Day 15

My husband had let go of our first camera : Canon EOS50D. That was hard. But because he got tired of how he had pimped it so hard (with huge extra battery compartment, a long lens and a huge flash), he wanted to come back to a lighter, handy one. And so, to document our baby's growth from the tummy up until she sees the beauty of the world, Hogan had gifted our budding family with this new Olympus Pen Mini: E-PM2. Praise God for the abundance of His blessings to us.

Related posts:

1. DAY 13 - Time spent with family is priceless. One big source of happiness.

2. DAY 14 - Spreading magic to the American Rugby 7's Team

3. 100 HAPPY DAYS - Why I joined an why I do this.

Day 14

I thank God for having a job that brings smiles, magic

and unforgettable experiences to people of all ages.

Being at the happiest place on Earth every working day

effortlessly lifts my spirit up like nothing else can.

I guess it feeds the kid in me,

it keeps the fire in my heart

and most of all, I am one of the few who could

extend such happiness to others.

Yesterday was the biggest set of guests my husband an I ever had.

The American Rugby Team visited the park and along other cast members,

we had brought them in for an experience they would never forget.

Hail to Rugby 7's this year.

It was a good season.

Other posts that you  might be interested in:

1. PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE - a blog post that talks about "how temptation works" as the book presented.

2. 8TH INTERNATIONAL SIVA AFI - my husband winning the 8th International Siva Afi competition

3. 10 GIFT IDEAS - looking for presents for friends. Check this out!

Day 13

Day 13 - TIME IS PRECIOUS.

Time is a very important element of life that when you share your time with somebody else, it means, you are sharing something that you'll never have back nor can never own once again away. When somebody gives it to you, you definitely mean to that somebody. And today, I am happy for the time I have spent with family. From working 6 days straight (4 days until 12 midnight because of special events), I've longed for some time alone with my husband. So when finally, he and I were both off, he prepared Arroz Caldo for me and my baby. It was a very rainy day and Rugby 7's was on and it was just a very good day to stay at home, vegging out on the bed watching the tube. It rarely happens to us now being married, expecting and working all at the same time. I know it's very simple but, I realize that when things that you want come in diminishing returns, you tend to wish it could last longer or you wish it would happen more often. But that's the idea in itself, you only get to appreciate things when it rarely comes or happens. So while it lasts, embrace it and own it.

This day is also special to us since it marks our baby's 5th month and we are offically down to our last four. This makes me excited about the baby showers, reading further on how to prepare for the coming delivery and the fact that it's halfway past the second trimester, somewhat makes me feel relieved too. Maybe as a budding parent, protective instincts are coming to a blast. Praying for this smooth 4 months still.

To celebrate a little, we chose to have a dinner in Pizza Hut:

Blessings did come in abundance as we were joined
by my brother-in-law over dinner.



Now that I've reached the 5th month, my tummy is starting to be in the way of things. Almost all activities that invloves bending forward is starting to become difficult. To name one is when I wanted to polish my own toe nails.

Before i go further, I just want to emphasize that having your nails polished here in Hong Kong is such a luxurious activity compared when I was back in the Philippines. In my own home land, it is as a form of reward. I treat myself to this kind of pampering at least every 2 weeks or whenever I can. But here, I choose to be practical but that's alright as it enhanced my skill in doing it on my own.

Yet again, it was such a good day that I get to get away from the practical Kyte. I got my nails done by a very accomodating gal at HK$180 over at MS Art at 2/F, Kingswood Ginza Mall, 18 Tin Yan Road, Tin Shui Wai. (This is actually just beside the bakery beside Park N' Shop). She boosted my self-confidence by praising my bump and helped me in choosing a fierce shade.

It was an official no cooking and no washing day for me.

Hehehe!

And to call it a night, we ended up watching

"300: Rise of an Empire" at the convenience of our warm bed at home.

With so much stuff like these,

it's hard to find time to detach and write about it.

I held on with the moment.

That's why this is a late post.

 

Related posts:

1. HAPPINESS PROJECT - the impact of Gretchen Rubin's masterpiece to me

2. 100 HAPPY DAYS - why I joined

3. RUSSEL PETERS - have a laid back day today and just have a good laugh.

Day 12

Day 12 - MY FIRST "SWEET & SOUR PORK"

It's always good to set goals for yourself even if short term or long term. This I believe is one of the secrets of successful people. This partners with how much you are willing to take a risk, and how much passionate you are about learning. You see, there are countless results that you may not like if you both say no to opportunities and learning. But there's one word to best represent them all - STAGNATION. Who wants to become stagnant? Who wants to develop Alzheimer's? Who wants to remain unproductive? I'm sure no one would want to become any of these.

