Liezl's Den

Small Favors and Friday Madness...

2006-08-21T15:43:00.000+03:00

The other day my friend M (whom I got fond of coz she’s so bubbly and a very nice friend; I can see the very essence and value of friendship in her) sent me an e-mail asking some small favor in helping her to prepare and cook for her friend’s birthday (and alongside with her friend’s celebration was a religious activity the 2000 Rosary; it’s almost the same with what we had in our house the only difference is the 2000 Hail Mary’s instead of the usual count).

I called her after reading some mails and answering some phone calls from other friends and told her the needed ingredients in making leche flan and talked more on what we’ll be doin’ since its weekend again. We settled with the idea of going to Villagio Mall and there’s the newly opened Carrefour to have our groceries and just to see what’s with this new mall.

They came around lunch time, and almost all of the grocery stores were closing, they were like the contestants in Amazing Race who jumped from one grocery store to another , left with small time to buy all the needed stuffs, so they just had the ingredients for leche flan and brought food from Take Away Restaurant (take note of the name of the resto) and after eating lunch we started making the flan with the help of our li’l cook (our daughters) who are always ready to help. And so we let them help a little , only in stirring the yokes. Then came the usual scene from the two bratinellas, yelling, crying and making peace again with each other again for the nth time.

After the cooking we went to the carrefour, gross, too much people of different races were coming and going. And worst thing is there’s a band there for the opening of Carrefour, but it was the worst band ever...

Breasfeeding Tips

2006-08-19T03:35:00.000+03:00

An Old Post from http://www.seanlinus.com

The nutrient balance in a mother’s milk is just right for her infant as he/she grows.
There are at least 12 anti-inflammatory agents in breastmilk which promote healthy immune system.
Immunoglobulin-A in breastmilk protects the baby against Coxsakie B virus, Staph and E coli bacteria by painting the intestinal tract and blocking the pathogen’s adherence to the mucous membrane.
Lactoferrin prevents the growth of pathogenic organisms such as E coli, Salmonella and Candida Albican by blocking iron utilization necessary for their survival.
Breastfeeding decreases the risk of childhood cancers, asthma, bacterial infections, diarrhea, allergies, diabetes and SIDS.
Breastfeeding keeps babies’ teeth clean and helps develop better speech.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer in mothers.
Breastfeeding mothers return to their pre-pregnancy weight sooner than their bottlefeeding counterparts.

Nutrition While Breastfeeding:

Eat a well-balanced, varied diet
Breastfeeding mothers burn 500+ calories daily
Check with your doctor about taking a multivitamin with iron
Drink eight glasses of fluid (eight ounces each) daily
Avoid or limit caffeinated drinks to one to two cups daily
Avoid alcohol or limit to one serving (six ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer) on a special occasion

Prenatal and Breastfeeding Nutrition Guide:

The minimum recommended servings are based on a 2,200 calorie meal plan:
Bread, cereal, rice, pasta - nine to 11 servings
Vegetables - four to five servings
Fruits - three to four servings
Milk, yogurt, cheese - three to four servings of calcium-rich foods or a calcium supplement
Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dry beans, nuts - three servings
Saturated and trans fats, oils and sweets - use in small amounts
Pregnant teenagers need four to five servings of dairy products and four servings from the meat group to support their growth as well as their baby’s growth

How to Increase Your Milk Supply:

Increase frequency and duration of feedings
Encourage baby to take several feedings early in the day when milk quantity is greater
Apply warm, wet cloths to breasts
Massage breasts before a feeding
Rest! - when you nap, prolactin levels increase

How to Decrease Milk Supply:

Suggest that mother continue to drink eight glasses of fluid (eight ounces each) daily
Limit intake of salt
Wear a supportive, non-binding bra
Pump to comfort
Drink plenty of fluids, but don’t force fluids
Avoid nipple or breast stimulation
If you become engorged, use cold compresses or ice packs

Medications and Breastfeeding:

When medications are necessary, mother needs to inform her healthcare provider that she is breastfeeding
Always check with your physicians before taking over-the-counter medications

Sean's Milestone

2006-08-19T03:32:00.000+03:00

An Old Post from http://www.seanlinus.com/

Day 1: Welcome to the world our new bundle of joy, happiness and contentment is what you can always see on his face from the moment he came to us…He is such a peaceful baby…He has a dimple shown when he gave us his first very sweet and innocent smile:) Thanks Daddy God for the new Gift!
After a Week: He’s quite settled with the everyday noise (mostly from a witty toddler named Ate P…such her nature!) and activities of the Rafael’s haven. Most of the time were spent trying to make Momsy and Sean comfortable with breastfeeding but still milk form Momsy is not adequate for Sean’s needs. He sleep, drinks formula milk and sleep again.
1st Month: Sean is able to hold his head up straight, gone are those wobbly-head days (but he can hold his head straight while he was just a week old. Whenever he sees Momsy, Dada, Ate and uncle he starts making sounds. He started cooing and giggling.

