Guarding my Happily Ever After

People think that happily ever after starts on the day the wedding bells toll. Fairy tales give this perception that the best of all relationships is when “they live happily ever after". But would one ever wonder what happened to Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty after that kiss from their Prince Charming? In the real, imperfect world, after the happily ever after is when reality sets in. Along the way, there will always be issues to deal with – kids, finances, home, infidelity, in-laws etc. It will not always be a bed of roses or a fairytale plot.

Lately, my happily ever after was put to a test. Along with my pregnancy, I had the worst of all discoveries. I may be wrong with my doubts but it sure made me ask a big WHY? God knows how I tried to keep mum about it trying to pretend as if I never had a hint. I tried not to be hysterical but how can I not when it is my man out there fooling around. He was never caught in the act but had I not been early in my discovery, he would probably succumb to temptation in the long run. I know this is way too personal to be shared in the open but I guess it is something some couples might learn from and it eases the pain a bit. I tried to respect his privacy… you know... restraining myself from peeking into his cellphone or his emails but God must have a way of making me aware so I could prevent a wrong doing before it gets out of proportion. So there, it has been a week since that emotional rollercoaster. There was no major fight as I don’t want to stress myself on that issue. We just talked. The issue is about to die though and we’re back to our normal selves trying to work on that happily ever after everyday.

But I am not letting my guards down if it’s the only way of guarding my happily ever after and keeping my family in-tacked. The b*tches will have to back-off as I am ready to fight hell with them despite my huge baby bump. And the husband will have to be on his toes coz it so happen he has a secret agent for a wife. Haha!

“It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day-to-day basis"
Margaret Bonnano

On your birthday...

Dad,

I wish there is a way I could make this day very special for you. I would have want it to be really special but you always emphasize that you don’t really celebrate birthdays so I’ll just leave it as that. Nevertheless, here’s to another year of rockin’ and rollin’ in this so called life. I wish every year would be so much better for us both at home and at work. You’re the best, you just don’t know it.

Much love on your birthday and always,

Me and Alex

The Tedious Task At Hand (yet again...)

If there’s one thing I am NOT excited about moving, it’s the packing and unpacking of our things. It’s one thing that I am not so fond of considering my allergy rhinitis that strikes every time we move out to a new place and the stress that goes with moving. Now, hubby has been bugging me to start packing since our big move is less than 3 weeks from now. But he’s not helping at all and I couldn’t get the help I need. My sisters are busy with school stuff and our helper is serious about quitting by the end of the month. That’s another dilemma I am about to face. I already sought the help of my ever-supportive mama but she told me it’s really difficult to look for helpers nowadays.

For the last two weekends, I’ve only packed two boxes of our stuff mostly old clothes. I wanted to get rid of them but it’ll definitely take time sorting them. I have a huge box already reserved for bundles of joy come Christmas. I haven’t really come up with a list of what to pack first or next. Truth is I’m not really up for it. If only I could move our stuff from our current house to the new abode with just a snap of a finger the way magicians do, I would have done it.

But there’s this distraction that’s been eating my time right now including that of my officemates. The thing is, we've been hooked to Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. Darn, I just couldn’t put a good book down. After more than a week of being hooked, I am now into the 3rd book and looking forward to the 4th and final series. Sometimes, I am so into the book that I set aside some really important stuff like sorting and packing and even leaving Alex to mess around the house. I’m such a terrible mom and wife!

Anyway, talking about distractions...here they are!!!

Photo Credits: http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/

Finally, a Home of our Own

We’ve been renting for more than six years moving from one house and apartment to another five different times. Whenever we settled in a house or apartment, we made no effort in beautifying it or even acquiring furniture except for the bed and the dining table. It’s not always easy packing up your stuff and re-packing it again more so doing it five times the last six years.


Now that we finally decided getting our first house through Pag-ibig, hubby and I are so excited. We’re both excited conceptualizing the interiors and buying the pieces that go with it. We always wanted a minimalist home so it should be organized, no frills, no curves, less clutter, not a lot of stuff and no bold colors. I’m also thrilled on how to make use of the 40 square meters extra lot we have. Aside from using it as a parking space, I’m also thinking of making a pocket garden or a mini-Japanese garden out of it. There are so many ideas and designs to choose from especially that I’ve been browsing through home and gardening magazines and sites. We also get some ideas from home depot and displays in the mall.

