Aoûtiens

Posted by Analyse at 9:48 PM

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

We've always been juilletistes rather than aoûtiens. But since we are obliged to synchronize our vacation with our yaya's, we are then subjected to hotter climate and more expensive everything on the month of August. Itinerary is limited to short trips, promenade in shadowy areas, swimming preferably in shaded pools and probably island hopping. Our target destination is La Bretagne, where temperature is normally lower than the rest of France. Well, we hope.

It will be Louna's first real vacation with us. My little mermaid could finally spend more time in swimming pools with Maman and Papa. Look at how she loves being in the water.




With that said, this blog will be signing off for vacation.. even blogs need a break!

Juilletiste - people taking their vacation during the month of July.
Aoûtiens - you got it right, it's August.

Let's Get Bilingual

Posted by Analyse at 6:55 PM

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Frenchguy was again in turmoil. He was with 2 french couples and the subject of conversation was focused on how to teach a child two languages at a very young age. 5 french people who learned but french at home and school, who had collections of VHS of disney movies in french, who watched everything on TV in french, who listened to the radio in french... of course, the topic was quite disturbing. Too big a deal.

I'm no expert in languages nor do I have the right method to teach my girl any. To have a quick background, I learned Zambal because it was the dialect spoken at home. I learned Tagalog at the same time for obvious reasons. It's everywhere. I learned English from TV, I was the Scooby Doo fan. So even before kindergarten, I already spoke 2 languages (considering Zambal is another thing to be learned) and understood English. But like any other kid in the Philippines, at that age, I knew how to present myself in English too.

At Grade 1, we changed our yaya, and this time, she was an Ilocana. It didn't take me long to understand her secrets shared to our neighbor's yaya, who was herself Ilocana. They didn't even knew I understood them (tsismosa).

During those times, 2 languages spoken fluently and 2 other languages being understood, I didn't even notice that I was actually learning. I don't even remember any moment of confusion between those languages.

5 years ago, I was forced to learn French for obvious reasons. And I tell you, it was difficult. No more sponge-like brain willing to absorb another language. I guess the secret to learning several languages at the same time is a constant contact with the language. I know that it will be difficult to implement that concept here in France, where everything is in French. English DVDs, English-speaking moi... oh well, can I just cross the bridge when I get there?

Ok, all that being said, let me update you on Louna's language update.

In fact, I hardly speak the english language at the moment and I'm supposed to be the teacher. If occasional call conference with some non-french colleagues counts, then that's about it. My conversation with my 8-month old doesn't really progress. First, because I don't even know if she understands me, second, because I don't understand the response that I get. Here's one of our one-on-one conversation.

Me: Repeat after me, Louna. I - LOVE - YOU.
Louna: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! (high-pitched, of course).
Me: No Louna. Let's do it again. I - LOVE - YOU.
Louna: BOOOOOOOOO! (with a mischievous smile).
Me: I - LOVE - YOU.
Louna: KKKKKKKKKKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! (with e pronounced in french).
Me: Naman si Louna e. Serious na. I - LOVE - YOU.
Louna: Pft.

End of conversation.

Optimistic me thinks I'm on the right track.

On Football and Racism

Posted by Analyse at 6:39 PM

Monday, July 17, 2006

Sports should normally unite people regardless of origin, race, politics, beliefs or religion. There's only one rule applicable.

The headbutt done by Zidane was a result of provocation. This guy isn't stupid. When he engaged in the act, 10 minutes away from his retirement, at the World Cup finals, don't you think there's something serious behind?

Here's his explaination.

The declaration done by an Italian senator was even more uncalled for, calling the frenchies 'black, muslim and communist'. Ok Mr Senator, let me explain it to you :

Black - Mr, you should review your neighbor's geography. France has this so-called DOM-TOM, overseas departments and territories, lovely islands I should say, where populations are mainly black. So these blacks are in fact, French.

Muslim - Franck Ribery? His wife is Muslim, so I guess he converted to this religion out of love. What wouldn't you do for love, hmmm?

Communist - Errr, I should search more. The whole www cannot provide me the name of the communist french football player.

The controversy has gone worldwide. TF1, one of the leading channels here, will present the 8pm news tonight with a black newscaster. A way to show their stand to 'SAY NO TO RACISM' campaign.