2nd Month: He’s development is rocketing, physically he doubled his weight, at this month he weighed 12.2 pounds and his height is 58 cm. He can communicate us more with some gestures like sucking of hands when he wants milk or making some smacking sounds with his lips. Still, most of his time is spent on eating and sleeping. He emitates what his older sister is doing like making some facial expressions and animated sounds;)

3rd Month: Still a peaceful baby, he has the ha- eye coordination.Whenever he focuses on a toy near him he can grab it with his hand. His emotional closeness to Momsy is very evident (when Momsy is feeling mad he can sense it), from being happy to being sad. BUt he is a very happy baby, no problem with him in terms of taking care he’s a very patient baby. He just wait while Momsy prepares his milk (just to be clear: no formula milk from 3rd week onwards just breastfeeding). He’s close to his older sibling, whenever he hears her cry he’ll cry too. Emotional intelligence of Sean is being nurtured, I think the effect of being a breastfeed baby.

4th MOnth: Sean at this month enjoys his gurgling sounds, his voice is so loud when he is agitated or happy. He is always feasting on his fist, left and right, sometimes both, andmake some smacking sound. He can sense some changes in his environment, and he can relate to the so of our voices and to our facial expressions. Emotionally, he’s so close with Momsy and enjoys the every-morning giggles with ate P. He can stand on his feet (of course with asssistance) and you can prop him up with some pillows to let him sit. If something annoys him he’ll start with his mantra “gang-gang-gang!”. His hand-eye coordination is more enhanced, he can grab anything he wants as long as it is within his reach. WHile on his stomach, he can lift his head and chest but for a short period of time and turn his head from side to side. He is a happy baby who always squirm with excitement, laugh and squeals.

Mom's Milk is The Best

2006-08-19T03:30:00.000+03:00

An Old Post from http://www.seanlinus.com/

Breastfeeding Sean at first was a little bit difficult for there was no milk in first 2 weeks and MOmsy is still learning the proper latch on and other stuffs on breastfeeding that time plus the fact that Momsy is still sore from delivering him and feeling a lot of pain. After that there were already lots of milk and slowly Sean and Momsy learned and from then on beastfeeding became so easy that even we are inside our car Sean can still get his milk.

The only thing that Momsy is still working on is how to breastfeed Sean discreetly while in malls or other public places.

The first thing to work on in breastfeeding is on how to make the two of you comfortable; mommy and the baby then all the rest would follow. Proper latching is also important, which means that the baby should be sucking in the whole areola part of your nipple if not it would be painful and the nipple should be on top of the baby’s tongue and nose is right up against your breast.
As for Sean, the first few weeks, the interval of feeding him takes from 1 to 2 hours and you can sense that he wants to be feed when he makes sounds with her lips, when he smacks his lips or put his hands in his mouth and the most noticeable sigh that he needs milk when he cries.

While giving him his milk i make it a point that i won’t drift off to sleep while holding him in my lap i’m so afraid that i might get to sleep and drop him on the floor so it’s better for me to put him in the bed and feed him. There is somthing in breastfeeding that makes you sleepy, I noticed that effect both on mommy and the baby. As for Sean, the moment that he started to drink milk he’ll drift off to a deep slumber.

The big difference of a breastfeed baby than feed with a formula milk is very noticeable from the peaceful attitude to the perfect nutrients needed of the baby plus the very strong resistence to common diseases like colds and cough. Ate P’s milk is formula milk, but she had the colostrum and I breastfed her for 3 weeks and after that my milk stopped that’s why I switched her to formula milk.

Speaking of its advantages:

–Mom’s milk has the right temperature so no need for boiling of water,no need for sterelization and no need for feeding bottles, just clean your breast then voila!

–MOm’s milk has so much to offer to the baby: optimal growth and development, decrease in risk in some diseases (mom’s milk is rich in infection fighting antibodies) and it protects the baby from obesity while growing older.

–Emotional Intelligence of a breastfeed baby is also higher, plus the mom and baby relationship is nurtured (emotional closeness).

–And it lowers your expenses, no need to buy expensive formula milk, just eat the right and balanced diet .

The Bouncing Baby

2006-08-19T03:27:00.000+03:00

An old Post from http://www.seanlinus.com/

Sean is on his 7th month now and he changed a lot, physically and mentally and his development leaped from being a peaceful baby to bouncing yelling baby who happens to love his voice echo on our house from time to time especially when he’s overflowing with excitement and happiness.
Sometimes he caught me off guarded with his voice, of course, i was and still am like on the deja vu stage with my andrea’s feminine yet loud noise when she was in sean’s age. i was accustomed to a loud blabbering by my first born at this age but sean’s more powerful than hers. of course he’s a baby boy so what’s next?
His body is so sleek and lean and very quick to twist and turn that sometimes if you’ll not hold him tight he’ll gonna end with a crashing thud on the floor. He gulps a lot of water, yes! not only sips but gulps.He doesn’t know how to suck from a bottle. Until this month he loves only my unadulterated milk and some solid foods but we have to be wathcful with what food we give him coz his skin is so sensitive–which means, no fish, no chicken, no eggs, no nuts and other legumes, no dairies and no sea foods or else he’ll be as red as a lobster.
He has a very good appetite but the problem is he has an allergy. But anyway, as long as he is healthy and we ‘ll keep him healthy and stay away with those allergens.
He’s a tall baby. Funny, he’s fairer than his older sister sometimes when we’re in a mall some ladies would ask us if sean is a girl. He has this oozing aura of being a baby magnet everytime we are outside. He’s always wearing blues and white shirts and shoes but still most of the time he’ll be mistaken as a baby girl. He always smiles sweetly and hug us. We love you Sean!

