chocomusette.com

iLove: My 5th Grader

janizjardiolinlo — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 18:40:38 PHT

It's the end of the school year and my 5th grader is onto a different heights. But before that happens I want to thank my little nerd for making it through despite me being away every now and then.

Thank you for:

1. Being a dork
2. Being obsessive-compulsive
3. Calling me dude.
4. Studying on your own.
5. Working hard for your future
6. Being lovable
7. For making everything I'm doing worth it.

iLove: My Daughter's a Nerd & I'm Proud!

janizjardiolinlo — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:56:24 PHT

She's growing up way to fast! So fast that I realized she's talking sense now.

I recently read her notes in Facebook on October 23, 2010 "My Mind Getting Wider."

"If ever you wondered if a child like me would like Geography and History, yes we would. But it takes time to be interested into these kind of topics. Mom, Dad, did you ever notice that when I was a child, I never liked news or Geography and History? I know your answer would be yes.

Mom, Dad, now, did you ever notice that I like news and other stuff, like watching Discovery Channel? And your answer would still be yes. I do hope you know why. It's because my mind gets wider and it needs more information. That's why I'm making a note all about Geography and History. Perhaps this is just the first post about my mind getting wider but this one is about Geography and History, so here it goes

I say Bermuda you say Triangle. Could someone please tell me why accidents happen in that Triangle?

I love the sea, but I love Atlantis more, let's say it's the "Lost City"

When I grow up, it's either I'll be a doctor or a lawyer, but I don't want to be a pilot, that's why I'm looking up to Amelia Earhart "The first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean". Oh but whatever happened to her?

If Anne Boleyn were a queen who brought up Queen Elizabeth 1, so I would be Kiara Nicole J. Lo, a kid who's about to know more about the world."

*happy tears* I'm a proud mom of a nerd girl!

iLove: Intimate Shopping

janizjardiolinlo — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 19:10:27 PHT

If I had the power to make time stand still, I would. My daughter's growing up all to fast.

One time when my in-laws were out shopping with my daughter, she brought home a handful. Then she held out one particular shopping bag to me.

Kiara: "Mom...." *teary-eyed*

Me: "What's that?" (I took it and checked out what's inside.)

Kiara: "It's...." (Then ran off to bed and cried.)

Me: "Oh...." (I took out a handful of starters.)

Kiara: *loud cry* "I don't want to wear that! I'm not up for that! I'm too young!"

Me: "There's nothing to cry about. You're not YET wearing these but soon you will."

Kiara: "Please don't say soon mom! Please give me at least 5 more years before I will have to put those on!"

Me: *grin* "Whatever you say."

Now that the horror is over, she'd even go "intimate shopping" with my brothers!

Now it's my time to weep. Please time, go a little slower...please!

iLove: My brother's 23rd.

janizjardiolinlo — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:37:14 PHT

I flew back to Manila just in time for my brother's birthday. Initially I just wanted to visit my little girl since it's been two weeks since I last saw her. Two for the price of one huh?

It was a Saturday so everybody was busy doing their own thing. My brother didn't impose that we should be there but we all tried to. I love family gatherings, and it's quiet notable that food always brings us together. We were so ready to get our tummies loaded!

Our uncle was also in town for a wedding, so it makes him a willing substitute for my dad.

And of course there's my brother's friends who are ever present to support him at any time. I'm guessing they flew in too for his birthday.

Food is served! We had one of almost every kind just so we could taste a little bit of everything. It was divine, we loved it all.

And of course, don't forget the cake courtesy of Sheila. And my brother giggled while blowing his 23rd cake. We love you bro!

Marciano's

Second Floor, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati

iLove: Waveboard Weekend

janizjardiolinlo — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 10:55:47 PHT

The moment my daughter came to know how to "board", it shed a different light to our weekends. We met up with her half-Japanese friend Hikaru and sugared-up for an active day ahead.

Now my daughter's all fired up for the day, plus the fact that the weather's cooperating. The sun's up but it's not scorching hot, it's just a perfect time to be outdoors.

Kiara's geared up (minus the knee and elbow pads), should I still call that "geared up"?

Janiz: Wear your protective gears.

Kiara: *pout* Should I?

Janiz: Yes. The reason you're allowed to board is 'coz you agreed to wear those gears.

Kiara: Mom, I'll look funny. I'm fine with you calling me a dork, but please don't make me look like one. Besides I'm good at it already.

Janiz: *eyeball roll* You better! If you break a single bone --

Kiara: I won't, it's really really safe mom. There hadn't been a single waveboard incident that will cause you to be frantic.

Janiz: I'm a mother, it has been written that I have the right to be frantic.

Kiara: *puppy dog face* Please mom.

Janiz: *hands up* Fine.

What I love about Bonifacio High Street is the playful environment. You'd find yourself walking past kids in waveboards, skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, etc.

Once my daughter got on her board, she was unstoppable.

The girls will try to forget about hunger, so I bought burgers to-go since I know they'll refuse to take time to sit and eat.

So what do you think I did the whole time? Walk, window shop, sit, wait. My only companion was Sigg, he was my best-friend.

After 5 LONG hours...

