Sleep with Me

"To get the girls to sleep with me, I tell them they are beautiful and pretty."

No joke! Seriously, that came out of the mouth of my five year old son! Out of the mouths of babes!

I asked him where he learned to say that. "No one."

I told him that it would be better for him to say, "To get the girls to like me..." Of course, he asked why. I told him that it didn't sound right if he said it the other way.

Both of our bambinos have grown accustomed to having Mimah (my mom), Nana (my mom's sis), my sis, Lola (Be's mom) or me sleeping with them in their room.

Obviously, he said that without malicious intent. Our lil man has been really good about showering the ladies with his sweet words. The fact that he said what he did though... oh boy, I don't even want to imagine.

Blessed... again.

I kept telling myself that I would make every effort to revive my blog. Unfortunately, it has taken me this long to inch up to finally blogging a new post.

Alas, I am here and I do hope to frequent this blog as I initially intended.

I suppose I should catch everyone up on the latest and long overdue news on my Blessed *Catherine Experience. Without further ado, we are having another BABY! As this good news came to our surprise, I immediately prayed for our sweet dear friends who have been TTC for quite some time now. I know that it must be difficult to have to go through such an incredible test and trial of faith and patience.

Although I have been blessed... again, my health has not always been the easiest. Some have wondered, but have never asked from fear of either embarrassing or upsetting me. I was born with a tumor of the tongue called Lymphangioma. Growing up with this birth defect was, in my opinion, more difficult for my family than it was for me. The hospital was not my mom's favorite place to be. She could barely go there to visit a friend, let alone stomach the pain of watching your own child being treated for a condition that almost no one knew about.

I was fortunate enough to have been treated by one of the best head and neck surgeons in the world, Dr. Thomas Calcaterra. He actually had treated another patient before me witht the same condition. The worst my condition ever got was after Dr. Calcaterra did a biopsy on my tongue to confirm its malignancy. Thankfully, the tumor was benign, however, my tongue took a turn for the worst. It was so incredibly swollen that I could not close my month. My speech was impaired causing me to communicate with only pen and paper. I was then hospitalized at UCLA's intensive care unit. I remember how hard it was for my family to see me like that. It honestly looked harder than it really felt. For safety precautions, Dr. Calcaterra decided to do tracheostomy to provide a more secure airway. The swelling eventually subsided with antibiotics and time. I was then moved to the observation unit and eventually discharged.

Although that was a major part of my extensive medical history, I am reminded of how incredibly blessed I am with the life that has been bestowed upon me now. I refuse to complain. I am Blessed and shall remain blessed.

Put It On Paper

I know that I should be blogging more often. I will be somewhere, anywhere and something happens. Immediately, it churns into a blog idea with every intention to put it on "paper", but it soon escapes as time passes me by.

I will make the commitment to blog more so that I don't lose these precious moments, albeit some not so precious, they are indeed learning experiences.

Sassy Nakia

Moments that make me laugh.

Just about done with their bath, I asked Nakia Jordan to get up and out from the bath. She continues to play in the bath.

"Nakia, are you coming or what?"

"Or what," she states calmly.

Oh. my. gosh. Again, I can't help but laugh. My kids are hilarious.

Running to Kai

Moments that make me laugh.

We are in the car. I slowly approach the stoplight with two bambinos in tow. A runner crosses the street and Kyan Xander asks me, "Mommy, why is she running?"

"She's exercising."

"Mommy, is she running errands?"

Oh. my. gosh. I couldn't help but laugh. It is still hilarious.

Bad Dream

It's the middle of the night and I am half asleep when Be (my mahal) is trying to wake me up. He says that I'm screaming. Barely awake, I was able to muster the words, "bad dream".

I know what I was dreaming about. I was trying to help Chelsea King. Chelsea is the 17 year old Poway Senior that disappeared from her jog in Rancho Bernardo.

