The Story of my Life

"If I could wish for my life to be perfect,
it would be tempting, but I would have to decline,
for life would no longer teach me anything..."

2:42 PM

Wish List 2011

Posted by Claire |

I'm so not in the mood to work today. I'm sleepy, tired and my elbow's sore from badminton. So, in an effort to convert this lousy day into a happy one, I need to think of pleasant, exciting and happy thoughts. The only way to do that is to think of my birthday wish list.

Less than a month from now, I'll be turning 33. Wow! Never imagined I'd be 33 and sexy. NOT! Let's not go into that. Anyway, with my birthday fast approaching, I have to start thinking of what I want. hehehe

Here goes:

1. Balenciaga Motorcycle Bag. If my bestfriend is reading this, I'm sure she's going to have a mighty laugh knowing that I still haven't moved on from this. Just a background, a friend was selling her pre-loved Balenciaga bag to me a few months ago. I was sooooo interested, but had to decline because we just spent a fortune on my delivery, was going to spend another fortune renovating the new house, and most importantly, because the hubby didn't like it....Haven't stopped thinking about it ever since.

2. Blackberry phone. I think everyone is into blackberry except for the husbo and I. I heard that I can just add more or less P500 bucks to my monthly plan to get unlimited access to social networks such as Facebook, Yahoo Messenger and Twitter. Plus communicating with friends can be as easy as chatting while on the go.


3. Kenneth Cole Wedge Shoes. The first time I laid eyes on these pretty shoes, I fell inlove with it. I was still pregnant then and buying it would be a bad idea as I know my feet weren't in their perfect form. Now that we're going to buy it, they didn't have my size. We checked from every branch, but unsuccessful. So I don't know how we're going to get this.




4. A new pair of sunglasses. I've been using the same sunglasses since 2006 and honestly, I find it a little outdated now. So, I'm praying I could get one of those huge bumblebee like sunglasses with black frame, please.

5. To trim down to my pre-pregnancy weight. I think this one would be a gift from God if it happens. hehehe

6. Yankee Candles. I have this obsession on candles since we moved in to our new home. I already bought 3 sets of decorative candles and placed them in the bathroom and dining table. But what I really want are scented candles that serve as air freshener for the home. I already asked my friend to buy a couple from the states. But I think I'll need more.

I would also like to ask for books but I have so many unread books at the moment and they're all starting to pile up. So maybe, I'll skip that one for now.


So far these are the things I want for my birthday. If I have extra moolah, maybe I'll get myself a BB. Maybe.

1:49 PM

New Toy

Posted by Claire |






One of the things I was happy to be rewarded with after giving birth was getting an iPad from the husbo. It was a toss up between a laptop (yes because my trusty Dell retired a few months ago) or an iPad, and despite the scarce supply of the iPad2 during that time, it still got my vote.



What got me so into the iPad was the thought that I could bring it anywhere and playing with it was as simple as tapping the screen. Not to mention it was light and sleek.



To date, the iPad has been my all-day, anywhere companion. It tags along wherever I go --mall, office, gym, even the bathroom. I love it because I can use it when surfing, catching up with my latest TV series, listening to music, reading the papers, taking pictures and videos of Kara's latest stunts, and so much more.



So happy with my choice. Thanks Hubby for this gift. Oh, and this post reminded me that I haven't baptized her with a name. Haven't thought of anything, actually, but suggestions are welcome.

9:20 AM

As long as I'm living

Posted by Claire |



Baby went on a crying fit last night after being disturbed from her peaceful sleep three times in a row. She was sobbing, screaming and coughing relentlessly out of frustration. Took me a few minutes to calm her down and when she did, she still made sounds that melted my heart away.



She fell asleep on my chest and didn't want to let go. It was a good 30-45minutes sleep . Whenever I would try putting her down, she'd give out a whimper and I'd find myself picking her up yet again. I was tired. I still had things to prepare for the next day's work but I hang on until she was peaceful. I was determined to do anything for her, to assure her that mommy will protect and take care of her, no matter what.


9:50 AM

I'm back

Posted by Claire |



Let me mark my comeback with a photo of my little girl, sitting on her new chair. This chair will, hopefully, relieve her yaya and us of having to carry her everytime she's awake. Also, this chair will give her the opportunity to look and appreciate the world around her. :)


5:07 PM

Checking In

Posted by Claire |

I know I have a lot of updating to do. A lot has happened since my last post that are post-worthy but I just couldn't buy the time to do so. Been busy enjoying motherhood with my sweet pea and fixing the new place.



