very late.

Unconscious Mutterings

2008-11-11T04:50:00.000-08:00

Coverage :: That's when I switch from thong to full back with baby number 5. Somehow, I only feel ridiculous wearing thong at 140+ pounds. Will probably go back to it again when I'm within shouting distance to 100 pounds.

Cynical :: I'm cynical about 'sorrys'. That word is so overused, I might as well reused my feminine pads as take most 'sorry' seriously.

Gust :: wind. Last night, it was so windy, I hope my new flowerbeds haven't been gusted out of existence.

Improvised :: I think everyone does it, and if they don't, they should.

V :: Plus 30, that's me.

Guests :: Infernal cooking, cleaning, planning menus and entertainment. Fun, huh?

Brutal :: Guy Richie's movie. Brutally boring! I can't believe I drove in the rain and gusting wind to see RockmRolla. I should have learned my lessons with Snatch. Brutally confusing and boring film. Not even Gerard Butler's naked butt can save it! Why does he make money again?

Grant :: money. I love my research grants way back a million years ago when I was in school.

Pull :: heartstrings. kids. family.

Streaming :: podcast

Emerald Sunday 7

2008-11-08T06:39:00.000-08:00

I notice that my last child, the only one not going to school right now, is starting to get jealous about every one and their backpacks. In the morning, he insist on having his own bag of lunch, even though he never does anything with it. After we drop the kids to school, he doesn't want to go home. We've taken to walking around the neighborhood and climbing trees. Or in this case, sitting on trees.

Other times, he won't even go out of the car, unless I tell him that we're going walking, instead of going inside. So, Monday to Thursday, we leave the house at 730 to drive everyone to school, and we won't make it home until 11 AM. I've learn to never leave my house in my pajamas anymore. The shame of parading around the neighborhood in my threadbare pajamas is not worth it. I've also learned never to leave my house in high heels in the morning. Blisters and pain is guaranteed. I've learned to wear my jeans or pants and walking shoes. Four-inch heels, while it makes me feel thin and sexy, is not a footwear for chasing 2 years old.

And On and On

2008-11-08T02:06:00.000-08:00

The south side and part of the front side of my house have new sidings...labor cost $400 bucks, plus another 30 for caulk, rhymes with that soda drink.

I don't think that's so bad for repair. I've gotten more expensive estimate for painting my gutters last year. I only have gutters on one side of my house!

On a brighter note, I can't explain why out of the blue, my children would do these...

It goes all the way up the stairs, down the hallway there, and into my boys room. Just imagine the industriousness that goes with it. It boggles the mind that with that much energy, no one picked their karate uniform off the floor.

And The Repair Continues

2008-11-07T11:19:00.000-08:00

Still tinkering with my sidings. When this is done, I still got lots of sidings to fix. About twice more area. The second trip to Home Depot is all about 3 gallons of paint, 24 sidings board, 6 window trims, 4 edge trims, 10 insulation sheets, 4 nail boxes, 2 sodas....and the total is $640.00.

This cute guy here works for free. He's my muse. The other labors at 10 bucks an hour, 8.5 hours a day. It adds up. I think today they finish the south side of my sidings. I don't know why the builder didn't just go on with the bricks. I've got beef with them. I think I'll sell this house when it's all nice and pretty and buy a newer one somewhere in Allen. That's the plan anyways.

Now, I get to watch Rome with David.

Weekend Snapshot

2008-11-03T16:10:00.000-08:00

Friday night, my husband took our kids trick or treating. The second and 3rd child stayed and have a serious talk with a computer program. They missed all those candies!

Saturday night, I stayed up updating my iPod books, catching up on laundry, planning menu, and sweeping my floors. I made it to bed at 5 something AM. Of course, my baby was very perky and handed me my glasses with an order to get off the bed because it's 'good morning already." I had only 2 hours of sleep.

I woke up to phone calls from our repairman to fix my sidings. When I have lots of money someday, I will build a house with nary a siding in site, I tell you! It's much cheaper if I manage the repair and pay for labor. I spent the following:

Can you tell I like keeping records? I'm not very good at it, but I thought I'd try.

21.00 truck rental because sidings harditrim is 16 feet
61.00 scaffolding rental
141.00 harditrim + trim boards
64.00 hammer, nails, insulation board ( I bought one too many at $7.79 each)
--------
287.00 total materials

Labor will probably be somewhere around 8 hours of 18 dollars per hour for two people. I'm just guessing here. I don't negotiate that. That could be another 144 to 200 dollars. Labor is almost always more expensive than materials for any small job.

I rented a nail gun for about 80 dollars for one day. The only problem was, it requires nail bullets, which only comes in huge boxes for about 70 bucks. There's only 11 siding boards, it not proportional. I talk my helpers into hammering and nailing instead. This is the picture of the compressor.

I thought the people at Home Depot were treating me like a brainless girl, but that's alright. I got what I wanted, and returned what I didn't need. It just took much longer than I had thought. Next time, it won't take so long. I'd know a little bit. I think the sidings on my front needed doing soon.