Preggo Diaries: The Final Trimester

This is it! I'm officially full term and our baby boy is coming out anytime! I feel like I've been pregnant for 3 years I don't remember the last time I successfully reached my toes! Haha!

This last trimester is definitely the most difficult one for me. I had to adjust to my gaining weight and new center of gravity. Most of the time I'd need assistance in changing positions in bed, getting up in the morning and during long walks. Back pains and body strains are constant. This must be how old people feel. I think I'd need more kids to assist me when I'm older! Some changes in my body have also become very noticeable - darker underarms, bigger boobs and wider hips. The wide hips I'd like to retain after childbirth please. The rest I can do away. 😛 Also since we're already at the waiting stage, my Braxton Hicks contractions have become more frequent and stronger. And there's more discharge now more than ever! 

As of writing time, I am 2cm dilated and not a sign of real contractions and no breaking of the water bag yet. The baby daddy has been constantly telling the baby to come out for almost two weeks now. So far, the only response we got is a little wiggle inside the tummy. Baby boy has got a mind of his own and we only need to abide by his own timing hehe. Not complaining though. More waiting time means more sleeping time for mommy.

Aahhh! The circus of emotions I am feeling right now. I'm very very scared and anxious but at the same time so excited. I can't wait to be finally holding my son in my arms. Anytime now Julian Jose! Mommy and daddy are so excited! 

Preggo Diaries: The Second Trimester

Chocolate chip cookies. Mango shake. Peanut butter sandwich. Mango shake. Fried bananas. Calamansi juice. Mango shake. These are my constant cravings for the past couple of months. 

The first trimester has been pretty normal as far as my diet is concerned. But maaaan, my second trimester caught up too fast! I gained 4 kilograms in a span of one month! I eat everything I see on the table. Also, I feel like a volcano of raging hormones. I cry, laugh and get pissed at every small detail. My boyfriend ignored my question one morning and I cried for 10 minutes straight. I wanted to drink his last sip of soda, he said no and the argument got so bad I broke off my relationship! That same day, I almost ended up at the hospital because I was literally fuming mad my boyfriend thought I was having a fever! Hahaha!  I still can't believe how crazy pregnancy hormones are. I also cry at the lamest jokes and my laughs are so loud it fills up an entire Fastfood restaurant (another true story).

It is during this trimester though that I felt the sexiest and most beautiful. The tummy has passed its awkward bloating stage and it's turned into a legit bump. People can now recognize I'm actually pregnant! Which works miracles in grocery stores, fast food joints and paying the bills. Yey! I have abused the priority lanes like nobody's business. People have become extra sweet and nice and my boyfriend now cuts my toenails without a flinch! Haha

Best thing about the second trimester is feeling the kicks and movement of the little one. He responds to alternative and rock music consistently and kicks back every time  daddy touches my tummy. Also, I think our son would be able to recognize every Grey's Anatomy character by now since he's been especially active during his parents' Grey's marathons. I haven't figured out his sleeping pattern though because it changes every now and then. But it's comforting to know that this tiny human is being comfortable inside mommy's tummy.

We are officially down to our last trimester and I'm all emotional trying to wrap my head around all of this. I'm almost thereeeee!!!

Preggo Diaries: The First Trimester

I'm officially on my second trimester! So I guess it's safe to share the news to everyone that I'm carrying a bun in my oven. 👶👶👶 (Although my boyfriend has practically announced it to everybody already)

We found out we were expecting on my 6th week of pregnancy. I pretty much had a very regular period and my two-week delay was a giveaway. The day we found out we were pregnant, my boyfriend and one of my best friends Anj immediately scheduled my first prenatal checkup so I was checked by my OB Gyne very early on. We did our first ultrasound and the baby was very tiny but had a good cardiac activity (Yay!) Some say I had my checkup very early. Most have their first doctor visit on their 8th week. Heck I even know a friend who had it on her 4th month! But anyway, it feels like it was ages since we knew we were pregnant.

