Awww.. Moments (Valentine’s Special)

www.blisstree.com

Scene 1.

Girl sitting on a table, Boy looking at her from the couch.

Boy: I miss you even if you are just there.

Awww…

Scene 2

Girl hugs boy

Girl: I wanna hug you  always, it seems I couldn’t get enough of you even if we are together now.

Awww…

Scene 3

Boy hugs girl .. too tight

Boy: I love you and sometimes its just TOO MUCH.

Awww…

Scene 4

At a chapel.. girl praying. When girl got up, boy asked

Boy: What did you pray?

Girl looked into boy’s eyes, almost to tears.

Girl: I was just telling  Him how happy I am right now and I dont want it to go away.

Boy took girl’s hand and squeezed it tightly.

Boy: We will be happy .. we will be.

SIGH…..

I wonder if we could still go on like this the next 20 years or so. THERE, I have shared our mush and cheeziness to the world.

For the sake of love, I am tagging all readers who chance upon my blog to recall the sweetest thing that has been said to/from your boyfriend/husband/best friends or even exes.

Spread the love this  Valentine’s Day!

The Love Questionnaire (red tape version)

One thing I hate from my country is too much red tape.

I remember when still applying for tourist, I had to fill out some 12 + something pages with questions relating to my husband (my then boyfriend). I will write everything here and will complete it with truthful response, as indicated in the paper.  This is for the immigration staff as well who browse blogs and will chance upon mine to maybe make revisions on their question and if its necessary in the first place.

1. When were you first introduced to  your reference and who introduced you?

Beach. No one, I’m NOT shy and clumsy.

2.What was the background/circumstances for this introduction?

The moon was bright and the wind is balmy. I could hear the splash of little waves in the ocean bumping the white shore. I was bit tipsy with my 2nd round of margarita, sitting in stool of the resort’s bar. I did not find the bartender attractive so I hooked up with the one sitting beside me. HAHHAHA!

3. When did you meet with your reference the first time?

(rolls eyes).. think I have answered this question.

4. How many times have you met each other since that first meeting?

MANNNN… Uhmmm.. since the first meeting right?? Errnn.. I give up! Pass. Next question.

5. Where did you and your reference spend your time together, and for how long?

Are you conducting statistics what is the most-frequent hotel where Filipinas bang foreigners?

6. How do you and your reference communicate and how often?

I don’t mind you checking my history in Yahoo, phone bills and internet usage.

7. Has your reference been introduced to the family?

Dog and cats are family right? So yes.

8. When and where did you last see your reference?

Airport – waving at me. Ok. Just stop this. I cant handle airport goodbyes.

9. When and why  did your reference go to the Philippines?

Some time ago – first as tourist but then as my boyfriend for the succeeding visits.

10. Have you or your reference ever been married?

NO! NO! NO! (covers ears)

11. If yes, when did the divorce take place?

NO! NO! NO!.. ahh sorry  I miss the ‘if yes’.

12. Do you  and your reference intend to marry each other?

What now?!  This is too personal but I will answer, I AM FEELING IT so I have my papers ready.

13. If yes, have you decided on the date of the marriage?

IF EVER, twill be the 14th of the month coz I’m sucker with Valentines day.

Any additional information?

CHECK MY BLOG!

Breathing in the ‘quality of life’

I wanna breathe here in Denmark. I never thought that maybe I could die of suffocation.  I wanna go out to breath but then its too cold.. the cruel wind bites like ‘little ants’ on my cheeks, clipped my ears with pins and bruised my lips. I have goosebumps all over my body as if all my hairs stood their ground to protect me from the chilling cold to enter my every skin pore. My stomach tightens in every single drop of water that touches my skin in my 5-minute shower, which used to be 30minute to an hour ritual.

One day last week, the husband challenged me to go to the gym despite the heavy snow. I readied myself physically and mentally and popped a menthol candy. The Vicks  Blue Active.. maybe I just read the Sugar-Free, not the Super strong.. Or maybe I am just too pussy.

