A Roll Call of Thank You's

DH and I are spending our tenth wedding anniversary this September 27 and 28. Yes, two dates. It has its advantages. Like when the dates fall on a weekend. We have a fine excuse to have a romantic weekend getaway. But otherwise, it's just plain confusing.

Ten years ago, DH and I decided to have a DIY wedding. Being in our late twenties, we did not ask for financial support from our parents. Instead, we leeched on the kindness of our friends. We invited them to the wedding, but not without volunteering them in the wedding preparations.

I was catatonic before, during and immediately after the wedding, so better late than never, I would like to thank the following, who made the wedding ceremony a success:

My Maids of Honor and Bridesmaids, for paying for their own gowns. Of course, I chose the color and the fabric, in my first ever trip to Divisoria. I wanted it bronze but had to settle for a paler color due to sheer exhaustion from battling the crowds in Divi. Lucky Suzie, a friend I met during a seminar on Soulmates, Karma and Reincarnation served as our tour guide. She may not be my soulmate but we are both sure we share a karmic relationship. We call her lucky because she always wins in raffles. In fact, she managed to furnish her house, including the garage with her winnings from all those contests. When she met and married Gerry, she sure hit the jackpot! :-)

My former officemates from Congress, who contributed the wedding cake. I just gave them a copy of the cake I wanted, and they looked for a baker. Red Ribbon couldn't do it with fresh flowers, so they used grapes instead. The cake looked great and instead of feeding each other slices of cake at the reception, DH and I fed each other, grapes. You gotta admit, that is hmmm...less messy.

Honeytess for the Precious Moments "Wishing You Roads of Happiness" featuring a bride and groom in a car. (I was a huge Precious Moments collector before the children started coming.) Red Ribbon used it as the wedding topper. I'm sure she didn't realize it would be that expensive until she finally had to pay for it.

My Craft Fairy sister who sewed the little bride and groom dolls for giveaways. The groom doll also had long hair. And to my former officemate Gary, who handcarried the items from New York to Manila.

Sweet Melissa, my former officemate at the PICC, who's also a part-time florist. She was supposed to cover the reception area with cut flowers. Unfortunately, the flowers failed to bloom (this is not a portent, believe me) so she just lent us her vases. The flowers are courtesy of my cousin Hope who sent them from Baguio through Dangwa Transit.

DH's high school friend Jessie, who at that time owned a printing press (now he's a nurse) for making the invitations. Much inspired by the book Griffin and Sabine, DH designed a series of postcards chronicling our courtship and wedding. (Nick Bantock's books fed many of our conversations when we were just getting to know each other.) I wrote the words because DH is hopeless with names and dates.

National Artist Napoleon Abueva for opening his house to us. We got married in his garden filled with religious statues and monumental columns. Until the day of the wedding, he was working on the pathways. Most memorable of all, when the priest asked the wedding sponsors to bless us, he sang us a love song he composed himself. Not only did he open his house, he opened his heart.

PUP's Grace Canteen for the catering, and Freedom Bar waiters for the, well, waiting. Actually, my in-laws used to run a canteen and a catering service so they took care of that part. The food was aplenty and delicious, or so I was told, and I thank them for that. (Honestly, except for the grapes, I can't recall I ate anything at all.) DH was a partner in Freedom Bar where we first met. E-mail me if you want the whole drunken story. :-)

Our friends from PETA who documented the entire affair on video. Their singer friend (sorry I don't recall her name) who sang the my favorite song "With You" from the musical Pippin and who called the wedding "the weirdest I have ever attended", but NOT in a bad way, I am sure. I marched to the altar while she sang that song. DH marched to a taped version of his own poem, which incidentally, I know he wrote for another woman, but who cares, he was marching to marry me. And the rest of the entourage marched to Pachelbel's Canon in D Major, something I had planned since I could dream up a wedding.

DH's college friends for hosting and emceeing the program. DH's photographer friends who are now so much in demand by the glossies, that I am sure we won't even be able to afford reprints. I hope they find our negatives soon. Butch The Technologist for giving me the only photos I have of the wedding.

My sisters, nephews and nieces, for putting the flowers the give-aways together at the last minute. They also gathered the sheaf of palay, which we used in place of the traditional arhae of golden coins, from our farm in the province. (We did many non-traditional things in our wedding.)

My family for being so gracious during the traditional pamanhikan dinner. So gracious in fact that when my future mother-in-law asked what kind of dishes I could cook, they stifled their laughter until they were red in the face. My mother could just look to the heavens for supplication.

My former housemate's recommended make-up artists, without whom I wouldn't have been late to my own wedding. And Manila society's couturier before they discovered Joe Salazar, et. al. for my gown. Unfortunately, I cannot remember her name but she did marvelous work.

And of course, DH for spending days and nights physically preparing the venue for the family, friends and guests who gathered together at the big night.

My apologies to all whom I may have inadvertently forgotten. Ten years may not be a long time by Hollywood standards, but it is to us. (A poor excuse for memory gap.)

*Photos of wedding memorabilia taken this month when DH surprised me with the box containing them. I thought we had lost them when we moved houses.

NEXT: Why the two dates

Sharing Smiles

Cabbie said I make her smile. Well, she makes me smile, too, but I don't think she intends for me to tag her again. :-)



But lots of SMILES to go all around, so I am tagging Marix, Christine, Nina, Manang Marissa, Alby, Airees, Leirs, Nita and Jenn. You make me smile each time I see your works and everytime you leave a comment in my blog. :-)

Kaya 5 Entry

My response to Idol Cabbie's challenge to use six pieces of patterned paper. The end result is not quite Cabbiesque, but it's a start. :-)

See all the details at the Kaya! challenge blog.

I'd love to scrap all the other photos from that shoot. Hope to, soon...



Photos by DH, kasi, hindi nila ako isinama! Waahhhh.... I think it was almost 10 am when the pics were taken, thus, the shadows.

Any suggestions how I should scrap these photos? Thanks much.

Shared Stories

Words from the Heart - that's the title of the final round of the Scrappin Moms Idol. The remaining 15 contestants were asked to create a two-page spread about "Life's Joys and Challenges and the Lessons Learned From Them."

Many joys and challenges flitted through my mind as I prepared to write my journaling but I chose to zoom in on just one - the joys and challenges of being a parent. I approached the subject with a dash of humor, as I believe that is the best way to deal with raising a family (and surviving.) I took inspiration from the writings of Robert Fulghum, Erma Bombeck and Bill Cosby. All the lessons learned, however, are mine and apply specifically to my family. You can see those Parenting 101 lessons here.

Please do take time to view all the wonderful entries in the gallery. You will not only learn lessons, but you will be touched, inspired and amazed by the stories all the 14 other contestants have to share. I applaud them, not only for their artistry, but for their willingness to share their stories. They are courageous souls because many of these stories are very personal, and some may have also been painful to write about.

I thank each and everyone of them for sharing their stories, for touching my life, albeit vicariously, and most specially, for the privilege of getting to know them better.

Thank you, too, to the Scrappin Moms (I was almost tempted to make an LO about the trials and tribulations, sige na nga, joys na din, of being an Idol contestant hehe) for brewing us this contest. It has made us see ourselves and others in a different light. Kudos to all of you.

Now the real test begins in a few weeks...

More Ephemera

When it rains, it pours. It all started with the Pinoy Scrapbookers Kaya Challenge when I needed ephemera to scrap. I dug up all my boxes of stuff in the bodega and found, ephemera galore. Truly, my DH and I are such pack rats that sooner or later, our "collectibles" will run us out of the house. Can you imagine the headlines, "Ephemera bury husband and wife. Wife can't scrap fast enough." Hahaha.

