Update on Measles-scare

I knew I was forgetting something when I was trying to organize this blog. Now I remember. I did a post a week and a half ago titled Spoilt Saturday fun! I did say it was found to be a reaction to an insect bite.

Being a first-time mom, we tend to over-react to things. I knew deep inside it wasn't the measles because she wasn't exhibiting the symptoms. The blotches were also different from the pictures online. My worry lessened a bit when my nurse-friend WV further explained how the rashes looked like and other things I should have looked out for. Even then, I told her, I wanted a doctor to tell me in my face, that it wasn't the measles just so to get this big balloon of worry off my chest.

Anyway, I just wanted to share why I was so worried again. Imagine your one and only child having these on her face!!!

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Updated - My own lumpia: Tuna and Pepper Wrap

I know it was weeks ago that I posted this recipe but I got so sidetracked with a lot of other things. I sure hope some people can still try this out this holy week.


Click HERE to go to the original post but now with pictures and modifications of the recipe. I will also link the posted recipes to my new blog My Tummy Calls!

Have a blessed week friends!

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First Splish-splashing Water Experience

I really, really love Sundays! As with any other Sunday, we spent it at my Lola's house with my nephew and nieces. It was my daughter's first time to "play" with water!!

I know we need water in our country right now, but rest assured, the grass/plants needed it so it wasn't a total waste of water.

She was having so much fun, she ended up getting wet all over! She had to take a quick bath right after. Seeing my little one having this so much fun just fills my heart with so much happiness. Hubby couldn't stop taking pictures. He must have had shot 300 frames (he was on continuous mode)!

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Kay's Eggplant Parmigiana

IMPT Note: You need to do step 1 the night before you'll be preparing this dish.

Ingredients:

6-8 pieces regular eggplant (2 pieces if they're HUGE)
1 can whole peeled tomatoes
1 big can crushed tomatoes
1/2 onion chopped
2-3 cloves garlic chopped
fresh basil
salt
pepper
sugar
Parmesan Cheese and Quickmelt (I just used processed parmesan and quickmelt. Jean, since ingredients are easier to buy there, you might want to use fresh parmesan cheese then just grate it and mozarella in place of the quickmelt, for sure, yours will be yummier)
flour
egg/s
olive oil

Procedure:
1. Cut the eggplants lengthwise around 1 cm thick. Sprinkle some salt on each side. Place a paper towel on a plate. Place one layer of eggplant, then put a paper towel again. Repeat until all your eggplants are on the plate. there should be a paper towel on the very top then place a plate after it (this will help to add pressure on the eggplants to release any excess liquid from them and remove the bitterness of the eggplant). Place in the ref.
2. Next day, remove eggplant from ref, you will notice that your paper towels are very wet from the excess liquid of the eggplants. Remove the paper towels and put the eggplants on a dry plate.
3. Beat an egg or 2 (eggwash). Place some flour in a plate to dredge the eggplants in. Dredge the eggplant in flour then dip in the eggwash. Fry until golden brown. Set aside.
4. Saute the onions and garlic in some olive oil.
5. Add your canned tomatoes. Mash the whole tomatoes.
6. Add some salt, pepper and sugar to remove the acidity of the tomatoes. (tip also, you can add 1 chicken cube to balance the acidity instead of salt)
7. Simmer for a minute or 2 then add some fresh basil-chiffonade (http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Chiffonade/).
8. Time to "create" your eggplant parmigiana:
a. Pour some of your tomato sauce (thin lang not to the point na malunod eggplant) in a baking pan. Add one layer of your fried eggplant.
b. Pour some tomato sauce (thin ulit) over the eggplant, sprinkle some parmesan cheese and quickmelt then add another layer of fried eggplant, tomato sauce and cheeses. I make 3 layers usually. On the 3rd layer, since this is your last layer, pour enough tomato sauce to cover your eggplants and then of course your cheeses covering the sauce.
c. Place in oven - 350 degrees F, for about 20 minutes, or until your cheese melts.

