Photo Shoot
20080725
It's tough picking up a picture to make a resume for my daughter. So, here's what we came up with:
Posts
Weekend Update - Christmas
29 minutes ago
Sky Watch: Let's Go to through That Trees
The sky is so clear, it's practically boring.
What's that sign all the way down the median? These bicyclers knew it's too good a day to pass up sitting in front of a monitor.
Get ready to walk between those trees now.
Here we are...just a little further down, shall we?
We're right in the midst of it...more next time.
Because we could run out of tree, but maybe not.
From my E-mails- Funny
20080720
The following is from a British journalist stationed in the Philippines. His observations are so hilarious! This was written in 1999. Matter of Taste by Matthew Sutherland
I have now been in this country for over six years, and consider myself in most respects well assimilated. However, there is one key step on the road to full assimilation, which I have yet to take, and that's to eat BALUT. The day any of you sees me eating balut, please call immigration and ask them to issue me a Filipino passport. Because at that point there will be no turning back.
BALUT, for those still blissfully ignorant non-Pinoys out there, is a fertilized duck egg. It is commonly sold with salt in a piece of newspaper, much like English fish and chips, by street vendors usually after dark, presumably so you can't see how gross it is. It's meant to be an aphrodisiac, although I can't imagine anything more likely to dispel sexual desire than crunching on a partially formed baby duck swimming in noxious fluid. The embryo in the egg comes in varying stages of development, but basically it is not considered macho to eat one without fully discernable feathers, beak, and claws. Some say these crunchy bits are the best. Others prefer just to drink the so-called 'soup', the vile, pungent liquid that surrounds the aforementioned feathery fetus...excuse me; I have to go and throw up now. I'll be back in a minute.
Food dominates the life of the Filipino. People here just love to eat. They eat at least eight times a day. These eight official meals are called, in order: breakfast, snacks, lunch, merienda, merienda ceyna, dinner, bedtime snacks and no one saw me take that cookie from-the-fridge-so-it-doesn't -count. The short gaps in between these mealtimes are spent eating Sky Flakes from the open packet that sits on every desktop.
You're never far from food in the Philippines. If you doubt this, next time you're driving home from work, try this game. See how long you can drive without seeing food and I don't mean a distant restaurant, or a picture of food. I mean a man on the sidewalk frying fish balls, or a man walking through the traffic selling nuts or candy. I bet it's less than one minute. Here are some other things I've noticed about food in the Philippines : Firstly, a meal is not a meal without rice - even breakfast. In the UK, I could go a whole year without eating rice. Second, it's impossible to drink without eating. A bottle of San Miguel just isn't the same without gambas or beef tapa. Third, no one ventures more than two paces from their house without baon (food in small container) and a container of something cold to drink. You might as well ask a Filipino to leave home without his pants on. And lastly, where I come from, you eat with a knife and fork.
Here, you eat with a spoon and fork. You try eating rice swimming in fish sauce with a knife. One really nice thing about Filipino food culture is that people always ask you to SHARE their food. In my office, if you catch anyone attacking their baon, they will always go, "Sir! KAIN TAYO!" ("Let's eat!"). This confused me, until I realized that they didn't actually expect me to sit down and start munching on their boneless bangus. In fact, the polite response is something like, "No thanks, I just ate." But the principle is sound - if you have food on your plate, you are expected to share it,however hungry you are, with those who may be even hungrier. I think that's great! In fact, this is frequently even taken one step further.
Many Filipinos use "Have you eaten yet?" ("KUMAIN KA NA?")as a general greeting, irrespective of time of day or location. Some foreigners think Filipino food is fairly dull compared to other Asian cuisines. Actually lots of it is very good: Spicy dishes like Bicol Express (strange, a dish named after a train); anything cooked with coconut milk; anything KINILAW; and anything ADOBO. And it's hard to beat the sheer wanton, cholesterolic frenzy of a good old-fashioned LECHON de leche (roast pig) feast. Dig a pit, light a fire, add 50 pounds of animal fat on a stick, and cook until crisp. Mmm, mmm... you can actually feel your arteries constricting with each successive mouthful.
