Jeezuz

On Sunday, Rama and Miriam made a mess. Which I only discovered after Miriam had left. I was shocked to see the bathroom sink (and mirror and and floor and tub) splattered with paint. Water-based, so it's really OK. But I was just really shocked that these two sweet little girls could wreak such havoc. I proceeded to clean up, Rama standing by my side. I wasn't even aware I was doing it, until Rama called my attention:

Rama: Why are you saying "Jesus" over and over again?
Me, winging it, again: Because I'm calling on god to help me clean this mess.
Rama: Oh.

Monday morning rush. I was helping Rama get dressed - into too-small pants. Turns out I was muttering again.

Rama, under her breath: Jesus, please help my mom pull up my zipper.

Hair

Props to Ate Mercy's great timing. She got Rama this wig. Which is so appropriate, as Rama and I are still basking in the afterglow of the We Will Rock You experience. One of the characters, Oz, has hair exactly like this.

Rama repeats dialog from the show. Her favorite, which she reenacts with flourish:

Rama as Figaro: Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the fandango?
Rama as Scaramouche: Are you trying to get in my pants?

On another note.

Britney got a new haircut. So I made the comment:

Me: Brit, you look like Dora. And Rama. Hmmm. Let's see. You look like... Boots! (the monkey.)
Rama: He doesn't have hair. (Pause). Can you come with me?

She takes my hand to the other room, in private.

Rama: You hurt my feelings.

Gasp! So I said sorry, and explained that I didn't mean to, I was just playing and just having fun, etc.

Rama: It wasn't even funny.

Ratatouille

Last night, at her dad's place, we heard animal sounds behind the walls. Scurrying sounds. This was while we were prepping dinner - she was helping me chop turnips.

Me: What's that?
Rama quiet, just straining to listen for more.
Me: Maybe it's a squirrel? Or daga.
Rama: I hope it's Ratatouille, so he can help us make dinner.
Me, addressing the creatures: Hoy, kayo diyan, punta na kayo dito, tulungan niyo kami magluto!
Rama: English sila.

Healthy Detachment?

Here is Rama with her new friend, Miriam.
Yesterday, Rama gave Miriam 3 of her most precious mermaid dolls. I just overheard some parts of their conversation.

Miriam: WIll you let me pick which ones?
Rama: Sure
Miriam: Ok. I promise I won't pick Ariel.
Rama: No, it's ok if you pick Ariel.

And in the course of the afternoon, instead of just one doll, Miriam happily went home with 3 new mermaids, including Ariel.

The following day, I tried to talk to Rama about it.

Me: Rama, hiningi ba ni Miriam yung dolls?
Rama: No, I just gave it to her.
Me: Why?
Rama: Because I like making people happy.
Me: Will you miss your mermaids?
Rama: Yes.
Me: What will you do if you miss your mermaids?
Rama: I'll think of nice things. Or masahe. Or just play with something else.
Me: WIll you take it back?
Rama: No. It doesn't really matter.

Childhood Zen.

Our Backyard :-)

Prudie Ever

Rama and I had some company today. She made friends with Miriam, 6 years old, a while back and we've had pizza parties at their place. Today, we were all going on an Easter-themed outing. But before that, we had Miriam and her dad over for lunch at our place.

In the middle of the lunch, Rama stood up and picked up a framed baby picture of hers. It was on display in the dining area; our guests had their backs to it. She calmly stood up, walked around the table, picked up the frame, and brought it into the bedroom. Miriam followed her. Rama simply told her, "I just want to hide something." No big fuss. She went back to the table, and gave me a look that asked, "Was that ok?" I let it go, reassured her everything was ok, and we all just went back to enjoying our lunch.

Later that day, when I had her to myself, I had to ask her.

Me: Rama, bakit mo tinago yung picture mo kanina?
Rama: Kasi nahihiya ako.
Me: Bakit?
Rama: Kasi I'm naked.

This picture will now live in the bedroom. I should get new photos printed.

Booze and Cigs

Just today, I learned about these exchanges between Rama and her Tita Krung Krung. They have a special bond - they share a love for funky handbags, movies and other vices. 

One night in Manila, they were watching a DVD. Tita KK had to take a smoking break. Rama tagged along. After a few puffs, Tita KK put the cigarette out. She assumed Rama wanted to go back to her movie right away. 

Rama: Bakit mo pinatay na?

Tita Krung Krung: Tapos na ako. 

Rama: Sayang naman. Dami pa nu'n. Bakit ka nagmamadali? Andito naman ako. Sasamahan kita. Sindihan mo na ulit. 

Another time, Rama kept looking at Tita KK's full glass of vodka. 

Rama: Inumin mo na yan.  

Tita Krung Krung: Bakit?

Rama: Kasi matutunaw na yung yelo, mawawalan na ng lasa yung vodka mo, magtitimpla ka pa uli. 

Rama was around 4 years old.