34th

Hubby and Xioms, with their birthday headbands on, woke me up today singing a happy birthday song. So, as much as I want to sleep more (preggy issues you know), I forced myself to get up. Well, it's already time to get up anyway. Kiddo handed me over a cute birthday card with a drawn cupcake dancing in the tune of some sort of a country music. It was so hilarious!

When I got out of the bedroom, a huge balloon, yellow rose plant, a cake with the number 34 candles lit on, and big breakfast plates await all of us. I guess hubby had been very busy preparing and cooking very early in the morning. Hmmm... so sweet! Not to mention that this home-made sausage and egg mcmuffin smells soooo good!

So after a few pictures here and there, we started to feast!

Little things like this makes a huge difference, and that is definitely the most important! I really can't express how happy and lucky I am having my family. They are my most prized possession! So, I have to say it again, BEST BIRTHDAY EVER! Haha.

Happy 34th to me. Cheers!

x

Paper

So, it has been a year now (well, technically four days ago) since we both said our "I dos" and here we are, want to kill and stab each other. NOT! Lol. Of course, we're still madly and deeply in love. Everyday with hubby is just exciting and unpredictable. Actually, he always makes fun of me saying that I'm becoming more and more spoiled -- which is true btw! I am a queen and treated as one! But I think he does enjoy spoiling me more than me enjoying being spoiled. 

Anyway, for our first wedding anniversary, hubby came up with some surprises -- he's quite good at that. We were out for 3 days and stayed in Tennessee. Our first day is some sort of a relax time wherein we got an Asian massage. Nice! I've been mentioning I wanted to have a massage and here it is, wish granted! After massage, we went for a drive over Memphis and Arkansas bridge to see the Mississippi river. I can't help but smile remembering Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer's adventures.

The next day is the 25th, our real first year wedding anniversary date. We celebrated by going for a fine dining at Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar in Memphis. Oh boy, food there was superb! Even the simplest form of fried chicken and waffles are to die for. And I like the way they serve food. Although they have a la carte menu, they are known for mixing and matching different items from their food and wine menu. Basically, when you add the word "flight" to your order (be it appetizer, entre, or wine), it means that you have to choose three different dishes/wine from the menu (though wine is out of the equation nowadays. Gah!) Sounds excellent for gluttons like me who wants to try everything! Haha. Now, I came to realize why my husband took me here :)

One year and more years to go! -taken by Xioms :)

Our last day was a nice warm trip to Elvis Presley's house in Memphis aka Graceland. We have been planning to go there. Hubby keeps on mentioning how interesting Elvis' life is so we should visit his house, but we have also been postponing it for other more worthy trips. Finally, we found time now :) Elvis' was actually born in Mississippi and just moved to Memphis, Tennessee with his family when he was 13. Elvis' house is not that big like other Hollywood stars' mansions. Although he has a huge lot. There were separate spaces for entertainment, outdoor sports, and even for his graveyard. I can definitely say that Elvis' character is quite eccentric. This can all be seen by his personal choices in clothing and room designs -- there was even a room called the "jungle room" which is kind of inspired by his visit to Hawaii. There was one place though that visitors aren't allowed to see -- his bedroom upstairs. It was mentioned that that room was preserved and has never been touched since he passed away. Hmmm...

So, that's about it -- our three-day anniversary trip. Cheers for more days and years ahead of us, baby! I'm so thankful every morning waking up seeing your baby face.

x

Our Second Successful Attempt

Officially, WE ARE PREGNANT! Yeyyyy!

We just came out of the clinic and my OBGYN confirmed that we are 5 weeks and 5 days pregnant. We even saw our little pea through an ultrasound and we're just extremely excited and happy.

Sweet little pea

Though I'm subject for full supervision and intensive care. Oh well, it's due to my molar pregnancy history, and that my doctor somehow saw some amount of blood clot in my uterus. But I don't need to fret she said. We were assured that it wasn't that a big of a deal. She just need to monitor that for extra precaution. So on my end, no more workouts or extreme movements. I also better be eating right, and that I always need to be in a relaxed mode. Not entirely on bed rest but I need to feel always well-rested. Well, that's easy. I can do that! I'll do whatever it takes for our baby to be okay and healthy.

So, I guess that's the news for now. Till our next checkup. Toodles!

x

Krotovs' Holiday 2016

Holiday season is a usual time to be with our family. So back in the days when I was working and living in Abu Dhabi, I (with Vlad in my luggage) always make it a point that I come home to the Philippines and celebrate it there with Mom, my sisters, and of course Xioms. This time around, after moving to Kentucky and that I'm now a "Mrs.", I get to spend holidays with my own family.

Thanksgiving

We really don't celebrate Thanksgiving back home. Since we moved here in the US, where Thanksgiving is considered a public holiday, and that it is a tradition for families to feast on a turkey, we thought, well, why not celebrate it? Although it is interesting to note that for Native Americans, the real history of Thanksgiving is nothing but pure darkness and horror. Here is a short read about it.

