Food glorious food!

I have never cooked so much in my life until now. For the housewarming party yesterday I made roast beef (medium rare), roast pork (with incredibly scrumptious crackling), glazed ham, embutido, quiches and potato/leaf salads. I also decorated the table with fresh fruits to give the presentation a bit of zing.
It was hard work doing all this cooking but it paid off because my visitors loved the house and the food! I received a lot of compliments on both. Hubby was ever so proud and so were his parents. I just wished my family and friends back in Manila were here to enjoy it too. I have to say I like my cooking too and I am definitely improving my baking skills with the success of my Christmas orange cake steeped in Grand Marnier (hehehe). Cooking with wine and alcohol is the only way I could enjoy the taste of these drinks. I am quite tired of cleaning the house too. I have had no rest since we broke up for Christmas at work. Tomorrow I will have a couple of my colleagues at work stay over—and more cooking for me!In an hour's time hubby and I will go to Peugeot to have my car MOT'd. At least I have a new set of tyres now so it should pass the blinking test!
After that we'll go to Tesco (again!) to buy a couple of things. We spent a huge sum of money on food this Christmas. That includes our Housewarming soiree. I also thought of posing in front of the table before the feast yesterday. I wanted to have a record of my cooking. I still couldn't believe I did it all by myself. In a way I feel a bit guilty with all this food around me. I could feed a small hamlet back in the Philippines with all this. However, I did manage to feed 14 hungry people (plus a dog) so I shouldn't complain. And there's plenty of leftovers too.

Christmas Dinner

Today is Boxing Day and I am posting my dinner table decor that we had for our Christmas dinner. I woke up quite early to make sure that the turkey would be ready for 2pm! Anyway, I think this year I finally cracked it--the turkey was done to perfection, the ham was fab and the veggies were terrific! Yes it was a success. My mother in law bequeath me her original dinner set given to her as part of her wedding present over 60 years ago. I thought of using them for this occasion instead of my own. She had the full set--complete with serving dishes. One day I will also bequeath these things to my favourite niece as she's interested in heritage. Whenever I come in possesion of a treasure (like this dinner setting) I feel a tiny bit sad that I do not have children-- or a daughter to pass these to. In this consumer world we live in, it is especially nice to have something that is handed down to you. This is one of those times.

Now all I have to worry about is the housewarming party. I have a lot of cooking to do! This is quite stressful!

Long for a rest

I woke up with a stinking headache…the kind that makes me want to throw up. I took a painkiller and prayed that it won’t develop to a full blown migraine. No, not this time of year please! I felt absolutely fragile during breakfast. As I drove to work--in complete darkness-- I felt a stabbing pain every time headlights hit my eyes. The pain is excruciating. Is it just me or headlamps nowadays are too bright? It didn’t help that idiots are allowed to drive. I almost got caught up in a head-on collision! This maniac overtook in a non overtaking lane in the city. His car lights obliterating my vision! I could just imagine the driver he overtook. There was a slight fracas --horns tooting and all. I got to work feeling really nauseous and headachy so I decided to take another pain killer. All I want to do now is to go back to bed, cover my eyes and sleep this damn pain off. It is a struggle staying awake. In a few hours we will be closing shop and I will have to take my car to Peugeot for its MOT and service. That means I will be home by three at the earliest! I am too drowsy for anything else!

A bit of fun

Your Brain's Pattern

Your mind is a firestorm - full of intensity and drama. Your thoughts may seem scattered to you most of the time... But they often seem strong and passionate to those around you. You are a natural influencer. The thoughts you share are very powerful and persuading.

What Pattern Is Your Brain?

How You Live Your Life

You have a good sense of self control and hate to show weakness. You say whatever is on your mind. Other people's reactions don't phase you. You prefer a variety of friends and tend to change friends quickly. Some of your past dreams have disappointed you, but you don't let it get you down.

How Do You Live Your Life?

Your Birthdate: June 17

You tend to find yourself lucky - both in business and in life. And while being wealthy is nice, you enjoy sharing your abundance with others. You put your luck to good use: you are very ambitious and goal oriented. Often times, you get over excited and take on more than you can manage. Your strength: Your ability to make your own luck Your weakness: Thinking you can do it all Your power color: Bronze Your power symbol: Half Moon Your power month: August

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Decisions, decisions

I can’t figure out this weather we’re having! Yesterday it was freezing, icy conditions. Today it is mild and we’re awash in brilliant sunshine. How I wish I was out there instead of working away in the office. I am having second thoughts about the chicken galantine. Maybe if I serve poached salmon, it would make a difference from the turkey and meat being served at Christmas. What to do, what to do…
The problem with salmon is I haven’t done it before but I could get a recipe. I do not have a fish kettle but perhaps we could find one before the 29th! I am sure there are lots in the kitchen shops in Sidmouth, Axminster or even Exeter. Maybe I should do a spot of shopping this lunch time.

***
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a way to “defrag” your brain like you would with PCs? I’ve been thinking about this because I have lots of trivial information stored in my brain occupying a lot of memory space. I could use that space for say number crunching or analysing. Take for instance the other day, my father in law casually asked where Santa Claus came from and like the idiot that I am I explained to him that Santa Claus was “an evolutionary creation, brought about by the fusion of two religious personages (St. Nicholas and Christkindlein, the Christ child) to become a fixed image which is now the paramount symbol of the secular Christmas celebration”. Later on the Coca Cola advertisements created the image of the current Santa. St Nicholas was actually from Turkey—long story but nevertheless this kind of useless information should be stored somewhere else in my brain.
I remember too many things and some of them I’d rather relegate to the dustbins of history. Why do I greedily hang on to information? Maybe I am a closet anorak. I wonder if I my personality will be different if I lost all my memory. Will I love the same people? Will I despise the same people? Will I be me? I read in one of my weekend mags about a Japanese inventor putting together the final touches of a life-like robot.

I mean this humanoid looks and speaks like a human being--complete with facial expressions and eye contact. He said that in a recent World exhibition, he had the robot man the reception booth and 77% of people didn’t even notice that “she” was a robot! Can you beat that? I find that very interesting--but rather spooky. The theory is people develop an emotional relationship with robots that look human. I find R2D2 and C3PO rather cute. But I’d ditch them for a robot that looks like Harrison Ford!

