NOT Cheaper By The Dozen

Click, Click!

2011-01-17T04:44:00.000-08:00

www.notesbynyx.wordpress.com is my brand new blog site!

There, you can also find an archive of my Travel TV Shows, if you haven't seen them yet--a fun way to learn about the Philippines!

Enjoy!

Link to My New Blog

2011-01-13T17:22:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone, hope you enjoyed reading this blog--its been an amazing last 5 years, and all I have learned lots in the growing process. So much is happening and changing around us all the time, that it is essential to develop, improve, and discover all we are capable of!

(Below: an old picture from my wedding day!)

You can find my new posts here, but I'll also keep this blog up for good times' sake :)

Notes By Nyx Blog

P.S. Don't forget to also check back for updates on my website: www.nyxmartinez.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

New Year, New Blog...?

2011-01-10T07:04:00.000-08:00

Wow! Was 2010 memorable, or what!

It was my first full year as a mother, and happy to say I SURVIVED and am loving Parenthood! With each day that Karsten grows, he becomes more fun to be around (more interactive and less indecipherable!) and I feel like I'm rediscovering life along with him, as it happens a day at a time.

And my little man is walking already! What an achievement to remmeber. He walked right into the new year, almost as if telling us there'd be no slowing him down from here on out!

As far as the rest of life is concerned, I'm pretty happy. We have more travels coming up, new ventures, the days are busy but not too much, I have been able to find the balance between personal life, career, and parenthood, in an ideal situation to work in (home-based!) and never felt more blessed.

But as the new year also marks new beginnings, I've also been working on a new blog to journey along with you, and will announce it soon. For now, I hope your year was off to a great start as well, and that you will open your hearts to everything that is yet to come--the good and the bad--and live every day for what it is worth.

Cheers to new beginnings!

On Being a New Mom at Christmas

2010-12-28T17:18:00.001-08:00

A year ago, I had my first white Christmas. It was also my first hospitalized Christmas. After two days of intense labor and then an emergency C-Section, my perfect son Karsten was born, just before Christmas Eve.

And so, when the nativity church bells tolled over snow-sprinkled roads, I could hear them chiming from the ward where I was admitted. I sat in the lobby, watched the pretty lights from the hospital window, and felt all festive. The tiny bundle lay peacefully in my arms, and I looked out over the silvery-blanketed German town. Visitors of other new mothers were coming and going in the corridors, and as I waited for my husband, who was bringing over home-cooked traditional Weinachtsgans (Christmas goose) for dinner, I felt it was timely that on December, I had become a mother, too.

I reflected on past Christmases when, as the volunteer coordinator for our Christmas outreach programs, December was normally the busiest month of the year. This time, I was instead, doing nothing, but learning what it meant to be a mother: sleepless nights, painful stomach, the sluggishness of extra weight, and a brand new life which helplessly depended on me.

And my own life would never be the same again.

If you are a new mother this Christmas, or about to be one, I suggest you bask in it. Learn to let go of the usual stresses that come with the season; enjoy beginning this new journey with your little one.

Here are 5 more tips to help you enjoy the season:

(Click here to continue reading the rest of this article)

12 Gifts that Cost Nothing but Love (For your partner)

2010-12-15T17:55:00.000-08:00

There’s a plant-bed full of Aloe Vera bushes behind our house, and they remind me of the love that has blossomed and matured over the couple of years I have been married. It was originally just a single potted plant—the first gift my future-husband ever gave me.

The sprig of an Aloe Vera plant may seem a strange present, and I have to admit I thought so too, in the beginning. But when he explained that it was to soothe the blistering sunburn I’d gotten during our first date together at the beach, I knew it was a priceless gift of love. Many moons later, I used the same plant for the scar from the C-section birth of our son, and again to heal a burn I’d gotten while in our house.

Each time I see those bushes, I am reminded that love must be tended to, watered, and nurtured, like that single plant which multiplied. I also remember that often, the sweetest gifts are not store-bought nor ordered from a catalogue.

Now, it’s that time of the year again when we are bombarded on all sides with consumerism and the pressure to buy, buy, buy, that perfect gift for that special someone. But love isn’t supposed to be costly, is it? Is it possible to cancel out the costs and spend nothing but time for something meaningful?

(Read the rest of the article here!)

Almost Christmas!

2010-12-15T17:44:00.000-08:00

I am trying, ever so hard, to not get caught up in the rush.

It's not the easiest thing to do, is it? Christmas is next week already, and I have not bought a single gift. I was awake last night, thinking about all the things I must prepare (Karsten's birthday is a couple of days before Christmas) and all the commitments I intend to keep. Every time I step out of my house, the traffic aggravates; the crowds of people annoy; everything seems to buzz with stressful vibes...

This morning, though, the Lord made it very simple for me. He told me to just enjoy my family, to celebrate my marriage, to give of my time, and then everything would follow.

Perfect peace is a nice idea, but sometimes harder to achieve...

I'll be trying, then, to just be still at times when I should be, and do when it's time to do. Christmas is a celebration of love, of family, of togetherness. I hope this year, I can give gifts that truly matter.

Pure Space

2010-12-01T17:02:00.000-08:00

I turned a new leaf in the blank pages of my life’s book yesterday, and marveled at how wonderful the emptiness felt—no trying to rush to fill it up; no regrets for what was written there, because there was still nothing. Only pure, white SPACE.

I own that space now, the part of my life that yearned to be free, and free to write, and do, and be.

I’m living that dream now.

Yesterday marked the beginning of it—closing one chapter, and beginning another. And then, as if by serendipity, I was invited to a VSO event for Filipino volunteers around the world. I stood, talking to two young Filipinos--a doctor from MSF on my right, who was on his way to South Africa, and on my left, a volunteer who had just gotten back from below 10 degrees in Mongolia that morning. They had come back from untold adventures.

And I realized: our world is as big as we dream it can be. Love is as much as we give it. I met people who were reaching out in their own small way, and I felt as if they were blessing me, by asking me to partake of that night. They were writing lines in my newly turned page, marking what would be a day to remember.

Today, I am grateful

For a new start

For New Beginnings

Happy Endings

Fine Transitions.

Today is a milestone in my life

When Life happened

Just as it was meant to be.

Happiness is mine, because I let it

Perfection is yesterday’s tomorrow

I bask in the now

The fullness of now

Not knowing in full

Not needing to understand

Just being where I am today

And that…

Is what makes me grateful.

Book Launch of Chicken Soup 4 the Soul, Christmas Magic

2010-11-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

We launched the special Christmas edition in Manila last November 3. After a short introduction and interview, I signed copies of the book for those who purchased it, and for the media. What a memorable day. I'm so grateful for everyone who made it happen, and everything that has happened in my life to bring me here.

A few pics:

New Article: Inter-racial Relationships

2010-11-07T15:43:00.000-08:00

Thinking of marrying or moving in with a man of a different race, background or even religion? The truth is, it’s not much different than any marriage, where the rules of unconditional love + hard work apply.

There will be challenges, yes—plenty of them. But the beauty of a mixed marriage is the diversity that both parties bring, and the multi-cultural world you get to create within your own home. Just imagine how well-rounded culturally your children could be!

In random order, here are ten tips for maintaining a mixed marriage, and being happy in it.