I also share one key Pinoy trait --- a sweet tooth. I am thus the only foreigner I know who does not complain about sweet bread, sweet burgers, sweet spaghetti, sweet banana ketchup, and so on. I am a man who likes to put jam on his pizza. Try it! It's the weird food you want to avoid. In addition to duck fetus in the half-shell, items to avoid in the Philippines include pig's blood soup (DINUGUAN); bull's testicle soup, the strangely-named "SOUP NUMBER FIVE" (I dread to think what numbers one through four are); and the ubiquitous, stinky shrimp paste, BAGOONG, and it's equally stinky sister, PATIS. Filipinos are so addicted to these latter items that they will even risk arrest or deportation trying to smuggle them into countries like Australia and the USA, which wisely ban the importation of items you can smell from more than 100 paces. Then there's the small matter of the purple ice cream. I have never been able to get my brain around eating purple food; the ubiquitous UBE leaves me cold. And lastly on the subject of weird food, beware: that KALDERETANG KAMBING (goat) could well be KALDERETANG ASO (dog)...
The Filipino, of course, has a well-developed sense of food. Here's a typical Pinoy food joke:
"I'm on a seafood diet.Filipinos also eat strange bits of animals --- the feet, the head, the guts, etc., usually barbecued on a stick.. These have been given witty names, like "ADIDAS" (chicken's feet);"KURBATA" (either just chicken's neck, or"neck and thigh" as in "neck-tie"); "WALKMAN" (pigs ears); "PAL"(chicken wings); "HELMET" (chicken head); "IUD" (chicken intestines), and BETAMAX" (video-cassette-like blocks of animal blood). Yum,yum. Bon appetit.
"What's a seafood diet?"
"When I see food, I eat it!"
WHEN I arrived in the Philippines from the UK six years ago, one of the first cultural differences to strike me was names. The subject has provided a continuing source of amazement and amusement ever since. The first unusual thing, from an English perspective, is that everyone here has a nickname. In the staid and boring United Kingdom, we have nicknames in kindergarten, but when we move into adulthood we tend, I am glad to say, to lose them. The second thing that struck me is that Philippine names for both girls and boys tend to be what we in the UK would regard as overbearingly cutesy for anyone over about five. Fifty-five-year-olds colleague put it. Where I come from, a boy with a nickname like Boy Blue or Honey Boy would be beaten to death at school by preadolescent bullies, and never make it to adulthood. So, probably, would girls with names like Babes, Lovely, Precious, Peachy or Apples. Yuk, ech ech.
Here, however, no one bats an eyelid. Then I noticed how many people have what I have come to call "door-bell names". These are nicknames that sound like-well, doorbells. There are millions of them. Bing, Bong, Ding, and Dong are some of the more common. They can be, and frequently are, used in even more door-bell-like combinations such as Bing-Bong, Ding-Dong, Ting-Ting, and so on. Even our newly appointed chief of police has a doorbell name Ping. None of these doorbell names exist where I come from, and hence sound unusually amusing to my untutored foreign ear.
Someone once told me that one of the Bings, when asked why he was called Bing, replied, "because my brother is called Bong". Faultless logic. Dong, of course, is a particularly funny one for me, as where come from "dong" is a slang word for well, perhaps "talong" is the best Tagalog equivalent!!! Repeating names was another novelty to me, having never before encountered people with names like Len-Len, Let-Let, Mai-Mai, or Ning-Ning. The secretary I inherited on my arrival had an unusual one: Leck-Leck. Such names are then frequently further refined by using the "squared" symbol, as in Len2 or Mai2.
This had me very confused for a while. Then there is the trend for parents to stick to a theme when naming their children. This can be as simple as making them all begin with the same letter, as in Jun, Jimmy, Janice, and Joy. More imaginative parents shoot for more sophisticated forms of assonance or rhyme, as in Biboy, Boboy, Buboy, Baboy (notice the names get worse the more kids there are-best to be born early or you could end up being a Baboy).
