All about Olen and her piece of Heaven

Sleeping "out of the box"

2009-02-06T17:49:00.005+01:00

This is my active son after sleeping for 3 hours. The scene made me laugh that I had to take pictures of such a funny moment.

He's simply unique. :)

Duncan...CAN!

2009-01-28T15:02:00.006+01:00

Just posting my son's latest pictures. Duncan is a real "hard-working" baby who already turned from back to stomach (and made a 360 degree turn also) five days before he turned 3 months. According to books and doctors, it should be when a baby is from 5-8 months old. Now, he wants to crawl and gets irritated that he can't move. Oh...well, he actually can, inch by inch. he..he... When supported on his 2 arms, he can already stand and makes his small walks. He simply has his sweet, fun and admirable ways of bringing us to a big smile every single day. :)

My Dear Little Duncan

2009-01-09T10:52:00.007+01:00

Just wanted to post some pictures of my dear little Duncan.

And like all parents, I would like to brag about my wonder baby.

At 1 month, he already started lifting his head, making eye contact and smiling with eyes open.

Just a few days before he turned 2 months, he already turned from his stomach to his back.

At 2 months, he started talking with words like "ouhhhh", "eiaaaaa", "ngengeee...", "awuaaaa".
He also started grabbing ring toys and kept it in his hands while being carried until he fell asleep. He also kicks too much that he managed waking up at the end side of his bed...on a horizontal position. And the moment he opens his eyes in the morning after a long night sleep...he will immediately flash his super big smile.

I just can't get enough of my every minute with my dear little angel.

The Day I Conquered My Greatest Fear And Received My Biggest Gift

2009-01-07T12:54:00.004+01:00

As most of my family members and close friends know...I am afraid...or should I say...TERRIFIED of giving birth. Blood, operation, injection and any medical procedure are just simply not for me. I literally faint when I see blood and hear ”bloody” stories. When my doctor brother once told me he will operate my toe and take off a nail, i fell unconscious on our floor and was dragged to the bed. Then my mom’s very first words were...”Paano na kapag nanganak ka?”. I said...”I don’t know.” Then I immediately called (my then boyfriend now husband) Brian and told him my funny ”hinimatay-bigla” story and he said he will just be there to support me of my fear. (What a lucky me!)

Fast forward...Feb 2008. I found out I am pregnant. The thought brought joy, excitement and as expected...a few percentage of fear. Fear of the forthcoming ”delivery” moment.

But as one good friend told me...”you have 9 months to prepare yourself”. And that ”the situation will bring out a certain level of strength you never thought you have.”

I am due Oct 9. While most predicted that I will give birth ahead of time...I went 6 days overdue. I actually got a bit impatient that I walked and walked and MARATHONED for hours inside our house.

Oct 14, around 11:00 pm, while watching a Clint Eastwood movie, my water broke. I immediately called my husband and told him that ”IT'S TIME.” And because it’s a big moment, I even managed to take a quick shower and my husband...got to shave quickly. (Both getting ready for the ”after the delivery” camera moment...ha! ha! ha!)

Then we rushed to the hospital around 12 midnight and was admitted in because I was 3cms. open. Prior to this moment, contraction was actually a mystery to me until it came with a clear ”BANG” after my water broke. And yes...as what most mothers say...when it comes, you will never doubt that it is the real contraction.

During the whole labor process, I felt (several times) the need to faint...but the strength that came from somewhere within me and God’s divine intervention pushed me to hold on and fight.

While waiting for the doctor that will conduct/inject the epidural (pain reliever), I was asked to try laying in the bath tub (with water at 37 degrees in temperature) first to relax my muscles and ease the pain. I went in and a few minutes after, I was suddenly quiet. The midwife recommended that I just stay in the bathtub during the entire contraction since I am very calm in it. That will also bring less complication since it is the most natural way of dealing with labour pain. I also got accupuncture. 4 small needles were placed around my hands and back. Then after that...I was just on my own little world...concentrating.

I was working on mentally fighting the pain by counting from 50 down. Then everytime I reach 30...i know the pain is less. It kind of worked so I kept doing it over and over and focused 100% until I am 10 centimeters open around 4:30 am. Then the midwife said...”now we come to the most exciting part...seeing your baby.”

I moved from the bath tub to the hospital bed for a better way of pressing baby out. My ever supportive husband and my ever skillful midwife helped me go through the ”pressing” stage and after a couple of minutes...came the biggest gift I have ever received and have always prayed for...my little Duncan at 5:53 am.

He was placed on my chest and then after...everything else felt completely new. I was on a whole new dimension that the little pain of the stitches (with the help of anesthesia) did not matter a bit. The sight of my husband holding my son while I am being sewed gave me all the power I needed to overcome the last few procedures necessary.

My dear angel weighed 3.8 kilos and was 53 cm long when born. He actually got a perfect 10 score from the midwife which meant everything was as it should be from his skin color, physical features, breathing and all.

Now, as I breastfeed...i enjoy staring at my son and reminiscing the ”giving birth” moment...because he, my dear sweet Duncan, gave me the strength I never thought I had. Overcoming my biggest fear and being rewarded with the sweetest child a mother could ever have...October 15 is and will always be the best "WINNING DAY" of my life.

The much-awaited 9th month

2008-09-30T13:50:00.000+02:00

We are expecting a BOY!

2008-07-09T20:02:00.001+02:00

6 months and counting...

2008-06-27T17:07:00.001+02:00

A Glimpse of Our Little Angel

2008-04-03T22:14:00.004+02:00

Just wanted to share with you our baby's very first picture. This was taken yesterday (April 2, 2008) as I went through my first scanning together with my husband. The entire 30 minutes of just watching baby move around is simply an experience I can never put words to. Amazing, incredible, fantastic...these words may come close to the description but still wont meet up to the whole experience.

Can't wait to welcome him/her in this wonderful world...can't wait to be a mom...and to see my husband become a dad. I know he will do an excellent job just as he is as a husband. Brian and baby...can't ask for anything more.

Thank you Lord for the best gifts of my life.

We are having a BABY!!!

2008-02-24T17:02:00.005+01:00

As most of you know, my husband and I have been married for almost 1 year and 7 months now. And like most modern couples who wanted to spend more quality and "selfish" times together, we decided to wait having a baby.