I did not know of her until her disappearance, however, one of my students did know her since the 4th grade. Evidence was found this morning, pointing to signs that she was raped and murdered. I do not know details as of yet, but the world of the King family has been turned upside down. I am so sad for her. I wish that this didn't end in tragedy. I pray for the family and friends of Chelsea King. I pray that they celebrate the short life she lived.

Granola

I can barely resist to share this.

It's a Sunday morning and getting ready to go to church. I grab my daily yogurt and granola. I crush my granola because I like my granola as fine as I can get it. I grab another pack of granola for Kyan Xander who wants one then Nakia asks for a Fiber One Oats & Chocolate bar so I grab one for her and her Daddy.

We are in the car and I open both my yogurt and granola. The way I eat them takes longer than usual as I pour some crushed granola into my yogurt and spoon out a combination of both.

So on our way to mass as I am halfway done with my yogurt and granola, Kyan says, "Mommy, I have some crumbs left in my granola bar (wrapper) for you." Awwww, I was smitten with love. He was sweet enough to think about me, even moreso observant of how I ate my yogurt and granola. That kid loves me and that moment just made my heart sing.

Complaint Unnoticed

As I am browsing through documents on my Macbook, I run across this:

September 1, 2008

To Whom It May Concern:

I am disappointed that I have to write this letter. I was in your UNIVERSITY TOWNE CENTRE store, 4485 LA JOLLA VILLAGE DRIVE SAN DIEGO, CA 92122 Store Number: 97 Phone: (858) 450-0291on Sunday, August 31^st 2008 and was very upset by the behavior that was drawn onto my sister and l by the acting manager, Chelsea B, at the time.

We arrive into store #97 on a Sunday afternoon. Two employees are standing in the front of the store, one being Chelsea, did not offer any greeting of welcome. My sister and I noticed a sale for two hoodies for $60. There was only one in particular (gray and silver) that caught our attention. I asked Chelsea if there were any other smalls and she told me everything was out on the floor. Fine, I’m okay with that. I replied, “Can we check with another location to see if they have another small in their store?” She said yes, but did not move from her position, and continued folding tank tops. The other employee continued to organize clothing, without interjecting. I asked Chelsea how much it would cost if I just bought one. She responded with the price in an unkind tone. Her attitude was cold and unresponsive.

I then, took it upon myself to ask Melvin, the other employee behind the cash register to see if we can check other locations for a small. Melvin insists that he check in the back to see if there are any other smalls.

I turn around and my sister tells me that Chelsea, using no caution to her environment, is complaining to the other employee that she already told me that everything is on the floor. If she had heard me correctly, I was not asking Melvin to check the back for other small sizes, but asking him to call the other locations. Melvin took the initiative to check the back with no hesitation. When he returned, I asked who the manager of the store was. He told me that Tao was the manager, but was not in the store that day. I asked who was the manager at that time and when he pointed to Chelsea, I was even more disgruntled that a person of leadership would carry on such an attitude.

Even after that, I still decided to purchase the hoodie so that I could guarantee that I would have at least one small. Melvin spoke with the Mission Valley Store #160 and put a small on hold for me. My purse was with my sister who had already walked out of the store so I went to find her to retrieve it so that I can purchase the only small silver and grey hoodie they had. Her attempt to apologize was of such poor gesture that when I returned with my purse to purchase the hoodie, she was nowhere to be seen.

We are loyal customers of Pac Sun. We have enjoyed the products and services we have received, until Sunday. I am sure that Pac Sun prides themselves on their employees, let alone their management, to provide the best possible customer service they can offer. If that is something that is going to be compromised, then I would certainly reconsider remaining a customer in this store, as well as other locations.

I hope that this situation will be tended to, as I would not want anyone else to be treated in the manner that my sister or myself were treated.

Thank you for reading.

Note: Even after all the effort placed into this complaint letter, I never got around to sending it to them. Darn.

