Yep, Nicole has a cold and an ear infection.
Her nose is stuffy and I can hear all sorts of junk... unfortunately, the junk cannot be sucked out with the little rubber bulb. Her pediatrician prescribed a mucolytic to loosen things up, as well as antibiotic ear drops to deal with the infection. She's her more normal self, and hasn't needed the anti-fever medication for the last two days. My mom watched her the last couple of days, and the yaya is becoming more adept at handling her. Aiding her is Gerard's old yaya, who always tries to sneak in a carry and a kiss when she can. I love it!
I truly appreciate the caretakers that help us care for Nicole... they do so with lots of love and patience. In a way, they are extensions of us, extra pairs of arms when we need a rest. Nicole seems to enjoy all this extra attention! I wonder how she's going to deal with just Mommy and Daddy when we head for the States next month, for a month.
We are going to die. Already my husband utters, "I'm going to miss the help."
I have a funny feeling we're going to end up in Manila. Things have been very good for us... the friends, the golf, the food... the life.
Speaking strictly for myself, I'm very happy here. And my heart will not be going anywhere.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
August 22, 2006 - Nothing much...
We spent the weekend taking care of a baby with a fever (nothing too high, 38.2 degrees C at its peak). She's now fast asleep in her crib, following a two-day regimen of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. I prayed that she wouldn't be allergic to the ibuprofen... I kept my eye on her for a half hour following the first dose, and thankfully she was just fine. Her fever went down and she's now her normal, smiley self. While she was sick, she was clingy, crying, almost inconsolable, poor one. I'm taking her to the doctor later this morning to figure out what the cause of her discomfort is.
Parenthood. What a trip. And we're only 3 months into it!!!
Yeeeeeeeeeee-haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
August 21, 2006 - Ninoy
Saturday, August 19, 2006
August 19, 2006 - We have no men!!!
Okay, allow me to further elaborate on my blog entry's title.
Last night we spent a good few hours at dinner (People's Palace ROCKS!!!) with wonderful friends over wonderful food. The discussion moved through quite a few topics -- people that were no longer friends anymore by virtue of their being "the devil incarnate", some of the latest showbiz chismis, an upcoming production of one of our dinner companions (and her growing weary of telling the show's office staff to get the show's music in the right key), and that casting the male lead in another show is getting to be a huge pain in the ass because, we have no men.
Yes, that's right... WE HAVE NO MEN!
We have such a dearth in leading men for musical theatre. We wracked our brains for hours and hours last night, and couldn't come up with a name. We enumerated just about everybody, and couldn't think of even just one person that possessed the qualities and skills required for that particular role: handsome, arrogant, sexy, who can really sing (it's a pretty big role). It was sad... those that we knew could sing the role didn't look right, and those that looked right couldn't sing it. It was so frustrating!
I remember the first time I ever saw Hugh Jackman... it was in rehearsals for Hey, Mr. Producer in London. He was going to sing "Oh What A Beautiful Morning" from Oklahoma, as he was just about to open in that production at the National Theatre. From the moment his offstage voice resonated in the house, I was hooked, and the moment he actually appeared on stage, that was it. Tall, talented, and handsome, with stage presence and sex appeal to spare. None of the women in the theatre could take their eyes (and ears) off him.
Yes, I use Mr. Jackman as an example, but in truth there are more like him trodding the West End and Broadway boards night after night, show after show (I've been fortunate enough to perform opposite a few of them). For the life of me though, I don't understand why there aren't men like that here.
So unfortunately, I don't know how my friend will cast her show. Maybe someone will drop from the sky like an angel and save her from this casting hell. Hey, you never know; angels have been known to exist.
Last night we spent a good few hours at dinner (People's Palace ROCKS!!!) with wonderful friends over wonderful food. The discussion moved through quite a few topics -- people that were no longer friends anymore by virtue of their being "the devil incarnate", some of the latest showbiz chismis, an upcoming production of one of our dinner companions (and her growing weary of telling the show's office staff to get the show's music in the right key), and that casting the male lead in another show is getting to be a huge pain in the ass because, we have no men.
Yes, that's right... WE HAVE NO MEN!
We have such a dearth in leading men for musical theatre. We wracked our brains for hours and hours last night, and couldn't come up with a name. We enumerated just about everybody, and couldn't think of even just one person that possessed the qualities and skills required for that particular role: handsome, arrogant, sexy, who can really sing (it's a pretty big role). It was sad... those that we knew could sing the role didn't look right, and those that looked right couldn't sing it. It was so frustrating!