It is also a very important factor for us because we came from a long distance relationship where in getting to know each other and building a strong loving relationship are a must. Plus the fact that I am adjusting to a new world with an entirely new culture, language, government systems and all. We also waited till our house and office are done to be sure that when our baby comes, we can be as prepared as we can ever be.

The plan is to start January 2008.

My last period was January 4. My husband and I were so curious how things will go towards the next few weeks and months.

I am supposed to have my next period January 30 since I am always around 3 days advanced. Then days passed by with no "monthly visit" yet. A strong excitement grew bigger and bigger each day that Feb 6, my husband and I tried using the pregnancy test to get a hint. I held the stick while he started counting then after 3 minutes, came 2 red lines. We were so happy that we called the doctor immediately for a quick check-up. Feb 7, the doctor confirmed that it is POSITIVE!

The joy is simply overwhelming that we immediately started buying pregnancy magazines, healthy food, vitamins for pregnant women, fruits and milk.

My husband has started his new habit of touching my stomach every morning and every night.

We also went to church to offer a prayer of thanks. God is and has always been a loving, generous God to me and my husband.

My former boss Cindy (after hearing the good news) wrote me an email saying...
even in your goal of when to get pregnant you are meeting your deadline.

That made me laugh with joy in my heart and gratefulness to God.

2007-11-17T23:04:00.001+01:00

SURPRISES GALORE AT 34!

2007-11-17T19:01:00.000+01:00

I have always wanted Brian's birthday to be extra special because he is SPECIAL. And now that I have spent 1 year and 4 months with him, I can honestly say...he is ACTUALLY--MORE THAN JUST SPECIAL.

Back when I was in the Philippines, I sent roses via internet (unsure how the flower will look like), sent video (with doubts whether it would play), self-made paintings (wondering if the wooden frame would arrive in pieces) and greeting cards via Fed-ex (and never cared about how much it costed). The possibilities and means were there but the options were limited.

And now that we are physically together, the options are simply endless. With my (hopefully) improving knowledge of the danish language and growing confidence in a totally new world, I can now go to flower shops and bake shops to order flowers and cake for him...in danish. In coordination with my mother and father-in-law (who picked up the cake), brother and sister-in-law (who dropped by the house 7am to deliver the 12 red roses while Brian was asleep), my "special plan" came out smooth and fine.

8:00 am of October 13 (Saturday), I sneaked in to our bedroom and carefully placed 1 red rose on my husband's bedside table. Just a nice wake-up surprise that jumpstarted his "special day."

Then when he stepped outside the bedroom, a card was laying on the floor filled with small hearts and 2 danish flags.

And when he started walking from the bedroom to the kitchen, he saw roses placed in every door. And when he counted, there were 12 roses around the house.

At around 11 am, a delivery man came with 22 more red roses to complete his collection making it 34 red roses all in all.

I cooked his favorite chicken cordon bleu, some home-made spring rolls and beef picadillo. There were french fries, sausages, garlic bread, veggie salad and rice to complete the menu.
We invited the Herdegen family to celebrate the day with us.Then after eating a delightful meal, I brought out the cake and we started singing the birthday song.

He got his favorite book, "The Hornblower" series on DVD and his special request from me-- a big freezer.

He also received a wine cooler from our danish parents.

It was a day filled with fun, good food, wonderful gifts and tons of romance. A day that gave me the opportunity to express in ways I can...that he really means THE WORLD TO ME. JEG ELSKER DIG MEGET, MEGET HØJT HONEY HUSBAND KO!!!

Growing Old in a New World

2007-10-31T20:56:00.000+01:00

I just turned 32 last September 23. And yes, as what most Filipinos would say..."wala na sa kalendaryo." he..he... Getting old may not be a joy to some...but not for me. I would like to say I am "growing older" instead of just "getting older."

My birthday was a Sunday so I thought of celebrating it Saturday with the family and cherish the real day with my honey-hubby. And because it is my very first birthday in our new and lovely house (naks...love your own), Brian and I made it extra special.

It is typical danish to place flags inside and outside the celebrant's (or celebrator to be politically correct) house. It signifies that an event or a person is special. That is also why danish flags fill an entire city whenever a member of the Royal family comes there for a visit.

I cooked Brian's favorite...Chicken Cordon Bleu. I also made Baked Spaghetti and prepared vegetable salad. Brian (giving in to my request) cooked beef steak.

There were also some french fries, rice, bread and sausages. We used our kitchen table as the buffet area while the dining table as the dining area.

It is always a pleasure for me cooking for the entire danish family because they enjoy eating what I cook. They have been so appreciative and expressive also...and that gesture gives me the motivation and passion to just keep cooking.

I once said to them..."I love cooking for the family." and their reply was..."and we certainly love eating what you cook."
After a hearty feast, Brian came out of the kitchen with this delightful cake with 32 small candles. I was teary-eyed when I saw him with it because at that moment, I really felt so special. It was quite tough though blowing all 32 candles at the same time, luckily I only needed 1 try.

It was (for me) among the happiest birthday celebrations of my life. It would have been complete though if my Filipino family was there. I miss seeing their smiling faces and hearing their voices sing the "Happy Birthday song."

It was "hyggeligt" (cosy) and fun. I got to receive all gifts that I had listed on my wish list. A cd-player with fm radio and USB plug for the kitchen, a glass serving pan with 2 candles to keep the food warm and a "cross-trainer" gym machine/equipment.

Sunday was more relaxed and romantic. My husband and I spent a lazy morning reminiscing how we met. Then we went out to eat dinner in an eat-all-you-can chinese resto. We saw Bourne Ultimatum in a movie theater after.

If birthdays are as fun and special as this, I will keep looking forward to growing old. :)

I actually enjoy growing old...because I spend my everyday with the best husband in the world.

Elements of Earth...Elements of Art

2007-09-04T08:05:00.000+02:00

Just thought of sharing with you my latest masterpiece. It's a special craftwork that combines acrylic paint, dried leaves, dried flowers, painted stems, special stones, cut-out glasses, strings and buttons on a 4 20x20 cm canvas placed on top of a 100 x 70 cm canvas.

