Lavender & Coffee Stains

Dear Me,

It was not so long ago when hubby bought these two book cases for me.



And I was already on my toes shopping for more books:



The Deep End of the Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchard
One Writer's Beginnings by Eudora Welty


Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far On Foot by John Callahan
Trick of Nature by Suzanne Matson
The Meaning of the Dead Sea Scrolls by A. Powell Davies
My Point and I Do Have One by Ellen DeGeneres


Echo Park by Michael Connelly
Black Hawk Down by Mark Bowen
The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve


Midwives by Chris Bohjalian
Dave Barry Does Japan by Dave Barry
Jewel by Bret Lott
Tight Squeeze by Debbie DiGiovanni

And these were bought for me by hubby a week after:



Blood Work by Michael Connelly
When in Rome: A Novel of Piazzas and Passion by Gemma Townley


Bloodlines by Jan Burke
Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich

In My Mailbox was started November 2008 and initiated by book blogger Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Books featured maybe the ones you bought, picked up from the library, received for review.

Please pop by at The Story Siren's initial entry on IMM for more details. Also, don't forget to visit other posts by IMM participants.

Have a great Sunday!

Dear Me,

From tv commercials, printed ads promotions and online trailers, a number of great movies are lined up for film buffs this 2011.

And I am eagerly anticipating the following movie offerings in Philippine cinemas:



Shaolin (currently showing)

China is plunged into strife as feuding warlords try to expand their power by warring over neighboring lands. Fueled by his success on the battlefield, young and arrogant Hao Jie (Andy Lau) sneers at Shaolin's masters when he beats one of them in a duel. But the pride comes before a fall. When his own family is wiped out by a rival warlord, Hao is forced to take refuge with the monks. As the civil unrest spreads and the people suffer, Hao and the Shaolin masters are forced to take a fiery stand against the evil warlords. They launch a daring plan of rescue and escape. Jackie Chan portrays the role of a shaolin cook whom Hao Jie befriends.

I am no doubt a big fan of Chinese movies. Alongside with Jet Li, I adore Jackie Chan and Andy Lau!




Burlesque (February 2)

A small town girl from middle America travels to Los Angeles to seek out fame and fortune. She lands on the doorstep of a struggling burlesque club, where her talent and hard work soon land her a spot on stage.


courtesy of Sony Pictures
I am not a Christina Aguilera fan but I proclaim that I am a big admirer of Cher. I cannot wait to see this, Cher performing!




Water For Elephants (April 22)

A veterinary student joins a traveling circus as their animal vet after both of his parents were killed.

"To have a costar who is this reliable, this sensitive and circumspect and intelligent — it's just fabulous," says Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds). He's not talking about Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson, who play the star performer and veterinary student in an adaptation of Sara Gruen's best-seller about a traveling circus in the 1930s. He's talking about Tai, a 9,000-pound Asian elephant.


Water For Elephants Teaser
I'm curious how Pattinson will fare in this movie considering his fame in the Twilight series. Another major role but very far from the film(s) that made him.

I still have to read the book, though.

The Philippine release will be on May 4.




Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (May 20)

Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed adventure. Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penélope Cruz), he's not sure if it's love - or if she's a ruthless con artist who's using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn't know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past.

video courtesy
If I am to pick a movie to watch while having buttered or barbecue-flavored popcorn, I would not have chosen to watch the first three prequels of this movie. It was hubby who introduced this to me and from there on, I had enjoyed the adventures and antics of Jack Sparrow. Now on its fourth installment and this time in Disney Digital 3D™, I cannot wait to hear Sparrow's humor and daring adventures.

Unlike the previous films, which were shot primarily on location in the Caribbean, On Stranger Tides had most of its production in Hawaii.




Cars 2 (June 24)

Star race car Lightning McQueen and the incomparable tow truck Mater take their friendship to exciting new places in Cars 2 when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world's fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Mater's action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world.


video courtesy
I am really excited to watch this fun movie with my little boy. I am absolutely certain that he is going to love this as much as he loved the 2006 movie. Fast cars, colorful cars, talking cars, race and adventure...what's not to love, especially for a three year old boy? :)


I got more films in my list but mommy duties first. :)

Dear Me,

Here I go again! Attempting to revive an old desire that got me nowhere.

