PinayMind

Desk Goals

2016-04-14T11:50:00.000+08:00

I've always envied clean desks. Those at the office and at home. I can't seem to clean up my home desk. I would do a weekly sweep, or clean-up on a Sunday. But then when Wednesday rolls in, it looks a storm has stopped by.

aftermath

I do all my work at this table. Work applications require that I have stable and constant internet service, which means I'm always plugged in the LAN cable. I cannot work through wifi as signal changes quickly. So this is where the router is, all the wires as well. I have a printer, bills, calendar, notebooks, pens and all "necessary" stuff.

Left side

This is the left side of my table. As you can see, it's very busy haha The current bills to pay and other important docs are on corner. That's where I have my pencil case is too. I have my phones there and external hard drives. And since I am #tanders, I have muscle pain spray. And then air fresheners, alcohol too, coz you know, you need to sanitize regularly haha Then I have my caddy of all things, all sorts of prayer cards coz I need to pray when I send in a report :D . Speakers, wires, a mug made by the little boy that says "World's #1". And of course the cork board with the very special calendar to plan my days.

So yes, the left side is very very busy indeed.

On right corner

Now, moving on the right. I have the printer at the background with papers on top of it and a catch all, to catch all things "necessary" but not urgent. Then my notebooks - yes, I have 3 current ones and one old for references. 2 are strictly for work meeting notes, both gray and work-looking. Red is for work too, but more for To Do lists and calendars - to track my work from home and at the ofc days haha I know I can use electronic Calendars - I do have many of those, but I like writing down things. And then little black notebook is the for home manangement - budget, activities, schedule. Grocery lists as well. Then I have my mouse, I have 2. one that's working and one that's missing the USB. My glasses - reading and for the far. And my pink fan - so cute, right? haha

These are my pegs:

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This one uses the wall and it has overhead cabinets as well as drawer. So nice, right? And there's a calendar too! I love calendars!

But is my crush desk:

The ONE

It has drawers to put all my "necessaries". Hello Calendar! Black and white color scheme just looks so polished. Then lots of organizers. Love love. How do I get this?

Onward and forward!

2016-04-08T16:01:00.000+08:00

I've been anxious about crossing a fork in my career path lately. And lately here is almost a year. It's a mixture of my son turning 10, not having another baby, raising dogs instead (boy, they are as tiring as babies!), retirement looming (20 years at work is retirement) and well, getting old. Or as millenials call it, getting #tandercats Ha!

I really was thinking of retiring in a couple of years. Live off my pension fund and be a full time wife and Mom, to my son's dismay. He did so express this openly, afraid that I'd be hovering 24-hours a day. He's been trying to act independently since turning 10 and having had circumcision.

And then my husband said he was really surprised why I considered retirement. I thought he knew I was dead serious. And he thought I was just dreaming. Aloud. A lot too.

So anyways. After that jolt, I reassessed. I thought, hey, I do want to retire in 2 years. 5 years if I enjoyed what I'll do. I'm thinking of moving out of my current role and do the full time work again. I tried to send out my resume, although I was picky and it narrowed down my options. I got an interview for a role at a semi-start up. I went through 3 sets of interviews, but I think they found my asking salary too high.

I've spent a week at home and my son's home too as it's summer break. I find that I really cannot imagine working full time again. I've always been curious about online work. They say the pay will not be as much as I'm used to initially. But it will get better. I think I can manage that.

Or I could go into a business. I'm not sure what yet, but that's also another option. I have about 2-3 years to think and plan and revise. I feel like a fresh grad again, with few options. But then look at me now, 18 years into the corporate world and waiting for retirement. It can get better. So yes, onward and forward we go! As Buzz Lightyear says, To Infinity and Beyond!

Be a blessing to others, everyday

2015-11-28T21:34:00.000+08:00

I haven't been such a happy soul the past few weeks. But yesterday, I was reminded that my family and I are quite blessed and I should be thankful. Yes, there are bills to pay, but thankfully, there's money to pay them with. Yes, our yaya has lapses, but thankfully, I have a yaya who takes care of us. Yes, family and other people approach us for help, but thankfully, we can give something. Yes, I feel I should get paid more at work, but thankfully, I have the work flexibility. Yes, my boys are messy, but thankfully, they do make me happy.