Thanks to hobby shop Panduro...a place that simply opens my mind to endless ideas and possibilities. You may check the site at http://www.pandurohobby.dk/. It is sad that a shop like this can't be found in all parts of the world. But maybe the site can open one to some new ideas using anything one can find scattered around the corner.

It brings pride in my heart to hang an artwork in our dining area I have made myself.
My husband is simply crazy about it. And...so am I.

Our First Wedding Anniversary

2007-08-18T18:30:00.000+02:00

My husband and I spent most of our free time last May and June talking about where we want to go to enjoy summer break and celebrate our 12 romantic, heavenly and joyful months of being husband and wife. Then it wasn't so long until we decided that there can only be 1 place to spend the most important date (JULY 23) of our lives...Venice, Italy. And the minute we stepped in and got a glimpse of the lovely city...we knew right there and then that we made the right choice.

We took the water taxi from the airport to our hotel. The 45-minute ride was so captivating because it allowed us to see more of Venice while sailing the big river and small canals.

It was a warm..."warm" welcome because the temperature was 30 degrees c.

We were swept away the moment we entered our hotel room. It's a 4-star hotel right in the heart of Venice and just a few meters from Piazza San Marco. They even gave us a basket of fruit on our first day.

This is breathtaking. Seeing hundreds of doves fly around Piazza San Marco covering the entire view of the sky is simply a moment to see and capture.

And feeding them is a MUST. For 1 euro, one can buy a pack of dried corn to feed the doves. As soon as Brian opened the pack, doves came around...and making him their new found nest.

I was scared to try it at first because I thought these doves can hurt but I was definitely wrong. I actually enjoyed it that I had to do it again the next day.

This is the highlight of our trip. A 45-minute sail on a gondola boat with an orchestra singer and a musician playing harmonica...and it happened on our First Wedding Anniversary. ..July 23, 2007. My husband surprised me with a dozen red roses, a bottle of champagne (which we finished...so I went down the boat drunk he..he...) and some cherries-my favorite fruit in Europe. This is simply indescribably romantic and truly memorable.

We spent all evenings hanging around the famous Piazza San Marco. With 3 string bands playing around, delightful pasta and pizza dishes, wine and hundres of lights wrapping the entire square... ahh...it can never get more romantic than this.

We also went to see some art museums.

And explored the fabulous "Canal Grande" with all sorts of sailing boats in different sizes and colors.

To be in Venice with the man I love used to be just a dream...and it is so fulfilling to know that last July 19-25, it became a reality. Turning one year as a married couple in this wonderful city is simply PERFECT.

What I am most proud about is that even if it has been 12 months already, it still feels like we just got married yesterday. And every vacation and weekends together still feels like "Honeymoon."

And I know that...that's how it is going to be now and forever.

Isang Taong Pagdiriwang ng Dalawang Taong Nagmamahalan

2007-07-31T21:06:00.000+02:00

Parang kelan lang nasa simbahan ako kasama ang taong
naging sagot ng Diyos sa araw-araw na panalangin ko.

July 23, 2006

Ang araw na naging saksi sa katuparan ng aking pangarap...
ng aming pangarap. Ang maging para sa isa't isa. Ang maging isa.

Isang mahalagang sandaling naging daan para maunawaan ko
at maramdaman ang tunay na kahulugan ng salitang pagmamahal.
At matutunang para sa asawa ko, ang lahat ay kaya kong isugal.

At sa bawat araw at minutong lumilipas...
patuloy niya akong binubusog sa lambing na walang kupas.

Isang taon na pala ang nakalipas. Ang pinakamasayang isang taon ng buhay ko.

Kapag nahanap mo na ang taong inilaan ng Diyos para sa iyo...
totoo palang posibleng maging langit ang bawat minuto.

At dahil sadyang naiiba ang araw na July 23 para sa aming dalawa, naiiba rin ang naging pagdiriwang na inihanda namin para sa isa't isa.

Pinili namin ang Venice, Italy.

Mas may ro-romantiko pa ba sa pagsakay sa gondola habang binabaybay ang makasaysayan at magandang "Canal Grande"? Samahan pa ng manganganta, instrumentong "harmonica", isang dosenang rosas, cherries at champagne.

Isang oras na byaheng puno ng kilig at lambingan...
parang byahe ng aming isang taong pinuno ng pagmamahalan.

Passion for Promotion

2007-06-18T18:42:00.000+02:00

For almost 10 years of making multi-media campaigns, producing tv spots and audio visual presentations, conceptualizing for new and existing tv shows, writing press brochures, sales flyers, and all sorts of ”promo stuff” to reach the target market...I have realized that I have found the kind of work I love to do...and that no matter where I go, that passion will always stay with me and will always...always have the URGE to come out and break free like a bird wanting to fly and soar high.

After ending my career as a Promotions Manager in ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, I am lucky to have landed a job in the Herdegen family’s printing and promotions company. They have been running the business for 10 years now and what they lack is a promo person who can both conceptualize promo campaigns and can execute graphical work.

Promo Campaigns...yeah, bring them on but Graphical work...ah...eh...what???

I have always enjoyed painting using acrylic paints and have been doing some abstract work from time to time but the technicalities of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop are simply not for me. But then again...I just told myself, why not give it a try? And so I tried...and tried some more.

And after around 10 months of taking small steps in getting acquainted with the software...I found myself enjoying it. It gave some new found freedom in being able to do what I want with a picture, with a name and with basically any subject I want.

And now that Xpress Profil Huset (the family company) is celebrating 10 years come October, it would be the perfect opportunity to put everything I have learned to use.

So i took the plunge...and felt I'm back on doing what I love doing the most...PROMOS.

The campaign is set to run for 5-months with 2 waves escalating from June towards the main event in October. The celebration culminates in a big reception inviting some of the biggest advertising agencies and clothing suppliers in Denmark.

For wave 1...there are car streamers, back-to-back sales flyers, email ad campaign and web advertisement (you may check it out at http://www.xpresstryk.dk/). We also have agreed to wear working clothes with a print of the Xpress Jubilæum logo every day to highlight the occasion. There will also be a pre-event and post-event write-ups on newspapers, product slideshows, catalogues, etc.

