Norwegian Rhapsody

Alexander and Benjamin's grandad and family in a yatch in Oslo.

King Benjamin

Benjamin at a lake in Oslo. He's Alexander's little brother. I've met the family(Jan, and folks) in 2000.

Canoeing Alexander

Alexander canoeing by the lake in Norway.

Tranquility by the River, Norway

Sent by Jan. One of her tranquil hangout when not in Oslo where she gets wild berries by the riverside, catch some wild fresh water fish, during summer, that is.

Gifted Gift

My daughter is my best gift from God. I never planned to have any children but I was gifted one, a daughter so precious, so beautiful. She's her Dad's precious little princess. We took her home overseas when she was barely 3 months old to show her off to my family, and friends. She's been travelling overseas since then. And travelling with her is so exciting, especially when she learned to appreciate the different surroundings of each country. Asia was home to her(still is), especially Philippines, Japan, Singapore. She loves Manila and the friendly people everywhere, her cousins, aunties. She enjoys Pinoy music, and dinuguan with puto, and balut, and the little eggies(itlog pugo). Everyday was a treat, we have this little daughter who turned our life so wonderful. Watching her first steps, listen to her first words, etc. She learned Spanish at age 3, and can sing Japanese songs, and play the piano before she turned 4. She was found to be gifted. She loves to read long words(e.g. accelerate, manifestation) before she started preschool. She was very advanced in many ways. But we didn't expect her to be advance in getting into serious relationship at the age of 20. We were shocked when the engagement was announced at the dinner. Her Dad was a mad dad. It didn't sink in with me until the day after. I felt like my dreams for my only child just disappeared. I have always dreamed of her becoming successful in the field she is good at, (management in music). The thought of her getting married before getting established financially, depresses me. I don't want her to have a family, then take any job to pay the bills and baby's needs, just to survive. God forbid, please NO!

From this point on, all I could do is trust everything to Hashem*. I'm always praying that He will direct my only child to the right direction. Only Him is in control of our lives, and only Him knows what's best for my daughter.

*God

Whirlpool!

"Whirlpool, eh? Where is the whirl, and where is the water? And where is the plumber!!!"

Nice Bobbie

"I'm not nice! I want Ole' out of here, or else!"

Indeed!

This is one of Toti's favs sceneries in Asia, taken from Rm 2601 of her fav hotel in Pasig City, Philippines. (Some nights, few of the letters don't light up, Toti and cousins would read them twisted and had fun reading it! Oy voy!).

Kreemeh

"Ok, I'm Siamese, 11 kgs., so what! I'm full of muscles. Steroid dude, I am! Don't look at me like I need to lose weight...Smell your shoes when you leave my place."

Oscar, the garden guard

"This look melts any ghosts into cat-astrophic limbo."

Charlie, Achtung!

Charlie: Is Grandma Jewish, Mambo?
Mambo: Yeah, why?
Charlie: 'Cause she thinks I look like Adolf..
Mambo: Adolf, who?
Charlie: I heard, he's the guy who drives the Mercedes.
Mambo: Grandad?
Charlie: Do I look like Grandad?
Mambo: Not with that mustache , silly!

Deep thoughts

"""""Ole' should go flatting, I want the room to myself. He's my bro but he's annoying. I might just have to call the paw-lice to move him out."

Photos Most Treasured-Part I

With her Nana Una; flower girl at Matthew's first wedding; and the Singapore Airlines Kids Krisflyer's most published photo.

