My Puto Pao

Lanie shared with me her Puto Pao recipe and I promised her that when I make it I'd blog about it complete with photos. It's been raining kasi dito sa amin at kapag ganon ay ganado po akong magluto ng kung anu-ano, to my family's delight. Siempre sila ang taga-kain ng mga ginagawa ko, di ba? Ako naman, masaya na nakikitang nasasarapan sila (kahit minsan palpak e masarap pa rin daw.)





I used my rice cooker/food steamer to make the puto pao. Also as molder, I used the disposable muffin pan. I just cut the cups individually. Very economical since I spent $1.80 for 12 cups at pwede pa gamitin ulit.





Marc, my kitchen assistant. He loves helping me when I'm cooking.









Ayan, mukhang masarap naman, di ba? The ones that look busted, sila yung nilagyan ko ng shredded cheddar as topping kaya iba hitsura. In fairness, masarap talaga.








Hindi na po puto pao ang ginagawa ko dito. I'm actually making buffalo chicken wings. I love it mild.






Lan, thank you so much again for sharing your recipe. GOD bless you and family!



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Loving Daw O?

What's Your Best Quality? Your Result: Loving Your best quality is loving! People like you because of your loving nature. You are a nice person that cares about others. Your loving nature makes you a good friend.
Personality
Intelligence
Ambitious
Out-Going
Sense of Humor
What's Your Best Quality? Take More Quizzes

Tess had me try this best quality test and it turned out the way it did. It says I'm a loving person. I honestly dont know if others think the same about me. It takes time for one to know me well because I'm so full of inhibitions. Only the ones who understand the complexity of my personality can appreciate me and the things I do for them. One thing I'm so sure about myself is that when I love and care for somebody, I do for the rest of my life.

Next is personality. Personality is the totality of qualities and traits, as of character or behavior, that are peculiar to a specific person. I think this result is trying to tell me that my personality is unique. Yes I admit, iba talaga ang make-up ng pagkatao ko. I am complicated. It's quite evident actually to those who have spent time with me whether for a short or long term period. Sometimes I dont like myself because of how I am. But then I have my own share of individuals who love me as I am and for what I am so hey, what's the problem? That's all that matters!

Whew! Good thing, intelligence comes after that (wink!).

I got really short bars for the rest of the qualities. I wont contest that because the results rendered are pretty honest. I'm not the go-getter type. I'm not out-going either. In fact in some situations I can be extremely aloof . I can make people laugh but usually only those I feel comfortable hanging out with. That's why I like the company of humorous and chatty people. I love it when they make me laugh.

See, the last three quite explain what I said about my personality.


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Si Mama

Mugto ang aking mga mata paggising ko kaninang umaga. Umiyak ako kagabi. Hindi ako pinaiyak ng asawa ko. Siya man ay nagtaka sa aking itsura. Naalala ko lang si Mama. Ang totoo minsan pag naiisip ko si Mama ay napapaiyak ako. Ewan ko ba. Bumabalik kasi sa alaala ko ang mga panahon noong bata pa ako kasama siya. Laging bumabalik sa isip ko ang eksena na kung saan kasama ko siya sa pantalan dahil babalik na naman siya ng Maynila. Umiiyak ako dahil ayoko siyang umalis. Bibigyan niya ako ng barya, singkwenta sentimos o piso sa akala na maibsan ng pera ang hinagpis ko. Hindi ako umaalis sa pantalan hanggat hindi tutulak ang barko lulan si Mama.

Uuwi ako mag-isa para lang marinig ang katahimikan sa bahay at maramdaman ang kawalan ni Mama. Wala na ang tunog ng makina tuwing nananahi siya ng damit. Wala na ang boses na tumatawag sa akin tuwing kailangan niya ako. Wala na ang kalansing ng mga gamit sa kusina tuwing siya'y nagluluto. Wala na rin ang nag-iisa nyang sapatos na lagi kong nakikita sa labas ng pintuan tanda na nasa bahay lang siya.

Nakikita ko ang kama na kung saan katabi ko siya matulog sa gabi. Ang hapag kainan na kung saan kasalo ko siya sa pagkain. Ang mga damit na tinahi niya para sa akin. Ang medyas na sinusuot niya sa mga paa ko tuwing malamig ang gabi. Ang bintana na kung saan isang gabi na walang kuryente at maliwanag ang buwan, doon siya naka-upo at umaawit para sa kanyang May Likha.