This will be our first house. First because we always have what we call our dream house… our dream design and architecture which will be a lot bigger with all the comfort and luxury life can offer. Of course, that will happen when we’re financially stable and able. But for now, our first house in Genesis Subdivision, Mactan is good enough for our little yet growing family. And it is just proper that our subdivision is called Genesis…it will be like the beginning, the start of a dream fulfilled of having a home of our own.

At last, after months of waiting and several follow-ups, our Pag-ibig Housing loan was finally approved. We already paid the move-in fees last week and I’ve been postponing trips to the developer’s office to get our Permit to Occupy (PTO). Being pregnant and all, I tend to be really lazy. If our finances permit, we will start working on some minor construction… tiled floors, cabinets and the sink to be transferred outside. It was such a relief however I’m a bit scared coz the amortization starts next month.

Photo credits: http://www.clipartheaven.com/

6 Years and counting...

Last August 3, hubby and I celebrated our 6th year anniversary. I know I haven’t blogged about it as it happens but it’s never too late. The day was a Sunday which was really perfect timing considering that it’s also a family day. I have to excuse myself from attending PASAP’s outreach program as this day has to be spent with hubby and of course, Alex. We just dine at some Mexican restaurant after hearing mass. I’m not really sure what was in our food or drinks coz when we reached home, we were dropped dead tired…as in totally knocked out. We didn’t even get to change our clothes.

Anyway, six years is quite a feat already what with a lot of cases of broken homes within our midst. I know my friends from before wouldn’t even thought that Earl and I would last this long in our marriage having witnessed how we were prior to being husband and wife. Earl and I never started as friends. There was a month of courtship then we became a couple. After that, it was a roller-coaster relationship with constant break-up and make-up along the way. I mean, we were never the so-called ideal couple and our marriage is far from perfection. But we decided to make it really work and at least be a good husband and wife to each other. We still have some adjustments but not really life threatening ones. We still fight but I guess we have passed that stage where we fight over trivial matters. So, most of the time, we no longer fight haha! I support all his endeavors (career, rock bands, and boys’ night out) while he understands my usual melodramas. Perhaps, what really made it work is that we have learned to compromise. And along the way, we have become each other’s confidante. We talk incessantly over anything before bedtime, laugh at each other’s jokes and goof around like kiddos which I find (sometimes) cute.

There! That’s my post anniversary post.

Here’s to SIX YEARS dad (and counting)… with Alex, a baby on the way and a new house in the offing ….what more could I ask for. With you, life is definitely good! (hope I could still utter the same words 10, 15, 30 plus plus years from now **grin**)

Feeling the Pinch

I used to enjoy doing the grocery but lately when all the prices of commodities are soaring high, the grocery is one place I dreaded the most. On my latest trip to the grocery, I only had few items in my grocery bag with a receipt of one thousand pesos plus plus. These are what I got in my bag: a kilo of purefoods hotdog, a small bottle cooking oil, 6 pieces burger patties, 6 pieces burger bun, a bottle of rubbing alcohol (biggest size), a pack of biscuits, a kilo of powdered orange juice, sandwich bags, bottle of 250ml shampoo and a tube of 250ml conditioner. Geezz, I didn’t even get to buy the basic commodity like meat, fish and rice.

My lola would often tell me stories about how things are simple and inexpensive back in her time. She has a lot of things in her possession that are really cheap. Imagine an original painting of a famous artist displayed at her dinning room which costs only 35 cents and her pair of bakya slippers which she still uses until now for only 1 cent. My lola would tell me that their life may be simple back then but they have the abundance of mother nature’s produce.

Gone are the days when almost all household would stack one sack of rice in a month. Gone are the days when a regular household can afford and cook special meals. It’s just horrifying to see almost all prices gone up. Though some can still afford to splurge from time to time, my family would start tightening the belts. In this time of crisis, we can’t afford to waste food, water, electricity, gas and money. With the house amortization to commence really soon, I’m starting to feel the financial pinch. Though I try not to stress about it too much coz there’s really nothing I can do to lower down these prices but I have listed down some strategies that might help in small and big ways.

* Cut on unnecessary purchases on material things like clothes, toys, gadgets etc.