Beating the crowds

I finally did it! I finally succumbed to doing my groceries online. I really cannot bear to face the crowds at Tesco's especially this time of year and although hubby offered to meet me there at five o'clock today, the temptation of staying at home proved to be too hard to resist. Okay so the delivery charge was like £5.50 but considering the nearest Tesco to my house is a couple of miles away it may sound a bit much. However, the convenience (and the luxury) of not having to look for parking, no queueing, no nothing...just sitting here waiting for the delivery van to arrive. Heaven!
I can now concentrate on cleaning this house and finalising my schedule for next weekend. It is going to be a cookfest marathon for me. I have my in laws for Christmas Day and Boxing Day then we will host a housewarming party followed by an overnight sleep in of two of my colleagues at work on New Year's Eve. I have to prime myself. It's just this pesky neck and shoulder of mine. Ouch!

Oh what a night

Whoever said that you peak in your mid 20s then it’s downhill all the way may be right. Eons ago when I was younger, I could stay up all night and still manage to function the following day--no problem. Nowadays I can’t even stay up watching prime time telly without feeling hung over the next day!
Last night was no different. I made an exception this year to attend the office Christmas party. I wore my old reliable LBD (little black dress) and killer Italian heels. God knows when I wore this outfit last! There I was teetering around in my heels and trust me I had to watch my every step.
It also didn’t help that I was surrounded by young, unwrinkled, slender bodied females. What is the point of all the preening? None whatsoever in my opinion. The men varied sharply between my middle aged colleagues—ho-hum or super young virile just-out-of-university bucks. I should be at least 15 years younger to enjoy this event, but alas I am not. However, that didn’t mean I didn’t notice some good looking specimen of the opposite sex but my natural reservation stopped me from making “chit chat”. Crikey, give the young people space to enjoy themselves. The last thing they want is an old crone like me acting “cool”—yeah I could see that happening—not!

I was quite surprised that the event went very well, more than expected judging from the fact that people looked like they were enjoying themselves. As the night wore on, people started to shed their inhibitions. After dinner I was all ready to make an early getaway (it was 9.30pm by then) when we were led to the “disco” room. The venue was a bit naff but the music was good and people started dancing. This was the moment I dreaded. I haven’t danced for ages and I mean ages. During my misspent youth my pals and I practised our Saturday Night Fever moves. Ah, I remember the swing and the salsa. Those were wonderful days of innocence.
A couple of days ago one of the bucks asked if we could dance during the party and I said I no longer do disco dancing—only slow drag. I immediately regretted my statement because I gave an indication of my preferred dance. At the party last night he mentioned dancing again and I felt a mild panic. Surely I am old enough to be his mother! What about my reputation as the strict head of administration? Get over it Norrie, it’s just a dance not an affair, I thought. Anyway, as if the DJ knew what was going on in my mind he changed the music from bop to slow drag. I quickly grabbed my overcoat and car keys and made my way across the room to say goodbye to young buck. I thought it was good manners to at least acknowledge the earlier dance request but things just didn’t happen that way. The next thing I knew we were in the middle of the dance floor doing the swing and as if in the movies other dancers parted to make way for us. Can you just imagine it???? There we were dancing like we practised every move. People clapped after our little performance. I was so thankful it was dark away from the dance floor because I swear I was red as a beetroot. After that little performance I was grabbed by another young buck and we did some tango and salsa moves as well but not as intense as with the previous dance. I had to leave after the two dances because I was “taxi driver” for three people. It was 10.00pm by this time and my head was buzzing. Oh what a night!

I arrived home shortly after 11.00pm. It took me a long time to get to sleep. I was too stoked! I got in early this morning feeling quite tired and nursing a sore shoulder. I am afraid my dancing days are well and truly over. But the memory of that dance last night will stay with me for a long time.

A bone to pick

Damn! My mother in law just informed me that our local butcher does not debone chicken. That means I will have to do it myself! What a hassle. Good job I found some instructions on how to do it! I might as well give it a go.
I found some other blogsites dedicated to pinoy food, which is great especially when my well-thumbed pinoy cookbook fails to provide me with any inspiration. Sometimes I wonder why I think of food most of the time. I actually take great satisfaction in thinking about food. I even search the web for recipes. Am I sad or what? Wouldn’t it be great to be a food critic or just a food journalist? My dream job is to travel the world and taste various local delicacies--then critique them! I don’t want to go to posh restaurants. I’d like to sample real food from real people and not from some poncey establishment paying obscene prices.
Anyway, back to my dilemma--how to debone a large chicken?

Deck the halls

Hubby and I did a spot of Christmas shopping yesterday in Axminster. We bought my mother in law a pair of dangling opal earrings. Very nice (and expensive). I bought a really nice "bolero" type shrug/shawl embellished in beads and sequins. I need something delicate to wear over my little black dress for the office Christmas party. This is the first time I am attending a Christmas party since goodness knows when. Actually I bought this lovely black angora wool bolero from Marks and Spencer on Friday but I think I will take it back because the shawl I bought yesterday was super. It looked like it has always been part of the outfit.
I am also going to wear (for the first time since goodness knows when again) my killer Italian heels. I can almost feel my poor feet aching now.
I do not think I will do any dancing. My body cannot take any physical punishment on the dance floor. Do I sound decrepit? My neck is hurting again. The housework is never done! I baked my orange cake yesterday. This time it is spiked with lots of alcohol!

We have heavy fog today--bad for driving. I hope it isn't the same tomorrow. It'll be tough in the dark. I think we really need Christmas this time to year to perk us up. We decorated the house with wreaths of holly and gold baubles. It is quite Christmassy downstairs.
I am planning for my marathon cookfest over Christmas. I will attempt to make rellenong manok or chicken galantina. I hope my local butcher could debone the chicken for me, if only to save me time. I'd like to make that for the house warming on the 28th December. I am always homesick this time of year but not as bad as when I was living in Sydney. I like Christmas over here but I still miss the brash Filipino pasko. One thing I learned abroad...I learned to cook if nothing else. Of course it would be lovely to have someone cook delicious food for you but that's not the real world. I also hate to depend on anyone for anything.

