Thursday, November 03, 2011

Family

It's been about a week since I received the news of my Uncle Mert's death. He was my mom's oldest brother, and had lived to be 84 years old. Prior to his passing, my uncle was admitted into the ICU with a 50-50 chance of survival. In reviewing his MRI report, they had found some fractures and compression in his lower spine after a fall. They also found a mestastasis in his liver as well, causing him to lose his appetite. As I was told, he was not eating, and at a point of being unrecognizable. So, in a way, it was not surprising that Uncle Mert was gone, but words still cannot express how I've felt since.

On Saturday, as I think about my mom everyday, especially since it has almost been a year since she died, and the death of my uncle in the back of my mind, I received news of my mom's sister, Brigitte, dying. She was my mom's older sister by four years, and her health was not at its best in recent months. Auntie Brigitte had suffered the same ailments that had affected my mom the year before. As Uncle Mert had entered the hospital, she had been released from the National Kidney Institute for the foot she had surgery on the month before and the continuous fevers associated with kidney problems. So, to hear the news that Auntie Brigitte had passed away in her home, collapsing in her room, and dying of a possible heart attack, felt like another blow.

I think that all this hurts for me since they are two of the three remaining links to my mom's life. I regret never really learning about my mom's past other than the stories I heard from mom. Thirty-two years had passed since I last saw my aunt and uncle. I was three years old when I first saw all of my mom's family, and I felt that I had reconnected with the two remaining uncles and my aunt last April (2011).

RIP Uncle Mert (10/26/11) and Auntie Brigitte (10/30/11). I know that the both of you have found your peace. Give my mom and all the family my love. You are all truly missed.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Wedding Planning progress

For those of you who may not know, Rob and I are finally taking the plunge! Scheduled for March 2012, the wedding planning is progressing (slowly). As of Friday (7/29/11), we have a few things set, but nothing major. Deposits have been made for the ceremony/reception location, ceremony officiant, the wedding dress and DJ. We have found our photographer, but are still in the works in trying to figure out the deposit for her. I have found my wedding centerpieces on a website, but have not been able to find a decent florist to work with us. Other than those minor details, things are happening at a pace. We'll figure out how everything goes in a couple of months!

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

New pic of Mya ~ 11 weeks

I was playing around with the digicam yesterday, and caught her in the middle of "drift" mode as she fell asleep on the tile floor.

edited using Windows Live Photo Gallery


Monday, May 02, 2011

Too Cute For Words!!!

Our puppy (now named Mya) turns five and a weeks ago. We met with Chloe, our breeder, and the little pups. I’ve posted 11 new pics, and two videos of the baby girl on my Shutterfly share site (click on the page on the “Links” section of this page). Mya will definitely be Rob’s little girl. She got accustomed to him fairly well, whereas, the little fur bear didn’t with me. She’s got a big heart in that tiny little body, but fears many things as our breeder has mentioned. All I’ve got to say is she’s got quite a personality that I know I will enjoy once she is in her forever home with is!

Friday, April 01, 2011

Slowly progressing...

Three suitcases are full, packed, and locked... no more room left for them... just need to get Dad's balikbayan box filled with a few more items from the extended family and taped up. We should be ready to go! 30 hours to go before head over to LAX to get checked in and boarded onto the plane. I'm definitely not looking forward to the long plane ride. Practically spending a whole day on a plane (with a four hour layover in Seoul, South Korea), and I'm just not really looking forward to it. No Internet, one day worth of music, and reading a book... I definitely don't feel productive. Anyway, like I've told everyone, I'm excited, but not overly excited... Mixed emotions, especially seeing family that I haven't seen in over 31 years, and all the activities involving mom's funeral. Our final goodbye to mom, and not being able to visit her when I want to will be difficult. I do know, that in my heart, my mom will live on through my memories. It will be ...

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

We met our puppy!

Rob and I scheduled to meet with our breeder, Chloe, mama Sobe, and the pups today.  I can’t say how excited I was just looking forward to this day.  I sound a bit dorky, but what can I say?  I totally fell in love with the lil pup… Mama Sobe met us at the door, and I have never met any dog as nice as she was.  Most Mama dogs normally get a bit apprehensive when their pups are around complete strangers, but Sobe was just as welcoming to us as Chloe.  Check out the pics on our photo website (link to the right “Maya – Our Shiba Inu”).

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Puppies are Here!

Our breeder just notified us to let us know that Sobe just gave birth to her pups. She had two males (both red) and two females (cream and red). We’re excited to meet our new puppy! I will post pics of the new babies as I get them.  To get more info, check out our photo blog on the puppy. Look for the page link on the right side (Link Section), and click on "New Puppy - Shiba Inu." In the meantime, here’s a pic of both mommy and daddy!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

So Much To Do

Two weeks until we sit on the plane for my first trip back to the Philippines in over thirty-one years. The trip right now is bittersweet. We bring my mom’s remains to her final resting place, and we, as a family, will finally be getting our closure. I’m not sure how to feel or what to think right now, but I think of my mom every day. Some days are still harder than others, but I don’t think there really is a true way to say goodbye.

Anyway, Rob and I are on our way to pack. It’s difficult to try and decide what items we will or will not need for the trip, especially when there aren’t any specific things to do set in stone. I’m not quite sure where we will be, and it will be difficult to split two weeks between two sides of the family. All I know is that I am looking forward to be able to see family I haven’t seen since I was four. Can you believe it?!?

Friday, March 18, 2011

FirstGiving - Your fundraising

Please take a look at the link below, and donate for a good cause!

FirstGiving - Your fundraising

Thank you in advance for talking the time to consider caring for these wonderful pets!

10th Annual Dog Walk

Come join the many doggie owners and/or doggie fans to support the IVHS (Inland Valley Human Society) & SPCA on May 21, 2011 from 7:30am to 12:30pm in San Dimas.
For more information, please see the following link: 10th Annual Dog Walk

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Goldfishes

I know I have the typical set of goldfish, but there are often times where they just line themselves up in stillness. I got intrigued.

Hanging out with Amorina

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

FINALS WEEK!

Monday marked the beginning of Finals Week at school. The chaos has begun in my mind to start hitting the books seriously. My school books for the quarter almost look brand new (with the exception of the many page tabs I have skillfully planted on every assigned chapter in the beginning of January). I have set aside studying for my Computer Software final for now since I have all week to prepare for it. I am frantically trying to get myself prepared for the three possible topics that my crazy English teacher will choose. So far, I have had only succeeded with two of them – Android vs. iPhone and PC vs. Mac. My arguments are not quite the best, but it is a start. The other four topics will have to wait until the morning. My brain has literally turned into mush right now. I think it's time to get to that much advised rest that every student must take during this time of the school year.


Saturday, March 12, 2011

The Puppy Dog Place

The Puppy Dog Place
If you're a proud puppy owner, or simply love dogs, you'll enjoy visiting The-Puppy-Dog-Place.com! There are a lot of tips and advice to help you raise a happy, healthy puppy. The site covers housebreaking, feeding, grooming, training, health care and much more. Tons of fun stuff for dog lovers too!

Mabel

Mabel shortly after we brought her home (April 2008)


I am just barely coping with the loss of my mother when my beloved bunny rabbit, Mabel, passed away about five and a half weeks ago.  Mabel held a special place in all of our hearts, especially my mom - her constant "companion" while she was at home.  I will truly miss my little monkey!


A poem I found on the L.A. County Animal Shelter that had a page on learning to cope with the death of a pet --> The Rainbow Bridge