Black and White

I said if you're thinkin' of
being my brother
it don't matter if you're
Black Or White

These were lines in Michael Jackson's Black or White, a song that tackles racism and how it affects humanity. If there are two things I share in common with MJ, it would be his love for God and his eagerness to know people from all walks of life.

Being an expatriate, I had my share of unpleasant treatments but those are minimal compared to the hearty welcome I get from other nationals. As I wrote some weeks back, what you do is something that your kids will pick up and imitate. If you show respect and kindness, your kids would surely follow. I not only tell my kids to be nice, I show them how to be nice to others. I'm glad that as early as now, they look beyond skin color. They are not color-blind but they don't see having light skin greater than being brown.

I took this photo of my older son with his classmates; Austrians, Polnish, Nigerian and/or interracial. This was during their visit at the Schönbrunn zoo to which I went as a guardian along with other parents. I got along well with a Nigerian dad during the trip, aside from him I got lots of Nigerian friends; they are a bunch of the nicest people I know. 

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Being nice is not always easy though. At times, I feel the same way as the psalmist A'saph did. "For I became envious of the boasters, [When] I would see the very peace of wicked people." (Psalms 73:3) I see some being happy and peaceful with their attitude - their spouting racial slurs against others. It's as though doing such gives them a sense of enjoyment while I feel bad that I don't enjoy it with them. It is certainly easier to be wicked than righteous.

At one point, I boarded a bus along with my two boys and there stood a kid with her mom. (I can't be sure but judging from their features they must be from Western Europe.)  We sat on the nearest spot by the door, which is just by the open area where the mom and the kid stood. The kid kept looking at us perhaps trying to figure out what our nationality is. Since both boys got their chinky eyes from their grandpa (from Singapore), they are mostly thought of as either Japanese or Chinese. The kid gestured slanting eyes. I ignored her and my kids not knowing what it meant didn't bother. I don't take offense for that. For once or twice; it's fine but it got annoying...nice as I am I looked at the kid warily so she would get the message, I looked at the mom too but she was nonchalant - a perfect example of kids learning from their parents, if the mom think it ok then the kid will think there's nothing wrong with what she's doing. Well, it's that or perhaps the mom doesn't know what slanting eyes mean and that the kid herself has no idea.  :(

My daughter with my friend's daughter (Peruvian-Austrian), 2009.

I make sure my kids meet a lot of interracial children...I bring my daughter along whenever I meet up with my Spanish-speaking friend and her daughter. I met her in German class and we hit it off as I can speak a bit with her in her mother tongue. She is also a foodie, she enjoys the adobo I cook. :D Our daughters get along well, we would bring them to the park, we would eat together, The two of them would play while my friend I talk endlessly about taxes, our family, our family back home and most of all, we compare Spanish and Tagalog words. lol.

Daughter goofing around with her closest friend, a mestiza -Filipino-Austrian.

My daughter's closest friend is a 6-year-old who lives 15 minutes from us. I allow her to sleep over only at their place because I trust her parents 100%.  Her mom is Austrian and her dad is Pinoy (which people find amusing as it's usually an Austrian dad-Pinoy mom tandem)...I don't easily trust but her dad is one of, if not the most, trustworthy dads out there.

Little boy with ate and kuyas (Pinoys) and another ate (Japanese-Austrian), 2008.

Teaching kids about racial differences means the openness to talk about it. Not talking about racism is the same as you avoiding it. An expert once said that sometimes we think that if we talk about issues of race with our children, we are making them notice race in a way that they did not before...perhaps; but if we talk about it like any other things and positively then they will absorb it that way. 

Telling them that what makes a person is the inside and not the outside will make them look at people for who they are. Most importantly, telling them about God's love for diversity is the same...just like the flowers which were created in different colors, smell and form, we humans have our own beauty and characteristic that sets us apart from others. We are after all created in his likeness, we are of the same mold no matter if we are black, white, yellow, pink or brown.

(My brother and sisters in faith; a diversity of culture from the Philippines, Mexico, Austria, Nigeria, Romania and the US...one Father no matter if our skin colors are brown, black or white).

 I think I thought my kids the lesson well when I decided to live a multicultural life.

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I married a computer geek/gamer/artist/handyman

The perks of being married to a computer geek slash gamer slash artist slash adventurer slash handyman are:

1. There will be three working computers, a tablet PC, 3 laptops and 2 macs - all connected with LAN at home. You go to the kitchen and you can find easy recipes if your cookbook has been played upon by the little boy. You go to the bedroom and you can blog without hurting your back (err, you can do that by lying down head up, lol).