DOra and Boots, Princess New Friends

2006-08-19T03:15:00.000+03:00

An Old Post from http://www.andrealizette.com/

Princess got a gift from Ninong Robin, a VCD of Dora The Explorer, it’s her new fave movie. Everyday, she wants to watch Dora and Boots and sings along with them. Not only the movie she’s watching and also she got hooked on the the activities, stories, games, everything on Dora the explorer website. Barney and teletubbies got some rest but still they are her best friends.

When I asked her what she wants from Daddy when he gets home from the office, her reply would automatically would be, ” Two ice cream and two pop!” and “One for Barney and one for Po.” And she would make statements like, “Nothing for Sean coz he’s still a baby.”

A Great day for ate Princess

2006-08-19T03:09:00.000+03:00

An Old Post From http://www.andrealizette.com/

It’s been long overdue, our trip to a bookstore has been suspended for more than 5 times and now finally, we’d a time to visit Jarir Bookstore to buy Ate P’s books, but we ended up buying more. Ate P’s bourgeoning happiness upon the glimpse of books, and coloring books with Barney, BJ and Baby Bop on every pages were heightened by pure sheer of joy when she saw me handing her a pair of pink slippers, pencils, pencil sharpener and Daddy N gave her a hola hoop.

The day is not yet finished it’s just lunchtime soon after the trip to the bookstore we went straight to A & W and had a fattening meal. Ate P posed in front the camera to have a picture of her new pink slippers:)

Then the great day of the pretty toddler is not yet over yet, we went to Royal Plaza just to stroll but found out that GUess is on sale. And again Ate P have new tops and skirt while momsy got her new bag.

Tryin' a New Sport

2006-08-19T03:05:00.000+03:00

Finally, I gave in to my friend's (J) persuasion of trying a new sport, which is by the way she really patronizes (whom she referred as a sport with "class"). It's been nearly 2 months that she was talking me into engaging into tennis.

Eventhough, I really liked the idea of indulging myself into a new sport which would help me also reduce my weight (still got the love handles from giving birth to my 1 year old son) and to have time for myself once in a while still I was so hesitant to join her for lot of reasons; like I don't have a nanny who'll take care of my kids while I'm out there and enjoying myself and second it's still summer and sometimes humidity is so high but my hubby cooperated very well and as well as my brother, so case no. one is solved then just deal with the heat and the humidity.
Good thing is our friend M will be joining us too so good luck to us!Thanks to our husbands who'll be looking after our kids. Last Sunday we went to City Center with our friends M and C and looked for all the neccessary stuffs we'll be using. We walked to and fro all the sports shop and tried to haggle with every salesperson to give us more discount for the racquet.

As a starter for this sports I don't have an idea which tennis apparel and racquet to buy. And so, I settled with the affordable one and decided to have the Head Titanium 4100 (original price is Qr 208 and I got it for Qr 160) and my friend M got the Head Titanium 4200( orig. price is Qr.199 and got it for Qr.179), of course we bought it with discounts. We bought also knee pads and wrist bands from Sun and Sands.

I'm excited and i'm looking forward to start the lessons at once so that I can play tennis with my friends.

Day 1 in Tennis Lesson

2006-08-19T03:04:00.000+03:00

This is the first official day that our tennis lesson has started. Our instructor Mr. T arrived, I guess past 8 pm, and his assistant were already there teaching some Indonesian kids and we are 2 new tennis students plus a 23 yr. old Moroccan lady.

The Racquet Parts

First the assistant taught me the parts of a racquet, which are the head, face (which is where you hit the ball), down to the neck then the grip or handle and the butt.

Then our instructor came and taught us the basics of tennis.

The Ready Position.

Step 1:Your right hand should have a good grip near the butt of the racquet and the left hand supports the neck of the racquet. By using both hands, this allows quick grip changes.

Step 2: Your feet should be shoulder width apart and your head forwards into the court. You have to bend your knees slightly, that is to lower the center of your gravity and stores energy in your muscles.

Step 3: Be alert for the coming of the ball from your opponent and try to bounce on your toes that is to give you extra spring in your feet. The timing is also important. You have to accelerate in maximum speed at any direction the moment you see the ball.

Step 4: After hitting the ball return to the center of the court and go back to ready posotion.