But I am enjoying these mini-trips down memory lane. And if I can't scrap just yet, I can scan and upload them in this blog. So be warned. Ephemera coming!


This is a brochure for The Alcove, the photo gallery of the Filipinas Heritage Library (FHL) in Makati. The upper left most photo is of Sarah at less than two years old. It is one of my first photos using my Nikon FM2, my first (and only) fully manual camera, which I bought in 2001. I enrolled at FHL to improve my photography skills, such as they were, a few weeks after I got it. I wanted to learn how to best use my equipment (note: my DH finds this statement funny) to maximize its features. Up until then, I had only used autofocus cameras. At the end of the 4-week workshop, we had to submit photos to our instructors Kat Palasi and Vir Montenegro for critiquing. My photo was chosen one of the three winners and it was used in the FHL brochure.

I kept this because it marks the beginning of my official (it feels more official if you're somewhat published hehe) foray into the wonderful world of capturing images. Now I have to look for the original rolls of film so I can have them scanned to digital files. I wonder under which broken-down piece of furniture I will find the box that contains them?

Spread Too Thin

Whew! I think I passed the Scrappin Mom's Idol "No Photos Allowed" round by the skin of my teeth. Truly, my co-contestants outdid themselves again as you can see from the gallery. Me? I was just glad to get to scrap some wedding memorabilia that I haven't seen since the day I packed them ten years ago.

Story of Us features our wedding invitations and wedding souvenirs. My journaling is an open letter to my DH. I think it was a bit stilted because I knew other people will be reading this missive. Medyo na-shy ako. Hehe. I made another postcard similar to the wedding invitations and handwrote my letter at the back.

The next challenge is a spread. The first and last time I did a spread was over a year ago when I started scrapbooking. Yup! Because I wanted to put in as many photos as possible, my first two layouts were spreads.

My Very First LO

My Second LO (Notice any improvement over the first? Hahaha.)

I hope whatever I come up with are better than these. Otherwise, I will be singing "Na na na na hey hey hey goodbye" next time around.

Twice Mentioned

Maybs saw it first from Jessica Sprague's blog. From there there was a link to blogher, where the author asks why we scrap. I guess I answered that in a previous entry in this blog, which she happened to read, and so she cited it in hers.

Next, came the Madcropper who picked me as her layout of the week for September 8. She cited the same layout.

Wow! So this is how it feels like to have your work featured anywhere. And it's not even a full-blown layout.

Thank you, Blogher and Madcropper, for reminding me with my very own layout why I'm into this in the first place.

Desiderata for Scrapbookers

So this is what happens when you're nose is clogged and your mind is fogged - rewrite one of the most famous poems ever. I apologise to everyone who might not find this funny, it's the Benadryl talking.

But first, a bit of trivia. Did you know that “desiderata” is Latin for “desired things”? Quite appropriate for us hoarders, I mean, scrapbookers, isn’t it?

Desiderata for Scrapbookers
(with my sincerest apologies to Max Ehrmann)

Go placidly amid the aisles of Michael’s and Archivers,
and remember what peace there may be in knowing that
you do not have to have everything.

As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all scrapbooking salespersons
and store owners. (That 10% discount is your reward.)

Speak your comments on LOs quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the newbies;
they too have something to share.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
(Somehow, all that comes to mind are Au and Nita.
And the exact opposite is true. They are loud
and spirited, but hardly annoying.)

If you compare your layouts with others’ layouts,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser layouts than yours.

Enjoy your finished layouts as well as the process.

Keep interested in your own stories, however humble;
they are real possessions that should be scrapped in time.

Exercise caution in buying scrapping supplies;
for the world is full of trends.
But let this not blind you to what a good sale is;
many stores strive for 49% discounts;
and everywhere the web is full of online stores with free shipping.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign scrapbooking styles.
Neither be cynical about your layout;
for in the face of losing at challenges
your acid-free materials are as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of other more experienced scrapbookers
but do not gracefully surrender the things that make you, you.

Nurture kindred scrapbooking spirits to crop with.
But do not distress yourself with trying to “keep up”.
Many fears are born of fatigue and wanting.
Beyond EBs and crop parties,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a scrapbooker of the universe,
no less than the Memory Makers Masters and the CK Scrapbookers of the Year;
you have a right to scrap.
And whether or not it is as clear as a Hambly transparency to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding like an accordion album.

Therefore be at peace with your partners,
whatever s/he may think of your scrapbooking,
and whether in Scrapfests or Scrapmeets,
in the noisy confusion of shopping keep peace with your wallet.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Scrap it.
Strive to be real.

Ambivalence

Well, what do you know? I'm still in the running for Idol. (Obvious ba, hinintay ko ang results, hehe.) One part of me loves the idea and am actually feeling proud of myself right now. The other half is filled with dread and trepidation.

The past few weeks have been a rollercoaster ride. While I love the process of creating for Idol, I can certainly do without the stress that comes with it. (Just ask any of the challengers.) My world has been completely turned upside down. Whereas before, I looked forward to weekends so I can scrap in peace, I now claim Saturdays and Sundays as my days-off from scrapping! LOL.

The movers to the next round are announced on Thursdays, so are the details of the next challenge. Of course, as I fall asleep, ideas fleet through my mind. But I refuse to fully entertain them yet, as I won't be able to scrap until the weekend anyway. But weekends are supposed to be stress-free so come the end of the week, I refuse to think about Idol at all. Ergo, I don't go anywhere near my scrap room. Crazy, isn't it? Sunday evenings I let my mind plan and strategize and hopefully, if all went well, I'd be done by Wednesday morning.

Not so this week. First, I had no file photos of any objects that may be significant to me. Except perhaps, food. :-) Got loads of those. So that means I have to stage a shoot. I'm pretty much "spontaneity" when it comes to my photography. Then, my significant objects are so small that my point and shoot can't quite hack the exact angle I wanted. Good thing serendipity came to the rescue. I finally had my photo but needed fresh inks for my printer. Finally got around to buying those, Wednesday afternoon. And I don't have to tell you about moving everything around until things fell into place. In my case, things didn't fall into place until 4:00 am Thursday morning. Talk about cramming. But I have to thank Cabbie (she showed me her LO past midnight) for inspiring me to do better. I literally had to start over again because I felt my LO was not good enough. The final outcome is very different from what I have been working on the whole night. But I'm glad I took the extra effort, not to mention the extra hours because as usual, all the other entries are something else again.

And have you seen the next challenge? Ephemera! I sucked at that in the KAYA! Challenges. Waaahhh...And no photos!!! And I just bought new inks.

Altered Perceptions

Well, the past week was a week for "egg" jokes in our house as I made my entry to Round 3 - Alter It of SMI. As I mentioned before, I am not really into altering. I still think my winning the Altered Photo Box Challenge last Scrapfest was a fluke. So this round is really a challenge for me.

The first thing I did was to walk around the house from the third floor down looking for an item to alter and repurpose. I ended my occular inspection in my pantry where I eyed my baking equipment with evil intent. Practicality won over, however, so my Wilton cookie sheets and muffin tins remain safe. I decided to alter and repurpose, instead, an egg carton, including the empty eggshells to make "Eggs-tatic." I'd hardly call the process of creating it eggs-hilirating. More like eggs-asperating. I felt that I would eggs-pire anytime. And most of all, I really felt that my being an Idol contestant would not be eggs-tended. See what I mean about the egg jokes? Eggs-cellent!!! LOL.