2. You will never miss an email because he got you a phone with a tariff that includes email and internet.

3. You won't get viruses even if he doesn't install an anti-virus program (other geeks are the opposite). He knows each program so well and knows what's best or bad for them.

4. You will learn the names of Final fantasy characters, animas, weapons because he asked  you to read him the walkthrough for him to find all the secret items and other paraphernalias to complete the game. You also know who Desmond, Lucy and Ezio are.

5. You can see him from where you are. You do not worry that he is out somewhere drinking with friends. He prefers to be at home, in front of the LCD TV finishing a game or in front of the PC scouring ebay, amazon and other geeky websites looking for "stuff."

6. You will be fit because you'd play Wii + balance board, he will take you wall climbing, bicycling, skating and snowboarding with him. If he doesn't have friends around, you'd play tennis, basketball and table tennis with him too.

7. You'd be able to watch films ahead of your peers and actually write a review on your blog ahead of others.

8. You will share the same interest in reading....only, his books are about galactic empires, mages and wizards.

9. Your kids are much technology-savvy than their counterparts.

10. Your oven's door that was broken by an enthusiastic little boy will be repaired in no time.

11. You would get the camera of your dreams a few months after you got the former camera of your dreams. He would upgrade and buy you lenses and push you to do better with photography. He would even bring you a 1955 Zorki 1 Model and ask you to buy black and white films in this era of digital photography. He would want you to relive the glory days of your developing films and printing copies in the dark room by transforming your bathroom to one. 

He won't stop until you are able to show the world that you are the wife of a geek! (lol!)

Hubby's gift 

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Goodbye Typewriters!

Image from google

I grew up hearing the sound of my mom's typewriter tip-tapping early in the morning or even late after dinner. I passed my English requirements with the help of that reliable machine. Nevermind my hands being full of ink, I enjoyed typing the words that on those days seemed to be my masterpieces.

Back in 1999-2001, my classmates and I were the subject of mockery and laughter (just slightly) because we would bring our portable machines to class for our Newswriting lessons, on-the-spot feature writing after interviewing a celebrity despite the prevalence of computers. We were thought the remote way a  journalist does things back in the days...

Reports say that the world's largest manufacturer of typewriters,Godrej and Boyce, has ceased production. True, computers are easier to type on, easier to erase and correct the mistakes you type in but it was with the typewriters that I learned to type without looking at the letters. It was tough discipline too! You need to be attentive of the PING! all the time as you type...

I had my share of memories with you, goodbye for now my reliable friend...I might not be as nostalgic as the others but I'll surely miss you too! See you at the museums! ;)

Running away

Was there a time in your life when you thought “running away” was the only solution to your problem?

There were perhaps a lot of times that I thought of running away, literally from the problems that I'm facing. At one point, I did left and it was a decision that was the opposite of what normally happens when one runs away. I ran away from what has been giving me pain and from there I was able to find the truth....spritually speaking I was set free.

From there, I started a life far different from what I was used to. It was a breather finally being able to move knowing that I'm not restrained, knowing where I'm going. In connection with my relationship around people involved in my life, I saw those who are real and who are not worth my time. :) I ran away but I found my way home.

By the Pond

My daughter and niece waiting for the ducks to come nearer.

I went "nature tripping" today with the kids, hubby, niece and nephew and my parent-in-laws. We went to the Wasserpark (waterpark) to play. There we can play table tennis, basketball, football, badminton and run around freely. There's a huge playground for the kids and a climbing net enjoyed by adults too. I took the two girls out from the group so we can walk around as I take photos of them. 

The pond is surely full of moss at the moment, very green indeed. 

Giveaway for May is still open. I would be giving away two trendy nylon bags for this month. I believe in the saying "Small things together makes something big." I wouldn't require following or other things, just write about this giveaway, linking back to this post and leave your urls in the comment section of this post. Thank you!

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Teaching siblings to watch each other's backs

Kids spend most of their time with their siblings than others. It is in this stage that they develop relationships and skills in interacting with others. Kids argue and have conflicts first with their siblings before they argue with their parents or playmates. What they fight about are petty reasons in an adult's point of view but for them every issue is a biggie! A parent, through positive interaction, can teach each of the kids to view the other person's perspective so that he or she will learn how to be compassionate and control his or her own temper when faced with conflict. By ironing out issues among each other, kids learn to know more about themselves and their siblings. The bond that they develop in smoothing things out will be stronger than a blood compact.

I've always wondered what relationship Abel and Cain had. It would have been ideal if siblings today live with the thought I am my brother's keeper opposed to Cain's thinking.

