Lua Hagedorn

     Finally there’s electricity. I’ve been feeling down this past 48 hours because of the lack of it. Last saturday I came home to a really dark subdivision.  It was hard to accept because everyone outside the subdivision seems to be enjoying their normal fill of electicity and we inside the subdivision can do nothing but punch the now unforgetable number of "PALECO-Complaints and Quick Response"  I had my complaints alright,  but their quick response wasn’t that quick.

     This morning, after waking up and finding out that we were on our 36th hour of no electricity. I decided to bring the kids to Dolce Vita and spend the whole day by the poolside. Wading in the pool sure does beat the heat in the house. The dust makes it worst.  Construction is still ongoing and dust is everywhere.

     At about 4 this afternoon,  Alicia said there was already power back on. The kids immediately wanted to go home. They were already discussing/arguing who would use the computer first. They had this game of "batobato pick".  Whoever won would use the computer and the two losers would just have to make do with the television. Ever since summer vacation began,  I never were able to lay my hands on the computer and the tv remote. Not unless they were sleeping. Like now.

     Began teaching Lya how to swim properly today.  She learns fast.  I have to buy floaters so I can improve her stroke. I used to be in the swimming team when I was in college.  I never got to go to big time competitions nor did I get a chance in the local competitions.  I used to wonder why I ever was in the swimming team. Now i know why.  It’s because, so I’ll know how to teach my kids how to.  This summer,  I put it upon myself to teach my three kids to be good swimmers. In doing so,  I would be able to save money and spend time with my kids. Take note,  I didn’t say quality time.  Oh my Lord,  please give me patience,  do not let this experience be traumatic for them. These are children. Comparable to delicate plants.  Whatever I do today they will carry on for life.  Waaaah!!! I don’t think I’m up for it.

I woke up at the sound of rain this morning and smiled to myself.  Just last night,  the weatherman was threatening  everyone watching the news to expect heat, heat, heat and more heat. Yesterday, he said was in fact the hottest day of the month of March.  That may be true if you lived in Manila.  But here in Palawan, we palawenos experienced the first rain this summer and the whole days’ weather was fantastic.

   Lara, Mark and I had to wake up early since we had to go through the whole ritual of the kindergarten’s graduation.  It was a well prepared program and it was nice seeing the kids sing and dance for us parents.  I had to choke back my tears watching Lara sing the opening prayer. She was really good.  Memorized the lyrics and swayed gently to the music. Mommy and Daddy were really proud beaming parents.

     Mark had to leave early because he still had to attend a wedding somewhere in Sta. Monica.  But Nanay arrived just in time with my sister Neva to take Mark’s place. After the graduation rites,  we brought Lara to Lenzwork to have Ms. Len take a picture of her while she was in her toga. She was really cute.  Such a little miss.  I’ll post her pix once I get it next week.

     Lya is slowly losing weight.  I don’t know if it’s because of my controlling the rice she eats or if she’s growing taller? Maybe both? She seems to be growing taller these past few weeks. From 92 lbs she’s now 86 lbs.  But she’s  still overweight for her height.  So we are targetting 75 lbs.  That’s the normal for kids her age. So many people would think that I shouldn’t put my 10 year old child on a diet.  But my uncle who’s a pediatrician put me up to it.  If I don’t put her on a diet now,  I would never be able to make her lose weight.  This is the only time when I can control her. Once she reaches puberty,  dieting would be more difficult for her.  And if I really did love my child, I will put her on a healthy weight as early as possible.

     Leon is enjoying the summer vacation as early as now. Sleeping late and playing with Jeremiah and the 2 neighbors does beat regular classes.  But I had to put my foot down last night.  I had to pry his hands away from playing with the computer until dawn because he needs his sleep.  I spend so much on growth boosting vitamins to ensure he grows really tall,  I won’t make that go to waste with his late nights.  After all,  growth happens when the child sleeps.

     This summer,  if Lya is on a slimming diet, Lara on the other hand is on the fattening diet.  She eats a lot yet don’t gain weight.  I’m getting really scared.  I have to bring her to the doctor to have "general check up".  I’ll try to fatten her up for two weeks.  If there’s no improvement then she has to have extensive check up.

     This summer is going to be hectic.  I’m enrolling the kids in the summer workshops of Kamarikutan.  I’ve only enrolled them once before because they were simply not ready for it.  Now I think they’re ready.  I’ve enrolled Lya in piano lessons.  And all three would be enrolled in the Summer Art Workshops.  I know they’ll enjoy it.

    I guess this would be it for now.  I still have to step out and get paper for the printer. 

As I was growing up, my idea of good singers were Barbra Streisand and Kuh Ledesma. When I went to college I sort of leaned to jazz music hence bought the cassette tapes of Manhattan transfer and Seawind. Believe me I bought every single tape they released.  Knowing that the lead singer of seawind was a filipino, made me like the group even more.

Years went by and I was a witness to a lot of artists’ rise and fall.  One more talented than the preceding batch. Artists are getting younger and younger.  I guess it really does prove that the raise is indeed improving.  And we should anticipate 4 year old artist being released.  Wow!!! That would be the day.  Why not?  There are 12 year old college graduates being produced in this century.  The idea of having a real young talented artist coming up is not that impossible.

5 years ago,  there came Britney.  I can still remember my seeing her first video.  I knew she would be a big star.  She had something in her that I knew would make her one.  So even if personally I know for a fact that Christina Aguillera is a much better singer than Britney.  My collection of Britney’s cd is more complete than that of  Christina’s.

Now,  she may not have any singles out but she’s still the headliner that she was.  Her antics just makes me smile. From french kissing Madonna to showing her private parts.  She’s really different.  Guts!! That’s what she has.  She knows how to stay in the game even when her artistic juices are running dry. 

