I Got "Tagged" on Australia Day

You know how bloggers and video bloggers get tagged. You tell your readers 5 , ten or more things about you... personal things that they obviously they don't know about you. The tagging goes round and round.

In my case, I was a "victim" of a surprised birthday party. It was a pleasant surprise for it was my 50th birthday (one) party, orchestrated by my wife Irene (two) and daughter Rea (three). Like tagging, surprise parties gets around and the older you get the more probable that you'll be the lucky recepient of one.

I knew something was up. Just my 3rd eye or sixth sense (four), nothing seems normal in the last couple of weeks. But I think I played along and wished deep in my heart that someone would organise a surprise party for me, hey I am getting old.

The only thing is, and this an issue I have with my mom; I was born too close to New Year (five) (I won't mention the exact date for fear of identity theft!). Anybody who was born close to Christmas or New Year knows that your loved ones and relatives and friends try to just give you one gift for both occassions. When I was young, it pisses me off to no end, as a kid you wanted more toys to play with or more money to spend (six). That is why a birthday surprise party on the 26th is a bit too late; or so I thought!

To my amazement (seven, I still get amazed!), turning 50 does not insulate you from excitement and delight (eight, still feels those too). I was so happy (nine, these simple things still make me happy, I am still alive!)and felt so blessed (ten, who wouldn't felt blessed!).

A big thank you to my honey, Irene; daughter, Rea; son-in-law, Charles and the rest of the Utan, Baylon, Mendoza, Mucio, Villena and Apacionado clans!

Happy Birthday Honey!

Honey's flowers from work.

Well, it happens to us every year, another birthday.

But this year, Honey received the best ever gift of her life... so it's not another birthday for her, or for us.

A few days ago Jaylen had his test, and today, Professor Glenn Marshall, Director of Centre for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders, Sydney Children's Hospital (SCH); called to say that all indications from the tests are fine and there's nothing to worry about.

Mr December 2007: Leukaemia Foundation's "Nude Nuts" Calendar. See note below. (Photo by Charles).

So now it is official, Jaylen is cured! Obviously there is a chance for a relapse but we don't want to think that far ahead. We just want to savour this time and take things as it comes. There is no point worrying and fretting, and living nervously of what might lie ahead: it might or might not happen. For now, we will enjoy this triumph - full stop!

So a big "Thank You" to God and all our friends and relatives who prayed, gave support and wish us and Jay well. It worked! Thanks also to the staff at (especially at C2/C3 West, and Prof Marshall and his staff) at Sydney Children's Hospital.

Going back to Honey's birthday, a good friend of ours, Helene O moved to Queensland but managed to give Honey a surprise the other day. She knew that Honey would attend a training today; her birthday, so Helene arranged for another co-worker, Neola to decked Honey's desk with birthday banners and decorations yesterday: just to "remind" her of her advancing years. Thanks ladies for the effort and the flowers.

Tonight we just celebrated at home with a simple dinner and champagne, with three small kids and just the four of us adults, restaurants and sit down dinners does not work! But all the same, we are so happy just to have a get-together, knowing that we are all healthy and well.

The boys' present to Honey: they are sleeping over! That's why I am blogging...

Note: Just in case you did not bought one of these fund raising calendars, you can still make a donation to either the Sydney Children's Hospital or the Leukaemia Foundation.

The caption is a bit small, it reads: "Hi, my name is Jaylen, and I am five years old. When I was very sick, my hair was falling out and I didn't like it. But then my daddy, all my uncles and both my grandpas' hair fell out too. And they told me if I kept smiling, all of our hair will grow back. I think it's working for everybody except for my grandpas."

We will keep on smiling!

Make A Wish... Gold Coast Vacation

Jay checking out the limo.

The boys on their first limo ride to the airport.

Well, it finally happened, the Utan family had their first holiday in more than two years courtesy of the Starlight Foundation's Wishgranting program. Luckily for the family, the "wish" granted was for the whole family, a six-day all expenses paid trip to the Gold Coast. That means all free entries to the Dreamworld, White Water World, Wet n' Wild, Sea World, and Warner Brothers' Movie World.

The boys at the airport waiting for their Jet Star flight.

There are so many highlights and so many wonderful pictures. So I would post a couple of them here in the next couple of days or weeks!

Aiyee: Photographer & Future Director

That's my future pro photographer or videographer!

These pictures were taken at Jay's 2007 Christmas Carols.

Kallen checking out the Christmas tree and eyeing the Christmas ball.

Aiyee and Jay has this penchant for taking pictures and at times holding and pointing their mum's digicam. Thank God for the digital cameras, all you need is a fresh re-charged digital camera. No films to develop, let alone batteries to buy. Most cameras have rechargeables lithium-ion batteries.

Jay with Dane, while waiting for their turn to perform.

I am considering buying Aiyee and Jay their own digital cameras. They've managed to "destroy" my old Olympus and their mum's Canon. Good thing the Olympus was still on extended warranty. While I managed to fix the Canon one.

Walking down from the stage, just after a good performance.

They are going to Queensland tomorrow for a six-day holiday at the Gold Coast. Maybe this is the best time to buy these boys their own digicam. We'll see...

Update 14 January: I did bought the kids a Samsung S630 A$97.00 digi cam special (JB HiFi)for them to share. So I will post their pictures here when they get back from holidays.

