"House-band"

No, Jan has not left his work to be a work-at-home husband or dad-to-be.  He's just a bit obsessed with sprucing up the condo.  Since November, he's been carrying out a measuring tape wherever he goes.  It seems to me that he is measuring every corner of our little home.  He even made a mock-up of our unit in Sketch-Up.  Most of the websites he visits are home related, except for NBA and football.

It drives me crazy sometimes.  And I will admit that it even makes me annoyed because I feel the condo takes over everything else including myself.  The operative word being "feel."  We've had an argument or two about it, mostly because of me.  But after I have expunged all the negative air about it, I do realize that I am quite lucky with this man who cares so much that we have a comfortable and happy home.

Imagine, I really don't have to do anything except give my opinion.  I've vetoed a few ideas and have let him decide on others.  Our place is still a bit of a mess with our kitchen area being constructed but I can already imagine how cozy everything will be once everything is in place.  And when things settle down, I will have my wonderful husband to thank for.  His enthusiasm, and yes, even obsession spared me a lot of work.  That part I am extremely happy about.

Here's hoping that in a couple of weeks, everything will be settled with the house and Jan will stop measuring the house and keep track of my belly. :)

"House Manager"

I always knew that managing the house is not an easy task but it was only these past few weeks that I discovered it can be very tiring.

Since I found out that I have gestational diabetes, preparing my own food was the best way to make sure I am able to manage my blood sugar.  We don't have an electric stove yet but we do have an electric grill and a microwave oven.  At least I am able to avoid using oil in our food in the meantime.  

My routine would involve marinating my planned meal for the next day the night before.  I would put it in the chiller so it won't freeze.  When I wake up, I would measure my blood sugar afterwards put the meat in the grill. While waiting for it to cook, I have to prepare my salad and rice exchange (rice, corn, potatoes).  This would take around 15 to 20 minutes.  I would then eat my breakfast of milk, rice exchange and fruit.  If my meat is already cooked, I would pack my lunch.  If there is enough time, I would wash the dishes but if not, they wait until I get home.  Or if Jan is not in a hurry, he'd take care of it.  I would take out the meat  that I would have to marinate for the next day from the freezer and leave it in the ref so when I come home it's already thawed.  Then comes bath time and dressing up.  If that would be an hour since I ate, I'd measure my blood sugar again.  Then I leave for work.

When I get back from work, I would wash any dishes left.  Then I would marinate my food for dinner and lunch.  I'd prepare my salad and rice exchange again.  While waiting for the rest of the stuff to cook, I'd see if there is any thing that needs arranging in the condo.  Though to be honest, I am not as diligent with this as I should be.  But really, cooking alone takes so much energy already.

I try to cook for Jan as well but his schedule has been erratic of late.  He also says I should take care of my food first since he can eat anything without issue so he can get food anywhere. Sweet of him, though I wish I could prepare food for him more.

By 9PM, I am already exhausted.  Sometimes I fall asleep in the middle of watching a recorded show or in the middle of reading a chapter.  But I try to stay up because I have to drink my milk around 10.30PM.  

Caring for a small studio unit is already challenging.  Imagine if we had a one or two bedroom unit?  And when the baby comes.  How crazy would that be?  

I am really amazed with all those working women who manage to do all these things by themselves.  These are the women who deserve a great treat on Mother's Day!

To all working women out there, I salute you.  

7 years

It was under a tree somewhere near the Ateneo car park that THE conversation happened.

"Ano ito?"

Usually this question comes from the girl, but strangely enough it was the boy who asked.  The girl was not really expecting this question to come up any time soon.  It has just been three weeks of going together on dinners and movies and gigs. 

Never imagined myself getting in a whirlwind romance, but there I was.  But the question was asked.  Long story short, then friendster relationship status would have shifted from "it's complicated" to "in a relationship."  Not that I really bothered with that part of the profile. Hehehe!

It has been seven years since.

To celebrate, the hubby and I will be watching SPIT at Quantum Cafe.  Thanks to Groupon, we were able to get 50% off regular rates.  And I can't wait.  Not only because Jan and I have not yet had a decent date in ages, owing to moving houses and preparing for a baby but because I have not seen a SPIT gig in years.

It's a perfect celebration.  Watching silly people to commemorate our wonderfully silly seven years as a couple.

And the food is healthy enough for me too! Wheeee!

Books read for 2011

I read 47 books for 2011.  Too bad I didn't make it to 52 so it would have been a book a week average.  But I'd say not bad at all. Though I have friends who've read more than 70 and more than 100.  Bow to that! I did also watch a lot of movies and TV, so that took time away from the books.