I'm sorry if I haven't been grateful. I really am blessed where I am now, it's not perfect and I don't have everything. I'm grateful that the husband believes that our goal is life is not to get rich, but to be a blessing to others. Not necessarily in big, extravagant things... but in the little things that count. Like when I handed our yaya her sweldo and her 13th month pay, plus a little extra. Like when we gave our barely used juicer to my sister-in-law. Like when I gave my uneaten lunch to our manong guard. Like when I let a construction worker go ahead of me at the grocery counter. It's the little things, the everyday things, that you can do to be a blessing to others. It always gives me a little high when I do little things for others, I'm dancing my happy dance - in head lang, of course :D

I hope others start doing these little things too. It'll make you feel lighter, when you know you've done something for others.

What's next?

2015-11-26T09:39:00.004+08:00

It'll be December in a few days. I just got so surprised by how 2015 just few past. I feel like I haven't done much, and at the same time, I've done too much. My days are such extremes lately. Some days, mostly weekdays, I don't get to interact much with people face-to-face. All the important humans to me are out of reach during the day, so we communicate through texts, calls, viber, whatsapp, FB, iMessage, email and FT. But despite all of that communication tools, sometimes I feel that I haven't really communicated with someone. Face-to-face is still the way to go.

On some days though, there's just too much to do - work is neck deep and errands are just piling up. My to-do lists are longer than the traffic on EDSA. I love it when I tick things off. That's done. Yay!

When I celebrated my 15th work anniversary, I vowed to start planning for retirement at 20 years. I've recently celebrated my 17th year and I'm nowhere near any retirement plan. I been having sleepless nights about it. I sometimes catch myself looking at a distance and thinking about that retirement. I know that I can't be a full time housewife, I would end up watching TV all day! I know that I would still want to "work", but I can't go back to a 9-6 Monday-Friday work schedule. So the only option is to open a business, but what will it be? I have absolutely no idea! It scares me shitless too. I'd be 41 when I retire, still at a productive age, but with no apparent prospects. It's like graduating from college all over again.

So, really, what's next?

Is it still a blog?

2015-11-24T10:23:00.000+08:00

I haven't posted anything in a long while. I do have a couple of posts in the draft folder, but just didn't get around to posting them..... I forgot why.

It's been over a year, or more, since I last posted. So much has happened, that I don't know if I can share or when to share or how to share. I'm thinking, I'd just start anew.

It's a rather off time to start something new, being that November isn't really a month of changes for me, or for anyone I know. But what the heck, I'm not one to follow the bandwagon.

I'm right smack in the middle of a break-up. No, not with the hubby. We are still fine, and going strong. But break-up from my mommy "friends". "Friends" since in hindsight, I'm not sure if they really were my "friends" in it's truest form. It's still hard for me to talk about it, and I still get puzzled every time I think about it. I've been felt so unfriendly ever since, well, kindergarten. If there's one thing I learned about this whole episode, is that mean girls do not really grow up, they just become mean moms :D

Anyhoo.... I'd like to say that I will post more. Although as you've seen, I cannot promise anything. I'd have to go though as this killer migraine is literally killing me.

Ciao!

Test of friendship

2014-08-16T17:38:00.001+08:00

So my son's been confined at the hospital since this Wednesday. Obviously, had to take days off from school and work. It's just me, hubby D and son K here in Laguna. Both D and I are not locals in Luzon, so we don't have family but we've lived here for more than 15 years. Those 15 years, we're able to cultivate friendships. But some friendships are just not on the level that I thought they were.

In the past, when I was hospitalized due to pregnancy (had lots of pre-term labor), no one from this specific set of friends visited. Even when I gave birth, only one from the group came by. I usually get affected by this, that D started to distance himself from them, to shield me from this disappointment, he confirms recently.

I wonder why they wouldn't take time to visit me when I would always visit them or their kids/husbands are hospitalized. In these instances that I would take the time to visit them, D be so surprised why I would even bother. When they couldn't be bothered. I thought and believe that even if they don't think much of our friendship, I do and I care enough. I give without expecting nothing in return.

Perhaps it's also due to how we were brought up. I grew up visiting family, relatives and friends who are sick. My Mom would know who was in the hospital, even back in the pre-FB days and would schedule a visit to each one and bring food.

Whatever it is, it's become a great struggle for me to overcome. I'm more heart broken than angry though. I hate being like this pa naman coz I find it harder to get over a broken heart than anger. If I'm angry, I just make it a point to communicate it and I get over it. If I'm broken hearted, I retreat into myself and I avoid the other party with all my might. I always told others to take care of their hearts, I should have listened to my own advice. I should start guarding my heart.

Not that we didn't have visitors. We did, my super maasahan friend from college came by. Mommy friends from my K's school. And a couple of D's friends came by as well. One true test of friendship is showing up when your friend is in need. No show means not true friends, right? I shouldn't forget this.

Itaas ang kilay!