And unlike my former job where I just took care of ideas and made sure everything is executed as planned in coordination with artists, editors and media strategists, here the promo plans I have brainstormed...I have executed and designed myself like sales flyers, jubilæum logo, web ad and car streamers.

I know the design don’t even come a bit close to the impressive artwork of artists I have worked with in ABS-CBN but for a beginner, i think it can "somehow" get a passing score....well, luckily to Brian and Mother Winnie, it did. (Yehey!!!)

What were once ideas, drafts and sketches are now promo materials we wear, post and distribute. And seeing the family’s cooperation and appreciation make me feel so fulfilled as an individual.

It is these moments that have reminded me that the passion for promotion (that lays deep in my heart and soul) has always been there. I guess...it only needed a perfect time to resurrect and be freed again.

THE MOST IMPORTANT NUMBER TO BEING INSEPARABLE FOREVER

2007-05-24T09:58:00.000+02:00

Being married to a Danish man and living in his country can be both a joy and a struggle. There is no doubt that the system works (well, most of it) and that the quality of living is better but the law that concerns cross-cultural marriage can be quite tough and strict.

We have to submit tons of papers, abide by most requirements (e.g. have our own house, that my husband earns well to be able to support me while I apply for the residence permit, that I can't leave the country until all papers are processed, etc), have an immeasurable amount of patience and deep faith...faith in God to be given the legal rights to live together.

But with LOVE, HOPE, LUCK and PRAYERS, our much awaited moment has come.

I am now a foreigner who has been welcomed to stay, who can exercise her rights, avail benefits and live with pride and joy with the man who means the world to her.

Among the rights are free check-up and hospitalization, free language school, free emergency/security protection and more. I am also allowed now to work with rights and privileges as a normal employee working in Denmark. I can travel to any country I want and can go back to the Philippines without securing a Schengen visa coming back to Denmark.

This is really the ultimate step my husband and I needed and prayed for so we can peacefully sleep at night without any worries.

And because it is a real BIG DAY for us, we celebrated our special day by grilling some barbeque, sausages, potatoes together with some veggies salad, soda and wine.

It is definitely one of the BEST DAYS OF OUR LIVES.

We offered a prayer of THANKS to GOD the Almighty for his generosity and kindess.

So now, we can peacefully say that we are emotionally, spiritually and physically INSEPERABLE.

I Love My Hubby and My Hobby

2007-05-10T20:11:00.000+02:00

I have fallen in love with it. I don't know if we call it craft work...art work...scrapbook art or whatever. I may not know what classification of art I am into right now but I certainly know that it has captured my playful mind, passionate heart and adventurous soul.

For me...it is the art of making anything out of almost everything. It can go as far as your imagination and creativity will take you.

These are my current "babies." One is a birthday gift for my nephew Jan (pronounced as Yan) and my niece Jannie (Yannie). The next 2 "green" artworks are meant to be displayed in our nature-inspired bedroom.

My husband, who has encourage me to keep buying "hobby stuff" in Panduro Hobby shop, enjoys seeing me enjoy art. And each and everytime I am done with one creation, he simply, deeply appreciates it like I have paid him a fortune to do so.

Good thing is that he is honest when he likes a work or not...and luckily, I still hit the "like it" button.

I look forward to some more free time so I can make more...and More and MORE.

And maybe one day, I can make a small gallery in our hall way entitled Olen's Creations' Collection. Hmmm...that sounds interesting.

A Man Named Brian

2007-05-07T11:40:00.000+02:00

Once there was a boy who had a dream... a dream not most boys of his age would begin dreaming.

He wanted a beautiful house and an office building he can call his own.

He was just 13 when he started imagining a bright future. And while most kids played and started hanging around, there he was beside his loving mother, reading books, asking questions and using most of his time investing on his most powerful weapon...his mind.

After 20 years of dreaming and believing, 20 years of sleepless nights and skipped meals, 20 years of struggles, pain and triumph, there it is...his vision coming to form.

He is a man who WILLS HIS WHEELS the way he dreams it to be.

A man whose passion, commitment, values, perseverance, trust, intellect, love and courage paved the way for him to reach his one BIG DREAM.

And I am proud to know that, that man is MY MAN.

The best man who has ever walked on this planet...the best man who has made my everyday a dream coming true.

My Heart Loves the Art

2007-05-04T15:09:00.000+02:00

A collage of anything green, anything nature.

With some sprinkle of beads and pearls, a few strings, some special paper, a 20 x 20 cm canvas, acrylic paints and...wholla! Here it is. My precious, charming work of art.

Big thanks to my former classmate and good friend Naomi for bringing me to Panduro shop in Copenhagen. Panduro shop is a hobby place where people can buy everything to be able to create almost anything. If you're curious, go check my "Sites that Excite Me" link in this blogsite.

Our bedroom upstairs is painted light green and I have just finished making our very first room decoration. Makes me so proud because it will make the interior a lot more personal.

What's next? I don't know yet, but I do know one thing...I promise to post a new blog when I am done with it...or maybe, with them.

Thanks for dropping by!

Nakaka-WOW na Remote Control ng Ilaw

2007-04-30T14:23:00.000+02:00

Cute, handy and smart remote controls. They are like candies laying
on top of our sofa tables, so sweet and tempting that we sometimes don't know which to pick.

And though it can be confusing which turns on what and what turns on which, it is still a wise reminder that technology is here to keep making life better and better.

Just like this new addition to our cool array of remote controls...one that functions to turn on, turn off and dim our interior lights. Huuuuwhat??? Remote control ng ilaw? Aba, wow!!!!

The first time I got a hold of it...I got speechless for i never thought such a "thing" exists.

Turning all living room lights on and off while sitting on our sofa made me realize that...oh yeah...it is for real.

I can't wait to welcome my Nanay and Tatay here in our home next year, I am sure both of them will be amazed to see how technology in Denmark makes home-living a lot more home-loving.

Shopping and Girl-Bonding

2007-04-22T23:06:00.000+02:00

Last Saturday, April 21, my sister-in-law Tina and I went to town just by ourselves, a typical "girl-bonding-shopping day" which our husbands Steen and Brian support and are very much joyful about.

