Denise Katipunera

The Lost Ones. Or So I Thought...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 21:13:00 +0800

I thought I have forever lost these photos from last year of early December. It was the day we went boating around Corniche. Correction, it was more like, Yllac decided to hop on the boat finally after almost a year of convincing him that boats are safe. And that there are no sharks to stalk us. So, back to that unfortunate time I lost these photos, I asked and asked Jayson about these and for some reason we couldn't remember where we stored it. We checked our laptops a couple of times with no success of finding them. I thought Id lost them forever until a month ago, when Jayson was working on my laptop and miraculously they were there, hidden on some wormhole of folders. I was relieved. I showed them right away to Yllac to refresh his memories. Lo and behold, he has absolutely no recollection of this supposed to be memorable experience even a tiny bit. It's okay I guess, being less than 4 year old that time, I don't expect him to remember every bit of details of his cute life. Oh! But I vividly remember that he did not crack a single smile that day.

So, unto the lost photos....I hope you like them as much as I do.

West Bay, you are absolutely gorgeous. In every angle, in every direction, and on land, sea and air, you are perfection. You are my beacon of inspiration. The first day we arrived in Doha, Jayson took us driving all over West Bay right away. It was 6 in the evening and West Bay just took my breath away. She's so shiny and twinkly and bright. Like a star on Earth.

Per person cost about 15-20 riyals for 20 minutes ride. It was fun. I highly recommend this activity. These boats are easy to spot. They are all over Corniche and am pretty sure they will try to approach you if you want a boat ride. Plus they play super upbeat Arabic music as you go along. So not bad at all.

That's all for today. God bless.

Hello. It's Me.

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Thu, 26 Nov 2015 05:03:00 +0800

Hi! Just wanted to check if this is still working. Are you still there?

There are so many days I tried to be here, write something, or share a photo, or something.

I am a terrible, terrible, terrible blogger. That too! I am not even worthy to attach my name to being a blogger. Real bloggers out there would cringe.

The truth is, I am always here. I am the same. Maybe a little changed Denise Katipunera, but still the same.

Sometimes I don't know what to say. Can I just be here without saying anything?

Can I?

How You Doin'?

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 16:40:00 +0800

Motherhood these days.... is stepping on legos, Watching a lot of Madagascar. Baking and cooking anything with banana. Banana bread. Banana pancake. Banana muffin. Cause I got a growing monkey over here. Having Curious George book at my bedside table, within arms reach cause that's the favorite book of my monkey babe. Basically that's it, and oh, a lot of fart jokes.

So anyway, today I have managed to sort through our photos taken early this year. And since I am in front of my laptop, i thought it would be fun to share some of our photos from April, from our wedding anniversary celebration. You know, just like the olden days. That blogging habit. My olden days. When i used to blog regularly.

On to the fun...

I cannot believe that we've been married for seven years. I guess time flies so fast when you are having fun.

Yikes...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Tue, 19 May 2015 16:14:00 +0800

It was 2 days ago, when I thought am gonna just sit on my chair and finish Yllac's leftover lunch when I heard him from the other room meow-ing. He peeked through the door and meowed like a cat with his hands clawed trying to scare me. It was a permanent ink. At least I got a good giggle. Everybody in the office had a good giggle. Oh boy! I could use this as a Holiday card.

Yllac is getting so big. But I love that he still crave for my approval and I know Ill miss it when he no longer need or want my attention. Am telling you, these little-kid-years are fleeting. I love it when Yllac still rely on me to read him a bedtime story. To read in an animated voice that gives him the best laugh of his life that i truly cherish. His laughter is magic. Someday i will no longer hear those sweet baby tiny voice that calls me mommy. Soon, he'll be a teen and then a grown man. So I'm trying hard to relish the fading years of his litteness left in him. I marinate in the morning snuggles and sweetness of him. I exalt in moments of his playfulness, obsession with his toy fire trucks, inevitable crying, tantrums and I especially cherish his childish mispronunciations. Above all else, I have to be mindful of my limited time in this stage of our life, My kid is getting bigger. I have to get all the cuddles now.