I am so tired I think I'll go to bed for a quick nap. Yawn.

Christmas shopping panic

Hubby and I accompanied his parents to Exeter for a shopping trip. It was quite exhausting because they are very fussy about clothes. I walked around the shops including Marks and Spencer with my mother in law but she didn’t find any article of clothing she really fancied. We were at Exeter for five hours! At least we had a nice lunch at the Ship Inn. I like that pub, it serves good food. We left Exeter around 4.00pm. It was almost dark by then but we managed to show them the University grounds. I am quite proud of the campus. It is absolutely beautiful. They actually won awards for the gardens. Anyway, the trip exhausted me. Don’t get me wrong, I love shopping, I find it therapeutic. But looking after someone who does not like anything on offer is exhausting! There were moments when I felt utter frustration welling up. In the finish I advised them to check out the local shops near Axminster. They would cater to older people’s style.

Will I be the same when I reach their age? Will I be as fussy? I was thinking maybe by then I’ll be sitting in my veranda in the Philippines and shopping for clothes wouldn’t be as difficult. I vowed to be more involved with life. I would hate to be bored. For me retirement means doing the things I never had any time for. I’d be pursuing my interests (gardening, cooking, volunteering, etc) instead of worrying about line management and Monday mornings!

Whenever I start feeling down I think of my house. I do like my new house. It is not palatial or anything like that but I like the layout a lot. When I am in my sitting room (lounge) I look around and I say to myself, yes, I like this room. I cannot think of one area that I do not like. I am aware that I shouldn’t be too attached to material things but I am making an exception on this one.

Maybe I should be more detached, be more Zen like.

Okay moving on. I have ordered the organic turkey, top side beef, sausage meat (for stuffing), bacon rashers and pork loin for the Christmas festivities. I will be feeding a lot of people during the Christmas break and I need to stock up. My oven will be on double speed--I am psyching myself for the marathon cooking.

I will bake a couple of orange cakes instead of the heavy fruit cakes this weekend. Come to think of it I have to decorate the house this weekend too! Time is slowly ticking away and I haven’t even finished my Christmas shopping!

At the moment I seem to be sleep deprived. I think it has to do with the fact that I hardly see daylight. I leave my house in total darkness and I arrive in total darkness. That’s winter for you. Unfortunately, my internal alarm clock seems to go off at 4.30am! I do not need an alarm clock, never did because I always wake up before the alarm goes off. What I’d give for a really good sleep.

Hair-raising experience

I would like to share with you my hair-raising experience with snow and ice last week. Last Friday I woke up long before dawn to get ready for work. I felt quite cold and I thought it strange because we set the central heating on at 5:45am (for an hour) so I do not wake up to a cold house. I went downstairs to the kitchen to have my chocolate porridge breakfast and there I saw it outside my kitchen window—huge chunks of snowflakes coming down from the heavens!
At first I thought it was pretty cool but then I thought I had to drive through this and it looks like it was turning into a blizzard.
Foolishly, I still got ready for work (woollen overcoat, pink pashmina over dark trouser suit, velvet cap, knee-high boots, black leather gloves). When I got out of the house my car had about two inches of snow all over it. Our steep driveway was, by now, iced over. Like the proper fool (again) I was still determined to go to work. I started my car, heating full blast and experienced the first sign of trouble ahead—the car slid down the driveway because of the ice. We hadn’t had time to put grit and salt over it. I went through the lanes (slipping and sliding) hoping that the main A358 was gritted the night before. Nope! Then the blizzard came into full force. I couldn’t see where I was going and to make things really difficult, the winding road “disappeared” in a carpet of snow. By now I was feeling rather scared. I knew I did not have control of the car. Driving in icy roads is like skating—only with a powerful motor to propel you to kingdom come. I approached the ramp leading up to the A30. It was covered in thick snow. Everything seemed to happen suddenly. I couldn’t see very well in the blizzard and my tyres were spinning out of control. As I approached the incline, my car spun 180 degrees. I held my breath for an impact—Lorries do come down that way and with the icy conditions they would have been careening down my way. This was the point when I thought to myself—“I am not paid enough to risk my life!” I headed back home but it took me forever to get back as the landscape changed. I felt lost because I couldn’t recognise the road. What made it more dangerous were the twists and turns. I could have easily ended up in a ditch!
As I entered the single car lane leading to my house (a short cut) I turned to Yonder Mount and it happened again but this time with a lot of force. My car skidded and I hit the kerb with such force it took my breath away. Luckily, my little Peugeot survived the impact—I actually didn’t care because I just wanted to get back safely indoors.
This time I parked my car in our lay-by down the driveway. Our drive way so deep in snow and ice. I didn’t even bother checking any damage to my car. I couldn’t’ see it anyway because of the blizzard. I then struggled to get back to the house as it was a steep incline and my boots were slipping too. When I opened the front door, Hubbyand Sam were staring at me like I was a ghost. Actually Hubby said my face was a picture of fear. All I remembered saying was, “I am not going back there again!”
It snowed heavily after that and we watched the news—the A30 in Cornwall was locked in a grid overnight due to snow and accidents. Everywhere people were stranded. It was amazing! The snow was forecasted but the amount of snow that fell in a very short time was totally unexpected for the time of year. It was only a couple of days later when we found out that my front hubcap was missing and I dented the tyre rim. Fortunately we found the wheel trim on the other side of the road and saw the damage I did to the kerb—I cracked it. I can drive in pouring rain. I can drive in thick fog. These conditions I can do even in total darkness but one thing I learned is to trust your instincts and stay home during a blizzard and don’t drive in icy conditions!

Snowfields

I thought I'd post this stunning view of my backyard...or rather "borrowed scene" of the fields behind my house. That spot of heavy snow on Friday created such a stir--the A30, a major road was closed for hours because of accidents. I became a casualty myself when I skidded several times that fateful morning! It didn't help that it was so dark and the blizzard obliterated your vision. I felt really scared and I thought to myself, "this is not worth it. I am not being paid a lot to risk my life!".

Let it snow or get snowed under?

