Island of Sodor

By putting together Yohan's individual playsets, we were able to replicate the Island of Sodor, home of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. The Island of Sodor is a "magical land that could only be accessed via a Magic Railroad or by using mysterious "gold dust".

Bicol Express

Jules cooked Bicol Express for lunch. I realized we have different spiciness tolerance. He told me it wasn't spicy because he used very few peppers. The dish was delicious but I think I had to drink a pitcher of water to put out the burning sensation in my mouth. Jules on the other hand, didn't seem bothered at all. I think he would have wanted more peppers. But being a considerate husband and all, he toned down the spiciness for me. I said maybe next time he could just set aside some for me and he could make the rest of the dish according to his taste.

Could it be Asthma?

Asthma?! I've been having a hard time breathing lately so I went to the doctor for a check up. He said I may have asthma. Oh my, that's bad news! He prescribed some medicines and told me to come back if symptoms persist.

My mom has asthma so there's a possibility I may also get it at one point. Hope it's a false alarm.

The doctor also told me to start a regular form of exercise. Now, that's a tough one. I admit, I need some form of exercise because I easily get tired from doing small activities. Jules is encouraging me to play badminton with him. Now, that means extra expenses if you ask me. I would have to buy badminton shoes and a racquet. I would rather buy new sandals. ha! ha!

Demise of Planet Pluto

Planet Pluto, 1930 - 2006

You won't exactly find it on the obituary but the International Astronomical Union announced Pluto's demise last Thursday.

It seems that the small planet has failed to pass the specifications of being a planet raised by the astronomers. According to the International Astronomical Union, one has to be "a celestial body that is in orbit around the sun, has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a ... nearly round shape, and has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit" in order to be categorized as a planet. It appears to be that Pluto has failed these specifications, thus, it has been demoted to that of a "dwarf planet."

My Lil' Cowboy

Yohan was invited to a cowboy party by Sean (Jules' godchild). Mom Norma was kind enough to make Yohan a cowboy vest. The Y patch gave the vest a nice personal touch to it.

I wasn't able to take a proper picture of Yohan wearing his cowboy outfit so I'll just describe it. He was wearing a checkered yellow polo, brown vest, khaki pants and matching cowboy hat.

I was very lucky to find a cowboy hat in a small toy store for only P59.00. Before that, I saw a nice cowboy hat but it costs ten times more so I was delighted to find a much cheaper one. The hat wasn't on display. I was about to leave the toy store when I thought of asking one of the sales staff. It was my day coz she told me that she had a few left in the storage room. Lucky me!

It was quite a big party. I guess most parents have grown accustomed to giving their children a nice party when they turn seven. I remember as a child, my parents also gave me a memorable party when I turned seven. Many parents I know give big parties for their children at ages one, seven, sixteen and eighteen.

Yohan enjoyed the magic show but he was more captivated by the fire eating stunt. He watched in awe as the cowboy put the blazing flame inside his mouth. Yohan looked back at me with a questioning look. I told him that it was a trick that he should never try at home because it was very dangerous. I told him that only professional people can perform that stunt.

The cowboy host gave away a few sculptured balloons. Yohan eagerly waited for his turn but he didn't get one. He seemed very disappointed and I really felt sorry for him. I was glad that he didn't cry and seemed to accept that only a few lucky ones got balloons.

To cheer him up, we went to McDonald's drive thru to get him two Happy Meals. We knew it was the first day of the Pokemon Happy Meal promo so Yohan was truly delighted to get his Pokemon characters. He chose Picachu and Blastoise.

The lil' cowboy went home smiling after all.

Feeback from Down Under

I received an email from JW, the employer of my dear friend Cris. It goes...

Dear Rachel,

This is to let you know that I have received your e-mail indicating your interest in employment at my McDonald's Restaurant. I am at present working with Australian Immigration on the requirements to allow me to sponsor overseas staff. I thank you for your interest and will contact you when I have received the necessary information from the Immigration Department.

Kind regards

Jeff Watkins

I thanked him for sending me some feeback and told him that I'll just wait for further advice.

Cris recommended me and Jules to JW and assured him that we're hardworking individuals. The three of us used to work for the same office and we've been good friends ever since.

Abrakadabra

Tisha performed her magic trick infront of the family.
It was a nice magic trick and she garnered a loud applause.
It's common practice for a magician not to reveal his or her secrets.
But Tisha made an exception for Yohan.
She taught him the ropes and the novice Yohan gave it a try.
He was an instant hit!



The magician puts the rambutan inside.
Ala ka zoom! Ala ka zam!
It magically disappears.
Abrakadabra !!!
Ta-da! The rambutan is back.

Window of Opportunity

Cris called me yesterday to ask if I was interested to work for McDonald's Australia. Her boss told her they needed one more to complete their team and Cris thought about me. Her boss is willing to sponsor me. Cris gave me the email address of her boss and I sent my resume the same day.

Later Cris texted me to ask if I had any experience in the food industry ... which I don't so that might be a problem. There's really no harm in trying. I told her that if it doesn't work out, I'm willing to wait for other windows of opportunity to open.