The gust of wind blew my face like a slap of a white bear.  The snow comes from heaven with angels suffering from serious killer-dandruff. It would have hurt my eyes when I did not wear my glasses. I started breathing..  but then the intake of frozen oxygen just stopped in my throat and went straight out to my mouth.. it didn’t go in my lungs! I breathed more deeply, just to struggle more – it a Super Menthol Man and Frozen Oxygen Fighter battle and who will triumphed in killing me by asphyxiation. The dandruff angels came to cheer.

‘It’s just a little snow, it wont hurt you’ I remember the husband saying.

It was a five-minute struggle, gasping for air. I thought of going back but it means that I will be the coward for the rest of my life, at least for 3 months. And so I continued my way being careful not too wet my boots too much.  I had a lot to think about that time but was glad that I was able to make it.

I wanna breathe here in Denmark. My feet is screaming to get off the socks for at least more than the bedtime.  My legs are begging for shorts even for one day.

We have thoughts of moving to the suburbs considering a more ‘quality of life’. I have to quote coz the husband fired back if it isn’t enough the apartment and being together. But  I meant, a house we can call our own, a garden to tend and a dog or cat perhaps. And some place our kids could run and play in the future.  Somewhere that we could just easily get out and breath some fresh air, and not just to open the door of the veranda or going out all the way from the 4th floor.

I dreamed of a high-ceiling living room, I always breathe deep when I see one and imagine how high you could put a Christmas tree.  But alas, here in Denmark you have to consider the cost of heat as well. So scratch that out. I should wish for something ‘cozy’ now. We looked one where there is swimming pool – but only usable for 3 months. So scratch that out as well.  Scratch big house if it means living in the middle of nowhere. Scratch anything if it means too tight on budget and no vacation for a year. In fact, scratch everything out.

I’d rather be in Copenhagen.  Eff ‘quality of life’.  I wanna breathe.

Phillipines y’ know?!

Hi. I’m Meddie. I’m a Filipino.. from Philippines y’know.

I didn’t thought I’ll leave my country before – I mean, not for good. I was contented and happy with my friends and family, the sun and beaches and food. I had a ‘American dream’ as well, I even imagine myself  crossing the streets of New York in my corporate attire with coffee in my right hand and a newspaper tucked in my left arm. But this was before the 9/11 attack. I shifted my dream to Europe and imagine myself riding the gondolas in Venice, admiring art in Louvre  and fashion in London..

But when you are a Filipino, living in the Philippines, with zero relatives abroad ( at least someone rich enough to invite you with all expenses paid) all of this is but a dream. Tickets, accommodation, pocket money, emergency money, money.. money.. that what all matters- that a regular working class Filipino could not have until 2 years or maybe more saving time. We cannot even afford to be tourist in our own country! The foreigners have explored  more places than the natives. We could not complain that exaggerated grin from a receptionist greeting a foreigner than a casual smile and occasional arrogance to her own fellowmen. Its tourism..its business. its money.

Filipinos can’t be tourist.. even in Hongkong?!  I was seated with all the passengers waiting to board the plane to Hongkong. I have checked in my bag and have been stamped at Immigration. Then there was this guy walking and looking at faces – do I look like I can’t afford to go out?!! – he approached me and then was asked to show me my papers, and questions like what will I be doing in Hongkong?! –” ernnn.. to see Mickey!”— Where will I be staying –..”ernnn… this posh hotel near the dried fish area.. wanna come?! “… who will i be staying with?– “errnn.. my boyfriend.. but I don’t do threesome”. Seriously! This is the common problem when you’re holding a Filipino passport, at least thats’s what a friend told me. It doesn’t matter how many places you have been, what matters is that you are a Filipino, you MIGHT work in the country, you MIGHT live in the country, you MIGHT breed in the country – ILLEGALLY!