Voila you now have your Eggplant parmigiana. I usually serve this with thin spaghetti.

Serves 4-6

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My very own Tunaboo-patita

Yeah, yeah! I just didn't want to write Tuna Burger Patties!

Anyway, this was what we had for lunch last Friday. Since meat isn't allowed on Fridays until after the holy week, I get to experiment with my favorite tuna. I could use other seafood but I won't... I love tuna and this is the only time I will always get what I want!

What you'll need:

• 1 can tuna flakes(in brine or hot and spicy), drained an hour before
  
• 1/4c red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/3c minced onion
• 1/3c minced celery stalk
• 1/4c mayonnaise
• 1/4t salt
• 1/8t ground black pepper
• 1/4t worcestershire sauce (or more depending on taste)
  
• 3/4c italian seasoned breadcrumb (or pounded green onion flavored Skyflakes), set aside a little bit more in case the egg you'll be using is bigger than what I used
  
• 1 egg, slightly beaten (I used the medium size egg, available in SM)
• tin foil/wax paper squares (approx 4-6 pieces, 4inches each side)
  
• oil for frying
  

1. In a bowl, flake tuna even more with a fork (no such thing as over-flaking here).
   
2. Add red bell pepper, onion, celery, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, worcestershire sauce, and bread crumbs. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients. You can adjust the salt, pepper and worcestershire sauce at this stage. The taste will also depend on the type of breadcrumb you use, if it's salty or plain.
   
3. Add half the beaten egg and mix. If the consistency is still too dry to mold, add the other half of the beaten egg. If it gets too sticky, just gradually add some more breadcrumbs.Note: You don't want it too dry because it will break up during frying. Breadcrumbs and egg amounts may vary depending on the type/brand you use. If you want to taste or check the consistency, shape 1T into a circle about 1cm or so in height and fry.
4. Shape the patties. I fill a 1/4c measuring cup, then slowly press outward to about a cm or so in height. I put each patty in individual 4in x 4in foil squares so it's easier to peel off when frying.
   
5. Put all the patties in a tight lid container and refrigerate for 30mins to make the patties easier to handle.
   
6. When about to serve, prepare oil for frying. Once oil is hot, peel patties and fry for about 3.4 minutes per side or until cooked through. Be careful when turning to avoid breaking the patties.
   
7. Serve on buns with a slice of tomato and some greens (and cheese if you love cheese like I do) or with rice.
   

Makes approx 4-6 patties.

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Chicken Pinyaki (Pineapple-Teriyaki)

A good friend from college posted this. For more food pictures or recipes (she will be posting some soon), please Become a Fan of her page on Facebook, Kay's Kitchen HERE.

To know how: Posted by Kay today 25th March at 3:07pm

This is one of my latest winning recipes. I was one of the 21 finalists last 2008 for Good Housekeeping's DEL MONTE PIÑA-LUSOG FAMILY, PIÑA-HAPPY MOMMY PROMO. Wasn't picked the grand winner but nevertheless, still won some cash$ ;).

So I wanted to share with you guys my winning recipe.

CHICKEN PINYAKI - VIAND

INGREDIENTS:
1 kilo chicken thigh fillet (or you can also use chicken wings)
1 red bell pepper – cut into strips
1 green bell pepper – cut into strips
Chopped garlic
Chopped onion
1 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp. cornstarch
Shitake mushrooms (optional) – sliced
¼ cup light soy sauce
2 tsp sugar

MARINADE:
¾ cup light soy sauce
1 small can DEL MONTE Pineapple crushed (syrup included)
5 tbsp sugar
Salt and pepper

PROCEDURE:
1. In a bowl prepare the marinade mixture.
2. Marinade the chicken in the marinade mix. Let stand for about an hour in the refrigerator.
3. Sauté the chopped garlic and onion in a little oil and add the butter.
4. Add the marinated chicken (including the marinade). When marinade starts to boil, add some water (around 3 cups).
5. Boil chicken until tender.
6. Add the soy sauce and sugar
7. Optional – add the sliced shitake mushrooms.
8. Add the cornstarch (mixed in a little water) to thicken sauce a little.
9. Add the green and red bell pepper.

