Who is more Canadian? Justin Bieber vs Carly Rae

Say Pop Music and Justin Bieber is one of the first that comes to mind. Of course there's that Bieber-fever!!

Now... every teens wanna make their own "Call me, maybe!" video, thanks to Carly Rae. Even Miss USA 2012 made their own video, with Trump on it.

But Canadians, are not only aware of these two pop icons because of their Pop Hits. Canadians around love them because they represents Canadian Pop Optimists. Bottomline -- they both are Canadian, and are hella proud of it.

Here's a video of a quiz given to both of them, of how Canadian they are.

Pick your bet!!

Cheeky Monkeys Indoor Playland: Khloe`s Lala-land!

Moving back here in Ontario (Canada) and raising a toddler by myself, I have to come up with activities that would prove to my husband, I am taking good care of his daughter. One thing that matters most to him is Khloe   growing up happy and loved. We`re hoping that it could help her fill the gaps of time that her dad is not with us. Hopefully she won`t find our love lacking. 

Last Wintertime, Cheeky Monkeys Indoor Playland, proved to be a favorite for Khloe. Once a week, I would try to find a way to bring her there for a good play. At 28 months old, Khloe was at first hesitant to climb up tunnels and obstacles and slides. I remember she would call me to help her navigate the climbs. After a couple of month, I am able to start enjoying my lazy sit on one of the couches, as she plays with other kids that drops in for a play. At lucky days, you can even connect with their wifi. This spring, I would bring my laptop and surf the web (if wifi permits) as she plays around. Knowing that she is safe around is such a comfort for a Mom like me, who would like to simply enjoy that quiet time, or the chat with the other Moms. 

If my niece, Chelsea, & nephew, Ethan, would come with us... they would enjoy the pizza and slushies that are available for orders. Khloe & Ethan would end up with blue or red tongue when done with their drinks and foods.

Khloe adores Cheeky Monkeys. However this summer, I would like to introduce her to an outdoor activity. When her dads come for a visit next week, we`re hoping to get some beach time where she can play on the sand... and enjoy the water.

From time to time... I would still bring her to Cheeky Monkey because a toddler her age -- never forgets their first love. Right now, it`s Cheeky Monkey.

Enough Said!!

Addicted to KDrama: You're BeautifuL/He's Beautiful

I was not really into (Koren)KDrama.

I wen't home to Philippines last year, 2011, and I stumbled unto this Filipino-dubbed Kdrama, Marry Me Mary (aka Mary Stayed Out All Night) on tv. It was not even the drama itself that got my attention. It was the OST (Soundtrack) - My Precious  that got stuck into my head. Sang by the lead of the drama, Jang Keun Suk, despite it being Korean, I did found myself humming it here and there ... and sang the line "my precious.... ". Very weird!

Coming back home to California, I checked out TFC guide if by any chance they will show the drama. Silly me, of course, it's not. I ended up googling it and again, found myself watching the last few epi in youtube.

Then an FB friend highly recommended that I watch "You're Beautiful/He's Beautiful", another KDrama starred by JKS as well. 

I gave it a shot. And despite my hesitation, YAB kept me glued to my computer. 

I've heard of Boys Over Flower (BOF). Heard of the hoopla around it. Saw the parodies. But didn't really got into watching the drama.

When I started YAB with it's first epi, I got hooked. The first epi itself is a blast. 

GoMiNam/Min Nyu

The character of Min Nyu/Go Min Nam as a nun and up to the point when she has to disguise herself as her twin brother was very    well portrayed. I liked her clumsiness, her naivete, her spontaneity, and the fact that she act stupid and dumb even if you'll end up hating her for it. The stuffs she did, you can actually relate. She is so misguided for coming out of the convent and play her twin-brother that she ended up being so dumb. Oh, how funny to read the haters comment about how they hate her character. How helpless she is. How clueless. Seriously, why would she act otherwise? She's suppose to become a nun. Do you really expect a nun-in-training to act the wiser??? You expect her to act the groupie? Or worldly? She is suppose to go to Rome. With that alone -- you have to stop expecting.

HuangTaeKyung

The leader of the band. Uptight. Boiled up with emotions you can't even dig. Suppose to be all-knowing. Suppose to be an All-That. And yah...he is all-that. And more. I would say, HTK was made for JKS, and JKS perfected HTK. The way he adapt to the role... is beyond words. How can you act uptight and make your viewers cry watching the conflicted emotions in your face, as well as act out a very serious scene then end it with a hilarious bang? Really, I could list all these memorable scenes in my sleep and make me rewatch the entire series again just for a good laugh. Above all, TaeKyung and OCD (Obsessive, Compulsive Disease) is a perfect fit for a clumsy, clueless GMN. The love they eventually feel for each other was perfectly cooked up for the viewers. I know a lot would prefer Shinwoo to end up with MiNam... but seriously, TaeKyung deserves some lovin', too. After all, he is suppose to be all-that. LOL.