1. Know yourself and be yourself. It’s okay to be who you are. In fact, it’s essential. Marrying someone else should not change you, the person they fell in love with in the first place. It should give you the opportunity to discover even more about yourself and your own potential, enhanced by your partner’s.

Read the rest of the article here! on SmartParenting.com

10 Tips on SmartParenting.com

2010-10-27T17:23:00.000-07:00

My boys in Pohrsdorf, Germany

Click here to read my latest contribution to the Philippine Parenting Website, an article about balance in our lives as parents.

Have an awesome day with your loved ones! Oh, I have to go to work in a Halloween costume today! Fun, fun!

Spice of Life

2010-10-26T10:14:00.001-07:00

Boracay, 2008

On the recent Expat Insights TV interview, Johannes and I were asked to talk a little bit about married life--specifically, marrying into a different culture. The same week, I was commissioned by FemaleNetwork.com to write an article along the same lines.

While doing the research and thinking about my own experiences, I came to the conclusion that injecting diversity into a marriage is like cooking with spices. The concoctions you can come up can be as crazy or as spicy or as tasty as you make it, and that's all part of the fun.

Like any relationship, we do have misunderstandings,we have the usual challenges, we have our personal problems. But we also have a lot of fun.

We both have different interests, while at the same time, enjoy similar things. We bring a fusion of opposite cultures into our family and our son gets to have the best of both worlds. I love being married to someone who is adventurous, and at the same time, technical and more level-headed than I.

We are also often in the (not proverbial) kitchen together.He is an awesome garlic-slicer, having had chef's training, and I love playing around with the wok and mixing recipes to achieve a taste that doesn't go by the book.

In life, I've learned its important to stay yourself and yet be open to the newness others can bring to it--the different ideas, the opposite opinions, the undiscovered worlds often have a way of enhancing ours...if we can be willing to open our hearts and enjoy it.

--Wishing you awesome relationships in every aspect of your life today!

Recent Fun Stuff

2010-10-23T23:10:00.000-07:00

The Expat TV ad featuring Johannes and I...

My little Naughty who got even naughtier after getting measles last week...

With host Raju on the set of the interview with Expat TV yesterday where Johannes talked about Kiteboarding in the Philippines, and I promoted my Chicken Soup story...

With Mandy at the recent Dutdutan Annual Tattoo Festival, World Trade Center, Manila...

At the Tattoo Fest with a festive guy...

After the TV interview with RPN Channel 9, shot at my house...

On the media tour in Angono, home of a few of the country's most notable artists...

During the press con of Repertory Theater to promote their upcoming musical, 'Little Women'...

Meeting author Juliet, an Amazon record-breaker who tales her true Rags to Riches story in this book...

Mommy's Tears

2010-10-19T04:56:00.000-07:00

I cried today because I felt so helpless
I cried today because I felt so far
If I could soothe the pain of living,
I would...but you needed to be where you are.

I cried today because you were suffering
Hurting--and was I to blame?
I cried when you cried and the whole world wept
It hurt more when you called my name.

I cried today because I felt a weakness
The strength I thought I knew was gone
And instead, what I really was--a mother--
Was what I needed to be all along.

--19 October, 2010. 8 pm

Contemplating

2010-10-19T04:31:00.001-07:00

I have stood at many crossroads at different times in my life, when my heart told me it was time to stop and take a deeper look at everything...and tonight, I find myself right there, again.

Baby is sick with a very high fever, and this event (the first time he has ever been sick in his little life) has allowed me time to pause and shift gears.

I realize I need to find a better balance again, to get to the place where I find true true freedom in all things, to stay on the path that leads to my destiny and take the road less traveled. Life has been so good to me...and yet, sometimes, life asks us to do just that: to stop for awhile to listen to our hearts instead of just trying to survive--really listen--and that's when we can truly live.

Enjoy this slew of quotes, from passionate blogger Henri Juntilla, including my favorite, Number 3.

Friday Thoughts

2010-10-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

Two Saturdays ago, I had the opportunity to do a phone patch interview at 9am on a radio program called 'Celebrating Life'. The spot was about a half-hour long, during which time, the host asked me questions about my life and experiences, my volunteer work, travel writing career, and of course, the Chicken Soup story.

It was fun, as I got to just talk on the phone, as if I were conversing with a single person. It felt intimate and less intimidating! The next weekend, a TV show came to my house to actually shoot, so that called for a little more effort to dress up and prepare my house--a different kind of fun, ha. The Saturday after this one, my husband and I will both be guesting on a TV show, to be shot in their studio. So each interview has been varied.

They are saying I'm the first Filipina to have an entry in the book. Whether this is true, I am not sure, but I told them I can't claim that fact for sure--the publishers told me they haven't heard yet of any others...so it's their call, ha.

In any case, I'm so glad to have this platform to share more stories and inspire more people, on a bigger scale than I ever imagined! It's something beyond my dreams...and yet, pushing me further to pursue those big dreams, no matter how high the stars!

Sometimes, life happens like that for us--doors of opportunity open; windows of inspiration let in more light. And when that happens, it's up to us to find out what we are supposed to do from there. I have always believed that God has our best interests in mind; he lets things happen to bring us closer to Him, and to our destiny. Sometimes, that road is hard to find. But we need to accept when even bad things happen, because we never know how all the experiences in life pave the way for something bigger.

Happy weekend!

Everyday Miracles

2010-10-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

AP Foto

Wow...after watching the live footage of the miracle rescue in Chile and the hope that was shared and celebrated throughout the world, I feel like none of my problems are too big, and nothing is ever so frustrating in comparison.

Maybe this is what we all need--renewed inspiration, a spark in our lives, and the will to keep going.

Wishing you many more miracles today!

The Day to Day

2010-10-10T06:54:00.001-07:00

Today is a weekend, but I feel so tired. So much has been happening; physically, at times, it feels like I can't keep much. At the same time that there seems to be so much going on, still there is so much I want to do, that sometimes I forget to put the brakes on.

Maybe that's what I need to do just now--step back and breathe, before the pace speeds up again tomorrow.

Most of what's going on is exciting, and I'm glad it's all happening...I just wish sometimes there was a pause button, one where my morning alarm can't go off ;)

Don't you feel that way some days?

More Surprises

2010-10-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

After meeting with Jack Canfield, I was given an invitation to attend his seminar the next day. This free invitation was worth 300 euros! So of course, I went.

It was great both being inspired, and meeting other wonderful people who, in turn, encouraged me to pursue my dreams and live the life God meant for me to. During the seminar, Jack personally announced my inclusion n the Chicken Soup book, and that was really special, too!

Not yet 24 hours later, I had already gotten many media queries. It's now the weekend, and I have 4 TV guestings scheduled, a 45 minute radio interview first thing tomorrow morning, a few website announcements from various blogs, and a book signing in the works, coordinated by the publishers, Simon and Schuster.

Please pray for me--its all pretty overwhelming and I need to find time in between my other work--and my family--to take care of it all. I am excited at what the Lord has in store, where this journey continues to take me, but sometimes that excitement can be a tiny bit frightening, you know?

It's all a leap of faith...here we go!

Meeting Jack Canfield

2010-09-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

This week, I felt the surge of struggle...and then strength. I don't quite know how to describe that moment, but it happens to all of us, which is why I posted this on my Facebook page:

'A problem that causes us anguish is exactly what we need. It is the opportunity we have been waiting for. This is hard at the time, but anything good takes some mental effort.'

