My US Tourist Visa Interview

Note: Hopefully, my blog could be of help to those who aspires to have one!

November 13, 2012/Tuesday

It was my eldest 16th birthday! I was up at 3 o’clock in the morning. I was supposed to prepare a festive breakfast for my birthday boy. But instead I was busy getting ready for my 6:30 am appointment at the US Embassy in Manila.

My son understood. Anyway, we could celebrate in the afternoon. He told me he asked God a US visa for me for his b-day wish… how sweet!

Left Cainta in a taxi cab at 4:15 am then arrived around 5am outside the US Embassy. There were already people lined up not far from the gate.

After two unofficial queues, the guard instructed the visa applicants to line up again in the tent area near the main gate of the embassy. There were 3 lines; one on the left is for the immigrant visa application, the middle one for the non-immigrants or tourists, while the right most are for the seafarers. Here the embassy staff members checked on my DS-160 confirmation letter and passport. They put an embassy bar-coded sticker at the back cover of my passport. And handed it back with a pink slip I need to fill with personal data.

Finally I entered the embassy. Inside, I walked through a metal detector while my bag and accordion file envelop went through the X-Ray machine.

Electronic gadgets like celfone, MP3, ipod, laptop, camera, and usb thumb drives are not allowed inside the embassy. Even food and bottled water are not allowed. In case you need to drink or eat, there is a snack stand inside the embassy holding area.

Outdoor Holding Area  / Photo source: Google

The guard asked me if I have water inside my bag. I said it was a bottle of cologne spray. She mistakenly assumed I have chewing gum in my mouth. She asked me to spit it out in the trash bin outside the building. Whoa! No way! I won’t hassle myself getting outside, so I swallowed the candy down my throat! There you go… gone in one gulp!

Then I was directed to a window to get a number. I was given 2001. Technically, I got the first number for the tourist visa applicants. Since my sked is 6:30am I headed straight to the NOX1 building which houses the consular services. Once inside, I walked through another security check. When done, I was ushered by embassy personnel to the left area of the building. There I filled up the pink form.

Inside NOX1 Building - Finger Scanning Area  / Photo Source: Google

STEP 1: Pre-screening
At 6:30 am, tourist visa applicants with numbers 2001-2010 were told to line up in front of the pre-screening windows area. Window 26 opened and I proceeded.

The pre-screener behind the window was a Filipina. I gave her my passport and DS-160 confirmation letter and pink slip. She asked my full name and birth date. It seemed there was a problem with my electronically attached photo on my DS-160 confirmation sheet. Good thing, I have a spare of my latest 2x2 photo. She scanned it and stapled it on my paper. She stamped the DS-160 confirmation letter with annotation to be filled by the consul officer. Then she took the pink slip and returned the letter and passport. I headed back to my seat waiting for the next step.

STEP 2: Finger Scanning
Around 6:45, the numbers were randomly flashed on the boards. My number came up fifth – 2001 at Window 16. Behind the glass was a hefty white American guy with a warm and friendly voice. He asked me my full name and birth date while glimpsing on his computer. He instructed me throughout the process. Then he stamped my DS-160 confirmation sheet “Captured”. He wished me with “Have a nice day!”

When it was done, I sat down in the front seats beside a man who happens to be a priest because he is a wearing black clerical shirt. I smiled at him. I saw the sign! God sent me a good sign.

STEP 3: Interview
The US Embassy personnel told us that Consular Interview will start at 7:30am and applicants need to keep an eye on the boards. Then the wait is over. Only one window opened and the first number came up on the boards. OMG! It was 2001, my number! 

Interview Area  /  Photo Source: Google

As I rushed to the window, I tell you, all eyes were on me! Such a pressure, not just because I was the first to be watched, the first to approved/disapproved, the first of… many, but also because of the pressure my 3-inch wedge killer shoes was putting on me! Oh, not to forget the 1 kilo accordion file envelop on my left hand.

But the embassy staff asked me to wait standing at the back of a young couple with their one year old baby girl. They were “expedite” case, they have no number. They’re given priority. The baby girl smiled to me. Oh heaven sent an angel! Ahihihi…It must have been the breakfast I missed! The young couple along with their little angel was given a US visa.