It was snowing when I woke up this morning. Actually it was just beginning to snow when I set out for work--in pitch dark. The first sign of disaster was when my car slid down the driveway. Take note, of the word "slid". Then there was a flurry of snow or a blizzard. I wouldn't have minded but the roads going out of Axminster weren't properly gritted and guess what...I experienced my first bump car competition. It's a weird sensation when the tyres lose traction and the car just skate off the road. I went as far as a couple of miles then when turned towards the A35, the road (uphill) was frozen and my car just did a 360 degree turn. With blinding blizzard and skates for a car, I decided my life was worth more than a day's work. I head back home. I was getting a panic attack when I couldn't see the road markings. Everything was covered in white fluff. The scenery changed and I felt quite unsure. Not good. Then coming up our hill, the car lost traction again and I ended up hitting the pavement. Not good. I skidded my way up to the house. Gosh was I thankful to get back home!
It is still snowing heavily outside. The whole countryside is picture perfect but I know that these conditions are deadly to drivers.

Posh dinner

I roasted a pheasant on Sunday for Peter’s dinner. It was a success judging from the clean plate after the meal. I’ve never roasted pheasant before and I didn’t realise it was dead easy. I prepared the bird by lightly marinating and seasoning it beforehand. Then I wrapped it in bacon rashers, slathered olive oil and roasted it on top of a rack. I then added water on the roasting pan, put foil on top of the chicken and roasted it in the oven for one and a half hours at 180 deg. Fifteen minutes before serving I removed the foil and the rack and rolled the bird around the pan. Sounds simple? I think so, but I also made sure the bottom of the pan didn’t dry out. I added water while it was roasting and it was a real hassle to be in front of a very hot oven during the last 15 minutes.
I also received positive comments about my original orange fruit cake. Yes! I think my idea of marinating the dates, raisins and orange peel in orange liqueur works. So that’s it for my usual Marks and Spencer fruit cakes. I am making my very own cake for Christmas.
It looks like I am just about ready to hand in my assignment. I actually wrote over 6000 words! Amazing huh? I will just check it tonight and I think I will hand it in next week. I do hope I get a merit this time, but one never knows.
I may sound a bit boring talking about the weather again. Today was not just bitterly cold but foggy as well. Tomorrow I will be driving Peter’s car because he’s going to take my car in to be fitted with a new radio/CD player. I shouldn’t worry about it but I do hate driving other people’s cars especially in the dark…foggy…and icy. Ughs!

Frosty the iceman

I cannot believe that my last post is almost a week old now! I thought I just wrote it recently. Anyway, work this term has been short of a nightmare. I thought I was the only one under stress but it turned out that many of my colleagues are feeling the pressure too. I suppose that should be expected during times of major changes.
I also received comments from my tutor regarding my draft for my paper on Power and Influence. I am now doing revisions to the document and I really hope this time I get that one extra point for a merit. We'll see. Maybe trying to get a masters degree and holding a full time stressful job isn't a good idea. Also having to drive 45 minutes each way to work is a real hassle but I do so love this house.
Frosty the iceman has arrived. We've been having heavy frosts in the morning now. In fact my hands get really numb when I scrape off ice from my windshield and car windows. Last night I had my electric blanket on--just on low to warm my feet. We also had the open fire going in the lounge. My in laws came over for our Friday night take away dinner here. Last night was Indian curry night. The dishes were hot but extremely delish. Next Friday it will be Chinese night. Can't wait.
Today I struggled with my assignment but I think I am making headway. Tomorrow I intend to make the additions and changes electronically. I still write long hand when doing these revisions then I type them into the main document. A bit laborious but that's how I work best. Today I also baked my original recipe light orange fruit cake. It is cooling downstairs. I am experimenting on a new fruit cake. Most recipes are just too rich for my taste. This one I'm working on seems to be a winner with friends and family--yes, yes I've been doing my taste test as well. I am getting geared up for Christmas. We've ordered the turkey, testing the sausages and planning what other meats to order (ie beef topside and pork loin for roasting). One has to be organised for these things.
I suppose this facet of my personality is so out of sync with what people expect from me. I am such a homebody and some people cannot believe that especially at work. They think I do exciting things every weekend. How wrong they are! I'd rather be here in my home. I think after almost 15 years away from my real family and home, I finally found my place in the sun--at the moment it feels more like wintry sun. Brrrr.

Autumnal thoughts

The other day my father in law treated us to a magnificent dinner at Coombe House. Let me describe the place or better still check it out http://www.thishotel.com/.
We arrived at 7:30pm and left the premises at 11:00pm! The food was excellent and the place was so posh. I half expected the likes of Mr Darcy (of Pride and Prejudice) come riding up the long driveway---or better still in his very wet suit (sigh).
It was a memorable meal and we enjoyed it immensely. Of course it cost a small fortune but Coombe House is a real treat.

I do like good food. At the moment I am slow cooking a beef casserole. I started cooking it before 11am and it is simmering downstairs in my slow cooker. We will be eating it tonight at 7:30pm. I make my beef casserole with red wine. I used Tempranillo, a Spanish wine, this time. I also used up my Italian mushrooms to add flavour to the casserole. I also added olives, bay leaf, garlic, shallots, peppers and tomatoes. I hope it tastes good.

It is that time of year when I start thinking of what to serve for Christmas. I am having my in laws over for Christmas dinner but the big party is on the 29th when we've invited all the Blackeby's to come over for a house warming. I am counting 15 people at least. What to feed them I wonder? Also I need to decorate the house with lots of fresh flowers. It's the clearing up later on that's going to kill me. Good think I have a dishwasher. It should be fun though.

I am nursing a sore neck and shoulders. I think it had something to do with too much PC time--like now! I think I should go downstairs and veg out.

Rainy weather

I've been under "assignment" stress lately. I have a deadline to submit my draft on Thursday and I've just finished drawing a flowchart--that's the part I like because it visualises my thoughts.
Anyway, the autumnal weather is here. We've been battered by gale force winds and heavy rain for the last two weeks. Driving gets to be challenging too when most of the time you can't see where you're going! We also adjusted the clocks to winter time--no more daylight saving. At least it is not that dark when I leave for work. It's dark though when I come home. Oh well, a few months of this won't hurt. The house takes the rough weather pretty good. Makes me think of the story of the three little pigs! A house made out of bricks is the way to go.
By the way, I also received photos of my Manila visit from my sister and they're fab. I love looking at these photos...very happy memories of my last visit in Manila. Here are some of them.