The so-called problems have been forcing me to take a step back and reevaluate a few things in my life right now, think about my priorities, and what my orignal goals are--put things into perspective, you might say.

When these things in life happen, I always keep my eyes open for what I call The Signs. You know, that little nudge in the right direction. It could be during a conversation with a friend; it could be something you read in a book or on a blog; it could be a song you hear, or a literal sign posted on a bus downtown.

This week, it came to me in a few things; one was in the form of a phone call that a meeting had been arranged for me to personally interview Jack Canfield, the co-founder of The Chicken Soup for the Soul books, who is only in town for two days! How awesome is that? Now I have something in common with Oprah and Larry King Live, who also sat for a telecast chat with him. :)

After an hour, I realized he said nothing new--it was all stuff I had heard before but maybe needed to hear repeated. Like the signs, telling me to stay on track, focused, passionate about what I love and live for.

So yes--I was inspired, encouraged, strengthened.

I love life's little surprises.

A Bit of Magic!

2010-09-08T08:42:00.000-07:00

This is just for fun, ok?

But Click this link and tell me if yours isn't freaky accurate!

What's Up

2010-09-06T07:22:00.000-07:00

Besides my travel-writing, I've also started writing for some local women's websites and parenting websites. Having another outlet for the other creative stuff that follows parenthood will be the solution, I think, to everything going on in my head--and heart--right now.

I also was able to get a gig with Deutsche Welle, the German cable TV channel, as their foreign news correspondent. Interesting, fun, and challenging all the same time!

Also, heads up, next month CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL is coming out with a Christmas Special called 'Christmas Magic', and.....I'm in it!

One day, before I became a mom, I was lying in bed surfing the Net and got this crazy idea to send in a story to the Chicken Soup call for submissions. So I did, and months later, just when I had forgotten all about it, they notified me that my story made it to the final selection for this year!

I'm so excited! What a dream come true. I grew up reading this series and it was what inspired me to start writing in ways that could reach out to others with simple words. I hope and pray that with this little story, someone out there, somewhere, will be inspired. If even just a little spark, and give them some hope at Christmas time.

Maybe this is Jesus' Christmas gift to me--getting published in an awesome book. I'm very happy. Make sure to get a copy when it's out in your city! :)

Love, Love, Love!

2010-09-06T06:44:00.000-07:00

Life with a not so little baby has been exhausting but also so much fun! At just 8 months, Karsten's personality is really starting to show itself. His current favorite toys are TV remote controls, cellphones and cold water bottles.

He loves swimming, anything to do with water-play, and beer. He likes to wait up for me till I get home (even when I am out for the night and not back till late, he waits up like a husband!) and sometimes hums himself to sleep.

He can't sleep without his comfy pillow, and prefers to save his poo diapers for me, first thing in the early mornings, or last thing at night. He can already climb stairs, and to the top of couches. He is so dangerous!

Whoever said your life ends when you have kids? All it does is ENHANCE it and GROW it and give you all these experiences you never knew you could have, all this love you never knew you were capable of.

I love my little boy!

Gratitude

2010-09-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

(Sunset from pdphoto.org)

September is here, and the year seems, once again, to have flown by. I've been trying to spend the early moments in the morning before work to count my blessings a little--and I end up realizing there is A LOT!

I am so, so thankful for everything the year has brought so far. I am thankful for good health, a loving family, a steady career. I am thankful for the people in my life right now, and the opportunities that I have been given to give back.

I've met some amazing people this year, and my work allows me to come in contact with so many unique personalities and characters. Yesterday, on the way to a jazz concert at Ayala Museum, I caught a taxi ride and the driver was one of the nicest, sincerest and honest people you could hope to meet. He told me stories of his passengers, gave me tips on traveling in the city, and left me with better awareness and respect for people like him who make our lives easier in ways we don't even realize. I told him about my frustrations with some nasty drivers, and he shared what the other side of the fence is like--and the nasty passengers some taxis have to deal with.

It's easy to take those people for granted--the guard at your office building; the bus driver; the cashier lady. But they all contribute to your day in some way, and after yesterday, I want to make better effort to appreciate the little things day they do without complaint.

Later that evening, a British friend told me how he once lost his passport in a taxi here in Manila, and the taxi driver gave it to the priest that Sunday mass, telling him he would know what to do and how to locate the owner. The priest was able to contact the emergency number of relatives in the UK, who then called up my friend so he could retrieve the lost passport from the priest.

If what goes around comes around, let's remember to be kind to strangers, to helpers, to the people we don't normally notice but who are a part of our everyday life. Let's be thankful for them.

Monday Madness in Manila

2010-08-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

(Photos from BBC)

It is a tragic day anywhere in the world when lives are lost because of misunderstandings, stupidity and failure. The hostage situation yesterday was sad on so many levels--embarrasing, and a grim reality of how chaotic this place can be.

People are blacing the blame on different circles: The government, the media, the hostage-taker. Maybe it should be a moment to look inwards instead and ask ourselves what we are doing to benefit our our country and our people in positive ways; on a day-to-day basis.

I do not sympathize with the hostage-taker, but in a repeat situation of another hostage story in this country some time back, the bottomline was similar: 'listen to my plea for help'. So much of the tragedy could have been prevented, had his issues been resolved months ago. Lives would have been spared and families not torn apart, had his case been investigated properly.

While we cannot make conclusions or assume that we would have done better in the same scenario, it is clear that we have a long way to go as a country and now that the wound is greater than ever, it will take a long, long time to heal.

Interview with Action and Fitness Mag

2010-08-21T11:39:00.000-07:00

Shortly before leaving for Italy a couple months ago, I got a phone call from Action and Fitness Magazine. They asked for an interview, and although I was at first surprised that a sports mag was interested in my story (I am not sporty at all!), it was fun to share memorable experiences with their readers.

The interview was published last month, in the issue here which features Malaysian Carmen Soo on the cover. It was nice that they gave me the opportunity to talk about day to day life with my work and family, plus our past outreach projects.

You can read the PDF version here.

...Hope you're having a great weekend! Karsten and I were supposed to go to a birthday party tonight, but we were both so tired and will save our energy for swimming at Splash Island tomorrow!

Bye-Bye Baby

2010-08-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

How can a mother not be torn when leaving her kids? Whether it's everyday or once a week, the seperation anxiety is real! I was talking with a girlfriend (mother of two) last week, and she told me how, on their first trip overseas without the kids, she would cry just thinking of them or hearing their name.

I haven't had to leave Karsten too far yet, but going to work means leaving him most hours of the day, and isn't fun to say goodbye. We have our 'quality time' in the evenings or early mornings (he likes to wake up at 6) and I try to squeeze as much mommy-time in there that I can, cuddling, giving him baby massage, (which he loves!) and having early walks.

Then, it's off to workout, shower, get dressed and say goodbye.

Waaaaaa!!!!!

It's never easy, is it?

Saturday Steals

2010-08-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

At the Health and Beauty Expo I scored some awesome coffee/vanilla scrub soap for just Php60 (1Euro!) and some red, red lipstick (First pic) for just $USD2.50!