*Serves 6-8.

Can't wait to try this next week!

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Old friends, good times.

I chanced upon an old friend yesterday through my yahoo messenger. Haven't seen her in 2 years! The last we chatted/texted was when she organized my supposed baby shower!

Glad to know she's back on her feet. I know she's had rough times for years but I'm so happy with what's going in her life right now. I hope it works well for you... and thanks for giving me a chance to earn from home. I'm seriously excited!

Now I remember the fun times. We'd work really hard and after a long day, just pig out, smoke and drink some (iced tea for me). I remember passing funny notes during serious meetings. I remember her teaching me how to put make up on (I still never do, btw). I remember a lot of things, but those were the days.

It's fun to reminisce sometimes. I don't often do that, I hate looking back. But sometimes, it enough to put a smile to your face and start the day right.

Good morning!

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She's 18 months TODAY!!

Time flies so fast when you're having fun.

My little one will turn 18 months today, well at exactly 1836h. I can hardly believe she grew up so fast on me! I am so proud of my little princess. I "delivered" her into this world but she gave birth to me.

Happy 18th month birthday little miss prissy!! :D We love you so much!

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Teaching a child to read or math.

As I was bloghopping yesterday, I came across a site that said something about teaching a child to read and do math. I personally know about reading since my little one can sight read about 50-80 words and can "spell" through phonics (dog is "dee oh ga"). I haven't yet heard any parent talk about teaching their child (below a year old) math.

I'm amazed at how my little on picked up on her reading. The material we use does not teach the alphabet but she can now recognize 20 letters. There was one time that we went to her doctor's office, and she wanted to knock on the door. I just told her read it, and didn't notice that there was a sticker that said Tax Mapped. I was surprised when she said "Tee ey ek, TAX". Of course TAX wasn't one of the words we study. She literally left us speechless.

Now I'm thinking of trying her at math, just seeing how it goes. I downloaded a couple of materials from the site and showed it to her, just one time today. She seemed interested.

Just so you know, I'm not the type to force her. If she doesn't want to look or listen, I immediately stop. I'll keep you up to date!

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Slumber Party

At 18mos, my daughter has already had her first slumber party!

Just kidding. Since my mom and 2 aunts went on the "Pilgrimage", my sister and Lola stayed with us during the day. It was so much fun seeing them play with my little princess. It's such a treat for us since we (me and my daughter) don't go out except for the weekend.

I prepared my Tuna and Pepper wrap "experiment" with mayo-garlic sauce for lunch. I didn't get to prepare more since I only knew that they would be spending the day here last night. It was pretty much a success but I made some revisions. Click HERE
to view my updated recipe.

After lunch, my sister and little one ate strawberry jello. My daughter loved it so much that I'm thinking of making cathedral windows soon. I just need to find the mold. Watch out for it!

Then came siesta. After my daughter drank her milk, she positioned herself on the bed (so did my sister, or I think she slept first). I told my Lola to grab some quick shut eye too but she said in her age, she found it hard to nap most of the time. I beg to disagree however, see below:



All in all we had a grand time even if most of it was spent sleeping. As you can gather from my previous posts, I just LOVE spending time with my family!

Off to prepare dinner. Lumpiang gulay and inihaw na liempo (Vegetable wrap and grilled pork belly).

Hope you all had a great Monday!

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Mom's retreat!

Nope, not my retreat, my mom!

Honestly, despite what my sisters say, I'm happy she's going to this retreat or pilgrimage as they call it. Since it next week is holy week next, their church sponsored a "pilgrimage". I don't exactly know the details but from what she told me, it's like their version of Visita Iglesia.

Visita Iglesia is done during Holy Thursdays. As a family, we visit a number of churches in the area and say parts of the rosary and a couple of Stations of the Cross until the last church where we finish them both. It is then followed by Litanies and other prayers.