Shinwoo & Jeremy

I am never fan of K-Pop, but after getting addicted to this drama, I end up gooling for CN Blue(Shinwoo, Jong Hwa) & FT Island (Jeremy, Lee Hongki). Who would not love them? Jeremy is adorable, you just wanna squeeze him, kiss him and adopt him. His dog, Angelina Jolie, is even a hit. When he cried on the bus, confessing his feelings for MiNam, he stole my heart. And adorable as he is, you will love him more for giving it up for TaeKyung. Why can`t he just love me, right. 

As for Shinwoo, what can I say, I want him up - buttercup. A bestfriend for life, who fell in love with you, is what all girls dreamed of. Unfortunately, he went for the friend-kill, as oppose to being upfront right from the start. He lose his chance when he decided to procrastinate in being honest with his feelings. So many chances, what a waste! But a drama needs a drama.. or else nobody gonna be hating the lead characters for choosing their choices.

Why I love this drama.... 

• Well, the hilarious scenes are to die for. Will give you a perfect reason to replay the episodes again and again.
• That feeling of loving someone whom you thought would not like the idea of loving them. High School.    First relationships. Crushes. Dream guy. You can surely relate.
• Hating the lead guy for always getting the girl. And rooting for the second guy because you know he will never get the girl. Very ordinary, but seriously, 3 guys of wonderful character -- who would you choose.
• The drama -- the pain. The conflicted emotions that could tear you to pieces. You keep on screaming, `Make out already`. Or ``What the eff`!!! Did she just do that!!!!!!``. Or ``I wanna kill the Mom, or drug her! Or Poison her!!`. You will even hate the second lead girl whom you will scream at with words like ``Get a life!!!``, ``I wanna Kill You!!!, `Fake Fairy Dieee!!!!``
• Seeing TaeKyung was chased by a pig -- is epic. Never see that one coming!!!
• The OSTs -- Without Words (by Park Shin Yee & Jang Keun Suk), Always (Hongki and AnJell`s version), Goodbye (JKS)... and What Should I Do (JKS)
• And of course, I wanna get one of those PigRabbit!!!!

Thank goodness for sites like Viki.Com, I can always watch this drama again, and again, and again!!!

Note: Last year, 2011, a Japanese version of this drama was released in Japan, titled - Ikemen Desu Ne. I watch half of the series. I still liked my YAB. 

Season 2, anyone....

Camping: To Rough or Not To Rough It Up!

Going camping the next week-end.
In a Bissell Hideaway Cabin.
Not really roughing it up, but hopefully it's gonna be an experience to remember.

The last time we went camping, Khloe was 9 months old.
It was in a very nice area at McConell State Park in Merced, California

Khloe sleeping peacefully inside out tent.

I loved the experience. Maybe because we were pretty comfortable in our tent. We brought this raised airbed that never gave us this bothersome moments of it being deflated. Except for Khloe's waking moments (normal for a baby of 9mos), we slept through comfortably until the morning. The only downside of our airbed is that it has no built in pump, instead, it has to be electronically plugged. Good thing, our campsite was catered for a huge number of occupants ('twas hubby's family reunion), hence, we don't need to worry about an outlet. We were able to try to fish and even enjoy splashing on the creek. We stayed 3 days and 2 nights, but with our large family, there was no dull moment.

In preparation for this coming adventure... I grabbed this deal from Groupon. Saved $80 for a night in a cabin instead of a tent. Add to that, the place has the largest pool, a splash pad, a pedal boat ride, a putting golf, and play area where you can enjoy volleyball. There's a spa or even tubes for kids to enjoy.

Screenshot of the deal I got.

As for the cabin itself... I reserve my opinion. I booked a cabin that would be convenient for my 76 year old Mother. It's suppose to have a kitchen, a living room, a queen size bed in one bedroom, and a bunk bed in another room. I'm hoping to enjoy the comfort of the price I paid. With Father's Day the next day, I am hoping hubby would have a nice time with us.

As for roughing it up.. well, we could enjoy the night camp out. We have a pit to use... and even a grill if we need to. As exciting as this sounds, the maternal instinct in me is up and wired. Of course, I have to come up with my camping checklist again. I left most of  our stuffs in California, so we pretty much need to start with the basics:

• Mosquito repellent
• Food & Milk
• Toiletries
• Sunblock
• Towels
• Sweaters
• Flashlight
• (firewood maybe)
• Games for the kids at night
• First aid kit
• Medicine

• Most importantly, a surprise for Hubby!! -- like maybe pancake for breakfast. LOL!

I am so excited and looking forward to this week-end. I am hoping, though, that I won't forget to bring any important stuffs that we might need.

If you think I need something else important -- pray tell. I'll be most appreciative.

#starting.the.summer

Appreciating The Beauty Of Our Own Culture

When a family goes to a tourist-filled place, first thing that comes to mind would be either the theme-parks, the beach or whatever is the most popular attraction. Definitely understandable!!