Julia wrote a very detailed review on the product we both cashed in on, and which I have been wearing every day since Saturday :) It makes me happy when I find good stuff on sale for VERY affordable prices, and pretty things, too. I normally wear just nude shades on the lips to enhance my eyes but this striking one looked good for that glam night out when you want a little more bling. Plus, girls take note, dark lipsticks make your teeth look whiter, hehe.

I bought a classic red and a beige, then mixed both to come out with this:

Vanity Weekend

2010-08-13T10:30:00.001-07:00

Well, I've been blogging a lot about my baby...but a mom needs timeout too, away from both office and home, maybe with a girlfriend and a big wide shopping space.

So tomorrow I'm checking out the annual Health and Beauty convention over at our very own World Trade Center, together with make-up blogger Julia and will see if we find any good and pretty deals or nifty steals.

Have decided not to torture my son by strolling him through this girly cosmetic party, so he will be at home with The Aunties. Cheers to Retail Therapy!

Weekend at Pandin Lake

2010-08-08T06:34:00.000-07:00

In his element...

Charisse, Nyx, Asha and Karsten

Enjoying Pandin's cool water

Jozen at Sitio de Amor, where we stayed the night

Karsten is introduced to the spring's drinkable waters

...and the many coconuts!

just before getting on the raft

As a busy working mom who, on week days, only gets to see her baby at night when he is nearly asleep, I have learned to treasure all the little moments we spend together. On the weekends, when we have the whole day together, I make it a point to do something special with Karsten--go for walks, go to events, do something different and fun.

Today, we toured some parts of Laguna--just 80 km away from the city and easy to get to. My friend and her kid joined us, and we got excited about trying out different 'doable' trips that we could encourage other moms to do, too. We stayed at Sitio de Amor and took the LAKE PANDIN raft the next day. The kiddies loved it, as did we--not too stressful, but adventurous enough for everyone. Fresh seafood was caught the same day just for us, and the lake was clean enough for a dip. My son went wild with joy when he hit the water--way too excited! I guess he missed Lake Garda in Italy.

It takes some effort as a parent to do active things, a lttle planning and a little foresight. But after all that, I'm glad I decided to take Karsten along to enjoy in nature. Now, he is sound asleep early, wiped out from all that swimming...and I'm pretty ready to dream sweet, too...

Back in Asia

2010-07-31T01:57:00.000-07:00

(Pic:) Italy, the day before leaving, July 2010

The flight back to Manila was as exhausting as I anticipated, but was more prepared this time, after making that checklist from the last flight.

The one cool thing about the Philippine airport is, upon arrival, all the mommies get to sit in wheel chairs and are wheeled off to the front of the line (with babies and bags) so that we didn't have to wait at Immigrations. No other airport had that service! The airport staff helps you fill in your legal work and takes care of getting your baggage, too.

We are happy to be back with our family and friends here in Asia, Karsten has a million cousins and aunts, uncles more his age to play with...but wow, this heat plus humidity and rain is a killer.

Life in Lake Garda

2010-07-29T21:04:00.000-07:00

Happy joy joy--the sweet life in Italy...

...hanging out, the sun doesn't set till 9pm in Summer...

...strolling with dad on the harbor...

...and trying to drive his boat backwards...

...in the middle of the lake...

...Club da Baia...

...with kitesurf instructor Bianca...

...dad wakeboarding...

...fun with playmates...

...scared that mom will crash the boat...

...his happy place...

Urlaub in Deutschland

2010-07-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

By this time, I hope my boy has gotten used to waking up in different countries and continents--although I am still learning to cope with the tiring travel. We enjoyed Summer in Germany and Karsten got reaquainted with his family there. During this time, Karsten's great-grandmother passed away and we spent much of the time tending to her funeral arrangements. She was a special woman with a great big heart, whose last wish was to see Karsten again. By the time we were able to get to the hospital, she had already slipped into unconsciousness, but she will live on in our hearts and fond memories.

It is times like these when you realize that life is best spent caring for each other. Our time may be short or long here on earth--we come and go, we make new friends and say goodbye, and seasons change all the time. Do we race ahead with dazzling careers, or do we make time for the little moments with people who matter, those times that may never be there again? I don't think that time just spent enjoying the copmpany of our loved ones is time wasted. And my son reminds me of that every day. When, the next day he is is bigger than the day before, more developed, with a stronger personality, I always want to freeze the moments (and this is probably why parents take so many pictures!)

...But all I can do is enjoy them as they are here, and teach him to take the time, too: to love, to live with an open heart.

Germany has some beautiful lakes, and the weather was perfect for frolicking in them. Karsten loves the water as much as his dad, and never wants to leave it. I think his happy place is in his dad's arms, in the water--just like in these pictures.

Below is the garden, which Karsten's grandpa (Opa) tends to so well. It is beautiful always in the Summer, and the Winter, the Fall, and the Spring. The swing was a gift by his great-grandparents.

From Germany, we travelled on to Italy, where my husband works the Summer. Here, we got to meet old friends again and enjoy the sweet, serene life at Lago di Garda. (Next post!)

SURVIVING AIRPLANE TRAVEL WITH A BABY

2010-06-28T07:51:00.001-07:00

Now that I have survived my first trans-continent flight solo with 6 month old baby, with a total of 24 hours traveling time, I picked up some lessons learned along the way:

• Bring a couple carry on toys to keep baby occupied, tie a ribbon around so you can attach it to the stroller or basinet—no rattles or noisy toys, though. The other passengers would appreciate it.

• The stroller can be your lifesaver. But if you have a stopover and transit flight, make sure it’s clear that you get your stroller at the layover as well, and that they don’t send it straight to your destination. Have them give it to you when stepping off the plane (they will put another label tag on this) so that you are not stuck without it at immigrations and other checkpoints before baggage claim.

• Pack a soft pad for changing diapers, one that can fold up small into your bag. Baby will appreciate not having to lie on the cold, hard table of the cramped airplane toilet.

• Airplanes should carry baby diapers on board. You don’t need to over-pack diapers.

• You will be required to pass everything through the x ray machines, so double-check and make sure you get everything back afterwards. I accidentally left my laptop in the Munich Security check and realized two hours later! Thank God I was able to find it again in Lost and Found.

• Don’t underestimate the recommended 3 hour check in prior to take-off time. You will appreciate having enough time to do everything (plus change diapers in-between!) with time for unexpected blunders, like my laptop scenario above.

• Wear practical clothes without fussy buttons or zippers. (example: Jogging pants instead of jeans) This will come in handy in case you have to hold on to baby while going pee (sounds gross, but sometimes it may come to that!)

• Expect that there will not be an elevator at some stops. Strangers will usually be friendly enough to help carry the stroller if needed.

• The best seat you can book is one that is near the bathroom, with a window (baby will have fun looking at the scenery) and up front with leg space (luggage space!) and a bassinet. If your seat was not pre-arranged at check-in, have the flight crew organize for you to trade seats with a passenger up front who does not have a kid.

• Feed or nurse baby during landing and take offs to ease the pressure in his ears. Older children can be given lollipops to suck.

• And finally, babies DO get jetlag. Mine is currently sleeping the whole afternoon (his body clock night) and will be wide awake at midnight later. I have decided to not stress it, give him time to adjust to the changes and just take advantage of his sleeping moments to do stuff like eat strawberries and wine, and blog ;)

Deutschland!