This particular round opened my eyes to many things.

First, it confirmed to me what I have always known. That the Pinay scrappers are remarkably talented. And we ain't seen nothing yet.

Second, that this is no regular challenge. It doesn't let up. One minute you're celebrating the fact that you made it through and the next, you are murmuring expletives as you read through the rules of the next challenge.

Third, many people take this seriously. Man, those are serious work in the galleries. This has gone beyond, "I joined so I am forced to make at least one LO a week." Who am I kidding? If that was all there was to it, any LO I come up with should suffice. Instead, I come up with an idea, and then I try to second guess the other challengers. Not necessarily to top them but to at least ensure that my entry would hold its own.

Fourth, as David Hume said, "Beauty in things exists in the mind which contemplates them." Or more prosaically, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I do not envy the judges as they review each and every entry. It is a daunting task. But in this contest, three contestants are dropped every week and one project is Pick of the Week. If you think your work should be pick of the week or that you really deserve to still be in the running, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Don't let anyone question your faith and belief in yourself. It doesn't mean that you and/or your work are not good enough. It's just the rules of this particular game. (I tell myself these many times as frail human that I am, I have massive attacks of insecurities.)

At this point, I do not know what the fates or the judges have in store for me so let me now post this -


because next week, my photo might no longer be in the contestants roster and except for my creations in the galleries, it would be like I was never part of this.

Being U.P.

When I first entered U.P. decades ago (I don't mind that my age is showing, with ageing gracefully, hopefully comes wisdom), I was taught to observe, to ask questions, to be vigilant, and to say what needed saying. I learned that in the classrooms, in FGDs, and in rallies. I learned it well, and as I lived my life I found that that could be a blessing...or a curse.

At a blind date in a bar in EDSA Shangri-La mall, there was a promo for condoms (I forgot which brand). These pretty girls dressed in skimpy clothing gave the guys in my table condoms. When I asked, "What about me?" The girl answered, "Oh, it's only for the boys." And I replied (years of conditioning and working at a very progressive foundation), "You should give the girls, too." She looked at me like I was crazy. By this time, my blind date was turning apoplectic with embarassent at my audacity, I presume. I looked him in the eye and tried to explain myself. "Women should have that choice. It is after all, our bodies." He stared at me like he has never seen a thinking female before and said, "U.P. ka nga!" It sounded like a curse when he said it. He was obviously from "the other university" and needless to say, I never saw him again. Now, that, was a blessing. LOL.

At work, I earned the ire of some my officemates when I didn't agree to something they wanted to do, because I was following office policy. Sure, I have been known to bend policy now and then, but not when it meant the destruction of the foundation's and my core values as a human being. Those who didn't get that are still not talking to me now. That could be a curse or a blessing, depending on your point of view. Because I continued to work with them for a time, it was a curse pretending that everything was honky-dory.

At a social event with GMA, when my daughter Kahlo, loudly asked, "Mama, where is the President?" GMA, graciously bowed down in front of her, and said, "I am the president." I had to bite my lip to refrain from saying "Not for looong..." (This happened at a time when there were many rallies against her.) My eyes met my husband's and I knew from the quirk of his mouth that he was thinking the same thing. U.P. din siya. Hehehe.

So what is my point? Well, I guess I'm just saying that it's second-nature to me to ask questions and demand answers...until I'm satisfied. The words that toppled a dictatorship still run through the back of my mind everytime. "Kung hindi tayo kikibo, sino ang kikibo? Kung hindi tayo kikilos, sino ang kikilos? Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?" That is why I live my life in constant danger...Of being booted out of parties. Hahaha. So sa mga nakukulitan na sa akin, pasensiya na. U.P. kasi ako, eh. LOL.

Ding...Round 3

As early as 10 PM, Thursday night, I learned my fate in the Scrappinmoms Idol Challenge. I get to move on to the next round. I immediately tried to figure out (their names are not announced, their photos just disappear from the gallery) who were the three scrapbooking artists who were dropped, not because their LOs were not good, but just because for this particular round, their LOs were at the bottom 3. Does that mean that the other LOs were way better? I wouldn't know. For all I know, it might just be a mere tenth of a point that separates them from the Top 24. But this I do know for sure, everyone submitted artistic creations that are their own, and that no one can take away from them.

I am happy I am moving on because I am particularly pleased with my entry, Noise. This LO took a long time coming because I had the photo printed, my title chosen and journaling written as early as March 2007. It took this monochromatitic challenge for me to finally put my ideas on paper. For that alone, I am rewarded. I am sad though because the SMI journey of my friend Nina ends with this challenge. Nina is a creative sensitive soul and I always admire her layouts. I continue to look forward to what she will come up with next.

The next challenge has also been announced. Altering a household item. You think that's easy? Try the restrictions. It's really mind-altering. LOL. When DH heard the next challenge, he asked, baffled, "What has that got to do with scrapbooking?" What, indeed. Ahhh...the things we do for our craft.

Happy Birthday Blog!

I started this blog the day after I joined the Pinoy Scrapbookers e-group so that I would have a venue to share my scrapbooking journey with people who would appreciate and understand. As many of you know and have experienced yourselves, not everyone is a scrapbooker, and they could never get why we are so passionate about photos, paper, and glue.

I am sure that at first, few read my blog, but as our number grew and more scrappers got their own blogs to document their own journeys, we visited each other, learned more from and about each other. Truly, blog-hopping has become such a part of my routine that my day is not complete if I didn't read about Nina's latest ATC, Nita's scrapbooking bloopers, Christine's shopping finds, Airee's Monday mosaics, Cabbie's newest creation, Au's deconstruction, Jenn's creative calisthenics...Oh, my, I never should have started this. Even if I failed to mention your name, rest assured, that if your blog is written on the blog roll at left, I never fail to read you. Never. So Leirs, I know the latest about your lost (and found) cellphone. And I didn't leave a comment because you warned me. I try as much as possible to leave comments to your blogs, as well as respond to your comments to mine because I think the blogging's best reward is that you provoked someone to pause and think. Thankfully, except for a spam message that was written in Portuguese, I have never read a negative comment on my blog. Although negative comments, especially about my layouts are most welcome. Just be warned that your blogs are free game, too. LOL.

So anyway, this past year has been a blast. I started hoarding stuff in October 2005 and I really thought I had more than enough. But as Au was telling me last night, one could never have enough scrapbooking stuff. (When will it ever end?) I finally made my first layout in June 2006. Yes, took me that long to gain courage (not confidence yet). In August 17, 2006, I joined Pinoy Scrapbookers and life (and my wallet) was never the same. I slowly gained confidence, enough to join challenges. I have had my altered photo box win me a Canon Powershot camera, but most of all I won friends. You guys are just great.

As of today, I have scrapped 42 layouts. Not much compared to most of you, I know. But considering that I didn't scrap at all for more than a year since I was gifted my first set of decorative-edged scissors and 12x12 albums, 42 is quite an achievement.

And today, I also learned that my Scrappinmoms' Idol journey continues, having made it through Round 1. My entry is called Sandwich Kiss and you can view it here. Congratulations (good news or bad news?) to all of us who made it to next round. Kudos, too, to Phylline, Pam and Marix. Your layouts are all very creative. Whoever invented the rule that three scrappers be dropped every week should be...commented for being such a brave soul. Hehehe. Kung pwede lang sana lahat tayo nasa finals... Pero parang ayoko yatang umabot dun. Di ko na kaya ang stress! Waaahhhh...

