Delineating Des

Having a life after divorce is not a question to me. I didn't allow divorce to obliterate my life. The question is what is in this life, aside from having a kid to have fun with and more importantly, to live a good life for? During mother's day on Sunday, I didn't know what to do with my day until I got invited by friends to a fantastic weekend in Chantaburi. Since it is Thailand's fruit province, I thought a fruit party was in order. But I was treated to something more than that. Irene, her son Josh, Chette, my son Cj and I trooped, friendly invasion style, to Gelan's townhouse early Saturday (May 9th), before joining a handful of Filfriends at a secluded beach. There was no phone signal there. "Charming," I thought, "this dot on the map is all ours." Irene had to walk a few meters up an elevation where she did her call center business without interruption. Surprisingly, ex's ring came thru. I assured him his son is ok and quickly returned t...

"Over the top" The first time such an expression was directed at me was when a cyber acquaintance said "your top is over the top : I told him, "not to me." I knew he meant the collar. It must have made me look like an odd reincarnation of a Henry IV-era woman. But then he's not a south-east asian blood trying to keep warm in low temperature. The fabric of this top was even ill-prepared against the Windsor cold. And now I'm getting an Over the top award for my blog. First my top and now my blog? Lol! Anyway, here's a remark about this award: To receive this award your blog must be exceptional in design and content; presenting us with new knowledge, a sense of style, or at times just giving us a smile! ( I hope I did at least something on the smile part ) Each recipient of the award will acknowledge the person who honored them with the award and then go to http://overthetopaprons.blogspot.com to copy/paste the award: Your Blog is Over...

When my sightseeing buddies (former college roommate and son) and I visited Pattaya two weekends ago, we didn't know there was something else going on besides it's reputation as Sin City . TAT or Tourism Authority of Thailand launched the 5 Region Thai Travel Fest. The fest is held in a major city of each region and the venue for May 1st to 3rd was coincidentally Pattaya where we were. It was a relief to witness something other than whore-filled bars that line the long street opposite the beachfront. This travel fest was organized in an effort to stimulate the economy by trying to attract tourist to experience the country. The five regions show the best of what they got. Fruit carvings: a watermelon-turned-rose Thai ladies at work Thai musicians - can anyone help me name these instruments? It's cooking.... Many of you may be aware that Thailand is famous for its Thai silk. See the silk threads ascending from the silk worms . 'S unken treasures' at the Underwater...

If there is one thing that amazes me on a constant basis, it's being a mom. I'm no super mom (still terrified of being out a long time with a 4-year old without a helper) but I'm certainly a happy mom. There was no Motherhood 101 in school; the acquired everyday learning is a whole new brand of fun. "Mommy, look!..." , "Thank you, Mommy" are only a few of the many things thrills. Had an insider convinced me that motherhood was this beautiful an experience, I would have started this in my mid 20s. Happy Mother's day, all ye Mommies!

Back home Mama is the most influential person in my life, not just because she is my mother but because of the many things we went through together, and even while apart. So many things! I could write an entire book about her. I don't have as many photos of her as I want to keep. It must be the proximity between Thailand and the Philippines. I can go see her easily when I want to. She is unflatteringly prettier than I am in her heyday. And I'm giving it to you sweet and straight: my relationship with her has been volatile. It still is although thanks to aging we have less of those matches now. She is one of the most hard-willed people I know. Over the years we have become each other's formidable debate opponent. She stands her ground like a leech on a taro stem. One of the only few times we are both sedated is when she sings in church and I accompany her on the piano, but even with that, we could still argue about how the music should be rendered. She's a scrabble ace. ...