Picture from Fotothing.

It's not either you win or loss baby, it's how you play the game.

The Good Frenchguy's Guide

Posted by Analyse at 6:28 PM

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Have dinner ready. And that's applicable even if you are out of the country. Fill the fridge with ready-to-cook meals. This is a way of letting her know that you have been thinking about her and are concerned about her needs.

Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to take a shower, shave and brush your teeth. She has just been with a lot of odd-smelling work-weary people.

Be a little gay and a little more interesting for her. And please, don't talk about work. Her boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

Clear away the clutter. A general cleaning of the house and garden plus the laundry at least once a week suffice. Your wife will feel she has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering for her comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

Prepare the children. Leave the office and fetch your child before 6pm. This will prevent you from paying extra hours to your nanny and will give more time to your wife to finish her work.

Minimise all noise. At the time of her arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum.

Be happy to see her. Greet her with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please her.

Listen to her. You may have a dozen important things to tell her, but the moment of her arrival is not the time. Let her talk first - remember, her topics of conversation are more important than yours. She also has the right to talk about work, all you have to do is listen and agree to her.

Make the evening hers. Never complain if she blogs all the time. Instead, try to understand her world of strain and pressure and her very real need to be at home and relax infront of the www.

Your goal: try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquillity where your wife can renew herself in body and spirit. Don’t greet her with complaints and problems.

Make her comfortable. Make her lean back in a comfortable chair or have her lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for her. Arrange her pillow and offer to shine her shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.

Don’t ask her questions about her actions or question her judgement or integrity. Remember, she's earning almost as much as you do. You have no right to question her.

A good husband always knows his place.

The Good Wife's Guide

Posted by Analyse at 6:26 PM

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Apparently, this is an article published in 'Housekeeping Monthly' in 1955. Read on.

Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready, on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favourite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed.

Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.

Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.

Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Gather up schoolbooks, toys, paper, etc. and then run a dustcloth over the tables.

Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by.Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.

Prepare the children. Take a few minutes to wash the children’s hands and faces (if they are small), comb their hair and, if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.

Minimise all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet.

Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.

Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.

Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner, or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax.

Your goal: try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquillity where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.

Don’t greet him with complaints and problems. Don’t complain if he’s late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.

Make him comfortable. Make him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.

Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question his judgement or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.

A good wife always knows her place.

I just love the phrase highlighted in red. Excellent! The french translation added some more biting twist. Here's the french version re-translated.

After dinner, clear the table and do the dishes at once. If he suggests to help you, decline his offer because he would risk to feel obliged to repeat it afterwards. After a long day of labour, he doesn't need additional work. Encourage him to be engaged in his favourite pastimes and to dedicate himself to his centers of interest. Show yourself interested without giving however the impression to trespass his domain. If you have small pastimes yourself, see to it not to annoy him by talking about it because the centers of interests of women are often rather insignificant compared to men's.

On intimate relationship, be guided by your wedding obligations and in particular your obligation to obey him. If he considers that he needs to sleep at once, then be it. Be guided by his desires and never provoke or stimulate him for a sexual intercourse.

If he needs sexual intercourse, accept it with humility while keeping in mind that the pleasure of a man is more important than that of a woman. When he reaches orgasm, a small groan on your part will encourage him and will be completely sufficient to indicate to him any kind of pleasure you were able to have.

If he has extramarital affaires, be obedient and resigned, but indicate your possible lack of enthusiasm by keeping yourself silent. It is likely that your husband will fall asleep quickly.

You could then reset the alarm clock so you could wake up earlier than him. It will allow you to prepare his morning cup of tea ready when he will wake up.

Haha, this is hilarious!

Life of a Working Mom

Posted by Analyse at 4:14 PM

Thursday, July 06, 2006

I'm no neophyte in the work environment. I dream big no more. Corporate ladder not attractive anymore. Finally, life thought me to evaluate priorities. Balance, balance. I already resigned from my ambitious self, enough stress from work, thank you. Promotions, big responsibilities, big salaries...there's more in life, ya know. All that, just to say, I want to spend quality time with my daughter. Honestly.

Today's Status: Frenchguy on business travel. Moi on an early meeting in Paris tomorrow. Louna staying in her yaya's place for the night. Next rendez-vous with her tomorrow afternoon. Poor lil girl...

