Well, it's OFFICIAL!
My cousin's getting married next month, on May 12th!
The invitation arrived today for both Michael and I. I wonder why they didn't put Christopher's name in it. My mom thought it's because Chris is way too small to be attending any Church ceremony.
From the invite, it seems like they'll be partying it up at a pretty swanky place called Studio 1050 (http://1050events.com). The ceremony will be at St. Michael the Archangel.
I'm wondering if I should post the happy couple's website here...I'll decide later.
Congratulations for both Andrew and Therecia!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Before Sunset Review
The movie "Before Sunset" is a brilliant sequel to "Before Sunrise," where two lovers meet again after 9 years apart after missing out on meeting each other six months after their first meeting.
The movie follows the two as they retrace their past lives, their current, and resolve their issues while Ethan Hawke (Jesse) and Julie Deply (Celine) wander around Paris. Their characters are now with different people, but they still can't deny the chemistry.
Both actors are very believable, a little manic, a little pretentitous, a little show-off, much cute but all in all very very natural as two ordinary people who share really strong emotional connection and attraction to one another. It's like watching two people going on a second "first date."
As an audience you feel like you're certain that they fit together, you want them to fit together but in the same time knowing that they may not even last if they decide to be together.
The beautiful background scenery of Paris, the Seines, bluesy songs by Nina Simone completes this movie. This is one of the best romantic movies I've ever watched (maybe second to Gone with the Wind).
This is the perfect movie to rent with someone you just start dating (men: take notes!), because it'll surely create a pretty interesting discussion afterward... And perhaps something else more too!
The movie follows the two as they retrace their past lives, their current, and resolve their issues while Ethan Hawke (Jesse) and Julie Deply (Celine) wander around Paris. Their characters are now with different people, but they still can't deny the chemistry.
Both actors are very believable, a little manic, a little pretentitous, a little show-off, much cute but all in all very very natural as two ordinary people who share really strong emotional connection and attraction to one another. It's like watching two people going on a second "first date."
As an audience you feel like you're certain that they fit together, you want them to fit together but in the same time knowing that they may not even last if they decide to be together.
The beautiful background scenery of Paris, the Seines, bluesy songs by Nina Simone completes this movie. This is one of the best romantic movies I've ever watched (maybe second to Gone with the Wind).
This is the perfect movie to rent with someone you just start dating (men: take notes!), because it'll surely create a pretty interesting discussion afterward... And perhaps something else more too!
Monday, April 9, 2007
Kitchen Staples CAN Double as Cleaners too! PART 1
When I was single, amonia was my good friend.
Especially when it comes to cleaning, it cleans, disinfects and it's awesome as a window cleaner. I never liked to purchase different type of different cleaners (one for kitchen, one for floor, one for the bathroom, one for window and there's one that said --multipurpose cleaner--& so on). I went ahead and purchase a gallon of amonia and mix them with water in spraying bottles.
It was great and frugal.
But then there's Christopher.
The ultimate curious kitten, equipped with his "terrible-two" behavior, yet with brains not equipped to understand the danger of chemicals. He may be a pretty strong toddler, but I'm sure if I couldn't bear the scent/smell of amonia, he couldn't either.
There was also an incident when he got ahold of a much-diluted almost empty amonia bottle. Poison control was contacted, pediatricians were called and so on. Fortunately, he didn't ingest anything. I was lucky that everyone I called for help just ended up branding me "worrisome mommy." I coudn't bear it if it's any other way.
I learned my lesson and decided to not use toxic chemicals in my disinfectant cleaners. I researched to find what can substitute my 'old friend,' and I found one and it IS green and budget friendly.
Meet White Vinegar
White vinegar is a great disinfecting tool. It can be used for disinfecting, deodorizing, cutting grease and wax build-up, and removing stains on carpet, countertops, pots, pans and coffee carafes.
For an all-purpose cleaner, fill an empty spray bottle with 4 cups water, 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1/4 cup vinegar. Use on countertops, glass surfaces, chrome fixtures and tile.
To unclog drains, pour one part baking soda to two parts vinegar down the drain. Let sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
For windows, mix 2 cups water with a generous pour of vinegar. A great way to recycle your newspapers is to use them in place of paper towels for a streak-free finish.
Wood floors will avoid the streaky look when you add about 1/4 cup vinegar to your pail of water. Be sure to wring your mop out well so as not to over-wet the floor.