I remember the first time I ever saw Hugh Jackman... it was in rehearsals for Hey, Mr. Producer in London. He was going to sing "Oh What A Beautiful Morning" from Oklahoma, as he was just about to open in that production at the National Theatre. From the moment his offstage voice resonated in the house, I was hooked, and the moment he actually appeared on stage, that was it. Tall, talented, and handsome, with stage presence and sex appeal to spare. None of the women in the theatre could take their eyes (and ears) off him.
Yes, I use Mr. Jackman as an example, but in truth there are more like him trodding the West End and Broadway boards night after night, show after show (I've been fortunate enough to perform opposite a few of them). For the life of me though, I don't understand why there aren't men like that here.
So unfortunately, I don't know how my friend will cast her show. Maybe someone will drop from the sky like an angel and save her from this casting hell. Hey, you never know; angels have been known to exist.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
August 17, 2006 - Brain... Shut... Down...
I think my brain has suffered a complete and utter meltdown. Or shutdown. Or whatever you wanna call it.
At a rehearsal last night for a three-song set that I will be performing tonight (no, not a public gig, hence it hasn't been announced), I grabbed my things and headed out of the studio, when I suddenly remembered that I had to retrieve my water bottle. I went back into the studio looking for it... couldn't find it!!! Where did it go? I then went outside to the lobby where the engineers who were manning the rehearsal had congregated... asked them where my bottle had gone. Then, one of the security people pointed to my left hand... I raised it... there was my bottle, hanging from one finger. WHAT THE F**********CK?!?!?!?!?
This wasn't the first time my brain decided to go on vacation without me...
A couple of years ago, I was feeling a chill in the air so I decided to raise the temperature. I headed downstairs to where the thermostat was, but by the time I arrived, I completely forgot why I was there. So I thought to watch some TV, straighten up the living room, play video games... then I felt the chill in the air, and went to raise the temperature. It then dawned on me: THAT'S WHY I WENT DOWNSTAIRS!!! WHAT THE F**************CK?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Nowadays (since I gave birth), conversations are a little more difficult to follow. A friend will tell me something, and five minutes later, I'll have to ask for him or her to repeat what he/she said. Or I'll get dates confused, thinking that two weeks from now is next week.
I swear, one of these days I'm going to forget my own name.
Strange... I can remember scripts, lyrics, melodies without trouble, but for the life of me I can't always remember where I put my purse, umbrella, keys, sunglasses or whatever else I'm carrying, what someone told me just moments earlier, or the dates on a calendar. How utterly annoying!!!
Ah well, such is life I guess. Perhaps over the course of many years because of my work, there were parts of my brain that were used more often (and thus got more exercise). I'm sure there are other things that moronize me from time to time...
The truth is, I don't mind the occasional shut-down. As long as for the most part I'm able to function and remember what is most important in my life, I'm in a good place.
At a rehearsal last night for a three-song set that I will be performing tonight (no, not a public gig, hence it hasn't been announced), I grabbed my things and headed out of the studio, when I suddenly remembered that I had to retrieve my water bottle. I went back into the studio looking for it... couldn't find it!!! Where did it go? I then went outside to the lobby where the engineers who were manning the rehearsal had congregated... asked them where my bottle had gone. Then, one of the security people pointed to my left hand... I raised it... there was my bottle, hanging from one finger. WHAT THE F**********CK?!?!?!?!?
This wasn't the first time my brain decided to go on vacation without me...
A couple of years ago, I was feeling a chill in the air so I decided to raise the temperature. I headed downstairs to where the thermostat was, but by the time I arrived, I completely forgot why I was there. So I thought to watch some TV, straighten up the living room, play video games... then I felt the chill in the air, and went to raise the temperature. It then dawned on me: THAT'S WHY I WENT DOWNSTAIRS!!! WHAT THE F**************CK?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Nowadays (since I gave birth), conversations are a little more difficult to follow. A friend will tell me something, and five minutes later, I'll have to ask for him or her to repeat what he/she said. Or I'll get dates confused, thinking that two weeks from now is next week.
I swear, one of these days I'm going to forget my own name.
Strange... I can remember scripts, lyrics, melodies without trouble, but for the life of me I can't always remember where I put my purse, umbrella, keys, sunglasses or whatever else I'm carrying, what someone told me just moments earlier, or the dates on a calendar. How utterly annoying!!!
Ah well, such is life I guess. Perhaps over the course of many years because of my work, there were parts of my brain that were used more often (and thus got more exercise). I'm sure there are other things that moronize me from time to time...
The truth is, I don't mind the occasional shut-down. As long as for the most part I'm able to function and remember what is most important in my life, I'm in a good place.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
August 16, 2006 - Survey Time!