Janiz: I think it's time to call it a day.

Kiara: Ok.

Janiz: (I was expecting a retaliation, but I guess she's fulfilled her day.) Let's do this again some other time.

Kiara: Sure thing! Can we be back tomorrow?

Janiz: What?! That's too soon. Some other time baby.

Kiara: When's that?

Janiz: Definitely not tomorrow. Ok?

Kiara: *shrug*

Now it's time to drop the board to catch up on those reading.

A day filled with mental and physical activity.

iBinge: Black Night

janizjardiolinlo — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 13:34:04 PHT

A few years ago, Kiara refuses to wear anything black. I guess now she has finally owngrown that. Although black may not be her top color choice but she could give a heads up when I ask her to wear something black. And this was the first time she wear something predominantly black.

Kiara: Mom, I can't believe I'd be saying this but I have a new found love for black! And add a little gray.

Janiz: I'm glad you overcomed your phobia for black.

Kiara: It wasn't really a phobia mom, it was more like a matter of preference. I just prefer light colors back then.

Janiz: Well, that's good. So does this mean we'll be buying more black now?

Kiara: Not really, just occasionally.

Janiz: *eyes roll*

While walking around I notice a lot of girls in their twenties giving her a second look. I maybe grooming a future head-turner. Emphasis on the "maybe".

iBinge: Conti's Saturday

janizjardiolinlo — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 12:53:23 PHT

It was a lazy Saturday night, but my brother, Kiara and I decided to go out to escape the Saturday boredom. We had dinner at Conti's newly opened branch in Greenbelt 2.

Kiara as usual had an empty stomach so we had to fill her in with loads of carbohydrates, so she had rice and meat. While I was still sick, so I asked for Spinach soup for a night fix, while my brother avoided eating rice so he had burger instead.

While waiting for our food we did a lot of talks about politics -- a topic that has constantly been in our conversations lately especially since May elections are just around the corner.

Kiara: Politics again? That's all I ever hear these days!

Janiz: You have to be socially aware Kiar, it is really important that we do.

Kiara: But, but...what is there to gain talking about it when I can hear it everyday in the news.

Janiz: It doesn't end in the news Kiar. You'll know when you get bigger. I was just like that when I was younger.

Kiara: *sighs* Until that day, please avoid talking politics with me around. It gives me a headache!

Janiz: Yes ma'am! *lol*

But afterwards, we just got back to the saving iPhone apps.

Conti's, Ground Floor Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Makati

iBinge: Tutti Frutti

janizjardiolinlo — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 23:11:04 PHT

I want to reiterate, this is really the time of yogurts. We just passed by the area and there was a short line forming so we stopped to try the place out.

You go through the same process, get your own frozen yogurt, choose your choice toppings, weigh it and pay at the cashier.

Janiz: What's with the look?

Kiara: I am a little disappointed.

Janiz: Huh? Why?

Kiara: I still prefer Qoola. So I was right that it was the best yogurt so far.

Janiz: It's really hard to please your taste buds.

Kiara: No mom, it's just I've tasted something better so I have a point of reference. And I must say Qoola has that distinct taste i love.

Tutti Frutti, 4th Floor Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati

iStyle: My Baby Love

janizjardiolinlo — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:40:51 PHT

My daughter's style has evolved over the years, her styles are more innate these days. No more "mom influence" in fashion, I now keep my opinions to myself.

Janiz: Baby, you'll turn 10 in a few days. Time does fly.

Kiara: *sigh* Can I be 9 forever?

Janiz: As bad and as selfish as it sounds, I want you to be 9 forever too.

Kiara: What should we do mom?

Janiz: Don't worry, I'll make an emergency call to a vampire volunteer.

Kiara: *hmph* Mom! This is a serious matter and should be taken seriously.

Janiz: I am serious baby. If I can, I would, but I'll have to let nature take it's course.

Kiara: Fine, vampire it is!

Janiz: *chuckles* You're a funny bunny! *hugs*

iBinge: Stopover at Persia Grill

janizjardiolinlo — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:14:53 PHT

Just outside Greenbelt 5 we tried out a new place to have a taste of Mediterranean cuisine, or just some of it. I for one was not that hungry, my brother and I had shawarma, while my daughter of course had chicken with rice on the sides.

It was almost like a hole in the wall but I noticed that most customers were Persians too. It was probably the confirmation that this was the right place. We were tempted to try other cuisine but I was really full and I just ate since it would have looked rather odd that someone in the table was just watching the others eat.

Kiara: Are you sure you're not going to have rice?

Janiz: Yeah, I'm good with this, anything more would be glutton.

Kiara: You're exaggerating! Maybe you're just in a diet?

Janiz: I have never been on a diet. I just go fasting on Fridays, it's not dieting, it's sacrificing.

Kiara: It's not Friday today so you can binge up.

Janiz: But I'm full, why can't you believe that?

Kiara: You were never full.

Janiz: Stop trying to force feed me, I'm not buying it.

Kiara: *sigh* Fine, don't blame me if you'll go hungry halfway through the night.

That's really how my daughter is. She always try to look out for me. She's a sweetheat.

Persia Grill, Dela Rosa St., Makati