The Fishy Me

Another interest that I will now officially introduce to you guys. I'ved been in this hobby for 5 years. My brother-in-law taught me the secrets behind this fishy thing. Having an aquarium at home is very therapeutic.

"We are hypnotized by their peaceful and serene nature, creating a calming effect for a few moments in our hectic lives"-source-

For the past few weeks, I kinda changed my approach on blogging. Less drops and blog hops, limited posts... I decided to bring back the other things that used to brighten me up.

Just over the weekend I was able to accomplish 2! A set of Portraits and a newly overhauled 100 gallon aquarium.

Last sunday, my dad was very happy to give me a Flowerhorn. Yes, another hobby that we both love :D He has been growing flowerhorns for years now. There's this saying that Flowerhorns are also considered to be as lucky fishes. Those symbols on their body has meaning. And it will even bring more luck if you share it. Like, giving out the baby fishes, or just giving a fish to a friend. If not, they will absorb the bad luck that was meant for you.

*All these are based on stories from friends and some books. So far, the family's been doing ok. I mean, Alright!

This fish is only 5-6 inches long. The challenge to give it a big head and to make it red is still there, yahoo! I used to own Flowerhorns and other fresh water fishes. But within the past 2 years, we have been trasferring from one apartment to another. That activity became stressful for the fishes. Anyway, with some of the old fishes (a catfish, a parrot-heart and a frontosa), a new one joined in. During my free time, I seat in front of the aquarium. I can stare at it the whole day. My son was also happy seeing our aquarium up and running again. He grew up with these fishes around. As a matter of fact, one of the first words he uttered was "fish".

SoQuI

On Monochrome

Last Saturday I was out with my cousin. We went out for a movie and dinner. Later, I invited her to my place to hang-out and asked her if she could model for me. Its been a long since I took pictures.
I posted her album on my multiply. One thing I didn't share over there is the photoshoot set up we had.

The whole time we were on the floor! Soqui seated on the black backdrop. Table lamp as our lighting source, basic cam kit and on MF. I love taking dramatic shots... I find it artistic. The model gets to emote and at the same time it will not require make-up. The facial expression gives life to the photo.

It was a great pleasure SoQuI! There's a lot of lessons to learn in Photography... And my heart is calling out for photo workshops and group photo sessions. A friend just invited me to join her group every Saturday. I got very excited of course. But with my son going to school and without a helper around, it would be difficult to squeeze it in my schedule. Anyway, there's some good news set to come for this hobby soon.

Pink Roses

What do you get when you're very much in love? Flowers!

Guys this thought is for you... it doesn't require to have an occasion to be extra sweet :D

My husband was one of the sweetest thing that ever happened to me. From the first time we met, I knew that he is such a sweet person. My journey with him has become a nesting place with a lot of sweet nothingness. It's one of my inspirations why my site is called Sweet Nothings.

Pink Roses, originally uploaded by MomChie.

And I love it eveytime he surprise me with simple gestures. Like last night, when he got home, he asked our son to give me these 3 pink roses. He knows how I adore flowers.

The flowers are now the centerpiece of our dining table. When I woke up this morning, there was this "fresh" feeling seeing the flowers. It started our day pretty good.

We all know how condo life is a bit dragging. No garden to plant flowers with, or even a playground for my kid.

These 3 pieces of roses is like a dozen for me. It brought nature back to my home. And having fresh flowers, helps bring good vibes to our little shack.

Have wonderful weekend!

My Photobook Is Here!

I received my parcel exactly a month ago. I actually thought that it will be delivered in my door steps since its UPS and shipping was kinda expensive. So I asked my Dad to get it for me since he is the person with the most flexible schedule. So flexible that he alsmost forgot about it too.

Its a good thing that Jes, mentioned that the parcel is only good for 1 month. I immediately called and reminded my Dad to get it. And so, he delivered it to me yesterday. We all loved it!

It met my expectations. Hardbound, the paper used was nice, the pictures are all clear. It's exactly the same with the soft copy from Artscow.

I am on my third photobook today. Officially my second. It will contain portraits I took from the time I bought my DSLR. The second photobook will be entitled FACES!

The photobook in- between is for my in- laws in the US. I plan to make a book filled with my late father-in-law's memories.

This is the back cover of the photobook.

It feels like I'm actually reading a book with pictures, and the captions as the story. Just like a fairytale book.

Tearful On MJ's Memorial

One of the presentations that captured my heart was Mariah Carey's song number of I'll Be There. She was joined by Trey Lorenz, who recorded with her a duet of the song, which became Mariah’s first worldwide number one.

I wasn't a big fan of Michael Jackson. I heard about him in the 80's, but I was just a little girl back then. The 90's era that consist of my generation, was also Michael Jackson's peak. I am very grateful that I was still given the chance to know him even more. I love his music.

Many have asked, why now? why wait for the person to die in order for you to listen to his music again? I listen to his music every now and then.

New ones come, the old ones go.

I am listening to his music right now because I want to remember him, I want to revive the excitement listening to his legendary music.