Skinned their knees

Rabbi Schisler(my fav South African rabbi) talked about our children 'skinning their knees.' For me, it's an awakening. It's normal, according to him, that parents tend to over-protect their children. We don't want them hurt, rejected, and even get sick. When Toti was few days old, I had a hard time accepting that she's going to be facing the world full of viruses, and bacteria, and problems. She was a healthy 7.20 lbs little Buddha. She had colds, skin allergies(dairy), and sleep disorder(nurse thinks it's normal). She was a precious little bundle to mum and dad, and older brothers. Like most loving mothers, I was (and still is) a very nervous, protective mother, that when she's ready for kindergarten, I wept. Too young to face the whole world. But she loves being around other kids. One day, she came home telling us that 2 smelly boys bullied her, and she proudly told us that she dealt with them with her diplomatic instrument, the so called 'don't you ever do that again,or else!' bullet. These 2 boys are identical twins(Daniel and David). But one day, she came home crying . "Amanda, my best friend is going back to Switzerland!?" she sadly mumbled. Toti was the 'Protector' of Amanda from the Rascal Twins. They were inseparable. Amanda phoned her from the Alps one afternoon while at Kindy, and they talked for 'ages'.
Toti had few but precious best friends. Even at a very young age, she gets extremely sad when they leave to shift to another town. She said to us one day, she wished she had lots of little brothers and sisters. More than once she thought that she's been rejected by friends 'cause they always leave her behind all the time. She plays alone in her playroom, although we get to invite her other 'less' best friends around often, but she gets tired of them after few hours. She had some issues when she started school. "My classmates were all babies, "she grumbled. After few weeks, she was moved up to the next class. She was a bit happy, but she thinks she's not learning a lot. The principal measured that Toti has a reading ability of a 12 years old. We had struggled a little while about her getting lazy with her school works. Her teacher suggested that we'll find a special school for gifted children. She was losing interest in everything. Until we decided to try the Christian school. She liked the set-up, adjusted after the first term.

Ole', Figure minded

"Obese, you say? You only think it."

Toti and Norway

Jan suggested about Toti going to Norway for music degree(jazz and composition), as an intern. She is working with the Norway Film, and Censorship, as an accountant/auditor. I have been telling her about the musical ability of Toti, and she's quite elated that she might be able to assist Toti's entrance to Norway. I mentioned to Toti about it, and as I expected, she said No without even listening to the whole details. But I'll try, until she'll say yes.

Bobbie, Grandad's PA

"This job is killing me. Papers are attacking me. Rats, rats, rats!"

Mambo. the Paihia School mouse catcher

"Do I look bored? Seriously..I'm half there, and angry!! Mum Toti lives in the city, Grandma is a controlling frek.. call me insecure already! And I've got a sheep dog dreamer of a Siamese bro Kreemeh, who is as big as the fridge! School holidays and weekends bugs me! I love school."

Photos I treasure....

Thank You, Marcus

Also this morning, I was going through Toti's album in the computer, and I saw lots of her and Marcus's photos(most of them, together). I felt that sense of awe, and sadness. Here I am again, being a mum to my only child, got teary-eyed while looking at their photos together. Then I looked back when they were happy, and txting(millions times/day)together. Marcus comes and visit, Toti visits Marcus at his house. And when Toti was with the Yone group touring around the country, for 10 months Marcus tried to be in contact with her. And if he can drive where she is at that time, and he's not working, he'll go visit her. It's that kind of guy he is, I guess. He's compromised with her. And he's not a controlling kind of a guy. Gentleman in many respects. When Toti had an eye operation(sudden infection), Marcus was with her in the hospital most of the time, keeping her company. She had car trouble after her hospital discharge, Marcus and his Dad went to help her. It's that precious moment I treasure about their especial relationship. Good guys are not 2 for 5 cents. They're gold so precious. I guess it's the reason why Toti was always proud(and still is)of Marcus. He is one guy who is worth the bother, worthy of respect. I don't know what happened between him and my little girl. I want to know. But, sometimes, let it be just that. I wish I was able to say, " Thank you, Marcus, for the memories of your kindness, and patience for my girl. I appreciate very much how you've looked after her, and how you have inspired her in so many ways, and how your family accepted her. You will always be a part of our thoughts and prayers. And thank you to your Mum and Dad, and to your sister for their friendship.''

Throw rocks at them

I was talking to my Norwegian best friend this morning, I was telling her about Toti. Jan and I have been friends since Toti was very young. I told her about Toti's situation. She's horrified. "Ah what!," she loudly screamed in my ears. And then after explaining to her about it, she said, " She deserves better. Get her to throw rocks at them, forget about them, and get on with her lovely self!" You see, Jan had been married 3 times already. We've became friends via the internet. We shared lot of stories, her marriage to an accountant at work,(she's also an accountant/auditor). They got divorced after a year. Then she got married again after a year, to a Swedish lawyer-accountant, then got divorced, then just this morning, she informed me that she's getting married(again, for the third time) to an accountant/shipyard manager. All I had to say was "Ah, okay, hmm, okay. Really? okay". Then, with my cheeky mind, I said, "You change husband like you're just changing oil in your car." We lol. "Ah, guys are just 2 for 5 cents,"she exhorts. "To me, if they start misbehaving, throw them out of the door. Adios, me amore!" she added. "A woman's life should not revolve around a man, not worth it." Hmmmm...maybe sometimes.