But anyway, happy birthday, The Armchair Scrapper. May you blog more, live, love, laugh and scrap more in the years to come. And dare I say, that you have successfully moved your b**t from your armchair. Hahaha.

Note: Cupcake by Sonja. Her shop is at Serendra. Been wanting to get me one of this since they opened last year. She just celebrated her first year anniversary, too.

Guess Who's on You Tube?

That's part 1, here's part 2:

Journey with Me

Yup! It's official. The non-stop "dings" and "to-toots" of my YM and cellphone confirmed yesterday that my audition layout made it to the Top 30 of the Scrappin Moms' Idol Challenge.

My first reaction was to shout, "Papa! I made it through the first round!" Then, "Oh, my, I am in very good company" as I saw the names of the other contestants. It read like (except for the judges themselves) a who's who of local scrapbooking. Familiar names, many of whom have won challenges before and some new ones who show much promise. But when I saw the next challenge, I could only mutter, "S..t. What did I get myself into?"

What, indeed.

I like joining challenges because they inspire me to make layouts that I would never have thought of making otherwise. Case in point, the Kaya! challenges. They also push me to create as soon as I have thought of them because they have deadlines. Otherwise, they would have stayed just as ideas until they are eventually pushed to the back of my mind. Sayang naman. I recently viewed my album and I realised that I have created most of them for challenges. I don't think I would have been able to fill two albums in less than a year otherwise.

I am usually always satisfied with my creations. Once I finish and I slip the finished LO into the protective sheet, I feel a huge sense of accomplishment. I do not think of winning while I am making an LO. I only think of putting my ideas into paper, so to speak. It is when I have submitted my LOs to challenges that I begin to think of the possibilities of winning or losing. I guess that is human nature. Show me a person who doesn't have any expectations when s/he joins a contest and I will show you a person...who is not me. Haha. I do not stress myself out making an LO - I do not consciously set out to make a winnable LO. My LOs are personally meaningful and not just for show. But I do stress myself out when I see my LO side by side with other LOs, knowing that I have put part of me under relentless scrutiny.

My LOs have never won (notice I said LOs, not "I"), and I am disappointed. Who doesn't want to win? For a few moments I forget that I have already been rewarded. Again, it is human nature to sometimes question yourself when this happens, but I bounce back. It is in acknowledging disatisfaction that you learn to be satisfied.

This is my rather long-winded explanation on why I chose to submit an LO to the Idol challenge. (Well, aside from the fact that I respect and admire the organizers and that I want to do my part in making our small community flourish.) I know that I will be putting myself through a wringer but if it would make me test my capabilities and limits, why not? I am never one to back down from any challenge. And besides, it would ensure me at least one LO a week. I have a very supportive DH who respects my "Me" time (he even gives me days off when he knows I have a deadline to meet) and KiDS who love my scrapbooks no matter what. I have never heard them complain that I scrap too much. If anything, they complain that I don't make enough LOs about "us." Oh, Diego did complain once that I buy too much stuff but I don't use them as much. :-)

Also, as I said earlier, I am in good company. It would not be an embarassment to be eliminated amidst such very good scrapbookers. But my pride hopes I don't get eliminated early. Sana umabot man lang ng week 3. Hahaha. But this I say, if and when I am eliminated, I will continue to create LOs for the challenges. LOs that only you, dear readers, will judge. So come, journey with me.

Click here to view the layouts for the elimination round.
And this is my layout about our New Kid on the Block, Jazmane Marie. She is the daughter of our yaya of 5 years. We treat both of them as members of our family. Incidentally, today is Jazmane's first birthday.

Kaya 4 - No. 1 Fan

When you're inspired, things just seem to fall into place. This month's Kaya! is on using ephemera in a layout. As a mom of three KiDS and a DH who collects just about everything (even the instructions that come with Happy Meal toys), it should have been easy for me to find something to scrap. Wrong! I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of items that I have saved through the years. But inspiration hit me when I found this sweet note from my daughter, Sarah.


Journaling Reads:
(A conversation between Sarah and I while I am reading my scrapbook magazines and she is peeking over my shoulder):

Sarah: Mama, why are your scrapbooks not in the magazines?
Mama: Why? Do you want our scrapbooks to be in magazines?
Sarah: Yes...except the one where I was crying.
Mama: I don't thing my layouts are good enough.
Sarah: Oh, but they're very nice, Mama. Promise!

Lots of hugs and kisses ensue and my place in scrapbooking history is assured.

Materials Used:
Paper - Daisy D's; Cardstock - unknown; Ribbon - Michelle's; Stickers - Scenic Route; Stamp - Autumn Leaves; Ink - Colorbox; Distress Ink; Puncher - Paper Shapers Corner Adorner; Diecut: Cuttlebug; Pen - Uni Ball Signo white; Adhesive - UHU.

Ephemera:
A note from Sarah where she wrote " I "heart" you Mama. You are a great scrapbook artist." (It's exactly as she gave it to me except that I inked the edges. Nobody told her to write that and there was no particular occasion. I'm just sorry that I failed to note the date.)

The Process:
This is one layout where I concentrated more on my thoughts and feelings rather than on making it good. I scrapped this mainly for me and my daughter. A reminder to myself that I do not have to put myself through unnecessary pressure and fear of relentless scrutiny to come up with a good LO. I am scrapping details of our lives and my family (and their families) wouldn't care that I didn't follow basic principles of design. I know they will smile, awashed in fond memories, when sometime in the future they will look at my scrapbooks. Our love for each other will last, everything else is ephemeral.

For my daughter Sarah, a reminder that she loves (or loved) me, the works that I create(d) and that she is my No.1 Fan.

Challenged! Part 2

As I mentioned earlier, I had bought papers for specific challenges so to silence the twinge of guilt I feel each time I look at my scrap bill, I had to make LOs. And not just any LOs. But LOs that at least have a chance of winning the challenges. Otherwise, why would I scramble to meet the deadlines when I can surely scrap much later, at my own pace and leisure?

There were three more LOs that I finished last weekend of July.

LASTING IMPRESSIONS SCENIC ROUTE CHALLENGE

When I went to buy the Scenic Route papers and monograms in Vivian's store, I didn't have the faintest layout idea in mind. There were too many patterns and colors to choose from that I just decided that I would do a layout on my two girls. Thus, I chose the flower patterns in in rich pink/orangey colors.

In Dad's Arms

My initial title for this was "Wrapped in Dad's Embrace" but I didn't have the right diecuts or stickers. Besides, it was too long that there wouldn't have been any room. Thus, after much deliberation, I settled for "In Dad's Arms." I love this photo of my DH and the girls. It shows how comfortable they are with each other. Sarah and Kahlo truly are Papa's girls, while DH has no qualms about showing his affection in public.

Journaling:
We know we are safe, secure, warm, loved, treasured, so adored. Sarah, Kahlo and Papa.

Note: It was Nita's idea to use that specific PPS (the backside of the flowers) and write the journaling that way. I had initially written my journaling on a Hambly screen print but it didn't work out. It commanded too much attention away from my photo.

Materials Used:
Papers - Scenic Route (I say 'rowt', you say 'root'. Is it 'to-ma-to' or 'to-may-to'?) Charlotte, Stickers - Laurel ABCD Monogram; Flowers - Bazzill and Prima; Button - K&Co.; Rub-ons - American Crafts; Diecut - Cuttlebug; Ribbon - Divisoria; Swirls handcut by Nita Ang.