Last night I watched Michael Jackson's Memorial live on television. It was the most intimate memorial I have ever seen. It was heart-warming and it brought tears to my eyes.

Everybody who loves Michael were there. Including the 17,000 fans who were randomly picked. From the bottom of my heart, I thank his family for sharing his memorial to the whole world. Even if I was viewing it miles away from Staples Center, I could feel the sadness of losing a loved one and prideful for the dignified person who passed away.

Contentment

One of the things I am very thankful for is Contentment. A path to good living, a form of positivity and an act that will lead a person away from greediness.

There were times when I wanted more than what I have. My family led me away from it. Everytime I see my little boy's innocent face and smile, I see simplicity. And that gave me the determination to look and find possible ways in order to finally have it.

Contentment is a blessing for me. Few are given this state.

An answer to our human desires. Against the things that will give us endless discontentment. Everytime we get bored, we always look for something more. And the worse part, we just want it. We don't even need it.

I have become aware of this dilemma as I went on from being a teenager to now, being the light of my own family.

Why am I sharing these thoughts? This weekend, I found new realizations. Over a year ago, I was asking my husband to buy me a DSLR. 2 or 3 more months back, he bought me a new digital Camera.

His question: "why do you still want a camera, when I just bought you a new one". It took me months to finally convince him.

My reasons? I want to take good pictures with a better medium. Reasons justified.

Because now, I carry my DSLR more than my digital camera, even if its too heavy to bring around regularly. Yes, it is something I just wanted...and I promised that it is going to be my last. With this, I seeked for Contentment. I know that I will never be satisfied as long as the term "upgrade" is around. I can't tell that I already crossed the bridge to that path. Its better to say, I'm almost there...

As we were walking around the Cyberzone area of Megamall today, my husband and I both uttered, "do we need anything here?" We both smiled and went out of the area.

Actually we do needed something ( a new desktop), but since the current one we're using is still in an A-okay condition, yes we still don't need it.

I was just happy to finally see "us" naturally walk away.

Before, it was impossible for us to get anything by the end of the day. I am very honored to have given Contentment at this early stage as a Mother & Wife.

Look for it, find it. It might just be working its way towards your direction :)

Have a great week!

Music In A Different Language

I started with Diamond Crevasse Entry Here. A Japanese love song sang by May 'N for the Macross Frontier OST. In fact I listened and sang along the whole album, with lyrics on hand. Its a good thing that most have English translations.

Listening to a song of different language made me discover 2 things.

1. The lyrics is heart-warming.

2. I know the singer sings the song from deep within, even if I can't understand a single word.

Since I'm hooked at this series called Boys Over Flowers (I'm sure you've heard of it), I looked for their OST and found out that it has 2 parts. One of the songs that I truly adore is the song Love U by: Howl.

Lyrics: English translation after each verse...Hope you'll like it!

Jakku iksukhan hyanggi naneyo
geudael seuchyeotdeon barami
Jigeum nae gyeoteul jinaganabwayo
Naui gaseumsoge geudaemaneul
bichuneun haessaringabwayo
Apeun sangcheokkaji gamssajuneungeollyo

Love U geudael tteoollimyeo
ije dasi kkok nuneul gamjyo

Oooh… Ohhh… Ohhh…

VERSE 1:
It’s strange how we can get along so well
You must have been my other half
At times, I’d think what if I had not let go Oh oh…
But deep within my heart
I just want you to let me stay here by your side
I’d be so thankful if I could just see you smile
Love U
You’re so precious to me
Just once…
I want to shout to the world

Chorus:
Saranghae geudae du nun chaeul su itdamyeon
Saranghae geudae naege useum boyeojundamyeon
Jeogi byeolbitmajeodo modu gajyeoda jultende ohhh...
Saranghae ireon nae mam jeonhal su itdamyeon
Saranghae geudae geu mam gareuchyeo jundamyeon
Na modu darmagalkkeyo
Love you, Love you, Love you yeongwonhi

CHORUS:
I love you like the sun that shines brightly in the sky
I love you like the moon that sparkles each and every night
Even if just as a friend
Yet I don’t need anything more
Ohhh…I love you and I promise you I will never change
I love you and I promise you I will watch over you
Can’t help but to treasure you
Love U Love U Love U
For always

Geudae ttaraseo geotgo isseoyo jeogi dalbit dwie sumeo
Geuri nunchi eobseumyeon eotteokhaeyo
Birado naerige gureumege tto hanbeon butakhalkkayo
Jeojeun geudae maeum ana jul su itge

VERSE 2:
You know that you can always run to me
When things just seem to get too tough
I know you love someone else, what can I do? Oh oh…
It’s too late to regret
If you let me, I just want to be close to you
Without you, I don’t know how to live anymore

Love U geudael tteoollimyeo
ije dasi kkok nuneul gamjyo
[Repeat Chorus]

Love U
Having you is enough
Just once…
I want to shout to the world
(Repeat Chorus minus last line)
Only U

Listen To The Whole Song