The next we learned was the basic racquet grip. You have to place the index finger's base knuckle on the top right bevel and the side of the thumb should be resting along the back of the racquet, or the opposite side of the grip.

The assistant teacher told me that there's the so-called Continental Grip (it means all-around grip). It is the universal grip. It was once known as the Aussie grip. This grip is used for any shot, although it is mostly used now for the serve and volley.

As the lesson progressed we learned the forehand and backhand moves as well as the proper footing in each every move and what followed was the volley (forehand and backhand also) and then the service.

It was a very productive night. In two hours, I learned a lot and was able to execute correctly almost all of the lessons our teacher taught us. And i'm looking forward to Saturday night for our 2nd meeting.

A Post 1st Birthday Entry!

2006-08-12T19:10:00.000+03:00

It's been a week since we celebrated our baby boy's first birthday and the party hang-over is finally subsiding, the adrenalin rush was set back to normal and we are preparing for Ate Princess' 3rd birthday.

Sean's 1st birthday bash went well, as expected, same old friends and new ones and friends kids attended the party. The party started late by thirty minutes coz some kids were already enjoying the rides and almost forgot that there will be a party first in the party room before getting lost in the wild rides of Junglezone.

The party started with a show of a Juggler and the Magician. The juggler, he is quite good, he can juggle, first 3 batons then followed by 3 hats and 3 balls. Of course, kids like my almost three yrs. old Andrea was left speechless, she was too absorbed on what she's seeing. Next was the magician, but the celebrant was pulling my blouse already, he's telling me that it's about time to breastfeed him. Oh boy, I had to go to the corner and concentrate on feeding my little boy and quite cautious that he'll not sabotage my cover by pulling the shawl that I wrapped on us.

Next was the parlor games. I was the one who suggested to Abby (the party facilatator) another game which is the putting of the M & M's to a clear cup, the one who'll finish transferring the M &M's minis from the paper plate to a plastic cup will be the winner. Although the original idea was marsh mallows but I guess M & M's would do better. The next game was Trip to Jerusalem and then followed by a game of saying "happy birthday Sean...." the one who'll say it the longest would be the winner. The next game was "bring me" of course, almost all of the kids got crazy hunting for every item or thing that the facilatator was asking to bring. Sean, the celebrant won for bringing the smallest shoe (which is his own shoe). I bought also an additonal prize ( a Winnie The POoh and 100 acre's Friends Puzzle) but told the facilatator to please put it away for the meantime that Ate Princess is watching coz she considered it as hers already like she put her name on it while we were in the house before going to the party. We prepared also the "pabitin" it's a Filipino game various goodies and toys were hung from a wooden frame that is held by a rope attached to a pulley. Kids then grab for the goodies and toys when the wooden frame is lowered holding the rope at the other end. But Sean, as the birthday celebrant had the chance to pick and grab a toy; it's a pack of luminous stars.

The next was the blowing of the cakes. I made 3 chocolate moist cakes and bought the winnie the pooh and hundred acre friends tiny toys as cake decor and there are also cup cakes made by our Ninang (whom my kids address as Mom May and considered as their second mother) and I ordered an Ube flavored cake with the theme of winnie the pooh and hundred acre's friends.

After all of the games and party shows was over then its time for a sumptuous and gastronomical dinner. As experienced, we prefer cooking the food for our parties than ordering it or have it catered for us for we can control the taste of the food than be sorry later for some negative feedbacks from the visitors about the food. But due to lack of time and and we don't have a househelp so we settled on ordering half of the food on our menu and there are also friends who offered their help by cooking some of the food.

In our menu, there was the good old kare-kare (I think every occassion it's always present) and as well as caldereta, baked macaroni,bopis (by our friend Judith), Pancit (by Mavis), Estofado (cooked by Mavis), leche flan and ref. cake, Maja Blanca (NInang May Voluntered to make) as well as the fruit salad, cup cakes and gelatin. We ordered Empanada from our neighbor and bought 3 buckets of fried chicken.

Orient Express catered the following foods: Black Pepper Steak, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Beef and Chicken Teriyaki, Beef in Oyster Sauce, Seafood Steak,Fried Rice, Leche Flan and Fruit Salad.

The Rides in Jungle Zone is based on the elements of the 'wild nature of the jungle world', Jungle Zone boosted 9 attractions mainly for kids in its huge size of approximately 3,500 square metres The Jungle Train will bring kids on a 'joyride' journey through the 'jungle' area. Hop on the Elephant Jet and let kids enjoy the excitement of be 'flown' up to the sky and enjoy the panaromic view of the entire theme park.

The Crazy Jump is an exciting ride that offers kids sheer 'adrenalin rush' as it 'drop' down without even a hint! Honey Swing might be the perfect answer for kids to enjoy a good buzz while Lion's Lair provides kids the ultimate chance to drive and , bump others without being summoned! The Mountain Coaster is another crowd puller that offers kids the opportunity to venture through mountains, hills and cave full of 'surprises'.