Even better, parents can create whole families of, say, desserts (Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, Honey Pie) or flowers (Rose, Daffodil, Tulip). The main advantage of such combinations is that they look great pa inted across your trunk if you're a cab driver. That's another thing I'd never seen before coming to Manila --taxis with the driver's kids' names on the trunk. Another whole eye-opening field for the foreign visitor is the phenomenon of the "composite" name. This includes names like Jejomar (for Jesus, Joseph and Mary), and the remarkable Luzviminda (for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao , believe it or not). That's a bit like me being called something like
"Engscowani" (for England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland ).
Between you and me, I'm glad I'm not. And how could I forget to mention the fabulous concept of the randomly inserted letter 'h'. Quite what this device is supposed to achieve, I have not yet figured out, but I think it is designed to give a touch of class to an otherwise only averagely weird name. It results in creations like Jhun, Lhenn, Ghemma, and Jhimmy. Or how about Jhun-Jhun (Jhun2)? How boring to come from a country like the UK full of people with names like John Smith. How wonderful to come from a country where imagination and exoticism rule the world of names. Even the towns here have weird names; my favorite is the unbelievably named town of Sexmoan (ironically close to Olongapo and Angeles). Where else in the world could that really be true? Where else in the world could the head of the Church really be called Cardinal Sin? Where else but the Philippines!
Note: Philippines has a senator named Joker, and it is his legal name. Read more...
On Breastfeeding a Two Year Old
They're a bit more willful than a baby, and therefore just a bit more frustrating to deal with. Also, there's that factor that I'm only doing it because my husband pushes me too. It seems like all my life, I'm propelled by one thing or the other and I just make myself content with it.
Here's why I think it's not a good idea. It's not all about falling for anything just because I might not have conviction, but it's all about letting someone dictate to me. I think I'm starting to resent it, but I'm just too lazy enough to not do anything about it. Besides, I get muscled into my position easily. Strange, but I'm not really angry about it, although sometimes, bile seem to rise from my stomach.
Sky Watch: Stay Away
20080717
We went looking for a property out in the country big enough to have a sign like this...on the other hand, it seems like it was in the middle of nowhere, I don't think I'd like to move there where I'm my only neighbor.
Weekend Snapshot: Boys in a Row
20080713
Catching up on History Channel's Modern Marvel Show. This is a great channel for kids to learn different things about the world. I recommend it.
After dinner at Chili's, we walk around the shopping center and found this Pegasus sculpture. This sculpture has over 50 images drawn all over, and you have to look closely to find it. Clever!
Things to Do in San Francisco
Ideas for a Day Out in San Francisco
Cable Car Museum: The big machinery that runs the cars is fascinating, and downstairs you can see the cables in action.
- This trip on two of the three lines can be done in a day and will take you to three very different neighborhoods: posh Nob Hill, peaceful Pacific Heights and Polk Street, a neighborhood in transition.
- At Lombard Street, peace is broken. The one-block section called the "crookedest" street, draws flocks of tourists.
- San Francisco's Real Crookedest StreetIf you want to find the street that's really San Francisco's most crooked, try Vermont Avenue at 20th Street.
- The museum is located in the Palace of Fine Arts, near the Golden Gate Bridge.
Museums: You've got dozens to choose from.
Rainy Day San Francisco: Try a few of these ideas if it's rainy outside.
* Bay Area Discovery Museum
For children ages 6 months to 8 years and their families. Exhibits include Lookout Cove, Art Studios, Wave Workshop, Tot Spot and Bay Hall. Near Sausalito.
*
Factory tours are located at: 914 Heinz Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94707
Children must be eight years or older to participate.
*Jelly Belly Factory Tour
One Jelly Belly Lane
Fairfield, CA
(800) 953-5592
Website
Day Trips Out of Town
Jelly Belly Factory Tour: Everyone loves to see how these sweet confections are made.
Monterey Bay Aquarium: It's dry inside but wet in the tanks, and here are plenty of them to keep you entertained for hours.