I couldn’t blame for such a notion as there WERE  many illegal Filipino immigrants all over the world. They are what we called TNT (tago nang tago). They came, their visa expired, they tip-toed to not create any noise and get deported. My heart went for these kind, as they actually do not have voice in the country they are living in,  cannot get a decent job despite their qualifications, and some ended getting abused. But this past decade has a good turnaround for Filipinos  when we have proven ourselves in the medical sector and BPO industry.

There was this episode from American Dad when he went blind and had a date with his wife. And since he couldn’t work anymore, the wife suggested that she will get a job. Then the guy, felt her face and stopped at her nose and said  “You’re not a Filipino, so you can’t be a Nurse”. We’ll its not the nose thing but  I have taken it positively that it’s not about being illegal anymore.

Hey! I started this post with the intention of inviting Filipinos or any other expats out there who read my blog if they fancy a coffee chat on weekends. Whyonly weekends? Coz this new friend o’ mine has work and as for me, the husband would be happy to throw me out of the apartment every Saturday for his football watching time.

I have created this Facebook group as well – Pinoy Expats in Denmark. Feel free to add yourself. And we could arrange events for meet-ups.

NewsFlash!! 

A former colleague posted this on Facebook.

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_483213.html

In the Span of 3 months

In the span of 3 months ..

It was my first time to get out of Asia and stayed in Europe, in  a country called Denmark with these tall, blond , blue-eyed Danes of which one is my favorite.

In the span of 3 months..

The favorite  Dane and  I, have lived together, in war and in peace and decided to sign a treaty on December 14 that sentenced us for life.

In the span of 3 months..

I have not enjoyed fully my ‘honeymoon’ period in Denmark as I was too stupid to read blogs and articles dissing the country more than the Little Mermaid.

In the span of 3 months..

I have become a good cook, house cleaner, grocery shopper and a soon to be thriving hairstylist.

In the span of  3 months..

I have seen/heard happy, sad and shocked faces of family and friends announcing the news that ‘maybe’ I will stay here for good. Including that of the  immigration staff.

In the span of  3 months..

I have not worn heeled shoes but running shoes and boots, layer of clothes under a heavy jacket and a pack of nose wipes to combat the temperature that plummets down 20 C than my air conditioner at home.

In the span of 3 months..

I have caught up with TV series and movies I have been longing to watch, people/places/events to search on Wiki or Google, to comment on people on Facebook and watch the news – even if its in Danish.

Yes it has been 3 months and now its another 3 months to look forward to if  these tall, blond and blue-eyed Danes wants a short Asian brunette to live with them.  At least there is one I know.

‘Bout you?

Bad Hair Day

Just so Denmark is soo expensive – we have devise some cost-cutting activities this year and that includes cutting our own hair. With some scissors- trimming and shearing bought from the good old cheap Malmø and a little confidence on my little experience before – ( I have been cutting my housemates’ hairs but just ladies) – here is the result

hair terraces

And then I heard him stormed to the bedroom, CRASSHH!! BOOOM!! BANGG!!

I stood in the other room, motionless, thinking if I were to say sorry and cry (defense mechanism) or just pursed my lips with head held high. Yes, I did the latter. I keep on telling him that I couldn’t do it but he insist on saying that its just easy.. I have tried my best but I ended up making rice terraces of his hair.

And some minutes after, the now calmed husband went back to the room and told me that we will just buy a CLIPPPER??!! OMG..  Denmark! What have you done to your people?! They are so willing to strut bad hair so as just not to pay expensive salons.  * Sob*.. my poor husband..he can easily afford his hair cut everyday in the Philippines with an extra massage from the barber.

And I didn’t remember ‘vowing’ anything like being a good cook, cleaner, washer and now a hairstylist?!  I was being tricked and fooled with love – with all the cuddling, and hugging and kissing and *** as I thought it was all about.

And so he bought the clipper, he made me read the instructions and browsed in Youtube how  to use it and cut men’s hair.  And I did! And I tried.. And I scooped and shaved.. scoopped and shaved.. and he felt it! NO SCOOPING! Just even smooth moves.. HUHUHUH.. I almost cried .. it was like being told what to do and you are to dumb to do it.. over and over and over again..you failed.

