My aunt found this in our backyard a couple of weeks back. She actually found two snake skins: while the one in the picture measures about 56 inches—and was still in rubber-like condition; the other one was shorter and was completely dried up when found .
We all guessed that they're both from the same snake—it probably shed off its skin twice in the same location. But they could also be from two different snakes. Who really knows?
The rubber-like condition of the longer skin was enough to make us all paranoid that the snake could be just lurking somewhere in my garden as obviously, it's a newly shed one. How could you ignore a 56-inch scary creature? Just by thinking that kids had been playing in the garden at the time of its shedding process makes me sick.
Tell the old folks about the snake skin and they will tell you it's a lucky charm. Since my aunt is the "finder" that also makes her the "keeper" of this lucky charm. But she was generous enough to divide the other snake skin into four. She placed skins in a red fabric and sealed the edges and then gave one to my uncle, my sister, cousin, and me.
There's really nothing to lose if I follow this superstition, so it has found its place in my wallet. :D
Last Friday, Pristine joined another activity at school—a mini cosplay event, which is part of their foundation week. They also had this kind of activity last year but limited to high school students only. So now that they allowed gradeschoolers to join, everyone was nonetheless so excited. It's not compulsory to join, but we thought, it would be so much fun to dress up as your favorite character or any character's outfit you fancy the most.
So amid my recent two-week work deadline, I had to squeeze-in time to make her costume accessories. That said "squeezed-in time" took three of my working days. And when worse comes to worst, I had had a fluctuating Internet connection for three consecutive days that left me no choice, but to be unproductive. I spent the last two days almost straight in front of my computer with very few hours of sleep in between—ignored all emails, text messages, even calls from mom—which made my mom think I was not excited of her news that she's coming home this March. I had been a two-day zombie, but I am happy that I was able to send it to my employer in the nick of time, just I would have been happier if it was earlier. To tell you all, yesterday, I've had the best sleep in years. ;)
Going back, I had to hire a seamstress for her costume. Although I've made a couple for my kids in the past—it still doesn't make me a seamstress, who does correct fitting and skillful sewing. But being the risk taker that I am, I would have been willing to try to do so, if only I had the luxury of time. With that said, I just concentrated in making all the accessories needed. Starting from the body holster up to those silver pads on her legs. 0_o
So here's the character she chose: Nina Williams - Tekken 6.
I was happy with the outcome of the costume, but I had a little problem because the seamstress copied exactly the v-form in the abdomen part. I didn't know who else (aside from the animated character) could wear something that might show what is supposed to be hidden. I couldn't really blame her though since it was a real rush job and what she got were incomplete measurements. She still did a good job, I must say! Good thing was I got the leftover fabric to attach to that area in front and at the back.
So minus the boobies, here's our version of Nina Williams. hehe
With fellow students...
Pristine was one of the four winners for Best in Costume. We didn't expect that because we didn't know that they would be having Best in Costume awardees. All I know was I enjoyed making the bits and pieces, despite finding out that installing grommets could be so tricky—even if you have the right tools. haha But ya know, winning is always a great bonus!
If you love Tofu, then you might like this recipe too. Everyone in the family except for kids are so into Tofu, these days. We love silken tofu most especially in Korean Ramen. Yum! I don't like it fried though—I just couldn't feel its silky texture. If I want it fried, then I'd go for ordinary Tofu.
Ma-po Tofu has developed into varieties. Some use squid, beef, pork, or even prawns—just cooked with the same distinct ingredients and same procedure of this dish. This time I tried this Vegetarian Mapo Tofu recipe.
Since we don't have bean paste in the kitchen that time, I just pounded about 2 Tbsps. of whole black beans. I also didn't add Cilantro since I don't like its pungent smell (if you know what I mean).
It's not newly cooked when I took this pic so the broth turned a little sticky, but after reheating it for 30 seconds in a microwave, it got back to its full glory. Ma-po Tofu in a breeze. I love this recipe!
I've been a busy momma again this week. My youngest, Julianna competed for spelling bee earlier this week and Pristine competed in an oration contest last Thursday. Julianna made it to the top three with two mistakes. Pristine didn't win, but that doesn't make me less of a proud mommy. She was a little disappointed, but I told her that in reality, no one can win every battle. Everybody wants to win—and it's pretty normal—but do not forget the essence of taking part. Always be thankful for each experience and just strive to do better next time. =)
Also, last week she passed an audition for a singing contest at school—a fun activity spearheaded by the Student Council. The actual contest was held yesterday, and she sang one of her favorite songs: Jar of Hearts, sung by one of her favorite new artists: Christina Perri.
We decided to steal Christina Perri's look in Jar of Heart's music video. But because the black combat boots sent by my mom hasn't arrived yet—and what we got was a pair in pink—I decided to go for black and pink combo, instead of white and black.
So here she is, rocking the high-and-low hem dress. =)
I pulled out her old black dress, which was originally knee-length, plain, and not even poofy. Since I wanted it shorter, but didn't want to trash the dress after a single use, I just folded it up to the waistline and sewed it—instead of cutting it. I added a black fabric at the back of the dress and layered it with tulle in decreasing lengths. All sewing was done by hand since I'm still afraid to use a sewing machine. hehe
Not exactly the same as Christina Perri's look, but still inspired by it.
She was having a bad-voice-day during the oration contest, so we were quite nervous because the singing contest will be held the following day. Actually, she experiences it almost every morning due to her allergic rhinitis. A dusty substance is all it takes to make her eyes swollen; and makes her nose runny, then normally followed by a hoarse voice. It usually takes an hour before everything gets back to normal and worse it may take a whole day. So I had to served her a ginger tea the night before and in the morning of the actual day. I also gave her an allergy pill an hour before the contest because I noticed she was starting to scratch her nose—when powder gets into her nose—while my sister is doing her makeup. Can you imagine how a makeup could ruin everything?
I happened to witness a boy who lost his voice in the middle of an elocution contest—on the same day Pristine had her oration. It's just heartbreaking to see him struggling to finish his piece. I was scared of the thought that it could also happen to her.
Pristine on stage..
She got even more nervous when she found out that she'd be the first one to sing. I could feel her shaking, and I know, I somehow absorbed the feeling. So when her name was called, I thought I was having a heart attack (true story). hahaha
My hands were shaking and it's evident on this video.
Pristine singing Jar of Hearts
There were flats throughout the song and had missed a few lines at the end. But nonetheless, I was so happy that she had overcome *the terrifying* stage fright and managed to finish the song. I don't know if I could even finish a nursery rhyme in front of a crowd. hahaha
She didn't win, but the experience itself is priceless—and she truly enjoyed it! Enough to keep me very supportive of my daughters—win or lose—they are my true trophies in life. And I couldn't be more proud!