Me and my Dad--This was taken at my sister's house. Good ole dad!

That's my mother! Isn't she beautiful? I think she's very photogenic.

My best friend Melanie--she's the gorgeous one on the left (haha!). We've known each other since we were seven years old and that's a long time ago.

Finally, with my sister Rosalyn. She's the funniest female I know. She's fearless too and loves the water--dives like a fish. My exact opposite that way. I do miss all of them...everyday of my life.

Sunset View

I took this photo a few weeks back. We watch the sunset from the comfort of our sitting room.That's the reason why we decided to call our house Sunset View. It is quite a privelege to watch nature at its best. What a beautiful sight!And yes, hubby and dog love it too!

Inside look

This is my dining room. People tend to congregate here because it is next to the kitchen. The layout of the house is good.

I love my kitchen very much.












I particularly love this secluded spot in my back garden--the swing under the pergola. I often sit there in the morning during the weekends drinking my coffee. All I could hear are birds singing. It's magical!

Country walks

This photo was taken during one of our walks in the village. Our house is part of the backdrop behind me. I call this place Heartbreak Hill. It sure gets my cardiovascular system working--even Sam feels it!

The good thing about going up...I always look forward to walking back down!

Lyme Regis

This was taken in Lyme Regis last month. This was the same place where the French Lieutenant's Woman was made starring Jeremy Irons and Meryll Streep. Something of a trivia for you.
Anyway, Lyme is about five miles from Musbury and it is rather picturesque. Love it.

Tempus fugit

Time flies when you're too stressed out to think about it.
We pretty much settled in the new house. I could start updating my blogsite if not for the problems with our broadband provider. We're still trying to get connected at home. Good thing I could do this at work!

Last week I received a package from the Philippine Embassy in London. Actually it came from my classmate, the Tourism Attaché, who came back from Manila. Apparently, some of our classmates sent me some goodies like peanut bars, polvoron, etc. I thought it was so sweet of them. I still think I am very lucky to have good friends. They are like my surrogate family. We all keep in touch via the internet. We’ve been doing that (internet) since 1998. Some of them I have known since I was 17 and we’re still friends! Amazing isn’t it?

Last Saturday I had my annual flu vaccine. It’s the flu season soon. People are coming down with the virus. Since I am an asthmatic, I am eligible for free vaccine. At least I get something free from the NHS! The British government has stockpiled on the flu vaccine and they are getting ready for the possible Asian bird flu. We live in scary times.

I painted our tool shed yesterday. Something quite funny happened while I was busy painting. Sam always follows me around the house when it’s just him and me there. We installed a mini gate across the steps leading up to the garden to deter Sam from messing about there when we’re not looking. His kennel is located next to the steps but behind the high wall. The cats next door used to be friends with the cats living in our current house. They still think that it’s a cat friendly place and couldn’t understand why we ignore them and why Sam chases them away. Yesterday, while I was painting, Sam was standing on top of his kennel watching me intently. I suppose animals are fascinated to watch someone else working. Anyway, on the corner of my eye I noticed movement from the top of the high wall. I looked slightly sideways and I saw the cat next door also intently watching me. I ignored both of them and waited until they realised how close they were! They watched me for quite sometime then after a while, I saw the dog look up and the cat look down and there was a godalmighty fracas! It was quite hilarious really.


Fancy that view from your back garden!
The nights are drawing near. I get up before the break of dawn (6.00am) and I am fortunate enough to see some stunning sunrises in the morning. I saw one today. It was so quiet when I arrived to work (7.45am) and I thought it would be great to share it. I also watch the sun set—we have some stunning views from my lounge room! My father in law absolutely love it. He sits in the lounge with this pre dinner drink every Friday night when they have dinner with us.

Back to normal

I am slowly getting back into the swing of things. I’ve changed my details with several companies. I never realised how many companies hold my personal details! The removal people collected the last of the empty boxes yesterday and things are looking quite normal at home except for one bedroom. Unfortunately, the base of one of our beds didn’t fit through the stairway so we had to get rid of it. Now we have to buy a bedstead for the room. I also need to get myself a new dishwasher. Money is draining away like water from our pockets at the moment. There are still a lot of projects I would like to do on the property. Like the garden for instance. I miss my lavender plant and ferns. Oh well, I will need to work on that later. Autumn is just around the corner so there’s no point in doing much. I have to get rid of the snails though. We have a snail colony in our back garden. However, I am also aware that birds eat them. That’s a dilemma for me. What to do…what to do?
I found that work isn’t that all important in my life anymore. This is just a means to an end. The country life hubby and I have is simply fantastic! It’s the quality that matters. Career no longer holds a strong allure. Maybe I have matured

Driving me crazy

I consider driving a chore. The only time it becomes a pleasure is when I am on the open road--alone! I particularly hate “tailgaters”. This sense of claustrophobia heightened since my accident a couple of years ago when a lorry rammed the backside of my car!
I am sure I will get used to the 45-50 minute drive to and from work everyday. I didn’t realise the impact of an additional 10 miles to my journey until yesterday when I was held up by a hay lorry on the A35. Overtake the damn thing I hear you say? Well, unlike the A30, which is a dual carriageway, the A35 is a two-way traffic. It is not a straight road either so overtaking a huge lorry is not for the fainthearted. I thought an additional 5 to 10 minutes will not make a huge difference to my day. I arrived home shattered nursing a dull headache.
Yesterday was not exactly a relaxing day at work. I didn’t even feel like eating my dinner! However, that didn’t stop me from cleaning my front room windows. I am a bit obsessive about windows. I like looking at squeaky clean windows. With the views we have, there's more reason to have them sparkling clean! Judging from the state of the windows, the previous owners were a bit slack in that area.
I think this weekend will be devoted to cleaning and final unpacking of books in the attic. The house is really fab and we are very happy with it and the surroundings. The downside is we do not want to go anywhere!