As a child, I remember visiting 7 churches. That would make 2 stations per church. When I got married, my husband remembers going to 14 churches, so that a station per church. It didn't really matter, it was family time. We spend a total of (maybe) 4 hours doing this, (drive, stop, go down, pray, drive, stop, go down, pray...) and we all look forward to the time it's done because we get to eat somewhere as a family!

Next Thursday is Maundy Thursday. I hope we all get to this again this year. If we do... I'll update this post with pictures!!

Have a great week everyone!

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Spoilt Saturday fun!

Guess what I found when I woke up? Three large red blotches on my daughter's face, all on the left side! After 2 hours or so, I found out she had 2 more, 1 on her left earlobe, the other on her right temple! Darn it!

We were supposed to go to a party in the afternoon but since I saw those rashes, I panicked! You see, I didn't get her the measles shot yet and yes, there is an epidemic going around. When I finally decided for her to have the shot, the pedia goes, she has to be well 2 weeks prior to the shot. Thing is she gets sick when the 2 weeks allowance is almost up.

So I decided, before we go to the party, we should see a pedia, even if it's not her pedia. I want assurance that it's not the measles because I'd hate it if someone says they got a disease from my daughter. I can't risk exposing other kids, I think that's MY responsibility.

We waited at the pedia's office and as soon as we went in, I blurted, "Is it the measles?" She replies, "No, it's an insect bite and it's just a semi-severe reaction". GREAT!! Woohooo Finally, a sigh of relief!

Needless to say we didn't make it to the party. I knew my little one was anticipating it but I just couldn't risk it. I know she understands. The mother of the celebrant also sent me a message as to why we weren't there considering we are almost neighbors. There was nothing I could do but explain. I knew she understood too. I hope to make it up to them soon!

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Busy Saturday

Today will be a busy day, I just know it.

Stayed up almost until 3am this morning. I was blogging, chatting and playing some games. When hubby came home, we weren't tired enough so we ate our super late dinner (or super early breakfast), pasta in homemade tuna marinara sauce. Then we watched an episode of Ghost Whisperer. I finally fell asleep as I was putting my little one back to bed.

As I said, today is a busy day because hubby will try and recover some rest. He's been working long hours recently and recharges on Saturdays. But we do have to attend a childrens party later so I hope he gets enough rest! I hope I get enough rest too when we come home around dinner time!

Wish me luck, and stories later!

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Of Babies and Contests

When I became pregnant 2 years ago, I was ordered "complete bed rest" by my doctor. Being at home, I've scoured the internet for any and all information about pregnancy, babies and parenting. When we decided that I will be a SAHM after giving birth, I continued my online habits, what else could I do? It was only a matter of time that I got hooked on joining baby-oriented sites for their forums and some even held contests. That being said, I'd like to share some of my experiences and insights...

I became a member of a local baby site in 2008 right after I gave birth. First off, let me put it straight that I do not regret being a member of such site. I've met a lot of friends, to which until this day I keep in touch with. Some I've personally met already, and some I'm still anxious to meet. When that site started, the competition for a monthly winner was very healthy. We were voting one another and even campaigned for our friends.

Just a couple of months passed and the "culture" changed. Competition was taken VERY seriously. A lot of accusations were thrown that dummy accounts were used to vote. From then on, I didn't feel I wanted to be part of that. I became very inactive in that site and just connected with my friends through facebook, yahoo messenger or multiply. Why did I not delete my account? Because I still vote for some friends when they ask me to.

It was during this "inactivity" that a friend, SS, mentioned another site. This site was international, based on their address, from the USA. My closest of friends were also members of that group and it was a joy for me to see them winning monthly. They were sent certificates, international certificates. It wasn't about the winnings, there weren't any prize, but for us, it was somehow an achievement to have won an international contest. Winning wasn't easy. My friends told me that I had to be pretty active in posting comments and "voting" for other children. They said that is how you get the vote back.

