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The perfect gift for me was to hear what my daughter plans for her future. As much as I wanted my daughter to take on the medical field she instead decided for herself to take up law. Although it's still too early to tell if she's eventually would, I love that she has a take on her future and that she knows exactly what she wants.

It tickles my dad hearing that her grand daughter would take on a profession he so desperately wanted for his children. And loves to hear Kiara say it and brags it to his friends.

Dad: Kiar, what would you to take up in college?

Kiara: I want to take up law.

Dad: Harvard or Yale?

(I quickly interrupted) Janiz: Yale!

Kiara: *frowns* Harvard.

Janiz: But you need a pre-law course here Kiar.

Dad: La Salle.

Kiara: Ateneo.

See, she has decided for herself even before we give out our suggestions. I can't complain because that's exactly what I wanted her to be a strong and independent woman.

Initially I just wanted to hear mass this day but dad insisted on dining out . I looked haggard to the last strand of my hair that day, I thought everyone would be nice enough not to mind but Jason did.

Eating out on my date of birth is a living proof that I've probably been binging out pretty bad in the past decade? I wish to just cut off a little bit of the fat I've stored for the past years, even just for this day, but dad wouldn't want me to. Ha! Lame excuse! Oh well, I had flowers! *grin* I have the sweetest brothers anyone could ever have. Dad of course, he's the sweet genes that got into my brothers DNA. And my daughter is and forever will be my muse.

We had fun stuffing in most of what was on the buffet table. And of course, no family gathering would be complete without the messing around and the photo op. Munching breaks were filled with laughs and playing around so when we've had enough of that, we're ready to raid back to the tables for more food.

Then Kiara and my brother finished off the night with a glass of halo-halo and a hug. *sigh*

Best days are filled with these.

Unlike most kids, Kiara as an only child have been wanting to have a sibling for years now. She'd always find any little girl or boy "cute". And she'd find a way to get closer to these kids and try act out as their big sis. She has tons of adopted brother and sister everywhere, and one of it is Bianca Golez. She's the grandchild of our next door store neighbor.

Sorry baby for my shortcomings, but I was never proud of anything rather than being your mother. And I'm elated seeing the person you've become. That alone is enough for me.

Since I was out of town on Mother's day, we made up for my absence on a heavy dinner. Food brings our family together. LOL. And ever since I arrived, my daughter proudly showed off her new hair.

Since they spent more than a week together without me, these two have been playing around, whispering, giggling, as if they were of the same age.

Kiara is all hyped up that night, thanks to the new do.

Kiara: *giggling* Surprise mom!

Janiz: I missed you so much!

Kiara: I know, but do you love my surprise?

Janiz: Where?

Kiara: *roll eyes* Duh, my hair! You spoiled it. *pout*

Janiz: I was just kidding.

Kiara: Do you like it?

Janiz: Oh, I LOVE it!

Kiara: Me too! I was surprised it was this short, but it was such a beautiful surprise.

Janiz: Now it's my time to do this, *roll eyes*

She's narcissistic just like that.

My brother and I probably scoured the entire metro just to look for a pair of Toms. And we regret that we had Trilogy last on our list, it would have saved us much of our time and energy mall-hopping.

These are one of the most comfortable pair I had ever tried on. At least this time, it doesn't have to look ugly and it's not hazardous during an elevator ride.

For those looking for Toms, have Trilogy on top of your list.

It was Mother's Day, paying tribute to mothers all over the world. They say that these special days were created by a card company to sell out their products. And I'm most likely inclined to believe so. But gone are the days when one would still buy a greeting card right off the shelf. Or is it just me? I think my daughter's hand-made cards are the sweetest.

Mother's day is also an excuse to shop for myself. Unfortunately I don't want something right off the rack. I want two shiny silver things. This bag and car.

I think I deserve that. But I wonder when that's going to happen! *sighs* Spent the day with my brother, Apple and Felice and have a burp-fest in Sango!