We brought Khloe to Disneyland because I, most especially, would like to indulge her of her princess' cravings.  When you have a toddler who talk of nothing but princesses 24/7, you have to try indulging her (hoping she'll shake it out of her system once she met the princesses). So I dressed her up as a princess, let her wear my wedding tiara, and let her celebrate with the princesses at Disney. As the cliche goes - "when in Rome, act like a Roman". Because Khloe was in a Princess Fantasy Faire, I let her act like a Princess.

But a friend, Joyce,  introduced to me a different art of indulging a princess. It is by far the most admirable family vacation photo I've ever seen.

This family photo was taken when they visited one of the tourist place in Philippines -- Baguio. Filipinos & tourist alike would drive up this mountainous place for it's known cooler temperature (the only place in Philippines with a spring/fall temperature). This part of the country is home to some of  Filipino Tribal Natives. Joyce' family opted to get this photo op, showcasing the tribal costumes the natives (Igorot) wear.

I really admire the fact that even the girls are loving their outfits. In their own little ways, they are showing the whole world how beautiful our culture is. It's heart-warming to see the beautiful smiles, the glee, the pride they exude with these clothes. If only a lot of us could capture these same moments. 

And with a lot of respect -- I commend their Mom, or even Dad. I give it to Joyce, hats off! To teach the girls how to appreciate the culture in their own little perspective, is awesome parenthood.

With this, she inspired me again of how to become a parent of creative thoughts. And it is to come up with something humbling -- 

Because this more and all -- a humbling moment.

Remembering Making School Papers

Helping my niece with editing her Short Story paper reminded me so much of High School.


Seriously, who won't be? But unlike her, at age of 12, I was not able to come up with my own short story. I commend her for that. However,at such age I remembered starting to enjoy reading. (Okay, she beat me on that one, too.) As oppose to me reading Hardy Boys & Nancy Drew's Mystery series, she finished the entire Hunger Game series. 


But going back to remembering school work, book reviews came to mind. I remember submitting a review of one of the Hardy Boys mystery. I think, I finished reading the entire series. Same with Nancy Drew series. I was a frequent visitor of the library. But making the reviews, at such age, my one year experience with Teen Theater Company  really helped me through my entire four years in high school. Not only with book reviews, but as well as film reviews. Above all, it helped me actually write a script for a Filipino drama project from the book "El Filibusterismo". All the drama project was actually a breeze for me because of TTC. It kind of help me understand how a play is came up with, how a story could evolve to, or how an artiste could portray a role.


Now, as I watch my niece apply all my edits of her work, she makes me feel proud knowing I can help her this way. Unlike her, nobody was there to edit my work. Nobody was there to tell me how I can improve. The only time somebody actually gave me a feedback was after university when a friend, Lyndel, read one of my piece and told me how to improve. And that was really encouraging. Knowing how weak my background was when in comes to literacy, I was really an inferior when it comes to writing. All the papers I wrote were never a sure thing. I would always second guess my ideas and of the way I write it down. 


Hence, it is always with willing heart to assist my nieces or nephews, in little ways that I can, to help them improve. I am not an expert but I am confident I could steer them on the right direction. 


I guess what I am trying to say is -- background is everything. It surely can get you somewhere. Educational background is very important, especially starting it from such a young age. I always lack the discipline when it comes to school work because nobody has really steered me on the correct path. Not that I am blaming anybody. But what I learned, though, is that -- you surely reap what you sow. 

So for students  -- make a habit of learning more at young age is the best start of aiming for success.
For parents & guardians -- personally, I learned that all through out my students life, I need not only monetary support, but also psychological support. Mostly I was confused & uncertain, but I have to be strong to stand my ground and live with my decisions. 


Sometimes, I kind of think of how am I gonna raise Khloe when she becomes a student? Am I suppose to be a strict Mom so she won't make the mistakes I made? Or I'll let her do it her way and let her experience her own journey? 


It kind of reminded me, too, of what a passenger from the plane, who sat beside us told me about how she raised her teen-student (who was a cheerleader). She told me:


"I'd better have a conceited daughter than an inferior one. A daughter who is sure of herself stays out of trouble as oppose to a daughter who has not experience things she wants and gets more curious and ends up losing and betrayed."


Ah,,, she left me baffled. LOL.

Father's Day @ Bissell Hideaway

Father's Day is coming soon. 

Gives me more reason to get excited. Hubby will be visiting us, arriving in 11 days and staying for 3 weeks. With the move and everything, I am somewhat hoping he would be able to bond with Khloe properly, especially as we will be settling down to our own place.  

The week-end he arrives, we will heed off to Bissell Hideaway that same Saturday. Booked us a cabin, got it cheap from Groupon.com 

Bissell Hideaway

We don't usually celebrate Father's Day this way but I think he deserves this great treat. Besides after this getaway, he is up to some moving of stuffs. Better set his mood first before he face up the physical challenge of moving.

Each of us celebrate this day and Mother's day in different ways. 

Share yours.