In the meantime, let me leave you with a photo-essay of what's been keeping me busy.






Happy weekend everyone!

7:29 PM

Our First Born

Posted by Claire |

This is just a quick note to let you know that our angel has arrived via emergency caesarian section on 6 May 2011, 2:30 am.







10:53 PM

Havin' a baby real soon

Posted by Claire |

I just finished packing our hospital bags. All clothes are already there except for our toiletries. Perhaps I can get them tomorrow.

Had my check-up with the OB earlier today and guess what, my cervix is already dilated by 1cm. Oh boy! The panic in my mind when I learned. But my OB assured me that it might still be too early to say that I’m going to pop now especially when the contractions have stopped. Yes, I had contractions on the way to the hospital with an interval of 10mins. I felt that before but I didn’t know that’s what contractions are until my OB confirmed it earlier. I bled a little but OB said not to panic. In fact, I can still go to work and move around.

Which is exactly what I did today. After the hospital, we went to the mall to get baby’s crib and some groceries. Then headed back home to have dinner and pack.

I’m scheduled for another check-up on Thursday…if I don’t give birth before then.

I’m going to stop here. I know my thoughts are scattered. I just checked in to say that in case you don’t hear from me again soon, then that’s probably because I’m too busy being a mom.

Ciao!

11:11 AM

Hanging on

Posted by Claire |

Happy Easter to all!

We were with Jom's family the entire holy week break in their home in QC from Thursday to Saturday, then checked at Oakwood hotel Saturday afternoon `til Sunday. It was a good eat-sleep-eat-sleep weekend.

But despite the rest time, I feel tired today. Perhaps because the baby is getting heavier each day, and moving around is getting more difficult. Her kicks and punches are stronger now and harder to ignore. Getting up from the bed is also starting to become an ordeal, just like putting on lotion on my legs or wearing my underwear. My back is also starting to hurt and my legs are showing signs of edema. In short, life has become less comfortable for me.

I've started packing baby's bag last night. Tonight, I'll try to pack our bags. The helper will also arrive tonight. So I don't need to worry about preparing our dinner at home after work, and someone will be home 24/7 to oversee things in the house.

Few more weeks.

4:24 PM

My Family O

Posted by Claire |

Was going through some photos in FB when I stumbled on this one. This was taken Christmas of 2009, just a couple of weeks before Jom and I got married. It has a caption that reads: Another addition to the Odsinada Family in one week she will be Claire Fanlo- Odsinada. Naks! ta clung..


I fell in love with Jom's family the first time I met them. To date, I still have the same love and admiration to them, and more for their parents. Ma and Dad are great parents to their children. Yes, they have their own share of imperfections, but it is enough that they've molded five God-fearing and loving individuals who touch other people's lives in different ways. I know, I've committed my forever to one of them.


I hope that when Kara comes, I can be like them and my parents. I hope that I can provide and love Kara the same way that Jom and I have been loved and taken care of by them. It's a tough act to follow, but I will try.

3:02 PM

Random Thoughts

Posted by Claire |

1. Yesterday, Husbo finally had the time to do the lay out of our home. By dinner time last night, he was able to present several plans to me. One I really liked most, is the one where we have a walk-in closet. Wow! It's as if we have a big house to be able to afford a walk-in closet. We had several discussions and it got me more excited. So by the time we were about to sleep, my mind was still playing with the idea of having a walk-in closet in our small home. This morning, I searched for ideas for a walk-in closet design. These are my options:

Oh well...Let's see what our space can accomodate. :)


2. We went shopping for the remaining stuff we need for Kara, mostly newborn clothes. Then it dawned on me that she's coming very very soon. And although, we have almost everything we need, we don't have a helper yet. Waaaahhh!!! Someone who can work around the house while I focus my attention on Kara. We've had several options in the past but none of them actually pushed through. We have another person as option but she can only come over on the 30th. Which, for me, is a bit too late if I still plan to train her. I hope someone can accompany her to Manila after holy week but not later than the 30th.


3. Got a text from my brother that they're having a baby boy. Good news for my dad, I'm sure. He already has 1 girl and 1 boy apo. Lucky man!


4. I don't like being invited to a conference where people don't talk, and when you do talk, they don't answer back. I think it's impolite. Maybe I should go invisible in YM so that I don't get irritated.