The Wild Flume ride is considered second to nothing as it offers fun 'plunge' into the river from the mountain top. Eureka, a kiddy's magical ride proved popular with its unique tricycle flying ability! The Fun Castle and Adventure Castle are made up of a multi-level fun world which enables young kids to climb, crawl, jump and slide! The latest and exciting Video Arcade and Redemption Games would further add to the excitement here. It would definitely be a day of restless fun for the energetic ones!

At Jungle Zone Theme Park, kids would enjoy a memorable birthday celebrations organized by experienced party organizers at either the Amazon or Rainforest Party Rooms. Complete with the state-of-the-art sound system and lightings, selection of food menus, exciting games, fun activities, various options of entertainment shows and colorful decorations, birthday parties would be well remembered and cherished!

Our new House help:)

2006-08-01T15:00:00.000+03:00

We have a new house help, it's been for more than 4 months now that he's doing the cleaning in our house. His name is Benot and he's a Nepali. He told us that he came from one of the provinces of Nepal, a place wherein no roads yet, no telephones and no schools.

From his face you'll notice at first that he's a nice person so at once I told my hubby that I have a good vibration (a positive one!) that this person would be our househelp for good.

Back to Benot, he's in his thirties and he is soft-spoken and has fine manners. Every Friday he comes to our abode for his weekend spring cleaning. He is staying in the Industrial Area, it's quite far from our place but he really makes it every 8 in the morning. First rides in a bus (Karwa) then walks from the bus stop to our house ( I guess 2 kilometers). He's so good in his job. This is the kind of a person whom you can trust, sometimes without telling him he extends much far from his usual chores like cleaning my hubby's shoes or even without telling him he'll even take out our clothes from the dryer and hang it.

And every Friday we make it a point that before he starts his work here in our house he should have breakfast first and since it's a weekend we usually wake up late so he just manage himself for a cup of coffee or a tea and a bread or usually we eat kubos ( it's an Arabic bread).

Every lunchtime we usually let him tell stories while we are eating, the usual one's, like how life is in their country or about his family.

He finished his secondary education so there's no problem conversing with him. He can talk English well. And he told us that he started his education late already, at the age of 10. Since their home is surrounded by mountains and they have to walk for 10 kms. every day just to go to school. And going to college needs more money so he has to stop finally to work and eventually got married and had 2 kids.

And the rest is history he ended up here in Qatar for some work and we told him that he can place a call to his family using our Skype connection but he said thanks but he can't coz there's no telephone yet in their place.

that's for now...to be continued...

Sean is Turning 1!

2006-08-01T14:12:00.000+03:00

Our little boy is turning one this 5th of August and we started preparing for his birthday bash three months ago. We went to Junglezone in Hyatt Plaza to book a party in the big party room last June. For sure Ate Princess will enjoy the rides and also their friends.

The kids that we invited, all 49 of them and some had called me already informing me of their absence (good that I put an RSVP in the invitation card for me also to furnish a master list for all the kids that would arrive on that day so that I can give it at once to the staff of Junglezone) and narrowing it down to 45 kids. These are the kids of our friends that we knew in our 6 years of stay here in Qatar.

There will be face painting, games, jugglers and a magician and of course the unlimited rides (except for those cars and rides needing those tokens). I guess kids would love it. There will be a variety of cakes and sumptous meal after the games.

Missing Pinas!

2006-05-22T02:46:00.000+03:00

It's been more than 2 months that I longed to be in my sweet country. I planned of going home but I simply can't. Silly, I know! The thought of travelling with a toddler and a baby in tow is madness but I know that i'll manage. But see, this is the case of a stay at home mom with no work, no money and just totally depend on a husband.

How I wish to be back there in my homeland and enjoy with my parents, surely they would love to. Anyhow, this reminds me of pulling myself and gearing toward a new life, I should be back to working again but how? that the question, with nobody that i would trust with my kids I cant. How I wish that my kids are big already, so I can manage with my finances. If I want to fly to Pinas then I can. I can buy my own ticket. But, for now I just can't move!

Busy Bees!

2006-05-08T02:05:00.000+03:00

Just finished watching the 1st Season of Desperate Housewives, Yup! I got addicted to these tv series, to name a few... Smallville, Prison Break, 24, Lost, not to mention Family Guy.

Days are so swift, to the point that I sometimes don't know which day it is alreasy. As I mentioned in my last blog entry I don't have a maid anymore, so that's it. Everyday is a hectic day. My whole day is not enough for my toddler who's nearing three and my 9 mos. old baby.

It occurred to me lately that I gained again the weight that I lost on the first week that I returned our maid, which means that I easily adapted to this endless juggling of houseworks and keeping my sanity intact for the moment that my kids are still like cavemen (when will this end?).

Friends kept on asking me if I can make it. Don't insult my capacity of course I can do it but the sad part is I became so damned impatient and easily irritated. I feel sorry for my toddler I quickly snap on her everytime she makes demands and attention. And I feel bad about this. I don't want to be a monster mom to my kids but sometimes I just can't help but to snap at them or worst spank her. I know, I told myself tht I won't resort to spanking and yelling but what happened to me. I guess it's not too late I can still change my parenting style.

