Now that she's armed with a passport, it's time to rack up those frequent flyer miles!!!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Nic in Singapore and the USA
Now that she's armed with a passport, it's time to rack up those frequent flyer miles!!!
Monday, September 25, 2006
September 24, 2006 - Why...
... is it so frickin' difficult to get over jet lag?
... does a newer, faster version of the computer you just bought come out a few weeks after you bought it?
... does "movement" happen more easily after a cup or two of coffee?
... do boys love their toys so much?
... is it hard to get Nic to sleep at night sometimes?
... can't the Philippines seem to get it together (it's about Goddamn time we do)?
... does shit happen?
... can I remember scripts and songs, but forget where I put my glasses?
... does time fly when you're having fun, and crawl when you're not?
... why do I need -- NEED! -- to finish a flight of stairs (be the number of steps odd or even) with my left foot?
... why do I always put my shoes on left foot first?
... do I even bother?
... does a newer, faster version of the computer you just bought come out a few weeks after you bought it?
... does "movement" happen more easily after a cup or two of coffee?
... do boys love their toys so much?
... is it hard to get Nic to sleep at night sometimes?
... can't the Philippines seem to get it together (it's about Goddamn time we do)?
... does shit happen?
... can I remember scripts and songs, but forget where I put my glasses?
... does time fly when you're having fun, and crawl when you're not?
... why do I need -- NEED! -- to finish a flight of stairs (be the number of steps odd or even) with my left foot?
... why do I always put my shoes on left foot first?
... do I even bother?
Friday, September 22, 2006
Milestones
Over the last couple of weeks, our little girl has had quite a few
milestones: she's started rolling over from her back to front, and back
again... she's now sucking her thumb to soothe and comfort herself (I'm
not sure if that's a good thing, but it's proven very helpful to us),
she laughs (as in giggles and guffaws, healthy belly laughs that, I
think, she got from me -- it'll be really easy to find her), and loves
to smile.
My little girl is growing up so fast! I'd better enjoy and savor each
moment, for I'll never be able to get them back once they pass. Right
now (I'm writing this entry on the plane) she's in her car seat chewing
on a teething toy. Before we know it that first incisor will break
through. I'd better stock up on baby teething meds to help her through
that phase.
Amazing! Children are amazing creatures, and I'm so happy to be a parent. Nothing like it!
milestones: she's started rolling over from her back to front, and back
again... she's now sucking her thumb to soothe and comfort herself (I'm
not sure if that's a good thing, but it's proven very helpful to us),
she laughs (as in giggles and guffaws, healthy belly laughs that, I
think, she got from me -- it'll be really easy to find her), and loves
to smile.
My little girl is growing up so fast! I'd better enjoy and savor each
moment, for I'll never be able to get them back once they pass. Right
now (I'm writing this entry on the plane) she's in her car seat chewing
on a teething toy. Before we know it that first incisor will break
through. I'd better stock up on baby teething meds to help her through
that phase.
Amazing! Children are amazing creatures, and I'm so happy to be a parent. Nothing like it!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
September 20, 2006 - Da Beeg Eypol
We've been in New York City for the past 3 days, getting in last Monday evening. I'm here for meetings and such... unfortunately, we don't have the time to see a show at the moment. That's okay, I have a feeling I'll be back here for another, more lengthy visit. Who knows, maybe I'll find myself in another Broadway show or something next year. Wouldn't that be nice?
Anyway...
Not much happening over here with us, save for the baby. However, I do find the life change to be an amazing one. It's not about us -- the adults -- anymore, it's about the baby. Personally, I am loving it! She's a puzzle that's not always easy to figure out. She cries, and we don't always know if it's food, a dry diaper, a blanket or a cuddle that she needs. A lot of the time, it's trial and error. We're getting the hang of it though, at least I think we are.
We've not gone crazy just yet, although today Rob found himself at the end of the "what the f*** do I do now" rope. I was out for a meeting and Nic was crying, giving him such a hard time. I got back to the hotel, and found her in his arms beside herself. I tried a nursing, she still wouldn't stop. So I got her out of her clothes, gave her a little massage, placed her on her tummy atop my chest... finally, a nice big burp came out. And now she's fine. At the moment she's fast asleep, arms outstretched, legs turned out. Oh man, so fulfilling when you figure it all out!