The people on the site were mostly Americans and for me and my friends, the culture and environment was so different. "They" didn't hog votes, "they" didn't speak ill of other children or parents. I was so overwhelmed that these people, who I'm sure I have cultural differences with, would leave such sweet words about my child EVERY DAY! At first I honestly thought that they were just like anybody else. They dropped by our page, left a comment to make sure you KNOW they dropped by... but no, these ladies, or at least most of them were very sincere. If I was inactive for 2 days, they would actually ask if anything was wrong. This is where another kind of friendship started.

It is amazing how you can form special bonds through the internet. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would form friendships with "foreigners" just like that. They were so easy to talk to, they were open about anything and was never judgmental. You can ask the most stupid question you can think of, and they'd still say it's the most common thing in the world. Until the site changed how the game was played.

Stakes were higher this time. You're child gets to be included in a quarterly magazine!! From where I'm coming from, that's an international magazine. Wowzas! (courtesy of LGAW) BUT... you have to pay for membership. At the end of the day, nothing in life is free, right? From that time on, a lot of changes happened too with that site. People became different. Accusations here and there, people getting too sensitive about everything because one person seems to be getting all the attention. Suffice it to say, it became nasty!

Issues popped up all the time that the admins booted members off the site if they were offended. A number also left the site because they didn't agree with the admins. Soon, almost everyone got scared to voice out their opinions for the fear of being booted. Oh well... such is life.

I was lucky enough to have won my child a spot in the first issue of the magazine. Some of my "local" friends' children won too in the first or second issue. Lucky us! Since I did pay for one year membership, I continued to stay on the site. I still tried to be active but everything was just so different. People changed. So for the duration of my membership, I logged on the site maybe once a week, just to check if I had messages, or what was new in the forums. Now that my membership has "expired" I requested to be deleted. I didn't see the use of maintaining a profile. I didn't want to compete THAT bad for a spot, especially since everything was paid for. I can definitely use my money for much more important matters.

My leaving wasn't a loss though. In fact, it was the complete opposite. Those friends that left the site became REAL good friends. We "see" each other in facebook everyday. Somebody formed a group and we're posting comments one after the other in a matter of seconds! These ladies are part of my life now, literally. We discuss everything that we do on a daily basis. We discuss joys, triumphs, problems, pains, sickness... HAIRCUT, everything!! There's this feeling inside me now that just warms up when I open my inbox in the morning. Some of them are still part of the other site but it doesn't matter, we're all really "connected" now. An invisible line that runs the whole globe.

Our Christmases, Valentines, Birthdays will never be the same. Last year, my daughter has been greeted happy birthday for 2 local days but technically just 1 day around the globe. She received cards AND gifts for her birthday and Christmas, and then some ;) We even got a St. Patrick's Day card a couple of days ago from Ireland!! I'm so happy with everything that has been happening, I can't wait for my daughter to grow a wee bit older so she can realize that she's loved from all over the world!

Now that's for one site, an international site. Let me go "local" again this time. The atmosphere in the "stagemom" world now is pretty much nasty. Let me just give an example of how it works now. There's an ongoing contest and a "user" left this comment:

i just wish that the administrator of a "well known" babies site did not join this (removed by author) contest. It would be unfair to the other contestants since a lot of that site's members are also members of (site). Points can be given to moms who can campaign for her entry..( ring a bell )? It's just sad because history CAN repeat itself. Play fair and give chance to other moms for crying out loud! It's a good thing that only 50% of the criteria will come from the "likes" of site account holders because if the only criteria of judging will be based on the number of "likes", we definitely know who would win this contest. There are lots of moms whose lips are sealed i know but i think it's time to give chance to other moms who just want to showcase their kids. Bato Bato sa langit,,ang tamaan ay wag magagalit

The group admin responded:

Thanks a lot for your comment and for caring about the other mommies. However, group has no control over who's going to join the contest. As far as our rules are concerned, all mommies/daddies who become fans of group and another group can join whether or not they have more friends/fans than others. One of the challenges of this game really is to get your friends to like your kid's photo. We also share your concern that votes (likes) alone is not a good selection criterion for photo contests. And that is why we included unbiased judges who will help us select the winning photo to contribute in leveling the playing field. Thanks a lot again and please don't hesitate to drop us a message if you have any other thoughts that you would like to share with us.