5. I also don't like being led-on. I think it's rude and insensitive.


6. On a lighter note, we cleaned our closet yesterday, and got rid again of some stuff. I hope to get rid of more stuff pa in the coming days. I also want to sell my old bags and clothes. I don't really expect to get a lot of money out of it, I just want to clear my closet so that when we move in to our new home, only the important and usable ones are left.


7. I got a nail polish from Ryah today...fresh from Korea. She, Mark and Eia went to Korea last week. I'm so green with envy cause I can't afford to travel anymore. But I'm glad they took the break. They all deserve it. Thanks, dear!


8. Happy that my OB allowed me to go an a short trip to Subic and Batangas for the holy week. But husbo I think prefers to stay in a hotel. Let's see.


9. Heard from SIL Mining that SIL Che will be coming home this week. She said she's having a bad case of homesickness. If I were in her place, I'd be homesick too. I miss Jom and my family quite easily, so I really can't imagine myself being away from them for so long. That's also the reason why I don't see myself working in another country.


Those are all my thoughts for today and the past few days. I know some are negative. I hope it's just the hormones. So much for Holy Monday.

Party invite c/o Anna Cuvin


We had our final baby shower last Saturday at Serendra where Jom and I had our engagement dinner a couple of years ago. This time around my friends from BigBarks organized the event. They took care of the games and souvenirs, fixed the venue and hosted the party. It was sort of a gathering of family and friends from different groups ---highschool, college, MBA, work, etc.


Souvenirs c/o Mellay


I had a grand time catching up with those I haven't seen for quite a while. The common reaction of our friends is that I've grown so big, they think I'm gonna pop anytime. I'm almost full term so yeah, they can say that.

The games were planned by Anna. At first, I was a bit anxious that Anna won't be able to pull off the games cause she's been very busy with her new job. But come the day of the shower, I was surprised that everything was well taken care of, including props.




This is the multi-tasking game. One has to put all the clothes on the clothesline while taking care of the baby and talking on the phone.



The cerelac eating contest was hilarious as each pairs has tofinish the cup of cerelac blindfolded. One pair ended up having cerelac all over her dress and face. lol


This is game is rather obvious. The Brazilian, the guy on the leftmost, won the game.


The rest of the night were spent chatting and picture-taking with friends. They wanted me to open the gifts for baby, but I declined because the last time I did that, I couldn't stand the thought of everyone watching me open their gifts. So, if you're interested to know what we took home here they are.



You wouldn't believe how many bottles I received from the shower. When I did the inventory, I had a total of 24 btls!!! Wow!



These are super cute comforters. :) I didn't think people would buy them for me but I'm super grateful. Hope they last until the second or third baby!



Look at all those pretty colors! Aren't they sooo cute??..


And these too...cutie socks!


The gift-opening had to wait the next day cause I was too tired to do it. But the next day, when I woke up to pee, I saw the volume of gifts in our living room and this paper bag on top of it. I knew what was inside so I woke up the husbo and thanked him for it. I call it mommy-reward. Thanks sooo much hon!

Now that all the parties are over, I've to start packing for d-day. My golly...can't believe it's going to happen soon. Ang lapit-lapit-lapit naaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! Can't wait to see Baby Kara. I love you baby.

9:36 AM

Road Accident

Posted by Claire |

I hit a motorcycle this morning on my way to work. But to be honest I really don't know if it was my fault. All I remember is that when it was time for our lane to go, I drove ahead of the pack and the next thing I know the car was hit by a motorcycle.

I froze for an instant. I had no clue of what to do. This is my first road accident so I went by my initial reaction. When the driver recovered, I saw him pointing at me and mouthing words I couldn't understand. I went down to see the damage. And explained to him what "I" thought had happened. I was standing in the middle of the road talking as loud as I could for him to hear me.
Looking back now, I know I sounded defensive and I didn't even show a slightest hint of concern for the driver who may have been badly hurt. I already saw he was limping but I ignored him as I was more concerned of defending myself.


Husbo arrived a few minutes later. Between the two of us, Husbo is the one more diplomatic and composed when it comes to things like these so I had him deal with the driver and the police. They exchanged numbers without agreeing on a settlement.

On our way to work (husbo decided to drive me to work after the incident), I realized that I could've handled things better. I could've apologized, not to mean that I am admitting it was all my fault, but more for any damage or injury the accident could've caused him. I also could've replied kindly when he approached me to apologize for the accident. He saw that I was pregnant and he apologized for it. Husbo said we should give him something to cover for his medical check-up which I don't mind.