We're back in LA on Friday afternoon... back to my car, back to our messy house, back to the bright sunshine.
...
I think I wanna live in New York again.
There's something about this city that's been good for me. Just a feeling when I'm walking in the brisk autumn air. But... if we do decide to live here, it won't be for very long as I'll be doing an Asian tour, with rehearsals beginning in June 2008. Ah well, a year in New York wouldn't be a bad idea.
Haaaaaaay, I don't know... I just have to go where God leads me. He led me to London... New York... Los Angeles... Manila... who knows where the wind'll take me this time. I just have to be open to any and all possibilities. I almost feel like some sort of missionary, going from place to place. If anything, I'm very blessed to have this kind of occupation.
I have a feeling my mission isn't over yet... the next instructions may come in the form of a calm breeze, a gentle wave, or 10,000 volts shooting up my ass as I stand in a puddle of water.
Anyway...
Not much happening over here with us, save for the baby. However, I do find the life change to be an amazing one. It's not about us -- the adults -- anymore, it's about the baby. Personally, I am loving it! She's a puzzle that's not always easy to figure out. She cries, and we don't always know if it's food, a dry diaper, a blanket or a cuddle that she needs. A lot of the time, it's trial and error. We're getting the hang of it though, at least I think we are.
We've not gone crazy just yet, although today Rob found himself at the end of the "what the f*** do I do now" rope. I was out for a meeting and Nic was crying, giving him such a hard time. I got back to the hotel, and found her in his arms beside herself. I tried a nursing, she still wouldn't stop. So I got her out of her clothes, gave her a little massage, placed her on her tummy atop my chest... finally, a nice big burp came out. And now she's fine. At the moment she's fast asleep, arms outstretched, legs turned out. Oh man, so fulfilling when you figure it all out!
We're back in LA on Friday afternoon... back to my car, back to our messy house, back to the bright sunshine.
...
I think I wanna live in New York again.
There's something about this city that's been good for me. Just a feeling when I'm walking in the brisk autumn air. But... if we do decide to live here, it won't be for very long as I'll be doing an Asian tour, with rehearsals beginning in June 2008. Ah well, a year in New York wouldn't be a bad idea.
Haaaaaaay, I don't know... I just have to go where God leads me. He led me to London... New York... Los Angeles... Manila... who knows where the wind'll take me this time. I just have to be open to any and all possibilities. I almost feel like some sort of missionary, going from place to place. If anything, I'm very blessed to have this kind of occupation.
I have a feeling my mission isn't over yet... the next instructions may come in the form of a calm breeze, a gentle wave, or 10,000 volts shooting up my ass as I stand in a puddle of water.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
September 17, 2006 - Life
To quote my friend Bobby (I HAD to steal this from your blog... it was too good not to):
The strange thing is, although we would all love to espouse the "live life to the fullest" edict, we don't. For whatever reason, we hesitate to take life by the short and curlies and really live it for everything it's worth. Far too often we find ourselves on our deathbeds, counting each and every "what if" that passed us by, wondering if we should have taken this chance, or this job, or went this way or that. With every day that comes and goes, we watch life go by from the sidelines, never taking center stage.
I'd like to think that so far, I lived life to the point that I can look back on it and smile, knowing that I lived it good and happy, without regrets, without "what if's". That whatever I did, I did with my whole self -- mind, heart and body, working in concert, to the fullest... like crazy.
As my life stands, with 35 years behind it, it's looking really, really good. And there's a lot of life left to live. Bring it on.
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive, well preserved body, avoiding the muck and the scuffle -- rather one should skid in sideways, straight into the fray, chocolate rations on one hand, celebratory martini on the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, screaming, "WOO HOO, what a ride!"
Or as my great-grandmother once said: "Kung pupunta ka lang naman sa impyerno, mag-limousine ka na!"The strange thing is, although we would all love to espouse the "live life to the fullest" edict, we don't. For whatever reason, we hesitate to take life by the short and curlies and really live it for everything it's worth. Far too often we find ourselves on our deathbeds, counting each and every "what if" that passed us by, wondering if we should have taken this chance, or this job, or went this way or that. With every day that comes and goes, we watch life go by from the sidelines, never taking center stage.
