Lost bag at Drugstore Charley

We went out the house late this afternoon to go to the biggest bookstore in my husband’s hometown (where kids have the whole BIG third floor to explore books fit for their age). On the way, we dropped by Charley’s to (mainly) buy diaper wipes for our daughter. The drugstore was considerably big so we sat Yui on the store’s baby cart and hung my bag on the cart’s built-in hook. Then we shopped around. After shopping, I gathered Yui up, hubs carried our shopped goods, we hopped unto the car, and Otosan drove us to the big bookstore.

We were already in the bookstore however, when I noticed that my pink bag was missing. And with a sinking heart, I realized we left it hanging on the baby cart hook. My phone and wallet was there – which contained my residence card. Thankfully, Hubs was able to keep the receipt of our purchase which Otosan used to get the number of the store (a reminder yet again – keep receipts!). He called up the store and asked if they’ve seen a pink bag hanging on a baby cart.

They confirmed yes, they’ve seen it and they’d kept it (A sigh of relief from us). Otosan asked them that we are a bit far from the drugstore and that if it’s possible that we can just pick up the bag later on our way home. And they confirmed yes on this.

More than two hours later, we picked up the bag – with nothing amiss on it. With a big sigh of relief, I exclaimed how relieved I am that I lost my bag in Japan. If it has been in some other country, it would have been gone for good. And what a headache it would have been!

Kudos Japan and I hope you’d keep this country as safe as it is now (or even safer!)

travel wardrobe

I used to do this for myself before – planning what clothes goes with what on which day whenever I/we travel. But, well, things change when you become a Mom. It’s all for the baby now. And with it being winter and we’ll be dressing up in layers, mix and matching clothes for your doll – er, baby – is so totally fun!

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As for what the Mom will wear…well, there are a couple or so clothes in the closet. I’ll just grab some and throw them in the luggage. Whichever, whatever (as long as it will keep me warm!) will do.

Merry Christmas 2013!!

It’s almost 2am in my part of the world and technically it’s already December 26. But still.
Here’s to wishing everyone had A Merry Christmas!!

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The Christmas cakes sold here in the country is just so crazy expensive!! Makes me miss more the traditional (cheaper) food we have in the Philippines. And since I’d rather buy wine than an expensive cake, I bought Fujiya purin/pudding instead for our special dessert. And I’m really happy with this purchase because aside from the free cups (I bought one each for me and hubs), it tasted really close from the traditional Filipino leche flan. Happy!

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True, the festivities and Christmas spirit is truly different and truly remarkable in the Philippines. Hubs and I and Yui may experience it again (first time for Yui) hopefully in the very near future; to experience the facet of Christmas that’s very festive. Till then, we will maximise the facet of Christmas that’s more laid back and intimate – like smiling back at your daughter who was giving you a happy grin after giving her a spoonful of delicious (and nutritious) meal; like getting a bear hug from your husband after finishing off most of the tasks for the night and greeting each other Merry Christmas; like hubs putting back the plastic decoration on my Christmas chicken after reheating it. All those. Subtle Exchanges. Of love.

Love, the very reason why we have a baby in the manger who, when grown up would sacrifice himself because of love.

And my heart is even more filled with gratitude. For all the love sent my way.

healthy eating

Natto. Tofu. Lean meat. Nameko. Okra. Cheese.

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Rice with ginnan (seeds from Japanese ginkgo tree).

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Miso soup with wakame (seaweed) and shrimp/crab meat. I’ve put too much wakame haha!

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For the Dad, the Mom and the Baby.