I have watched "Julie and Julia" just recently and I was blown away with the fact that I haven't come across what this film was about until I viewed it. I'm pretty sure blogging had become old school (there's vlogging, mashing-up and other stuff concerning expression of self and wanting to be heard) considering this movie was all about blogging her own experiences (and it's an old one already). But it is pretty much talking about SETTING GOALS AND ACHIEVING THEM.

And yet again, challenging myself to be innovative and more efficient, I was driven into cooking Sweet and Sour Pork (the Chinese way) from scratch. I was pretty tempted to just do the first 2 steps in the recipe I looked at and just buy the instant mix but what the heck! I have a lot of time in my hands, I can buy the ingredients and it's pretty easy.

Like any cook, you'll have your own preferences when it comes to the amount of ingredients as per instruction but I am pregnant and I was watchful of just about everything (sugar, preservatives, salt) so, I had somehow altered the measurements into acceptable amounts and viola! My husband gave me a thumb up (not thumb"s" since he had an issue with the lean meat I chose because they were tender after frying) considering all elements for it to be called "SWEET & SOUR PORK" were present and were very good for a first timer.

Happiness I guess accounts to a web of factors since man is a complex being. It makes me realize that man can't be happy alone just because.... but it should satisfy every thing about humans. To specify one, amongst the hierarchy of needs, I have satisfied the highest level of need: SELF-ACHIEVEMENT.

Related posts:

1. GOOD TO KNOW - some facts about food that you might find interesting to stash

2. SIZZLER - looking for an American restaurant in Thailand? You might find this helpful.

3. HAPPINESS PROJECT - thinking of reading this book? Here's a blog post for a book review.

Day 10 &11

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE.

For most of us,

we tend to forget the importance

of the air we breathe,

gravity that holds everything in place

and the life that we are given

that we tend to overlook, ignore and underestimate

the power of getting blessed every time.

Yesterday, I didn't want to neglect the chance to be happy about the simplest of things. I was so tired yesterday that I wasn't able to blog about it but now I understand that it happened for a reason. It was much better because it happened twice in a row. So I decided to combine the two (Day 10 & 11) since it falls to the same idea. 

Yesterday at work, we were given a passion fruit for free and today, I wasn't able to make it to work because of a back ache, probably due to the increasing weight of my pregnant tummy. When I went to 

Day 10 - Free Dragon Fruit

the clinic to have it checked, the nurses gave me these that came in a bag full of pockets that will come in handy when our little one comes. And I was feeling good because of the health care I am entitled to.... and more. The cheesiest part is when us women were so happy talking about how far I am already. Cheesy but it felt good.

Day 11 - Free diaper bag with more than probably 2 months
of supply of milk, a face towel and a diaper changing pad.

Additional information about the Dragon Fruit:

Origin: Central America but now being grown in a lot of areas of the world most especially in Asia.

3 Kinds:

1. the one that comes with fuscia pink leathery skin and white meat
2. the one that comes with red pink leathery skin and red meat
3. the one that is yellow on the outside with white meat

Benefits:

1. contains a good amount of Vitamin C that can easily be absorbed by the body and that boosts the body's immune system
2. contains a great amount of antioxidant that can never be found given off by any diet supplement or pill even though it says it contains lots of antioxidants
3. contains fiber that helps us in preventing constipation and appendicitis.
4. like any other fruits contain little to no amount of cholesterol.
5. only contains good and healthy beneficial fats.

aka: PITAYA

Related posts: 

1. 100 Happy Days - why I started it

2. JOLLIBEE - nothing beats its fried chicken

3. SPA IN YOUR OWN HOME - make you own spa remedies

Day 9

Today, I would like to acknowledge my friendship with Bobby Manalang who had been a great friend, who had been there thru ups and downs and who knows the real me. Each time that he'd go on a holiday, he never fails to bring something for me. As form of Philippine tradition, bringing home a "pasalubong" (a.k.a. treat) for a friend implies a sweet gesture of remembering and wanting that person to be there with him/her in witnessing, seeing and experiencing new thing along the journey.

He had a vacation in California, March of this year. With my fondness for writing, he chose this particular journal for me to be encouraged to write more. For whatever reason, seeing the inside of it begets me to jot down every memorable thing about my current pregnancy. I love how this notebook has scriptures on each page. And the title also is just soooo right.