Ah Christmas. I could say that this is the very first time I experienced real Christmas feeling -- the cool climate, winter snow, and the lovely smell of Christmas tree! Hubby and I bought a real Fraser fir tree and I went gaga buying decorations! Truth is, this is my first ever Christmas tree and I want it to be special. When I was a kid, I never experienced having one (even those plastic trees they sell in the department stores). Maybe because its expensive or it's just pure hassle to put up or we don't have time or even a place for it. I have never complained and never asked for one anyway. But now being a parent myself, it just feels so different and exciting to decorate it with the push and willingness of your own kid to help. Plus, where are we supposed to put our gifts, eh? LOL.

Christmas Eve at home :)

When it comes to New Year, this year is quite different. Well, not really, we still managed to be right by the beach most of the time :) My family planned on a two-week trip to Sunshine State. I'll try to write a separate blog about that trip. But in a nutshell, we pretty much went all around Florida -- from Panama City Beach (our favorite beach here in the US) all the way down to Key West! We celebrated New Year's Eve in Miami, dancing along with Pitbull, Snoop Dogg and a whole lot of Cubans! Hehe.

NYE countdown in Miami

So there it is. My family's 2016 holiday story. Ta-ta!

Best Birthday (so far)

I'm the luckiest homo sapien in the world! Today isn't only about celebrating the day of my existence but also rejoicing being with such an amazing, loving family.

My husband planned on a week-long mid-west road trip birthday celebration for me. Our planned route would be Kentucky-Illinois-Missouri-Nebraska-Iowa-South Dakota-Wyoming-Colorado-Kansas-Kentucky. I know it's gonna be tiring and insane but I'm telling you, it's full of exploration and excitement! We're currently on a stop here at Wyoming and off in the next few hours to Colorado. Man, driving in Wyoming is a shocker (in a very good way)! I promise to blog all about the places we passed and stopped by in full detail but for now, I better get my butt ready for the wilderness ahead of me.

This year is just extra special. I get to age another year physically with my husband and my daughter. Cheers for a happy life, and oh, happy 33rd birthday to me. Ta-ta!

x

A Short Never-ending Love Story

It will take me forever to write down every piece of information and beautiful memories from my brain so I'll make it short and concise, I promise.

Vlad and I recently got married in Hong Kong. When I say recent, it's like just almost three weeks ago, that's the 25th of March 2016. T'was an exclusive family-only ceremony and celebration. Both of us have a very private persona and we dreamt our wedding to be this way. It was simple. It was intimate. It was perfect!

Our love story is quite boring. We are from totally different worlds -- he's a Ukranian (but a real Russian by heart) and I'm a Filipino. I'm not sure though if Philippines exists in his world before he actually met me, probably, probably not. We met in the beautiful Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE, he's a professor and I'm an admin staff in a university. I remember the first time I saw him, he seems to be a serious, deep, snobbish-type. Well actually, he is and these are just some of his qualities that I like.

It all started at work. What else could be boring than a love affair at work? Well, bear with me please. I slid a paperwork for him to be done under his office door and after a couple of days, he returned it with his calling card underlining his personal mobile phone. Hmmm... such confidence, eh?! Haha... I can't recall if I called him or not but that definitely opened a new door for both of us. A door full of wonderful things. And oh, I still keep that piece of calling card till now :)

Our first date is a disaster. He ended up walking out because of my kinda strong personality. I'm like f*ck it, who needs a relationship these days anyway? Been there, done that. But for sure it didn't just end there. Details on that day were kinda blurry but as time goes by, we learned that we are a team, perfect for each other. Opposites attract as they say though we have the same goals and dreams and hopes in life.

We've been together for over 5 years before he popped the $1 million question. I undoubtedly said YES! He is the man of my dreams and now, here we are - happily married and madly in love.

xo, P

32nd

Geez, I'm 32. Honestly, I start to feel that birthdays are nothing special. I guess it's becoming more and more ordinary when we age, eh? Oh well.

The past year has been good to me and my family. My mom and kiddo finally got to visit me here in sandpit. I've been meaning to do this for quite some time. I wanted my family to know how life is treating me here at Abu Dhabi. It's also a plus that my niece came along with them to look for job opportunities here. I believe it's now time for her to live on her own and be independent.

I also got to visit Oman with Vlad. Oh boy, I never realized how beautiful Oman is. It should definitely be one of the places to be listed in your bucket list and be ticked! I promise to post a blog about our trip to Oman soon.

Anyhoo, back to today's news. It's my birthday. What should I be thankful for? Well, for everything! The air that I breathe, the emotions that I feel, the events that I get to experience, and finally, the realization that I am still well and alive and that I am not alone in this nasty world.

Okay, I'm off for a dinner date. Cheers!

x

Xioms' First in Sandpit!