Usually, 365 Project's begin during the first day of the new year and here I am doing it against the rules (if there are even spoken rules). I'm starting mine tomorrow.

Dear Me,

I loved and still does love my old digital camera.



But it nearly conked out on me during our recent Hongkong trip along with another gadget, a Sony videocam.

Unlike the videocam that died (and never revived) during a cold visit at the Atoll Reef at Ocean Park, my champagne red digital camera was still functioning aside from one potential problem: the power button seemed to sink in the pit a little deeper than the usual.

I was so anxious because we still had three more days to go (and that day was still young to stop shooting) in our HK itinerary.

But we survived through it all with my pointer finger softly threading on eggshells, so to speak.

Hubby just gifted me this new toy to play. Actually, I have used it already a couple of times but never really got to toying with it. Oh, you know, the life of a solo busy mom!


Sony Cybershot HX1
It looks like a DSLR but it is not (I was told). I discouraged him to buy one unless he would be the one using it. Besides, I would not be caught toting that kind of toy anywhere when I had to manage my toddler without any company.

He bought this just in case the old one decided to retire so soon.

At first, I was hesitant to take this when we bought it. I preferred the little ones that I could just shoot in my bag. But when I held it the way it should be held, I was taken by it. Lighter and less bulkier.

As I said, I still have to learn its features before I can truly say I own it. :)

Up to now, the old one is still alive despite its physical defect. I love it and that is why I am still using it. :)

*More info about this cool gadget.

Dear Me,

Oh yes! I'm a follower of this show but not really a great fan. But what does being a fan means? Following the episodes from the start does not necessarily mean that I am one. Really? LOL.


The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
(minus Camille and Kim)
at the NBC Universal press party in Pasadena
Based on my tv episodes folder log (where I digitally store the copies of each and every tv episodes I watch), I am now on the 12th episode of the first season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

I think the most unforgettable thing about the last two episodes was Kelsey Grammer seeking a divorce from wife Camille. Apparently, Kelsey was so ready to dissolve his marriage with Camille so he could marry his British girlfriend, Kayte Walsh, a flight attendant.


Kelsey and Camille Grammer
He simply pops in and out of the reality tv show once in a while and very brief at that. My knowledge about him: Kelsey Grammer is an actor. Just an actor and not a big one. In fact, I even had the notion of him as an actor in a theater, in a musical.

The other day while downloading some of my favorite shows, I came across one of David Letterman's late night show (to be clear, this is not one of my favorite shows) episode featuring Kelsey.

Funny how I had a very different perception of this guy, thanks to Letterman. Grammer seemed funny and loose. I meant he seemed laconic and not the sociable type in the housewives' show.

And just right now, I truly discovered who he really was! Oh man! I am so dense. Wikipedia just revealed to my face that Kelsey Grammer was Dr. Frasier Crane in the NBC sitcom Frasier. I did watch that hilarious show from the '90s! How could I even not notice it was him!

Love in his marriage with Camille probably flew out of the window for so many reasons. I am not even sure if it has to do with Camille's very open and scandalous (that is how I see it) treatment of men around her. What married woman in her right mind and stature would kiss another woman's husband on the lips just to show that they are friends and enjoying each other's camaraderie? So what if you are one of the boys and not so at ease with other women who you think are catty enough to be your friend(s)? Like what Kyle said,

I don't really know. But the whole kissing someone else's husband on the lips is just bizarre. I can tell you that if Camille were to kiss my husband on the lips, she wouldn't have any lips left.

Oh yeah, Kyle! I would do the same thing. And for the love of Cupid, I wish that woman who is still married to Nick (the athletic guy/friend who keeps Camille company and whom Camille always kisses on the lips when they see each other) to do some action before she regrets it.

On the other hand, I found it so demeaning for Kelsey to be so romantically involved with another woman when he was still tied up. He should have first finalized his divorce before announcing to the world that he would be getting married...again to another woman.