I'd like to think that so far, I lived life to the point that I can look back on it and smile, knowing that I lived it good and happy, without regrets, without "what if's". That whatever I did, I did with my whole self -- mind, heart and body, working in concert, to the fullest... like crazy.
As my life stands, with 35 years behind it, it's looking really, really good. And there's a lot of life left to live. Bring it on.
Friday, September 15, 2006
September 15, 2006 - It's been a while...
Yep, it's been quite a while since I last blogged here... in my own little corner, in my own little chair...
Much of the past week we've been here has been... well... striving to get rid of this darned jet lag! All of us are suffering from weird sleep hours, the baby included. Thankfully though she is no longer putting up a huge fight when we put her down in her crib. The first time we placed her in there, she cried for what seemed like hours and hours. The second time, we ignored her and tried to let her sleep on her own. third attempt, I picked her up so that Rob could get some sleep, brought her downstairs and nursed her till she knocked out. Last night, she fell asleep on her own after one whimper. At the beginning, because the playpen had that "new mattress" smell, we let her sleep on the bed... and we slept very carefully.
We've been able to get some errands done -- I got my driver's license renewed, as well as our auto insurance... we're driving again!!! --, see family and friends, and just enjoy being in LA. I didn't realize how much I missed things here until we arrived... the efficiency of the DMV and our insurance agent, the speed of the freeways (ALAVEET!!!), the wide aisles at the grocery stores, being able to find what I want and need when I want and need it... even self-service at the gas station is fun!
Today begins our second week here... the first week went by quickly... before we know it we'll be headed back to Manila. We still have mail to check, mail to collect and a house to clean. Ugh. And only two weeks to do it. Damn.
Ah well... might as well start now!
Much of the past week we've been here has been... well... striving to get rid of this darned jet lag! All of us are suffering from weird sleep hours, the baby included. Thankfully though she is no longer putting up a huge fight when we put her down in her crib. The first time we placed her in there, she cried for what seemed like hours and hours. The second time, we ignored her and tried to let her sleep on her own. third attempt, I picked her up so that Rob could get some sleep, brought her downstairs and nursed her till she knocked out. Last night, she fell asleep on her own after one whimper. At the beginning, because the playpen had that "new mattress" smell, we let her sleep on the bed... and we slept very carefully.
We've been able to get some errands done -- I got my driver's license renewed, as well as our auto insurance... we're driving again!!! --, see family and friends, and just enjoy being in LA. I didn't realize how much I missed things here until we arrived... the efficiency of the DMV and our insurance agent, the speed of the freeways (ALAVEET!!!), the wide aisles at the grocery stores, being able to find what I want and need when I want and need it... even self-service at the gas station is fun!
Today begins our second week here... the first week went by quickly... before we know it we'll be headed back to Manila. We still have mail to check, mail to collect and a house to clean. Ugh. And only two weeks to do it. Damn.
Ah well... might as well start now!
Thursday, September 7, 2006
September 07, 2006 - Leaving on a jet plane...
Tomorrow, we leave for Los Angeles... Nicole has tons of relatives and friends waiting for her over there... her grandfather, her great-grandfather, two great-grandmothers, cousins, aunties, uncles. We'll hit both coasts on this trip, New York included, for a little work and a little fun. I know that the next three weeks will be a blast.
...
I'm already thinking of the trip home.
It's strange, but I know that I'll be leaving my heart here, as if I went down into a deep, dark basement and placed my heart in a strongbox guarded by a sentinel who has the only key. Yes, I'll be happy to take this trip and reacquaint myself with those I left behind, as well as see our house, eat in familiar restaurants, and drive around to visit loved ones. But... I know that with every day that passes, I'll be thinking of my friends here... our life here... and how I've come to love it.
To my friends reading this blog, I'll miss you terribly... but you know where and how to find me, I'm never more than a Yahoo Messenger instant message away. Besides, I'll be back soon!
...
I'm already thinking of the trip home.