There were definitely changes so far. I didn't have the good old morning sickness but my food aversions were very evident. I would crave something to eat and end up not finishing even half of my meal. My breasts are tender and sore the whole time (something my friends noticed right away too). Also, I practically slept thru my 8th to 11th week. I was very useless, I did nothing but sleep. In the morning. In the afternoon. Sometimes even before bedtime I would still take naps. My fatigue was in an all time high and the bed was my friend for weeks. I did recover and gain back my energy after my 12th week.

However, something that worries me is that I'm still not showing yet. I don't exactly have a very flat tummy but a noticeable bulge is still not there yet (as of writing time) either. I frequently have a bloated tummy tho and the baby daddy has been constantly whispering to 'it' everyday. But the bloated tummy goes away every morning! I have asked my mommy and preggy friends if it was normal and turns out it is, especially if you're having a baby for the first time. Most of them started showing on their 4th to 5th month. Which means I still have to wait at least a month to see the bumpy bump. 

So yah, glad to be still surviving! On to the next stage! Excited! 😄

Life Changes in a Heartbeat

This time last year, I was living a pretty normal life. I just got into a new relationship, loved the work I did and was enjoying some free time with friends and family. 

A week after, my mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Two weeks later, we had to move to Cebu for her series of treatments and I had to quit work indefinitely. Then I found myself living back  in Cebu for around 6 months. It was unquestionably the hardest and longest six months of my life. 

Three months ago, my boyfriend successfully passed his bar examinations and everybody was celebrating. A few days later, my mother finally succumbed to her illness after a very hard-fought battle. She was finally laid to rest. 

A month ago my boyfriend and I found out we were pregnant and we are now a pair of paranoid expecting parents. Currently, I'm back to work and starting to have a new routine. A brand new life.

Safe to say I had a year full of the highest highs and the lowest lows. It has been a crazy 12 months to say the least. But every single thing and endeavor had a lot to teach. I have become a different person after everything.

The thing is, life changes in a heartbeat. Sometimes, life is devastating. Other times, it's brilliantly wonderful. Here's to more meaningful roller coaster rides. Thank you Lord for everything.

WCW: The Chicness That Is Olivia Palermo

I am a very unoriginal person! (Haha has anyone actually claimed that themselves?) I'm the typical girl who picks up anything from the TV series she watches, music she listens to and the famous celebs she follows on Instagram! 

One of my all-time faves? Olivia Palermo. This lady has got to be one of the finest young women I have ever followed for a while. So refined. So clean. So chic. I can even smell her from my computer. She smells like fresh linen. And farts rainbows hehe.

This style icon always looks good. No bad angles. No wardrobe malfunctions. Perfect ka bes! 

Keeping Track

20/20 Vision (Or Still in Denial)

It occurred to me that one by one, my friends have been sporting the bifocals trend. Not primarily to look fashionable. But because the gods of poor eyesight have slowly taken over to rule their lives. I, on the other hand, is STILL taking pride in having the 20/20 vision. Emphasis on STILL because some of them are convinced the hours in front of the computer have gradually damaged my perfect eyes. 

So in the spirit of compassion and true friendship, I have decided to have my eyes checked (no date promised as of writing time) to prove to them that yes, I am perfect. Or at least my eyes are! Haha. (The eye bags are a different story) Also, I tried on some of my friends' specs to see which frame suits me best.

Mommy Brenda's

Faces of Olympics 2016

Novak Djokovic of Serbia. 

The current number one male tennis player in the world got an early upset during the first round crushing his Olympics dreams, the only trophy/medal he lacks in his long list of achievements. Here he is crying uncontrollably as he left the court after the loss. Also, I may or may not have shed a tear while watching that heartbreaking video. 😢

Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina. 

He beat Novak. He beat Rafa. He came short in the finals. Nonetheless, he has a silver medal around his neck. This guy is definitely back! And I think his name is very sexy haha!

Usain Bolt of Jamaica. 

The fastest man alive had me cracking up with all the memes this photo has created. And that cheeky grin? Well with an undefeated title, he can grin all he wants. 😁

The Disaster That Was Pablo

It's no secret what Typhoon Pablo has done to the Philippines last week. That was probably the most terrifying thing that ever happened in my 20+ years of existence.  I have never felt so scared my whole life!!! To say that Pablo brought disaster is in fact an understatement. I've seen the news and our brothers in Mindanao have been hit tremendously. Seeing those pictures and videos of the areas make me really tear up. 

