Your Smile

My 4-day birthday vacation is about to come to an end today, as I return to work tomorrow. Back to work. Back to 8am-5pm programming. Back to deadlines. Back to reality. Back to stress and tension. There are those times when I think back and regret having taken this degree back in college having known that my passion was really in writing and that the creative side of my brain was, more often than not, dominant than the logical side. I guess the only thing (or being) that keeps me from throwing in the towel is Zion, my son. At the end of a grueling day at work, I look forward to going home to see and hear my son's smile and laughter. His smiling face and naughty chuckle is a soothing therapy after a rough and tough day at work. I am thankful that I still have work that feeds me and my son. But funny (or cocky) as it may sound, I think my work should also be thankful to my son. He is the reason why I wake up early in the morning, why I try to complete my deliverables, why I exert maximum patience with my tickets, why I try to be civil with some unruly people, why I strive to work hard as I could.

Journalling: Peaceful is when I see your smile.

Credits for this layout: Calming Down Collab Kit available at the following : Aprilisa Designs; Blue Orchid Digiscrap Designs; Nona's Creations; Pixeliliy Designs; Tritya Creations; and YantiScrap

Cat-titude

I really find it amusing everytime my officemate/friend Glenda tells me that her uber-domesticated cat Chuchay had done "something" again. With "something", I mean an action or behavior that is not normal for a cat to do. As Glenda relates it, Chuchay sometimes behaves less like a cat, but more of a human being, perhaps minus the gift of speech (I would be scared-to-death if one day Glenda tells me that Chuchay is talking). There are times wherein Chuchay would throw tantrums if Glenda accidentally ignores him, or if Glenda is too busy to play with him. Talk about a cat with an attitude! But in the end, the master-pet tandem of Glenda and Chuchay will always be in good terms - Glenda hugs Chuchay, and Chuchay lovingly purrs back to his ever-loving master.

Journalling: I am Chuchay. Got a problem with that?!?. // I don't have an Attitude problem, I just have a Personality you can't handle!"

Credits for this layout: Little Star Kit by Andrea; WordART from WordArtWorld. Garfield font (for the "Iam Chuchay..." writeup) from Dafont.com.

Too Young

I was listening to some Eraserheads song, when my brother requested me if I could create a digiscrap layout out of some recent pictures of him with his girlfriend (yes, it's confirmed! tee hee!) Nella. I found the pictures quite cute since it's like one of those teen-romance flicks (ala Young-Love-Sweet-Love). While thinking of what word art or journalling I could use for their layout, the song "Toyang" (by the Eraserheads) played. The opening lines of the song "Toyang" were lifted from the song "Too Young" (by Nat King Cole, I think). I think the opening lines of the song is quite appropriate for my brother and his girlfriend. As my brother may say, they may be young, but they know what it means to be in love... Awww.. how cheesy... :-)

Journalling: "They try to tell us we're too young... Too young to really be in love.. "

Credits for this layout: Tranquility Freebie Mini-Kit by Andrea; Jane Austen font from Dafont.com. Too Young lyrics originally done by Nat King Cole.

November Calendar Layout

Of all the months in the year, I love November the most. Perhaps, because the anticipation for Christmas builds up during this time, as radio stations and malls play Christmas carols more often. Another reason would be the 13th month pay which is usually given towards the end of the month. But most important reason of all would be, November is my birth month. I won't tell when exactly is my birthday, but I am one proud Scorpio - embodying the strengths and weaknesses of that quiet arachnid. ;-)

Journalling: I am me. In all the world there is no one else like me. Everything that comes out of me is authentically mine, because I alone chose it - I own everything about me: my body, my feelings, my mouth, my voice, all my actions, whether they be to others or myself. I own my fantasies, my dreams, my hopes, my fears. I own my triumphs and successes, all my failures and mistakes... I can see, hear, feel, think, say, and do. I have the tools to survive, to be close to others, to be productive, and to make sense and order out of the world of people and things outside of me. I own me, and therefore, I can engineer me. I am Me, and I am Okay. - Virginia Satir.

Credits for this Layout: Serenity Kit by Stephinette and Gwenipooh; November calendar template from Miss Mint 2009 Calendar Stamps from Peppermint Creative;

Little Vampire

Now I know this layout is quite late. But cliche as it may sound, it would definitely be "Better late than never".