Ghost

This photo was taken sometime in autumn 2003. I took it after the guests have gone for the day. And the hubby just left after his lunch. So, I had my digicam with me..it's a nice day, sun shining, garden looks very tidy, no one around to offend for the photo shoots. I thought the photos would be a nice wallpaper for my desktop. I love the apples showing on the side screen. I took the front gate, then exit gate. Pointing at the front of the house, triple click!!!Next day, I downloaded it to my PC, and showed it to hubby. After awhile he said, " Who is that guy peeping through your car window?" I didn't get what he's referring to. I said, "What?" then he pointed to the screen. I looked...and...Caramba!! Zoomed in...Mama Caramba! There is this guy, looking inside my car. "There wasn't anyone when I took that photo!" I sworned..And he jokingly said, " And what is that guy doing there then?" I didn't know what to say.
Ok, here is the photo..See what you think. There is something spooky with this photo..Spot it if you would..

She's happy?

I can't say Toti is happy at these present time. I hope she is. Being the strong-minded person, she is trying very well. We didn't expect that she'll break up with Marcus so soon. Marcus has become a part of the family. He's a very nice guy, all set up knowing what to do at uni. My step sons and family likes him. had a good impression about him. It's sad...but that's relationship..even married couple divorce.

The darn engagement...

The announcement by Caleb of their engagement at the dinner evening was good let down for us. First, we thought it was just a dinner. No one, neither Toti, nor Caleb said to us about the plan. Probably because they already know what we have to say. It wasn't shocking to me because I had a premonition, and this has confirmed it. Toti's dad was really traumatized by it. He wasn't happy at all. Both too young, too unsettled, too emotionally wrecked from past ex's. I call it 'rebound' relationship. I asked Toti about it, she said, maybe. Then she confessed to her Dad that she is still hurting from her brake-up with Marcus. Caleb was(or still), is hurting from Suzanne's. So they had each other's sympathy, and shoulder to cry on.It's sad. For us, it's an irresponsible move. They can't be in-love with each other while the hurt is still there. Just like putting a bandage where it hurts, but the scar will still be fresh for months. Little corny, but it's the reality. I knew Toti was really hurt, but she's a strong girl, I know she can survive everything. And getting into another relationship is not a cure for dano del corazon. Caleb is a very nice guy, his parents are very nice, too, like Marcus' s parents, but for him to tie Toti up without her full consent(only a compromise) is wrong. We don't agree with it.

Jewish Mama

This year, I found my Jewishness. I felt better I finally came out from a belief I wasn't blessed with. It was a strange feeling that since I was very young, my mind was never prepared to accept my Christian upbringing. Christmas and Easter didn't sink in with me. I defied to believe that any son of my God had to be sacrificed because of my sins. And that I resent even then that I have sinned before I was even born. Seriously!. I know that there is only One God. I talk to Him, cry to Him, and that I know that He Himself forgives my sin, not through any son, or intermediaries. I am happier, and felt like I've 'come home.' I don't miss my fav meat...pork! Not healthy anyway. My BP has never gone up to the pack. Only thing is, I won't be able to attend any Christian weddings, even Toti's(not worried about it, 'cause I don't really want her to be engaged yet let alone be married, Yikes!), until she's old enough(about 31 maybe, 32, ok?). And I can't attend any Christian funerals. Life with religion has so many do's and dont's. But that's what life all about. Cry me a river...

Anyway, when Toti was in the primary school, I wanted her to attend Kadima School. But we live outside the city area, a bit too far from the Jewish school. And Toti was concerned she won't be able to eat her favourite ham and bacon sandwich.!!

Her best txt mate, prom, etc.