I Like This Blog...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 21:45:00 +0800

Hi! I just wanted to pop in here and share to you my new fave blog.

That is all.

Life is busy at the moment.

Soooo, for now read with me. Let's do this!

You are so welcome.

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Tue, 31 Mar 2015 11:47:00 +0800

Wednesday

Once every two months, as a treat, we take Yllac to either book or toy shopping. Just one book or toy. That's it. Believe me, we are trying to do this parenting thing to the best we can. Am pretty sure it's a tough call for a child just to pick one item.

Thursday.

We also eat out once a week, mostly on a Thursday to celebrate the past hectic days. We also like to stay up late, watch movies to make up for those 7:30 pm weekdays bedtime.

And then after we fed ourselves, we go and feed the ducks. And that one turtle.

Friday...

Last Friday, we just stayed home. There's a Qatar Food Festival happening since last Wednesday, and Friday is a family day, so we were pretty sure that it's crazy out there if we go out. We'll end up miserable looking for parking space and of course the traffic....the traffic.

Anyway, look at mah boy. Best 29 riyals I've ever spent on a toy!

Cleaning up is always a challenge.

The end.

How Do You Unwind?...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 13:00:00 +0800

This is how I unwind:

I paint my nails
Read
Orange juice
Watch an episode of Friends or The Office
Pray
Pluck my eyebrows
Alone time with Jayson

I can talk through and think logically after one or two of these things happen. No matter how frustrated I feel, It's so nice to have something to fall back on when anxiety or stress hits. I want you to know though that I always take it easy with my brows.

love,

Denise

Rain...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 17:12:00 +0800

Nope, there's not much of a drainage system in the middle east. If it rains, it will give you a pond.

So gloomy here guys. It's been raining here for days. By this month of the year, it simply means summer is about to arrive. Yup. That's how it goes here. The rain signifies a change in weather. I remember last year, in the middle of a scorching day it started pouring for like five minutes. Everybody was just so happy, you can hear it all over the radio, it was festive really. All DJs are freaking about it. It's a sign they were all saying. Winter is here! Winter is here! Everybody can feel it. It was the most glorious 4 to 5 months of great weather in middle east. And then, this Sunday it rained. Summer is here, and some of us feel doomed. Am I grumpy or what? But let's focus on the rain for now. Because people here seems to enjoy it. Mostly by the locals. I've seen a lot of them walking on the street, just soaking the rain. Just walking under the drizzle, smiling and just enjoying it. So two days ago I asked Jayson to have our lunch out. But it's raining he said. So? This is the very last day of coolness here, let's have fun with it.

Every time he sees this lion, he must pose and take a picture with it.

And hey hey hey, this is an outfit post too.

Yep!

So, i've been thinking. I've been formulating a certain no-brainer-look for work wear these days. And waaaahhhlahhhh!!!! as dumb as it looks, this is what i came up. Blazer. Shirt. Pants. Blazer. Shirt. Pants. Two minutes and am all dressed up. Is the point of a capsule to get you out of a rut, or to dig you deeper in your own rut? Because i like my rut. That's all am gonna say for now.

The end.

Cakes...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 21:28:00 +0800

My birthday this year fell on a Sunday, which happens to be the first day of the week here. What fun! This year, Jayson and me took a different approach on surprising each other on our birthdays. I think I started it. I'm taking credit for that. I managed to surprise him on his birthday last January by giving him his presents 3 days before his birthday. Man, the look on his face. He was so happy. And on the exact day of his birthday, I called him and asked him to just drop by on our favorite coffee shop, order a latte and cheese cake, I got the candles. It was Saturday evening, he was still in his office. How fun was that?

March 15, Sunday

As I've said before, my birthday was on a Sunday, the busiest and the most frantic day of the week. At the end of the day, all I wanted was to collapse. On our way home Yllac fell asleep. Amazing! Peace and solitude before my own bedtime??? Birthday wish granted. I may be tired but verbally I am on fire. So Jayson let me talk while he made us some tea. So i talked and talked and talked. I have to say, today most especially, that I have the best, most supportive, and most wonderfully, frustratingly fantastic husband and i love, love, love him. Just like all the things I am crazy about, I sometimes get all grouchy at him, but really seriously, I am the lucky one to have him. So Jayson my love, thanks for choosing this wicked queen over other princesses.