Last October 28, Zion's school had their annual Trick or Treat activity. The preschoolers were advised to come in their best (and cutest) Halloween costume and participate in the Trick or Treat activity within the school's premises. Buying the candies and goodies was the easy part. Buying Zion's costume was not. As Zion's mom and a regular mallrat, I never thought that SM would run out of Halloween costume. But it did... well almost. I went to SM Makati (nearer my office) a day before Zion's school activity. To my surprise, the only costume left for little boy toddlers like Zion was that of the vampire (black and red cape) with the small black bag. Little girls were luckier because there were still the princess and fairies costumes on the shelves. So I went for the vampire costume. I just told my mom (Zion's grandma) to apply makeup and eyeshadow to make Zion look like a little Edward Cullen, oh I mean, a little vampire. :-)

Journalling: Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story. - Mason Cooley

Credits for this layout: Twilight Tagger Kit from Cora's Creations; Photomask with Wings and WordArt from BintyDesigns.

Blessed Sleep

My friend/officemate Glenda showed me a picture of her pet Chuchay while the latter was sleeping. Having heard a lot of funny stories about Chuchay I was really laughing my heart out when I saw the cat's pose while it was sleeping. I was also laughing because it reminded me of how my friend Glenda slept (and posed) during our summer getaway last April. :-D. So in this layout, I paid tribute to the "sleeping" Master and Pet. The sleeping picture of Glenda was taken by another friend (Shy) during our summer getaway last April. Meanwhile Chuchay's picture was sent to me by Glenda herself. I am having second thoughts telling Glenda about this layout. She might never talk to me again. Teee heee!! Then again, perhaps I'll tell her about it... a month after I've posted the layout.. Hihihihi!! :-D

Journalling: Sleep Oh Blessed Sleep poem by Susan Aldren Lugton.

Credits for this layout: Black Night Kit by Muriel1326 available Ikeagoddess; Sleep Oh Blessed Poem from Poemhunter; Swenson font from Dafont.Com

Good Company

I enjoy watching my brother when he is with his friends and girlfriend. Somehow it reminds me of my own friends (and okay.. past boyfriends.. tee hee!!). How fast time flies. Several years ago, my brother was still a timid gradeschooler who usually spends his free time here at home playing with his toys and his Ate (me!). As soon as he entered his teenager years and high school life, things slowly changed. He now enjoy more the company of his friends, and definitely wants to spend more time with his girlfriend. Not that I am jealous or against it. In fact, I am happy that my brother is in good company. I know most of his close friends (since they spend countless overnights here in our small home), and he has introduced his girlfriend to the rest of the family (and his girlfriend's family know my brother). In this layout, my brother is with his girlfriend Nella, and his best buddy Inno.

Journalling: Keep good company and ye will be counted one of them - Scottish Proverb

Credits for this layout: Funky Kit Collab Kit from DigiscrapmaniaShop; WordArt from Party On! WordArt by Tina Chambers available at Digital Scrapbookplace.

A Letter to Zion

Zion and I were left at home today while the rest of the family went out to do the grocery. I was staring closely at Zion while he was busy playing with his PSP. How fast time flies. It was only today that I realized that Zion is no longer a baby (though I still call him "baby", and he still thinks he is still a baby). He is slowly growing up to be a little boy who's eager to explore the world. I know soon, he will ask THAT dreaded question. Sooner or later, he will notice how he's different from his classmates and from other kids who have a "normal" family setup. Oh well.. I guess I'll cross the bridge when I get there. Besides, I have been preparing for it since day1.

In my layout today, I created a personal letter to Zion. He may not be able to read it now. But I know someday, he'll be able to. Hopefully, when that time comes, he'll be able to appreciate everything and every effort I have done for him.

Journalling:

Dear Zion,

Time flies so fast. As if it was only yesterday when I learned that I will be given the chance to bring forth life. It was a mixture of fear and excitement. Fear because I know this will not be easy for the two of us. After all, we've only got each other to rely on. Excitement because I know we have a lifetime of smiles, laughter, and happiness to look forward to.

Now you are three years old. The glow in your eyes and that cheerful grin had always helped me get through every grief, sorrow, and heart ache. You are the reason why I look forward to every sunrise. You are the reason why I brave all hardships at work, and why I strive to do my best in everything I do. You are the fullness and fulfillment of my being and my existence. I thank God for sending you into my life. I love you Zion.

~ Mommy ~

Credits for this layout: Fall Collection 2009 by Kevin and Amanda; Strawberry Nirvana Kit from Let Me Scrap; Happiness WordArt from Feel the Love Collection - Petit Lips;