AMAZING Episode on Amazing Race!

I haven’t seen much of TV shows lately, not that I am complaining, I am actually not just  a TV buff, except for those “Gleeful” moments ( wiith capital letters, CHARICE on it )  and Amazing Races (and some other in-betweens)!  Eversince our 5 yr-old Boj entered pre-school last June, it seemed that my body ached for the bed the moment I get into the bedroom (well, it is our “haven” so it should serve its main purpose!).

Anyway, last night was an exception. Wasn’t able to watch this season’s  Amazing Race from the start but last night’s episode 3 brought me tears (again! – the last was Glee’s“Spiritual” episode especially when Kurt sang “ I Wanna Hold your Hand” for his father, Burt). 

Awesomely set in Ghana, I believe those innocent African children taught the racers valuable lessons, not just in Geography, but more importantly on these 2 Big LIFE words – humility and simplicity.  I love how the singing duo, Jonathan and Connor made it first to the pitstop. Unlocking the codes seemed so easy as hitting a crescendo! But here comes the cheesy part – 58 yr-old dad Michael, almost giving up on what could be one of the easiest childhood games that I remember ( rolling a used bicycle tire or rim using a stick – so simple!  so fun! Was thinking Dana and Boj can try it on a weekend). The encouragement from his son, Kevin was remarkable. Truly, a young man with a big heart.  Next thing I knew, I was already in tears. Picture this, a Father saying to his son he would like to travel with him, bring him to many places as he can… but could no longer do so...because he gave up.  They say some goods things never last, I say GRACE comes in. It turned out that the 17^th season’s 3rd leg was a non-elimination round! I wanted to shout for joy! Michael and Kevin breathed life to a centuries-old teaching “ Whoever is the first will be the last, and whoever is the last will be the first”.  To me, they were # 1!    

30 Years and a Home

After checking my emails and rummaging through paperworks, I am currently in a state of a 10-minute self-declared “pause” from work with a mug of Monk’s blend coffee on one hand. I recalled what went on earlier this week and I remembered how this person, who in his retirement years, I suspect ( but whose energy is that of a 50 yr old) talked so enthusiastically and passionately about his recent trip overseas to visit his son and his family. The thrill of hearing about places and imagining sights you’ve never been  is always a big wow to me!  Anyway, to cut a not so long story ( as I do not have the luxury of time to listen for even half of an hour , although I wished to!) , at the end of  the talk, I was led into checking what’s in store in Bakersfield, California.

Yes, the city’s website impressed me, their calendar marked different activities for people from all walks of life , and the list can go on and on… BUT , this one article impressed me a lot, a whole LOT more than what the city can offer or just how great the community is. It just defined a simple, single cell – a nutshell of that community. It speaks about what commitment is all about, how a house cannot be defined solely as an investment but more importantly, how we can make it a home.  Like that one from a too familiar song? It’s okay, you can belt it out all day!

Read on …( thanks Valerie Schultz! you rock!) !

Are You a Good Boss?

I am on for hectic weeks! I am embracing it as the energy keeps me on my toes, day in and out. My mind right now is playing how to manage my time – it is a cliché, never mind – still the same – being a working mom always keeps me on a juggling mode. But who cares? M-O-M  is certainly one of the noblest professions on earth!  I love every single minute of being a mother!

Anyway, back to my 8-5 office work mode,  I stumbled upon this interesting article from the McKinsey Quarterly that we ( employees, cum bosses or under a boss, or trying to be a boss! Hahaha! ) can learn , 2 things even more, not 1.  

“Why good bosses tune in to their people”(click this link for the full article) defined the “romance of leadership” in a workplace.   On the topic, Taking Control ( in a subtle way , that is ), it listed “taking the blame”. I found it amusing when suddenly I remembered P-Noy owning up and taking responsibility of the recent government fiasco in the way the crisis  ( you know the details…) was handled. It got mixed reactions, but take it anyway. That single act of the President alone was humbling…How to bolster performance? The article suggested that making small gestures will surely go a long way.  In the end, bosses are faced with a litmus test –  posing a question, 

         “ What does it feel like to work for me?” The writer , Robert  Stutton further commented , “ If your people answered this question honestly, would they say that you know the impact your words and deeds have on them—or that you are living in a fool’s paradise?”

Time to wake up , Bosses!

Lifegroup at Gazebo over Kiwi Swirl Yogurt atbp

Finally, the heavy traffic allowed me to pass by several blocks and finally put Avy to stop in a nearby building to my ultimate destination last night - Kiwi Swirl Yogurt ( beside Gazebo) at Velez St., CDO. Not that I go crazy over the yogurt mania that colegialas (because I'm way past to be one!) love, nor was I looking for that coziness of the former Gazebo (though partly true :-( ). When we stepped in, I was met with a mixed atmosphere - but still happy with what I see - tables filled up w/ chatting students, while i suspect, the parents are, well, just in a nearby table over cups of coffee and some "old" gazebo delicacies (KJ!). Me and Dana especially love their Spaghetti Bolognese, paired with Ice Tea. Yes, I was a bit disappointed w/ its sauce not so red as I can remember, but , who cares, it still tasted the same w/ that Old Italian kick.

I look forward to the next Fridays - not only to taste the newest swirl in town, or savor the pasta, taste the tea or sip the brew , but more importantly, to feed my soul and to let my cup overflow for others.. I just love Fridays! Victory Lifegroup meet-ups happen here!

Tawa-tawa and Dengue

At first, I found it hard to read it as it is spelled with a 'u' instead of 'w' as what is common here in the southern part of the Philippines.  The once  lowly tawa-tawa (scientific name :euphorbia hierta) has taken it's royal seat with the country's ongoing fight against dengue . The Philippine Daily Inquirer has it on front page, with DOH claiming that dengue is now under control . This is good news, but then , as we learned in kindergarten, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure!

Stay healthy, wealthy and wise! ( need we add more?:-)

What's for Dinner?

Hmmm... just got home from a kids party at Pizza Hut , dinner isn't top of my list as I slumped in the sofa. Well, next to Julie and Julia, i think I'd settle for CNN's Talk Asia feature on Cristeta Comerford. Catch the interview tonight (7:30 p.m.), September 2 (11:30 a.m.), September 4 (7 p.m.), September 5 (3:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.), and September 6 (2:30 a.m.). 


Hail to Chef! ( so fitting!)


Bon appetit!

Just a Day at a Time!

Hi! Thanks for dropping by my site. I may not be able to blog daily but life, in all it’s craziness, comedy, romanticism, surprises etc, etc , should be taken as it is – just a day at a time! The past has gone, something new has begun!

Casual talks, an inside scoop, wifey tales,  motherhood drama, friends’ banter, divine appointments and revelations, day-job and after 5 lives, and so many other what have yous …you might just get it when you chanced by this site. 

Enjoy and celebrate life!