2010-06-26T21:58:00.000-07:00

Thank God, we made it safely all the way to Western Europe, the night before last. It’s a cool 19 degrees of Summer, and since baby is jetlagging at 5am, I have him out in the garden enjoying the early sun and colorful flowers while I sit on the terrace to blog.

It was a long, long journey, but we are finally….home? Well, if home is where the heart is, then we have found our home in many different places around the world, where we have been welcomed and enjoyed the fellowship of family and friends. And here is one of them.

Summer Stroll

2010-06-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

I had a lovely walk with my son on the beach today--it was his first beach trip and he was loving every minute just watching the waves, enjoying the sun.

I thought about how, all through life, I've embarked on so many journeys, and now I'm still doing what I love and living the life I want...except now, there's this little person doing it all with me. I pray I can teach him to enjoy every minute of life, to love completely and live a life that is worth living.

But I know that most of these lessons, he will have to learn on his own--when the time comes. I can only be there to show him, 'See, here's the great big world where possibilities are endless!' ...and then he will have to make that journey, too.

Speaking of journeys, this week, baby and I are flying to meet up with my husband in Europe. It's gonna be one long plane flight! And this little boy has just discovered rowdiness. Being a parent is...EXHAUSTING!!!

On Marriage

2010-06-12T06:28:00.001-07:00

Almost exactly a year ago, I married the man who changed my life for the better. Looking back at the many moments we shared as man and wife, I feel completely blessed to call him mine. In him, I find what so many women are dreaming for: that reliable, supportive, adoring, boyish yet manly, handsome and totally cool man for keeps.

The irony is that I met him at a time in my life when I stopped trying to look, or even craving that someone there. I had finally learned to relax and let everything go, to love my life as it was, regardless of whether I would find someone to share that life with, or not.

And then, when I stopped stressing so much, it happened. As easily and as naturally as possible. And of course, when I least expected it. The diary entry below was written shortly after we tied the knot, yet a year later, I still feel the same about him. Only now, I’m that much more convinced that he is perfect for me.

(September, 2009)

It’s been a little less than three months since Johannes and I were married, on a romantic little island in Denmark. Prior to that, we had what we both call, “a year of honeymoon”, in which we fell in love, traveled the world together, and made a baby.

It always seemed to me a bit of a movie-screen romance. I say this, because from the start—the very first night we met—we were inseparable. During our initial long-distance relationship, he would fly to my city to meet me, or one of us would take the long 8-hour bus commute.

Each week after the next, I thought maybe now he would get tired of me, or vice-versa. I imagined one of us, or both of us, getting stale, cooling off, or deciding to part ways, because a “real” romance couldn’t possibly be this good for long.

And when Johannes talked me into going to Europe a second time with him, I imagined it as just another wind-blown, romantic vacation. I didn’t foresee a wedding; I didn’t foresee the baby; I didn’t foresee myself as the settled-down woman that I am now.

But everything seemed to happen as if it were the original course of things. I agreed to go with Johannes, to marry him, to stay in Europe where he worked and start a new life for myself, for my brand new family.

The thing is, we didn’t go into the marriage blindly. We both knew each other, the very things that attracted as well as repelled. We knew our shortcomings, our differences (so many differences!), and also, what made us stick.

And because it’s only been a few months, I sometimes catch myself wondering: At what point does the love wear off? When do you stop seeing the sparkle in the other person’s eye, or accepting them just the way they are? Does love grow old and boring with time, or does it just keep getting better and better?

I feel that ours has deepened over the two years we’ve known each other. And while we are still learning about this funny thing called married life, not too much has changed since we were in the dating stage.

He often grabs my hand and takes me outside to watch a thunderstorm; he drives me to romantic cities to catch a sunset. And on hot summer nights when no one is looking, we go skinny-dipping in the lake.

Maybe we are still honeymooning. Maybe, in the first few years of marriage, everything will seem peachy and grand. Then maybe with time, we’ll outgrow our silliness and be a boring old couple.

Or maybe…some movie romances are true. Maybe there really are “happily ever afters”.

Maybe we never realize that all the years have passed, because we choose to live it one day at a time, and true love consumes the past, present, and future into one big, glorious climax.

Karsten's Taste

2010-06-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe my boy! Already going for females!

At the mall today, he encountered this poster and couldn't take his eyes off her! He kept on sighing, 'Ahhhhh! Ahhhhh!' and smiling like he was so contented. I have never seen the like! Never seen him happier, haha! He would not look at any other poster of any other girl.

Although I think he has good taste, my husband says he will have a word with him: better to go for real ones than poster pin-ups. :)

At this age though, I think pictures should do. Lol.

Travelling Gets Trickier

2010-06-07T18:17:00.001-07:00

Verona, Home of Letters to Juliet

In two weeks, Karsten and I will be flying to Europe to join my husband who has gone on ahead of us in time for the kitesurfing season. We will be spending a couple of weeks in Italy, a couple in Germany, enjoying the summer, visiting family and friends and teaching baby all about the wonders of this beautiful, colorful world.

I can't wait to catch up with old friends there, and to show my baby the places I swam with swans while pregnant with him, and where we took long walks in the forest and by the lake, now that he is old enough to observe everything. I can't wait to eat real pizza and gellato!

...but a part of me is not really looking forward to that long plane ride with him on my lap, squealing for freedom. Am keeping my fingers crossed that all goes as smoothly as is possible with an unpredicatble 5-month-old!

Big, Big Boy!

2010-06-06T09:07:00.001-07:00

Karsten is nearly six months old. It’s been so fun watching him discover himself, and his great big world. He’s at that blowing bubble stage now, making sounds, arching his back, trying to move everywhere though he can’t yet sit up alone. He was very good at falling asleep at night the last couple of months but now he’s started trying to make all kinds of noises with his spit before bedtime, and playing until he overtires himself. He has the craziest laugh, is super ticklish, and loves his Auntie Angela (teenager) who pokes fun at him all the time.

Have been trying different outings on weekends. Last Sunday we did a baby pool party at a friend’s (Mommies had cocktails and babies were free to romp) and this weekend, we went out to an Art Exhibition/Rock show. He loves being out of the house, seeing new and colorful things, and because he is so well-behaved, he’s so nice to have out with me.

I have been delighted to learn that being a parent just means your world has expanded, and in a better way. I am doing everything I love, but now I just have this added attachment who makes it even more fun and adventurous! The travels continue; the creativity is enhanced; the satisfaction is multiplied. Way more than I expected!

Let’s Talk About Change

2010-06-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

It comes to everyone in some form, whether you want it to or not! Embracing change sometimes means having to adapt to situations you wouldn’t otherwise throw yourself into.

Many people I know have come to a change-point in their lives right now. New travels; new jobs, new families; new circumstances.

Some things that Change has taught me are:

· Go with the flow. Enjoy the discovery of new things. Enjoy the discovery of a new you!

· Let things happen gradually. Don’t expect to ‘get it’ overnight. Don’t assume that any new challenge will be easy. That’s why they are called Challenges.

· Accept that this is a natural course in life, and that it will happen one way or another

· Be open to learning from other people who have made that Change Journey before. Listen to them and learn from their experiences.

· Tell yourself that it’s okay to be confused sometimes. It’s okay to have feelings of uncertainty; to question; to NOT KNOW THE ANSWERS TO EVERYTHING. Good things come to those who wonder.