My favorites for the year were The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Book Thief, The Hunger Games trilogy, Battle Royale, The Tiffany Aching series and Norwegian Wood.


I doubt if I can reach the same number as 2011 for 2012, but I'll try to read as much as I can anyway.  Looking forward to more books this year.


So here's my books read for 2011. 

January

1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Goblet of Fire to Half-Blood Prince read December 2010)

2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

3. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

4. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

5. The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett

6. A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett

7. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

8. The Ask and The Answer by Patrick Ness

9.  Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness

10. Ang Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan ni Bob Ong

February

1. Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett

2. Slumdog Millionaire (Q & A) by Vikas Swarup

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steven Chbosky

March

1. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak

2. Norwegian Wood by Murukami

April

1. Breakfast at Tiffany's and Three Stories by Truman Capote

2. Across the Universe by Beth Ravis

3. The Giver by Lois Lowry

4. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

May

1. Charmed Life by Dianna Wynn Jones

2. The Lives of Christopher Chant by Dianna Wynn Jones

3. The Magicians of Caprona by Dianna Wynn Jones

June

1. The Witch Week by Dianna Wynn Jones

2. Conrad's Date by Dianna Wynn Jones

July

1. Pinhoe's Egg by Dianna Wynn Jones

2. Promethea Book 1 by Alan Moore

3. Promethea Book 2 by Alan Moore

4. Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman (re-read)

August

1. Fables Homelands by Bill Willingham

2. Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonnell

3. Paradise by Larry McMurtry

4. What I Talk About when I Talk About Running by Haruki Murukami

5. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

6.  Battle Royale by Koushun Takami

September

1. Riddlestrop by Andy Mulligan 

2.The Magicians by Lev Grossman

October

1. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Andy Mulligan

2. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

3. Trese 4: Last Seen After Midnight by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldissimo

4. Elmber by Gerry Alanguilan

5. The Kite Runner by Khaleid Hosseini

November

1.  Life of Pi by Yann Martel

2. The Magician's Apprentice by Judith Heneghan

December

1. Marley and Me by John Groghan

2. Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

3.  I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pretchett

4. The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan

The Last Planner You'll Ever Have

Last year, I had the "Relax Lang, Puso Lang Yan, Malayo sa Bituka" Planner.  It was quite a fun planner to have, with reminders about heart breaks, courting and what have you scattered all over it's pages.  There were also reminders on when certain movies showed or which couple married or broke up on certain dates.  I usually don't finish a planner, but this one I was able to fill up well enough.

I was waiting for their 2012 version but unfortunately Witty Will Save the World, Co. was not able to produce anything this year.  I thought I would have to settle for a Starbucks planner. Not.  I did try for it though.  I was able to get four stickers. I gave it away for someone else to use instead.  I won't be able to drink coffee anyway.

I thought of getting an Avante Garde planner, which looked really chic and classy.  Something I am not but it was a pretty planner, and sometimes I like pretty.  We actually had one reserved already.  But then, my brother gave me this cool planner instead.

The Last Planner You'll Ever Have 2012 Planner.  I think most of us heard the "news"  that 2012 is the end of the world, according to the Mayan calendar.  So in case the advanced civilization of the Mayans were correct, then this planner wants to help its user be prepared for the eventual end of the world.

In the list of dates and holidays to remember, December 21 is included.

Thus Christmas and Rizal Day happening has yet to be confirmed.

The planner includes pages for your bucket list, a last will testament, "to-do" and "not to-do" list (R-18 version).  There is also a end of the world survival kit as well as tips for a time capsule.  In case people survive armageddon.

My 2011 planner was funnier, but this planner has its moments.  It's an ingenious concept for a planner.  The paper and spacing for the dates aren't that bad either.  It feels more sturdy than the "Relax Lang..." datebook which fell apart middle of the year.

Never again, Starbucks or whatever coffee shop out there makes planners.  I like my planners funny!

No pets allowed

I'm really enjoying our condo right now.  Small as it is, it is quite cozy.  Where we are located, I can walk to work or the hospital.  It's a bus ride to Ayala, Megamall, Shangri-la, Cubao or Trinoma.  The airport is around 20 minutes with regular traffic.  The pool may be four feet at its deepest, but it's good enough for the exercise I need.  It's a comfortable place and it is ours. :)

The only thing that is missing somewhat are pets.  Pets are not allowed in the condo. Not even goldfish! Not that I want a goldfish, but it's a funny thing not to allow.  I don't know how that little thing could bother neighbors.  