Lahat sa paligid ko nagpapa-alala sa akin kay Mama. Ilang araw akong namamalagi sa bahay kahit ako'y mag-isa na. Susunduin ako ni Tatay para bumalik na sa bahay namin sa bayan pero nagpapaiwan ako. Hanggang sa makaramdam na ako ng gutom. Wala si Mama, wala ring pagkain. Mabigat ang mga paa ko na uuwi sa Tatay ko. Kung bakit kasi sandali lang kung mamalagi si Mama sa probinsya namin.

Si Mama ay lola ko. Sabi niya siya ang nag-aruga sa akin nung ako'y sanggol hanggang sa ilagak niya ako sa kamay ng isa kong tiyahin. Sa edad na walo nasa pangangalaga naman ako ng aking ama na may sarili nang pamilya. Dahil musmos wala akong magawa kundi sumunod sa daloy ng buhay. Naging masaya naman ako sa piling ni tatay kasama ang kaniyang pamilya.

Ngunit hindi nawala ang pangugulila ko kay Mama na tinuring kong ina. Tuwing nababalitaan kong darating siya galing Maynila, andun na agad ako sa bahay niya at naghihintay. Minsan nakakatulugan ko ang paghihintay sa kanya. At sa sandaling marinig ko ang paghinto ng pedicab at ang boses niya, balikwas na agad ako. Dumating na si Mama. Walang mapaglagyan ang labis kong tuwa.

Sa buong panahon ng pamamalagi ni Mama sa probinsya ay nagmistula akong anino niya. Hindi sang-ayon si Tatay dahil kailangan ko raw tumulong sa tindahan. Pero wala silang magawa. Hindi nila ako napapaalis sa piling ng Mama ko. Malamang naintindihan rin nila at pinagbigyan na lang ako dahil alam nila hindi siya magtatagal. Babalik na naman siya ng Maynila.

At sadya nga naman, ang bilis ng panahon. Heto't nababalitaan ko na nakatakda na naman na iwanan niya ako. Maswerte ako kung ang bakasyon ni Mama ay tumatagal ng dalawang buwan dahil minsan ilang linggo lang ang inilalagi niya. Masakit marinig na nakabili na siya ng tiket at makita siyang abala sa pag impake. At ang pinakakatakutan ko, ang oras ng pag-alis niya. Yakap ko siya ng mahigpit. Pinipigilan ang kanyang hakbang. Luha ko ay walang tigil sa pagdaloy. Sabi ni Mama panahon na daw na bumalik ako sa Tatay ko.

Hindi ko maintindihan bakit laging ganon. Pero wala akong magawa. Aalis siya. Mag-isa uli ako. Babalik ako sa Tatay ko. Labis akong mangungulila sa Mama ko. Sa gabi ay pupunta ako sa may dagat o di kaya'y babalik ako sa pantalan. Tinatanaw ko ang mga barko sa laot at nananaginip na isa sa kanila ay dadaong para siya'y ibalik sa akin. Hanggang sa ako'y mapagod at tuluyan nang tanggapin ang katotohanan. Kailangan ko lang na maghintay sa muli niyang pagbalik. Kung kela'y di ko alam.

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When to Tell Our Kids About the Birds and the Bees

This occured four nights ago. I was on the computer playing solitaire. Dean and the kids were in the living room watching TV. All of a sudden Dean called me like something was wrong. I was gonna win the game so I didnt move my butt right away. He hollered again, "you have to get here right now." Okay, okay I'm coming.

In the living room, I instantly noticed something serious was going on. The TV was turned off. The kids were sitting quietly on the couch opposite from each other. They were all waiting for me to have a seat. I knew we're gonna have an important little pow-wow again.

Me: "What's going on?"
Dean: "We were watching TV and there was this scene of a couple making out. Then Marc said, 'oh no... they're gonna have sex.' "
Me: "Hmm, Marc, why did you say that? Do you know what sex is?"
Marc: "Yes, Ate (her sister) told me. She said it's when a boy and a girl kiss in bed."
Marielle: "No, I didnt tell you that!"
Marc: "Yes, you did."
Marielle: "No."
Marc: "Yes."
Me: "Stop it. Neither one of you knows what sex really is so ... dont say anything that you dont know about, ok?"
Marc: "Can someone tell me what it's about though?"
Dean: "Yes, we will tell you but right now, Mama and I have to talk. Why dont you two go to your rooms."