2014-07-07T22:31:00.001+08:00

I used to be a make-up snob but lately I've started to like putting them on. About early last year, bought an eyebrow thing at Body Shop and been using it since.

This eyebrow make-up has two shades. A light brown one and a darker one. I used the lighter one but it looked weird since, like most Filipinas, I have dark hair. So I stuck to the darker shade.

I don't have overgrown eyebrows. It's not too light too. I always felt they were adequate. But once I put on eyebrow make up, I felt my eyebrows looked better.

Can you tell which one has eyebrow make up and which one doesn't? Oh and please excuse my humungous fez 😃😃

Ano po yun?

2014-07-06T16:25:00.001+08:00

I was trialing a gym at this "exclusive" country club. Then a family of four came in, thats parents and two daughters. I think they can sense that I wasn't a member yet.

The youngest daughter was probably 8 or 9. They were all speaking in Filipino at first. Then suddenly, the Mom told the youngest this: "Daughter, tell the receptionist to turn on the other aircon." Daughter said: "Ano po yun?".

So Mom said it again. And Daughter said: "Ano po yun?".

Mom repeated it for the 3rd time. And Daughter replied the same thing for the 3rd time.

So finally, Mom said: "Sabihin mo kay Ate na buksan ang aircon." To which the Daughter said: "Ay ok po".

Tagalogin na lang kasi. Di naman bawal sa country club. 😃😝

School service: More fun in the Philippines!

2014-07-05T08:38:00.000+08:00

My son, K, has been in school since 2008, so that's about 6 years already. He started with play school then. As I was still working full time, we had no choice but to get him a school bus. His school was about 2 kilometers away from the house, so the fee was only about P1.5k including Yaya.

In 2011, we moved him to a big school which was right outside our village so either he walked, biked or if I was working from home, I drove him to and from school.

Source

The following year, SY 2012-2013, he moved to another school, where he is still currently enrolled. It's a bit far, considering how near his previous schools were, about 7 kilometers from home. My husband and I shared one car then, so it would be hard to bring K to school. I had to get a school service, for a round trip fee of P3k. The thing is, he was picked up before 6:30am and dropped off at 4pm, when dismissal was 2:20. Poor kid! But he had to endure it.

That school bus operator was a pain in the behind too. He would ask for fee advances. Sometimes he would forget to pick up my son. The yaya called me one time to say that the school bus hasn't picked up K yet and it was already 7:20 am. I was on my way to Makati already, and I was in the middle of SLEX. Good thing our kind neighbor, who's a retired school bus driver and operator, offered to bring K to school.

The following school year, we finally decided to get another car for the hubs. We still decided to get a school bus for K, since I didn't have a realiable yaya that entire year. We had to get another service since we were unhappy with the previous one. One way school service was 75% of the round trip fee, so we paid about P2.25k monthly. That school service was very good, they dropped K off on time, they value safety and were organized. There were a couple of instances that I had to go to the office and I couldn't get home before 3pm (the time K is dropped off at home). Usually I'd call them to say drop K last, when I'd be home. But then a couple of times, K was dropped off at home even when I wasn't home yet. K ended up staying with the neighbors, or he'd be sitting in front of our house. That wasn't safe. So my option was if I had to go to the office, I'd ask them to leave K at school where he is safer and I'd pick him up there myself.

With all the issues we've been facing with the school service and no yaya (then, now we have yaya na!), this year, we finally decided not to get a school service. I'd bring K to school and then pick him up. If I have a call or would be traveling to Makati and I'd be late to pick him up, then it's all good since he's at school and he can have more time to play basketball. It's been almost a month of this and it's working out well for us. So far so good. #crossingmyfingers #prayinghard

Jack (none the) Reacher

2014-07-04T01:33:00.000+08:00

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I was house visiting a dear friend in Sydney, she prepared my bed in their spare room - the office/library, when I noticed a book by Lee Child. I have watched Jack Reacher the movie. Which was not great, to be honest. I knew my friend had impeccable taste in books (she's my friend, after all), so I was curious why she had the book when the movie sucked (sorry to those who love Tom Cruise, oh btw, Happy Birthday!). R, my friend, said the book's lovely. So I got curious and the minute I was able to sit down, I scoured the internet to find a copy. And I did and downloaded all books into my Kindle…. And the rest as they say is history….

Since September of 2013 to June of 2014, I only had time for Jack Reacher. I read all the books, one after the other. Sometimes I forget when the one book starts and the other ends, I couldn’t tell the beginning from the end. It was a wondrous experience, like listening to someone tell a story while drinking red wine and munching on cheese (or coke and chips if you’re me). There were a few stories that I hurried over, just so I would know the ending. There were stories that I had to finish, even with just 2 hours of sleep, because I was so into it.