Nearing the Finals..

Posted by Analyse at 11:07 AM

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Portugal vs France

5th of July at 9 pm.

0 - 1

On to the finals... everybody's celebrating outside; car's hooting, people running, jumping, shouting.. and me trying to simulate a soundproof room for Louna ..now, tell me how the heck could I sleep.

Anyhoo.. Allez les bleus! France vs Italy on Sunday, July 9 at 8 pm.

The Pope and the President

Posted by Analyse at 4:29 PM

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

I don't normally read news about the Philippines. First, because I have no time. Second, because I just feel down and disappointed on what I read. The least I could do is read the headlines listed at the right corner of this blog without really getting into the details. Today, my eyes were caught by this headline: Pope's reaction drew interpretations over Arroyo administration which led me to click on the link at once. What the heck are they mixing again? Politics and religion, don't you think they have to be tackled separately for the betterness of everybody?

Here's a quote from the article:
Malacanang officials and proponents of Charter change were elated at what they believed was the blessing the Pope gave to the Arroyo administration's campaign to revise the Constitution.

That sent them to euphoria, people. Blessing from the Pope! Onli in da Pilipins! Do you really think Berlusconi (from Italy), Zapatero (from Spain), De Villepin (from France) or any other political figure from a dominantly-catholic country would ask blessing from the Pope for a revision of their constitution? I guess they react mainly in function of their current social, economic and political situation. They use intelligence and not prayers.

And what's with this Parliamentary form of government they want to propose? I only see a grand mafia behind that slogan and an infinite power to those who are already in political position. I can see my dear Philippines dying because of the Filipinos. I don't think that kind of government is adopted to a corrupt country like ours. This would just boil down to a big corporation of few selected people who would rule the country.

Kawawa naman si Juan de la Cruz.

Allez Les Bleus

Posted by Analyse at 10:59 PM

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

I have predicted the elimination of France this afternoon, and no wonder, I couldn't pass for Madame Auring. France won over Spain 3-1, winning goals courtesy of Frank Ribery (41'), Patrick Vieira (82')and Zinedine Zidane (92+').

I could still hear cars hooting outside 15 minutes after the match! I'm sure it will be in the headlines in the office tomorrow. Expect low productivity.

But the game isn't over yet. Still a long and hard way to go before the finals. Will they beat Brazil this Saturday? It will surely be a much-awaited match! Rendez-vous infront of your television set on July 1, 9pm.

More news on FIFA World Cup 2006.
Picture courtesy of FIFA site.

Spot The Difference

Posted by Analyse at 8:28 PM

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth

Posted by Analyse at 5:22 PM

Monday, June 19, 2006

I'm in deep merde. Bad luck, mistake, missed train.. always come when they shouldn't.

I'm working as a support on a priority and strategic project for our company. To have an overview, there are 3 main steps in our workflow. First, we produce the material. Then we add a 2-step technology for the added values which makes our product more sophisticated and of course, more expensive than our competitors'. My job falls on the first phase of the 2-step process and the project concerns the final step. That means that I'm not directly working on it , I just supervise the process prior to the final step. Easy, right?

The problem is, the final step won't run without our precious intervention on phase one.

Yesterday, operator 1 came back from vacation. She thought operator 2 did her job well while operator 2 actually relied on her. Me thought, everything was ok as usual especially that operator 1 was back. Confident me did not even check the work area, thinking two operators are better than one. Today, there were no processed product for the final step. And the products in question were to be used for customer survey - ya know, the products that should be processed with no mistake! I guess I'm really in for a deep merde.

Bonne Fête Papa!!!

Posted by Analyse at 11:24 AM

Sunday, June 18, 2006

My Little Nomad III

Posted by Analyse at 5:53 PM

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

The doting and ever loyal mamarazzi followed this little nomad as she explored the world of bigger people. The presence of her Mommy and Daddy from the Philippines obliged her to pursue her adventures at a more accelerated pace resulting to more discoveries, not only on her part but also for the mamarazzi. Follow me as I follow her...shhhh.

Camping at Collioure - at 6.5 months! With the duvet and contoured changing pad in tow, sound sleep on the go. This changing pad has actually found another function, it will surely be added on our to-bring list. Bath time was a guaranteed intimate moment with mamarazzi and papa Frenchguy (yes, we were 3 inside that 1m2 shower cubicle! ... red tub no more.