Okay, guess he is really that in love with Walsh.

Truth is, it is their kids (Grammer has two children with Camille, daughter Mason, 8, and Jude, 6, and two older daughters, Spencer, and Greer, from previous relationships) who are really at the losing end of this situation.


*images courtesy of People

Dear Me,

My sister and I have intentions of participating in this event: STEP UP: A FEBRUARY afFAIR. This enterprising event will be held on Feb. 19, 2010 at the Bahay ng Alumni, U.P. Diliman Campus.

Called "A FEBRUARY afFAIR" because it's right smack in the middle of the U.P. Fair, which will be held on the week of Feb. 15-19.

My curiosity was piqued when I first saw this promotion from The Reading Room. Owners Sandy and Benjamin Beltran recently launched S.T.E.P. U.P. (A Showcase for The Enterprising Pinoy, U.P.) to provide low-cost bazaar-setting venues for those who wish to try selling anything from brand new to second-hand items at a professional & legitimate event with low rates.

Mainly, I planned to join because I really wanted to dispose a lot of things in my closet, clothes, accessories and other knick knacks. Months before, I engaged in a spring cleaning session in the house. I discovered too many things that I had no further need of or simply in the forever state of gathering dust. I had thrown, given away and even donated usable yet considered unnecessary items (at least here in the house).

But there were stuff that I simply could not and did not want to dispose. And so the idea of holding a garage sale came to mind. The only problem: I did not have the space.

So I jumped at the idea the moment I saw this ad. Called my sister and urged her to join me.

Come next weekend, we will register for a space to let go of our pre-loved items and even sell some brand new, cutesy stuff. I am even thinking of buying some girlie accessories from Cebu a week before the fair.



S.T.E.P. U.P.: A FEBRUARY afFAIR
Feb. 19, 2011, 9am-5pm, Saturday
The BAHAY NG ALUMNI
R. Magsaysay Ave., U.P. Diliman Campus
Diliman, Quezon City

BOOKS + MAGAZINES + CLOTHES + SCHOOL & OFFICE SUPPLIES +
SHOES + DECOR + ACCESSORIES + ARTS + CRAFTS + SO MUCH MORE!

Brand New / Old Stock / 2nd-Hand / Vintage!

Check out our multiply.com site: http://stepup2011.multiply.com

SELLERS ARE WELCOME!
Check out our rates:
- LATAGAN 3ft x 5ft = P375.00
- LATAGAN 6ft x 7ft = P1,050.00
- MESA 7ft x 7ft = P1,425.00
- FOOD 7ft x 7ft = P1,425.00
- MESA 8ft x 9ft = P2,000.00

If you are interested in joining, simply email:
benjaminsbeltran@gmail.com

& request for the guidelines in A FEBRUARY afFAIR.

Dear Me,

My little boy and I just came home from the supermarket an hour ago since he ran out of diapers. While we were there, I could not help but take a peek at the ice cream section.

And you know what I discovered? Cooling inside were the recently released Magnolia Ice Cream Christmas Limited Edition flavors: Vanilla Praline, Apple Strudel and Caramel Cheesecake.

I missed attending an invitation from Jonel of LetsGoSago early December last year. Days after that, I checked every supermarket I went to just to buy and have a taste of it. Unfortunately, the waiting bored me and I totally forgot all about it. Up until now...



Well, I am about to taste this one. Armed with a big mug and spoon, I am going to dig in and cherish this cold dessert.

Signing off!

Dear Me,

I am committing to reading a book per month.

Back then, I was able to finish 4-5 books a month. Aside from mountaineering, reading books is my only vice (if you can call it that).

I became a mom and doing all the things that go with it on my own. Reading had taken a backseat.

2011 marks my conviction to get back to my first love: books.

I will make sure that I will find time to read despite the busy schedule. I do not care if I have to read in between doing various house chores or in a cab or train en route somewhere.

For this month, I am aiming for two books. Concurrently, I am being engaged by Tom Gabbay and Robin Cook.