· Know that there is a Power greater than yourself which is there to help you get through these times in life. Trust in its Love and Wisdom.

· Keep a journal to record your thoughts, prayers, and feelings during this time of change. Later you will look back on it and see how much you learned, progressed, or changed for the better, through it.

· When life gives you something unexpected, always look at it as a gift. Sometimes the package may seem wrong, but wait till you unwrap its true treasure.

· Feeling incapable of doing something new is A GOOD THING. Overconfidence always leads to screw-ups.

· Know that if you are not forced to push your limits, you won’t know where they are. Oftentimes, these kind of things happen—like downtimes in relationships—to prove to us how much we can handle, or so we can learn HOW to handle them.

...Am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you morph forward with Change!

Coming Home

2010-05-27T08:43:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of my trip was the coming home. After being whisked off to the airport from the Hyatt hotel in a limo (another first!), it was a quick plane flight back to the Philippines...and the moment I saw my baby boy, who picked me up at the airport, he just gave me the most SPEECHLESS HAPPY SMILE ever!

There are no words to describe the kind of high I get when I see my son after some time, and the look he gives me when he realizes I wasn't actually gone for good. Priceless moment, and it makes me so happy to see him again.

I remember walking through the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh city on our last day. The pictures of terror, of torture, of pain imposed on humans by other humans was heart-wrenching. Whereas before, I could look at all those photos without feeling the pain, now it is different. I am a mother. All the hurt babies in the picture become my son. All the dead babies become my son. All the cries, the tears, the heaviness of heart...I feel a minuscule fraction of it...but it is enough to make me pain like nothing I ever felt before.

It's like, when you become a parent, a part of your heart that was never open before finally is. The feelings come flooding through that never passed by before. And you always see things from a different perspective, a personal one.

Coming home, I saw the warmth of my baby's smile and felt gratitude to being alive. We are truly blessed!

Here's an acrylic (above) which I painted just tonight.

Will Draw For Food

2010-05-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

It was the moment I realized all those winning nights at Pictionary were finally paying off!
Or not.

The last day in HCMC and we were all proud of ourselves for finding the tastiest side street restaurant, courtesy of Steve, who took us there the night before. Problem was, Steve spoke Vietnamese.
We didn't.

Second problem was, Steve wasn't with us today.

It was the all-in-Vietnamese-menu that threw us off as we stared at it, mouths agape and stomachs growling. No pictures, just jumbled letters to us.

Thus began the joyous shouting exclamations of 'Chicken! Chicken!' and flapping our elbows, charade-style. All we got then was blank stares.

So out came the pencil and paper. 'This--Chicken. This--Pig'.

'Ah!' The little man would exclaim, smiling.

'Yay!' We were smiling too.

And then he frowns a little...'Huh??'

Yeah. We weren't getting anywhere with that chicken. So I drew a pig. With bones. 'Pork Ribs! Spare ribs! You have?'

'Ah!'

'Huh?'

He seemed to get the chicken part, but what I really wanted to tell him was, CURRY! Chicken Curry! How do you friggin draw curry??? Finally, the cook came out and motioned me to the back kitchen, where I hopped between puddles of water, basins of meat and a lot of random spices. there, I hunted for the curry. It seemed to be a little bucket of paste in the corner among other red and yellow things. 'Hot!' I exclaimed. 'Spicy! Spicy Curry!' And then...'Rice....you have rice?'

'huh?'

Back to the drawing board. And there, I tried to draw a wok of rice grains cooking, FRIED RICE!...an egg with an arrow to point its way to the fried in a wok rice, and..'Ah!' he said again. He understood.

20 hungry minutes later, out came our chicken--in the pot, and with the pot came the stove! They got the curry right, but it was curry soup. Real soupy!
The spare ribs? Heavenly.
The rice? Never came. Neither did the eggs.

But the food was yummy and we were content. Next time we visit a foreign country, we promised ourselves, we would at least learn how to say rice.

Above: The chicken curry pot sans rice

The tasty Spare Ribs

Couchsurfing in Vietnam

2010-05-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

Usually, when I travel, the itinerary is laid out, the hotels are pre-booked, the coordinating team has done everything ahead to make sure our media trips go as smoothly as possible. Arriving in Vietnam with no pre-plan or agenda meant that anything was possible! We wanted to get a rounded idea of the accommodations available, from the high end to the budget, so the first night, we booked in at the backpacker street in Hong Han Hotel. The last night, we were at the five star Hyatt, and the two nights in-between were completely free, thanks to couchsurfing.

Couchsurfing is a great way to travel, if you’re up for meeting new people and sleeping on a couch, or in my case, a mattress in the hallway. www.couchsurfing.com will answer all your questions, but it’s the best way to see a place from a local’s perspective. Instead of checking into a hotel and paying the night, you stay in someone’s home (couch) and get to share experiences, make new friends, form relationships, learn cultures and insights.

Steve and Adam were our generous hosts and the place Steve took us for dinner happened to have the best food we EVER tasted on the trip, yet! --And the cheapest! I thought I was getting a great deal in town for 18,000 Vietnamese Dong (a dollar), when in fact, in the real local spots, the same beer could be enjoyed for just 10,000!

Before writing the guys for a couch, I had reviewed their profiles online, and found that everyone who stayed with them had great things to say. Adam had also been on a worldwide couchsurf, chronicling his journeys on www.couchsurfingtheworld.com.

It reminded me a little of growing up with communal-living. In our homes, there were always people hanging out in the living room, or in the kitchen…someone around to relax and watch a movie with…someone with a guitar in the corner to start plucking some tunes. And the variety of people in one room, or sleeping in the same house, made it all the more fun! Of course, the exchange of ideas, conversations and friendships that follow you for years to come are priceless, its travels like these where you can connect with people that make a difference and leave an impression.

Thanks, guys, for hosting us…if ever you come to Manila, there will be a place for you (with beers)!

(Pic: Motorbiking is the way to get anywhere here...)

--My colleague on the couch
A Home Sweet Home

A VERY familiar-looking sign!

HCMC, The Highs and Lows

2010-05-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

Portrait of a family

Portrait of War
Took in a bit of the Ho Chi Minh City's culture today, while stepping into some art galleries. This nation has a history riddled with sadness and torn by war, and some of those emotions are carved into stone, or preserved on canvas. Its hard to walk it and not be affected in some way. Some say this generation doesn't talk much about it any more, and maybe some of those horrors are better left in the past. But some, like the artists, will make other nations remember, will leave people thinking.

And then there is the reality: The only thing we ever learn from history is that we never learn from history, as Toynbee says.

--Some more on the streets: helmets, shopping, food...

First Night Out in Ho Chi Minh City

2010-05-17T19:11:00.000-07:00

Since we are staying in the backpacker area, it's easy to barhop, and beer costs $1.50 average.
These springrolls go great with a couple of cold ones.

...Not quite sure what that word actually means in Vietnamese.

Its easy to get distracted with all there is to buy, but if you look closely, most of this stuff is available in many other parts of Asia. Of course, when traveling, you always fall for those kitsch souvenirs that just end up cluttering up a shelf back home.

We chose a high view of our street from this cafe/restaurant for our first dinner here. Got a great scene of the passersby--the hurried ones, the aimless ones, the lost ones, the tipsy ones...