Sunbathing - Lil nomads suggestion is to pamper lil nomads like her with sunscreen creams with at least SPF 50 with wider spectrum (Sun Protection Factor which could block UVB and UVA). Well, at least in France where UV index is quite high most of the time. The cream pampering session should be repeated every 2 hours to ensure good protection and TLC from mamarazzi. Sun exposure should of course be taken with moderation.Mountain Hiking - Not more than 1500 meters altitude for babies less than 6 months. But what about babies living in high altitudes? Anyhoo, I caught this lil nomad having great time with her papa Frenchguy while climbing the Pic du Canigou (2784m). They stopped halfway at around 1800 m alt, because like sun exposure, adventures should be equally taken with moderation.Night Partying - and this lil nomad had the energy to feel the Barcelona life up to past midnight. I guess she was caught in the ambiance, with people walking everywhere and talking out loud.Kayaking - ehem, she just had the feel of it ... out of the water. .. and contented herself watching her papa Frenchguy as he glided into the waves.


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Enough for a 7 months old little girly... more of her next time ;)

Tax Season

Posted by Analyse at 9:58 AM

Thursday, June 01, 2006

It's tax season again. The nouveauté this year is that we received our tax declaration file already filled up. A little modification here and there and voila, it's done. But that didn't add a single bit of motivation to declare our taxes earlier. Is it because it involves money going out of our pocket? Probably. Those blue documents have been messing up our to-do files since early May so I decided to look up on it last night.

Another nouveauté this year is the coming of Louna. I did two computation simulations to check the benefits of having her around, financially speaking of course. Aside from the happiness and fulfillment she brought in our life, she also let us save 1,500€ from our taxes. Not bad, you say? Well, I thought we could save bigger. Ok, ok, I'll keep my mouth shut and stop complaining!

Related entry: Tax Me Not

Life's Simple Pleasures

Posted by Analyse at 3:24 PM

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Nao asked me to list the Top 10 of my life's simple pleasures. Aussitôt dit, aussitôt fait. You name it, you got it.

1. An afternoon nap with Louna, preferably on a hammock - I start dreaming of being a SAHM so we could do it everytime we want. If you give me even around 80% of my salary, enough to pay my monthly amortization for the house and some pocket money, I won't think twice, I sure will give that a shot.
2. A look from her trying to get my attention - yes, this little princess starts to have her own trick to charm everyone.
3. Playing with her and watching her grow (especially while she's sleeping) - add to that the sweet little smile she generously gives when she wakes up.
4. Sitting on frenchguy's lap - I'm actually her original bébé!
5. Arriving at the summit (during a mountain hike) - what a pleasure to reach the goal inspite of the difficulties.
My Little Geisha
6. A walk in the park - after a day's work, this sure changes the atmosphere.
7. A smile from a stranger - Throw me a smile, it doesn't cost a cent, ya know.
8. A phonecall or an email from family and friends - it's always a pleasure. Tho it seems that I'm receiving less and less..or is it because I communicate less and less because of tight schedules of being a working mom?
9. Receiving pictures from my niece and nephews - these tiny monsters (and their parents) are lazy farts. I still should beg them before they send me one. Well, they don't realize what homesickness means.
10. When somebody who hadn't seen me for quite a time tells me that I gained weight - That would surely make my day ;)

Rediscovering France

Posted by Analyse at 3:58 PM

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

An overview: My oldies are both retired elementary school teachers living in a little farm, in a house situated in the middle of our ricefield. Habitants of our little barrio are mockingly called taga-bukid or taga-bundok due to the hills around the area. They are first-time travelers outside the Philippines, both on their 70s and are religiously catholic.
(Our house in the province hiding in the middle of our riceland)

Their arrival in France made me rediscover this country I now call home. Allow me to introduce to you France as I rediscover it from my parent's naïve and uncorrupted eyes.

Paris, Walang Kaparis: Have you ever heard about this? My mom said she's been hearing that line when she was a kid. And indeed, for her, it's Paris, walang kaparis.