The Berlin Conspiracy by Tom Gabbay

Jack Teller is through with the CIA -- until the Berlin station is contacted by a Colonel in the East German Stasi just days before President John F. Kennedy's scheduled visit to the Wall. The Stasi officer has an important message -- and he will speak to no one but Jack.

The informant claims a treacherous plot is brewing to assassinate the American president in Germany -- a conspiracy originating at the highest levels of the U.S. government. Only Jack Teller believes the threat is real, and it has left him alienated and alone in a divided city that holds too many dark secrets. And if he forgets the two essential truths of the espionage game -- that lies are currency and nothing is what it seems -- he won't live to prevent a global catastrophe.


Critical by Robin Cook

Angela Dawson, M.D., appears to have it all: at the age of thirty-seven, she owns a fabulous New York City apartment, a stunning seaside house on Nantucket, and enjoys the perks of her prosperous lifestyle. But her climb to the top was rough, marked by a troubled childhood, a failed marriage, and the devastating blow of bankruptcy as a primary-care internist. Painfully aware of the role of economics in modern life, particularly in the health-care field, Angela returned to school to earn an MBA. Armed with a shiny new degree and blessed with determination, intelligence, and impeccable timing, Angela founded a start-up company, Angels Healthcare, then took it public. With her controlling interest in three busy specialty hospitals in New York City and plans for others in Miami and Los Angeles, Angela's future looked very bright.

Then a surge of drug-resistant staph infections in all three hospitals devastates Angela's carefully constructed world. Not only do the infections result in patient deaths, but the fatalities also cause stock prices to tumble, leaving market analysts wondering if Angela will be able to hold her empire together.

New York City medical examiners Laurie Montgomery and Jack Stapleton are naturally intrigued by the uptick in staph-related post-procedure deaths. Aside from their own professional curiosity, there's a personal stake as well: Laurie and Jack are newly married, and Jack is facing surgery to repair a torn ligament at Angels Orthopedic Hospital. Despite Jack's protests, Laurie can't help investigating-opening a Pandora's box of corporate intrigue that threatens not just her livelihood, but her life with Jack as well.


**I'm almost done with the other book. :) Way to go!

Dear Me,

As I mentioned before, I rather have COMMITMENTS than resolutions for the new year.

• I commit to munching less junk foods (chocolate bars not included...hehehe).
  
  
• I commit to exercising 30 minutes a day.
  
  
• I commit to reading a book per month.
  
  
• I commit to broaden my little boy's physical, mental, social and emotional abilities.
  
  
• I commit to being sweet to my husband. Nyahahaha. :p

May the Force be with me!

Dear Me,

I'm reading my first book for year 2011.




Here's my chosen tears:

At that moment Ramona coughed, which she had been trying to avoid, because any movement aggravated the postoperative pain. When she coughed and expectorated into a tissue, she saw something that alarmed her even more.

~ page 208, Critical by Robin Cook





This book has been lying in my TBR for a while and since I am needing a book to pump up my reading momentum, I thought a medical thriller would do it.



Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:


* Grab your current read.

* Open to a random page.

* Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.

* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Dear Me,

When 2011 started (like days ago), everyone had been mouthing resolutions for the new year.

Although the word has been so abused every turn of the year, people still make sure that they have their own list.

And that includes me...For a while, I told myself not to join the multitude.

Then I realized why.

We do it every year, making resolutions and if lucky, be able to get on with it right away. The usual story is that we fail to follow through those resolutions that we are so determined to accomplish throughout the year.

So why do we do it every year? Make a list of such resolutions like I will do this...I will do that. It is always a written or even a mental note of possible things to do and normally, never gets done. Just like a promise that is meant to be broken.



It is because every year that comes to an end and a new year that we always welcome with open arms give us a fresh start. With an invigorating energy and positive outlook, we foresee the coming year as a new beginning of another chapter in our lives. It gives us the drive to start right and aim high to reach a certain goal or whatever is on that list.

It is just my idea.

But I prefer not to make resolutions. Instead, I aim to make COMMITMENTS. I will not be making such long list and be lost in it.