While our province wasn't affected as badly as in Mindanao, the typhoon has left several damages to infrastructures and residences alike. It was one of the strongest typhoons that hit metro Dumaguete and these are just some of the photos that prove it.

The surprising thing tho is that there were no human casualties recorded in the province. I guess that's the rainbow after the storm rain. There's still always something to be thankful for. 

All photos by Jon Rey Abada

Semi-Finals Done!

Oh yes that's right! We made it to the semi-finals baby! And by WE, I mean our singer, my fellow personal assistants/cousins of the singer/stylists and the one and only manager! 

This has got to be one of those days when the feeling of terror and ecstasy are only minutes apart. And we're only talking about the semi-finals here! Hahah.

Congrats to our baby Phoebe Jhen for making us proud! Now, let's ace that Grand Finals trophy! CHOS. 

The Other Side of CCTVs

In this day and age of CCTVs, all of us have been saturated with theft and murders caught on camera. But this video isn't one of them. Isn't it liberating to know that there are still good people out there? Life is still good. :)) 

Frustrations and Little Victories

My friends and I share the same frustration over singing, dancing, sports, cooking, gardening,  and practically everything! The Lord has been so good in giving us (ahem) good looks. Unfortunately, that's where the story all ended. That was all He gave us.  Hahahah. Not that I'm ungrateful or anything tho. 

Surprisingly, someone got a little luckier. Phoebe Jhen knows how to sing a chord, hits every note and does it effortlessly. She's a table tennis player who championed her Intramurals. She's a top honor student in a Regional Science High School. And as if that wasn't enough, she's one pretty girl too! Oh dear Lord, what kind of fairness and equality is this? Heheh.

Instead of grieving about all these unfulfilled dreams, we have subconsciously decided to channel our frustrations to this one special girl who has all the potential in the world. We're done venturing the beauty pageant world in a competition in her own school. She didn't win (since she was too young and it was her first time) but she did a great job nevertheless. Now, it was time to conquer yet another set of audience. The whole province! Yikes!

Not long ago, we signed her up for a singing teen idol competition in a local radio station. She passed her auditions a few weeks ago and braved her eliminations round this afternoon. Fortunately for this young lady, she made it to the top 2 and is now qualified  for the Semi-Finals two weeks from now! So happy I could die!!!!

Audition piece

Phoebe's Family

Singing Teen Idol Last Eliminations Round, Nov 11, 2012

      

 We are a bunch of ecstatic stage managers!!! Thank you Lord for this special little victory. 

Dear Papa

This isn't really an emotional tear-jerking post. I just wanted to let you know that we have especially dedicated this entire day all for you. 

Do know that the two women in your life are still as dashing as ever. I've grown up a lot since the last time we talked, laughed and hugged each other but I'd like to believe that I'm still the baby girl you ultimately adored and who equally feels the same.

As you can see, we have adorned your 'place' with perennials mostly from Mama's bountiful garden. They are beautiful, but they wouldn't be as stunning if it weren't for the arrangement done by...ahem...your baby girl.

You would be stoked to know that we checked out the Skyfall movie tonight too. Mama hasn't missed any James Bond film since you were gone. She has told us over and over again that James Bond and Rambo are both your favorites. I'm not yet a James Bond fan just like you tho, but I thought it was good. I was too tired today so it was a surprise that I didn't sleep at the cinema! 

It was a good day. As I've said, today was dedicated to you and your loving memory. I miss you Papa.  It's been such a long time. But knowing that somewhere out there sometime, we'll be seeing each other again eases me. 

'Til then, Papa. 

                                                                                               T-tye

6 MONTHS

Geez. It's been 6 long months since my last decent post.

I have been emotionally "under the weather" (exact words from my June entry) the past few months, hence the decision to go on a blog hiatus. I was depressed, devastated, disappointed and altogether uninspired from everything that happened. I originally thought of taking this down since it didn't do any good (to me) anymore, but it's honestly so precious to destroy. After all, memories are memories no matter how much you avoid it. I did 'hide' this for a few months just so I could take a real breather.