Now, it’s my turn; this time the interview was with a white American consul. He was a handsome man on his late 30’s I guessed. I greeted him good morning and he greeted me back and smiled. I handed him my passport and DS-160 confirmation letter. He then looked at my files in the computer and he started asking questions:

1.  Is this your first time to get a US Visa? Yes, it is.
2.  What is your purpose of travel to the US? Tourism
3. What places do you want to go to in the US? I want to see San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Hollywood
4. Do you have relatives in the US? Yes, I have a niece in California
5. Any brother or sister in LA? No
6. Where will you be staying? At my niece’s place in California
7. How is your niece a relative? Distant? Family? She is family
8. What’s her status? She is a US citizen
9. How’d she come to the US? She is married to a US citizen
10.  Are you married? Yes
11.  Where is your husband? He is an OFW in Canada
12.  What does he do? He is a warehouse shipper/receiver for Trenton Cold Storage
13  .How long is he in Canada? 5 years
14.  You have children? Yes
15.  How many? I have 2 boys
16  .How old are they? 14 and 16
17.  Where do they live? They live with me
18.  Who is paying for your trip? My husband
19.  Who is travelling with you? Just me, I’m travelling alone. My husband is unable to get a leave from work and my boys are in school
20.  Why is it now you’re travelling to the US? This is the only time my work permits me
21.  What do you do? I’m a consultant at the Kids Haven Intervention Learning Center in Pasig City
22.  How’d you become a consultant? I’m a licensed teacher
23.  So you teach? No. I only do tutorial
24.  And what is your job as a consultant? As a consultant I do audit and submit improvement recommendations for the school curriculum


I tried to be calm and confident the whole time. I made sure to keep an eye contact with the consul. I made short, clear, to the point replies, in a loud and clear voice.

He told me that my visa is approved and expect to receive the passport within 7 working days. I was like stunned, looking at him writing something on my confirmation paper. Then he looked at me while I whispered, “ok now?” He said something that I can’t figure out because I was blown away. All I said is “Thank you!”

The consul didn’t even ask for any supporting documents. My first US visa interview and I nailed it!

I was interviewed on a Tuesday; the courier 2GO delivered my passport Friday morning. I was granted a 10 year multiple entry visa.

I thank God for giving me a generous consular officer! I thank God for those people who prayed with me and who supported me. I thank God that everything went off smoothly. All praises to God!

A Mother’s Boys II Men: Dating Girls

     There is no way around it!  I had to face it!  Or do something I wished my teenage sons could avoid: But my boys are going to date girls!

     In these days of SMS, text, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Viber and the like where one could easily get ‘good vibes’; I get to accept dating as a normal adolescent life stage experience for most teenagers.

     As much as I don’t want my boys not to engage in boy-girl relationships, the desire to have a special someone is part of the journey.  As for my teenage sons, they go along because they are conscious to try something new that other friends are doing. Or it seems to be unavoidable not to get noticed, attracted and interested in this age and time.

 Renz with Mikee

     Anyway, as my boys entering puberty, I always make it clear that they need to be aware of their ability to impregnate a girl.  Remember the raging hormones of teenagers, they feel overwhelmed with the existent of their first love, 2^nd love, 3^rd… and the idea that they are behaving in an adult manner fascinates them.

     And many young people are not fully capable of understanding all the possible consequences of this adolescent emotional issue.  Due to their hormones, they are not thinking their actions through. Yeah! Blame it on the infamous raging hormones that need to be addressed and managed.

     This is the time to teach them about responsible behavior– the rules and limits of dating.  Help them reassess their moral values. Most importantly I should be sure that they know about the responsibility they have to themselves, their bodies and their dates. I need to teach my teens to treat those they date with respect. 

    My teens are in the transition from child to adult. Dating helps them to feel independent and mature. It's a step forward into "grown-up" behavior. My boys and I always talk, talk… I always tell them, “don’t get too physically close, and please do not engage in any sexual activities!”

    There! Prepare myself, equip them! (Not with condom). Push them hard to study! Engage them on sports! Fascinates them with Lebron James shoes! Feed them pasta and pizza! Threat them!

   What a mother could do best is to be ‘around’ for them and say a little prayer, No! Lots of prayers!

A Mother’s Hunger Games: Bento for My Boys

           Who wouldn't want to appease their children’s hunger? As much as make them enjoy every bite? To ensure that my teens get to eat their lunch in school, I have to be creative in preparing their packed lunch.  With the help of the ever reliable Google and some culinary pages, voilà! I started my bento! 

         The meal was more than enough to satisfy their hunger and curiosity.  It is both a feast to the stomach and the eyes. My styled bento is more appreciated.  Gone are days with the boring packed lunch my kids used to have.