I read the mechanics. Nothing that said if you have a site/group/blog you can't join. That much was clear. Lucky is the mom who has most friends, but still, it's up to the friends if they will indeed "like". As for dummy accounts? Those will never end, and I think that's why 50% is actually through "unbiased" votes. Question is now, how unbiased is unbiased. If my daughter was a contestant, nothing would seem unbiased if she didn't win. Judging will always be biased because it will always be "beauty" based on the judges' taste. If they personally prefer fair-skinned to dark, chubby to slim, short haired to long haired... we have no control over it.

For those who joined, good luck. Play the game with integrity and honesty. Every child deserves it.

Let's see how this contest ends in a month. Again, these are my thoughts. I respect every mom for doing everything in their power for their children... and I also respect every mom who stands up for her belief and values.

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Smoking regrets?

I always look forward to Sunday. We always set aside Sunday for Church, then to stay over at my Lola's house. She turned sweet 16 (+70) last February but maaaan... she still rocks!! A lot of people actually don't believe she's that young. She still moves around as if she's just in her 60s. Hubby and I decided that we want to make a habit of this, of one day in a day spent with her. After all, she's the only immediate "grandparent" my daughter has left.

So our usual routine starts out with picking up my mom and sister, attending the 10:30am mass, then buy some "to-go" food to contribute for lunch at my Lola's. This time, before we even left the house, I decided to bring some left over bicol express and ginataang puso ng saging (vegetables in coconut cream).

Usually only 5 of us invade her "domain"; me, hubby, little miss prissy, my mom and my youngest sister (if her day off is scheduled on Sundays). What's so different with last Sunday was my other sister's family and my only brother also decided to spend Sunday with us. I know it isn't unusual but we rarely get those moments except if there's a celebration. They also brought food to share! Now that's one happy, family lunch!!!!

After I settled my little one for her afternoon nap, the family decided to play mahjong. Mahjong, for us, is a family game. We can spend hours and hours playing it. While we were preparing our "walls", my sister lights a ciggy, looks at me and asks "You really haven't had a smoke since you got pregnant, have you? Don't you miss it?" I answered, "Nope, never craved for it since."

It was then that it dawned on me that it was indeed a big change in my life. I pretended it wasn't such a big deal as we began playing the game deep inside I kinda felt weird. I was so proud of myself but refrained from showing it. Now I know why... It was an "inner victory".

With regard to my daughter, I do not choose my battles, I just win them all.

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AllYouDesire 500 Followers Giveaway!

AllYouDesire is giving away awesome prizes for having 500+ followers. Up for grabs:

purplish Dior Addict polish
turquoise China Glaze Flyin High.
Burt´s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme and
mini version of YSL Elle

Visit her site for more details: AllYouDesire or
Click HERE to join.

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Giveaway from Zuzu!!

Zuzu of insideofmypurse is having a 250+ giveaway! Up for grabs are nail polishes, jewelry and a Konad set. Hurry, these prizes are just AMAZING!!!!






Contest ends: April 22.
Visit her blog at http://insidemypurse.blogspot.com for more details.

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My own lumpia: Tuna and Pepper Wrap

As I was scouring recipe sites for seafood recipes, I my remember the days when I was still "working". A food provider sold a unique kind of "lumpia" (wrap) that I always had to buy when they catered. I know there's pepper because I see the stalk at the end of the wrap, and I do recall the taste of tuna. So I'm hoping to do some experiment and see if I can replicate the dish.

I would need:

• green finger peppers
• can of spicy tuna
• garlic
• onion
• salt and pepper to taste
• lumpia (spring roll/pastry) wrappers

I'm pretty sure you can conclude how to cook this but let me try it first before I actually recommend it. There might be some ingredients missing but I'll know as I'm cooking. Watch out for a follow up blog and pictures, of course.