It's strange, but I know that I'll be leaving my heart here, as if I went down into a deep, dark basement and placed my heart in a strongbox guarded by a sentinel who has the only key. Yes, I'll be happy to take this trip and reacquaint myself with those I left behind, as well as see our house, eat in familiar restaurants, and drive around to visit loved ones. But... I know that with every day that passes, I'll be thinking of my friends here... our life here... and how I've come to love it.
To my friends reading this blog, I'll miss you terribly... but you know where and how to find me, I'm never more than a Yahoo Messenger instant message away. Besides, I'll be back soon!
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
It's all in your technique
It's past 2:30 am... I'm in Singapore after finishing my packing, after doing a corporate gig over here, my 3rd private gig since giving birth.
No, it wasn't my best performance... the first two went off without a vocal hitch, but this one was a bit more difficult. For some reason things felt tight vocally, not as loose as I'm used to. Perhaps my body is still in a sort of "adjustment period," and that I should give myself some time (and a tune up from my voice teacher) before things return to a more consistent, longer lasting normal.
I guess I just have this personal standard or benchmark that I try to hit whenever I'm doing a show... tonight's preparation wasn't any different from other nights of getting ready, so I know it wasn't anything external. It just could be internal... maybe I should have eaten my meal closer to show time... maybe I should have warmed up later... maybe I didn't hydrate enough... yadda yadda yadda...
I don't know... maybe I'm just setting my own personal expectations high.
Then again... I always should! I should always strive to be as perfect as possible... I should always try to hit my benchmark... always do the best I can on any given night. Last night, I tried the best I could. And yeah, I should be happy with that. I really should.
Oh whatever... there will be many other gigs and many other shows... every one an attempt at hitting that sweet spot. I'll have a few bad days, but most of the time, ahhhhhhhh success.
No, it wasn't my best performance... the first two went off without a vocal hitch, but this one was a bit more difficult. For some reason things felt tight vocally, not as loose as I'm used to. Perhaps my body is still in a sort of "adjustment period," and that I should give myself some time (and a tune up from my voice teacher) before things return to a more consistent, longer lasting normal.
I guess I just have this personal standard or benchmark that I try to hit whenever I'm doing a show... tonight's preparation wasn't any different from other nights of getting ready, so I know it wasn't anything external. It just could be internal... maybe I should have eaten my meal closer to show time... maybe I should have warmed up later... maybe I didn't hydrate enough... yadda yadda yadda...
I don't know... maybe I'm just setting my own personal expectations high.
Then again... I always should! I should always strive to be as perfect as possible... I should always try to hit my benchmark... always do the best I can on any given night. Last night, I tried the best I could. And yeah, I should be happy with that. I really should.
Oh whatever... there will be many other gigs and many other shows... every one an attempt at hitting that sweet spot. I'll have a few bad days, but most of the time, ahhhhhhhh success.
Saturday, September 2, 2006
Tomorrow: A Concert for the Future
| Start: | Oct 21, '06 8:00p |
| Location: | CCP Main Theatre |
Guests include the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir, Kilyawan Boys’ Choir, singer Calvin Millado and child singer Julia Abueva.
The show is a first team-up of Salonga and the Philippine Madrigal singers. Their songs and production numbers are designed to celebrate a world where all children develop to the fullest and realize the dreams of a nurturing family, culture and society.
The repertoire will have excerpts from the musicals Anyone Can Wait, Baby, Man of La Mancha, Lion King, Gypsy and Annie; themes from the movies True Colors and The Prince of Egypt; popular songs such as “You Raise Me Up,” “Man in the Mirror,” “Anak,” “If I Could,” “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan” and “Chiquitita,” among other numbers.
The creative team is composed of Gerard Salonga as music director, Chris Millado as director, Ricardo Cruz as set designer and Dennis Marasigan as light designer.
For ticket inquiries, call:
(Oct 20 show) Mr. Bok Muñoz/Rotary Club Parañaque
Poblacion 0918-912-2652
(Oct 21 show) Dr. Pete Crisostomo/Phil Obstetrician &
Gynecological Society 0917-838-1214
CCP Box Office 832-3704/06 or 832-1125 local
1405/1406/1409
Tomorrow: A Concert for the Future
| Start: | Oct 20, '06 8:00p |
| Location: | CCP Main Theatre |
Guests include the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir, Kilyawan Boys’ Choir, singer Calvin Millado and child singer Julia Abueva.