I can remember when Toti told me about a guy she's txting with. I think the first time she mentioned to us about this guy was when she asked our permission if she can go to his prom. Her Dad said that he'll take her to the place on the day. "No, Dad, this is in Auckland!" she said. Dad told her she can't go, 'cause it's too far. We thought we could book her at a hotel with her girlfriends if she's going with them...but she said it's just her who is going. We asked who the guy is, his name, and what is actually the arrangement. She said that his Mum suggested that she can stay at their place on the night. And that really triggered the old Dad, and me, and then the emphatic "NO!" We said "Tell him, next time!" Next thing, she told us that he hasn't txt her for weeks...disappointed. She was a bit disappointed, too. But her world was still free...Mum and Dad, boarding house, all-girls' school. Boys' high school next door didn't bother her. She thinks they are all 'pangit'.

Olden days....lonely times, golden times..

My mother(she is now with G-d) was the best mother in the world. I can say that with sincerity. She looked after 7 kids, full-time, while my father went to work, overseas to support us. My mother came from a very wealthy family. That would have sorted out my father from going overseas to 'find the bacon, bread and butter', but being a dignified father, and hard-working, he hated to be a burden and bludging to anyone. He comes home every 3 years. I missed my father all the time. But my grandfather(mom's father) filled up the space. He was the best grandfather. He had many farmers, and every weekends we get to visit the family farms and orchards. There was no tv, and PSP at that time.

Anyway, now..I have one(1) only daughter. (Just a minute..this is an abrupt change from olden days!...I might change the title, eh). And by the way, in the photo is Expect, my very bestest friend, with the fattest Siamese in the world, Kreemeh.

Newfound Baby

This is Kreemeh when we found him roaming in the front garden. He was very scared, and hungry. We suspect that the owner was a tourist, had to go back home. Kreemeh adjusted with us easily. He loves to be groomed, brush and fed. He's a falme point Siamese. He loves his Grandad. He is a bully though, to our other babies. He is easy to look-after.

Traumatized Dad!

We were invited to this dinner, yeah? Few hours before that fateful evening, I was in the kitchen doing my executive duties(dishes, etc), I had this daunting, and then something just came up to me, then it blew my mind, like something whispered to my buzzing ears, and I said loudly, "Oh, my caramba, no! I hope not!!" Hubby was watching tv, heard me exclamation, and called out, "Are you okay, Mum?".. "I am okay", I replied. "But, you know what I think the reason why Caleb invited us for dinner again this time?" "Of course, to have dinner with them!" jokingly. " I said, " Not only that...I think they're going to announced something...just suspecting, but I hope not!" I worriedly said. Then, his face just changed, and went "I hope that's not the case, they're too young. I'd be really mad. It's not what I ever imagine at this time for my daughter to go into!" And I said, "Let's pray that my little mind is wrong.

(I'll be back for this, can't compose myself.) (Eeeh, how do you compose oneself, if there's such thing??hehe!)

Why?

I didn't realize I'd be into this blogging thing. I thought, whatever I have in mind, my thoughts and nightmares(dreams, get it?) , will stay in my tiny brain. But then one day, not long ago, I was awaken by that horrible thought and I knew something is not really right.

You see, hubby and I were invited to a dinner. Well, this family has invited us before this, but for some reason, it didn't push through( the darn prospective roast chicken flew into the cuckoo's nest, I take it!) So, I thought, I didn't want to go anyway, 'cause my 6 grand cats are not happy about being left at home before their bedtime. And then, all of a sudden, we got invited. Oh, my daughter Toti knows this family. Their eldest son was her high school classmate in junior high school, Christian School. She went to a girls' boarding school after that. She graduated from that single genderized school with few colours. She did a stunt before graduation...(she escaped to Auckland on a learner's license, with passengers(3 girls mates) in tow. The matron was frantic she made a 123 call to us to express disgust for our beloved 15 year-old only daughter's action. We had to phone the police in nearby Auckland to watch out for a 50/50 Euro/Pinoy with a yellow L driver. I think the traffic dude told my husband that since the report came from the parent of the suspect(heavy that!), they will just give her a stiff warning. Thanks to remote control- look- alike phone, hubby was able to make contact with our runaway 15 year old L driver. The next thing, we got a letter from the boarding house that our little adult rascal got expelled from the dorm. "What the...."we exclaimed!! And Rascal said, " Hehehe...what for!" She was already out of the dorm since after the graduation. So, she's actually and technically finished there before the expulsion. But still not a good record on her credit, we thought.

(Where am I going with this story about the dinner invitation??) Next posting, please... And by the way, is it true that blogging is like publishing your 'dirty laundry' to the world? What do you think?