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I was raving of it to my friend, who liked adventures and spy novels, and he asked me why I liked it so much. Jack Reacher is like McGyver. If you’re an 80s kid, you’d know him. Jack is also like Jason Borne, although less dramatic and taller. Jack is also like Iron Man, but less showboating. Jack is also like Dexter but without the serial killer gene. He can also be Christian Grey, but without the twisted lovemaking moves. Oh and he could be Manny Pacquiao, with all KOs he’s given. So basically, he’s like this DIY kind of guy, who believes in justice, knows how to fight and hide his kill (more like kills really). Who wouldn’t love him, right?

Go ahead and try reading Jack Reacher. But don’t watch the movie. #sorryI’mNotSorry

Yaya, finally!

2014-07-03T10:59:00.003+08:00

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It's mid year already and this is my first post. I haven't had a regular non-psychotic Yaya since January of 2013. So yes, hence the sporadic posts.

I didn't grow up rich, but we've always had a Yaya and a househelp at home. And they stayed with us for years, up until they get married and ever after. But these days, good and realiable househelps are so hard to come by.

The horrors of looking for a yaya. I'm not even talking about a great one, I just want one who can clean the house and wash plates. But no! The first one we got didn't want to stay in, she found the our village too quiet. Apparently, she's a party girl at 43 years old. Once, she even came back from her day off with a hangover. Buti pa si Yaya gumigimik pa! LOL

The second Yaya we hired from my Mom's hometown, so we paid for her airfare from Cagayan de Oro to Laguna. She was a fresh high school graduate at 20. She was full of stories about her friends who were unemployed and not eating 3 meals a day. I wanted to help her by giving her a job, and also thereby helping her family. The next day after she arrived, she asked to go home. Really?! Seriously?! So we let her.

The 3rd was the worse. She was 45 and came highly recommended. But OMG! She didn't know how to cook, let along clean the house, she can't even clean herself up. She was so stinky! It was so gross. She was also such a chismosa. She made our neighbors' yayas turn against each other and we've been neighbors since 2008 with no issues at all.

The fourth one was the worst. Yes, worst. When we screened the yayas, we told them that we live in a village thats very quiet, so you'll be battling homesickness more than anything. She was still very interested since she needed to send her daughter to school, and she looked responsible enough at 39. So we hired her. She took a cash advance for 5k and then two weeks after needed another advance to send to her mother and sister who were sick. A week after that, she asked for another advance for her daughter's tuition. I don't take out all their cash advance when I give them their salary, I only take a portion so they will still have "take home pay". She asked for another month's cash advance, I had to set limits and told her that we'll give her the advance, but won't allow her anymore advances until everything is paid up. We needed leverage as well.... and that's when all hell broke loose. She was crying and calling me names and even threatened to kill herself. That's when I said to leave if she plans on hurting herself. I then brought myself and my son to our room, 10 mins later when I checked on her, she was already gone. With over 7k worth of cash advances.

So now, we have a new one. She's a Yaya we've had back in 2012 for about 6 months. She went home coz, again, she was homesick. Now she has a 1 year old kid and the kid's dad doesn't have any permanent work. We've liked her before and we're liking her more now. She cooks well, she does things without us telling her what to do. She cleans well and she's quiet when she works. She's not perfect of course, but we can live with that. I've even discussed SSS and PhilHealth with her. I really hope she stays with us, and yes, we pray for her and of her.

Life in the dark ages

2013-09-30T22:02:00.001+08:00

Be warned: This is a rant post.

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Ever experienced no DSL/Broadband at home? Well, I am now going through that, I'm back in the dark ages :( Apparently, I forgot to pay our PLDT bill for a couple of months... not that I didn't have mullah. But mainly because they didn't deliver our 2 months billing statements. In August, I was a headless chicken because of my 11-day business trip, I didn't notice not receiving PLDT's billing statement. I paid all our other bills before I left - but not PLDT.

And then I came back from my trip, I got sick with the flu and then my birthday came around soon after. Who can think of bills when you're still reeling from too much action, right?! LOL

It was only last Friday that I noticed I haven't seen any PLDT mail. I checked my account's folder - I keep folders for each utility company: electricity, cable, phone, and water. And I was right, the last statement I had was for July.

I tried calling PLDT to no avail. I can't even finish inputting the account number, the line's cut off. Annoyed would be putting my state then. Weekend came and errands just took over my two days, I didn't have time to call PLDT again. But internet over the weekend was awfully slow.