Our kids have their own notion about sex. My daughter asked me what sex is last year. I answered her question but not directly. I really didnt tell her what she needed to know. I knew that there's a best way to tell a child about sex. And at that time I didnt know how. I still dont even until now.

I know as parents it is our responsibility to educate our kids about sex and puberty. Sooner or later, they will start asking why they have hair growth down there, why it feels good when they touch it, why does it get hard sometimes, why do man and woman kiss, how are babies made, etc.

Sex education for them is important. It's not just about understanding their private parts. It's also teaching them what's right and what's wrong. It's the parents' way of protecting their kids from sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases. I also want my kids to be aware that premarital sex is not right. I always tell them that everyone is accountable to God. That everyone has two choices -- to do right or wrong. And whatever decision he/she makes in life, there is a consequence.

Last night I was sitting on Dean's lap as he was checking his emails. Our computer is temporarily placed near the kitchen and close by is the laundry room where I had my last load of clothes running in the dryer. Dean turned his head to kiss me but I moved my head away from his. "Why was that?" he asked. I said, "Marc might see us and I dont want him to think that 'Ma and Pa are having sex in the kitchen in front of the computer while Ma is doing laundry.' " We laughed. But on a serious note, we do need to sit down and break it to them gently. Tonight. And separately, of course.

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Whirlin' Waters

Today I took the kids to the Whirlin' Water Park, about 5 miles from our house. It was our first
time to be in a place like this and the kids just went crazy. They didnt know which pool ride to go first. The best one was The Big Kahuna, a 27,000 sq. ft. wave pool which featured exciting wave action. The kids also had a blast sliding down the Riptide Run which is a mat racer that slide 8 stories high delivering 347 feet. Too bad for me because I thought the park was only for kids and I didn't bring my swimsuit. I don't think I could stand the heat of the sun though. Like any typical Pinay, ayoko mangitim lalo. It was just too hot for me. While everyone else enjoyed basking in the sun, I walked around the park with a towel on my head. Actually I thought I looked funny but I didnt care.




Marielle and Marc at the Big Splash Tree House. (Can you spot them?)









The Riptide Run. I will try this when we go back there 2 weeks from now.








Marc sliding down the Tubular Twister.










The Rollin River, a lazy river for carefree floating.






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Only in PGH?

Johnny, a friend of mine in the Philippines forwarded this message to me. It says that these statements were found in the medical charts at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila. You begin to wonder whether these people didnt do well in their English grammar subjects or, they were just too tired to construct their sentences right. Either way, I think it's better if they use Tagalog instead.

1. Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.
2. On the second day the knee was better, and on the third day it disappeared.
3. She has no rigors or shaking chills, but her husband states she was very hot in bed last night.
4. The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed.
5. The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 1993.
6. Discharge status: Alive but without permission.
7. The patient refused autopsy.
8. The patient has no previous history of suicides.
9. She is numb from her toes down.
10. While in ER, she was examined, X-rated and sent home.
11. The skin was moist and dry.
12. Occasional, constant, infrequent headaches.
13. Patient was alert and unresponsive.
14. Rectal examination revealed a normal size thyroid.
15. She stated that she had been constipated for most of her life, until she got a divorce.
16. The lab test indicated abnormal lover function.
17. The patient was to have a bowel resection. However, he took a job as a stockbroker instead.
18. Skin: somewhat pale but present.
19. Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities.


Hospital Anecdotes

Sa PGH, may tinatawag na Central Block. Nandoon ang Radiology Department kung saan ginagawa ang mga X-rays, Ultrasound, CT Scan at Radiotherapy. Dito ko naobserbahan ang evolution ng mga pinoy medical terms. May mga pasyente o bantay na aking nasasalubong, ang madalas magtanong ng direksyon.
Mga Versions ng CT Scan:
1. "Dok saan po ba ang Siete Scan?"
2. "Doc saan po ba magpapa-CT Skull?"
3. "Doc saan po ba CT Scalp?"
4. "Doc saan po ang CT Scam?"