I have an early appointment tomorrow, but thanks (or no thanks) to the coffee I had this afternoon, I can't sleep. So.....
I stole this from Niña's Live Journal site... the questions looked fun. Here we go!
-------------
1. Do you still talk to the first person you ever kissed romantically?
Nope, I do not.
2. Have you ever seen your best friend naked?
Hmmm... I probably have at some point... definitely saw his bare, beautiful behind.
3. What did you do in 2nd grade when you weren't in school?
Ballet, piano practice, rehearsals for Rep shows, playing board games, reading until late...
4. What is the best thing about your job?
Besides the work itself, the travel, the people I get to meet and work with, the friends I've made? That sometimes, you're paired with a totally hot leading man and you get to make out on stage in front of thousands of people! Mwahahahahahaha, joke only! In truth, just the satisfaction that I get to make a living doing something I really love.
5. Do you like more than one person right now?
Oh absolutely!!! I definitely like more than one person in my life right now... I do have more than one friend.
6. Are you against same sex marriage?
No... in fact, I am all for it, the Catholic Church and the Republicans be damned! If two people who truly love each other want to spend the rest of their lives together, let them.
7. Did you vote for Bush? (gawin nating gloria ito)
Oh heck no. Even if I was a US citizen, I wouldn't. I'm a Democrat at heart. As for Gloria, I didn't register to vote, so no.
8. Where are you going on your next vacation?
Definitely at a Philippine beach. BORA!!!
9. Have you had sex with any of your top 8?
My top 8 what?
10. Are most of your friends guys or girls?
Many gay men, a few straight men, quite a few girls. Definitely more feminines in my circle of friends!
11. Do you own any furniture from Ikea?
Who doesn't?
12. Last book you read?
I can't remember... must have been a baby name book or baby manual of some sort. I haven't had much reading time lately.
13. If you could have one super power what would it be?
The power of flight and the power of speed, to get more done in the day.
14. Where have you lived most of your life?
Manila, by a few years. I've lived abroad for 16 years.
16. Where do you see yourself in 4 years?
At 39? Thinking about how to celebrate my 40th birthday.
17. What's your favorite smell?
It depends... freshly showered skin, cologne on said freshly showered skin, my baby's breath, food.
18. What is your favorite sound?
A whispered "I love you".
19. Are you moody?
Not really... not even when PMS hits. I'm very even-tempered and keep a cool head about me.
20. Favorite movie of all time?
Oh man!!! Singing in the Rain, The Wizard of Oz, The Others, The Ring, The Incredibles, most of the Disney animated features.
21. Have you ever done anything hurtful to a friend?
Oh yes... who hasn't?
22. Have you ever one of the things good friends are for but actual clinical type therapy I have not yet had the pleasure?
Okay... this defies explanation. Anooo tohhhh?
23. Have you ever played spin the bottle?
Ohhhhh yeah... pero puro truth lang eh! No one dared to choose a dare. Que lame oye!
24. Have you ever toilet papered someone's house?
I've never had the pleasure.
25. Have you ever liked someone but never told them?
Oh yes... only because there were times when I revealed myself and got teased. Quiet na lang ako.
26. Have you ever gone camping?
Nope, too many allergies and I'm not the outdoorsy type.
27. Have you ever had a crush on your brother's friend?
Oh heavens no...
28. Have you ever gone to a nude beach?
Nope... I'd go to look, but not to participate.
29. Have you ever gone streaking?
Uhmm, nope... never will either.
30. Have you ever had a stalker?
I can't say that I have, fortunately.
31. Have you ever gone skinny dipping?
Yesssss... in complete privacy. Sarap!
32. Have you ever laughed so hard you cried?
Almost everyday.
33. Have you ever gone to a party where you were the only sober person?
Yep... during my pregnancy. Man, I can't wait to get wasted again...
34. Do you want kids?
Let me rephrase... do I want MORE kids? Yes!!! Number one is soooo adorable, I want more!
35. Have you ever felt betrayed by a best friend?
Not by a best friend, but yes. It's taking quite a while to forgive him.
36. Have you ever lied to your parents?
Of course!!! What church-going self-respecting human being hasn't?
37. Have you ever been out of the Philippines?
Yes, oh yes.
38. Have you ever thrown up from working out?
Almost!!! Too many pirouettes.
39. Have you ever gotten a haircut so bad that you wore a hat?
Thankfully no.
40. Have you ever eaten 3 meals from 3 different fast food places?
As in breasfast at McDo, lunch at Burger King and dinner at Brother's Burger? Nope, my system can't handle it.