Off to the country!

I am a happy chappie. Why wouldn’t I? I survived the hassle and stress of moving house. Last week was absolute hell! At one point I thought I’d collapse from exhaustion. Manual handling is one thing but stress and fatigue is another. Anyway, hubby and I (plus Sam) are now the new residents of a country dwelling in Musbury near Axminster, Devon located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The views from my front room are spectacular. All I could see are distant rolling hills and valleys...and from the kitchen? Well, the house backs onto open fields and woods. Absolutely exquisite countryside. I watch the cows make their way back to the farm every night--“until the cows come home”-ha ha!
The downside is I am farther away from work, exactly 11 miles more than Honiton. That equates to an additional 15-20 minutes to my journey each way. I also have to navigate winding country roads. My driving is improving no end! I need to familiarise myself to the roads before the onset of winter when it gets dark earlier and the roads can get icy--brrr--makes me shiver just thinking of it.
Yes, life is good.

Three's company

I am here with my sister Rosa (in the middle)and our Dad. Rosa's one of the funniest people on the planet. Her comedic timing is impeccable. She never fails to make me laugh. I never thought I could love her this much! I guess age does that to you.


Messing about with my nephew Gage Timothy (or Timmy for short). He's mature for his age and gives a lot of joy and support to my sister Rosa. He's a lot of fun too!

High in the Highlands

My niece, Sunshine, and her boyfriend, Leo,(that's them on the top photo) took my mother and me to Tagaytay, south of Manila. It was a gorgeous day indeed and we enjoyed it immensely. Behind us is Taal lake and the mini volcano. I met some interesting people that day and engaged in some brilliant conversation with Leo's Dad and his friend. Leo's parents were very hospitable. What a nice family. I didn't know families like them even exist! Wonderful!

There and back!

--A little love from my friends in Manila


I cannot believe I spent 10 days in Manila. Imagine 10 fun filled, exciting days in neverland! I met a lot of good old friends. In fact it came to a point where my sister likened me to the Dalai Lama because of the stream of visitors coming from far away just to see me—laden with goodies. I was flattered at the same time humbled by the display of affection. I am one lucky person!
I also spent time with my family. There was my mother full of beans after a bout of pneumonia a few months back (which precipitated my visit), my wacky sister Rosa and her lovely kids—all four boys and my niece Sunshine, a wonderful young woman. I also spent a lot of time with my best friend Melanie and her family.
We ate, drank coffee, reminisced and joked a lot. In fact I never laughed so hard for such a long time. I slept very late and woke up early. I was so knackered by the end of it all!

I am now back in Blighty facing a lot of changes. Hubby and I (plus the dog) are moving house next week. I was also relocating a lot of people at work. I am actually looking forward to a proper holiday. I am glad to go to Provence this year. Antibes here we come!

A rose by any other name...

Your Scent is Rose Delicate, feminine, and soft Your personality is fresh and understated What Scent Are You? Take This Quiz :-) Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance.

meow! hiss!

You Are Catwoman "Life's a bitch. Now so am I." What Superheroine Are You? Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance.

Looking a bit green

Your Aura is Green Your Personality: You are a high acheiver who is very competitive. You're bound to reach your goals, no matter how lofty. You in Love: Picky with high standards, it's hard to find your match. You need a man as driven as you are! Your Career: You need a high profile, challenging career to satisfy you. Consider finance, sales, or running your own company. What Color Is Your Aura? Take This Quiz :-) Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance.

Iron woman!

Your Element is Metal Your power colors: white, gold, and silver Your energy: contracting Your season: fall You are persistent (and maybe even a little bit stubborn). If you see something you want, you go for it. You have a lot of strength, and it's difficult to get you down. Very logical, you tend to analyze everything going on in your life. What Element Are You? Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance.

three things

3 names you go by: (other than the obvious "Norrie")
1. Norayda - used in all my official documents
2. Nors- used by some of my University chums
3. Trouble - used by some cheeky people


3 physical things you like about yourself:
1. my hair (shiny, glossy and black-no greys)
2. my skin (clear and quite unlined in spite of my age!)
3. my lips (still full, not bad for my age!)

3 physical things you don't like about yourself:
1. my breasts (too small)
2. my stomach (could be flatter if I exercised enough!)
3. my legs (too skinny)

3 parts of your heritage:
1. Pinoy
2. Chinese (my mother’s side)
3. Spanish (my mother’s side)

3 things that scare you:
1. spiders and snakes
2. Motorways-especially if it’s a new route for me
3. aggression of any form

3 of your everyday essentials:
1. cellphone
2. My new trendy varifocal glasses
3. moisturiser

3 things you are wearing right now:
1. lilac twin set
2. trousers
3. strappy sandals

3 of your favorite songs:
1. You're the best thing (that ever happened to me) Gladys Knight and the Pips
2. Seventeen - Janice Ian
3 Still- Commodores (Lionel Richie)

3 things you want in a relationship:
1. respect
2. trust
3. communication

3 physical things about the preferred sex that appeal to you:
1. Physique
2. eyes
3. voice

3 of your favorite hobbies:
1. reading
2. gardening
3. patchwork quilting-if I have the time

3 things you want to do really badly right now:
1. work- send emails, make phone calls etc
2. move house
3. see my family and friends back in Manila

3 careers you have considered/ are considering:
1. Public relations/Communications-done that!
2. Journalism- done that
3. teacher- hmmm

3 places you want to go on vacation:
1. Europe
2. Boracay
3. Palawan

3 kids’ names you like:
1. Sophie
2. Jamie or James
3. Sam

3 things you want to do before you die:
1. travel the world and explore other cultures
2. Build my retreat home in the Philippines
3. Be at peace with everyone

3 ways that you are stereotypically a girl:
1. i love shoes
2. i love jewellery
3. i love clothes and make up

3 ways that you are stereotypically a boy:
1. i am IT literate!
2. i like working with men
3. i do not like emotional outbursts

3 celeb crushes (since the 70s):
1. Harrison Ford
2. Clint Eastwood
3. Hugh Grant

Le chic?

