by Connie Veneracion on January 25, 2008
In the comment thread of the obesity entry, Ben and I had a little discussion about how easy it is to subsist in a country where just about anything grows. The climate is kind to plants, no winters when almost nothing grows on the soil, and all it really takes is a small patch of [...]
Continue reading 'A vegetable garden' →
by Connie Veneracion on November 10, 2007
The EXIF data of the photo below says it was taken on February 16, 2006. That’s how long we have been planning on giving the house a complete paint job inside and out, tear down two walls to replace the windows with French doors that will open to the front and back gardens, do something [...]
Continue reading 'House remodelling' →
by Connie Veneracion on October 25, 2007
Just found this in my inbox:
Dear Host Family,
I am a mature and experienced Cook and Housekeeper looking for a family to work for. I have a good childcare experience and I am able to iron, clean, drive and do ALL the house tasks. I prefer a Portuguese or Spanish speaker family. Could you call me [...]
Continue reading 'Have I been whining too much about not having a house helper?' →
by Connie Veneracion on September 20, 2007
We finally decided to let the house helper go rather than risk more broken appliances. The feeling of relief after she left was overwhelming. At the same time, it hasn’t been easy making adjustments.
My sleeping pattern was suddenly disrupted and I often feel like falling asleep in front of my laptop. When there was [...]
Continue reading 'Adjusting to a new lifestyle' →
by Connie Veneracion on October 26, 2006
Every now and then, we talk about the possibility of buying a new house. We haven’t gotten to the final-decision-point though–it’s just a kind of on-and-off open discussion in the family. One time, my 14-year-old daughter, Sam, saw me poring over some house plans. She sat on the bed and said, “Mommy, when we build [...]
Continue reading 'No master’s bedroom' →