Dont scoop!

The husband felt the ordeal that Iwas into. My hands were trembling when I clipped. I couldn’t make the line straight around the occipital bone or even the sideburns on both sides.  See I have known those words now.  We rested a little before I could finish it since the clipper needs to be recharged.

I went to bed, hugged myself and felt really bad that I couldn’t do things right for the husband when he thinks that it’s pretty easy. And I have to finish it coz it will be the 1st work day tomorrow.

But then I was awaken with a constant hissing of the clipper..Zzzinnnggg…..  And I watched my husband infront of the bathroom mirror – clipping his own hair! And when he saw me came, he had this big grin on his face  ‘ SEE. This is EASY’… Zzzinnggg…Indeed it look better than what I did! I felt stupid even more.. but happy coz I was out of the ordeal .

he clipped it on his own!

And so we were relieved that the day ended well.  I had my hair cut as well by him – it looked like an uneven curtain at first but then it was fine – one can never go wrong with trimming long hairs for an inch or 2.

And so we swore that day, that hencefort we will never ever get our hair cut in Denmark!  But I was crossing fingers as well if it means that we travel out of countryevery year  – to get cheaper cuts — layers, shaggy ends.. Hot oil, Permed, Rebond.. Sighhh..

Hello Denmark! Hello dry, frizzy boring hair!

Happy Christmas and Happiest New Year

I have to apologize to myself coz I have been lazy  since I got married. No blogs. No special dinners for the husband. Unkept apartment.  Piled dirty dishes and laundry.  I screwed up being a housewife. But who cares? He is mine now anyways.. (*snickers).  Yeah.. yeah.. I know that that shouldn’t be that way – I was just trying to abuse the last days of 2009 to get a nice kick-off for 2010. But seriously now,  I was not able to update this blog anymore coz I was not TOO BORED for the holidays.

First, there are the papers that needs to be taken caren of, the christmas tree to put up, the gift-wrapping of the gifts to be placed under, the long-distance calls to relatives and friends abroad, the packing and the trips out of Copenhagen.

Christmas was celebrated at the parent’s house and I strongly suggested that we should keep it as a tradition since there are lots and lots of gifts involved. That’s the perk for my husband as the only son and me as the only daughter-in-law. There are games that lets you win prizes especially that ris a la mande- find-the-almond game which I won by the way. No cheating this time.

The holiday ended well enough until we were on our way home to Copenhagen in the Dad’s car.  The father was driving and the son  in front seat. I got dizzy and slept from their Danish-talking but I would knew later that my husband was already insisting that time to pull over since the old-beaten car had this funny noise.  And right in the middle of the highway, just right on the blind curve facing IKEA, the engine stopped. And the car was sitting there ready to be crushed by any vehicle  unaware that we were not moving. There were some heated arguments, some drivers shouting to put up a sign, (we didn’t have any warning sign!) but I was too worried where to pee.

And so I was concerned more on how to get the timing – I SHOULD NOT PEE WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE RED.  And so I climbed a little hill, hid just behind a tree the size of my body with the fenced building at my back. I couldn’t really care of anything when nature calls. It was the loonnnngeeest pee ever but it was obedient enough to just stop when the lights are red. And so I gracefully went down, unbelted, so as to let the viewers understand that I am only looking onto something. I am a graceful liar that way.

pee tree - between the 2 green bushes

And so the husband and I went home, dragging out all our  suitcases and the loots we had from Christmas to a block nearby so a taxi could pick us up. Whew!  I´m glad I peed.

We unpacked. But get packed again 2 days after to celebrate New Year’s in Malmø. Yup, up to now I still dunno how to press that A with 2 dots above it.  What’s in Malmø??! Cheaper shopping. At least for the year 2009 coz Swedish money is going to go up this year. So we took advantage of it. We have thought of Amsterdam – of getting wild and high. But then I guess we just realised that we need more clothes and shoes than weeds. And so we stayed in Malmø with no plans at all except shopping – but then it turned out to be a memorable New Year celebration.