On the following evening, Jayson one-upped me by actually getting my cake. And so we've managed to do a celebratory cake blowing with Yllac's help of course. It's always so so so fun with Yllac's help.

ladies and gentlemen, my son.

Cannot wait for 36th!

35 Today! God Is Good...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Sun, 15 Mar 2015 18:51:00 +0800

Here I am folks, another year, another birthday. A year older, hopefully a year wiser. I was just looking over at my year and it looked packed. As I've reflected on all that happened, my heart has caught up with my head and I'm so thankful. Just thankful. God is so good. He always is. Over the past years as a parent and an adult, there were times I'd start to feel as if I would just get past one obstacle to find another staring at me right in the face. Some of them weren't too difficult to overcome, however some others would cause me to wonder how I'd ever get past them. And day to day, as God performs miracles in our lives, we are surviving, living, and most times thriving. The hard times also helped me come to the realization that good things often come hand in hand with the bad. Despite the trying times I came to be happier now than at any other time in my life, not to mention more sure of myself and contented.

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." ~ Philippians 4:12-13

...I love this passage. It speaks true to my life. Contentment is one's choice to live in peace. It’s a lifelong journey for me that requires regular self examination and an ongoing process of making peace with my self and to the things I have no control of. As long as I have the basic in my life, which to me is, my family and friends, my husband and Yllac, having food on our table and a home to keep us safe, (and internet of course!) and to extend that to treating the people around me with kindness....so I think that covers it. While I hope for a better me, for now I am fulfilled with every single blessing in my life.

This morning I woke up with a slight pain on my back. More white hair on my head and bags under my eyes. I am 35. I bought a hair dye last weekend and i promise myself to sleep early. Jayson hugged me so ever tight and kissed me like he's never kissed me before and pinched my butt just enough and called me sexy. I haven't brushed yet. Yllac sang me half of the happy birthday song while he ate his breakfast. He kissed me and said, "hug mama." A few minutes later my parents, and my brother's family were on skype. They sang me a happy birthday. Half jokingly my brother said, "Ate, you're awake now at 5 in the morning?", and he laughed. He could not believe it. Neither do i. We've known each other since birth and i miss him so much. After saying goodbye, by six in the morning, Jayson and Yllac were out on the door and on the way to the school and office, and I am alone to finish what's left of my breakfast. And in silence i say a little prayer of protection for my boys and loved ones. God knows they are my life. I live for them. They are one of the many purposes of my life. They made me so happy. My favorite part of the day is to wake up and have breakfast together in our tiny home and go back home with them after the long hours of work. My life is simple, uncomplicated, not without a challenge, never perfect. I thank God for everything, for my life, for another year, another chance to create memories, to love more, chance to develop more friends, to continue to hope, to forgive, to work harder, and to give back.

Yay! Happy birthday to me.

I Wish You An Awesome Weekend!

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Thu, 12 Mar 2015 16:50:00 +0800

I couldn't think of any way to make my child happy and satisfied other than to take him to a playground and play bubbles. Doesn't cost a thing too. Win win!

Happy weekend to you my friends. I wish you a well spent one.

A Blink....

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 19:28:00 +0800

My big boy fell asleep in my arms like a baby after lunch today. I held him till my arms numbed. The millions of times he falls asleep on me seems so fleeting now, but I can’t imagine a day when my heart won’t long to have him in my arms. It's been a blink. Such a blur. A flash. Yllac just turned 4 last December. He is truly a joy in my life. He is also my hardest work. I pray for the next four years to pass a little more slowly, though i know the reality is that they will even go trice as fast.

What Makes Me Terribly Happy...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Thu, 5 Mar 2015 16:43:00 +0800

Hi!