The show is a first team-up of Salonga and the Philippine Madrigal singers. Their songs and production numbers are designed to celebrate a world where all children develop to the fullest and realize the dreams of a nurturing family, culture and society.
The repertoire will have excerpts from the musicals Anyone Can Wait, Baby, Man of La Mancha, Lion King, Gypsy and Annie; themes from the movies True Colors and The Prince of Egypt; popular songs such as “You Raise Me Up,” “Man in the Mirror,” “Anak,” “If I Could,” “Sa Ugoy ng Duyan” and “Chiquitita,” among other numbers.
The creative team is composed of Gerard Salonga as music director, Chris Millado as director, Ricardo Cruz as set designer and Dennis Marasigan as light designer.
For ticket inquiries, call:
(Oct 20 show) Mr. Bok Muñoz/Rotary Club Parañaque
Poblacion 0918-912-2652
(Oct 21 show) Dr. Pete Crisostomo/Phil Obstetrician &
Gynecological Society 0917-838-1214
CCP Box Office 832-3704/06 or 832-1125 local
1405/1406/1409
Pet Peeves
Oh come on, isn't there something in this life that just bugs you...
gets your goat... irritates you like crazy? Something that, when you
sense or experience it, makes you just wanna hit someone? Here are
mine.
1. Seeing a misspelled word or bad grammar. In other words, bad
inglizz (most especially when I'm the one who made the mistake).
2. When my name is spelled wrong. It's L-E-A. No H. There's a
specific reason why my name is spelled that way; I was named after my
maternal grandfather, LEO.
3. Hearing a really, really, reeeeeeally bad note. It makes my head do a 360.
4. Being downwind of someone with really bad breath or body odor. Que horror!
5. Unprofessional behavior. Inexcusable and inconsiderate.
6. Invasion of personal space (being too "in your face" to me). I
neeeeeed to breeeeeeathe, give me room pleeeeeeeeease. At its worst
when I was pregnant.
7. Mooching. If you want a piece of whatever's on my plate or in my
glass, please ask. Don't presume you can have some just because we're
friends.
8. A lack of self-awareness (mine included).
9. Being asked for an autograph while I'm eating. Kindly wait until
I'm done, or if you can't, ask a waiter to approach. It'll give me
time to swallow my mouthful.
10. Artistas resentful of signing autographs. Ano ka ba?!
Not only is it part of the job, it also can make someone really happy.
I remember asking for an autograph once... the actor was so masungit,
I got turned off. (Yes, I know you can't always sign everything, but
give whatever time you can.) Jimmy Stewart said something like this at
the stage door of a theater: "These people have travelled all the way
from wherever just to see me... the least I can do is pose for a
picture and sign an autograph." (I'll find the actual quote and post
it here, promise.)
11. Name dropping. Don't try to impress me by rattling off a list of
who you know. You should be impressive enough by yourself.
12. Insincerity. 'Nuff said.
13. Emotional manipulation. I... hate... this.
14. Someone being downright annoying.
15. Absentmindedness. Specifically, mine.
16. Computer hardware meltdown. I've had two laptops die on me. My
saving grace is that I know how to replace an internal hard drive.
17. Being unable to find what I'm looking for, be it a stapler, a checkbook or a passport.
18. A brand new anything breaking down.
19. When I destroy my brand new manicure a few feet from the salon. Nakakainiiiiiiiiiis!!!!!
20. Drinking 11 kamikazes and not getting a buzz... or drinking 2 and feeling like crap. What the f*ck is that???
21. Watching children on TV singing adult songs. This pet peeve is old, since seeing my contemporaries at the age of 10 singing "Big Spender." WTF?!?!?!?!?!?
22. Seeing big-bellied men with their shirts raised just enough to display their midsections.
Oh this blog entry will keep on growing. Bitch away in the comments section below!!! Be my guest!!!
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