I love my kids and I want them to feel my love for them.

Bye E!

2006-04-03T01:13:00.000+03:00

I just finished all the housework, Yup! I"m back to being the Certified Plain Housewife doing all the chores, multi-tasking almost all of the time, saving time and energy by making chores easier so that i'll have ample time for my toddler and my 7 month old baby.

We send back our maid (E) to her friend (M), it's too sad for her but we have to do it for our own sake also. We paid all the expenses and the needed fees but they fooled us until now E has no visa as a maid. And to make it worse the person who is responsible for all of this mess is always hiding and running away from E's friend.

Last year, 1st week of May we went to M ( she's working as a secretary in an agency ). We approached her coz we thought that she's a good person and she's working in an agency and we needed badly to have a maid for I was 3 months away from my delivery due date. And we had known from a friend that they also got their maid through M.

We agreed on her terms (M's) even not having to run through the resume of the person that she was endorsing for us to hire. All that we heared from her was that that person/maid had enough experience for she had worked as a maid in Singapore and here in Middle East. Even M's demand for every 2 year vacationticket, a day-off every week, and the maid;s ticket plus the visa (which by the way, was to huge, doubled the usual fee) and the renewal fee for the 2nd year of the maid's visa; all of that we agreed and paid her. Of course that maid that she wanted us to get is her friend.

From May til June and here came the month of July, M, had lots of excuses ( take note: we gave the money, a total of 7000 riyals on the monthof May), she said that after 10 days the visa will come out and after a week the maid will come. The same mantra and excuses, and i was fed up and I even told my hubby to forget about that maid and just get the money from M so that we can get another maid.

And finally, on July 27 2005, the maid showed up (E). It was a horrible experience for me. Knowing that she had already experiences for being a maid I thought that our life would be easier and I was also preparing for the coming of our second baby, just a week away and he'll be coming. The reason why we wanted the maid to come as early as possible so that i'll have ample time for orientation and making her feel homey with us.

We treated E as one of the family but she really had this attitude that you'll not know how to respond to. She's the kind of maid that you have to tell her what to do and worst how to do things the proper way. It was hard for me, remember I was pregnant and knowing that my temperament was like a roller coaster and I was on the verge of exploding. My God! You have to tell her everything.

From the proper vacuuming of the carpets, to the cleaning of the comfort rooms ( the one that we are using and hers), cooking you can't depend on her ( she sucks!) just frying but still chicken and fish would come out super golden nearly burned), even laundry she would mix the whites with the colored clothes, and worst when it comes to folding of clothes, to the proper sterilizing of my toddler's bottles...to top it all, I or we was not satisfied with her performance. but we insisted that she'll learn putting aside all of our anger for hiring this kind of maid.

To make things worst, she's the kind of the maid that would put every blame to another person just to make an excuse why she failed this and that, she'll not be short on excuses.

For her 8 months in our family we had forgiven her pea-sized brain but we had to say enough! Legalities and proper documents to back off her stay her in abroad were lacking and for our safety we have to return her to her friend M.

We feel sorry for E, she's the victim. I didn't know at first that she was cancelled by her past employer her in Qatar ( a locale family) and how come that M managed to get her from Philippines. If a person has been cancelled then she/he can only come back here after 2 years. And now, M is blaming Fatima (the person whom M bought the visa for E) for all the mess that E's facing.

If E will be found by the Immigration that she's an alien then she has to pay all the penalties before deportation.

Disgusting Ogre: Sorry but I'm Mad!

2006-03-29T00:27:00.000+03:00

How would you feel if you'll be bombarded with an almost the same statement over and over again. Like an instance, again for the nth time a person approach me and told me how quick i'm becoming fat! Yeah! It was a mocking statement. I replied again for the nth time (and that's the last time that I would reply to this mocking statements and questionings! heavens forbid me but i wanna wring their necks!) that I have to eat not only for me but also for my baby.

Yes! I'm the one giving my baby his milk! HIS FOOD!!! If i'll not eat, then what will happen to my baby for sure this guy would ask me again why my baby is wailing... I don't need to explain for each and every person why I gained weight, do I?

Next time that I'll hear from this ogre, I'll gonna kick his ass to where he belong! He should know his limitations. I have enough from this man. As much as possible I don't want to sound like a loser but he's too much, sometimes I can't stand what he's up to. this is not the first time that he made some statements that have double meanings. If you have problem with me, why not talk to me in a nice manner.

Sometimes leches do suck up a lot of blood! Beware!!! Stop, right there you Parasite!

Welcome to the family Paj!

