100% Kelly

During the construction of our first home, both Gats and I were really excited. I made sure that I had the recent issues of home and lifestyle magazines so that I am updated on the latest design trends. Although we already discussed with our contractor/interior designer the general theme that we want for our home, I still continued to look at various magazines and read books related to construction and interior design. The result of my constant research ended in me wanting to have the more expensive pieces of furniture and fixtures. Unfortunately, our budget did not allow these. Good thing my interior designer was resourceful enough to purchase lovely items at a low cost. She was able to make our small home simple yet quite elegant (but when Manu came, our home started to look like a playground already! Hahaha!).

Now we are already discussing plans of buying a house because in two years time, Manu could already have a little brother or sister. I am hoping that I could have a bigger budget for furniture, fixtures, and home accents as I am already eyeing to put at least a few pieces of these three collections inside my home: lilliput lane, lladro, and willow tree.

Is it just me or is it getting difficult to buy a nice gift for our better halves, lately? I find that since I know everything he wants I end up getting him practical everyday products instead of very personal unusual gifts. Even during our “special day”, we try to surprise each other with meaningful anniversary gifts, yet will end up asking each other what we want. Come to think of it, the last set of gifts I gave my husband that I never asked whether he wanted or not were fathers day gifts. Don’t take me wrong, we like the gifts that we get and we enjoy using them. We like to receive practical gifts that we know we can use, instead of stuff that we just put away. But I can’t help but wonder if we can sustain the element of surprise in the years to come – I’m sure that’s what we both want. I think I’ll definitely do my homework this year and try to shortlist some stuff that I know he’ll like and surprise him with them. I don’t think it’ll be hard because we’re each other’s shopping buddy. The tricky part is making the list and buying it without him knowing it. Any ideas on how to tackle this problem?

“Please evacuate your units immediately!”

This was what woke me up around 9:30am last Saturday. My God, there’s a fire in our building. Where’s my boy?

“Gats, nasan si Manu?”

“Nasa baba na. Tara na.”

I lept off the bed and went straight to the bathroom. I can’t believe this is actually happening! Good thing my unit is insured. Goodness, I’ve nothing underneath this shirt! Just gonna grab my bathrobe. I need to splash some water on my face so I would look a bit decent. I’ll gargle some of this Betadine too. No I don’t have time to wear those (jewelries)!

“Kel, let’s go.”

“Ok.” Hmmm… What to grab? Wallet. Cellphone. Brush. My heart was about to leap off my chest now. I have to go. I can’t bring anything else anymore. Where are my eyeglasses? Darn, I have to go out now!

“Si Manu?”

“Nasa baba na kanina pa.”

“Ok.” Good my Melissa’s are here. At least I have nice shoes. Where’s my son?

I was finally able to calm down when I saw Manu at the lobby. We were guided to the open area where the fire trucks and police personnel were already preparing. Most of the residents have already gathered at the open space, some with big bags in hand, some with nothing in tow. Gosh, I can’t believe I am out in public with only my bathrobe on! At least I have cute shoes.

Then one of the residents, who is an active member of the community, approached my husband, and said, “Ginawa namin ito na surprise to simulate an actual fire emergency situation….”

HUWAAAAAT?!!!!

I almost had a heart attack because of this! Not to mention that I also had allowed my neighbors to see me in bedroom clothes! !@#$%^!!!!! Oh well. Can’t do anything about it now. At least I had my cute shoes on.