February 12, 2010

about relationships

1. Are you exaggerating the negatives? For the next two months mark the good and bad days on your calendar to get a reality check.


2. Have you already left the marriage by emotionally withdrawing? Or by giving up all attempts to make the relationship better? If so, can you find a way to reengage?

3. Do you get so angry that you hit each other or throw things at least once a month? If the answer is yes, are you hanging on to a terrible relationship because you're afraid of being alone? Or because you're convinced it's the best you can do?

4. If you're frustrated because your husband won't change (you'd like him to be more forceful or manly, for example), is it really necessary that he does? Is there anything in your family history that may be driving your need to transform him? (Your father never stood up for you when you needed him.)

5. Have you been teaching your husband the wrong lessons by not challenging his hurtful behavior? (You don't say anything when he criticizes you in public. He never washes the dishes, so you just do them, resentfully.)

6. Do you have fun together? Even when things are tough, do you make jokes about it? (A good sign.) If not, can you make time in your marriage for more play?

7. Are there conflicts that you've avoided in the relationship? What do you fear would happen if you confronted them?

8. Do you simply need more time alone? A weekend on your own every so often to make the heart grow fonder?

9. Has something occurred—a death, a big birthday, a job loss—that's throwing off your relationship and needs to be addressed?

10. Have you done everything you possibly can to make this marriage work? Are you certain he has heard your complaints? Have you tried a marriage-education class or couples therapy? If he won't go to counseling, have you gone yourself to see how you might save the relationship?

February 10, 2010

February 2010 To-Dos

  1. Name stickers (In progress)
  2. Laptop repair (Done)
  3. SUN Phone
  4. Spyder Monitor Calibrator
  5. Pay Mavic for Association Dues w/ Taguig (Canceled)
  6. Pay Association Dues w/ Clark
  7. Book Flight for SG
  8. Upload B1G Photos (DGroup) and link to Facebook
  9. Buy extra curtains
  10. Download and Install Chikka Messenger
  11. American Eye Clinic

February 9, 2010

Food Trips (Manila)

Galileo Enoteca & Deli


Italian wines adorn Galileo Enoteca's many shelves

Tucked in the heart of Mandaluyong City, Galileo Enoteca & Deli has long been considered as one of Manila's best kept secrets.

This restaurant is famous for its rustic ambiance, delicate cheeses, fine wines, and special cured meats, making it an ideal spot for couples who wish to have an authentic Italian experience without going out of the country.

For Valentine's Day, Galileo Enoteca offers a special menu for couples reasonably priced at P1,200 (or P600 each). Lovers get to choose one appetizer, two main courses, and two glasses of wine. Cakes and desserts are also available.

It has even thrown in a Valentine's day menu for those who opt to celebrate with their families. At P350 per head (for a group of at least five people), guests get to enjoy a 5-course Italian meal.

Galileo Enoteca & Deli is located at Number 80 Calbayog Street corner Malinao Street, Mandaluyong City. For reservations, call 532-0482 or 534-4633.

Alba Restaurante Espanol

A display of Alba's specialty dishes hangs outside the restaurant in Tomas Morato, Quezon City

A perfect spot for lovers who are craving for authentic Spanish fare, Alba is home to traditional Spanish cooking since 1952. And it has never failed to please.

Customers can enjoy 18 kinds of paella as well as an extensive list of tapas (appetizers), breads, soups, salads, pasta, seafood dishes, meat dishes, and desserts, all reasonably priced from P200 to P900.

But if you’re the type who wants a bit of everything, you can opt for Alba’s all-you-can-eat buffet instead. For Valentine’s day, lunch costs P650++ per head while dinner costs P800++.

The buffet spread is large enough to cover Alba’s specialties such as Callos a la Madrilena (stewed ox tripe in rich tomato sauce), Cochinillo Asado (oven roasted suckling pig), and Canonigo (a delectably soft meringue cake).

But of course, dining at Alba won't be complete without professional musicians serenading you and your lover with Spanish tunes at the table. The restaurant even goes the extra mile as it gives handmade chocolates to couples to top off this special day.

Alba Restaurante Espanol is located at Tomas Morato corner Lozano Street, Quezon City. It also has branches in Bel-Air and Alabang. For reservations, call 925-1912 or 411-7052.