A Moment a Daughter Will Remember Forever

I have captured our first daughter's sweethearts dance in 2008. Just last Saturday, they attended another  father-daughter dance and this time, there were two sweethearts!

I remember how my dad would take me out on dates at a very young age. We would go to music lounges and listen to live bands, just the two of us :) Those times I will never forget. And I am sure, my daughters will  always remember these dates with their papa.

I enjoy it...even though I am merely a spectator. Because who knows! The next chance my girls may get to dance with their papa might just be at their own weddings...But for now, I will savor these sweet moments...the loving look in my husband's eyes...the twinkle in my girls' eyes as they look upon the man who matters most in their lives.

Moms are Important

Jamie: Mom my classmates and I are thinking of going to Disneyland.

Me: U-huh...

Jamie: But we can only bring one parent.

Me: Ok....(Thought bubble: Oh no! How am I going to tell Aaron he can't come to Disney!)

Jamie: I'm taking papa cause he's fun!

Me: What?!!!! And what am I?

Jamie: Uhm....you're important.

Tell me, what kind of a descriptive is "important" compared to "fun"?

Apparently, my daughter associates me with "important things" such as making dinner, laundry, cleaning, etc. While my husband is associated with tickle-time, funny stories, jokes, and having fun.

I am not complaining. I'm just surprised that at a very young age, my daughter is unconsciously stereo-typing. I know we don't define roles at home and everyone works together as a team. So where does she get these distinctions from? Traditional books? Television? Classmates?

 I say, I spend a lot of reading and cuddle time with her! And my husband does chores too. Doesn't that mean He's important and I am fun too?

Here's a photo of her with each of us. Who looks more fun?

Oh well...

Dates to Remember

August 26.
I met my husband on a 26th of August (the year of which I will deliberately fail to mention), courtesy of our common married friends. It was a casual sushi dinner at a restaurant at The Block in Orange County. It was the first time I tried uni (sea urchin) sushi and I loved the buttery succulence of the delicacy. The uni would be among the many firsts my husband and I would try together...food, places, Broadway shows, and many more.


February 22.
The following year, on this date, we decided we would see each other exclusively.

May 16.
We got engaged.

August 26.

Exactly four years from our first date (another 26th of August), we got married civilly. It was witnessed by the couple who initially introduced us.

January 11.
Five months after, we had our ceremonial, religious wedding celebrated by our family and closest friends.

These are milestones in our lives as a couple. As boyfriend-girlfriend. As husband and wife. As parents. As friends. As partners. We will always remember these dates, as we grow old, hopefully, together.

On the coming 22nd of February, I want him to know that I am still thankful that I met him over uni. I can't wait for many more adventures that we have yet to discover.

"Happy Exclusively Dating Anniversary," my Aaron! I love you.

To My Dear Jamie

My dearest Jamie,

Today, I dropped you off at school with a heavy heart. I felt so bad about our argument on getting you a pet.

It is not a matter if we can afford it or if we have space for it. It is a question of whether you earned it: Responsibility at school, at home, as an older sister, and as our eldest daughter.

One day you will understand that there is a reason behind working hard for the things we want and someday, you will appreciate that we have taught you this.

When you’re off to college, you will discover that thesis don’t get passed by demanding for answers, You have to search for them.

When you’ve embarked on your career you will find out that salaries and bonuses are not deposited into your account by merely showing up at work.

When you find your true love, you will know that a relationship needs not just love but nurturing, attention, and a conscious effort to make things work.

When you’ve become a mother, you will learn that you may have to deny your children some of their “wants” just so they will learn the value of hardwork, the happiness of a reward, and the lesson of patience and perseverance.

Thank you for realizing that arguing with me will get you nowhere.

I am proud that you have said sorry before you left the car.

But as much as it breaks my heart, we are not getting you a pet...big, small, or in any other shape and size, until you get all “Os” in your report card and until you have proven you’re responsible enough to care for another lifeform.

I will not say sorry for setting you straight and for letting you go feeling bad this morning. For I am not. I know that I am making a better person out of you. But I will say this: I love you. And if my expression of love does not feel right to you at this time, I know in time you will know that I mean it.

Love,
Mom
2/15/13

Fussing About Me

Lately I have been obsessing about skincare products. I am not usually the "girly" kind. I hardly put on make up, I do not go bonkers over shoes (although I love bags and have about 200 of them in my closet), I am not a shopaholic, and opt for beer over lady cocktails.

But a few weeks ago, I started to open my drawer-ful of toners, moisturizers, cleansers, masks, etc., which I rarely use.

I wonder if this is a hormonal thing or, subconsciously, am I just fearing nearing the age of 40?

I am not afraid of growing old and that's for sure. I have two beautiful children and a husband who makes me laugh. So I know that no matter how wrinkly I get, I remain loved.

This sudden urge to browse feminine products is overwhelming! The variety, the prices...ooooh! So many!

I have not decided yet on a permanent basic skin care routine, but, I started getting sample of facial toner and emulsion last weekend. First stop: The Skinfood. I bought their lipstick and loved it so I am trying their lettuce and cucumber toner and emulsion. I use this in the morning before going off to work.

For the middle of the day, I bought the Equate Refreshing Towelletes. Then I put on The Skinfood's Avocado or Rice emulsion.

At night, I am using Mary Kay's Timewise 1 and 2 right after I wash off with St. Ive's Apricot Scrub.

I don't know what this mix of facial products will result to, but I sure hope it keeps my female hormones down for the time being--before it escalates to more womanly needs...shoes, fragrance, more purses, and jewelry.