March. What March? Honestly, December of last year felt like days ago. And recently Jayson, my silly husband, told me how much he misses my blog posts, one morning while we're having breakfast. Well, for somebody who considers himself my number one fan, he finally took notice that I haven't been blogging for a while now. Well, he said, he's been meaning to ask, and just do't want to touch that subject. I opened my mouth hoping for an answer and explanation but nothing came out. I was like, I don't know. I was all defensive really. I went on and on how busy I was and have no time. But after babbling for long It made me sad, considering how much blogging means to me looking back a couple of years ago. Or maybe I have changed. This growing up thing is so strange. I think, last year I grew up on three different times.

And so the blog went silent for a while, two apartment-moves later, as I focused on settling into our new life in Qatar,and integrating new routines and places and arranging the bits and pieces of the everyday into a system that worked for our family. Truth is, It was a much-needed break. Another thing, I missed this space. I missed this community with all my heart.

So when Jayson said, I like it when you blogged. Something pinched in my heart. I do miss going here and just pouring a little bit of me. Focus on the good side of things. The beautiful things. On things that makes life so wonderful. Memories and stories that are fun to share. I mean, I have all the photos to back them up.

So, for my first blog post for 2015, am gonna kick it off with the good stuff. I am doing my best to count all my blessings in life and hope to make a habit of it. I tried to compile a short list of it from last week and hopefully Ill add more to it as days goes by. Here they are...

Qatar's Winter. The cold wind starts to come to this side of the world by October. Although it's humid and scorching in the morning, you can feel the cool winds especially at night. Feels perfect these days. All day picnic on weekends.
Realizing that what I thought was so hard years ago, didn't turn out to be so hard after all.
Being able to surprise Jayson on his birthday last January.
Yllac said he wants to visit his "DEN-TEETHS".
This super soft leather jacket I purchased from a random Pakistan vendor last year for a cheap cheap price.
Warm paper coming out from copy machine.
Downsizing my shoes. Surrender never felt this good.
Car ride conversations on the way home. And those "Hi Mama, missed you!"each time my boys pick me up from work.
Empty laundry basket.
Thursday.

So, what makes you terribly happy?

Hustle Bustle...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Tue, 9 Dec 2014 22:15:00 +0800

oh there's the moon!!! (in case you're wondering)

To all the mothers out there who balance work and home, please tell me how you do it. A lot of days I feel like it's a go-go-go-go-go kind of day, with little things I have managed to keep together. The weekend seems to come and go just like that. I remember the first day I took Yllac to school, the same month I got offered a job, thinking how are we gonna do this? Jayson was working on a shifting schedule back then, I will be working too for full 8 hours. Sure! And I was - can i panic now? I was about to burst my brain when suddenly Jayson's boss took him out of shifting schedule and gave him a fine morning schedule for the rest of his life. Oh God hallelujah! we are indeed Jesus' babies here on earth! It was perfect. Easy and breezy. I would drop Yllac to school before 9am, and Jayson would pick him up at 3 in the afternoon. A whole two more hours of dad and son date before they pick me up at 5. This is our life here. The three of us. Go go go, busy and whirlwind. But things are about to change into caaaraaayzeeee territory before the year ends, because....hear this..- we are gonna move again to a new apartment! Yay!

I love our apartment. It is tiny. It is cozy. It only takes 5 steps to go to the kitchen and 3 more steps to the bathroom. I love it because this is our first home here. This is where we started our new life in Qatar. It is more than a home. it is my heart. But we have to keep moving forward.

I wish I can take more pictures around here before we move. Or have the time to put up the curtain. I guess there was never a time that everything looks perfect for that pinterest worthy shoot. Case in point, Yllac being a kid.