The Process:
This was the first LO I started during the past week and I finished it last Friday. I brooded over it for a while but there wasn't much else to do, so here it is. Plain and simple.

The layout below is quite especial to me. It is one of the very first LOs I worked on last year, albeit using different papers. I finished this LO at Nita's house, at a precursor of our Friday mini-EBs. She and Au helped clueless me how to start scrapbooking. It was good but I wasn't quite happy with it. And I am glad I waited to scrap this photo because when I saw these Scenic Route papers, I knew they were perfect. I know they are the "old" designs but to be honest, I like the originality of the early released SR papers.

I so love this photo of Diego beside one of his Papa's clay model for a monument in Pagsanghan. It is supposed to depict Shooting the Rapids.

Papa's Works of Arts

Journaling:
At this YOUNG age, you are soft and pliable like clay.
Like a SCULPTOR to his MASTERPIECE, let me...
MOULD your values and your character.
FIRE your imagination with the endless possibilities.
BOND you with love and pure affection.
CAST your spirit with courage & determination.
BUILD you a strong foundation.
You are God's work of perfection.
Papa's work in progress.

Materials Used:
Papers - Scenic Route Leonardo's Creation, ItalianScript Cream, Stripe with Patter; Stickers: Laurel Monogram ABCD; Hambly screenprint; Diecut,- Cuttlebug; Stamps - Fancy Pants Bella Brush (thanks Mia); unknown (thanks Tin); Rubons - American Crafts; Perfect Pearls pigments; metal brads.

The Process:
I wrote the journaling last year. I mulled over it for the longest time with the help of my DH. I wanted to show that the clay model and Diego are his Papa's works of arts. Thus, the title. I believe that our children are there parents' creations. So we have to be caring and loving to make sure that they grow up with strong foundations. Following that train of thought, I used the techniques that DH has to go through to make a sculpture. From clay moulding to finally putting up the sculpture on its pedestal.

For the word WORKS, I used the Aged Patina pigments for the first time. I am supposed to simulate the color and texture of bronze, I am not sure if I succeeded. I impressed the stamped images on transparency at the PS July EB and they fit perfectly here.

*Many thanks to Cabbie for uploading these LOs to the Lasting Impression gallery. Since I left the upload at the last minute, I wasn't registered in time for the gallery.

SCRAPBUKAN'S MY MIND'S EYE/THREE CHALLENGE

I edited this photo in Photoshop, blurring the background and making the colors more vivid. I wanted to popout the shades but there was no time for me to learn how to do it. The KiDS had just bought these visors cum shades from an ambulant vendor and I just love the goofy grins on their faces. Pure happiness over such cheap treats.

3 Shady Grins

Journaling:
A picnic at Rizal Park, Manila
Cheap plastic visors in shades of pink & blue
Lots of grins and laughter.

(I didn't think the layout called for lengthy journaling as the photo speaks for itself.)

Materials Used:
Paper - Tres Bien Birthday Boy stripe, Birthday Boy Circles; Tag - Mademoiselle Princess Quote; Arrows - American Crafts; Stickers - American Craft Thickers; Stamp - Autumn Leaves; Pen - Uni Ball Signo white; Ribbons, Buttons, Cardstock.

The Process:
Can you say beating the deadline? I started this LO at 2 pm last July 31. I love the MME papers so it wasn't difficult to conceptualize a simple sketch. I was in the zone, loving every minute of it when the phone rang as I was about to stamp an image (U Make Me Laugh) on my LO. I was going to test the color of the ink first to check if it contrasted enough with the cardstock. But hearing my MIL's strident voice on the line, I unwittingly stamped on my LO. The image didn't come out completely (I tried to salvage it by pressing again) but the color was all wrong! For some it would have been easy to cover it up with a Prima but I didn't have the right shades. I hastily looked through my drawers and found the flower diecuts from last May's Scrapfest. I know the Scrappin' Moms will forgive me for not using them to make my She layouts. Some ink still showed around the edges so I used ribbons.

Challenged!

Seven weeks no scrap. Crazy, indeed. I've been beset by ennuiand I haven't scrapped for more than seven weeks. Fifty days to be exact. It's enough to drive a scrapbooker loco. And for a scary minute back there, I actually loved not scrapping. No rush, no pressure. I was really comfortable in my rut, I could have stayed there forever.

But, the irony is, being in a rut didn't stop me from scrap shopping. (I think the guilt of spending way too much on scrap items added to it. Talk about digging myself into a deeper hole.) Even if I didn't have the drive to scrap anything, I bought materials for challenges that our local stores have been offering.

And finally, wonders of wonder, last week, with the encouragement of my DH (he actually gave me several days off from mommy duties) I finally sat down and began cutting and pasting paper. I'd like to share this feat with you. I don't want to jinx this this time, so I won't say what I said previously.

KAYA CHALLENGE ENTRY

The stamping challenge over at the Pinoy Scrapbookers Challenge blog really had me stumped. But as a member of the core team, I had a commitment to submit layouts to all the challenges in a timely manner. Well, it hadn't been timely, kinda last minute actually, but I made it! It felt good to be scrapping again, not to mention to be with close scrapping friends. I finished this LO at our regular Friday mini-EB. I wasn't able to attend the mini-EBs for as long as I was unable to scrap.

Big Bad Mama

This was inspired by an article by Panjee Gonzales which Leirs posted in her blog last June 30. I totally related to what Panjee had to say about being a mother. Especially as I had to make many difficult adjustments and meet many challenges (nope - not scrapbooking related) during the last two months. It had been difficult and I questioned my capacity to always be a loving mom. Making this LO made me realize that I don't have to be super-SAHM . To my credit, when I showed this to my KiDS, they were puzzled by the title and they assured me between hugs and kisses that I am not not a bad mom. Although I distinctly heard my DH pipe up in the background, "Yup, but she's big." I decided to ignore that.

Journaling (on tags which I have had for the longest time and was happy to discover are acid-free):
To-Do-List
Check that KiDS have healthy "baon"
Read PATECON notes re schoolwork
Remember to check homeworks
Supervise KiDS' meals
Referee quarrels/fights
Have lots of patience
Clean up/listen up
Pray...
To-Call-List
???put the KiDS up for adoption

Want to Do List
Scrap!!!
Read books for grown-ups
Computer (blog/surf)

It's not easy to be a SAHM. You are on call 24 hours a day. It is particularly hard now that my yaya decided to take a permanent vacation. I have a long list of "things to do" for my DH and 3 KiDS everyday. But sometimes I forget and the entire household runs amok. Many times I lose it. I become upset...mad. I lose my patience. I raise my voice. I turn into a bad mama. And when that happens. I don't like myself at all.

Materials Used:
Papers - Basic Grey Sublime Collection; Stamps for title - Making Memories Mixed Font foam stamps; MM acrylic paint - Espresso; Stamp on photo - Autumn Leaves "Invent Yourself It's Up To You"; Stamp on paragraph - Making Memories Magnetic Alphabet (thanks Nita for lendingf me the MM tools); unknown tags.

Techniques:
Paper tearing, lots of stamping. And lots of mistakes. It's not easy to stamp letters or words. Sometimes they come out baligtad. So to make sure, I stamp on scratch paper first. To illustrate, I mistook the "G" to be an "A" and stamped it on "Mama". I cut a piece of the patterned paper to cover up my mistake. I then did the same for the last letter "A", hoping against hope that it would look intentional. I still have to get the hang of stamping. But at least I tried and now I can say, Kaya!