Path to Healthiness

2010 and I have made the decision to hold myself accountable for my physical fitness. This is definitely not an easy feat, but reassured I am committed to heading down the pathway of healthiness.

First day back at the gym in years and it feels good to actually get back into training my muscles to work again. My brother's gf, darling sweet Tracie Viles, got me working. I began my core yesterday and will be working on my chest and tris today.

My eating habits have already changed. I started READING labels and cutting down on empty, useless calories. I am working on portion control as well and eating more greens. I am truly fortunate that although I've put on quite a bit of weight, I have a husband who still loves me for who I am and continually tells me that I'm beautiful. At the same time, he encourages me.

My ultimate goal is to lose the babyfat in my midsection. Having two 9lb babies and getting sick gave me an excuse to let myself go. I know there are many mommies out there that have many more babies and still look physically fantastic. I want to be that good, physically fit mommy.

I want to be happy with my physique again. Daily, I find myself looking in the mirror and figuring out what clothes could make me APPEAR thin. I don't want to do that anymore. So I will work on my body as it is a temple. Cliche, but "we truly are what we eat" and I need to get it in my head that "a moment on the lips is a lifetime on the hips". I believe that now.

Before the kids came, I could eat anything and everything and my weight would not change. After I had Nakia Jordan, I lost all of the pregnancy weight and then some, however it was due to my illness. I could barely eat anything. Chewing was not an option so my diet consisted merely of very soft foods like oatmeal, soups and Ensure. As soon as I was able to chew food again, I ate and ate and ate.. and ate. I always said that I would rather be fat and healthy then skinny and sick.

Now I just want to be healthy and healthy. So as I move towards to my weight loss and nutrition improvement, I call to all of you for moral support which I'm sure I will inevitably receive. I thank you in advance.

Pamilya Update

It's been ages since I've done a family update so here's one, long overdue.

Be/Mahal

• He hardly plays his ultimate favorite game SWGB because most of the players have gone onto a new game called O. It pretty much rules your life. He tried it out, but he had to stop because he couldn't monitor it 24-7. He does still have a full time job.
• He organized the kitchen so it is more user friendly.
• He will be learning more about stocks so that he become a rich dad, not a poor dad. hehe

Kyan Xander

• My babyboy is very much growing up! He continues to blow me away. At 3.5, he is well into reading and writing his name. He already knows the basics; ABCs, colors, shapes, and even science.
• Kai still loves music. The other day, while we are listening to the radio in the car, a song comes on that he likes. He begins singing, "How low can you go? How low can you go?" Then I ask him if he knows who sings this song. "Ludacris." A-wha! I was surprised. I didn't expect him to get it. I then told him that I met Ludacris. "Mommy, I wanna MET him too." hahahha
• Kai is definitely a typical boy. He loves planes, trains and automobiles. He's still great with identifying all kinds of makes and models.
• KX is really beginning to be a lot more like me especially in eating habits. I am definitely trying to steer him away from that.

Nakia Jordan

• Nakia is truly a gem. She has learned so much so fast upon enrolling her in preschool. She just started to doing lessons this week and everything she has done is beyond our expectations.
• NJ also loves music. You will always find her singing; in the car, in the house, in the bath, playing, everywhere. Her favorites are Papparazzi, I Gotta Feeling, Down (she calls this one the "sky is falling down song").
• Now when it comes to eating, Niki still eats anything and everything. She has developed a sense of taste for what she likes, but she will always try something first. If she doesn't like it, she will express it. NJ is much more like her Daddy when it comes to appetite.
• For months, we have been trying to potty train her. You can most certainly see her moods and emotions evolve. She can be stubborn sometimes, thus the months of trying to get her on the potty. She has, however, made some progress this week. Last night, she made it known that she needed to go potty. I followed to sit her on the potty and she tells me, "I need privacy." I walk out of the bathroom then next thing you know I hear her peeing in the potty. I got so excited for her! Maybe, perhaps, this is the last box of pullups we buy for her.