Thank you so much Bobby. I am able to write something that I will give my child by the time she is about to experience what I am experiencing right now. It will be a gift in the making. Project!

the cover

the header and footer scriptures

Day 8

JEN BAUTISTA AND I
HALLOWEEN 2013 - for our love of dressing up

My flawless friend, Jen, nominated me to post a #nomakeupselfie and this kind of random compliments, given at the middle of the day, when you least expect it, can really make a heart fat. We seldom get together and talk a lot but I connect with Jen in a different kind of way. Perhaps, it's because this gal shows no insecurities; she is confident enough and selfless enough that she is very sincere in giving out compliments to others. She is such a source of light that she can brighten up somebody's mood in an instant. She's fun, perky and most importantly, she is a real person. We have made hot afternoon shows a bomb during High School Musical Days and her energy is limitless. A singer, make up artist and an inspiration. You made me happy today my friend. You gave me a compliment and I hope you realise that you are beautiful yourself... with or without make up!

Day 8 - #100happydays

Related posts:

1. 100 HAPPY DAYS - why I joined

2. NO MAKEUP SELFIE - a campaign to increase breast cancer awareness

3. 100 YEAR OLD BFF'S - a short funny video about 2 friends aged 100 years old.

Day 7

My husband left early today for Team Mushu's Dragon Boat Training. By the time he reached home, he woke me up from my nap and he told me of his plan for our family day today. Brave will go swimming with Mommy today at the pool. The day was clear and Hogan was inspired by Sai Kung so he made the swimming pool sound so fun. And so, we went and had a great time with Victoria and Joseph as they popped by the door on our way out. It was a great afternoon.

Harbour Plaza Resort City Pool, Tin Shui Wai
with Dad, Victoria and Uncle Joseph

I am thankful for my husband's support and perseverance in making me active for our little BRAVE.

In consideration to what the pregnancy books say about swimming for pregnant women? It is absolutely recommended. Now I know why they say this is the best form of exercise for the mommies-to-be. It helps a lot with your breathing, ease in moving and lifting your own weight as you almost feel weightless due to the growing tummy. I felt rejuvenated and most importantly, I felt like my own self and not the heavy Kyte. Hahahaha! 

You might be intrigued at how long and how did I do? Here's an idea. Do you see that flower at Hogan's ear? He said, "I'd only stop if it wilts." Hahahaha! Well, not really. But I really thought he was serious. After half an hour of swimming, wiggling, and playing, he told me to change already as the water got cooler.

Related posts:

1. 100 Happy Days Project- what is it about and why I started it.

2. Giving Birth the Kandu Way - home birthing method that you might be interested in.

3. Live Free! - a reflection of my beliefs

Day 6

At exactly 19 weeks ago, my sweetheart had been blessed with life that instantly served its purpose as it brought HAPPINESS, DELIGHT AND MUCH EXCITEMENT to Hogan and I. The moment we learned that we were expecting, we remained relaxed (so as not to put pressure on the baby) but God knows how our hearts skipped a beat. You see, we wanted nothing more but this and this was the deepest desire of our hearts. Our little one remains to be strong today and "is more likely a girl" quoting my gynaecologist from our check up last week.

I am very happy every time she nudges and every time she expresses herself thru her small kicks. As early as now, I can feel her move. For some reason, her eating pattern influences much of how I eat now and I noticed that it's very similar to Hogan's.  She loves juice (but I preferred water ever since), I got allergic reactions to seafood (which I never had anymore) and I have to eat in small portions and more frequently (I was a 3-big meals feeder.). I read to her now as her ears are nearly 100% developed and it's usually around 10pm. Once, I got so into watching my series and I think she was so used to our pattern that she kicked a little bit: kind of saying, "It's time for my book reading!". I could tell she's got some attitude. Hahaha! With our scans, she moves a lot which, according to the doctor, is a good sign of growth and development. We are still prayerful that everything will go smooth with our pregnancy. To some people, this could be something ordinary but, everyday with our precious one is a blessing. One more week to go before our 5th month. But we are halfway there.

Praise God for this miracle. 

The previous photo tells that she's just 7.19 cm long
but her height doubled in size (13.3) a month after.
HURRAY!

The challenge goes, just capture a moment but we've captured a video and it's a good view of how she's already an acrobat, doing head stands and moving greatly. It may bore you at some point as there's no sound and will go on for 4 minutes but she got funny moves alright.