* Instead of eating out at some fancy restos during weekends, prepare meals at home for the family to enjoy.

* This I started doing...instead of buying at the office canteen, pack up lunch and/or snacks to work. It’s good that we have a microwave oven at work.

* Limit use of appliances like television, dvd player, computer, electric iron, electric fan, lights and the fridge (which has to be defrosted every week).

* Yard sale (this will happen prior to the big move)...To clean up the closet and at least have some extra cash for some of my projects in the new house like landscape, new curtains etc.

* Ditch using car and start a trend of riding a bike in going to the office or elsewhere...Why not? We could save on gasoline, minimize pollution and good way to exercise.

I hope the government will also do something about this increase in commodities aside from giving away P500 bucks to less fortunate Filipinos which I think is just a temporary remedy. Why not come up with long term solutions to problems like implement compressed work schedule for some companies and government agencies. This will lessen fuel and electricity consumption.

Well, I'll think of some more creative ideas on how to deal with this pinch and update this list. Feel free to share some...

Salute to the Fathers in my Life

Here's to all the fathers in this world and to the awesome daddies in my life.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

Dad
Beyond being a husband, you’ve played a great role in being a good dad to Alex. In between being a rock star and being a drug pusher medical representative, you always find ways and time in perfecting that daddy role. I thank you for embracing our little girl with so much love and care. I’m sure that you will always be her idol, her bestfriend (next to me) and the coolest dad in the whole world.

Papsi
I will always be proud of you whether you’re a well-respected human resource manager or the sari-sari store manager. My childhood may not be that perfect but it has been a happy one despite the occasional spanking and scolding from you. Albeit stern in your manner of discipline with your girls (including myself), I think your message has been delivered and accepted pretty well. We are what we are because of you…God-fearing, well-mannered and smart offspring.

Daddy
Thank you for welcoming me into your wonderful and unique family. From the very start, I always feel accepted and at home. Though we don’t talk that much, I will always be grateful for all the support and kind gestures you have afforded our little family. You will always be that “wonderwall” we could always rely on.

To Stay or Go

A common friend of hubby and me who now works as a SPED teacher in New Orleans asked me if I have plans taking up SPED course and eventually go abroad. It’s something that I personally want to do. But whenever that topic pops up, it would always lead into an argument with the hubs. He was flabbergasted of the idea and was accusing me of not having concern for this family and prioritizing money over him and my daughter. He was also narrating stories of broken homes and infidelity of spouses either those working abroad or those being left behind. I rest my case. His reasons were valid. He just couldn’t leave their family business considering that he’s next in line to manage it. I don’t want to push the issue. So, I told our friend Aloi that we’re staying and if chance permits, we’ll just pay him a visit sometime soon. Of course, that would be next to impossible.

We leave our country for so many reasons. Why do I want to leave this country in the first place? I’m not ashamed to say that it’s all because of money… money to build my dream house, to buy my dream car, to travel the world, to be able to provide the basic needs and wants of my family. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t worship money nor does my world evolve on money. But sometimes, when you’ve experienced how it is to be deprived financially, you’ll definitely understand where I’m coming at. Yes, I may be earning more than enough to achieve all of those but as to when, I really don’t know. I have lots of dreams for my family --- not just my immediate family but my parents and siblings as well. I want to provide them with a life where they don’t have to worry about where to get tuition fee payments for my sibs, where to get money for food, where to get money to pay the bills etc. And I'm pretty fed up with the way our leaders run this country. The poor become poorer and the rich richer. We pay our taxes yet there's not much improvement in our system and infrastructure. I'm just tired period.

But with such indifference from my husband, I guess I’m bound to stay. Working abroad could be a temporary solution to our financial distress but I don’t want to sacrifice my relationship with my husband and daughter over money. Good thing that I decided to open up to him prior to really taking the course.

Beware

Beware of this woman who claims to be a rich balikbayan and brags about having a car and staying in a posh hotel. Her modus operandi is that she'll borrow something from you - expensive items or cash. Of course, after making you believe that she's well-off, you will find yourself giving her what she's asking for. Then she disappears without a trace. She goes by the name Giselle but uses other names such as Charli.