And then, for after-dinner drinks, we hit up Xu Bar, which is apparently on Conde Nast's Hotlist. A little more private, a lot more pricey.
Had a couple Mojitos to kick off the night.

After a few shots and then some, Anika decided she was tired and headed back to the hotel for bed, but I was still ready to partyyyyyyy!

...So new friend and luxury-travel writer Gemma took me with her girls to HiFi club where some Djs had a crowd thumping to house music. Did you know here, the legal cut-off time for bars, clubs, everything, is midnight?

But this party went on till morning. So that rule is relative, I guess?

Some hours and more cocktails later, feeling I had enough of the nightlife for the first evening, got a ride back to my hotel, knowing I could sleep in tomorrow as long as I wanted. But really, when it's your first day in a new country, who wants to stay in bed too long? Couldn't wait to check out more.

Snapshots from Saigon

2010-05-17T04:16:00.000-07:00

HCMC (Saigon) is blistering hot! Maybe 3 times as humid as sweaty Manila, if you can imagine. I wanted to travel light but ended up realizing I hadn't brought enough clothes, or the right kind to beat this heat. It's crazy!!!

...But otherwise, it's good fun. Everyone and their brother gets around on a motorbike, crossing the road is crazy, but the motorists know what they are doing. You just GO and they will zoom around you. After you make it, you feel pretty proud of yourself. Somehow it feels like they know what they are doing better than back home where crossing is deadly, too.

The first thing you will wanna grab is one of these: An iced coffee! For less than a dollar, they'll fill up a cup with ice, add some concentrate coffee and a drizzling of condensed milk. It's yummy, but gone in two sips.

Shopping must be on your agenda in Vietnam, everything is so cheap. As usual, I was on the hunt for one of these ethnic-print bags.

As daring as I try to pretend be when it comes to experimental things, I didn't quite go for that rice wine with snakes and scorpions inside. Would you? I applaud.

Ben Thanh market is the first place shoppers hit up. But its a stuffy maze of stalls and you'll be dizzied from the heat, if not the pushy sellers. Two of them actually pulled me in and helped each other fit a silk dress over my head and zip it up when I wasn't even asking. Then they stick a mirror in front of you, and you think it looks pretty good. I bought the dress. (Sucker!)

You're tired after all that shopping and haggling and crazy vendors, so there's food ready where you can pull up on a stool and chow down.
My first lunch was something familiar: Pho beef soup, with all those yummy herbs and....ah, beer. Cheers.
Budget hotels go for real cheap, we booked ours online so probably didn't get the best deal, but for aircon, clean bathrooms, two bed, cable TV, internet and a fridge, 22dollars isn't bad.

I'm missing my boy too much! When I saw this shop and the other had her baby, I just had to stop and play! At 6 months old, he is the same size as my son. Bought her heap home decors (You can see one hanging) for 3dollars each.

...and beaded earrings also for 3dollars each...

The seller of this store told me about the handicrafts made by one of the tribal people, she sold me a nice bag for 1dollar. ANd then she even posed for a pretty picture :)

Staying the first night in this downtown area, the main backpacker street. It's filled with coffeeshops, bars, restaurants, and budget hotels, art galleries and street sellers. Tangled wires hang at random places on every corner. And I thought the Manila electric lines were a mess.

More to come, we have moved from the budget hotel to 'couchsurfing', and what a great way to get to know a place! Because we want to cover Vietnam from many different angles. Read about this great way to travel here: www.couchsurfing.com

See you soon.

WooHoo!

2010-05-14T08:54:00.001-07:00

(Pic of our travels in France last year)

It's my birthday!
And what a great day it's been! FB reminds my friends all around the world, so I have a stream of well-wishes, greetings, and words from people who I don't usually get to hear from on a normal day. So fun!

This year has been...wow! How to describe it? Each year gets better and better, and this one gave me so many memorable experiences and moments, like:

· Getting Married

· Having a baby (not the ‘having’ part so much, ha)

· Finding rice in Europe!

· Southern France Road-trip

· Starting a new career

And then there are the first-timers:

· First time in Monaco

· First time in France (Camargue, Arles, Aix, Provence, etc)

· First time to eat snails

· First White Christmas

...and so much more! My heart is full to overflowing this year, looking back and knowing that evry challenge, every difficulty, and every joy had its time and place, everything was necessary to get me to this point of life today.

I wish you all LOVE. too, wonderful times as the rest of the year happens for us.

Gotta get some sleep in, plane leaves in a few hours and I have been a lousy packer, really. I'm taking you with me to Saigon tomorrow, so be sure to come back here for updates and pics!

Can't wait!

A Special Date...

2010-05-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's day to all you women--who I never really realized before were so wonderful!

Just Counting My Blessings

2010-05-08T07:02:00.001-07:00

Happy Weekend, everyone! Had to go to work on this Saturday, but I still feel so blessed!

--blessed to have a job I LOVE and look forward to...
--blessed with no traffic today...
--blessed to have a trustworthy nanny looking after my son...
--blessed to have an amazing staff to work with who are dedicated and positive...
--blessed to have a wonderful family to come home to...
--blessed to have a free bottle of rum given to me last week that I can cozy up with as I relax this evening.

...This feels good! I should count my blessings everyday!

It's A Big Deal!

2010-05-06T06:52:00.000-07:00

It used to be that parents who posted news about their kids—seemingly trivial news—annoyed me (a little). Yet now I find myself gushing on Facebook about Karsten’s first tooth.

It used to be that people who pasted all these baby pics on their blog annoyed me (a little) but now I am crazy parent culprit Number One! (just look at all those posts below.)

Life is different when you share it with your children, when you just can’t wait to get home, because they are there waiting for you…when you don’t need other things to make you happy because looking at your child’s smile is happiness enough.

Life is different in a good way.

Don’t misunderstand me—all my friends who post mainly about their kids, I like to read your blogs too, and enjoy them…but sometimes before I found myself wondering, ‘So your baby’s crawling…what’s the big deal?’

Now, I totally get it. Every day is a miracle of new life, big accomplishments, and every moment that we lie in bed falling asleep together, baby and I, brings me some kind of peaceful satisfaction.

Yes, now I totally get it.

P.S. He just learned to stick his tongue out in a cheeky way. JUST TOO CUTE!

Seafood, Seafun, Summer!

2010-05-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

Boracay is crowded...way too crowded. But that's to be expected. When we left our private beach and hopped on over to where the whitest sands have swept in some kind of touristy phenomenon, it was clear that this was only gonna get worse.

I didn't take many pictures of the crowds, because you all know what that looks like, anyway. (And it doesn't pretty up the beach at all!) I found myself annoyed with the clubs, the loud radio programs being aired live, the density of people that swarmed the beachfront and dressed as if they had never left the clubbing scene in Manila.

But irks aside, we still had great company and made a couple new friends amongst the media team. Sailing on a Paraw (pic above) at sunset wasn't anything new, but the view of the island from afar was somehow more inviting than the crowds up close.

And yeh, the beach really is the only place one should be in this crazy heat.

Why I Love My Islands

2010-05-02T21:16:00.001-07:00

No words needed, these pictures say it all.

New friends from other publications and travel blogs take a dip during the media tour.

...Blogging from the hotel lobby where an infinity pool faces the sea.

Bora: Touchdown!