How does one teach kids to take care of his brother or sister?

Teach Emphaty. Make them step on the other's shoes. Ask questions to make them see the other's point of view. By doing so they will realize how it feels to be the other person.

Don't Accuse. This is not an easy task, I have problems teaching my kids to not assume negatively of others and that they have no bad intention against them. Was I born with a thinking influenced by Thomas Hobbes? The key is to be calm and don't be on either's side. You are stepping on two different shoes too.

Listen. Time and again, what toddlers (even adults) need is a listening ear.  If you don't listen, one of them would pick on a sibling to get your attention. Your 100% attention will also teach them that listening  smooths out problems.

Be Role Models. Shout and they shout, be calm and they would follow. Kids learn a lot from seeing and hearing, so parents should be careful with their own dealings. If they sense that mom is always there for dad and vice versa, they will know that being their sibling's support is the right thing to do.

Play and learn. Going out to the playground, biking, picking flowers and stones are some of the things my kids enjoy doing together. They also like doing arts and crafts. They enjoy each others' company and show cooperation when doing the aforementioned activities. In the process, they  pull out the potential of each. A positive rivalry of sorts.

Arguments, rivalry and apathy are all part of childhood. A little bit red, a cup of orange, a dash of yellow, a teaspoon of green, a pinch of blue, a dollop of indigo frosted in violet makes childhood meaningful, colorful and fun! You just need to sprinkle rainbow candies on top to make everything a little sweeter than usual. :)

Of Maxi dresses and Ponchos

One good reason that I go to the gym and sweat as much as I can, aside from keeping fit, is to look good and be able to wear a maxi dress come summer. I prefer dresses and skirt over jeans except for those sporty days..but I've never worn something this long for casual getups. 

I particularly like paisley designs but I'd also settle with girly and florals. Chiffon as material would be best for summer, don't you think? It's light and won't make you sweat. Summery colors like this and blue are my best bet, but I'd go for brown and white as well.

I'm 5'2" and yes, I would love to wear those long dresses but only if I manage to loose a bit more pounds. :D What about you? Do you prefer dresses and skirts over jeans and shorts too?

My favorite winter jacket is a a knee-long Burberry. The design is well, Burberry-ish and I like wearing it over tees+jeans, over skirts+stockings, it matches everything.

The better part of it is, I got this jacket for less, you wouldn't believe how much. :D

It's spring, so jeans jackets or a sweater would be fine to wear on this cool weather (playing between 12-17° ). My favorite piece is a one-sided poncho (but not as long as the one in photo). I like wearing it because it gives me a chic look and it hides my extra pounds under. lol. I prefer ponchos in black, I think I've worn mine 100 times more than I wore white or brown...

So what's your preffered clothing style? Share it with us by clicking the badge below.

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May I, Can I?

English has always been my favorite subject back in grade school. I enjoy our drills, our quizzes and writing activities. 

One of the "uses" stuck in me comes from my favorite English teacher, Mrs. Monroy...she was the Ms.Minchin in our school. :D It's about the use of 'May' and 'Can.' I think a lot of kids cannot differentiate the uses of the two. Even in German, I hear kids interchanging them.

We use "can" to indicate capability or possibility, e.g.

"I don't know if I can run for tomorrow's race."

The implication here is on whether you have the physical capacity or maybe the time to join the race.

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"May" is used when you are asking permission, or indicating it, e.g.

"I don't know if I may run for tomorrow's race."

The implication here is on whether you have the permission or if you would be allowed to join the race.

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Spring has sprung!

SOOC shot

The trees grow green from being mean, the sky turns blue from lack of hue, the bulbs awake from deep slumber, the flowers bloom in full view.

I love the vibrant color of spring! I always look forward to it despite me having pollen allergies. :( The allergies started a few years back and most of the time, I woke up around 2 in the morning to sneeze and cough. Hubby has it worse, he can't sleep much...

So it goes to show that sometimes you win some, you lose some. I get to photograph lovely spring colors but I sneeze for doing so. lol.

SOOC shot

Giveaway is still open. Simply post about "two ecobag giveaway" over at Mirage (link included) and you're entitled for the raffle. Kindly leave your urls in the comment section, thank you!

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Friday Photo Flashback #1

June 2007

I miss my chubby-cheeks boys. This photo was taken when they were 6, 4 and 1.5-years-old. They are now 9.5, 7.5 and 5-years-old respectively...Like you I wonder where has all those years gone to...thank goodness there are photos to remind me how they look when they were younger.

first post for:

How do I fare as a mom?