Hubby's encounter with her started when they accidentally bumped into each other in Ayala last week. They were classmates in elementary. After a little "kumustahan" and exchange of numbers, they went on their separate ways. She was bragging about her riches and all and shared her intent of buying a house and lot in near the beach. So, hubby referred her to our broker who eventually made her checked a twenty-million peso fully furnished house in Mactan. Our broker was made to believe that she's really buying the house and take note - on spot cash ha! In the process of checking the house, she borrowed a lot of stuff from the owner and even from our broker. She borrowed a digicam, cellphone, two thousand five hundred pesos and another one thousand pesos. After getting all the items, she talked it out with them and made many excuses which they really believed. The day ends and she was gone and never answered any of our broker's phonecalls. Our broker suspected that hubby was involved since he was the one who referred Giselle to him. Hubby, oblivious of Giselle's personality and history, investigated further and discovered that Giselle was a notorious swindler. She was once imprisoned because she was involved in a swindling activity. Friday night, they were able to trace her whereabouts and was able to retrieve the items but not the cash. As expected, she was making a lot of excuses and alibis. The bad thing though was that they weren't able to contact the police during the entrapment. Thus, this woman is still out there just waiting for her next victim.

Ink-ed for Life

There has been a lot of misconceptions about people with tattoo and they are often conceived as drug addicts, drunkard or worst, ex-convicts. Maybe some are but definitely not everybody. Hubby has 3 tattoos - two on both legs and one at his back. I have nothing against it, it's his skin anyway. As long as I don't have to pitch in the pain and expense, I'm cool with it.

Ink For Life Tattoo Studio

This afternoon, hubby had his back tattoo pimped at Ink For Life. My daughter's second name in Old English font has been permanently etched in his back. He had the ink darken and added a ripped off design. The tattoo artist did a superb job and it was a good deal at PhP9,000 for the entire package with 4 sessions. Other tattoo studios in town would charge you almost PhP 20K for a tattoo that big. It was his second session already he's planning to add more designs in the remaining sessions. Another good thing about IFL is that they don't ask you to pay the package one time.

the tattoo artist getting busy

So, why get a tattoo? Is it for vanity or just showing off? Is it really worth the pain? Hubby says he appreciates the art that goes with it. After getting one, he just can't stop and wanted more that's why he already got three tats and perhaps a few more. I've been meaning to get one ala Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) in The Bucket List maybe a little tat on my middle finger - a cherry blossom or a star maybe that would look like a ring. Hubby said, he'll try to negotiate with the artist to have mine for free. I think I have high tolerance to pain. I was practicing by pricking my fingers with a needle just to see how it feels. I guess I can manage.

after three hours...this is still unfinished

Part One: CDO Adventure 2008

Growing up in the province has exposed me to the laid back and slow-mo life. I always love the tranquility that the province has to offer with the beauty of Mother Nature right in your fingertips. This year's trip to Cagayan de Oro City was an escape from the hussle and bussle of Cebu city life. Though CDO is a city in itself, it is far from being highly urbanized and industrialized compared to Manila or Cebu. Don't get me wrong. I didn't mean it in a negative way though. The entire province still boasts of lush greenery, panoramic view of the mountains, and clean air.

We were told that our itinerary for this year would include a trip to the beach. I'm quite relieved because I have always love the beach may it be white sandy ones or the gray or rocky beaches. Black Saturday came, we pack up our things and drove more than 120 kilometers east of Cagayan de Oro City.

I'll be posting several pictures and will just put some captions. I'm too tired to compose a story that long about our adventures. Just let the pictures speak for themselves.

first off...the captain of the ship
passing through blind curves and always meet this sign
and this too
we don't wanna miss this

seriously, you think the criminals in this town will take their police seriously?
first pit stop...for lunch
while waiting for the food to be served, we practiced our "sniper" skills with their shooting range

we were also entertained by this cute little fellow

finally...Duka Bay Resort
this sure looks fun...getting ready to "snorkeeel"

i swear, it's a beautiful world down there.
this kid had a blast and this surfer is waiting for the big waves to come...they never came!

and when the sun sets along with the aching sunburn, we called it a day.

You can view more pictures here.

Topless

Nope.

It's not what you're thinking.

Just because it's summer, you have all the reasons to go topless.

Why not?

Hahaha...got you there!

These are Topless Sandals given to us by Ate Leonor.