41. Last song you listened to?
Something by Mozart... I play classical music a lot for the baby's developing brain. As for the iPod, last albums listened to were... Sandwich's Five on the Floor... The Dawn's Prodigal Sun.
42. Have you ever spied on someone?
Nope. Never felt the need to... although I have snooped in the email inboxes of ex's and read their mail. I don't do that anymore... there are things better left unread.
43. Have you ever slept with one of your co-workers?
Nope. Kissed a few of them though!
44. What do you think of the person who posted this survey?
Beautifully perfect face... sensitive... very artistic... I don't know her enough to have a deeper opinion.
45. Who was the last person who called you?
My mother... to check on a work thing I had to do for her.
46. When was the last time you slept for more then 12 hours straight?
I can't remember! Maybe when I had the flu at 18... really bad.
47. Have you ever been arrested?
Never have... and never will be (I hope!).
48. Have you ever stolen anything?
No... but I did get something back that was stolen from me!
49. Have you ever drank egg nog?
YESSSSSSS! Sarap!!!!!!!!!
50. If you could be anywhere right now where would it be?
In a loving embrace. No better place than that.
I stole this from Niña's Live Journal site... the questions looked fun. Here we go!
-------------
1. Do you still talk to the first person you ever kissed romantically?
Nope, I do not.
2. Have you ever seen your best friend naked?
Hmmm... I probably have at some point... definitely saw his bare, beautiful behind.
3. What did you do in 2nd grade when you weren't in school?
Ballet, piano practice, rehearsals for Rep shows, playing board games, reading until late...
4. What is the best thing about your job?
Besides the work itself, the travel, the people I get to meet and work with, the friends I've made? That sometimes, you're paired with a totally hot leading man and you get to make out on stage in front of thousands of people! Mwahahahahahaha, joke only! In truth, just the satisfaction that I get to make a living doing something I really love.
5. Do you like more than one person right now?
Oh absolutely!!! I definitely like more than one person in my life right now... I do have more than one friend.
6. Are you against same sex marriage?
No... in fact, I am all for it, the Catholic Church and the Republicans be damned! If two people who truly love each other want to spend the rest of their lives together, let them.
7. Did you vote for Bush? (gawin nating gloria ito)
Oh heck no. Even if I was a US citizen, I wouldn't. I'm a Democrat at heart. As for Gloria, I didn't register to vote, so no.
8. Where are you going on your next vacation?
Definitely at a Philippine beach. BORA!!!
9. Have you had sex with any of your top 8?
My top 8 what?
10. Are most of your friends guys or girls?
Many gay men, a few straight men, quite a few girls. Definitely more feminines in my circle of friends!
11. Do you own any furniture from Ikea?
Who doesn't?
12. Last book you read?
I can't remember... must have been a baby name book or baby manual of some sort. I haven't had much reading time lately.
13. If you could have one super power what would it be?
The power of flight and the power of speed, to get more done in the day.
14. Where have you lived most of your life?
Manila, by a few years. I've lived abroad for 16 years.
16. Where do you see yourself in 4 years?
At 39? Thinking about how to celebrate my 40th birthday.
17. What's your favorite smell?
It depends... freshly showered skin, cologne on said freshly showered skin, my baby's breath, food.
18. What is your favorite sound?
A whispered "I love you".
19. Are you moody?
Not really... not even when PMS hits. I'm very even-tempered and keep a cool head about me.
20. Favorite movie of all time?
Oh man!!! Singing in the Rain, The Wizard of Oz, The Others, The Ring, The Incredibles, most of the Disney animated features.
21. Have you ever done anything hurtful to a friend?
Oh yes... who hasn't?
22. Have you ever one of the things good friends are for but actual clinical type therapy I have not yet had the pleasure?
Okay... this defies explanation. Anooo tohhhh?
23. Have you ever played spin the bottle?
Ohhhhh yeah... pero puro truth lang eh! No one dared to choose a dare. Que lame oye!
24. Have you ever toilet papered someone's house?
I've never had the pleasure.
25. Have you ever liked someone but never told them?
Oh yes... only because there were times when I revealed myself and got teased. Quiet na lang ako.
26. Have you ever gone camping?
Nope, too many allergies and I'm not the outdoorsy type.
27. Have you ever had a crush on your brother's friend?
Oh heavens no...
28. Have you ever gone to a nude beach?
Nope... I'd go to look, but not to participate.
29. Have you ever gone streaking?
Uhmm, nope... never will either.
30. Have you ever had a stalker?
I can't say that I have, fortunately.
31. Have you ever gone skinny dipping?
Yesssss... in complete privacy. Sarap!
32. Have you ever laughed so hard you cried?
Almost everyday.