Madalas akong mapagtanungan ng direction papunta sa Cobalt Room. "Doc saan po ba ang Cobal" Yes, laging walang T. Marami ang gumagamit sa term na Cobal. Saan napunta ang "T"? Marami din kasing nagtatanong, "Doc, saan po ba ang papuntang X-Tray?" Conclusion: Ang "T" ng Cobalt, ay napunta sa X-Tray.

7:00 am. Nagbigay ang kasamahan kong doktor ng instruction sa bantay ng pasyente, "Mister, punta po kayo sa Central Block at magpa-schedule kayo ng X-ray ng pasyente ninyo." 3:00 pm. Kadarating lang ng bantay. Nagalit na ang Doktor, "Mister, bakit namang napakatagal ninyong bumalik? Pina-schedule ko lang naman ang X-ray ah." Sumagot ang bantay, "Eh kasi po Doc, ang tagal kong naghintay sa gate, haggang sabihin ng guwardiya na sarado daw po ang Central Bank kasi Sabado ngayon." (Nasa Roxas Blvd ang Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, at sarado nga naman yon kapag Sabado!)

Nang mag-rotate ako as intern sa Pediatrics ng PGH, mahal na mahal talaga ng mga nanay ang kanilang mga anak na may sakit. Pilit nilang tinatandaan ang mga gamot at tawag sa sakit ng kanilang anak. Doktor: "Mrs. ano po ang mga gamot na iniinom ng anak niyo?" Mrs: "Doc phenobarbiedoll po." Doktor: "Ah baka po phenobarbital. " (Gamot sa convulsion ang phenobarbital.)

Doktor: "Mrs. ano po ba ang antibiotic na iniinom ng anak ninyo?" Mrs: "Doc metromanilazole po."Doktor: "Ah baka po metronidazole. " (Gamot sa amoeba ang metronidazole.)

Ang tawag sa recovery room ng PGH ay PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) Doktor: "Mrs., tapos na po ang operasyong ng anak ninyo, punta na po kayo sa PACU. Mrs: "Eh Doc, saan po sa Paco? Sa may simbahan po ba o sa may palengke?

Doktor: "Mrs. ano po ba ang sinabi ng dating doktor kung ano daw ang sakit ng inyong anak?" Mrs: "Eh Doc sabi po niya Tragedy of Fallot. Doktor: "Ah baka po Tetralogy of Fallot (Isang Congenital Heart Disease ang Tetralogy of Fallot.)

Biglang nag-panic ang isang nanay at sumigaw. Mrs: "Scissors! Scissors! Nag-sciscissors ang anak ko, Doc!"Doktor: "Nurse, diazepam please, nag-seizure ang pasyente!"

Doktor: "Mrs. ano daw po ba ang sakit ng anak ninyo?"Mrs. : May ketong daw po.In-examine ng doktor ang balat ng pasyente. Wala siyang makitang senyales ng ketong. Tumawag pa siya ng isang Dermatologist para mag-examine nang husto. Wala talaga. Doktor: "Mrs. sigurado po ba kayong ketong ang Sakit ng bata?"Mrs : "Eh iyon po ang sabi ng doktor niya dati. Mataas daw po ang ketong sa ihi dahil may diabetes." Doktor: "Ah ketone po yon! (Ang positive ketone sa Ihi ay senyales ng kumplikasyon ng diabetes.)

Doktor: (Sa buntis na mrs. na nagle-labor) "Mrs.pumutok na po ba ang panubigan mo?" Mrs:"Eh Doc, wala naman po akong narinig na pagsabog." (Hanep!)


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Keeping Up in the Fast Paced Freeway

It's been a little over a month since we've moved to SC. As expected I've been so busy getting the house in order. Unpacking the boxes was just as frustrating, tedious and tiring as packing them. We just have too much stuff not to mention that we actually got rid some of them in a yard sale a week before we left Arcadia. I always say that Dean is some kind of a "collector" of house stuff. It's unlikely for a man to do that, isnt it? But I guess it's the businessman in him that makes him that way. He acquires things, uses them, gets tired of them, stores them away and then sells them.