The idea was actually Tina's. And I can only understand why she wanted a little break. Tina is a very busy career woman, a loving mother to 2 children and a caring live-in partner to Steen for 20 years now.

I think every woman will always have that need...to just be herself with her female friends...wearing only the "self hat" and temporarily setting aside the "wife hat", "mother hat", "career woman hat", "daughter hat" and all "role hats" we women love to wear...for without them, life is not life at all.

So we took the train, strolled around Strøget (Copenhagen's most famous shopping district) ate in an eat-all-you-can American pizza and salad resto, bought some ice cream for dessert, shopped some blouses and bags, relaxed while sipping a hot chocolate as shoppers pass by, bought some fresh fruits to eat along and took the train back home.

It was a real fun and exciting day but I must admit that I have missed my husband terribly much so as soon as I reached home, I hurried to embrace him...uh...rather, squeeze him. And you know what made me (a lot more) proud of my husband? He did some cleaning in the house while I was out so he will have a little surprise for me when I get home. Ohhhh...that was simply heartwarming.

Then I joked that I am enjoying the switch... I will be the one going out, and he will be the one cleaning the house...he just laughed. :)

It was a lovely day to be out...and an even more lovely day coming home.

Heaven in Bakken

2007-04-16T15:17:00.000+02:00

A collage of pictures taken last Sunday, April 15 as me and my husband celebrated the sunny weather in Bakken, the world's oldest amusement park, located in North of Copenhagen. We walked and laughed, kid around, kissed and flirted like we have just started dating. My husband tried playing the "dream catcher" game where one inserts a coin and catch any stuff stoy one desires...and then, after my husband's several tries...he made it! 1 blue cute puppy...for me!

We also tried the 5 dimensional theater. It was sooooo much fun! We ate roasted pork for lunch and ice cream for dessert then we took our blanket, laid side by side each other while listening to some love songs.

Ahhh...another day in paradise...another glimpse of heaven...

The truth is, for as long as we have each other...we have HEAVEN within us.

It's Nice to Find Paradise

2007-04-13T08:50:00.000+02:00

Finding Paradise

Birds come and play...

Trees smile and sway...

Lakes soothing and calm...

Sun embraces with warmth...

Ohh...this is a masterpiece

Heaven...home...peace.

An Escape to a Peaceful Landscape

2007-04-11T08:51:00.000+02:00

It was Easter...a joyful day to commemorate Christ's resurrection. I think the ecstatic feeling possessed my entire soul as I once again plunged into my latest passion...painting.

I love nature. And landscapes together with white sand beaches are what I consider as nature's most calming, peaceful and relaxing view...and such are my dream vacation places too.

And because of that, I made an attempt to capture nature. I know i can't give justice to its real immense beauty but i guess, for a beginner in painting, this can pass...well at least for my husband's taste, it did...and probably, that's the only thing that matters. :)

Liking the Viking

2007-04-10T14:34:00.000+02:00

A collage of pictures i took when I visited The Viking Ships Museum (Viking Skips Museet) with my husband and parents-in-law.

Fall for FALL

2007-04-01T00:30:00.000+02:00

I woke up last Saturday, March 31 with an irresistible urge to paint. So while my husband is still dreaming, I stood up, took my easel stand, soaked my painting brushes in water, brought out my acrylic paints and put my white canvas in place.

I must admit that I have no knowledge about the rules and techniques in painting....I only know one thing...that I find deeper joy in doing it. I guess I am just an ordinary woman with an extraordinary faith...to create. A passionate individual who is crazy enough to think and believe that she can make "recognizable images" using acrylic paint.

I have painted what appears to be my own interpretation of FALL and I have entitled it "FALL FOR FALL". One lovely season that brings forth all the charming colors of mother earth- Tangerine, yellow, green, red, amber, brown, beige and orange.

And though I haven't signed my name yet below, my husband and I already know where we will hang it...in our living room. :)

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

2007-03-30T16:16:00.000+02:00

It’s time to party!!! We have just successfully passed danish language class level 2. A 6-week tongue-twisting, heavily confusing and uniquely exciting course on what is considered as among the world’s most difficult languages-DANISH.

We spent the last hour of our finale day with a "lille fest." My classmates brought some chips, chocolate cake, red wine, fruit juice, pastries and soda. As for me, I have cooked a famous Pinoy dish called "embotido" so my classmates can taste one Filipino dish. Luckily...they all liked it. (Yehey!!!)

Immediately after class, Naomi from Switzerland, Selam from Ethiopia, Luba from Russia, Dina from Portugal, Melanie from Belgium, Clare from Australia and I, agreed to eat together, drink and enjoy the final day.

And to continue, allow me to use the danish language in this blog.

Vi spiste aftensmad og drak rød vin på Mama Rosa på Strøget.
(we ate dinner and drank red wine at Mama Rosa along Strøget)

Klokken 20:30 gik Melanie, Clare og jeg på Rosie Mc Gees.

Vi drak smirnoff ice og snakkede til klokken 22:00.
(At 8:30, Melanie, Clare and I went to Rosie Mc Gees. We drank smirnof ice and talked til 10 pm)

Den var en virkelig dejlig og hyggelig aften. Jeg var meget glad for den. (It was really a wonderful and cozy evening. I was very happy for it)

The Joy Spring Brings!

2007-03-25T16:10:00.000+02:00

It's jogging time!!! It's nice to know that after a very cold winter season...SPRING springs. The sun is all up while the wind is fresh and just a bit cold...enough to make a perfect balance for a wonderful jogging time.
And because I love bringing our camera everywhere I go, i secretly took a shot of my husband enjoying jogging in the forest.

Then after, we took a walk and stopped by our favorite oak tree.

Standing a few steps from it will open you to a captivating view of the country side...a romantic union of trees, field, lake, sea and sky. Not to mention the sweet, cheerful sound of birds singing. A serene moment that will make you smile, close your eyes, take a deep breath and get driven by such a calming enchantment.

And of course, before we go...this has to be taken- a picture of my husband and I with the lovely view of Ejby's landscape as our background. A romantic setting for a romantic couple who, like a flower in spring...has found a kind of love that blossoms everyday.