Even before we got married, we always split up and meet up only when we’re both hungry. Else, its I-dont-need-your-opinion kinda relationship when it comes to shopping. It was a long day, crazy going over prices labeled in :, Kronor instead of Kroner, with 30% less of  value on top of the 50% discount sale.

That night, we went out to find a place to dine, strolling in a -10 C  a bit windy weather and ended up in an Italian restaurant with a waitress who didn’t know what’s in one of the menus. It was good night until  we get cocky to just walk on another way and we were lost. It was a relief that we had the map from train so we were able to read street signs. And so were glad to find our hotel with stomach cramps.

Next day was shopping again and some discounted crabs and lobsters to take home to Copenhagen. We rested and never thought of dinner again but we swore that it should be somewhere near the hotel. And so we discovered this street that are just restaurants and cafes. We ended up with sushi (just like last year) and bento box and decided this should be our traditional New Year’s dinner and should be eaten in a different country each time.

bento box

sushi

No plans at all how to welcome the next year that time so we just chilled the beers and champagne just in case.  We dont feel like going out coz it was too cold. But then quarter past 11, we thought of  THE WHEEL. Why not?!! And so we hurried down there ( which was just across our hotel). We were so damned lucky to get in with all the reservations. And were more lucky we were riding at it at exactly midnight and enjoyed the spectacular view of the fireworks. It was cozy romantic.. I almost cried (*sob)  until  the fireworks keeps on going too close in our ride. We shouted, we role-played as war correspondents and the wheel keeps on turning for almost 45 minutes. It was unforgettable.

happy new year!

So we slept the 1st day of 2010 out and head back home the next day excited for our lobster dinner.  We wrote our New Year’s resolution,  fold and keep it secret to each other,  placed in an envelope and sealed with candle’s wax. And should only be opened  next year.

And so here I am,  happy with my newly-bought 2010 planner and had fill out some dates already – birthdays, anniversaries.. SIGHH.. nothing much to write when your a plain housewife. EW! That reminds me I have dishes to wash!

Farvel! Yup, Danish lessons too – in the planner.

December 14, 2009

I got married.

With a dress a bought 2 days before.  A flower bouquet I arranged myself.  Lip balm and lipstick for lips combined with a black eyeliner to define eyes. No base, no blush, no powder.  Brushed and sported the hair I usually do, sprayed on some mousse to hold.  Taraaan….here comes the bride.. with just coat in white..

the 'corporate' bride

I was soo freakin worried about the dress code but there isn’t of course for civil wedding . at leat you’re not obliged to. But since that’s your special day, you have to look best on it. But I wont worry too much on this one since we will be doing the church anyways. And I heaved a sigh of relief when the couple before us was more too ‘casual’ than me. And there is something so freaky about this wedding thing… my boyfriend said that it was like taking an exam, for me I felt like I was in a trial, on a stand,  stating our names in the beginning and making us swore things to do for the rest of our lives.. I was keenly listening at first but then I cracked at the part when I made to say ‘ Yes , I do’. Its just too regally cheesy.. that’s how I described it. But then  I trembled, almost to tears at the ‘ I now pronounced you husband and wife’ part.  And when everybody says.. ‘Awwww..’

But I am glad it was over.. we want to start our lives together as a ‘legal’ couple now.  But surprise, surprise.. nothing has changed of course ..that night was just another night of talking about the budget,  babies and bills. Well, I don’t mind if we have it over a big plate of sushi , seaweed salad, goat cheese rolled in bacon, asparagus in bacon and chicken meatball. With sushi tea and champagne and cake after.

sushi

champagne and the bouquet I made MYSELF

It was a great day with the parents and the with us left alone to take our own pictorials with our good old tripod. Sharing to you the cheesy ones here. All the married ones are free to comment and criticize, the singles ones to get jealous and everybody in between to say ‘Congratulations’.

The Theory of Relative Depression

If theres anything making the headlines of my life today, it should read like ‘ YAY! I’m BORED at last”.