         And they’re so proud of mommy in school. They’re gaining popularity because of the bento!   There are times teachers ask my boys to show to the faculty their bento. There are instances; teachers and classmates take picture of it.  So I decided doing photos of my boxed lunches and share it on FB pages. I Hope to inspire other moms or dads to make bento for their children. And hopefully make my boys “get” what I do!

        Of course, I make sure that my bento is what my boys really like to eat. My recipes are the basic and made from ingredients that are readily available in our place. I do “Pinoy” style bento or “baon” and at times the "oekakiben" or "picture bento", which is decorated to look like people, animals, or items such as flowers and plants.

No, I don't photograph everything I make!  I’m on a timetable or else my boys will be late in school.

 
 

For more photos to share. Dig in! at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bento_nini/

*Bento (弁当 bentō^?)^[1] is a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine. A traditional bento consists of rice, fish or meat, and one or more pickled or cooked vegetables, usually in a box-shaped container.

* en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bento 

my bento tools

Me And My Blog

Nini is writing notes of some important and funny events on raising her 2 boys. She is a typical stay-at-home mother while her hubby is working miles away from home for years now. Her blog is to share and to inform with parents or alike going through similar situations she has experienced. She is working hard and praying diligently on her relationships with her two boys – the source of both her greatest joys and most consuming worries.

Hope this site provide a simple way for family and friends stay connected from different parts of the world by sharing stories, photos, videos and more.

Blogging brings like-minded people together. So express your thoughts and opinions.

God bless,

Nini

Killing Boredom

      Books are one of my best friends. It is easy to grab one. In my boredom, I take delight in reading. Reading consoles me in my sorrow. As Tom Bissell says "Reading gives someone to think about other than one's self". It allows my mind to picture what the author is trying to make people visualize from the story. It's like you can travel the world without even leaving your chair when reading.

My Book Collection

      Of all the books I have, on top of my list that I love to read over and over again are The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Veronika Decides To Die, The Alchemist, Aleph, all by Paulo Coelho,Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom, Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love, The Greatest Miracle In The World by Og Mandino, Dekada '70 and Gapo by Lualhati Bautista,The Woman Who Had Two Navels by Nick Joaquin, For Whom The Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway, Hamlet by William Shakespeare, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, Tender Is The Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

      I also love reading self help books.  Some favorites are Handling Difficult People by Dr. John Townsend, Happiness Now by Andrew Matthews, Your Past Does Not Define Your Future by Bo Sanchez, and Gretchen Rubin's The Happiness Project.

     Reading becomes an indulgence because I cannot help it but buy a book every time I visit a bookstore. I have a collection of different books and literature. For the sake of variety, I read novels, self-help, essays, dramas, poems, trivia, recipes etc. I guess I am old school.  Although ebooks are the new thing, I will go for real books.  I like the feel, the smell of an actual book in my hands, flipping through the pages!

    Reading keeps my sanity. I have never-failing companions like Our Daily Bread, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and Kerygma. It is a storehouse of knowledge, wisdom and virtue to guide me in this life.

Reading helps me enrich my mind and vocabulary, extent of my beliefs, and concerns about people and so on. 

     "Books can truly change our lives: the lives of those who read them, the lives of those who write them." - Lloyd Alexander

     What is important is that if you have a big block of time, or boredom, the best way to put that to use is to relax, or have fun, or learn new tricks, or find a book to suit you.

My Prayer Bowl

My Prayer Bowl

      My Prayer bowl is a constant reminder of my prayer intentions. I really wanted to be true to my promise to prayer requests of family members and friends, neighbors  or even strangers, who is ill or is going through a difficult time.  I used to make a list of my prayers on a paper but then as days passed by it get torn and crumpled. I remembered hearing about using stones as reminders for prayer. It was then I get inspiration for bowl with stone marked with the person's name, prayer needs and gratitude.

    This way I can keep my attention on my family, my friends, and others with specific needs, and to give praise and thanks for all the blessings I have received. (1 Thessalonians 5:17 Never stop praying).

    My bowl is always full. And there's no guarantee that every prayer is granted. Anyhow, I trust and thank the Lord everyday for whatever answer He gives me.

A Mother's Job: Finding Renz's Passion

        Everyone is good at something.  All people have a knack for something. Chances are someone has told you that if your child is interested, whether in sports, music or the arts, grab the opportunity and let your child explore a variety of options. And finding your kid’s passion at a young age will help him in school and life.  It would help your son to become a well-rounded person if you introduce him to numerous activities. 