I know I can add more to this .. and I probably will later, but for now this will do. :)

To Resolute the New Year

2010 Givens & Leisures

What I've done hear is enhanced my 2009 list. I will BOLD what I was able to work on. Not as much as I anticipated, but it's all good. I will continue my mission. So in random order, I hope to accomplish the following in 2010:

The givens...

1. pray more (for continued blessings and the less fortunate)
2. lose weight (ideally 30 lbs, realistically 15 lbs)
   
3. exercise more (I ran last week so I kinda started early!)
   
4. get my M.A.
   
5. have someone help me organize my life
6. give/donate a LOT of my things
7. even though I don't want to, do more chores
8. spend quality time with family
9. follow up on my health (dental included)
10. be more financially responsible
11. spend money on investments not expendables
12. eat healthier
    

Now onto the leisures...

1. take a photography/photoshop class
2. take dance classes
3. start up yoga again
4. become either a eucharistic minister or lector
5. scrapbook more
6. gtg more often with friends
7. keep in touch more often

I should post this up in my room so that I could see this visual reminder of what I should stay focused on. 2010 = FOCUS.

Shame

Shame on me. I haven't posted in ages. I will do this quick one because I was inspired by Lynn Chen's blog. I loved perusing through her blogs and photos. My blog doesn't have an underlying theme, but revolves around all that is me so I should continue to share with all of you my experiences as I began to awhile ago.

I have been consumed with everything SDAFF since last week. This year, for the first time, we are two weeks. So come Thursday, I am back to setting up the Guest Services lounge for Friday and Saturday.

I will share more of my experience when I have more time and of course, access to photos to post. Blogs are always more fun with photos!

I must now tend to an ill hubby. He had to stay home from work. Poor baby. Until next time.

Smiling *Catherine

All Fest Pass and Ticketing News!

All Fest Pass and Ticketing News!

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Nakia Jordan TWO sweet

Is it possible to watch your baby go from speaking baby babble to singing the national anthem, or from depending on you to do everything to telling you, "No, I do it" in just two years?!  And that isn't even the half of it.  Our beautiful daughter turned TWO YEARS OLD today and I am a proud mommy.  

What BebePrincess is into now...

• Hello Kitty
• Princesses
• Doggie Doggies
• Kai Lan
• Einsteins
• Boots
• Doing everything on her own.  She refuses help.  "No, I do it," she says.  Love that she's being Miss Independent, but when Mommy's got things to do and places to be, well you can imagine my frustration.. haha.
• Bear hugs and kisses.  Niki is sweet and affectionate.

Nakia Jordan has grown so much in so many ways.  I must admit her development and intelligence far exceeded that of Kyan when he was two, but then again NJ does has her Kuya (older brother) to follow so she does have the advantage.  She also had the opportunity to start pre-school earlier than her Kuya.  Either way, we are blessed and look forward to the many years ahead of us.

Artform: Dance

Tonight, again, reminded me of how much I love dance.  What an artform.. really.  

Ever since I joined the Tall Flags and Dance Team in high school, I have wanted to be a dancer.  My favorite choreographer (then) was Paula Abdul.  On top of being phenomenal choreographer, she was a Lakers Girl as well.  And if you know me, that's a big deal!

Anyhow, I continue to watch any and all dance reality shows, competitions, movies, live shows every chance that I get.  I am truly inspired and I plan to make it a reality to dance once again.  I may not win Sytycd (So you think you can dance) or get any kind of exposure, but I know that I will feel content knowing that I made the effort to fulfill my dreams.

34 before 35

In no particular order...

1. Spiritually cleanse myself by going to confession.
2. Organize my clothes.
3. Eat more vegetables.
4. Get a massage.
5. Go to the spa.
6. Run (well maybe walk semi-fast) a 5k.
7. Plan a menu.
8. Give away a LOT of stuff.
9. Get a facial.
10. Plan a real vacation.
11. Date my husband.
12. Schedule chores.
13. Call and see my sweetest friends.
14. Dance again.
15. Scrapbook.
16. Start jumping more for photos.
17. 
    