You Belong in Paris Stylish and a little sassy, you were meant for Paris. The art, the fashion, the wine, the men! Whether you're enjoying the cafe life or a beautiful park... You'll love living in the most chic place on earth What City Do You Belong in? Take This Quiz :-) Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance.

I cannot believe my city is Paris! Although I've been there several times, I was not totally enamoured with it. Maybe because I was there for business and not romance!

Me a genius now? Wow!

Your IQ Is 110

Your Logical Intelligence is Average Your Verbal Intelligence is Genius Your Mathematical Intelligence is Above Average Your General Knowledge is Exceptional

A Quick and Dirty IQ Test

I am disappointed with the logical ability results. I thought I was a very logical person---practical but not logical.

Whirlwind events

I really do not know whether I’m coming or going. I just now found out that I could visit Manila on the first week of July! I just wasted £90 for nothing. The buyers of our property would like to complete on the last week of July. The timings are so tight I could just feel the stress levels rising! I am trying not to let my work commitments get in the way with everything that is happening around me.

I am really quite annoyed that I cannot seem to concentrate on my visit. I am more concentrated on organising the whole move. I have already contacted the removals people and I am now going to make lists of everything that should be done before we leave i.e. change of address for magazine subscriptions, monthly bills, correspondence etc. I also need to organise professional cleaners to tidy up the new property. Then of course there’s the packing and unpacking. I asked for a quote on full packing because I cannot face packing! I think I’ll get a skip and throw everything we’ve accumulated and never really used. My mind goes on overdrive when I start thinking what I should do!

Last week I was informed that I am now officially a grandaunt by my niece. I find that quite interesting. Judging from the photos, my first grandniece looks gorgeous though.

Some trepidation

I had a really bad dream last night. I woke up totally confused and I thought the dream was for real! It was a tragic event and I had to convince myself that the dream did not happen. It spooked me.
I mentioned my nightmare to my colleagues at work and they said I am in a lot of stress, what with having to sell the house and all, then having to postpone my trip to Manila. My father in law is also due for a major heart operation in a weeks’ time. It could be a touch and go affair.
Then of course there’s the whole shebang about moving house. Moving house is not a pleasant experience and because I’ve done it so many times before and I am aware of the stress involved, I view the move in July with trepidation. I need to get a lot of things sorted out before the actual move. I plan to hire a skip and just dump all the rubbish there. In a way I do like the occasional clearing out. I heard it’s good feng shui.
I am also a bit nervy about August because that’s when my new responsibilities at work kick in. I need to submit a proposal on how to provide a good reception and enquiries service. I also need to invest a lot of time in building a new team. And guess where I’m going to be in the first week of August? In Manila! It is going to be a very interesting six months.

Good news, bad news

Some good news and some bad news. The good news is we've had an offer on our house and I was given a good pay rise all at the same day. The bad news is I will have to postpone my trip to Manila for a week or so. I am trying to cancel my e-ticket and get new dates...probably for the third week of July.
I need to postpone my trip for the simple reason that I am moving house!!!!! Hubby's not keen to let me go until I organise the new house.
It's going to be a very tiring summer. My father in law is having his heart bypass in the first week of June, we are exchanging contracts and completing sale of the houses by the first week of July followed by moving houses. I am in charge of getting the removal people in and packing our belongings. Then after a week or so I am going to Manila then in early September I will be on Holidays in the South of France. I am exhausted just thinking of it.
I am also given new responsibilities at work--reason for the pay rise--which means new staff members and the pressure to go with it.
I need to take another Master’s module in October.
My question is, why can't things just be simple? There's always a hitch somewhere. However, I cannot complain. I am quite fortunate.

I thought I was a Jedi master...anyway

Star Wars Horoscope for Gemini

Like most Geminis, you are a playful little creature. You tend to be extremely curious, craving knowledge but sometimes having a short attention span. For the most part, you are charming and loveable. But at times, you can seem scattered and high-strung. Star wars character you are most like: Ewoks

What is Your Star Wars Horoscope?

Be careful what you wish for...

...because you might just get it!

It is amazing how people often agree to compromise in a fit of desperation only to regret it later on. Same old story happening to people like me every day.

Case in point. A couple of months ago, I realised I was up against a very tight deadline for an important assignment. I was silly enough to grab the opportunity to pursue a Masters Degree in Exeter University! However, when coupled with juggling home life and a demanding job the situation can get pretty challenging.

Anyway, going back to the assignment…well, I only had a week to read five books and write a 5,000 word dissertation. I finished the assignment on time and I was relieved when I turned it in. I remembered saying, “I am only asking for a pass!”

Well, yesterday I received my marks and feedback of my tutors and the good news is I got my wish. The bad news is I missed a merit grade by a measly one percentage point!!!!

Next time I need to try harder.

Pitfalls of communication

Communication is not as easy as it sounds. Our individual experiences in life make the simple act of sending a message and receiving it is positively complicated. When I say something to someone, a lot of other things come into force. For instance, what appropriate words do I use? How do I say these words--subtle intonations and inflections could make a huge difference to the message! There is also the issue on timing and the actual content of what I am saying. And if this is not enough, there’s the other person to consider. What is his/her state of mind? Is the receiver happy, sad, worried, angry, inebriated, tired--the possibilities are endless! I will not even go into non-verbal communication, meanings between the lines, body language, etc.

When I was studying mass communications in university, I thought it was the most interesting subject in the world. Little did I know that in practise, good communication is an art form. Some people have the knack for it. Most are just hopeless!

I don’t know if I have the natural talent for it. I worry too much about the message, grammar, pronunciation, perception, etc. I decided early on that I preferred to listen to people and observe them from afar. I like to know what the other person is thinking before I express my own opinion. Is that bad? I don’t think so. As far as I am concerned it is more interesting to know the other’s point of view so you know where you stand. Besides few people ever bother to listen!