Instead of fabric softeners that are full of synthetic fragrances, try adding a small amount of white vinegar to your machine's rinse cycle. This will help to rinse out the detergent completely and leave your clothes feeling soft.
source: FitTv
Especially when it comes to cleaning, it cleans, disinfects and it's awesome as a window cleaner. I never liked to purchase different type of different cleaners (one for kitchen, one for floor, one for the bathroom, one for window and there's one that said --multipurpose cleaner--& so on). I went ahead and purchase a gallon of amonia and mix them with water in spraying bottles.
It was great and frugal.
But then there's Christopher.
The ultimate curious kitten, equipped with his "terrible-two" behavior, yet with brains not equipped to understand the danger of chemicals. He may be a pretty strong toddler, but I'm sure if I couldn't bear the scent/smell of amonia, he couldn't either.
There was also an incident when he got ahold of a much-diluted almost empty amonia bottle. Poison control was contacted, pediatricians were called and so on. Fortunately, he didn't ingest anything. I was lucky that everyone I called for help just ended up branding me "worrisome mommy." I coudn't bear it if it's any other way.
I learned my lesson and decided to not use toxic chemicals in my disinfectant cleaners. I researched to find what can substitute my 'old friend,' and I found one and it IS green and budget friendly.
Meet White Vinegar
White vinegar is a great disinfecting tool. It can be used for disinfecting, deodorizing, cutting grease and wax build-up, and removing stains on carpet, countertops, pots, pans and coffee carafes.
For an all-purpose cleaner, fill an empty spray bottle with 4 cups water, 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1/4 cup vinegar. Use on countertops, glass surfaces, chrome fixtures and tile.
To unclog drains, pour one part baking soda to two parts vinegar down the drain. Let sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
For windows, mix 2 cups water with a generous pour of vinegar. A great way to recycle your newspapers is to use them in place of paper towels for a streak-free finish.
Wood floors will avoid the streaky look when you add about 1/4 cup vinegar to your pail of water. Be sure to wring your mop out well so as not to over-wet the floor.
Instead of fabric softeners that are full of synthetic fragrances, try adding a small amount of white vinegar to your machine's rinse cycle. This will help to rinse out the detergent completely and leave your clothes feeling soft.
source: FitTv
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Happy Easter
Easter, the Sunday of the Resurrection, Pascha, or Resurrection Day, is the most important religious feast of the Christian liturgical year, observed at some point between late March and late April each year (early April to early May in Eastern Christianity). It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, which his followers believe occurred on the third day (counting inclusively) after his death by crucifixion some time in the period AD 27 to 33 (see Good Friday). This year it will fall on April 8, 2007, as of...MY BIRTHDAY!
Anciently, Easter was considered the most perfect time to receive baptism, and this practice is alive in Roman Catholicism, as it is the time when new members are initiated into the Church, and it is being revived in some other circles. Whether there are baptisms at this point or not, it is traditional for the congregation to renew the vows of their baptismal faith. This act is often sealed by the sprinkling of the congregation with holy water from the font. The Catholic sacrament of Confirmation is also celebrated at the Vigil. The Easter Vigil concludes with the celebration of the Eucharist (or 'Holy Communion'). Certain variations in the Easter Vigil exist: Some churches read the Old Testament lessons before the procession of the Paschal candle, and then read the gospel immediately after the Exsultet.
Some Christians wear their "Sunday best" to their church gatherings. This means a more formal dress and hats for some women (Up until this day, I still remember Trish--my church friend--in her fuschia dress and black laced hat). Others choose a more "come as you are" approach to recognize the grace that has been offered.
Happy Easter! Happy Spring!
Love,
Tracy
Anciently, Easter was considered the most perfect time to receive baptism, and this practice is alive in Roman Catholicism, as it is the time when new members are initiated into the Church, and it is being revived in some other circles. Whether there are baptisms at this point or not, it is traditional for the congregation to renew the vows of their baptismal faith. This act is often sealed by the sprinkling of the congregation with holy water from the font. The Catholic sacrament of Confirmation is also celebrated at the Vigil. The Easter Vigil concludes with the celebration of the Eucharist (or 'Holy Communion'). Certain variations in the Easter Vigil exist: Some churches read the Old Testament lessons before the procession of the Paschal candle, and then read the gospel immediately after the Exsultet.
Some Christians wear their "Sunday best" to their church gatherings. This means a more formal dress and hats for some women (Up until this day, I still remember Trish--my church friend--in her fuschia dress and black laced hat). Others choose a more "come as you are" approach to recognize the grace that has been offered.