33. Have you ever gone to a party where you were the only sober person?
Yep... during my pregnancy. Man, I can't wait to get wasted again...
34. Do you want kids?
Let me rephrase... do I want MORE kids? Yes!!! Number one is soooo adorable, I want more!
35. Have you ever felt betrayed by a best friend?
Not by a best friend, but yes. It's taking quite a while to forgive him.
36. Have you ever lied to your parents?
Of course!!! What church-going self-respecting human being hasn't?
37. Have you ever been out of the Philippines?
Yes, oh yes.
38. Have you ever thrown up from working out?
Almost!!! Too many pirouettes.
39. Have you ever gotten a haircut so bad that you wore a hat?
Thankfully no.
40. Have you ever eaten 3 meals from 3 different fast food places?
As in breasfast at McDo, lunch at Burger King and dinner at Brother's Burger? Nope, my system can't handle it.
41. Last song you listened to?
Something by Mozart... I play classical music a lot for the baby's developing brain. As for the iPod, last albums listened to were... Sandwich's Five on the Floor... The Dawn's Prodigal Sun.
42. Have you ever spied on someone?
Nope. Never felt the need to... although I have snooped in the email inboxes of ex's and read their mail. I don't do that anymore... there are things better left unread.
43. Have you ever slept with one of your co-workers?
Nope. Kissed a few of them though!
44. What do you think of the person who posted this survey?
Beautifully perfect face... sensitive... very artistic... I don't know her enough to have a deeper opinion.
45. Who was the last person who called you?
My mother... to check on a work thing I had to do for her.
46. When was the last time you slept for more then 12 hours straight?
I can't remember! Maybe when I had the flu at 18... really bad.
47. Have you ever been arrested?
Never have... and never will be (I hope!).
48. Have you ever stolen anything?
No... but I did get something back that was stolen from me!
49. Have you ever drank egg nog?
YESSSSSSS! Sarap!!!!!!!!!
50. If you could be anywhere right now where would it be?
In a loving embrace. No better place than that.
Monday, August 14, 2006
August 14, 2006 - Happy Birthday, Mom!
Today is my mother's 70th birthday. Well, we think it is; her birth records were lost when the municipio at her place of birth burned down. She could be either a year older or younger.
My mother is a woman who has weathered storms, both literal and figurative. At a tender age she was tossed about on a boat headed to Manila from Bacolod, losing her shoes in the process. She nearly died when she rolled down the stairs (pushed by her sister who didn't know better... they were both really young kids at the time). She's endured less-than-perfect familial and romantic relationships in her lifetime, raised two children almost by herself (my father had a lot on his plate, and I do mean a lot) and managed a couple of showbusiness careers. She emerged a strong, feisty, you-better-not-push-me-around kind of woman.
What many people don't know is how soft she actually is. Sometimes, even I forget that side of her.
I know how easy it is to make her cry (it doesn't take very much at all). I've seen the tears fall at heartbreak, be it her own or someone else's... I've seen the front she puts up to show the world at large, and I have also seen it fall, behind closed doors, only for her family to witness. She's tough, but only on the outside. Given what she's had to go through, I can't blame her for protecting her delicate interior.
The only thing I can wish for my Mom on this special day is happiness... in her life, with her loved ones, with herself. If I went through what she's had to, I'd be dead by now. That she's still standing and able to smile earns my absolute respect and admiration.
I love you, Mom. Have a Happy Birthday.
My mother is a woman who has weathered storms, both literal and figurative. At a tender age she was tossed about on a boat headed to Manila from Bacolod, losing her shoes in the process. She nearly died when she rolled down the stairs (pushed by her sister who didn't know better... they were both really young kids at the time). She's endured less-than-perfect familial and romantic relationships in her lifetime, raised two children almost by herself (my father had a lot on his plate, and I do mean a lot) and managed a couple of showbusiness careers. She emerged a strong, feisty, you-better-not-push-me-around kind of woman.
What many people don't know is how soft she actually is. Sometimes, even I forget that side of her.
I know how easy it is to make her cry (it doesn't take very much at all). I've seen the tears fall at heartbreak, be it her own or someone else's... I've seen the front she puts up to show the world at large, and I have also seen it fall, behind closed doors, only for her family to witness. She's tough, but only on the outside. Given what she's had to go through, I can't blame her for protecting her delicate interior.
The only thing I can wish for my Mom on this special day is happiness... in her life, with her loved ones, with herself. If I went through what she's had to, I'd be dead by now. That she's still standing and able to smile earns my absolute respect and admiration.
I love you, Mom. Have a Happy Birthday.
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