MRS. OLEN AND HER KITCHEN

2007-03-24T23:07:00.000+01:00

This blog is especially dedicated to my Nanay...the woman who has inspired me to cook and to the wonderful man I married. It is because of him that I strive to be the best wife I can possibly be because he is (and this is no bola) the best husband there can ever be.

My love for him has opened me to a new skill I never thought I can acquire...something I was never interested in for the last 30 years of my life...COOKING.

I used to remember how Nanay would worry about me getting married with so little knowledge about cooking. She is actually more concerned (not about how I will eat the day I begin living with Brian in Denmark but) with how my husband will be able to eat well...and eat deliciously good.

And now, with love and determination, new-found passion and creative imagination...I transformed from a NO-COOK CAREER WOMAN to a PASSIONATE COOKING DIVA.
I should also give it to a few cook books I bought in National Bookstore (for only P30), Manila. They have become my ever-reliable and super-helpful kitchenmates.

And if you will allow me...here is a list of dishes I have cooked so far.

BEEF

beef picadillo

fried ground beef adobo

beef soup (nilagang baka)

home-made beef burger with barbeque sauce

pinoy beef steak

beef cordon bleu

beef kaldereta

PORK

home-made frikadeller (fried ground pork)

pork steak

breaded porkshops

pork cordon bleu

pork barbeque

fried porkchops

pork afritada

ground pork with potato and cabbage

pork pineapple hamonado

pork adobo

pork embotido

CHICKEN

chicken soup (nilagang manok)

chicken pineapple hamonado

crunchy fried chicken

chicken cordon bleu

chicken adobo

oven-baked whole chicken

saucy chicken barbeque

breaded chicken

ground chicken in oyster sauce

VEGETABLES

chopseuy

green bean and young corn with ground pork

vegetable salad

potato salad

creamy potato

PASTA & NOODLES

spaghetti with tomato sauce

spaghetti with mushroom sauce

pasta in cream sauce and cheese

baked cheesy macaroni

sausage pasta in olive oil

bacon pasta in olive oil

tuna pasta in olive oil and tomato

pasta salad with bacon and vegetables

pancit canton

sotanghon guisado

chicken sotanghon soup

PIZZA & PITA

supreme pizza (peperoni, ham, bacon, red & green bell pepper)

kiddie pizza (ham, cheese)

pizza buns

pita bread with ground beef, lettuce and mayonaise

mexican taco with ground beef.

SEAFOOD

tuna omelette

seafood in oyster sauce

Being able to cook for the man I love and seeing him enjoy the food are just some of the many "new discoveries" that make married life so DELIGHTFULLY EXCITING!

Alay na Tagumpay

2007-03-21T17:31:00.000+01:00

Matapos ang ilang linggong pagsubsob sa librong Aktivt Dansk, pagpilipit ng dila, pagkalito at matinding pag-aaral ng husto...sa wakas, isang munting tagumpay ang nakamit ko.

Sa walong "naggagandahang" estudyante mula sa Russia, Switzerland, Belgium, Portugal, Australia, Ethopia at Bulgaria...nanguna sa exam ang isang Pilipina.

Maaaring sa iba, wala lang ito, pero sa isang Pinay na tulad ko...malaking bagay ang ganitong pagkakataon. Isang simple pero naiibang hamon.

Kaya matapos makuha ang resulta...nilibre ko bigla ng dinner ang taong dahilan ng aking pagsisikap...ang taong patuloy na tumutupad ng aking mga pangarap....si MISTER.

Agad-agad ko ring tinawagan ang mga magulang ko sa Pinas at ibinalita ng buong kagalakan ang lahat. Isang balitang nagbigay ng ngiti sa mga magulang na nagsumikap para maitaguyod ang kanilang mga anak.

Kay Brian...kay Nanay at Tatay...para sa mga taong
DA BEST sa mundo...alay ko sa inyo ang maliit na tagumpay na ito.

Olen's little heaven: Ang SICK na SIKSIK sa TREAT

2007-03-09T08:53:00.000+01:00

Olen's little heaven: Ang SICK na SIKSIK sa TREAT

Olen's little heaven: Nang Bumagyo ng Yelo

2007-03-09T08:52:00.000+01:00

Olen's little heaven: Nang Bumagyo ng Yelo

Olen's little heaven: My Date with Nature

2007-03-09T08:50:00.000+01:00

Olen's little heaven: My Date with Nature

Welcoming Christmas!

2006-12-11T09:44:00.000+01:00

PASKO NA!!!

December 1, Friday. It is a yearly tradition with my Danish family to get-together every first day of December to officially welcome the Yuletide season as one family. It is Tina who cooks dinner at ang traditional food na niluluto niya is "ris en guld" (not sure kung tama spelling), the famous danish Christmas meal made from rice. It is also a chance for us to bond together, have a hot cup of coffee and choco.

Jan, Winnie and I played Matador Jr. (like millionaire's game) kaya enjoy ang gabi!

December 2, Saturday
Brian, Bruno, Winnie and I went to Tivoli Park and met Winnie's friends-Solva and Charlotte. This is the most popular amusement park in Denmark and like Enchanted Kingdom, it can never be a complete Christmas without going to this place. Kaya kahit malamig at balot na balot, go! go! go! ang lola para ipagpatuloy ang pagsalubong sa Pasko.

Matapos maglibot-libot, ayan...nagutom kami so we ate our dinner in an Italian resto inside the park.

Tapos...picture-picture muna! Bawat lugar na maganda...picture! Typical Pinoy talaga. Ha! Ha! Ha! Sino ang photographer namin? Walang iba kundi ang mabait na si Mama Winnie.

At dahil favorite ko ang mga snowglobes...hindi ko pinalampas na kunan ng picture ang pinakamalaking snowglobe na nakita ko sa talambuhay ko. Na-amaze ako talaga! Sayang...di ko pwedeng i-shake.

At syempre kelangan may shot ang giant Christmas tree na ito. Naalala ko tuloy ang giant tree sa Araneta Coliseum. Mas malaki ata yun...pero ang catch...totoong Christmas tree ito.

December 3, Sunday
Speaking of Christmas tree...this is the day we have scheduled to go to a mansion that sells Christmas tree in all sizes. For someone who only knows plastic Christmas trees...namangha talaga ako na dito, totoong puno ang nilalagay sa bahay-bahay. It can stay for a month kaya di problema ang pagkalanta.