It's really comfy you wouldn't even know you're wearing a slipper and it's perfect for summer.

Check out how it works and see other designs here.

Tara Na, Biyahe Tayo!

" A good traveller has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving."

- Lao Tzu -

(taken at CDO port)

-----------------------

Reached Cagayan de Oro safe and sound after all the chaos we encountered at the port. What do you expect, it's the travel season. Good thing, me and Alex have less baggage since hubby, who went ahead with us, already brought most of our things. I just wish you all a very peaceful and meaningful Holy Week with your family and loved ones.

This House

Been eyeing this new subdivision in Consolacion, Cebu. I hope this time, if the budget permits and with a little help from hubby’s dad, we’ll be able to have what we call “our home”. We’ve been renting the last 5 years since we got married and it’s pretty exhausting moving from one house to another. Two years back, we started paying this house in Mactan but decided not to pursue for proximity and financial reasons. It was a hard decision especially that we’re almost halfway in completing the equity dues and the developer just refunded us almost half of what we initially paid for. Earlier today, hubby and I visited the site in Consolacion Valley. The houses look like candy bars from the top view of the valley with different colors and motif each house. The units are ready for occupancy but we just have to pay 30% of the total amount for us to move in. The first time I saw the house in the net, I fell in love with the design and the colors. Seeing and stepping inside the house/s feels like home.

I hope and pray this house is meant for us and that Consolacion Valley will be our little community where my children will grow and build friendships and run around the garden chasing our dog or cats. No more turning back. I mean, I’m ready to give up my whims just for this house. I am willing to eat nothing in the next five years or so just for this house...So help us God.

Our future home and neighborhood... (fingers crossed!)

Unforgettable

We broke up days before Valentines Day and so we never really get the chance to celebrate our first valentines as sweethearts. I still remember that day so vividly. With a heavy heart, I forced myself to get up and go to work. I was telling myself "what the heck, today is just like any other day so move on and get over it...this day will end before you even know it". Nevertheless, I went on with my daily routine. The ride from home to the office seems endless. I was looking at people around me, they look excited and there's a certain glow on their faces. And I feel like the depressed one with bloodshot eyes fresh from a crying marathon. When I reached the office, I immediately devoured the tasks at hand and kept myself busy. It was 8:30 am when our receptionist called my attention saying out loud that a bouquet of flowers has been delivered for me. I noticed heads and necks snooping out of the cubes as it was the first delivery of the day. It was unexpected. I wanted to cry but my officemates were looking at me with eyebrows raised. I knew what's on their mind. They knew our story ---break up and make-up cycle. It was like every month that we broke up and I was always the subject of the office gossips. But I was the hard-headed girl and I just brushed off their side comments.

That night, I wrote these on my journal...

February 14, 2002

"I know this day would be a torture just seeing lovers holding hands, girls receiving bouquet of flowers or balloons, couples on dinner dates. I just wish I'll never have to go to work so I wouldn't witness all these. But I guess I have no choice. I have to face this day like any other ordinary days. I went to work not expecting too much. I just want to close my eyes so I don't see anything. Surprisingly, I received flowers from my ex-boyfriend Earl. He's making it really harder for me. Why is he doing this to me? What is he trying to imply? Well, somehow I survived this day...all alone! Aarrgghhh!"

To date, I still keep the bouquet of flowers he gave me all dried up and still with the note attached to it. (yeah, yeah I am a hopeless romantic like that). I also learned that the flower shop where he bought the flowers closed shop months later. But something new came through after that unforgettable valentines coz we got married six months after. Fast forward to 2008, we now have this critter named Alessaundrei - our daughter.

I hope you all have a romantic and unforgettable Valentines Day today. But don't spend too much and be safe out there. **wink**

Note: Pardon the mushiness but above story is my entry to Noemi Dado's LoveStruck Writing Contest. If you wish to join the contest or just want to read the rest of the lovestruck stories, click here.

On Valentines...On Love

Tomorrow is Valentines Day.

It may be red-letter day to some lovestruck couples but to me and Earl, it's just an ordinary Thursday. We don't normally celebrate the occasion. I used to make a big fuzz out of it for not going with the flow but times have change and my view on this day has immensely matured.