I may not be over the ‘honeymoon’ period yet, but the no-sun situation and the layered clothes  is sucking me down to depression hole. These are the moments when I dont find internet entertaining, movies not interesting, going-outs not too exciting and shopping is too tiring. I want my boyfriend to stay with me in the house ALL THE TIME! You know, just to keep the warm, the talk and everything hygge-like. But alas, he needs to go to work for freezer foods and internet bills for my sake.

http://mymedicatedlife.blogspot.com/

I bought a fuschia pink  fleece morning robe yesterday just to brighten the start of my day- this is too cheap 30 kroner at Netto. The only catch is that it’s for the teeny size – cutting like 5-inches above my knee and it has 3/4 sleeve. The belt is like way above my waist. But who cares? Its cheap, its pink, its warm -  I think that compensates much on what it is like here – expensive, gloomy and cold.

Last Sunday, we bought a case of soda  from SuperBest – it’s ON SALE! We have them sitting outside, no need to get them in fridge, no room and its much colder outside of course. So, just in case depression knocks in our front door, we just hurry outside the veranda, and get some soda bubbles to keep us popping!

Speaking of popping, don’t forget to pop your Vitamin D pill this time of the year.  Sun is only something you see in pictures and on TV in some tropical and/or cloudless countries. When at home, I cursed the sun for giving me sweaty underarms and whatchacallthat bikini line. But here, I miss the sun too much but maybe not as much as the leafless trees and plants just  right outside my window. If only they could pop some pills as  well…

I am no big alcohol drinker. I could only stay sane with a bottle of beer or two. I love red wine but not those really dry ones. Cognac has nice smell but it burns too much for me. But I guess it will be something that I will learn one day. I kinda feel that NEED of it  when  its cold and depressing. It keeps you warm and not think about depression too much.

I am tired watching the news – climate conference,  H1N1 and Dansk Folkeparti. I am tired of reading articles dissin Denmark. Though, its nice to be socially-aware. But its more interesting to read if there is something that has been done about it and not purely criticizing and being spectators of what is expected to happen. Well, not everyone can bring a remarkable change to the world but we can  stand up for ourselves when it gets personal.

I tried gift-wrapping, food experiments etc. Sometimes, I think of getting the flu for a change. Imagine a fever, a cough and some runny nose – that’s a lot to think about than depression. (*laughing but knocks on wood). But alas, I maybe petite woman who eats unhealthy, who never exercise too much but never gets sick that easily (* confidence with fingers crossed). Sorry, I’m keeping my snout this time.

http://www.toonpool.com/cartoons/SWINE%20FLU%20TRIBE_65449

The Climate Agenda

note: I do revisions so as to not write another blog talking of the same subject

The Climate Conference starts today. And I certainly don’t know what to expect..  well of course maybe having a good time for the concert tonight?

It was not a good concert – seriously! We kinda expected that when the ‘just donate’ tickets dropped off to  75 kroner. The stadium was  not packed despite the ticket price, the concert was too long with Akon, the crowd’s most-awaited, canceled.

A bit excited on the meet-up I will have with a delegate from my country. Hopefully, its for real, I got paranoid sometimes with meet-ups especially if not a blogger, thinking that they might be human trafficker.

Well, I don’t participate in protests too much, so maybe I wont be afraid of the cages built by the police?  And I don’t think there will be ‘uncontrollable’ situations when the Danish police gives Swede’s offer for help with a ‘NO THANKS’.

I am no prostitute so I wont have a problem of business slowing down with the summit? And so they offer free sex.. the best things in life are for free, ain’t it?

But what the hell? they couldn’t even light those Christmas trees???  Coz UN  wishes to be neutral?

Sigghhhhh…

There should be a slogan that reads:

No PROTESTs, No PROSTITUTEs, No PINE TREES!

Well,  like every household, the host should impress the guests for the short stay. But if you stay for long or for good, damn! you’ll wash the dishes and clean the floor.

See how I can sum up a whole page of the Copenhagen post today.