Winchester Mystery House, San Jose: Sarah Winchester may have been a haphazard architect, but her house is plenty big.
*525 South Winchester Blvd
San Jose, CA
Hours: Open for tours daily, except Christmas day
Reservations: Not required, except for special tours
Location: San Jose, just off I-280
How Long: Allow a couple of hours
This page is mostly for out-of-towners. The places listed below are some of the most popular for a side trip during a San Francisco vacation.
Sacramento: The state capitol has an interesting Old Town and some great museums.
Big Sur: Many of your iconic ideas of California probably came from pictures taken in Big Sur, with sweeping coastlines and towering trees.
Monterey and Carmel: The peninsula's bookend towns couldn't be more different: a former cannery town and an upscale artists' enclave.
Napa Valley: The Wine Country you've read about.
Santa Cruz: There's the old-fashioned seaside amusement park and some great beaches in this little place.
Sausalito: Just across the bay, with pleasant views and some nice art galleries. A ferry ride away from Fisherman's Wharf.
Sonoma County: Less pretentious than Napa, with great scenery and friendly tasting rooms.
Ideas for a Day Out in San Francisco
Annual Events in San Francisco
Christmas in San Francisco
Golden Gate Fields Horse Racing
Day Trips Out of Town
Elephant Seals at Ano Nuevo
Fresno Blossom Trail
Monarch Butterfly Migration
Whale Watching
Ideas for a Day Out in San Francisco
City Guides Walking Tours: They offer a wide range of walking tour topics.
Frank Lloyd Wright Sites: Perfect for architecture lovers.
Vertigo Movie Tour of San Francisco: A self-guided tour of some of the most famous sights from Alfred Hitchcock's classic film.
Day Trips Out of Town
Charles Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa: There's too much reading here to interest the kids, but adults who love the comic strip will have a great time.
Computer History Museum, Mountain View: If you remember punched cards or know what an Amdahl is, you may enjoy a trip down memory lane here.
Eugene O'Neill's Tao House, Danville: The Nobel Prize-winning playwright wrote his most personal works here.
John Muir House, Martinez: Home of the famous naturalist.
Kelley Park, San Jose: A collection of buildings from San Jose's past.
Lick Observatory, San Jose: It was the largest refractory telescope in the world when built and they still do some great science on the mountain.
National Steinbeck Center, Salinas: Devoted to the famous author and the history of the Salinas Valley.
Stanford Linear Accelerator, Palo Alto: Graduate students will take you on a tour of the "atom smasher."
USS Hornet, Alameda: This retired ship has a singular history.
Ca'Toga, Calistoga: Artist Carlo Marchiori's Palladian villa near Calistoga is filled with his whimsical art.
Cantor Museum, Palo Alto: Home to one of the finest collections of Rodin sculptures in the western U.S. They also have some great special exhibits.
Day Trips Out of Town
Angel Island State Park, San Francisco Bay: Panoramic views, a rich history and a super-fun Segway tour are just a few of Angel Island's attractions.
Big Basin State Park, Santa Cruz Mountains: Some say it's just as nice as Muir Woods but a lot less crowded.
Elkhorn Slough, Moss Landing: Birds and sea otters abound at Elkhorn. Kayak on your own or take a guided tour in a pontoon boat.
Mount Diablo, Danville: You can see more from here than almost anywhere else on the planet.
Mount Tamalpais, Marin County: You can see all the way to San Francisco from here on a clear day.
Muir Woods, Marin County: One of the easiest places to get to for a short walk in the redwoods.
Point Lobos State Park, Carmel: Rocky coastline, windblown trees and abundant wildlife help make Point Lobos one of the state's most beautiful coastal parks.
Point Reyes National Park, Marin County: Views are extraordinary, it's home to a herd of tule elk and a dramatically-situated lighthouse.
in San Francisco
The Labyrinths, Grace Cathedral: A meditative walk through the labyrinths is a great way to focus and shed stress.
Day Trips Out of Town
Calistoga Mud Baths: There's nothing more relaxing to this harried travel writer than a soak in the Calistoga mud.