In my younger years, I used to think that LOVE is all about hugs and kisses and dinner dates and flowers and chocolates and mushy love notes and cheesy text messages and calls and butterflies in my stomach. Now that I have a husband and kid, I view love in a different perspective. More mature this time. More of others rather than myself. More of what I can give than what I will receive. It goes beyond material things and the nauseating feeling of being love; it is doing little sacrifices for your loved ones without any qualms or hesitations or expecting something in return. Like caring for a sick daughter. Like waking up way too early to cook breakfast for your family. Like going out of the way to run errands for your sister. Like taking time to listen to a friend with marital woes. Like sharing financial blessings with your parents. These things we do for love never go out of style...never wither...never causes cavities (like chocolates)...never a tad bit corny. And it's a sure hit to capture the hearts of people we love.

Flowers and balloons may have a way of making our heart skip a bit or leaving us starry-eyed for a while, but what really matters the most is the love we can give not just on Valentines Day but everyday of our lives. And oh, it's not just love but the many things that goes with it --- respect, trust, commitment, honesty, care, humility --- and the list goes on and on.

my everyday valentine

"In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love."

~Mother Teresa~

PMN FamPICS: STRAIGHT

This month's theme for PMN FamPICS is STRAIGHT.

And my idea of STRAIGHT is...

...the rope that puts together this shell curtain.

at Sutukil in Mactan

...the pathway towards the beach.

pathway at Plantation Bay

...my daughter's long ang straight tresses that she got from my genes.

daughter giving me a hug

...the straight guy for the queer eye.

hubby...standing straight in this pic

**You can check the rest of the FamPICS here.

Infidelity in Marriage

One of the most painful experiences we go through in our marriage and perhaps in LIFE is finding out your better half is cheating on you. Worst is when he or she admits to the mistake.

I am not talking about my own marriage here. Knock on wood…God forbids!

I am talking about a friend whose marriage is about to fall because of her husband’s infidelity. Last Saturday, I received a message from her asking me if I have any knowledge whatsoever about her husband having an affair with another woman. She said she’s been hearing rumors from other people about the affair but she wanted to investigate further. She also told me that they suddenly drifted apart and they’re not in good speaking terms the past six months.

The following day, she sent me another message informing that her husband admitted to the crime so to speak and that even my husband knows about the affair. What a shame! But my husband told me that he doesn’t want to complicate things and stick his nose in their situation -- the reason for his silence.

I really don’t know the reasons behind the problems in their marriage but cheating on your spouse is totally taboo. If I were in her shoes, I would definitely feel devastated and I would fight hell for my right as a wife to the extent of killing b**ches who gets in the way. And these cheating husbands should also be taught some lessons. I used to think that her husband is the sanest among their barkada but I guess men will always be men. They easily succumb to temptations especially when it comes to women. I’ve personally talked to my friend yesterday and she admitted that perhaps she is to be blamed as well. The culprit has been they fail to find TIME for each other. She was focused on her career trying to support her family’s needs while her husband is passionately managing a resto-bar and a mistress. She said she doesn’t deserve all these crap and even thinks of ending the marriage. I told her to hang on if she thinks it is still worth it. As the song goes, “Don’t give in without a fight”.

At some point in our marriage, I had doubts about my husband having an affair. My self-esteem was quite low at that time and I had this insane suspicion that he’s replacing me for some hot chick in his friendster network. I even tried some crazy stuff just to gather some proof but they weren’t strong enough to support my allegation. So, I just allowed the issue to die. And here we are still holding on. Circumstances like these make me hang on to our marriage and love my husband even more. I do have doubts sometimes considering his profession but more than that I trust him to be faithful all the time. It’s the trust that’s really important. He may look at other girls in a lustful way but at the end of the day, he will always come home to me.

I'm Not Your Superwoman

KARYN WHITE lyrics

Rock My World!

He may not be the world's greatest drummer...

He may not be the world's famous rocker...

And to some, his music is just a noise...

But he sure ROCKS MY WORLD!!!

WARNING: THE MUSIC YOU ARE ABOUT TO HEAR IS NOT GOOD FOR YOUR EARS!!!

Natal Cleft Video 1

Natal Cleft Video 2

Natal Cleft Video 3




Watch out for these guys...they sure could conquer the hardcore metal rock scene!

And hey, that's my husband on drums!