                     

      Alright, it seems my son Renz is interested in activities but that which happen to be popular among friends in school or neighbourhood.  I know these activities aren’t necessarily will win my son scholarships or public recognition.  What is much important is that he shows a knack for it and he thoroughly enjoys it more than just a majestic view of watching him play, play an instrument, or smash a shuttle with his entire core.

       I’m not forcing him to excel nor imposing my dreams on him, but letting him learn and enjoy many new experiences.  I’m just here to help him set realistic goals and celebrate small achievements.   Hoping, I’m opening a channel for him to express himself in a positive way by exposing him to different activities. I pray I could be of help in finding his true calling because if he has direction in life also he has less chance of getting involved in drugs or alcohol or hanging out with the wrong crowd.  Hopefully, he will gain confidence that will spill over into other areasof his life. 

        Like every summer I enrol him and his younger brother in lessons of any kind I can afford and/that they want to be in.  At age 7, he took up swimming lessons and loves the water ever since.  At 8 and 9, they have attended 2 summers of McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop.  Before we came to badminton, though, my son tried numerous activities like taekwondo, ice skating, and volleyball, that didn’t work out at all.  There are times he engages in air soft, paintball, billiards, tennis and basketball.  This summer he had guitar lessons and learned just 4 songs.  Now he wants to play drums.  

    Sometimes I ask myself what I can do to keep that passion burning in my kid’s heart and mind.  It is my job as his parent to help him realize it and bring it to its full potential.  So I’m watching him practice, giving him time alone, with a watchful eye, of course. I let him try and fail.  And I try hard not to be critical or demanding.

     I think one of the most important jobs of a parent is to inspire and encourage those things the child seems to be naturally attracted to in order to help discover his passion.  It is the uncovering, pursuing, and being able to live his passion is the best help you can give your child.  More than a mother’s aspiration or a mother’s prayer but most of all, it’s a mother’s job.  Praises and encouragement are welcomed whether your son is 4 or 40.  One will never outgrow affirmation or validation.

               As for Renz’s badminton coaches,Jayson, Prince and Alex, these things they have to say: Renz learning new skills will stimulate his mind, his training will promote physical fitness, it will enhance his social skills, and it will help him develop confidence and self esteem.

     Now, Renz is a badminton varsity player at his school. He started playing and competing at age 10.  So far so good playing singles at the CAPRISA (Cainta Private School Associations) and RIPRIZA (Rizal Private School Associations).  He’s eyeing to play at the provincial meet.

     I’m looking forward to that day Renz will develop a talent that can lead to great successes in his life:emotional happiness, increased self-esteem, as well as, possibly financial benefits.

P.S.  I’m having problem with Ren’z self-control... the self-control by athletes who train to win the prize.  I always tell him that he needs to remember that as a consistent habit of life, regular discipline is of far greater value to him than his “ last minute preparation”.

Capture Bacolod MassKara Festival

Bacolod MassKara Festival

I love to travel and really would like to visit Bacolod and experience their MassKara Festival. As everybody knows, their festival is the most colorful street dance in the Philippines.  It is a Mardi Gras and Oktoberfest-like celebration where everybody can dance, drink and be merry.

There are many reasons why I would like to experience the Masskara Festival. First, I want to see their showcase of colorful smiling masks and elaborate costumes. Second, I love their world renowned street dancing. Third, Bacolod has the famous Chicken Inasal and Piaya and so many other delicious Bacolod dishes and delicacies.  Bacolod also has antique houses, old stone churches, and other cultural sites. Undeniably, another reason is the people are very warm, and I want to capture the City of Smile. 

Oh, I really like to join Bacolod MassKara Festival this October!

***THIS IS MY ENTRY TO AIRPHIL EXPRESS LATEST CONTEST PROMO

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A Mother’s Initial Horror: Frenzy Orange Condom

By Nini Lucas-San Andres

May 10, 2011

Orange-flavoured condom!  In my son’s wallet! OMG!  He’s only 14.  And in case you’re wondering what the heck I am doing with my son’s wallet, well it is everywhere and a mother is a mother and I am a mother!

I was wide-eyed, stunned. Then I cried.  Fears flashed in my mind.  I imagined my son with a pregnant girl.  I pictured him with a baby.  I questioned.  What about his dreams, his college diploma, his dream of working in a multinational company, his dream house and cars? I saw these things and for all my attempts at understanding, I was simply a frightened mom!