Hot Springs in Big Sur: It's a hike to one and the other two have unusual schedules, but they're worth the trouble.
Mercey Hot Springs, Hollister: A small, no-frills place with relaxing hot waters.
Osmosis Spa, Sonoma County: A massage in one of their outdoor pavilions is about as relaxing as it gets.
Spa at Carneros Inn, Napa: We love the Inn, and their spa is top-notch, too
[source: http://gocalifornia.about.com]
Read more...
Sky Watch Friday
20080710
The truth is, when it's beautiful outside, it's almost always a sweaty day. This was no different, but my kids had fun.
BTW, I'm inviting you to join Mailbox Monday.Read more.... There's be a post as early as Sunday noon, and you get to sign in to Mr. Linky and play. I hope yu can come and play.
BAFAB Winner
We have a winner for our Buy a Friend a Book contest. Congratulations to LadyVampire2u!
Thank you to the following for participating in my BAFAB contest.
jeiStay tune for the next BAFAB. Read more...
Alessandra
LadyVampire2u
ChristyJan
Bunny B
Martha
WW | Dating Again
20080708
This is my child's hand, playing the piano. He's composing his music, and insisted that I document it. ************
Last night, my husband and I went out to dinner by ourselves. It was fun to be out without having to worry about which kids might go missing because they'd walk off when we're blinking. Weekend Snapshot: Photography of a 2-y/o
20080706
I handed my old 3MP sony DSC to my two year old. Let's not tell my husband that, this camera is old but it wasn't cheap. He managed to used up all 500 shots, mostly of his pinky and ring finger covering the lens. He refused to let me show him how to take a picture properly.
We went to the library, all the while, baby taking picture. He must have been trying to take a picture of the view outside the car window.
I can't decide if that's a smudge lens or a dirty window. Hmm. Let's just say it's the smudge lense.
He even manage to take a picture of his shirt. I think he did okay, considering he won't take any hints from me.
Look! He almost manage to take his own picture. That's his forehead right there. I'm nor sure if I have a budding photograher here, but he's certainly and enthusiastic one.
Kid Say
20080705
I noticed that my son might have pooped in his diaper. I asked him if he dirtied his diaper, and if we should go to the bathroom and clean up.
He said, "Yes Mommy, but we should wait until I'm done pooping."
Then he fell asleep.
Photo Hunt: Pointed
Click on the picture to enlarge. Did you see how pointed are the towers of my favorite building? How many pointed peaks can you see in this building?
My Daughter & The Arte Y Pico Award
20080703
I just wanted to announce my daughter's new blog. She calls it Shadow Comics Girl. She's into Manga big time, and Pokemon drawings, computer games and graphic novels. I tried reading one, but it's just got too many pictures, I'm not used to it. I read picture book, but usually to my babies. I'm sure its got good stories, but it's just too many pictures.
Please visit her blog and say hello. I am sure she'd like that.
***********
Thank you to Mira at Random Thoughts for passing this award to me.
This award was created and to be given to bloggers who inspire others with their creativity and their talents, also for contributing to the blogging world in whatever medium. When you receive this award it is considered a "special honor". Once you have received this award, you are to pass it on to 5 others."What a wonderful way to show some love and appreciation to your fellow bloggers!!!The rules for passing this honor on are:
1) Pick 5 blogs that you would like to award this honor to. (This is the hard part--there are just so many good ones around it is very difficult to choose just five.)
2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.
3) Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.
4) Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.
Just copy the code below to make it easy on you.
I'm going to pass this award to the following people. I hope you can post, too.
1. Liza at My So Called Life.
2. Slick because you have to visit him to be inspired.
3. Hailey at Hailey's Domain.
4. Vicki at Mahalkaayo.
5. Ev at The Journey Read more...
Sky Watch: Log Cabin
This is a log cabin in downtown. If you stand on this spot, you can see Little Red.
This is a picture of my baby while we're waiting for my daughter to finished up at a Chinese restaurant. The sky was getting dark, he's just so happy to be off seatbelt while we're waiting.
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