2006-03-25T04:56:00.000+03:00

My hubby got our new car the other day, a 2006 model of 7 seater Pajero (still I want the 2006 Landcruiser Prado) anyway, it's much better from our old 2-door Pajero. It's like a daddy version of our old car. Hubby N called his new car "Paj". We are a growing family which means we need a bigger car. My 2 and a half daughter enjoys her new place inside the car. Still we are trying to find the right car seat for her.
Upon arriving from work, my hubby and ninong yam went to Mitsubishi to get the car and after that we went hotel hopping. We went to Ritz Carlton Hotel then to Intercontinental Hotel and made reservation in the resto for a brunch the following day.
And yesterday was the Baptism of paj. We went to Parish Center and asked the parish priest, Fr. Tom to bless our new car.
Like a real baptism what followed next was a sumptous buffet brunch at Intercontinental Hotel. I wanted to sleep after eating but then we had to go to City Center mall to buy ate P's car seat and Sean's walker. What a hectic day! Thanks to ninang may and ninong yam!

Getting Younger!

2006-03-25T04:10:00.000+03:00

My birthday bash went well, although i was dead tired, and there was a 2nd round on the following day. I invited some of my friends again to come to our house for a dinner and still we had lots of foods.
Thanks also to my hubby who arrived earlier from work that day so he can cook caldereta and kare-kare and also to my 2 darling babies, they let me finish all the cooking before throwing some tantrums.
And thanks to the friends who sent their greetings, thru text messages, e-cards and phone calls.
My visitors and friends enjoyed the food (baked macaroni, lumpia shanghai, cheese rolls, KFC fried chicken,caldereta, kare-kare, leche flan, ref. cake, fruit salad, puto from ninang and ate J, pancit, and cakes from bateel and opera cafe.

2006-03-16T00:50:00.000+03:00

It's been three consecutive weeks that we were either going out or staying in our house or in our friend's place every weekend. The first time we met was in their place for a dinner and the first time that Princess saw our new friend's kid, also about ate P's age (older by two months to be exact) they automatically got along and played but there's the normal scenario of yelling and fighting for a certain toy both of them want to play with.
We are glad that we met a new family, a new friend. Friends whom you can give trust and you can share stories about our family life and the good thing as a mother I learned a lot from her, especially on parenting.
And ate Princess is also enjoying everytime that they'll play but quite a little difficult on the part of saying goodbye to each other; either one of them will cry.
It's good to have a friend that truly cares for you, who gives advices that came from their hearts. We are so blessed to have them.
We enjoy the every-friday lunch at three in the afternoon til night. Had a great time playing table tennis, eventhough i'm just a starter on this game. And, we had a great time with you guys on our weekday trip to the park. Hope and pray that we'll be friends for life...

2006-02-20T02:15:00.000+03:00

Finally, after the mass we went straight to City Center Mall to have my hair cut, so, one to-do in my list is down and my next schedule is going to a dentist then after that have a footspa and complete it with a pedicure and hopefully a whole body massage. This is great!

shy?

2006-02-19T02:22:00.000+03:00

Ate P is now 2 yrs and 4 months, and i'm afraid that she's becoming obese and her attitude has aslo changed from being an extrovert she's now a shy toddler. If starngers or common friends would approach her she would automatically hide behind and worst would not reply to them.

is this a stage of a toddler? if not, i'm afraid i don't want her to be like that. i want her to be a bubbly toddler who would be so confident in talking to others.

the other day we attended a costume birthday party of one of his friends, kuya J, and again she was so shy even to our close friends. she doesn't want to talk and play with other kids. she just stood next to me and asked for milk we did nothing but to sit down and wait for the party to finish. this is not good. i want her to be her old self.

something not nice

2006-02-19T02:00:00.000+03:00

How would you react as a parent if your child is being bullied? And as a parent how would you feel if your child is the one acting up being the bully? And what's the proper parent reaction and what is not?

i can still remember we went to a friend's house (eight months ago) to finish what my hubby started, helping to upgrade a friend's computer. Ate P was just 16 months old and she was playing with R ( a 5 yrs. old kid). At first, they got along well, since we are the visitor, and hubby was helping them with their computer so the parent were so very accomodating to ate P.

But the kid seems to be adamant in letting ate P play with some of his toys. in the first place, ate P would not touch anything not unless being motivated to do so. and as hours passed, the kid seemed to be impatient to ate P. everytime ate P would touch his toy he would shout at her. and worst time came when he took from their bedroom another toy and he did not want it to share but to let only ate P see it. and as a toddler of 16 mos. she's curious that she wanted to play with it too. he shouldn't have shown it to her if he doesn't want to share it with ate P.

what's the problem with this kid? parents should have told him to back off and if he doesn't want to share his toys then why expose it to ate P. as for me, i don't want a lengthy discussion with my toddler on an unruly behavior, just told ate p that she can just doodle and draw to avoid more fights. but really, it's disappointing to have a kid with a behavior like that.

on being a parent

2006-02-19T01:37:00.000+03:00

As a mom to my toddler on her terrible twos my parenting style changes to suit the quick changing attitude of my daughter. If style A won't be successful then refer to style B, but sometimes it seems that all of the above won't work then it's the time that we should meet halfway. As much as possible. I don't want to give in to every demand my witty toddler makes.