And you know what? I did. THANK GOD. Hahahah.

And I've missed my blog big time...writing down my thoughts about every random stuff, posting my favorite songs and videos, quoting silly lines from everywhere and just simply sharing everything I do, love and hope for. I've missed feeling giddy after every published entry. 

So today, I decided to write again. 

I'm finally writing again because I'm ready. I am doing this because I am willing to move forward and continue to be passionate about something that is important to me. I have to admit that this wasn't an easy decision. I had my sleepless nights just thinking about this blog. (Yes, that's how significant this is to me!) But today, writing all these words flowing spontaneously from my mind just makes all sense. Okay, it might be a little weird to be posting this on a Halloween night but anyway...

I feel like am finally okay. I am at peace. And this is why I'm back in the grind again!!! 

And as a comeback entry, would you be surprised if I post my recent pics? Mwahahah. This is ME,  6-months-and-a-couple-of-pounds-lost-and-regained later! 

Cheers to endings, new beginnings and lessons learned. :))

Too Cool for School

I'm pretty sure I've seen a post like this one on a blog somewhere but I ultimately feel the need to share this with you guys! And these young ones are too precious to pass up.

There's nothing more adorable than these stylish kids! If the right time comes and God would bless me and my future husband with children, I want them to look like these. Take note: children gyud guys! At least 3! CHOS!

The Laid-back Dude: "Yo! Wazzup Mother Father?"

The Diva: "I don't wanna eat anymore Yaya! Extra calories! Hassle!"

Boy Next Door: "Hey girl! Nice dress! Wait for me til I turn 20?"

The Bad Boy: "Never thought eating apples could be this cool!"

The Athlete: "I look so much better in jeans than in trunks!"

The supermodel: "Another day in the photo studio. I'm bored"

All images from The Fancy

Summer Daydreams (Part II)

If you've been a reader of this blog, you'd remember that my first summer daydream was a great getaway place. I've posted quite a number of gorgeous places previously and it's really sad to inform everyone that I won't be able to visit any of them. 

Hahah. (As if kaayo ko friends!) Well, better luck next lifetime year Kristal!

All I will get this summer is a Dipolog escapade with my Gang, which is actually not a bad thing considering that we never really had an out-of-the-province trip in the few years that we've been together. (Our Mabinay trip last year was EPIC btw)

So my other daydream?

A great summer body. Preferably a bikini-body. Or anything close to that. Hahah. Oh my God. Writing that here just makes me nervous!!! 

I'm about to finish this post and I'm almost convinced that I won't even look half as good as the girls above! But let's see what happens.

Must start working out now tomorrow! Oh wait, scratch that. I NEED A MIRACLE!

Wakey! Wakey! (Cebu Memories)

Not many people know this about me but I have "Fave Singer Phases". Well, maybe everyone has this but I am hardcore when it comes to this one. Whenever I hear a song or see a singer on TV, I could remember each and every special memory I have about it - the first time I heard it, what I was doing, where it was first played and who I was with.

Let us take for example Adele. I learned about her from Thia Megia's audition piece in AI last season. I came home for the weekend (I was still working in Cebu then) and caught up with the latest episode with my family. She did a Chasing Pavements number and I googled the lyrics the first time I heard it. The rest, as they say, is history. We also have Death Cab for Cutie, which I decided to check after I learned that Zooey Deschanel and Ben Gibbard called their marriage quits. It was a sad day, but at least I've discovered some good music!


One of the longest may be Wakey! Wakey! (weird name I know) which I learned about from One Tree Hill. Actually, I've found some great artists from OTH, but this has got to be the most memorable because this has been present all throughout my Cebu life.

Ahh. My Cebu life! (I always utter that line with a smile)

Wakey Wakey was such a star (in my life at least) for a couple of months. I remember assigning ring tones to frequent callers so I'd know from afar who was calling based on the Wakey Wakey song playing. And when I didn't have my TV yet, all I did was lie down on my bed and memorize all the band's songs present in my playlist! I had a workmate who was a self-proclaimed RNB-lover but went head over heels the first time he heard the songs. It was like a 180 degree turn for him, but he didn't mind at all.