UPDATE (03.22.2010)~~


Since my Lola and sister ate this with us, I decided to skip the "spicyness".

Initially, I intended:

• a can of spicy tuna
• finger peppers to be split open but not sliced, seeded but pulp intact and won't be washed after seeding

Modifications:

• Used Tuna in brine
• Peppers sliced in half lengthwise and removed seeds (and pulp). Washed again to minimize spicyness
• Added strips of cheese, and
  
• Cut the peppers when they tend to curve to make is easier to wrap them
  

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Exercise your brain part 1

I've been thinking of what to write about for my third post but I haven't been able to come up with anything... until I thought maybe my mind's just not working right now. Then I remembered my sister's message yesterday on chat. That she had pictures I could put up in my new blog.

To shake things a bit, I've decided to go along with it. I'll be posting a series of pictures and tell me what the inner image is. You can probably google it but I hope you don't spoil the fun!!!



First off, relax your mind. I was told you need to get both the left and right brain working to see the inner image.

So let me know what you think! Post a comment.

Disclaimer: This is not a contest, this is just for fun!!!

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A touch of independence; A little bit of sadness.

She said, "Mama, mama!" then points to her milk bottle. I said, "You want milk now?" and she replies, "Mmmm..." and nods her head.

As I prepared her milk, I sensed her hurriedly moving away from me. I slowly turned around to see what she was up to and to my surprise, she had put all her toys away, positioned her pillow on the bed, fluffed it up a bit, and laid down, her bear snuggled in one arm. All I had to do was give her the bottle and turn her pal Violet's lullaby on. I couldn't help but smile but at the same time tears started to blur my eyes.

Fifteen days short of her being 18 months old, I couldn't help but feel both happy and sad. Happy that she's learning the ropes of life, sad that it's happening all too soon. With things happening this fast, I just might need to force myself to learn how to let her go and explore on her own. Don't take me wrong, I do want her to be independent, this is just a little too fast for me.

Since I got pregnant, I thought it would take a long, long, long, long time before she starts doing things for herself. I never, in my wildest dreams, imagined that I would have a taste of it this early. Oh well, that's the circle of life I guess.

As I lay beside her, listening to her breathing and watching her sleeping so peacefully, I had flashbacks of my parents always being just one step behind me in everything I did. They let me try things on my own and sometimes I succeeded. Lots of times I failed though. I know this because as I look back, I see them. My Tatang and my Mama, just a step behind me, ready to pick me up if I fall and get me back on my feet.

Now I have to learn how they did it. Yes sad... but anything for my little miss. At least I know she'll grow up to be one independent woman for sure.

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My blog-breaker

Ice-breaker. That's what people say when they need to break the "ice" usually in an unfamiliar group setting. Now I need a "blog-breaker".

Nothing really comes to mind because I live a very simple life and besides, I'm home 24 hours a day, 6 days a week. How can I possibly write something "exciting"?

So after about 2 hours tapping on the keyboard, I'm going with why "My Tots Exactly". Two things I want to write about in this blog; first is about my thoughts, anything that comes to mind, and the second and most important, anything to do with my little tot. So thoughts and tot brought about "Tots".

There's a thin line between them really. Since I became pregnant and had my little miss, everything that I do, think, or say has something to do about her. Now I think before I say or do anything because I don't want her to suffer any repercussion. I used to just speak my mind about anything without regard to others feelings but I can't do that anymore. I live my life now so that she can live her life better. It's not all bad, it's actually great! I get to see things in a new perspective now. The things that were so common to me, I see in a new light... through her eyes, AND for the first time all over again. Her smile brings a smile to my face. Her sadness brings sorrow to my heart. Her confusion is my amazement. So really... thoughts and tots, most often than not, are one and the same.

My little miss will be waking up from her nap in a couple of minutes. Let's see what she does and I guess that will be what's in store for tomorrow.

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