After mamili ng Christmas tree, my cute niece spent the afternoon riding a horse. Love niya 'to!

At ako...ayan, feel na feel ang paghawak ng lagare...kunwari ako mismo ang pumutol ng napili naming puno...projek lang po. He..he...Ang isang 6- feet Christmas tree ay around 200 DKK. (P2,000)

After we have been buying the trees, we went straight to Mother Winnie and Father Bruno's house to eat our favorite... Flæskesteg (roasted pork...parang lechong kawali). Yummy!!!
Sana may dala akong Sarsa ni Mang Tomas para mas kumpleto ang tsibog.

December 9-10 (Saturday and Sunday)
Weekend na naman! Yahoo! This is the time my husband and I decided to put up our very first Christmas tree in our new house. Using every little Christmas stuff we have bought since early November (excited!), we got to finish decorating our charming Juletræ. At kahit inabot na ng 1 am ang pagde-design...ok na ok lang kasi nakaka-alis ng pagod.

We also started our Christmas shopping this weekend kaya makulay ang second weekend of December. Mas naging makulay pa kasi nakasalubong namin while shopping si Santa.

Ang na-realize ko lang...kapag Pasko pala parang Pinas ang Denmark sa dami ng taong namimili. Pila sa resto, crowded sa mga malls at ang hirap humanap ng parking. Pero ok lang, nothing can ruin our day ni sweetie hubby kasi enjoy kami to do it finally together. Mga dalawang Pasko rin na we hardly had any time to do Christmas shopping together kasi Dec 23 na siya nakakadating. But now...solved na solved na ang bawat Pasko. Nakatutuwang isipin na hindi na ako member ng "malamig ang Pasko" club. Aba...mga ilang taon din yon, muntikan pa akong maging honorary member.
Ha! Ha! Ha!

God has his way of making it up...and he did such a splendid and marvelous job kasi he gave me the BEST MAN he has ever created. :)

At kung totoo man na may Santa...alam niyang na-receive ko na ang wish gift ko...SIYA ay isang walang katulad na aginaldo na laging pinaparamdam sa akin na everyday ay PASKO!

I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH HONEY KO!!!

Strolling along Nyhavn, Copenhagen

2006-12-01T10:40:00.000+01:00

I just got off from my danish language class in Studieskolen, Copenhagen and I asked my husband if we can take a walk along the lovely street of Nyhavn....and of course he said "sure". How can he refuse such a romantic idea. :)

With a camera along (as always), I took shots of the most attention-grabbing view....and they are:

1) the breathtaking display of lights in Hotel D' Angleterre

2) the cozy strip of bars and resto in Nyhavn.

There is no doubt that Christmas is also a BIG EVENT here as it is in my dear Philippines. Hotel D' Angleterre's outdoor decoration actually reminded me of C.O.D. in Cubao, Philippines (which is now in Greenhills Shopping center) where moving miniature figures of children, the bethlehem and all other christmas stuff are exhibited along the street for the public to see and enjoy.

Anyway, walking along the colorful Nyhavn street, holding each other's hands while gazing at the city lights and Christmas lights...my heart smiled coz i know that I will have a very wonderful Yuletide season because I am spending it with the most important person in my life...my dear, dear Brian.

We both look so much forward to it because it will be our very first Christmas as husband and wife. :)

Crash Course to Parenting 101

2006-11-20T15:20:00.000+01:00

It's the weekend of November 18 and 19 and my dear husband and I volunteered on taking care of our niece and nephew so their parents can devote the entire 2 days making the rennovations for their house. Excited and very eager to experience spending 2 straight days with 2 super sweet kids, my husband and I rushed to the mall to buy small toys, board games, christmas decors and disney cartoons on DVD. We also spent sometime in the grocery store buying their fave food-burger, pancake, yogurt, milk, buns, ice cream, chocolates and biscuits. We wanted to prepare for this because it is the very first time for them to sleep in a house other than their own.

Saturday...the highlight of the day is...making Christmas decorations. I was told that this is sort of a tradition during the Yuletide season. A fun activity that my nephew and niece look forward to every year (my husband included). There are clays, real Christmas leaves, cotton, small yule balls, little figures and all sorts of stuff.

It's my first time to do such an enjoyable activity and I must say that I really had a lot of fun!

Here are the decors me and my husband made. I don't know if both will get a passing grade but one thing's for sure, we will be proud displaying them in our home.

This is what Jan accomplished. I think it looks very lovely!

This is what Jannie got to finish...and I find it cute too!

Sunday...after breakfast, we all decided to take a walk in the nearby forest. With sodas, chips, biscuits and apples in a plastic bag, we spent some 2 hours exploring the nature. When we reached a spacious ground with less trees, we played hide and seek.

With my camera along, I got to capture another marvelous sight while trekking the forest.

And when we got home...we spent the afternoon playing a popular danish board game called MATADOR JUNIOR. The rules are similar to Monopoly so I easily got the hang of it.

So how did I find it being a nanny for 2 days...FUN! FUN! FUN! It may require extra cleaning, cooking, dishwashing but it's all worth it coz the joy they bring is priceless. It also gave me and my husband a glimpse of how it is to be parents...it taught us to be selfless, patient and playful.

Hearing that they want to spend more weekends with us is one of the best compliments an Uncle and an Aunt can ever receive.

And we definitely will be spending more weekends together!

My Husband's Sweet Dinner Treat!

2006-11-16T14:41:00.000+01:00

I was sleepy and a little tired last Sunday night but I had to prepare dinner coz it will soon be 6:00 pm. When my sweet and caring husband noticed that I needed a rest, he told me to just go to the bed and take a nap...and so I did. After 30 minutes, he came and woke me up. He said dinner is ready. I was so overwhelmed to find out that he fried the spring rolls and french fries himself. From a man who honestly admits that kitchen and cooking are 2 things not part of his vocabulary, this is a surprising move. But what surprised me more is when I saw candles and flowers in our kitchen table. Then when I went to my chair to take a seat, a sweet note was placed on my plate. It says...

" I LOVE YOU SO MUCH".

That moment went straight to my heart so I rushed to him and held him tight.