Our assignment now is to choose from 3 hospitals where we could book for our delivery. I have no experience with any of it that maybe you out there could help. Please share to us your knowledge about with what you think is the best among the three. We live in the Tin Shui Wai district. And is much of a great concern. The hospitals are: St. Teresa, Baptist and Union. It would mean a lot to hear from you.

Day 5

Today marks the first day that I brought my bubba to the Lion King show to support a good friend of mine, Randy in doing his first show in Hong Kong Disneyland's Lion King. The show went dark for almost 3 weeks but now, they're back in business. Now that my baby's ears and hearing capabilities are almost developed, I believe the show made her dance since she was kicking inside like crazy (gave me a difficult time walking back to the office - ha!). Yes, it's 80% a "she".

So, this post is a shout out to Randy and to one of my best friends, AJ, whom I know is much delighted with the fact that they need not stay away from each other this time. Cheers!

Day 4

The youngest of our family, will get married this 27th of June, 2014 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, Downtown Los Angeles. We really planned that this is the moment that all 5 of us in the family would be complete that day.

God is so good for blessing this day with a lot of surprises. First is mine, with a baby on "her" way this coming August so, I wouldn't be able to go. Hahaha! But I have to say it again, it's a blessing. The Lord kept on pouring graces to us as He guided my older sister, Kaith and her family to be granted of the visa to be able to attend Khrista's wedding. I couldn't be more happier. I'll be there in my own special way though. Maybe thru a recorded song or a personal greeting via Tango, Skype, Viber, whatever. Please feel free to give me suggestions.

YEHEY!

Day 3

Nothing beats a good weather. A good weather for me brings out the sun to warm up the blue skies and makes all the colours come out. I woke up this morning and seeing its rays beam in our room thru the curtains made me excited to jump up to start my day. Nothing new except for today's treat.

For a few weeks now, the skies had been GRAY and so was everything else. And sometimes, it comes with rain. I admit, the mood it gives to people, it felt that it's so long, so gloomy, .... it sucked! And sometimes, comes with rain.

I love the SUN. I'm a daughter of the SUN. Ha! I guess, that's why I have done 6 years dancing under it as part of the parade team and I find it fun. It releases my ENDORPHINS in a snap of a finger.

This is already the best picture I could take of it.

To share, here's what the SUN makes me feel:

1. When the sun shines, it gives me so much hope.

2. When the sun shines, everything becomes clear.

3. When the sun shines, everything seems alive.

4. Every living thing needs sunshine.

5. Warmth is always better than cold.

Day 2

The Philippines, being influenced by the Spaniards, just celebrates "anything". We have feasts of every patron saint, we have the longest holidays I believe and being celebratory is just a Filipino way of life.

For my Day 2, I have posted a photo of my nephew JESSE, (whom I personally call Baby J for having the same birthday with MICHAEL JORDAN). Today marks his first month on Planet Earth. Many cultures have many beliefs. In considering the Filipino culture, whenever a new addition to the family comes, we celebrate each month (with the original date at hand) from the moment the baby was born 'til the baby reaches his/her first year. It doesn't have to be extravagant or anything. Just a simple cake or one special viand for one meal is alright just to give importance to the day.

Staring at him nowadays is becoming my favourite "HAPPY" time.

Day 1

So it's the 1st day for my 100 happy days challenge. So, according to the instructions, it's to document things that made you happy everyday by taking a photo of it and posting it with #100happydays hashtag which should be done consecutively. May it be food, an event or just something that had exposed those pearly whites you got to a grin. The challenge goes that it should be done "e-v-e-r-y-d-a-y"!

So, let me start off with my family (husband and brother-in-law) with our friend, Rong Rong, reaching Hong Kong safely. Since the flight MH370 went missing, I have developed paranoia. For a week now, the search teams with the efforts of extending their search perimeter remain unsuccessful. For that, I am grateful that I get to hold them to welcome them back.

taken at Hong Kong International Airport

This next photo is exactly what I thought that 100 days

could be fairly easy that you may come up with more than one reason to be happy. 

These "pasalubong"/treats from Samoa were so good. 

It didn't just make me happy.

It made me feel loved.

Huge thanks to Hogan, Frankie, Mom and Tina

Other interesting posts:

1. 100 HAPPY DAYS - How I came about starting this project

2. 100 YEAR OLD BFF'S - They were asked about what they think about selfies.

3. TEARS OF JOY - Who doesn't find Jimmy Fallon funny?  Even he himself laughs at his own jokes!