Tourism: According to them, France could live with tourism alone. We've been to Paris, Lourdes, Midi-Pyrénées (mountains) and La Vendée (facing Atlantic Ocean) and we never ceased to bump into tourists of different nationalities. If only we could do the same in the Philippines, that would translate to more jobs and more income to the government.

Houses and Hotels on top of the mountains: So now they understand why Frenchguy loves to stay in our little farm. It's his dream to have one like ours. Taga-bundok ka dyan!

Streets of Cobble Stones: So for them, France is really rich. In the Philippines, they put stones inside the house, here, even on the streets. And when they arrived in the centre ville of Dijon where streets are covered with Burgundy stones, grabe daw talaga hehe (Burgundy is also known for its white-pinkish stones).

Map Reading: So there's the driver..and next to him, the map reader. And yes, all of the houses we've been are equiped with at least the map of France.

French Dining: It lasted 4 hours during bébé's baptismal party. Busog na daw sila, kelan daw ba matatapos? By the way, we had 5 servings from starters to dessert.

White Dress for the Baptismal Ceremony: Not anymore. French people don't invest anymore on white ensembles which is destined to be used once. Bébé was the only one on white gown. Pinay pa rin yan.

Pain or Baguette (French Loaf): Parang unan na daw kalaki. And these frencies just place them anywhere.. iniipit pa nga sa kilikili hehe..

Prices: How many times should I tell them stop converting before they actually stop?

Flexitime: Now they're thinking that I'm a big boss because I go and leave my office anytime I want. Pass 8:30, they start to worry for me because they're thinking I'll be late. [Moi] I don't badge nga My. [Mom] Uy, big boss ka na talaga ha... that's almost everyday! Alam ko na bat makulit ako..

Bourgogne Escargot (Burgundy Snails) and Frog Legs: Sosyal daw ang kuhol at palaka dito, sini-serve sa restaurants.

Condom Automatic Dispenser: In almost every corner, be it in Paris or in small villages in France. Immoral daw pala ang mga Pranses. (Hyper catholic nga sila di ba..).

Nudity on Commercial Ads: Immoral daw pala ang mga Pranses Part II.

French Kiss Everywhere: Immoral daw pala ang mga Pranses Part III.

Modern Farming: Alleluia for what technology could do. Would you believe that they had as much interest in this field as what they had for the Eiffel Tower. I guess my father was dreaming of having one for his farm.

Beggars
: Most of them don't speak French, they don't look kawawa at all, some even looks macho and able-bodied to plow our ricefield, iuwi na lang kaya sa Pinas at pag-araruhin.

Lady Bus Drivers: My father was amused to see that. Wala daw ganun sa Pinas.

Old People: Old and yet still climbing mountains, still driving cars, still gorgeously living their life!

Mc Donalds: [Moi] My, ano gusto mo? [Mom] Yung me rice. And I was wondering why they push me to eat in McDo instead of other restaurants. Miss na pala nila ang rice.

My Little Nomad II

Posted by Analyse at 9:35 AM

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

From timba

to jacuzzi.

Bébé will be meeting Daddy and Mommy from the Philippines tomorrow. Another nomad life surely awaits her. Aside from the SPF 50 cream and the water vaporizer to protect her from sunburn and dehydration, the red timba surely comes real handy for us. Hmmm, actually, I long hesitated to bring that jacuzzi, what do ya think?

Oppps, by the way, aside from my parents, Zambales mango, dried bangus, dried tilapia, and dried pusit fresh from the province are on rendez-vous tomorrow, can't wait!

Bébé's One Minute Fame

I haven't any slightest idea about this till TheFamilyC dropped by to say hello. Cheers!

Finally..

Posted by Analyse at 8:38 PM

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

My parents got their visa. Wohoo!!!

My Little Nomad

Posted by Analyse at 10:21 PM

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Spring is in the air. Time to breath fresh air and enjoy what this season has to offer. Little bébé, who is now a budding 5 months old (almost) has just joined the club of nomads.

With her unbeatable 4x4, papa frenchguy on the wheel.

Having great time with Maman in Autun, an old village in Burgundy.

Lunch time. Yep, she already had her first spoon of carrots!

Zen while having some tan.

Nomad life isn't easy.


And a little stop in Paris. Whew, that was a tiring week.

Today's Weather Report

Posted by Analyse at 9:26 PM

Monday, March 13, 2006


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