This week's question: How would you rate yourself as a mother, 10 being the highest?

Tough one, I should say or maybe I'm just too afraid to evaluate myself. This question brings me to a bible verse:


Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me. Proverbs 27:11.

The request comes from God; asking us to show our integrity and faith towards him. It is so that he may reply to Satan who has mocked his sovereignty long ago...When he told Adam and Eve that they would not die from eating the fruit of the Tree of Life, he called God a liar, implicating that he shouldn't be the one to rule man. We face this challenge with God because we are his sons, we need to prove that our Father is fair and that he is the right ruler for us.  It's also Satan who is testing our integrity. The story of Job shows this well. Though God permitted the hardships, it was not him who gave them but Satan.

In the same sense, I cannot say well for myself...my kids are the ones who will answer for me. It will be manifested in their manners, the way they behave at home and around other people and the way they think and speak. :)

I admire the kid...and the man

He certainly looks different from how we know him as an adult. Afro-textured hair, dark-skinned and a sincere smile characterizes Michael Jackson as a child. He was and still is the best/most talented child singer in music history.

His hit songs ABC, Ben, Music and Me and his original I'll be there are some of my few favorites. These are the same songs that I often play for my kids to hear and learn. Listen to the video below, it's acapella and you'll know just how much talent the kid has.

It may be unfortunate that Michael grew up differently from most children but it is undeniable that he is one happy and giving soul. He grew knowing the bible and developed a kind heart for kids. I remember an interview of her mom where she says that while watching a documentary about Africa, Michael cried seeing the pitiful state of the children. He said to his mom "Someday, I promise I'm gonna do something for those kids." I believe he fulfilled a big part of his promise, he helped a lot of kids and not just those in Africa.....This however became a disadvantage for him, as he grew up surrounded by kids, dirty-minded people (media as well) wanted to destroy his reputation.  I never believed in the accusations about him molesting kids. I only saw a child-at-heart who wants to be surrounded by kids. I mean, given the chance, I would choose to be playing around and laughing than worrying about adult stuff...

Michael Jackson's songs, those he himself wrote also serve as my inspiration of sorts. He would inject bible verses in them, bible verses that sound too familiar. He never forgot the truth and it this is why his songs always speak from the heart, he knew the suffering of man and he emphatize.  Heal the World, Will you be There and You are not Alone for me speaks of his humanity and belief. Some may take You are not Alone as a  love song but it is for me God speaking to a lost son and that son replying back. (Except for the "girl" part.)

"Just the other night
I thought I heard you cry
Asking me to come
And hold you in my arms
I can hear your prayers
Your burdens I will bear
But first I need your hand
Then forever can begin..."

It is my biggest disappointment that I never got the chance to see him in person, that I never got the chance to visit Neverland. Well, it's free to dream so I'd settle with meeting his kids and hopefully get to meet them along with my kids. :)

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Oh the younger me has always been fond of Jun Matsumoto. :) You may remember him as Shin Sawada from  Gokusen or Domyouji from Hana Yori Dango, but for me he's just My Jun. lol.

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A post for:

Chic in Black

My 9-year-old daughter in her black coat.

A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart. ~Author Unknown

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A post for:

Looking forward to summer

Pink Sakura by our place.

Sakura/Cherry blossoms are my favorite flowers, I love taking photos of them. Despite spring allergies, I'd get lots of shots even as buds or even when every single petal has falllen on the ground. Sakuras are a main attraction in Japan when spring comes...there's Hanami or flower-viewing that I would want to experience soon...but our plans are for summer. We plan on visiting Japan come summer....just planning. :D So we won't see the blossoms then. I'm doing my own Hanami here. :)

Unagi no Kabayaki / Barbecued eel

We'd definitely fill not just our eyes but our tummies too with our favorite Japanese dishes.Kabayaki eel is particularly in my mind. Since  this is nutritious, and is a stamina-generating food, I included it in my diet...had it been cheaper I'll eat unagi everyday. :D Many people in Japan still follow customs from the Edo period to eat kabayaki during the summer, especially on a particular day called "doyo-no ushi-no-hi", which is in mid-summer. I would want to experience that too!

Chirasizushi - to die for!