Overcoming my initial reaction, I began to text my husband who’s miles away but to no avail.  Yes, in the middle of the night I texted Pashu, a friend and Ate Baby, my sister.  Thankfully, they texted back.    

          Pashu:   “look on the bright side...at least he is being responsible...don’t confront...have a casual talk about his love/personal life”.

         Ate Baby:  “don’t panic, don’t confront...it’s how young boys nowadays...maybe it’s just a props...don’t think bad...it will pass.”

Somehow they pacified me.  Only if you have seen the horror in my face, I could have won the best actress award.  I remember how a good friend Tere, in spite a liberated woman, felt just the same way when she found out a condom on his son’s wallet.  I guess mothers are all the same...protective.

Two days passed when I finally got the chance and courage to talk to my son.  It went like this.

Me:   "Who’s this new gf of yours? Is she a friend of J_ _ _ _?”

My Son:     Nods.

Me: “We have talked about your friends and bf-gf relationship before...you know   I’m always here to remind you to prioritize your studies.”

My Son:  “I know that already."

Me:  “Okay...hmmm...by the way...we know that J_ _ _ _is already     experienced with girls...remember what happened to him last year...the one his mother talked about...”

My son:    “Yes.”

Me: “hmmm...you know...I saw a condom ...in your wallet...is that yours? Did you buy it yourself?”

My Son:  “It’s nothing...all my friends have it on their wallet...it’s just a show off...cool thing...my friend gave it to me.” 

Me:  "hmmm...okay...are you still a virgin?!” (Damn me to ask)

My Son:     “Mommy...but of course! “(He's little annoyed)

Me:       “Oh...okay...”

When Ronnie and I talked about it, I found out that he talked to him ahead of me.  He told our son that condom is not bad at all.  That it’s a good thing that he is being responsible but young enough for that.  And that he should wait for the right time and the right person to engage in sexual activity.

It’s a young man’s decision to be safe. And the argument of “teens will have sex anyway, so might as well give them condom” is worth contemplating. I don’t think I’ll just sit and wait.  I need to make another talk with my son.  I want to share my feelings, values and beliefs about sex.   So we did.  I told him the positive information- that is, sexuality is natural and healthy, and should be in loving relationships, and intimacy can be a wonderful part of adult life.  Then I pointed to him that there is the negative info about sex like STD, HIV and unwanted pregnancy. 

Whatever the flavour is, be it orange, mint, or banana...he should wait even its cool and popular among generation y.  I added that the best way is to avoid circumstances that could lead him to sex.  And abstinence is sure protection against unwanted pregnancy and STDs. I asked him to focus on studies and sports.

No matter how firm and protective I am with my sons, I know there are these things beyond my control.  I always keep them in my guidance and most especially in prayers. 

A Mother’s Puberty: Erections and Emissions

Being a teenager is a troubling time. And my boys are not exempted adjusting to all the challenges going on both with their physical and emotions.

Since their father is miles away for quite some time now, I’m left alone raising these teens. I’m having a hard time dealing with them and their raging hormones. But someone has to do the job and I’m left with no choice.

One Sunday evening after hearing mass, I brought my two boys to Isaw Haus, a grill eatery near our place. While feeding their stomach with chicken barbeque, sisig and fried rice, I started helping their brains digest matters on erections and nocturnal emissions. Yes! Hear me out, “wet dreams”. I said it. You should see the look on their faces. My eldest Renz smirked a bit and Harvey frowned in deep thought grasping the word.

  

Anyway, I bravely told them these are natural process of maturity.  Yes, I was having a hard time explaining to them (1) that boys get unexpected erections, without touching their penis or without having sexual thoughts, (2) that many boys begin to have wet dreamswhen they start puberty, (3) that ejaculating when asleep is the body’s way of releasing “built up” semen, and (4) that with time these will become less frequent.

I told my boys, so let it be. And I pointed it out to them not to entertain any sexual thoughts or romantic feelings. 

You know, I’m trying to decrease their hormonal/sexual drive.Yes, I heard it before, let the boys discover and explore. I try not to pry. But I’m not comfortable not knowing what is going on in my kids’ life. But as their mother, my teens need to be and guided and polished. I survived my puberty. Now I just have to survive my boys’ puberty.

A Mother’s Sight: Harvey No More A Baby

By Nini Lucas-San Andres

January 13, 2011

  From cute and cuddly little kiddo suddenly Harvey is almost as big as, actually taller than I am.  He is turning into awkward, clumsy person who is fast developing a new physicality that he doesn’t know what to do with.  He is unsteady between considerable maturity and babyness.