Go Britney,  some people still love you. And I’m not shy to publish that I’m one of them. haha Funny me,  I grew up listening to great singers yet now I admire performers who barely know how to sing.  Namely Madonna and Britney. I really do love them.

Yesterday was pretty hectic I didn’t even get to check my email.  Maybe it was also because I overslept. Kaya my time for coffee and email was forfeited. I hate staying up late.  Because my next day is affected.

Got a piece of jewelry for Mark.  I’m so glad he liked it.  I had to get it for him when I saw it.  It was the most beautiful piece I’ve ever seen.  I’m happy he was willing to wear it.  He doesn’t care much for it.  But this one was really nice.

Lya visited Ria. Spent the whole afternoon with Elaine in Aunt Czarina’s house. Wanted to stay over but Mark wouldn’t hear of it. Actually it was ok with me that she sleeps over.  But Mark will never allow it.  And I understand him.  My father was a strict man.  And sleepovers was a no-no. So I never experienced pyjama parties while growing up.  Except once in Nora’s house and then I slept so early,  I missed all the fun. Well if I didn’t sleep early they wouldn’t have fun. Until now I am haunted by the picture they took of me sleeping. Some were with my mouth open. Yaiks!!!! So, Lya? Sleepovers aren’t that fun anyway,  so go home and sleep here.

Now, the kids are on vacation except for Lara who still had to graduate.  Graduate?  With one year of kindergarten.  Why does one have to graduate in kindergarten.  Is it because the quality of students are degrading by the year and mothers are afraid it’s the only graduation they are going to experience?  It’s a bunch of crap if you ask me. It’s plain waste of time, effort, and money. Lya and Leon now can sleep up to what time.  But I had to wake up Lara because she had to go to "general practice".  What is this? A concert? Well…… it can be compared to a concert.  They practice endlessly, they have a costume( the toga ) and we were made to pay an amount which was necessary for graduating.  Haaaaay!! But I guess it’s ok because Lara looked cute in her toga.  So cute that I had to bring her to a studio so a professional photographer can take a pic of her.  Will post it here once I get it.

Now,  I’m just waiting for Lara to finish eating breakfast.  Then I have to go on with my day.  Take Lara to "general practice". Go to McCoy’s and do my daily routine, get Lara again. Cook lunch, nag the kids the whole day, do my surprise visit McCoy’s again. Make some sauces perhaps, critisize my kitchen, etc etc just to keep my staff on their toes. But don’t get me wrong.  I love my staff.  They’re wonderful. Been with me for a long time.  Some are on their fifth year.  And they’re like family to me. But I have to do my job so they will do theirs right?

Oooops,  I have to end now.  Lara is now brushing her teeth and it’s almost time for us to go.  Today is another day,  I am praying it goes well for me and all my family.  Have to visit my mother,  she’s complaining ever since I married she’s lost a daughter daw. Maybe this afternoon after all my chores.

March 14, 2007

Early this morning, right after my morning chores, I was enjoying my routine coffee in front of the computer while checking my email. As usual,  friends dropped a line or two just to keep in touch.  Just to let me know they remembered me first thing in the morning or late last night. I spent the next hour answering my emails.  Towards the end of my routine cybercommunicating. I thought to myself, this was the best thing I did this month.  With this internet connection I not only connected with long time friends but I polished up my typing prowess as well.  hehehe I felt as if I’ve accomplished something. As the morning sun became too unbearable( I check my email at 6 am. when the sun is just shining on me gently and I can feel it kiss my arms and back)I decided to go about my daily chores.  The whole day was hectic, but manageable.  Later this afternoon,  Neva and I even managed to go to the parlor and have our monthly hairspa( whatever that is but since they said it was better than "hotoil" so be it.) I spent time with Neva until it was time for Neva to break her fast.  Hurrah!!! Another day of discipline accomplished by my sister.(We Baha’is fast every year from March 2 to March 20.) Dropped Neva and our friend "Rashida" to the internet cafe and went home. Had to decline Jamela’s invitation to have coffee Itoy’s because I was already tired and Lara had a little fever.( but after a little loving,  my little "turtle" was fine.) Leon spent the whole day playing outside with the neighbors sons and Ulya monopolized the computer to herself. I guess my day went really well.  Did everything that had to be done. The kids are happy,  Mark is doing really well and my staff in McCoy’s can manage without me.  Always remember,  the sign of a good manager is when your people can go on well even at your absence.  Well……at least that’s what my mother told me. Now,  I am getting ready to sleep…………….I hope tomorrow will be another day like this, if it’s better then i’ll be more than lucky.  God really loves me.

A year ago a friend lent me a book entitled " Kitchen confidential".  Oh My!! I read it two times as a missed some portions because my mind was somewhere else while reading. Ang kapal ng mukha ko kasi pinahiram ko pa sa kaibigan ko ang book because it was so hilarious I had to share it with as much people as I could.  Sept 2006,  I was in National bookstore in my must window shopping everytime I go to Manila,  I saw that they had the book in stock.  I had to buy it.  And more!! The second book by the same author was in stock as well. Gosh ang mahal ha.  But minsan lang naman ako mag give in sa luho.  And I really love reading.  Now I’ve finished reading the second book of the Chef/Author " Anthony Bourdain.  And now gusto ko na din magtravel because if the first book was about restaurant running. The second book was about where to eat  when you travel around the world.  Masama na ito.  Parang guidebook baga kung san ka kakain. Peeps!! Do read these books. Aliw.   I had fun and I think you will too. 2 recommended books both by Anthony Bourdain. 1)Kitchen Confidentials and 2) A Cooks Tour.

Have fun!!!