So you see, me and Wakey Wakey...we're tight! Here are my favorite songs:

Title: Dance So Good

This was the ultimate song to blame. When I first heard it on OTH, it was love right away. This is where the addiction started.

No Other Concert: Annebisyosa in Cebu

I had one of the best surprises ever when I found out that I was going to Cebu to watch Anne Curtis-Smith live on stage! My initial reaction when Sinta broke the news at 2 in the morning? I literally went up-and-down-up-and-down-up-and-down-up-and-down jumping AND crying myself to death. I couldn't believe it was true so my excited mouth was all "Sure ni Ga? As in sure jud ka? Way joke? Asa ang ticket?" LOL

Sinta couldn't make it to the concert since he had some work-related things to do in Bayawan. However, Elvin (Sinta's brother) and Jo Ann (Elvin's wife) got themselves tickets too so I had companions! Plus most of Jo Ann's workmates were there too so it was really a riot!

I figured my readers wouldn't really care about other stuff in this post aside from the photos so here they are...

Elvin and Jo Ann at Mooon Cafe IT Park

All attorneys in the house!

With MHTG 

Ads before the show

Opening number

THE Mouth

Who Run the World

Katy Perry medley

How To Survive a PNP Checkpoint

If you happen to live within Metro Dumaguete, you’d notice how often checkpoints occur at any given time. Normally, if you are the law-abiding type of person and you have your driving license, vehicle registration and side mirrors all in tact, then you have nothing to worry about. But if you’re someone like Sinta who’s got all the excuses in the world not to renew his license for over a year now, then that’s where your problem starts. So how do you get away with it? Most often, you just try to avoid the highways and make friends with all the alternate routes. They eat up your fuel alright, but you certainly have no choice.

But what if you fell into the trap a little too late for you to notice?

Last night after our “tocino high” with some of our old friends (who got reunited…it’s complicated), I had a very heated argument with Sinta on our way home. In the middle of all the rebuttals and rants to make an interruption, we came across a PNP checkpoint – something Sinta has been avoiding for the last year or two. Imagine the horror on my face when I realized that it was too late for us to turn around and escape! Those policemen were just only five meters away from us and Sinta was roughly 3 seconds away from being held hostage! Oh noooo! We’re doomed for life I wanna die that minute!!! Okay, that was an exaggeration.

So what’s a guy like Sinta did? Well, you know what they say. Guys got to do what they’ve got to do! ACT EVERYTHING OUT. To sum it all up in three letters, LIE. LOL. Okay, so this is going to be longer than I imagined, but probably doing this list would be best for my readers who share the same problem. This might not be perfect, but damn it they’re good and slightly effective!

Oscar Awards 2012 (Red Carpet)

Yahoo! This has got to be my most-awaited red carpet moment! (And I'm sure it is yours too, right?) Since I've crossed over to choosing my own best-dressed list, I will continue to do so in this post. I am so excited to be doing this post you have no idea! Hahah. Anyway, it took me a day and a half to decide my top ten list of best-dressed during the Oscar Awards. Here goes!


10. Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad
Honestly, this isn't  my fave look on her. It's a bit over the top for me but since my Hollywood fashion peg is Mother JLo, I'm paying utmost respect by including her in my top ten. Maybe next time she could lose those cutout sleeves, yeah? Nevertheless...look at those curves baby!!!

9. Kristen Wiig in J. Mendel

She might not be in any of the best-dressed list this awards season (especially in the Oscars), but I like the simplicity of this look. I wished there was a pop of contrast on the dress though. 

8. Shailene Woodley in Valentino

I actually understand why people are making it part of the worst dressed list. The dress is simply too old on her fresh face. But I love how vintage this gown is so I'm putting it in my number 8. I am stubborn like that. :-p

7. Cameron Diaz in Gucci

The happy Tita Cameron has all the reasons to be all smiling in this pic. The dress looks so fun fresh fierce on her! You never age Tita! You already! Hahah.

6. Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

She's on my third winning streak! I'm officially starting to be a fan of this lady. Her dress looks so expensive, I could prolly steal it and be an instant millionaire!