Anyway, I miss our dogs in Pasig.  Shogun (the Pug) and Bruce (the Chihuahua) always makes going home fun.  They run to you quite excited to see you back.  Never mind Shogun's slobbering and Bruce's jealousy.  They always make me laugh especially when they play together.  Like this tug-of-war game where Shogun was not even trying. 

There is also mother and child, Loren and Sushi.  Loren gave birth to five pups, one of which died.  The other three pups were given away.  My favorite, Ninja, was dognapped by Jan's cousin, so we ended up with Sushi.  She's also cute and lovable.  She also takes over my favorite spot on couch all the time.  :S

So there are no fuzzy warm bodies to greet us in the condo when we get home.  I do make it up with the wonderful shirt my brother-in-law gave me for Christmas.  It's a Zara shirt with a pug and chihuahua on it!  Not only is the shirt comfortable, it makes me laugh when I see it.

I hang it near the bed so when I wake up, it's one of the first things I see.  I laugh inside when I remember our Mutt and Jeff pets. It's almost as good as having the real thing, without having to worry about their food or poop or hygiene.  :P

Meet the doctors

After my ultrasound, I went straight to my OB-Gyne.  There were three other patients before me, so I got my Kindle and began reading "A Game of Thrones" while waiting.  When it was finally my time to meet with Dr. Henson, she was more than happy to announce that I can go already go back to work.  Though with or without her signal, I would have gone anyway. Hehehe.

The best part was I can already start doing some exercises, including walking and swimming.  I'm not big on exercising, but I really welcome movement right now.  I've been wanting to dance to "Move Like Jagger" for weeks already.

When she asked about my sugar levels though, she was a bit concerned that my sugar was still high.  This is just partly true though.  My glucose was normal for two-thirds the time but that does not seem to be a good sign for her. Uh.  Plus the fact that I lost five pounds, she was also concerned because I needed to gain weight already.  She said that if the endocrinologist recommends I take insulin, she is all for it.  Other than that, our next appointment will be the next month already. Woohoo!!!

The day after, I met with Dr. Capellan.  The woman is quite busy! I had more than patients before me.  I ended up waiting for three hours.  However, I like her a lot.  She really talks to you and discusses your concerns.  Her time with patients often take long.  For those waiting, it may be annoying, but if you are the patient, you feel really cared for.  So yeah, never mind the wait.

Dr. Capellan did also have concerns with my sugar.  But I told her that my glucose has been stabilizing the last three days.  Because of that, she was willing to give me another week to monitor my sugar before she decides to have me take insulin.  The five pounds loss was also something that may have her put me on insulin.  With insulin, I can have more calorie intake.  With the second trimester coming, weight gain is important for both the baby and I.

She did give me a bit of good news, increasing my intake of beef or pork within a week. I was limited to it once a week.  She did not say how often more I can have it, but I will keep it at three times a week max.

I have a feeling the insulin will be inevitable but I want to avoid it as long as possible. I can do this!

Third time's the charm!

I had my ultrasound again last Thursday (January 5).  Before the ultrasound (UTZ), I was a bit nervous.  Because of the diet the nutritionist gave me, I actually lost five pounds.  I was also having some occasional cramps days leading to the ultrasound.  It was nothing really painful but could get uncomfortable and disconcerting.

Jan went with me before going to the office since the UTZ was supposed to be at 9AM.  They called me at 9:30 AM though.  Jan had to wait outside first before he could come in.

When the UTZ commenced, I wasn't sure what to make of it.  Unlike the previous ultrasounds, the form of the baby could easily be identified.  This time, the images looked like blobs to me.  I was trying to read the sonologist's expression to see whether there was something to concerned about.  She was just talking jargon to the other doctor and taking measurements at first.  Finally, she talked to me and asked if I had someone with me.  They finally called Jan.

The baby was doing well.  It was moving so much that was why they had difficulty getting a good image.  "Kapag malikot, matuwa ka! Matakot ka, kung di masyado gumagalaw!" That was great to hear.  The limbs were longer and the rump looked cute.  The eye sockets were clear but made our baby look like an alien in the UTZ.  Heartbeat was still at 162.

It was so wonderful to see, and all the better to have Jan holding my hand when we heard this great news.  Plus the subchorionic hemorrhage is finally gone. :)

I haven't scanned the images yet to post here, but really, there was no clear image to the untrained eye to see a baby form.  Believe me, I tried and failed.  I was this close to looking at it with 3D glasses. :P

I'm so excited already, I wonder how much more excitement is possible for a mother/parent-to-be!

Noche Buena and Media Noche

were 250 grams of low-fat milk and one slice of bread.

The rest of the family had fiesta ham, queso de bola, chicken and fruit salad.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! :)