He makes our married life a living romance movie...only with him, lines are spontaneous, actions are sincere and each moment... far more compelling.

FALL for FALL

2006-11-14T11:44:00.000+01:00

ain't it lovely? this is my first autumn in denmark and i must say that the view is captivating. i used to paint trees and lakes all from my imagination but walking around this park makes me realize that my imagination was true...only the real sight of it is far more engaging than what my mind can create.

Ice in my Eyes

2006-11-02T18:22:00.000+01:00

Snow can be regarded as something phenomenal for an Asian like me. Coming from a country where there is only summer and rainy season...witnessing something like this is AMAZING!
Really, really AMAZING!

Just take look at how it transforms a wide green field to a land of frost and how dust on a road can easily be replaced by ice.

My husband was driving and I was seating in the passenger seat...
glued to the window, busy looking at the entire scenery that simply
took my breath away.

It is Snowing!!!

2006-11-01T14:37:00.000+01:00

Let it SNOW! Let it SNOW! Let it SNOW!

It's November 01, 2006...Wednesday. The day started with some very strong wind...I hardly can walk towards the car coz the wind is pushing me back. And it is goddamn cold! Then after a few hours, snow starts falling. Got so very excited to have my very first snow experience so I went out to have a feel of how it is like. WOW! It is simply amazing!

Though it is just considered light...I still find it very amusing. From a person who comes from a tropical country, this is one hell of an experience already. Ha! Ha! Ha! I look forward to the day when my husband and I can go out and build our own snowman.

Ohh...Christmas. It is just around the corner now...and I look sooo much forward to having my first WHITE CHRISTMAS.

Ano ang nami-miss ko sa Pinas?

2006-10-30T16:20:00.000+01:00

Ito ang PINAKA-NAMI-MISS KO SA PILIPINAS.

Ang mga kakulitan ng pamilyang puno ng pagmamahalan.
Maingay pero masaya. Siksikan pero solid na nagkakaisa.
Mahilig magkantahan kahit wala sa tono. Sama-samang nagsisimba tuwing Linggo.
May Tatay na tahimik pero pag bumanat ng joke...
hanep ang delivery.
May Nanay na maasikaso...medyo makulit na pero
di maikukumpara sa iba.
May Ate na masarap magluto...mga kapatid na laging sumusuporta...
at pamangkin na super cu-cute talaga!

Magpa-Pasko na...sana kahit isang araw lang...dalhin sila sa Denmark ni Santa.

My Perfect Husband

2006-10-30T11:54:00.000+01:00

Why my HUSBAND is...

THE WORLD'S MOST LOVING HUSBAND

He never lets an hour pass without saying "I LOVE YOU."
He never lets a day end without embracing me and whispering "I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT YOU."
He wakes up putting his head on my shoulder and holding me tight...giving me strength and comfort I will need for the entire day.
He never lets a day pass without coming to me...staring so seriously for 5 seconds and then will begin saying..."My God...you are so beautiful."
Instead of asking for a back massage, he will ask me if I want one...and will spend long minutes...until I say "I feel better now Honey ko."
When I can't eat the food I ordered...instead of asking me to finish it, he will say "It's fine. We can just order a new one. What is important is that you don't get hungry...and that you are happy with your food."
He has a very good and mushy way of expressing how he finds me SEXY even if I am all covered with 3 layers of clothes.
He can't start his car and begin driving until he gets a kiss from me.
When I am sick, he brings me my favorite juice drink, favorite snack (pistachio nuts), favorite pastry (spanduau) then he tightly wraps me in his arms...and that is simply the BEST MEDICINE OF THEM ALL.
He makes me the WORLD'S LUCKIEST WIFE by doing small and big acts of LOVE that overwhelms my heart and soothes my soul.

He makes LIFE SO EASY, WONDERFUL and HEAVENLY! Having him as my ETERNAL HUSBAND is the BEST ACCOMPLISHMENT I can ever attain in this lifetime.

The Beauty of Nature

2006-10-29T16:39:00.000+01:00

I am not a photographer...
I am just a simple person

who loves to capture sceneries
and moments that make me

stop and say...WOW!

I have a deep appreciation of nature's beauty.

I can definitely spend the entire day just staring at how the waves touch the shore, how trees turn from green to yellow, how birds flock around the field and fly up in the sky. Ahh...these are some of the many reasons why life is a PARADISE.

Home Sweet Home

2006-10-26T11:42:00.000+02:00

After several months of planning, visiting and coordinating, we can now (FINALLY) begin living in our new home. Yahoo!!!! It is simply wonderful having your own private space...your own haven. Buti na lang dumating na ang order namin na sofa, sofa table, dining table and chairs pati na rin ang kitchen table and 2 chairs. At dahil likas na Pinoy...dala ko ang isang supot ng bigas...he..he...para daw suwerte. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law (Steen and Tina) helped us in putting up the furnitures. Ang aking mabait at masipag na Father-in-law naman ang punong abala sa kitchen. It is very interesting to know that my husband's family is very caring and warm...parang pamilya ko sa Pinas. Ayan...na-mi-miss ko na naman sila.

Brian and I are nature lovers...at dahil diyan, earth colors ang motif namin with much more focus on beige and brown. We wanted it to look like a combination of Philippines and Denmark kaya well thought of ang bawat elements...according to what we feel is best. Ang importante...at home kami at may "soul" ang tahanan. It must highly speak of who we are. Dito kasi, a home defines a person kaya kina-career ang pagpapaganda ng bahay. Happy nga ako kasi Brian and I have the same taste in almost everything kaya ang dali mamili ng furnitures na bibilhin.

The highlight of all our furnitures...ang remote control queen size bed that allows us to lay flat, sit and even bend our knees up. Heaven ang feeling! I look forward to going home and watching a dvd movie. Kulang na lang...popcorn...ay wag, dudumi ang bedsheet at comforter. He..he..

But the MOST IMPORTANT REASON why our house is a HOME SWEET HOME is because I have a husband who is simply EXTRAORDINARILY LOVING, ROMANTIC AND SWEET! Ilalaban ko yan sa BAYANING MISTER AWARDS sa buong Europa...at sa buong mundo. It is him who really makes our house a home...and this EARTH...a PERFECT HEAVEN. Aw!!!