No One as Sung by Alicia Keys

I just want you close

Where you can stay forever

You can be sure

That it will only get better

You and me together

Through the days and nights

I dont worry cause

Everythings gonna be alright

People keep talking

They can say what they like

But all I know is everything's gonna be alright

No one no one no one

Can get in the way of what I'm feeling

No one no one no one

Can get in the way of what I feel for you

You you

Can get in the way of what I feel for you

When the rain is pouring down

And my heart is hurting

You will always be around

This I know for certain

You and me together

Through the days and nights

I dont worry cause

Everythings gonna be alright

People keep talking

They can say what they like

But all I know is everything's gonna be alright

No one no one no one

Can get in the way of what I'm feeling

No one no one no one

Can get in the way of what I feel for you

You you

Can get in the way of what I feel for you

I know some people search the world

To find something like what we have

I know people will try

Try to divideSomething so real

So till the end of time

Im telling you that

No one no one no one

Can get in the way of what I'm feeling

No one no one no one

Can get in the way of what I feel for you

Oh oh oh....

[No One lyrics found on http://www.completealbumlyrics.com/ ] Click for video here.

Kallen Malling: Live & Enjoy Life!

"Work like you don't need the money.

Love like you've never been hurt.

Dance like nobody's watching.

Sing like nobody's listening.

Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

Live life to the fullest.

Enjoy life..."

Anon.

Becks in Town

If you are a football fan, you know straightaway who I am talking about. It's David Beckham, the football star. I am not really a big football or soccer fan. I easily get bored with how long they score, so the highlight of any game is good enough for me. And I am not a big fan of that Spice Girl turned Mrs Beckham either... what's her name?

What caught my attention was the article in The Sydney Morning Herald (26 November 2007, pages 2 and 3 of the Sport section):

"Do you know you made some kids with cancer cry this morning, David?

"Never mind jet lag from a 22-hour journey from London via China, David Beckham suddenly didn't know what day it was. "Welcome to Australia...

"Mustering an eloquence that betrayed his fatigue, and a few of his responses, Beckham told his Channel Seven assailant he hadn't seen any children he was supposed to meet at LA Galaxy's team hotel since stepping off his private jet about, oh, 12 minutes ago.

""That's one thing [ignoring fans] I would never have done, never have done and never will do. That's not me," he pleaded.

"... his manager immediately assured Channel Seven the misunderstanding would be cleared up and that Beckham was to meet the children, including 14-year old leukaemia survivor Emma Byers, at last night's Sydney FC game."

That's a very nice gesture from David Beckham and his management team. This is a guy who makes, reportedly; $1 million a week!

Now comes my "whining"... my grandson, Jaylen, who survived ALL leukaemia requested The Starlight Children's Foundation to meet the Umbilical Brothers. Not a biggie as meeting David Beckham or any footie star or even a trip to Disneyland. But apparently the Umbilical Brothers are "too busy" for almost a year now to "ignore" that request. Up to now, there's no respond and the bros are apparently "busy". Jaylen even outgrown them now and are now into other interests as all other boys his age.

I guess it's the Umbilical Brothers' loss not Jaylen's. The great thing is, Starlight is so embarrassed by all this they offered Jaylen's family a trip to the Gold Coast as early as January 2008. You see, all things happen for a reason, good reasons. I am sure Jaylen and his brothers would love that trip rather than meeting second rate comedians. I hope the Umbilical Brothers learn a thing or two from a star who makes $1 million a week!

While Beckham may not heal some kids, he will make some kids happy for the rest of their lives. Good on you David!

Jaylen's ALL Two Year Anniversary

You've guessed by now that we have a penchant for Lindt Chocolate Cake. We have a sweet tooth. Rea even bought this Chocolate covered strawberry lollies from Country Road today. This is Charle's birthday cake and a bottle of Moscato.

We were at my grandsons' home yesterday for dinner, as we missed Charles birthday the other day(we weren't invited :( ). It's good to celebrate on a Friday though, one can drink and stay up as late as it is not a working day the next day.

But Honey, as she always does have an elephant's memory; remembered something else. It's always at the back of her mind that yesterday was a day we should have remembered. And it dawned on her that it was the day that Jaylen was diagnosed with ALL or the dreaded leukaemia.

That was two years ago, and we are happy to say that Jaylen is going well and have another month for his maintenance medicines. All his tests are good.

While this day is something that we would rather forget, in a way this day was a Thanksgiving day for us for the last year or so. Jaylen was declared on the mend since last year and has been taking his maintenance medication for the last one and half years. Another month to go and as Jaylen always declares: he has a new life. He said this when his port was taken off a year ago.

Whenever he goes back for treatment or when he has a fever (a sign of an incoming infection), he woul declare when his needle are taken out: "Welcome world, I am back again!" We don't know were he comes up with these sayings. Maybe on the cartoon shows he always watch when in hospital.

We have a theory that part of his recovery is the fact that as a kid he does not worry much like an adult would. He has this positive outlook in life. Plus all the prayers and positive support we get from family and friends. Plus all the staff at C2, C3 Wests and emergency ward at Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick. Special mention and thanks to Prof Marshall for his expertise and commitment to children with cancers. Jay and Aiyee mucking around...

We have every reason to thank God for the grace and blessing for testing us. He chose a good test subject in Jaylen!

If you want to donate money to any charity, please keep in mind the Sydney Children's Hospital, The Leukeamia Foundation, Ronald McDonalds House Charities and the Starlight Children's Foundation. Please give generously.

So everytime Charles would celebrate his birthday, the following day would be a special day also for all of us. And we pray that it will continue to be so!

What are you trying to say?

I think he's telling us something...

We know summer is here, coz you're wearing your sunnies!

Hey wait a second... that is not your sunnies. They are... uh.. swimming goggles!

Ok we get it, you want us to take you to the beach... Bondi here we come!

This last one taken at Uncle Flinton and Auntie Maria's flat at Bondi. Thanks for having us.

Their Big Red Car

These are my three wiggles.

Taken at my backyard last week, I think Rea's birthday. That was the time Kallen and Jay had the chicken pox, lucky Aiyee didn't get it!