Then today came and it was worse. And worst still my DSL was restricted. I tried to view my bill through the link PLDT provided but I couldn't. So I called Billing Department again and it was difficult to get in touch, of course. So I called the technical team and they told me I needed to pay.

Frustrating!!! Now, I'm at this cafe working in front of these kids, one of which just happened to sneeze without covering his mouth and nose. Guess, who'll be drinking lots of Berocca tomorrow? LOL

I need my internet back ASAP. For a WAHM, it's our lifeline. Me need internet!

Down Undah Fevah!

2013-09-27T07:21:00.000+08:00

The iconic Sydney Opera House

Good day mate!

I was fortunate enough to be sent to the land down under - Australia - last month. And it was definitely one place I would really like to migrate to or settle in. I fell in love with how healthy they are - early morning runs in the CBD (some men run shirtless too!) and lunch time yoga or runs. Little pockets of gardens or open spaces for people to hang out at. The yummy, fresh and healthy food. Lots of wines. And beers. And oh, did I mention the beaches yet? Endless beaches - on the north and east.

The world famous Bondi beach

I haven't been even off the plane yet and I loved it already. Perhaps because I'm small (in height), people always offered to help me with my carry on, pre-departure and upon landing. They are laid back but competitive. Friendly but not pushy.

A very healthy duck just roaming in Narrabeen

Although shopping was not as good as in Hong Kong or Singapore, since the shops close at 5pm. Ha. And their shopping Thursday doesn't spell frenzy - it was just an ok day. But they have Ikea and I can live with that.

Oh, I still dream of Sydney up to this day. I'm wishing that one day I'd be able to bring my boys there. To breathe, live and enjoy Sydney - as I did. And so to also finally see the Koalas and Kangaroos. Oh and not to forget the Tasmanian Devil too.

To be a full time WAHM or better!

2013-08-13T18:22:00.002+08:00

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When I was single and well, mingled (ha!), my friend and I set out sights on marrying someone rich and then becoming a full time housewife, with lots of shopping money to spare. Back then, (yes, that was like a decade ago), WAHMs and SAHMs were still foreign terms. In Hong Kong or Singapore (or perhaps in China too), they call these ladies who married rich as tai-tai.

Anyhoo, I didn't become a tai-tai. I still worked full time after I got married and gave birth. Having moved to the suburbs, I commuted for 3-4 hours a day in the early days of marriage and motherhood. This meant I left home when my baby was still asleep and got home when he was already sleeping. Heart wrenching to a new Mom when my baby didn't want to sleep with me and that he would rather sleep with the nanny. Fortunately, I was able to arrange work from home with my boss back in 2007. And I never looked back.

Now, my work hours are more flexible. I'm able to work from home most of the time. Of course, when there are meetings or visitors or when I have to submit files, I do go to the office. I also miss talking with officemates or exchanging ideas with them, so I do go in the office as well.

I was speaking to the other moms at the office and majority of us dreamed of staying at home. But we don't, and sometimes we can't. Working away from home is hard, and seeing your children grow up without you there always is extremely difficult. But one Mom said this and I totally agree, that if you want to be able to help provide for your family and to also be able to afford some luxuries, then we have to work. Nothing comes in a silver platter. There are trade offs of course, but we can always adjust and regroup.

I'm not entirely sure though if I can wing being a SAHM, full time. I do get cabin fever. A lot. And I'm not very domesticated. So right now, this WAHM situation is working so well for me. I thank God everyday for this set-up and I work hard to make sure this will continue.... until, maybe, I get an offer to become a CEO :D But one thing's for sure, I won't giving up WAHMing for anything less.

Uke playing Mommah

2013-08-12T11:06:00.002+08:00

Lovin' the Uke (pls excuse my weight :P )

When my cousin came to visit last May, he bought a Ukelele in Cebu. He was going to bring it back to the US, but his baggage got too heavy.... so he left the Uke with me! :)

I always wanted to play the uke ever since I heard it was easier than the guitar and I heard my officemates play it too. So I played whenever I could, which was seldom.

And then, K's (boss & friend) husband, T, was celebrating his 40th and she wanted to surprise with a song. It was decided that I and another friend E would accompany K with the Uke. So I had to practice starting August 1st. We did our first public "gig" last August 10th. And it was amazing, if I may say so :) We played "Kahit maputi na ang buhok ko".

I'm still learning to play more songs and I learned that key really is to practice and practice and practice. I just pray that I will have more time to practice given the hectic schedules - work, business trip coming up and quarterly exams.