MY LITTLE ATTIC VALERIE SALMON CHALLENGE

Would you believe I was actually able to make two entries for this challenge? Let's just say I love Val's sketches. Also, I made a deal with myself that I will join all of Val's sketch challenges over at My Scrapworks. And, I was able to use 4x6 prints! I have to mention that my 8x11 photo printer ran out of ink and I didn't have money to buy the six cartridges yet so I was forced to use my HP Photosmart which only spewed out regular prints. I think it turned out well because my memories of these events needed more than one photo.

Beautiful Dancer

Journaling:
Sarah, oh, how you love to dance. You hear music in your head and you dance to it. Continue to dance your way into our hearts.

Materials Used:
Papers - My Mind's Eye (Wild Asparagus, Tres Jolie); Tag - My Mind's Eye Quotes; Flowers - Prima and Bazzill; Stickers - Creative Expression; Stamps - Bam Pop; Technique Tuesday; Ink - Colorbox; Button - K & Co.; Diecuts - Cuttlebug Vintage Corners; Brad - All About Scrapbooking; Chalk; ribbon and shoe embellishment from Divisoria; Software - Adobe Photoshop CS.

Techniques:
I was able to use both sides of only two patterned papers. (Yey for thrift!) It was also my first time to use my new Cuttlebug and I loved it. I sanded the edges of the papers, even the journaling strips. It wasn't easy and and dust (and expletives) colored the air. The violet ink was too bright for the papers so I muted it with chalk. First time to use this palette that has been in my stash forever, too.

When Did You Grow Up?

I know my eldest is no longer a baby but neither is he grown up (at least in mama's eyes) already. But I have noticed and sensed many changes in his demeanor recently. Including, his resistance to join the other children in the kiddie chairs when there are parties. He has become reticent about joining parlor games. He would rather watch from his chair beside us in the adults' area. I chose different pictures of him in past parties, the biggest one being the latest.

Journaling:
You used to be excited over kiddie birthday parties. Yu can't wait to join in the games. But lately, I noticed you don't want to be with the other children anymore. You hesitate to join in the games. May I remind you that you are only nine. It's OK to be a kid...to play...don't grow up too fast. Time enough for that.

Materials Used:
Papers - Daisy D's; Stickers - unknown epoxy stickers, Creative Expressions; Stamps - Technique Tuesday; Diecut - Cuttlebug Red Tag Sale.

Techniques:
I took my inspiration from the photos. Since Diego is wearing a plaid shirt, I chose a plaid PPS. It was serendipitous that the matching PPS had circles on it as it echoed the balloons in the photos. I retained Valerie's circles as it fit perfectly with the circular patterns. Although the photos are colorful, it was lucky that the colors complemented each other. I had fun with the bright orange accents. I didn't think to use flowers for the LO as I want it to be fun and all boy. So I cut the different colored circles from the paper and adhered them in the upper-left corner with foam and pop-up dots. Also, by this time, I had practice using the sketch for Beautiful Dancer so it was quicker. I like it's simplicity as the focus is on the photos.

I joined two more challenges and I will posting them soon. Thanks for reading cause I am defintely back!!!

Pisay

I first heard of the Philippine Science High School when I was a grade 6 student in a private school in Tarlac. My teacher was brandishing application forms in her hands and she announced, "Who wants to study in Philippine Science?" I'm sure my classmates have never heard of Philippine Science either but eager hands shot up in the air, and there was a chorus of "Me, Miss...Miss..." Miss I-don't-recall-her-name started handing out the precious few forms and when she came to me, she said, "You can't afford to study in Manila." She then moved on to the next keen student.

Now that I am older and wiser, and yes, more empowered, how I'd like to go back to that teacher and tell her, that 1) you get into Philippine Science High School as a government scholar so it was probably good that I couldn't "afford" it; 2) just because my parents were not big donors to the school doesn't mean that we were so poor they couldn't afford to send their childern to study in Manila; 3) not one of the students who got the forms passed the entrance exam; and 4) I did finally study in Manila, at a premiere university at that, and only one (that I know of) of my classmates who were so rich and privileged passed the UPCAT. But then again, she must have withered in her small mindedness so I should probably pity her and move on.

Yesterday, Diego and I watched the movie Pisay, Auraeus Solito's (Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros) entry to the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2007 at the CCP. Pisay is a movie about about six high school students in the country's premiere high school for the sciences. Set in the mid-eighties it brought back bitter-sweet memories. For me, watching Pisay was like going back and watching Philippine history and my personal story unfold. I was in 4th year high school when Ninoy Aquino was shot. I saw the shock and dismay in my parents' eyes but nobody talked about it, so I never really understood it. When Ninoy's body was brought in Tarlac, all of the high school students were required to stand up by the road to watch the hearse go by. Nobody explained to us why. My classmates and lined up several times to view Ninoy's bloodied corpse in the church. After which, not understanding the momentousness of it all, we all went out to eat spaghetti at Cindy's. It was only after I went to UP the next year that I began to understand.

So why am I telling you my personal story? What does it have to do with the movie? Well, I just want to show that you do not have to be a graduate of Pisay to appreciate the movie. The range of emotions and challenges that the major characters go through is universal. The watcher should be able to relate to them as they brilliantly played their roles.

Speaking of which, it came as a pleasant shock to me that the actor who played the school director was my former boss in Ford Found. I immediately texted her to say I just saw her in the movie. She asked me what I thought of the movie and if she is now eligible to run in 2010. I replied that the real MR I know would never stand for segregation and censorship and that yes, she has my vote anytime.

Watch Pisay when it has it's run in major theaters. If you have time, it will be showing on July 31, Tuesday, 5:00 PM at the U.P. Theater. Bring your hankies (or maybe that's just me. LOL.)

The Boy Who Reads

He reads! Finally, I got my nine year old, fourth grader to actually read a book. Well, he does read, but so far, it's K-zone magazines, Pokemon books, science books and almanacs. (The boy has a highly-retentive memory and beginning at five years old, he spouts out facts and trivia that he has read.) I would love to instill in him a love for reading like his Papa and I have. I've been so excited for him to get started on chapter books. Last year, I bought him books by Enid Blyton (because I remember I read these when I was in grade three, but he got bored.) I tried to get him to read Harry Potter but he said, "What for? I've seen and will see the movies anyway." I think our outing last Saturday had a positive effect on him. Such that, he was the one who said he will read all the Harry Potter books. He started reading The Sorcerer's Stone last Sunday. He is now on the third book "The Prisoner of Azkaban". Who knows, maybe when he comes home from school today, he would have already finished it. He made himself a bookmark listing all the Harry Potter books and he is ticking them one by one. He is happy, and so is Mommy. Money well spent, these Harry Potter books. LOL.

The KiDS and Harry

I would have been content to be at the nearest National Bookstore at 7:01 AM, July 21, 2007, but DH insisted we go to Fully-Booked Serendra. He read in the internet that there will be activities (magic tricks, giveaways, etc.) at the launch of the final Harry Potter book and he wanted the KiDS to experience that. And so it was that the entire clan woke up at 5:30 in the morning. Even earlier than our waking time on a school day. I strongly suspect that DH cast an Imperio spell on all of us.

We arrived at Serendra at 6:30 AM to a disappointing line of three people. (There were five others sitting lazily by the planters behind the fountains. Hey, people! A line means people standing one after the other, waiting their turn. Sitting way over there, does not count.) On the one hand, we were happy to get a good spot, on the other, I wonder: where are the magicians, the fanatics in costumes? What? No one camped out? Obviously, I expected way too much.