So, this is the casa Lozada. I mean the floor of casa Lozada, and Yllac's toys, and our tiny white Christmas tree that we bought two months ago as per Yllac's command. I was looking for a good blue pen at that time when Yllac screamed - OHMYGOODNESS, a Christmas tree!!!! So we let him pick our first tree. We are moving before Christmas so we have plenty of time to decorate the tree. I mean, what tree? It's so tiny, you cannot even see it. This is the busiest time of the year for everyone outside the Arab country. Here in Qatar, Christmas is just a regular day. We all have to work on 24th and 25th. I mean, it's just crazy. Now that I think about it. It's the end of the year, so that means Christmas and Yllac's 4th birthday plus the move, PLUS Yllac's transfer to a bigger school come January. It's mind numbing just thinking about it. It's whirlwind. A good kind of busy. It's yet another change - our move to a new place. New location, new route. So much excitement - Yllac's big 4 is coming up. I cannot believe that my baby is not a baby anymore. We plan on bringing cake to his school so he can celebrate with his friends and say goodbye at the same time. Ouch! It is part fear of the unknown - new day to day schedule of balancing school and work for the three of us and all the million things that is swirling around our in our little world. These days I have to constantly remind myself to relax when it's time to relax. To ease those worries that won't likely happen to us.

But then there are these short freeze frame in my life where Yllac asks us to play with him or when he picks a book he wants us to read come bedtime. Or sometimes he just wants us to listen to him whenever he "reads" us The Princess and the Frog. Time freezes so we can soak in in that moment. Yllac won't be a child forever. He will keep growing. He is busy growing up. So these are the moments id like to enjoy, each pause of our busy life. I mean, we're all busy. Life is busy generally. We'll just have to learn to take a pause, reflect and relax, and take it easy. Then go (again), when it's time to go as life continues to move along in the wonderful crazy way it does.

..just like I said, take a pause and because we need fuel.

-the end-

MIA Park Weekend Bazaar (In Pictures)...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Mon, 8 Dec 2014 15:27:00 +0800

Hi folks! Our weekend was kind of awesome. The best! No, I mean, amazing!

The best,.. no no, the very very best time of the year has arrived here in the driest part of the world. When winter season comes, everybody is in the best of festive moods. There is no winter blues here. I think people are more happy and excited to get out and do more activities outside on winter months. Personally I felt the blues back in summer, when we couldn't go out at all because of the heat.

So anyyyyyway...let me show you some photos from our weekend. The Museum of Islamic Arts park holds a lot of activities every winter season from bazaars (like this one), to concerts and all kinds of festivals almost every weekend. Last weekend, the bazaar participants sold some clothes, accessories, arts, crafts and decor. All handmade. It was a feast for the eye.

I took a lot of pictures from the 150 participating local sellers. So if you'd like to see more photos, just click after the jump.

colorful tutus for tiny people

jewelry organizer

some handmade greeting cards

a matching mother and daughter cute apron

handmade flowers displays

i want one please!

these dolls..

Ill admit, I usually am not on my best shopping mode on bazaars like this. Am a tell yah, be very careful around those pretty things, cos one touch of a finger and you're over and done my friend. Next thing you know, you have three or four economy size bags on both your arms thinking how the heck things happen so fast. So, for me, I always go just for the thrill of seeing things I don't normally see everyday. How tough am I? But I couldn't resist those books. The lady was kind enough to sell each of her book for 5qr riyals. I mean, BOOKS! I ended up buying two books. One by Sue Grafton - it actually is 3 alphabet novel of Sue (G is for Gumshoe, H is for Homicide, and I is for Innocent) and the other one is a debut novel of Janis Hallowell (The Annunciation of Francesca Dunn). Four novels for 10 riyals???? Pinch me! After years of reading from a Kindle, its nice to be able to touch and flip the actual page of a book. And the smell, oh that smell...

Thanks for reading here.

I wish you had a great weekend too!

On Thursday Evening...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 19:25:00 +0800

This is the day where I dream and relive the past Thursday evening of my life. I mean how could I not??? Strolling around in Souq Waqif is just the raddest thing I can think of. Especially in this perfect weather.