My little defender

2013-08-05T14:09:00.002+08:00

My little defender at 2 years old

So the other day, I was working late at the office, I called home to check on the little one. The fist thing he told me was "Mom, I got mad at A (a classmate)." He told me that their teacher talked to A and A cried. I asked why he got mad at A. A said that "Your Mommy's a tabachoy!".

I laughed at the other line. And told my little son, that it's true, I am tabachoy. But I'm nice, smart and pretty. He agreed to all three, but then still defended that it's ok to be mad because it wasn't a polite word.

Tama nga naman. It's not a polite word. He had a reason to get mad.

I'm so overly touched that he defended me. He's a good kid. I did well :) Don't grow up too fast little man!

Anthony Bourdain tries Jollibee. And he enjoyed the food!

2013-04-26T13:59:00.001+08:00

Run, Mommy, run!

2013-04-23T08:09:00.000+08:00

I'm a working Mom, work-at-home, yes, but I still need to go to our office once in a while. This means that although I work from home, I still have emails to send, clients to attend to, boss to report to, calls to make and well, real work to do.

I'm also a Mommy. And now that's it's summer, I still make worksheets for my son to do coz I don't want him glued to the TV the whole day. I also find activities for him to do - bring him to his basketball clinic, soccer clinic too, birthday parties, play dates and yes, I've also enrolled him in the McDonald's Kiddie Crew. It's his second time and he liked the first time, so I enrolled him again.

Champions at the basketball clinic

So, I work, right? When I have to drive him around, I usually get ready an hour before. But then I sometimes get delayed when an email comes in or there's a call. So maybe half the time, we're a little bit late. For soccer, we've been late twice already. For basketball, we're usually just in time. For birthday parties, we've been late many times LOL. For play dates, the mommy friends already know that I'm always in a hurry, so they understand :D My son has raised this with me several times already.

And after an event, I'm always in a hurry to go home because I have more emails to write and send. I am a working Mom. I'm luckier than other working Moms because I can work from home. I know I'm blessed with what I have. My own Mama was working full time outside of the home when I was growing up. No one would bring me to summer activities, I remember I just stayed home summers of my childhood and books were my escape. I did go visit my Lola and cousins a lot back then, so I was never bored.

At his school's soccer pre-training

Anyway, yesterday was a particularly busy day. My boss was in town, which meant I had to go to the office. But before I left, I had to cook my son's lunch and the yaya's too. The new yaya (who's also leaving by the weekend) doesn't know how to cook. Then off I went to the office. At lunch, my officemates and boss decided to surprise a friend who just celebrated her birthday that weekend. And since we had a meeting at our other office after lunch, I volunteered to drive everyone. On the way to McKinley, a traffic officer stopped us and told me I was "coding". All the while, I thought our plate number ends in 4 but that was the old car, since we got a new car in July which ends in 2! Horror! So yes, my driver's license was confiscated. The MAPSA guy was actually hinting na mag-bigay na lang. But I didn't want to do it, I'll do the legal way.

Because of that traffic violation, the meeting was delayed. I planned on going home by 2pm since it was my little boy's first day at Kiddie Crew which starts at 3pm. I was only able to leave at 2:45. I got 8 missed calls from the little one, I can almost hear his disappointment. I wanted to cry from guilt! I got home at 3:45 and dropped him at McDo 10 mins after. After I parked, I followed him in and saw that he was happily getting drinks from the vendo and helping at the counter. Major heartbreak was averted, thankfully.

Yestarday at McDo's Kiddie Crew

You see, my daily life is like that. I struggle to give him my time and also have time to do my job. He'd go to me for something and I would often times have to tell him to wait a bit. I speak to my friends at the office who are Moms like me and we go through the same thing. We'll just have to manage this better, and accept that we're always in a race :D

My advertising little man

2013-04-20T06:51:00.004+08:00

Since it's summer, the little boy has been watching TV. I do try to limit him watching cartoons - he can only watch it for 2 hours in the morning and an hour in the afternoon. After his cartoon time, it's Mom or Dad's turn or he can watch other stuff like basketball or any age appropriate show.