The house has taken form finally although not totally. We're still working on it. It has been painstakingly slow because believe or not this is the fifth time we changed our residential address in the 2 years that I've been in the States. Well, a little longer than that. But the point is if you ask who are the most itinerant people there is at the moment, that's us. Moving is not fun. In fact the third time we moved I kept most of our stuff in their boxes and put them in the storage. There's just no sense in taking them all out only to box them up again.


Now that we're in SC, Dean told me we might stay where we're at for at least 2 years. And I could only heave a sigh of relief when I heard that. He better be serious about that. I kind of threatened him that if he tells me that we're moving AGAIN, I would divorce him. Of course, I didnt mean that but he knew what I really meant. There's no way I'm gonna leave my husband who loves me and best of all loves my kids like his own. He knows that the best way to love me is to love my kids. How sweet. That's just one of the things that has really endeared him to me.


Anyway, there's been a lot of big changes when we moved two states up from Florida. The biggest of them is the fact that we're in an overwhelmingly big city. Well at least for me especially if I compare it to the very tiny city of Arcadia which I easily categorize as an un-urban place because you cant even spot it on the map. There dining out means driving 30 -45 minutes, no kidding. But Arcadia will always be a part of me. It's my first home in the US. I have a lot of good memories there. And I would surely miss the slow pace of life there.

Another big change is that I'm gonna have to constantly drive on a very busy road with a more complicated traffic situation. Worse than that, I had to conquer my fear of driving on a fast and furious freeway called I-26. I did that once so far and really prayer is powerful. I said, "Jesus, take the wheel, take it from my hand 'cause I can't do this on my own ..." I literally sang Carrie Underwood's song as I sped 65 mph on the interstate. I got to my destination and back safe and sound. Praise God.

I'm really getting carried away with this post. There's just so many things to share and I'll write more soon.

Have a happy weekend.


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What's Behind My Name?

I cant think of a better title for this post. This is not just about my name. Tess has tagged me with this set of questions which I had fun answering. I like telling people about the trivial things about me. The same way that I enjoy learning the interesting little facts of someone else's life. They seem to be useless but funny and usually brings back good memories.

1. FIRST NAME? Ma. Fe Aurora

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes, I was named after Aurora Pijuan who won the Ms. International crown in 1970, the year I was born.

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Last week when I watched “Notting Hill” particularly the scene towards the end of the movie where Julia Roberts was interviewed by Hugh Grant who pretended as one of the press people. Anyone who has seen the movie knows what I’m talking about.

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? When I was in high school my classmates admired my penmanship. They always liked me to write on the board for the teachers. A month ago I met a classmate through namesdatabase.com. I never heard from him for almost 20 years so I asked him if he still remembered me and he went, “of course I know you, Au-au, the one who had the most beautiful penmanship in high school.” I guess I really do have a nice handwriting. So, yes I like my handwriting.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? I don't like lunchmeat. I prefer fresh meat.

6. KIDS? 1 son, 1 daughter

7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yes, of course even if I am aloof and quiet. Most of the time people think I’m a snub but once you know me better I can be a really good, reliable and trustworthy friend.

9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Not a lot. Sometimes I can be a real bitch and I use sarcasm that can even make the person cry.

10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.

11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Never. I cringe even at the thought of it.

12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I don’t like cereals.

13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? All my shoes are slip-ons except this one pair of sneakers that I seldom use. And even that, I don’t untie them when taking them off. Lazy me.

14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? I’d rather say my faith in GOD is stronger now. And my strength comes from Him. I know whatever happens, whether I’m happy or I’m in my lowest moment He is with me because my life is in His hands.

15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Rocky road. I like my ice cream nutty, same with my chocolate bar.

16. SHOE SIZE? 8 ½" - 9"

17. RED OR PINK? Pink

18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I have a lot of insecurities. One of my greatest fears is rejection that's why it takes long before I feel comfortable with somebody.

19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? I miss my Grannie.

20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? No need.

21. WHAT COLOR OF PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? I’m wearing white pants and flip-flop.

22. LAST THING YOU ATE? Lumpiang shanghai (spring rolls).

23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? I’m hearing the sounds of the TV and the aircon.

24. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? I'd be anything pastel.