I think the KiDS were the youngest to fall in line. Heck - the KiDS were the only children there. Most of the early birds were teenagers or parents like me. The KiDS passed the time by taking photos outside the bookstore. At 10 minutes to 7, the line grew longer. But from experience, I'd say that the lines at Krispy Kremes are longer. Exactly 7:01, the doors opened.

I let Diego pick out a book and bring it to the cashier. He ignored the many books on the tables (did I really worry that I will not get a copy?) and took one from the display window. He excitedly showed me that the photo of Harry was different in the book he chose. Harry, apparently, had a "kiss mark" near his chin while the others didn't. He and his Papa noticed it from the many books on display. Yup! That's how bored they were.

We still got a discounted price for the book so all those early bird discounts were for naught. And Diego got free pens. We then saw a line that ends at a table were young people dressed in Hogwarts robes milled around a Sorting Hat. We lined up, too, thinking that it was for the activities. It turned out to be a line for members of Pinoy Harry Potter (why should I be surprised when we have a Pinoy Scrapbookers, hahaha) to get their reserved copies. We asked the Customer Service where the Harry Potter activities were going to be held and they said second floor. There was no one there, but it was the children's section so I let the KiDS get their own books to read so I could get started on my book. I was into chapter 3 when Alby texted that she was in a long line at Powerbooks Greenbelt. It was around 8 by then and there didn't seem to be activities happening so we went to get doughnuts from Krispy Kreme and breakfast at Seattle's Best Coffee. I sank on a comfortable sofa and continued reading while DH fed the KiDS breakfast. Shortly after, they decided to go back to Fully-Booked to check out the activities.

After one chapter, I followed them to the 4th floor, where, a magic show was ongoing. DH greeted me with a "There's a great magic act there...they turn your P100 into a...ta-daaan...wand." Or what passed for a wand anyway. It was actually a twig covered with paint and glitters. And of course, the KiDS had to each have one. And one broomstick for P200. At that price, I told Diego he better put that walis ting-ting to good use sweeping the garagewhen we get home.

While the KiDs cast spells on each other and new-found friends, I found a quite corner and continued reading. I was quite successful in blocking out the expelliarmuses and windgardium leviosas, until DH finally announced it was time to go. This, after the KiDS attended Transfiguration class (or paper folding in organizers-speak).

I was just glad to go home so I can curl up on my bed and read the Deathly Hallows, undisturbed. I'm not sure if I had lunch, but at 6:30 PM, I finally stirred to meet up with my friends for dinner. I was by then in chapter 31. Surprisingly, I didn't find it difficult to wrench myself from the book. I had a relaxing Harry-free dinner (my friends have not read the books) and finally got in at 11:00 PM. I continued reading and finally finished 1:30 AM, July 22.

***********************

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Except for the first three books, I have read all the Harry Potter books on the day they came out. The previous book, Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince, I read in a day, locked up inside the bathroom, because it was the one place in the house where I could be left undisturbed. I was getting a headache from lack of sleep but I couldn't put the book down. I had to find out what happens next. I can't say the same from this book. While I would dearly love to find out what happens to Harry, Ron, Hermione, and their friends, the book didn't have me in its grip as much as the other. In fact, I took time to have a leisurely dinner with friends. That I was able to put the book down at all said volumes to me.

Don't get me wrong. I still like the book. I think that J.K. Rowling did a great job tying all the loose ends together. But sometimes I really felt that she was tidying up and some chapters were dedicated to this. While some events were foreshadowed in the previous books, and thus, you were able to feel that you were part of them, some developments in the final book seemed to have come out from nowhere. I was disappointed that the quest for the remaining horcruxes (magical vessels where Voldemort stored pieces of his soul) wasn't as thrilling as the search for the first horcrux (which had shades of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings). But then, again, maybe it's because this book is more about the hallows.

Expecting battles of the same magnitude as middle earth's, I was bored by the lack of action in the first chapters. Many characters we have come to know die in this book, but we aren't there when they do. We do not get to witness their heroism first hand as the news comes to us belatedly. There is no doubt that this is a book about Harry Potter. All the other characters merely support him.

But I am glad that all my questions were answered. I have a running bet with my DH about Severus Snape and I won the bet. I was wrong about my hopes for Sirius Black and Albus Dumbledore. I should have remembered that while Harry Potter is marketed as a children's book, it is no fairy tale.

In the middle of the final confrontation between Harry and Voldemort, I had to take out The Half-Blood Prince. I fear that Rowling put a confundus charm on me. And for a moment there, (OK, one whole day), I didn't quite get it. But then, all was revealed to me. And finally, as J.K. Rowling ended it, all was well.

Me and Harry

Potter, that is. Eighteen and a half hours before the release of the book seems like an eternity. The media frenzy on J.K. Rowling's seventh and final book on the Harry Potter series started months ago, with local booktores enticing you to reserve your copies with early-bird discounts. So far, I have managed not to bite into the sales pitch. I didn't reserve a copy of The Deathly Hallows. And now, a few hours before the worldwide release, I worry that I will not be able to secure a copy. In previous years, there was always a glut and grabbing a copy of HP books was never a problem. But Harry Potter has gained more fans through the years and since this is the final book, I torment myself with the thought that I would leave the bookstore empty-headed.

I have copies of all the Harry Potter books. The first three copies, my DH bought in the U.S. He is proud to say that he lined up at a Barnes and Noble with children in costumes to score me a copy of The Prisoner of Azkaban. He bought The Sorcerer's Stone and the Chamber of Secrets as well, even though I already had soft-bound copies of those. Not content, he also bought the book set of the British editions. The funny thing is, he has never read the books. So I could never discuss and debate them with him - bummer. But he likes the movies as well as I and the children do.

True, Harry Potter was initially aimed for the children's market. I even used the excuse that I was buying the books for my children. (Yeah, right. When Sorcerer's Stone came out, Diego was barely a year old.) I read the book during lunch breaks at the office. An American colleague even sneered when he saw me reading a children's book. I just ignored him and continued to be lost in Hogwarts. Sure, Rowling is not the best writer. But she has my utmost respect and admiration for coming up with an alternative world that we couldn't wait to visit again and again.

I finally got to watch the latest movie, The Order of the Phoenix last Wednesday and it built up in me an excitement for the final book. I will finally learn if Sirius Black really died. Sure, Bellatrix Lestrange used the adava kedavra curse on him, but Luna Lovegood did say that things you lose have a strange way of coming back. Is that a foreshadowing of events? Or is that just Rowling teasing us? I still have great hopes that Dumbledore will play a great role in the final book. And that the half-blood prince isn't really what Harry thinks he is. Hell, I'll come straight out and say it. I want a happy ending for Harry. I want the Shire, I mean, the Wizard World to finally be rid of Voldemort and the Death Eaters. But all depends on Rowling. Imagine having that power to create a world of your own. To have all the characters do your bidding. To determine the fates of each and everyone. Even me, sitting here in tenterhooks, not scrapping, but reviewing the first six books like I have an exam coming.

Fates! Everything will be revealed tomorrow.

P.S. DH just told me that we will all be going to Fully Booked at Serendra tomorrow before 7:00 AM to get a copy of the book. He wants the KiDS to participate in the activities, too. I just called up National Bookstore and Powerbooks. All will open tomorrow at 7:01 AM but only Fully-Booked will have activities for children. Powerbooks Greenbelt will have activities at 2:30 PM.

I Thought Tags Were Only Attached to Layouts!