Where else to get the freshest sashimi but where it originated from...Japan's resources of tuna, salmon, butterfish and even sea urchin are vast...If you have been watching the Dotch cooking show, you will see how  dedicated they are in upholding their cuisines. They'd go 7 days straight into the sea just to find a certain type of tuna. They'd go diving longer than a normal person just to find the most unique eel...I admire their dedication. Despite the quakes, my desire to visit hasn't declined. My hopes are up and if given the chance I'll meet up with fellow bloggers, Joanna, Bambi and Mommy Clang. :)

We'd also go cosplaying with them! ;) We'll visit Shinjuku and take photos of Lolitas and Otakus, buy the cheapest lens at Akihabara and perhaps climb up Mt. Fuji and the Tokyo Tower. It's free to dream, to plan a plan is free as well, and if the money comes, I'd be really thankful! What are your plans this summer? Let's all enjoy!

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A post for Kayni's giveaway and the following memes:

Happy 3rd Anniversary Litratong Pinoy!

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Tatlong taon na ang LitratongPinoy! Ambilis ng panahon. Hindi man ako nakapagsimula sa unang araw nito at paminsan ay lumiliban ako sa mga tema dahil sa kawalan ng mailalahok o di kaya naman ay sobrang hectic (naks!) na iskedyul ay ito ang isa sa paborito kong meme. Marami sa inyo ang nakakakilala sa tatlong ito, nakita ninyo silang 'lumaki' sa pamamagitan ng mga litrato.

Salamin ang tema noong nakaraang linggo, hindi ako umabot. Una ay walang may suot ng salamin sa aming bahay, pangalawa malamig pa noon kaya hindi pa ako makapagkuha ng litrato sa labas na may suot silang mga salamin. Kaya heto ang lahok ko para ngayon at noong nakaraang linggo. :D Tamang tamang umaraw kanina, hindi na pagtatakhan ng mga tao bakit sila naksuot ng sunglasses.

Kung noon ay purong litratong hilaw ang inilalahok ko, ngayon ay natuto na akong magdagdag na kaunting texture at actions. (Salamat kay Maiylah.) Maganda na kahit paano ay may drama ang mga litrato gaya nitong nasa ibaba. 

Galit ba ang mga bata? Minsan ay ganoon nga, ayaw na kasi nilang nagpapakuha ng litrato ng paulit-ulit. Pero gayunpaman, tatayo sila at magpopose lalo na kapag ginagawa kong katawatawa ang pagkukuha. Kaya ang litratong iyan ay iisa, dahil ang iba puro nakabungisngis na sila....wag kayong maniwala na galit sila, sa baba yan ang tunay na expression nila.

Happy 3rd Anniversary to us LPers! Here's to more years ahead! Saludo!

Teaching kids sibling respect and respectful behavior

Children will often argue, that's a given. In such situations, respect can still be practiced. There'd be endless fights and sibling rivalry, but when done respectfully it will help kids grow to be much better persons. I tell you or you know for sure, it ain't easy.

Example is the best teacher. My older son asks me so often : "Mama, wieso bist du nett zu anderen Menschen?" (Why are you so nice to other people?) I still always get silent before I answer. Truth is, I don't really know why; I've always been nice and that's that. His question comes whenever I hold the elevator door for others, when I let older people on my sit, when I extend my hand to the handicapped or when I simply  smile or greet someone we meet by the grocery "Guten Tag." I would answer him with a smile and say; "it is so and if you notice people are nice to you too if you are nice to them." He would nod and smile back digesting what I said but I know that without explaining I've thought him by example how to be nice and respectful to others.

Mediate. Even if this task gives you headaches everyday...er...every hour. Stop your kids when they're fighting or when disagreeing over something. Take them to sit down with you and sort things out by talking.

Listen. Hear all sides of the story (I have 3). Listen without interruption and you'll get the gist of the problem. Most of the time, one wouldn't realize that he or she hurt the other, while that other wouldn't realize that he or she didn't mean anything. Talking it out will make them see the cause and outcome of what has happened and learn from it.

Be fair. Easier said than done. :( We're just humans after all. Try to be fair as much as you can. Never accuse one that he or she started it...take the situation like no one is guilty or accused. If punishment is to be given, explain to them why there is a need for it.

Reinforce your kids with praise. Positivity earns positively. Praise them even with the very little thing they did for you, for their siblings or for others. They will learn that when being nice and respectful will make people around them happy, and it is a wonderful feeling.

Patience is a virtue. Enough said.

Learn the Bible with them. The most important among this list. It seems that most of us has forgotten the good book which holds the most effective teachings of all sorts of topics. It was Jesus after all who taught and showed us about brotherly love and respect; no one has ever showed greater love than he that he lay down his life for others. Quoting Paul in his letter to Timothy, "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)  Try it, their little heart will surely grow bigger!

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The golden rule holds true; Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Simply put, be on one's shoes, don't laugh at others when they are joked upon so they don't laugh at you when you're in that situation.