Okay. I've been thinking a lot of random activities id like to explore more soon with my two boys. Some activities are better planned ahead for it to really happen. Nothing deep. Just silly. If you know what I mean. Because most of the ideas that are brewing in my head never gets done. Mostly. Like 80 perfect of the time. So now, let me bore you with these thoughts. Uuuummm, on top of my head, climb a tree. Who climbs a tree these days? Seriously where are the trees? Rain dance. It never rains here. Maybe once or twice a year. Have a TV free week. Go camping. Aaaaand last but not the least, have a bubblegum blowing contest.

FUN!

the end.

See yah around!

Thank God It's Thursday...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 17:50:00 +0800

Thursday! Thursday! It's the last day of the week here, so tonight after work we're going straight to Souq Waqif to catch these arabic sweets called awamat before it sold out. It was about three weeks ago when i first tried these. It was an accident really. If it wasn't for the Filipina lady who was offering me to taste test everything on their table, i would be deprived by this tastiest crunchy fried dough forever. For a moment there, I thought It changed my life. Weird and over dramatic but true. Every Thursday and Friday it was a fiesta in Souq Waqif. You'll see a lot of food stand pop-ups everywhere. But I especially go to these two Filipina ladies (who works for a Qatari family) who prepares and cooks all their goods. Maybe I am biased. But these Filipinas have the best arabic food at Souq Waqif. They only sell on the weekends so why not make a new family tradition to visit the Souq every weekend right? Makes sense.

Happy weekend guys!

Picnic Season Is Here!

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 06:03:00 +0800

Two weeks ago, it started to feel exciting around here. Guess what? It's the winter season without snow, middle east style! Yes it is. It's perfect.

A couple of days ago, we packed our lunch for a picnic. Yllac fell asleep on the way to the park, which feels even more perfect because Jayson and I get to just sit still and enjoy our lunch without running in between bites for two whole hours. We talked about anything. The silly things, the stupid things, and nerdy plans for this season. It's not much. Basically, we plan to live outside for as long as we can. All we need is a blanket and we're all set.

Yllac is a bona fide toddler now, complete with all sorts of tantrums and refusal to get ready for bed every night. Everyfaaaaareakingnight. Now, that's another blog post coming at yah.

So, hi you! How's life?

For us? My parents visited us a couple of weeks ago. It was three weeks of fun, food and a short trip to UAE. Id like to share some pictures if you would allow me on my next couple of post. And i really hope i can do that soon.

So, that's it for now. See you around.

Hi From Me + Yllac Says...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Mon, 6 Oct 2014 21:40:00 +0800

Hi you! Today I am grateful that summer is over. I can actually walk outside in the middle of the day without getting cooked. Summer here is brutal. Brrrrrruuuuutal!!! Ask my nose. Nothing biggie though. Just a couple of nose bleeding from time to time. And I don't go out that much. The only micro exposure I get everyday is getting out of the car to the apartment or building. That micro second when the blast of hot air fills your lungs, that's brutal. I tried not to talk about it while in the middle of summer because it's such a depressing thing to talk about. Since coming here, I promised not to complain (out loud). As long as I got a roof on my head, and I get to enjoy my life as a wife and mom to my boys, I have no right to complain. I am working on it. Because you know, most of the time it's easier to complain. Anyway summer is in the past now. My nose is rejoicing. Just hoping that my first summer here toughened my nose for the next summer. Think of this - Alpha nose.

But the good thing about summer on this side of the world, this little boy of mine seems to have gotten bigger, and happier. His laughter fills my heart and raptures my ears.

Just the other night he was praying...

He said something like, "Thank you Jesus for mommy's dumb".

Translation - Thank you Jesus for Mommy's job.

He still thinks I am funny and cool. I treasure this boy.

Yllac Says...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Tue, 2 Sep 2014 18:58:00 +0800

(singing Twinkle twinkle)

"twinkle twinkle little star

how I wonder what you are

up above the world so high

like a diaper in the sky"

(when asked what's his name)

"Iyak Olenzo Ashara Talatha Zalada"

translation: Yllac Lorenzo Ten Three Lozada

On Top Of My Head...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 22:00:00 +0800

It is good to have a husband who loves you no matter what.
It is good to have a husband who listens.
It is good to have a kid . Especially a noisy one.
It is good to have a loving slash crazy friends.
It is good today for it is Thursday. To you it's Friday, in the Middle East, it's Thursday.