The other day, while after his cartoon time was up, and I was working upstairs, he suddenly called me urgently. He said I needed to watch TV, I went to him and he showed me home tv shopping where they featured ceramic pans. And then he proceeded to say that it's so easy to use, it's non-stick and you just wipe it and you can use again. He sounded so convincing too! :D He knew that I didn't like our old pans, and saw I bought a new set. He thinks we should get the ceramic pan too since it's nice! haha

photo source here

Then yesterday, I was sitting beside him while he was watching tv and then he showed me a garden hose that expands. He tells me that it's perfect because it's easy to use and then it's easy to keep. Meron pang, "Oh! Look at that Mommy, nice right?!". Haha And he said, it's cheap too! "Only P1,400++ if you call now!" haha I was just laughing! He does know how much I love my plants and I water them everyday, so he knows the hose is going to be useful :)

photo source here

He's actually been bugging me to buy him VitaPops. He sees it on TV all the time. The thing is, I keep forgetting and I buy him Ceelin chewables. So when we went to see his pedia the other week, he remembered VitaPops and told me he's going to ask his doc. When it was our turn, and ask he did. He asked his doc if he can take VitaPops instead of Ceelin. His doc is not aware of VitaPops so she asked what it was, he said, "It's Vitamin C and it's from the makers of Ceelin" - his exact words! :D The doc was so amused and therefore gave her approval. Good job little man!

photo source here

TBH, I didn't want to buy VitaPops coz I just bought a bottle of his vitamin C. So imagine my surprise when I was given sachets of VitaPops after buying him a toy at Toy Kingdom. It's a perfect example of a kid's prayer is granted :D Pati kay God, his advertising worked :)

Yourself vs yourself

2013-04-09T00:01:00.000+08:00

So the school year has ended. Just like that. Sometimes I still can't believe that we survived it - tutorial was pure hard work. I had to do lots of worksheets and haggle on study time versus TV time, Ipad time, PSP time, basketball time and Xbox time. It was always a messy morning, always short on patience (me!) and running after time, every time. Every school day leaves me winded and just wiped out.

I am particularly happy with my son's grades in school - 4 Es and 3 VGs (Ex being the top, then E, VG, G, S, NI and F). I worked hard for those grades too, so I should get an award, a bag perhaps haha! In their school, they don't have top 10s during the quarter and at the end of the year. I was on the fence about not getting or knowing how my little one was doing in school, in comparison to his classmates. But then it made me think too - the school follows the principle of doing your the best, of not competing against others, but only against yourself. You see your grades, you just do your best, not withstanding how the others are doing.

But to be perfectly honest though, I still wanna know in Grade 7 (or is still 6?) if he's done well enough, overall. LOL Yes, I grew up in a competitive world, competition is ingrained :D

Ze Zandwich

2013-03-19T07:36:00.001+08:00

With ham, cheese & fresh Basil leaves

Not sure if any of you remember this super yummy sandwich in Starbucks, it's just cheese and basil leaves. I loved that. Of course the name escapes me now (haha!). For years, I only ordered that and well, of course coffee. Anyhoo, since I have a basil plant, I tried to make it a home and it's oh-so-awesome!!!

I used Earle's Canadian Back Bacon, got some left over edam cheese and two leaves of basil, and of course the wheat bread. Sandwiched the ham, cheese and basil and then put it in the toaster for 5 mins. It came out with the bread toasted, the cheese melted and then ham and basil so perfect. I had this for breakfast with great coffee. Pwedeng pwede! :)

Just cheese and Basil leaves

A few days after, I tried it again. But removed the ham for a healthier option. So just had the cheese and then the basil, and it was still yum. My son though doesn't like basil, so I just have cheese and he has grilled cheese sandwich for school baon. It's cheap and I know it's clean coz I prepared it myself.

Housewifey lang ang peg

2013-03-18T13:15:00.000+08:00

His daily duty

Goodness, I haven't written in eons! Since my last post, it has been a steady frenzy of activity. Work has been a stockpile of well, work. Family kept me so busy as well - taking care of the hubby and son, my Mom came to stay with us for a month. Oh, and my little boy turned 7! I'll write a separate post on that, hubby and DIY most of the preparations.... nerve wracking, I tell you. Lots of lessons learned there.

And, and! My son's yaya of 6 six years has become pregnant suddenly, had a delicate pregnancy at that. So from two Yaya's, both of them packed up and left. They just left, 3 days before my son's birthday! Good thing we found a new one, but she found our village too quiet. She left after 3 weeks. Well, she must have wanted a party all the time vibe LOL

We need a labandera!

So yes, I don't have a yaya. Which means, I take care of EVERYTHING, plus I still have to work - FULL TIME, and be a tutor too. The hubby helps and the little one too. But mostly, I do the job. The first week, my body ached all over. I ached in "places no one will find". LOL But on the second week, my body started to adjust. It still aches but not as much anymore.