One thing I learned from this experience is that accidents do happen and if it happens to you, you should not forget to do your moral obligations to the other party whether it is your fault or not. And those are (1) to check if they're free from any danger, and (2) apologize because either way you've caused inconvenience.


I hope the driver is okay and that his leg is not seriously hurt despite the limping. I hope that God sends his angels to cure him.

2:08 PM

Baby Shower No. 3: Volleybellas

Posted by Claire |

My Volleyball Club family organized a semi-surprise baby shower for me last Thursday, 7 April, in between their volleyball games. At first, I thought they weren't serious that there was a shower. I only knew it was for real when George told me that I should be there...that's why it's a surprise. We had the usual yummy merienda ---Sontanghon and Chocolate cake. Then after their first set, we had the baby shower game which Husbo almost won. The game was to beer drink from a baby bottle, walk around the volley ball, then serve the ball. The first service to make it across the net will win. Here are some photos:

Me with my Volleyball Club family



That colorful thing that Diesel is holding is one of my takeaway...an activity mat.



And this cute socks.



George thought of what to write on the cake. So gay right? hahaha



Husbo joined us later that night. Beside me is Mars who is already 9 weeks pregnant. Next to her is Diesel.


Czar won the beer-drinking game.



Thank you guys!!!!

9:33 AM

Labor of Love: Snack Box

Posted by Claire |

Photo credit here.


I don't remember when was the first time I started preparing husbo's snack box. All I remember is that I always pity him whenever he tells me he got hungry at a certain time to the point that his hands were trembling and he couldn't find anything to eat.


Husbo's work requires him to be on the field most of the time. His typical day would be to attend back to back meetings, visit the site then head back to the office for some paper work. His first meal of the day would usually be at 2:00pm. Not a good thing right?


Knowing this, I thought that it would be best if he has some food in the car that he can just grab anytime he feels hungry. Or something to munch on while driving to his next destination.


Initially, what I would prepare for him are cake slices from Red Ribbon and soy milk. When cake slices run out, I'd let him have cupcakes and oranges. Today and yesterday, I prepared ham and egg sandwich, banana, cupcakes and soy milk for him.


I'm thinking of varrying his snacks so if you have other ideas, please feel free to leave a message. I prefer nutritious food and those that he can eat while on the go. Thanks!

11:27 AM

Baby Boom!

Posted by Claire |


My bastos friends gave me the idea that rabbits are, you know, promiscuous, and this year being the Year of the Rabbit could explain the sudden resurgence of the baby boom generation. OK I'm exaggerating here.


But seriously, I know a number of people who are expecting. In our department alone, there are 3 people pregnant aside from me. It was supposedly 4 but my other officemate had an ectopic pregnancy so she had hers terminated. Then I know 4 other friends from different departments who are also expecting.


From Husbo's high school friends, we learned that two of them are well into their second trimester.


Also in the list of pregnant women is my sister-in-law who is now 15 weeks on the way.


Then just last week, I learned that someone from my close circle of friends is 9 weeks on the family way! What a pleasant surprise!


So many people are pregnant. So many people are gonna be parents. Soooo exciting!

9:30 AM

Baby Shower No. 2: Sponsored by the HBs

Posted by Claire |

Had the baby shower with the HBs last Thursday at the first branch Cookbook Kitchen in Shaw Blvd. We were only 8 but the function room was filled with voices of what seemed like 20 people. It was one wild night. Initially, I thought the food we ordered wasn't enought for the 8 of us. But by the time we were on to the main course, my tummy was filling more bloated than it already is.


Chef's Salad (P200)




Mixed Greens with Balsamic Vinaigrette (P150)




Parmesan Crusted White Fish (P290) - This one is my favorite of all time!




Tomato-Basil Shrimp Pasta (P250)



Ilocos Pasta (P230)

Made of vigan longanisa pasta topped with spinach served with salth and pepper vinegar...yummy!




Temecula Ribs (P450)


Seafood Basket (P300)




Strawberry Shortcake Overload (P190)


This is a tower of ice cream and strawberries bigger than the one we ate at Subic. Underneath the chocolate ice cream is a slice of chiffon cake which is a perfect match to the melting ice cream. Yummy!

Aside from the food, I love that they made the shower very personal to me, from the invites down to the souvenirs. It was a lot of work and I am truly truly thankful. I don't have a picture of the invites, but they gave one for me, for Jom and for baby Kara. The games were about the things I wrote here. The souvenir came with tags made out of my baby picture which I also posted here.