25. FAVORITE SMELL? I love the fresh-from-the-shower smell.

26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? The girl in Desoto school district office. I called to get an appointment for finger printing as a requirement for my sub-teaching job.

27. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Eyes.

28. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Of course!

29. FAVORITE DRINK/s? Water and coffee.

30. FAVORITE SPORT/s? None.

31. EYE COLOR? Dark brown.

32. HAT SIZE? I don’t wear hats.

33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? I wear glasses, not contacts.

34. FAVORITE FOOD? I’m a foodie, anything palatable to me is my favorite.

35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? I like feel-good movies. I also like psycho-thriller kind of scary movie, not the zombie or monster type.

36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED AT THE MOVIES? “Da Vinci Code.”

37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Pink

38. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter in Florida is nice. It can get super cold but without the snow.

39. HUGS OR KISSES? Both.

40. FAVORITE DESSERT? Cheesecake, chocolate cake, leche flan, ice cream

41. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? I’m not a book reader but I love to read. I read magazines. I have a Reader’s Digest subscription.

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? “Sa Piling Mo” on TFC.

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Music wise, I like the smooth and mellow sound. I also like to hear my kids’ voices. Now that they’re back to school the house is awefully quiet in the morning and I miss them. I also like the sound of nature like the waters in the brook or ocean, the chirping birds, the wind rustling the leaves of the trees, etc.

44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? I don’t care for either of the two because I was too young to appreciate their music.

45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? My home now is here in Florida with my husband and kids so I haven’t been away from home so far.

46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? I wish I can say singing. I don’t know if I have any.

47. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? So. Leyte, Sep 3 1970.

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? The amiable Mrs. Teresa Tippett.

And Cupcake Is Her Name ...

...I never knew her until one month ago but I love her just the same. I love her name ...

I know my dog's name sounds odd to some people but it sounded odd to me too, at first. And the funny thing was my kids would always mistakenly call her as pancake or fruitcake. Since there is no law about naming pets everyone's free to call his pet whatever he wants. When I was a kid, my family owned dogs many different times and I can still remember some of their names -- Chicklet, Tootsie Roll, Gaga, Samson and Nido.

So how did Cupcake got her name? Hmm...I'll talk about that later. Right now, I want to talk about how she became a member of our household. It happened a little more than a month ago. One morning, a lady came to our house with a dog in tow. She said she's giving the dog to us because she couldnt take good care of her anymore which explained why the poor thing was full of fleas and a bit thin. We immediately welcomed the dog since few weeks before that I was asking Dean to buy me a little dog that I could use for company when I'm alone in the house.

Cupcake is a Jack Russell terrier. History says that Jack Russells were bred as hunting terriers which explains why Cupcake loves to dig and always out to chase any animals like bugs, lizards, frogs, peacocks, cats and even huge dogs and cows! She is so incredibly energetic, highly intelligent and incurably curious. A Jack Russell is even described as a huge dog in a small dog's body. There was a point that Dean and I were thinking of giving her up because she's just too much too handle. But I've grown to love her. She's a very affectionate dog. She loves to be always close to us by snuggling and sitting on our laps and have her belly rubbed. She loves catching the ball although lately she plays more with fallen grapefruits in the backyard.

And because of Cupcake's bubbly and outgoing personality I decided to keep her despite Dean's occassional protestations. I told him that with a personality like mine, Cupcake and I will make a perfect blend. Now when I'm home alone I got somebody to talk to even if she answers back with arf-arf, lol. No, she doesnt bark at me ...only at strangers and our neighbors' cats and dogs.

Right now, she's having her period. I was told it lasts for three weeks so she's got few more days to go before it's over. And I cant wait for it to be over because Dean hollers at me everytime he sees drops of blood on the floor. He even banned the poor dog from sitting on the couch unless it's covered with a towel first. I was so tempted to call the vet's office if they have special napkins or tampons for dogs, lol!

So, why Cupcake? Well, her former owner called her Sara Lee which happens to be the same as Dean's ex-girlfriend's name. And she wasnt just any old flame. He broke off with her a few months before he met me. I think that's what's odd to me. I told him that we didnt have to change her name because I really didnt have any problem at all if he calls out "her" name from time to time but he insisted on giving her a new name. Since "Cupcake" used to be one of our terms of endearment (eewww...mushy!), we decided to just name her that.