2010-04-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

It's hot, hot, hot! Weather at around 32 degrees of summer, expecting cooler winds to breeze by as we surf this island for adventure...and of course, Boracay Island is party Island!...And yes, we took pics...off to White Beach, see you back here soon.

Island-blogging

2010-04-30T03:26:00.000-07:00

Yay, finally made it! After an hour taxi ride in Manila city traffic, one hour plane flight, 2 hour bus, 20 minute boat, and finally a last 30 minute van, am finally at the resort. Will try to blog on the road, which I haven't quite done before. Meanwhile am chowing down a sisig pizza. Whoa.

Ah, Boraaaaa!

2010-04-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

We featured this paradise-meets-crazy-touristy-party-island last month on our cover. Now, I'm headed there for a media trip to feature one of the resorts. Last time I landed in Boracay, was only about 2 years ago, to celebrate John's birthday. I'm interested to see how much has changed...

How to Get Your Dream Job

2010-04-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

Remember the guy who recently got selected for “The Best Job In the World”? What a lucky dude, right?? Who wouldn’t want to get paid to live in Paradise!

Different people have different ideas of what their dream job is. For some, it could be the best dancer ever. For another, it’s to work on a cruise ship. For others, to live off their art or music. And still others, to teach the children who grow up to change the world.

Me, I always wanted to be a travel host, and a writer, and a painter, and eat for a living. I also wanted to have a kid before I was thirty (and that is a real job, isn’t it??) I am blessed to have done all I dreamed for, and more. But it didn’t all just come about because of having the right connections, as most people think has to be the case. It was little steps that led to getting what I want out of life. I thought to share some of that with you tonight, if you’re on the path to getting your dream job, too.

Know What You Want and Where You Want to be in Life

Define yourself and your goals. If those aren’t clear yet, take some time to imagine where you see yourself 5 or 10 years from now, what you think you would be happy doing. Time flies faster than you think.

Be Willing To Take Risks

Before I decided to work at my current job, I was living a wonderful life on the lake in Italy. I was still a freelance writer, and the world was my notebook. Then, I was offered this job, and it didn’t actually look that great, because I didn’t know if I wanted to come all the way back here and leave my latest comfort zone. It looked like risky business. It meant moving house again, uprooting. But after further pondering, I realized that was a risk I had to take to be where I wanted to be in my long term goals. I was starting a family; I was young and able to make those changes; at least I had options.

Be Willing to do the Work

Just because it’s fun doesn’t mean it’s not gonna be hard work. When I was hosting the TV show, we would have so much fun every evening…eating, drinking, karaoke…but at 5am the next morning, we had to be up and ready to shoot! And as a girl you know it takes time before you feel camera ready, especially after a long night of rum-cokes! But you need to know what is expected of you, and be responsible to make that happen.

Visualize Your Goals

Sometime ago, I did an art exhibition to raise funds for charity. In the beginning I had not a single cent. After deciding how I wanted to plot my art exhibition, I decided how much money I wanted to raise. I wrote this number down. It seemed a huge amount at the time! But I put it on paper and pasted it on my wall so that every day I could see it. And every day, I would picture holding that much money in my hands. I wanted to make that a reality.

I said my prayers, went to work, and in the end, I had raised three times the amount written down.

There is a certain power in visualization. Allowing your mind to work in such a positive way as to conceive the previously unthinkable. I don’t know the mathematical explanation, but it works like magic!

Rid Your Life of People Who Clutter It Unintentionally

All throughout my life, there have been people who mean well, but in their wanting to protect me, they actually shielded me from discovering life on my own. In not wanting to see me get hurt, they actually created that barrier that would block my view from something better. The solution? Don’t hang out with them so much. It may sound harsh, but you need to clear your personal space. Give them time to let you have your time, to let you figure things out the only way you can. Time will pass and things will come back full circle, then they’ll understand your reasons for needing to do what you had to do.

Be Grateful for the Small Successes

Always be thankful. There is always someone who has a worse life than you. When you are on the path to big success, remember the small victories, too. Feel alive with every moment that you are able to breathe, to think, to move. Some people are not so lucky.

…so there’s a few tips. I hope that’s helpful. Remember that the Lord loves you and always has your best interests in mind, and in the right time, the doors of opportunity could open for you in some big way. You just need to know when and how to walk through them.

Till later ;)

Sunday Night

2010-04-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Lord,

Another week has passed. What joy and contentment.

I met deadlines and missed some. I learned new things and forgot others. I met awesome people and talked with strangers who taught me more.

Thank you for making every day exciting, every week something to look forward to. Thank you for my family, my career, my little place in the world that is taken care of by You.

Please be with all those I love and all those who need Your Love tonight. Wrap Your arms around them and tell them that everything's going to be okay. If there were hard choices to make, mountains to climb, mindsets to change and love to give, let them know that You see all and will give what they need. You will sustain. You are enough.

You will bring healing, too. Please do that for baby who has been having a rough time with his sniffles. Keep his angels awake tonight.

We love You.

Would if I Could

2010-04-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

(Pic: Karsten in Italy, 1 month óld)

It seems a favorite question people have is, 'Do you breastfeed?' And the answer is, 'I would, but...it's just so unrealistic!'

And trust me, I've tried. I know it's the best, it's healthy, it's the prime source of nutrients and anti-everything-bad for babies, but I wonder how other working moms do it? Please don't tell me its realistic to pump every two hours for half and hour each time at the office. Believe me, I've tried.

It feels like sometimes people judge. 'Huh??? You don't breastfeed? How could you not??!'

I did the first three months, when I was doing nothing but staying at home with baby. Then work began, and I initially brought the pump with me to the office, tried to be faithful, tried to milk myself like a good mommy. That lasted a week.

Breastfeeding is the best, yes. But in some cases, it's just so unrealistic.

Or not?

Chicken Soup Surprise

2010-04-24T09:04:00.001-07:00

Had a real high last Friday! I got notice that a story of mine had been chosen as a finalist for an upcoming book of "Chicken Soup for the Soul!" Only 5 per cent of all submissions make it to this stage, they said! Wow, it has always been my dream to be published there, something I never thought possible, well because I grew up reading those books, and that's actually what gave me inspiration to write, way back then!

...so excited! (You can tell just by all these exclamation marks!!!!)

...I am just so high still and thanking the Lord for getting me even that close and could you please, please pray with me that they do choose it? You can read the story here

Thanks so much, have a great weekend, and wishing you a surprise or two!

Paparazzi at Shangri La

2010-04-23T23:48:00.000-07:00

Yum, yum!

The Shangri La Manila hotel has a new Italian chef whipping up his specialties in the Paparazzi Restaurant! We were invited to a night of sampling a full course meal with Italian wines. Had some great conversations with the management there, she even has a daughter who has the same birthday as my Karsten! No way, right?

Manila Pen

2010-04-23T23:36:00.001-07:00

Just had a great food shoot at the Manila Peninsula Hotel. It's for an upcoming page on Filipino cuisine in our June Issue (We work two months in advance of publication), so look out for that one. Of course, had a delicious lunch afterwards in the grand lobby. (So much for losing weight!) Thanks to the awesome PR staff at Manila Pen, thanks for taking such good care of us and attending to our requests!...and thanks to our excellent photographer Adrienne!

Oh, in these photos you see my sister Nina, who also works with me. She's the best!