And these are my takeaways, a diaper bag and bath cradle.


Husbo and I had a blast. More than the gifts, I loved the company. It feels good that friends are excited for the coming of our little angel. Thank you so much girls!


2:14 PM

Rise above the troubles

Posted by Claire |

I'm feeling down today and irritated. I'm bothered about something but got this in the mail and reminded me of what's important and how to look at things from a different perspective.


Many of the things that trouble you are not nearly as troubling as you make them out to be. Much of what frustrates you is frustrating primarily because you have chosen to see it that way.


What if you decided to see things differently? What if, instead of being so desperately troubled by all the troubles, you could simply accept them, deal with them, and move forward in your own way?


Certainly there are very real and important challenges that you must give your time and serious attention to. Yet how many of the other, more trivial things, keep you feeling down simply because you’ve blown them out of perspective?


Every so often as you go through the day, take just a moment to remind yourself how truly blessed you are. When you catch yourself feeling sorry for yourself, choose to turn it around and feel sincerely thankful instead.


Even the difficulties remind you of how fully alive you are. And alive in this world of endless possibilities is a very good thing to be.


Rise above the troubles. From a perspective of gratitude, you’ll see most of them are not nearly as troubling as you once thought.

11:34 AM

My Husband's 20 seconds of fame!

Posted by Claire |


When Husbo told me that he got a call from GMA 7 requesting for an interview, I was the one more excited. He told me not to be too excited as we don't know if it was going to push thru. It did the next day.


The interview took 2 hours but with all the editing, his tv exposure took only more or less 20 seconds. OK na rin! hahahaha


Proud of you honeypop! :)



3:12 PM

Are you ready when the next disaster strikes?

Posted by Claire |

We're not and I'm starting to get worried. With earthquakes and tsunamis happening here and there, I know I need to do something to make our family ready in case it hits us. God forbid. I know there's nothing we can do to stop it. What we can do is be prepared for the worst in the hope that if it happens, God forbid again, we'll be ready and we have something to sustain us until help reaches us. Today, I got a list of items that should be included in an emergency kit. I'm sharing it with you so that you can make your own kit at home:

FIRST AID KIT Sterile Gauze, adhesive tape, alcohol, betadine, band aid, diatabs, biogesic and bioflu
FOOD Cereal, coffee mix, candy canned goods, biscuits, mixed nuts/dried fruits, jelly, water and noodles
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES Disposable utensils - plates, spoon, fork, glass, transistor radio, flashlight, extra battery, swiss knife, whistle (1 for each family member), rechargeable lamp, candle, lighter and can opener
HYGIENE Bath soap, facial wash, napkin, feminine wash, napkin, shampoo, toilet paper, deodorant, off lotion, comb, powder, laundry soap, toothbrush, and toothpaste
CLOTHES/BEDDINGS
Rain gear/jacket, air pillows, garbage bag, blanket, towel, pants, shirts and underwear socks
MISCELLANEOUS Telephone numbers, bank account numbers, cash, paper and pen, cellphone, charger, permanent records in ziplock, picture of family members

11:11 AM

Baby Shower with OGC Friends

Posted by Claire |

The Shower no. 1 I mentioned before is actually Baby Shower no. 2 as my officemates, meaning friends from the Department I belong to, organized a baby shower for me last week. I had so much fun and was overwhelmed with their love and gifts. Thank you guys for taking the time and effort to share this great blessing with us. Our thanks also to those who organized the party--you know who you are. Here are some photos:

Everyone lining up for the food. We had Kare-kare, chicken pastel, rellenong bangus, barbeque, Costa Brava cake and Chocolate Sansrival Gelato. Too bad my taste buds were out of commission at that time so I didn't get to enjoy the food that much.


The game masters - Ryah and Gil. Aside from them, Pam and Magel organized the shower. Thank you girls!



Group 1 busy answering the game. I think it was about matching the childhood memory to a specific person in the group.


Group 2. They seem to be having fun. They emerged the winners too. Galing!


Here are some of my takeaways:


Rubber mat, bottle cleaning agent and toy.


Healthcare and grooming kits.


Feeding bottles.



Cute baby shoes.



And loads of clothes.


I also got a bath tub. That's probably the biggest gift I took home that day. Too bad I can't take a picture of it because I don't want to remove it from the box yet.


Again, thank you thank you thank you so much for these.

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