Inspired by my friend Susan Yee.

Happy Happy Birthday Kyan Xander!!

Three years ago, I gave birth to a bouncing baby boy. His eyes were wide open on the first day. He was so observant of all his surroundings.

Today, he is very much the same way. Our Kyan Xander blows us away with his observations. Funny boy, he is.

He still loves his cars, fast action movies like Cars and Speed Racer. He also loves desserts like his mommy! But he does love his beef like his daddy, when he actually eats something.. hehe.. he's a snacker.

Thank you God for this wonderful boy. We look forward to many, many years of FUN!

What Hurts the Most

We truly take for granted the many blessings we have. And it takes someone you know, one heroic life, to be lost to realize that we should cherish every single moment.

On Friday, March 27th, I got some very terrible news. My friend, Florence Bacong Choe, was killed in Afghanistan. I wrote a blog about her last April 2008. I am devastated. I continue to ask why and can't stop crying out about how unfair this is. I still cannot believe that she is not coming back. I am in disbelief.

When death hits you unexpectedly, especially one as tragic as this, it takes a great toll on your heart. She actually just returned back to Afghanistan. Two weeks prior, she was on vacation with her husband and daughter in Hawaii. She was also able to spend some time with her family and my sister, who is best friends with Florence. I had some children's books for theUnited Through Reading program she started out there. I also had a bunch of candy to give her to take back with her, but I was unable to get any of it to her. I feel bad that I didn't initially mail it to her or make the effort to give it to her sooner.

I know that I can't live on worrying about my regrets, but if only I made a better effort to give things to her, it would have made her stay there better. I think of her when I hear Rascal Flatts' What Hurts the Most. She only had 4 months left in her deployment.

My colleague said it best. You can't keep asking why because she has obviously touched the hearts that needed her the most. She has made her beautiful place in this world and in our lives. And although her passing was unfortunate, we need to remember to celebrate the life she led.

Remove the Blanket

It makes me really sad when I hear about a troubled marriage or a divorce. Today I found out about friends who are going/went through both.

Mahal and I have our issues every now and then, I mean what healthy couple doesn't, but we have managed to communicate our concerns to one another, although it might take me longer. I'm the gal in NKOTB's "Two in the Morning" (if you haven't heard the song, listen to it).

Regardless, I honestly wish there was something I could do especially when there's children involved. I come from a home of divorced parents myself all due to poor communication and financial irresponsibility. I may have been in college at the time, but it wasn't something I ever wanted to deal with. I always told myself that I would never let what happened to my parents, happen to me. I just know that if they did not let their pride and lack of communication get to them, they'd still be together.

There are reasons why we choose to marry who we do. In stressful situations, it seems to blanket those very reasons. It's at those times that we need to step back and re-examine what's most important to us.

God bless those in these troubled times.

2009 Givens & Leisures

In random order, I hope to accomplish the following in 2009:

The givens...

1. pray more (for continued blessings and the less fortunate)
2. lose weight (ideally 30 lbs, realistically 15 lbs)
   
3. exercise more (I ran last week so I kinda started early!)
   
4. get my M.A.
   
5. have someone help me organize my life
6. give/donate a LOT of my things
7. even though I don't want to, do more chores
8. spend quality time with family
9. follow up on my health (dental included)
10. be more financially responsible

Now onto the leisures...

1. take a photography/photoshop class
2. take dance classes
3. start up yoga again
4. become either a eucharistic minister or lector
5. scrapbook more
6. gtg more often with friends
7. keep in touch more often

Last few years, I told myself I wasn't going to do them anymore because I wasn't following them.  We create resolutions so that we can better ourselves.  Well this time, I am going to make every effort to follow them.  I know that I can only be a better individual for me and family, just by doing so, especially the givens.