On the road to ageless beauty...

I don’t consider myself “vain” or “kikay”. My beauty regimen includes soap, water and nothing more. Though I read a lot of beauty mags, I don’t follow the famous routine of “cleanser, toner & moisturizer” religiously. I sometimes purchase beauty products out of curiosity but don’t get to consume or use the product. Call me lazy or what but I’m no beauty buff. I can go by with a little powder on my nose, a dab of lipstick and a little blush on my cheeks. I don’t take much of my time on the mirror and I would even apply my make-up inside the cab on the way to the office.

But lately, when my colleagues went gaga over Mary Kay Products, I knew I was hooked. I remember buying an MK cleanser and toner for the first time last year and it took me a year to consume it. It’s like, “now I use, now I don’t”. When another colleague showed me the rest of the products, I immediately hesitantly tried it after some sales pitch and testimonials from other users. I got myself an MK medium-coverage liquid foundation, MK Signature NouriShine Lip gloss, MK Botanical Facial Cleanser and MK Botanical Mask. My face became supple after using the cleanser and mask. I also noticed that some of my black heads in the nose area disappeared somehow. I’m seeing some results.

I am not one of those gifted with flawless skin nor am I also constantly tainted with pimples and blemishes. I’m perfectly comfortable with my “morena” color, which by the way, my husband adores. But as much as I want to stop it, I am nearing the so called “going thirty” stage and I want to age gracefully. I know I have been unkind to my skin. I loved the sun but I don’t normally use sunscreen except when I’m at the beach. The sun is the number 1 culprit for all skin problems plus the dust and poor hygiene. I have now reached that point of loving my skin and taking good care of it. I am also trying to maintain a healthy and balanced diet as the food that I shove into my mouth is also the source of an ageless beauty.

Now let me share a pic of me with MK botanical mask on my face...just in time for halloween.

My daughter calls me "monster" whenever I don this mask.

What's in a LOOOONNNGGG NAME?

I have a very long name so you could just imagine writing my name for the first time in prep school. It was for me a predicament writing my 20-letter name (first = 12, mi=1, last=7). I always end up cutting my last name into “Rami” instead of “Ramirez” because I already ran out of space. I always find myself complaining to Mama for giving me such a long name. If only I was given the chance to decide on my name, I would settle down for “Maria” or “Lou” for a first name. But, we have no choice of who our parents are nor can we decide on the names printed in our birth certificates. It's something that we have no control of.

In high school, I still encounter the same dilemma. During exams, while my classmates are already answering the tests, I’m still stuck writing my name. It’s just time consuming. Filling up forms is also a challenge especially if they have limited space for names.

Now fast forward to year 2003 where I became a mom and was responsible of giving my child a name. Well, it’s not just my responsibility; it was a shared effort between me and hubby. I totally forgot about the “long name” dilemma. Guess I was just too excited to name my newborn daughter. I gave her a name with 29 letters in it. That’s almost double the number of letters in my name. I’ve seen her activity sheets in school and her name is either blank or incomplete. Whenever I ask her to practice writing her name at home, she would often stop halfway and whine. Déjà vu, isn’t it?

Check out her activity sheets below which shows that she didn't finish writing her name. She got perfect scores though...





I used to think that giving your children such long names is tantamount to cruelty but I realized that having a long and nice name is better than having quite an amusing name. Our name is our identity and it is something that makes us unique from others. Our name is also one of the gifts our parents can give us and that no one can take it away. So, we just have to embrace it and love it.

The Long Weekend

I was glad the long lazy weekend was over. Thought it would be as productive as I thought it would be but truth be told I spent it in a lethargic way. I was thinking of going swimming in a nearby cheap resort but decided not to. I’d rather spend my money on some important things (grocery perhaps) and besides, hubby won’t be around during the weekend. He was off to CDO again last Saturday for their monthly meetings etcetera.

Friday was spent still in my night dress until 6pm. I was getting grumpy coz I was thinking of hitting the tracks of Cebu City Sports Complex when the sun sets but hubby was glued to his movies. Good thing, we finally decided to lift our big asses out of the bed. I spent an hour catching my breath while walking with hubby and daughter around the oval. But I was glad to be back on the tracks and I wish I have the time like this to at least sweat it out. But what happened after was beyond control --- we simply head off to Casa Verde to feast on their Greenminded Salad, Baby Back Ribs, Oreo Cheesecake and a pitcher of iced tea. Yummy temptation. There goes my burned calorie/s down the drain.

And the rest of the weekend was spent rolling my big fat ass on the bed and watching ten (10) movies mostly Brad Pitt flicks and romantic comedies. I would usually go for feel good movies rather than science fiction or thriller. We’re supposed to enjoy these films and not feel terrified whenever we go to the cr after watching this gruesome movie.

Anyway, I also decided to do most of the cooking this weekend. Not the complicated recipes though --- just the "lutong bahay". And I guess I have eaten so much --- maybe because my cooking was superb. Yay!

My weekend was capped with a short trip to the mall to attend mass and do some grocery. My sisters and I had a sumptuous dinner of fish sinigang and seaweed salad (guso). Whenever hubby’s not home, I would usually invite them to sleepover. And I’m just glad to have them around and do some of the chores. But they could be a pain in the ass sometimes messing up with my things and fighting like kiddos.

So, that’s how my long weekend went by. Kinda’ boring and nothing special really happened. But I just want it that way. Nothing.

Ten Things I Love About My Lola (and more...)

"There is nothing more wonderful than the love and guidance a grandparent can give his or her grandchild."
EDWARD FAYS, The Grandparent's Treasure Chest

1. I love listening to her stories of long ago --- her lovestory, her passion for arts, the way things were, growing up during the time of war and how she raised 8 beautiful and successful children.

2. I love how she would protect me from boys trying to woo me when I was still a teenager.

3. I love how she would brag about my parents to other people though some of the things she says may be half-true.

4. I love how she remains stylish amidst the signs of aging --- wrinkles and all.

5. I love her being pious and her being close to God. I am always fascinated by her ability to recite a Latin prayer. In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen

6. I love her selflessness. She has always been generous with her blessings not only to her family and relatives but also to the community where she belongs.

7. I love the scent of tobacco in her room. For some odd reason, whenever I sniff a tobacco elsewhere I am always reminded of this one hubby she has --- smoking and chewing tobacco. And the feeling is like being in her room for a minute.

8. I also love the massage oils she concocts by herself. It does not only relieve muscle pains but also helps you doze off to sleep.

9. I love her little buddy who has been with her since time immemorial, who has been a trusty substitute of her children and apos, who accompanies her in all those lonely days and nights --- her TRANSISTOR RADIO.

10. I love every moment spent with her --- every summer visits, long walks around town, a day spent at the beach, my first menstruation, daily Rosary and Angelus and just about every tiny bit of memory I have with her.

…and I know these things aren’t here to stay forever. My last visit a few days ago shows a grandmother who has reached the sunset of her life. Life itself has taken its toll on her. She’s old but her face still shows a certain glow ---- more of a dignified and contented fellow which stays with her from her youth. I wish to see her more often coz I know it’s always been her happiness to have her children and grandchildren around. Love you, Lola!