     Rapid body changes occur like his sweat glands become more active and odorous, and more hairy legs.  He is getting self-conscious on his appearance.  He is starting to dress like his older brother Renz, wearing branded jeans, boxer shorts and men’s black leather shoes.  Conformity in clothes, speech, hair style, etc., becomes very important to him.   He is beginning to show concern for his body.  He is using deodorant, face powder and facial wash, and body cologne.  He has accessories, bracelet, dog tag, belt, etc.

   Aside from the physical change, he is dealing with social and emotional experiences.  There is the need for privacy.  He is secretive, talkative but not communicative, often giggly.

    Most of the time, he would rather “hang out” with his friends.  Peer group friendships become more intimate.  He is becoming moody and irritable. He is always acting out and quick to disagree with me.

Yes, my little baby is not that anymore, but it is time to put my nostalgia aside.  I need to embrace the changes that are happening to my boy, especially the physical ones.  Focus on what he is turning into and not what he used to be. 

    He might lose the babyness but hopefully not the extra happiness I get whenever I hear from him the “I love you too”, and the kiss on my cheek.

A Mother's Ears: Harvey Beatboxing!

bt!... pft!... ts!.. bt!... pft!... ts!" A louder and punchier b! "BoomBa! BoomBa!

It's all over the house... imitations of percussion sounds... seems like beating drums. 

It is Harvey's beatboxing. But he sounds a lot goofy, as in Goofy of Disney...not being silly but the way he pronounces words. And he never stops. He never runs out of air... what a great deal of lung capacity my son has.

But this beatboxing makes me crazy. It is too much for me. And I complain in hysterics. What can a mother do? A mother needs to lend an ear. So I have to listen and understand patiently and appreciate.

Amid all the noise and the saliva spits out of Harvey's deafening beatboxing, I am hoping he will get it right someday. Unfortunately, I didn't capture on video his beatboxing.

I know it may take some practice and a mother's ears to make this beatboxing enjoyable for others' ears as well.

by Nini Lucas-San Andres

December 12, 2010

A Mother’s Unusual Hobby: 6 Pack Abs!

By Nini SanAndres

November 29, 2010

I’m not that gaga over this actor Derek Ramsey.  I guess I’m no longer too young to get that wild...hmmm.  Or maybe because I am used to seeing a lot of him on TV and I failed to appreciate him more.  Until my kids’ small talk of him caught my attention.  True enough!  Who doesn’t want Derek Ramsey’s body? Men or women, young or old, either wants or gets an eyeful of his 6 pack abs.  He looks strong and physically attractive.

My two boys were watching Derek on TV and some guys from Survivor Philippines Celebrity Edition.  They were comparing their biceps and abs.  My eldest son Renz told me that he’d be working out in the gym when he gets in college.  They are eyeing to grow their body structures to become handsome hunks! Huh? Like Incredible Hulk? No! Okay, not the massive muscle guy but the toned, lean, and physically fit-looking Derek.

I see! So a “nice body” and a “gym body” are entirely different things.  People like Brad Pitt, Jessica Alba, Will Smith, etc…all just look fit and attractive. When you look at them the first thing that comes to mind is that they have a "nice body". Okay, this is different than looking at a person and thinking "gym body". When you see a really massive guy, you think they must spend a lot of time in the gym.

Anyway, at 14 and 13 though both my boys are athletic, I could not imagine them at their young age and mind that they’re already conscious on having a nice body.  Them, preoccupied with online games and food want to be hunks...hmmm...

Harvey's List

There were several nights I find Harvey all perspiring in his room doing sit ups and abs crunches. I also found a handwritten list of his exercise.  He said he needs to work out since he’s joining karate.  Now I understand. I said to him I was even worried it can even lead to serious back injuries if done wrongly over a period of time.  But he wanted it.  I just hope for the best.

Renz has thin body structure while Harvey has more curves. My eldest son would need a lot of gaining while the other more on toning to do in the future. I am excited for the transformation.  It’s good to see the boys achieving more perfect physical shape and getting into sports.

I think it is whatever feels good and healthy for them. I don't think that one or even a few types will fit most people. Not everyone fits into perfectly moulded categories that we set out for people. I think difference is a beautiful thing; in bodies and minds everyone is unique and different as long as you don’t bite someone’s head off or step on some people’s toes... and that is wonderful in my opinion.