Here are a couple of advantages without a yaya:

1. It's so good to our budget! The yayas salary are now ours (well, should be just mine actually hihi!) to spend. Plus our grocery, food, toiletries, detergent and other stuff lasts longer. Our 3k weekly food budget is lasting us 2 weeks. Our dishwashing soap lasts almost 3 weeks. More money, more shopping for me? haha

2. I exactly know the state of our household. Like I didn't know we didn't have decent clothesline for the laundry. I didn't know also that we need clips or our mop has long died on us. I also picked up a couple of organizing shelves for the kitchen. Coz the yayas never told me. So our house is now well equipped. I also enjoyed the shopping, needs to be said :D

3. I actually really get to spend time with my son. I'm the primary caregiver now, so everything he does, I take care of it. Before, if he needed something, the first name he'll call is the yaya's. Now, it's all "Mommy.....". Lovin' it!

4. We've become an independent family. Whilst before, we leave everything to the yayas. Even getting our water or our bag/s from the car. I know, in hindsight, we were so spoiled rotten. I'm ashamed of how we were, we're like the people on Wall-E. The little boy has his duty - to set the table for meals, to pack away his toys and to put his used clothes on the laundry. He still does need to be reminded, but overall he's happy to do it. And he's learned how to shower on his own! :) I'm loving how we're evolving.

I'm not saying it's easy not to have a yaya. It's not, specially if you work full time and you still have a little one. But for now, it's actually doable, when I thought it was impossible. We do have to contend with a lot of clothes on the laundry basket and our floor can do with a mop, but our house is liveable and it's home.

Floored!

2012-11-12T20:33:00.003+08:00

Been going through a rough time on the health front. My Mom's specifically. We're all scrambling to make sense out of all of the news. My relatives have been our first allies. I got a cousin who, without any prodding, went to be present at the test. My Aunts and other cousins readily contributed when we said we'd have to raise funds - we didn't even have to ask. They just gave. Isn't that amazing? Their hearts are just bursting with so much generosity. That's what I love about our family, we are fiercely loyal. And also fiercely tsismosa about each other's lives LOL.

Our little boy readily gave up his birthday plans, so he can give the money for his Lola. I was the affected one, because I want to give him a great 7th birthday... but he happily gave it up. I said we'll do a Jollibee birthday. He said it's a waste of money. He'll just have a playdate with friends

God is just an amazing God. He's never put us down. His love and mercy are endless. When the news of what my Mom has first reached me, I couldn't contain my emotions. I, myself, was in the hospital for a minor check-up the moment the results came out but I wasn't afraid for me, I was afraid what it meant for my family. I desperately wanted to control my tears, but I couldn't. First time I cried in an elevator ride. First time I cried buckets at the hospital chapel. I thought it was all hopeless and I didn't know how to pray so I just said that God will take care of it, He always has. And He did, He still does.

So today I heard wonderful news. My Dad's health insurance will cover the very expensive procedure that my Mom needs ASAP. We don't have worry about raising the funds. We just have to think about Mama getting better. It's an endless manifestation of God's goodness. And I'm infinity grateful. I'm totally floored!

But, I still love u!

2012-08-18T00:51:00.000+08:00

I've been eyeing this Michael Kors bag since end of June. Saw it from their main store in Greenbelt. And again earlier today at a bazaar. When I got home, I googled it and have been ogling it for the past couple of hours.

Why are you so pretty, you bag, you! This obsession has to stop. I don't have the budget for a new bag. Specially for a bag like you.

But let it be known, that I still love you :P So help me God. LOL

Trashy people

2012-08-16T07:23:00.002+08:00

Last night, I went to the ATM. As I got down the car, this group of loud young men, probably, in their late teens/early tweenties arrived. So they were in line first. There were two machines and two lines, the first in the two machines were part of the group of young men. Suddenly, when the other man moved to our line and stood in front of me. I usually talk to those who go ahead of me who are not in line, but that night, I just let it go.

So he went ahead of me. His friend before him left the receipt on the machine, this guy called his friend and just threw the paper on the floor. I was a bit irritated already. The trash bin was just right beside him. But I just kept my mouth shut. Then he proceeded to use the machine, got another receipt, crumpled it and threw on the floor again. Now, I couldn't take it anymore. I had to tell him, "Kuya, nasa tabi nyo lang ho yung basurahan" (Bro, the trash bin is just right beside you.). He did say "Ay sorry po" (Oh, sorry). But still didn't pick up the receipts. When he was done at the machine, he left another receipt. I simply put it in the trash bin.

Seriously, these people need to know to put their trash in the bins. We have to be more responsible with our actions. The world isn't going to clean itself up. We humans throw trash like someone else is going to do it. Honestly, it doesn't take much to pick up your trash and put it in the bin. Let's just do it.