Yah know what I mean?

It is good to believe in God.
It is good to know that God is real.
It is good to have peace in my heart.

-
-
-
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Happy Weekend.

Two Days In The Office With Me...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Sat, 9 Aug 2014 16:39:00 +0800

Last week Yllac joined me in the office. And here's what happened...

Soon as he said hi to everyone, he went on to "work" immediately.

Everybody in the office went out for meetings, so it's just me and Yllac in the office. And when he's not working or making any calls, he's usually in front of me. Just walking back and forth. Eating snacks or stealing my pens and sticky pads.

The following day, he took on more responsibility. He attended his first meeting and did some major note taking that no one (even me) understood.

The only thing he needs to say is "superman" and up on the air he go. Second day was heaven for this boy.

Again, when he was not attending to phone calls...

..or assisting people...

...he was busting his moves to his own version of ABC and BINGO. Ladies and gentlemen, that is my child. I adore him so so so much.

And then after a couple of hours he got really really reallyyyyy bored.

All of these happened four days ago, when his daycare was still closed for the Eid holiday, and while his Dad and i have to report back to work. I decided to take him with me because my workplace is a little relaxed as you can see. I really am thankful for this company that is very supportive of working Moms, where Yllac is always welcome to join. Going to work with a toddler and toys in tow can be challenging for all concerned, but sometimes parents don't have much of a choice. When a babysitter is not available, or the day care is closed or a sick child can leave parents without much option but to bring kids into the office or continue working from home. Thankfully it's not a problem here. Honestly I don't wanna do it much often. It's really challenging. I was praying the whole time Yllac never cries or that he won't max out his patience. Two days went by pretty fast without tears and not too much noise from my little one. But of course there was a lot of spills and crumbles to clean after. Other than that, I can say, It was a miracle.

Hello fellow Moms! Have you tried to bring your kids to work? Was it fun? Or was it really FUN? Care to share some of your trusted tricks?

Sweeping Me Off My Achy Feet...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Sat, 2 Aug 2014 06:13:00 +0800

Sometimes, I wish I am that kind of girl who is okay with wearing flats to work. So i cheat and wear my kitten heels. But after eight hours, kitten heels is still a shoe with heels. You know what I mean right? So, after a long day I'd like to sit on the edge of my bed, and rub my foot. Especially my left foot (my left is chubbier and wider than the right one). Every night I let them relax and cool them off in warm water before going to bed. Most nights, Jayson would walked in on me and take pity on my poor feet. Next thing I knew I was on my back, heels up, and Jayson massaging those achy toes and sole.

I don't think anything says "i love you" more than that.

Thank you Jayson. I love you too.

Yllac Says...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Wed, 30 Jul 2014 18:24:00 +0800

(it's close to midnight and we just gotten home, and while my eyes just want to shut down, I was on the floor putting Yllac on his pajamas. I don't know about you, but in times like these, I can only use my high-nagging-mama-voice, "Yllac please stay still!!!")

Yllac: "Mama, calm down..."

Three-ish am...

harukijayden@yahoo.com (Denise Katipunera) — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 07:51:00 +0800

Today was good. We didn't plan on sleeping at 7 in the evening but it just happened. Next thing I know I was punched in the face by no other than Yllac. He didn't mean it. He was asleep. And now, I had finished a bowl of instant vegetable noodle soup and just took out fresh warm blankets from the laundry machine. I just had to wrap my arms around those snugly warm sheets before folding them, because it felt good.

Today is Friday and it's the start of the weekend. I am looking forward to a lot of sleep and getting more laundry done because it's eid holiday here and we get to have a week off. I hope to see our friends and send one particular officemate off - sort of a farewell-and-goodluck-ikea-meatballs-dinner tonight. Also, looking forward to Ikea. Because, it is the faaaareaking Ikea.

So, to complete this blog post, here are some photos taken weeks ago, some humid nights ago.

Happy weekend folks!