Happy Easter! Happy Spring!
Love,
Tracy
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Holy Saturday!
Holy Saturday is the day before Easter in the Christian calendar. It is sometimes called Easter Eve, especially by Anglicans, or Low Saturday.
In Roman Catholic Churches, the altar is either stripped completely bare or coloured in violet, while the administration of the sacraments is severely limited. Holy Communion is given only as Viaticum. All Masses are strictly prohibited. No Mass at all appears in the liturgy for this day, nor for the preceding day, Good Friday.
Liturgically speaking, Holy Saturday lasts until dusk, after which the Easter Vigil is celebrated, marking the official start of the Easter season. In the pre-1970 Roman Catholic observance, during the "Gloria in Excelsis" of the Mass (which is the first Mass since that of Holy Thursday), the church statues, which are covered with purple veils during Passiontide, are dramatically unveiled.
In Roman Catholic Churches, the altar is either stripped completely bare or coloured in violet, while the administration of the sacraments is severely limited. Holy Communion is given only as Viaticum. All Masses are strictly prohibited. No Mass at all appears in the liturgy for this day, nor for the preceding day, Good Friday.
Liturgically speaking, Holy Saturday lasts until dusk, after which the Easter Vigil is celebrated, marking the official start of the Easter season. In the pre-1970 Roman Catholic observance, during the "Gloria in Excelsis" of the Mass (which is the first Mass since that of Holy Thursday), the church statues, which are covered with purple veils during Passiontide, are dramatically unveiled.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Good Friday
Good Friday is a holy day observed by most Christian denominations. Special prayer services are often held on this day with readings from the Gospel giving accounts of the events leading up to the crucifixion. Mainstream Christian churches view Christ's crucifixion as a voluntary and vicarious act, and one by which, along with resurrection on the third day, death itself was conquered.
Roman Catholic Christians treat Good Friday as a fast day, which is defined as only having one large meal (but still smaller than a regular meal) and two collations (small ones not equaling the large one). In the United States, it is not a day of abstention from work however; people work until shortly before the beginning of the afternoon liturgy. In Latin America, all Catholics have work abstention on Good Friday (as well as Holy Thursday, the day of the last supper).
In Indonesia, Good Friday is a Public Holiday. All government offices, schools and certain businesses are closed on Good Friday by law. Many newspapers choose not to publish on this day. This tradition is a fairly new one, after the government decides to celebrate all religious traditions of all religions residing in Indonesia.
I fasted today. I didn't touch anything (except for water up until 3:00 PM, the hour of Jesus's death).
Roman Catholic Christians treat Good Friday as a fast day, which is defined as only having one large meal (but still smaller than a regular meal) and two collations (small ones not equaling the large one). In the United States, it is not a day of abstention from work however; people work until shortly before the beginning of the afternoon liturgy. In Latin America, all Catholics have work abstention on Good Friday (as well as Holy Thursday, the day of the last supper).
In Indonesia, Good Friday is a Public Holiday. All government offices, schools and certain businesses are closed on Good Friday by law. Many newspapers choose not to publish on this day. This tradition is a fairly new one, after the government decides to celebrate all religious traditions of all religions residing in Indonesia.
I fasted today. I didn't touch anything (except for water up until 3:00 PM, the hour of Jesus's death).
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Thursday Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday is here.
For Catholics (Christians), this is an important day, its annual commemoration then begins the three-day period or triduum of Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, days of special devotion that celebrate as a single action the death and resurrection of Christ, the central events of Christianity.
On Holy Thursday, four events are commemorated: the washing of the Disciples' feet by Jesus Christ, the institution of the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper, the agony of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the betrayal of Christ by Judas Iscariot.
It usually includes a reenactment of the Washing of the Feet of the Apostles, and is followed by a procession taking the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose, and then by stripping of all altars except the Altar of Repose.
For Catholics (Christians), this is an important day, its annual commemoration then begins the three-day period or triduum of Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, days of special devotion that celebrate as a single action the death and resurrection of Christ, the central events of Christianity.
On Holy Thursday, four events are commemorated: the washing of the Disciples' feet by Jesus Christ, the institution of the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper, the agony of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the betrayal of Christ by Judas Iscariot.
It usually includes a reenactment of the Washing of the Feet of the Apostles, and is followed by a procession taking the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose, and then by stripping of all altars except the Altar of Repose.
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