I have been tagged by Diane. Sorry for the delay in reply.

The Rules: “Each person posts the rules before their list, then they list 8 things about themselves. At the end of the post, that person tags and links to 8 other people and then visits those peoples’ sites and comments letting them know that they have been tagged, and to come read the post, so they know what they have to do.”

Eight more things about me, right here, right now.

1) In a few minutes, I will be rushing down to catch CSI New York on AXN.

2) I am constantly punishing myself browsing online stores for items I could not afford to buy right now. My DH teases me I should have discovered scrapbooking earlier when I was still earning $$$ and I had weekly pouches coming from NY.

3) I am preparing another wishlist for another college friend. Her parents are coming home next month. (What can I say, my friends love me even though wala akong hiya.)

4) I have several chocolate bars in a bag next to me and another one cooling in the ref downstairs. I'd probably be grabbing it before I plunk down in front of the TV.

5) I had to ask our new help (barely a week) to leave because I caught her stealing from us. The good news is my yaya who went on vacation last April texted today that she's coming back. (Yey for time to scrap.)

6) I just had the best homemade baked macaroni (real mozzarella cheese and turkey ham) I have ever tasted for dinner earlier. New and better recipe to try, thank you, Lizzie.

7) I have been a Krispy Kremes addict since I first tasted it in NH last 2000. I even accosted Lolit Solis in a restaurant once when I saw her with boxes of original glazed doughnuts. Whenever I visit the U.S., I make sure a stop at a KK store is in the itinerary. I am so glad that now I can easily have a Krispy Kreme whenever the craving strikes.

8) It is now 10:00 and I bet my show has started so I really have to rush downstairs. I did mention I'm a TV addict, right?

I tag YOU!

My MIL Went to the U.S. and Here Are What She Brought Me

My mom-in-law was in New York and L.A. for two weeks recently to attend the graduation of her second son from grad school and for some R&R. I immediately seized the opportunity to use her as my personal courier. I ordered some items online and had them shipped to our family friend in L.A. so she can bring them back with her. She arrived last Sunday night. I was never more excited to pick someone from the airport than I did her. :-)

Here's what's in my box:

Scrapbooking books from my younger brother, Nani.

Acrylic stamps from college roommate, Mitch.

DCWV paper packs and corner adorner stamp from my sister Marissa.

Cuttlebug, dies and embossing folders and PC Silent Setter from our family friend.

Two pairs of loafers from my MIL.

Making Memories books from www.thescrapbookclub.com - $21.63
Autumn Leaves and Sassafrass Lass stamps, American Craft rub-ons from www.amillionlittlethings.com - $97.78
Paper stacks from www.joanns.com - $47.98
Cuttlebug machine and accessories from www.creativexpress.com - $160.87
Using other people's credit cards - PRICELESS

I can't wait to play with my new toys. Now if I could only find the time between child care, homeworks and house work, I would be one happy scrappy mommy.

Tagged! Again!

Ria tagged me. Now if she could also have sent some creativity dust with the tag, that would have been most appreciated.

1. Food you hate - I don't like cooked vegetables, but I'll eat fresh salads anytime.
2. Fruits you hate - Chesa and chicco because they feel strange on the tongue.
3. Veggies that you hate - Okra. The first time I was forced to eat okra was at the house of a rich friend. I was shocked when they just served us steamed okra for dinner. But polite guest that I was, I forced the slimy veggie into my mouth and down my throat. When I got home, I thanked my parents for not forcing me to eat anything so disgusting even though we were not rich at all.
4. Celebrities or people that you hate - Ruffa Gutierrez and Richard Gomez, they just give me the creeps. What was it that Maurice Arcache said? "You can't buy class."
5. Event/Incident/Situation that you hate - Being forced to make speeches. I can write a mean speech but having to deliver it to a roomful of people is another matter entirely.
6. TV shows or movies that you hate - telenovelas that remake old Tagalog movies and nobelas from komiks. Really, can't our screenwriters be more original than rehashing old stories? Books turned to movies that don't live up to the book.
7. Type of music that you hate - Novelty songs that have no redeeming value like The Spaghetti Song, Boom-Tarat-Tarat-Tarat, etc. Even Yoyoy Villame's songs, silly as they may seem had some lessons in Philippine history and PE. Some of you may be too young to remember them. Hahaha.
8. Household chore that you hate - cooking. When I was young, I willingly did my siblings' laundry as long as I was exempted from cooking.
9. Things you hate about the world - why can't the world see things my way? :-)
10. Things you hate about yourself - that I am not the perfect Mom or perfect wife or the perfect scrapper. But don't worry, it's not everyday that happens.

Now I tag Manang Marissa, Cabbie, Nina, Nita, and Raissa.

Lee needs...

Saw Jen do this in her blog and decided to try it. Here's how it goes: Google your name and the word "needs," all in quotation marks (ie: "Lee needs"), then share the funniest hits. You can also try to using "loves" or "wants" instead of needs. Made me laugh and forget my problems for awhile, so much so that I did more than the prerequisite ten.

Lee Needs To Get A Life!
Lee Needs Some LOVE.
Lee needs to quit the PC.
Lee needs to be better prepared for next opportunity.
Lee needs more personal appearances so she can gain more fans who love her.
Lee needs to step things up for Pitt (Brad Pitt? Sure!)
Lee Needs To Go.
Lee Needs Your Help!
Lee needs to take care of this thing.
Lee needs to solve its offensive woes soon.
Lee Needs Prayer!
Lee needs to work on attracting bigger corporations.
Lee needs a special session to save his ass!
Lee needs to muster the political courage and vision to tackle these issues.
Lee needs rest.
Lee needs to hear the truth.
Lee needs a date book?
Lee Needs More Plastic Surgery.
Lee needs to mix it up and be more creative with her word choices.
Lee needs to raise a lot of money to help a friend in need.
Lee needs sleep!
Lee needs no comment.
Lee needs more time, or should be given more time.
Lee needs now to be better than everyone else.
Lee needs more support. (a maid and a cook oughta do it).
Lee needs to relax.
Lee needs to learn how to shop for food.
Lee needs to accept that no one is self-sufficient all the time.
Lee needs a change.
Lee needs work.
Lee needs close relationships with people outside of his physical family.
Lee needs to concentrate.
Lee needs to face the facts.
Lee needs to accept Jesus Christ as his savior. ...
Lee needs to die.

I could have gone on and on, but I do NEED to get on with my life.

Ennui

I think I jinxed my would-be streak when I wrote "A Good Start" because those LOs were it for me for the month of June. I can claim that I've been busy running after the KiDS, taking care of housework and officework. But recently, I've just been beset by unbearable ennui.

My article about my first anniversary scrapbooking is still percolating in my head. But not enough to actually make it on paper. I hope I will be able to write it down later. I tried to cure my listlessness with shopping for new papers, but evidently that didn't work. I've taken photos of my "sins" to blog about and the files lie deep in my computer. Untouched since the day I uploaded them.

I missed joining two challenges - Working Moms and Scrappinmoms' Man of the Hour - and strangely enough, I don't feel like I missed anything. Frankly, it was very hard to be inspired by the Cherry Arte papers I got. Purple with gold - on all three patterned pieces I had.

No magazine or book could pull me out of my lassitude. So today, in an attempt to be interested and inspired again, I moved all my stuff (which have been lying around neglected) back to my scrap room in the third floor. I am hopeful that the move will jumpstart my creativity and release me from this tedium.

Let's hope that this July the passion will be back.