While we were having our rounds I over heard a conversation of a little girl with her mom.

Little Girl: Mom, can we go there?

Mom: *smiles*

Little Girl: Can we? Can we?

Mom: It's mom's day remember? We should go to wherever "I" want.

Little Girl: But mom!

Mom: It's my day, protest are not tolerated.

Little Girl: *pout* Can it be my day tomorrow then?

*sigh* I miss my mom.

For my whole student life, I was labeled "Little Ms. Late". Umm, that doesn't sound good. Let me make it worse. In fact I could have snagged the award (if there ever was) of the most outstanding late student in history. That was something I never wanted to be but I just was. I have reasons, let me break it down.

First, we live "out of town". Ok, that's not reason enough. Second, we all go to different schools, except my brothers that is. Third, we all have one ride, one trip to school. Even if I get up and be ready early, it's useless if the rest wont. And lastly, I have the farthest school, so I get dropped off last. Sweet. Ok, these might not suffice as an excuse. But what comforts me though is that I'm not the only Jardiolin that's late for class. All of us were. I believe it's our family's chronic decease. Not until I came to know a girl named Kiara.

She never wanted to be late for anything, and that took a toll to my late habits. Plus, she doesn't want to be on time, it has to be WAY early. It was obviously not my thing. I was rarely early before she came to my life, I was either late or just in time. So I never had the chance to wait.

Kiara: *panicking* We need to go now mom. Like, this very second.

Janiz: What?! We're an hour and a half early! And it only takes you 20 minutes to get there!

Kiara: We need to be there early.

Janiz: But not an hour early!

Kiara: I don't mind waiting rather than being late.

Janiz: What happened to the words "just on time"?

Kiara: No such thing, you're still a second or two on the brink of being late.

Janiz: Argh! You're driving me crazy!

Some were taught by elders, my teachings on the other hand came from my little one. I mean I also share what I know, but for the most part, it was her teaching me the little things that we take for granted. And out of the many, she taught me to wait.

As a mother, I'd like to think that my daughter is multi-talented. But that's not for me to say, but only for Kiara to prove. I'd like to believe though that kids nowadays are talented in many ways. And if there's one thing that Kiara and I share, it's our love for music. I love music in general, but Kiara wants to be a part of music.

When we were young, my mom bought a piano, hoping that any one of us could play it. So I enrolled to piano lessons thereon, I played quiet a few pieces but I didn't have as much gift to compose or even play what I hear. I just play whatever I was taught.

My daughter on the other hand, showed signs of the gift that I so badly want to have. When she was little she'd listen to some nursery rhymes and try to play with the keys until she hit the right note. She could make out something out of footsteps, clicking, tapping, or anything that gives out a sound. It fascinates me! And I guess it's my role as a mother to hone and enhance whatever talent that surfaces in this girl that I believe is a gift in itself.

I love you baby. Keep hitting those sharps and flats until you make out something beautiful.

As a foodie, we're never afraid to try out something new. And I love that there's been quite a few new places to try out in Iloilo. We tried out this neo-mexican small scale restaurant Picante.

The place is something you can't even take a second look at but we did otherwise and tried out the good stuffs they're offering at a budget friendly price.

After we've tried it out, we just keep coming back thereon.

It used to be all about me, now everything is about her. Now, I don't mind being left in the background -- as a matter of fact, I like it better like that. Even at a young age, my daughter has been such a poser. But she's not just all that.

When I flew back to Manila for her enrolment and to have get a hold of her report card.

Kiara: Did you get my card already?

Janiz: Yes.

Kiara: What's my standing?

Janiz: Second honors.

Kiara: Oh. That's so sad. I promise mom to do better next school year.

Janiz: No problem baby. Don't fuss about it, just as long as you did your best. It's enough for me.

Kiara: I'll try harder mom.

Janiz: Thanks baby for being such a stunning geek!

She breaks my heart like that. While other parents pressure their children, mine's putting so much pressure on herself.