It was almost five years ago when I came to Abu Dhabi, UAE (aka sandpit) to search for better opportunities. I cannot say it was a hard battle, actually, I was lucky enough to find a decent, good-paying job at a university. The only thing that's keeping me to be completely happy is living far away from my kiddo. Given the fact that communication nowadays are quite easy, it's still hard to be away with your most precious possession in life. But I sucked it all up as they say, "for the benefit of your child's future".

Indeed it was a good benefit as I was able to provide Xioms whatever she needs in life, even extra ones that usual kids can't have, and have Xioms enrolled in a good school. I always thought of bringing her here to see how I have been living my life and for her to realize (in some sort of a way) that life ain't like a piece of cake. I'm not one of those OFWs who have miserable lives and are being brutally managed by their employers, but I want to show and teach my kiddo, as early as now, how I am excelling at work and how patient and honest I am to earn money to get all the things she needs so she'll be proud of me and appreciate all tangible and intangible things even more.

Anyway, at first I have never imagined I would be able to bring Xioms in sandpit even for just a vacation. I have the means, don't get me wrong, but I always think that it's better to save it for future emergency needs. But there was this one person who made me realize that money is not everything. The longer I have been living outside Philippines is the amount of time I already missed seeing and knowing my child. Although I always come home at least once or twice a year, it's still different! And the fact that I have the power and means of having her here, even for a short period of time, I shouldn't have any excuses at all! Money comes and goes which isn't really that important, the one that has great significant value of all is the quality time you could spend with your loved ones.

And so hurriedly I processed all Xioms' (and Mom's) documents and have them flew over and they stayed here for a month :) Documented pics are all here and the below is my most favorite one.

Stoked at Dubai Mall's Aquarium

Toodles!

Now, I'm 31!

I woke up, grinning to myself because today's my birthday. Now, I'm 31! I think I'm aging gracefully.
Saw beautiful raindrops on my window from this fancy hotel.
Grabbed my phone and read sweet greets and warm wishes from beau.
Changed clothes, put on a jacket, and went for a nice walk. It's still drizzling and I love it. Every year, I guess wherever I am, I will be showered with happiness and blessings.
Feet dragged me here at Starbucks and started typing this blog :).

Today's my last day here in Chicago. I'm fulfilled, and it's my day. So before I spend the rest of my birthday either at the airport or above the clouds, I want to thank everyone I love and I loathe - they all keep me sane, remind me how lucky I am, and that life is truly bizarre yet magical.

Salute!

Verbal Abuse

I came across this post in G+ and thought of sharing it here. It's true unfortunately. Majority of the time, we're doing this unintentionally. But IMO, respect for the other person should ALWAYS be given, no matter who you are or what kind of relationship you are in!

Love burns brighter than sunshine

Isn't it nice waking up and starting your day with a lot like love? Nine hours or so before the New Year starts and I'm pretty excited what that would bring. Probably, another year older, Xioms will turn 3, meeting new people, falling in love, and so on. Sheesh, this blog's getting mushy!

It was 9 in the morning when Xioms went in to my room and woke me up. I promised last night that we'll have a coffee tomorrow. Yes, coffee's bad for kids and it was not literally coffee drinking! One of her god parents gave my kiddo a coffee/tea set toy present. Xioms wanted to open it at an instant but t'was already her bed time -- that's when I promised. One thing I learned is that you never make a promise that you can't keep or you'll feel bad and guilty. So we did have our coffee and enjoyed every moment.

This day seems ordinary though there's a big event to celebrate. Ordinary day at home is not ordinary at all and I don't know why I keep on saying the word ordinary. Anyway, mom's preparing for our feast later tonight and I'm looking forward to our dessert. We planned on buying Banapple or DQ's oreo ice cream cake. I know, I know... and I never hesitate to announce that I'm a DQ addict. So, what would be on our table tonight? Well, so far, am seeing some pata tim (Chinese delicacy), grilled milk fish, marinated chicken, pasta, all sorts of fruits and chocolates!

So there's nothing much to say, just a Happy New Year and enjoy the sunshine with your loved ones.

x

Mom's Sweet 60

Mom recently turned 60. It's been our plan to celebrate it fabulously so we stayed at Holiday Inn like tourists for 4 days and 3 nights. T'was a bit pricey but that was nothing compared to the extreme happiness being with your loved ones.

Make a wish Ma!

My mom has always been there for me and my sisters that's why she deserves to be the "queen" on this very special day of hers. Oh okay, not only today but everyday! Anyway, we had a blast and we look forward for her 61st! I wish her to blow more candles and slice lots of cakes in the future. Happy birthday Mom and we love you with all our hearts.

For the Love of Art

I love art and I'm so in love with this particular Francoise Nielly's painting! She's one of my favorites aside from JK Potter. In her homepage, she shows a video on how her paintings actually evolved. Pretty impressive! Go check it out!

x