The point I am getting at (see what I mean about communication?) is communication is vital in building meaningful relationships-- be it in business, friendship or marriage. Listening to other people’s opinions, hard as it may seem at times--believe me there are total idiots out there, is necessary for a harmonious relationship. Let me see…now about that war in Iraq…

***

I couldn’t believe it but in less than eight weeks I’ll be in Manila. This visit was totally unplanned, which is very unlike me but I just knew I had to make this trip. Much as I would love to see old friends and family, I am filled with trepidation. C’mon I hear you say, what’s the matter? Well, I have grown accustomed to my privacy. I know damn well that in Manila, there is no such thing as privacy. It’s one noisy, raucous and boisterous place. Every time I visit, I get sick! I should remember to pack my organic vitamins, Echinacea and my anti-bacterial hand hygienic gel. I was born and bred in that city and yet I find myself a little scared of it now. One thing I’m sure of, my heart will not stop pumping adrenalin through my veins the moment I step off the plane. Going to Manila always does that to me. I suppose it is anticipation of excitement and danger. It brings out my basic instincts! The only other city that came close to that feeling was Singapore and perhaps Hong Kong.

Why is it that we hold such ideal images of the past in our minds? In my memory, the sun was always shining in the Philippines! I do not remember Manila weather in July anymore. I hear it is the rainy season so I must not forget my waterproof. But what will I find? My friends and family a lot older-- more potholes, traffic, pollution?

Ah, I shall remain the optimist and hope for the best. Hmm, I think I should start shopping for my holiday wardrobe--or shall I hit the malls in Manila? Ooops I just felt another kick of adrenalin then!

Fancy a country life?

As always in my life, when things happen they all happen at the same time!
Hubby and I have desired to move to bigger premises and to a more countrified area. Well, if things go according to plan then there is a good chance of that happening sooner than later.
I am the sort of person who cannot sit still when I’ve made a decision to change things around me. Since we started this discussion about moving house, I scoured every property page in East Devon. I even surfed the internet for properties around the county. There was one though that stood out—mainly it was within our price range and it had the minimum four bedrooms). It was also located near Colyton where my in laws live. The house is situated within a small village (one pub, one post office, one shop, one petrol station, one tiny church and a primary school). We requested for the property’s fact sheet and upon seeing it decided to go for a viewing.

Hubby has not been as driven as I am about house hunting because we haven’t even had our house on the market yet. But I am the impatient kind and I hate procrastinating. Anyway, we explained our situation with the estate agent and we were surprised to hear that the vendor agreed to a viewing! We went on Saturday, all the time hubby telling me not to get excited and all that. I was really relaxed by that time because when I show any form of excitement I am always reminded not to get my hopes too high. That takes the excitement out of me. I think it is an English thing…not showing any emotion, not getting too “het” up about things, be calm and collected (sigh).

The vendor was quite pleasant. They are moving because they want to move into a bungalow, they’re into their 70s. I was prepared to walk out in about 10 minutes and forget about the property. However, while he was showing us around I noticed hubby getting quite interested. The house has all the mod cons of daily life. It is just five years old…it has a downstairs toilet (we call it cloakroom here), a good sized utility room with proper sink and table top, stacks of storage space, open fire in the lounge room, the kitchen and dinning are in one big room and they look out to uninterrupted view of the Devon countryside. The back garden backs onto an open field. No neighbours there!

Upstairs there were three good sized rooms, an ensuite in the master bedroom, a family bathroom and stacks of storage space again. Then comes the best part. The stairs lead up to a huge attic. It is now used as a study and additional bedroom. It could be divided into two rooms actually but it is brilliant as one big room. By this time I knew hubby was seeing himself in that room (he later referred to it as the “den”). Well, it was indeed a wonderful house in a very quiet country village, very rural indeed, a far cry from what we were used to. It is also on an elevated position, top of the hill and has a separate garage.

We stayed talking to the vendor for over an hour. They talked about golf, rugby and sports—men talk. We then went to my in laws’ house and discussed it with them. On Sunday, hubby called the vendor and put in an offer on the house. The following day I discussed our plans with our mortgage company. If things work out right, we’ll be paying 10% down payment on the house to seal in the sale and would pay the rest upon sale of our house.

Why are we getting a mortgage when we have none? Well for the simple reason that the house we hope to buy is more expensive (for obvious reasons) than the house we have now. We need extra cash to buy the property and a lot of that would also go into (guess what) taxes, solicitors fees, estate agents fees and stamp duty!!!! Welcome to the UK!

We are keeping our fingers crossed that everything will go according to plan. But as the English would say, don’t get too excited about it. I am keeping real calm about it but it is almost a dream come true—perfect location, fantastic views (rolling hills in front, unending fields at the back) and very quiet. This could be the first time in my life that I will not be living within a city or town. I wonder how it is going to affect me. I’ve always wanted this and now I can almost touch it. I cannot get excited. It is against the rules (hahahaha). I will update you on this later. Watch this space.

Socialised medicine

I took hubby to hospital for his surgery on Tuesday. The surgeons decided to do two skin grafts instead of one and they took skin from his inner thigh. I took him home yesterday as well but last night was a bit messy especially when he started to bleed all over the place. He called me at work this morning informing me that he had to go to our local medical centre to have his wounds seen to. He also said he had to wash the bedsheets as they were covered in blood. He’s in pain but he’s very strong and healthy—he’ll manage this. Actually, I am grateful that Hubby comes from a robust stock. He’s hardly sick and aside from these skin cancers he’s in top shape for his age.

One thing I like about socialised medicine is, for instance, yesterday’s procedure was free c/o the NHS. We checked in for Hubby’s appointment, they led us to a proper ward (beds and all), a nurse explained the procedure in detailed to him, a couple of surgeons explained further, they took him to theatre (operating room) and brought him back to the ward where I was waiting. It was all straightforward. There was even some nice relaxing music in the ward! I also like our hospital here in Devon, which fortunately is one of the top 10 in the country. We’re very lucky here in Devon. When Hubby felt he was ready to go home we just walked out. All his future appointments made for him by the head nurse. Now I understand why lots of illegal migrants would like to live here in the UK and take advantage of the health system.

My mental age

You Are 34 Years Old

34 Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

Ripe old age

You Will Die at Age 97

97 Congratulations! You take good care of yourself. You're poised to live a long, healthy life.

What Age Will You Die

This photo was taken in December 2004. I bet Sam was quite confused with the activities taking place...not to mention the fact that he had to wear a special bow tie for the event!

 

Last summer