I always teach and remind her that it's important to share her toys to a playmate and she would say that she will and she knows how to share but the problem is sometimes other kids would want to take everything from her so that's the start of the chaos.

Like what happened when a neighbor toddler was outside our house when little P and her nanny were playing outside and with her nature of being generous, she quickly ran inside and took the racquet for table tennis. But what happened next the kid was aiming the racquet to her face. still she played with her and even invited the neighbor toddler to come up to the second floor to play with her toys.

Next thing that happened, the two of them were screaming. Seems that neighbor toddler wants to hoard every toys insight and everything that ate P would touch she'll grab.

And last resort was to let the neighbor toddler to go home before worst scenario would occur.

I don't want that my daughter be bullied so before it happens i make it sure that my toddler will be safe.

a nanny with a peas-sized brain!

2006-02-18T02:19:00.000+03:00

Our helper serves also as a nanny to my eldest daughter (2 yrs. and 4 mos. old) when i'm having my shower or when i have to do something important.

The other day, I told her to keep P with her while i was with my baby. Then after 5 minutes my daughter was already calling her and I thought that she was just in the kitchen or in her bedroom but when i went to the kitchen i saw her cleaning outside near the garden. What the heck? Why did she left my daughter just to clean outside?

And worst on my way to the bathroom i saw the iron plugged to the socket and I was near to explode!!! What would happen if it would cause fire and we are inside this two storey villa with a toddler and a baby?

Again I don't know waht's running in her pea-sized brain. For the nth times I talked to her regarding safety, that she should always take extra precautions on safety. She's now nearing her 7th month with us but still i'm not satisfied with her work and her being ineffective and inefficient.

She doesn't know how to do the laundry the right way...
She doesn't know how to cook a decent meal, she can fry fish and chicken...
She doesn't know how to fold clothes...
She doen't know how to clean the house...
She doesn't know how to befriend my daughter so that no more fighting when it's bathtime...
She doesn't know hot to put my daughter to sleep for a nap...
worst she doesn't know hot to take care a child.

and i keep on teaching her aside from the orientation i gave when she arrived 7 mos. ago. and now i'm going nuts. if we are only in the Phils. i guess i have dumped her already but we are here, far from home, and we spent a lot of bucks on her for her visa and plane ticket.

the clock is ticking on her, how i wish i have all the resources to finance again for a new worthy maid.

My Color is Orange!

2006-02-17T22:19:00.000+03:00

You're a bold, confident orange. A warm, powerful color that indicates a strong, welcoming personality, orange is the mark of people who are social and extroverted by nature. Vibrant, with an upbeat attitude, you have a bright, inviting demeanor. Energetic and fun-loving, you're a real friend-magnet. Your easy charm and unassuming manner make you the sort of person people want to meet and get to know better. Well-rounded and fun to be around, you enjoy helping others, so it's no surprise that orange also symbolizes attraction. Orange is an extraordinary color — for an extraordinary person.

realizations

2006-02-12T01:00:00.000+03:00

it's sad.
we want to help but it ended up to nothing.
how i wish that the path that he wants to take would lead him to his success.
it is hard to help someone who still thinks of his past path.
just hope that this time his mind is fixed on his goal.

i thought he opened his mind to some opportunities as what he said before
that he can and he will try other job, but it just backfired on us what we expected from him. i don't know , immaturity and indecisiveness closed his mind but still i don't want to close all avenues to him. no matter what a brother is still a brother. a family is still a family no matter what happens. that's why we are still supporting him.

just pray that he'll come to realize that what we had offered for him is for his own good. hoping that one day realizations would hit him especially on his behavior on how to confront simple problems. that he should learn on how to compose himself and be focused on the issue and not start to attack the person but the problem. learn on how to assess things on a brighter side. be patient and be thankful always.

i'm still thankful that he stayed with us but surely, our little girl would really miss his uncle. ate p loves him dearly and also our little baby boy.

God BLess!

KOrniks?

2006-02-12T00:44:00.000+03:00

Just some statements and stories that would make your day...

Every Friday ang day off ng maid namin and as usual pagbalik nya she would tell us stories where they went and spent their time with her friends.

day off 1: When she came back around 9 pm, she told us that they spent their afternoon together with her friends in "KORNIKS!" I asked her again where on earth is Korniks. She told me, that it's the place where we watched fireworks last eid holiday. It just hit me that the place she's telling me was The Corniche.

day off 2: She came home a little bit earlier than the other day off's, and I asked her if she had her dinner already. Her reply was, "Yes Ate, we ate at Picha Hut!!! What she mean is Pizza Hut.

ordinary day: I asked her what we have in the fridge for lunch. She came back and told me, "Ate, we still have chicken pilit!" I told her, "What?" I remember, what she mean is chicken fillet.

MOvies...Movies...Movies!!!

2006-01-10T03:56:00.000+03:00

Since it's my hubby's vacation so we rented and watched these movies:

--Birth
--National Treasure
--Before Sunset
--Season 3 of 24
--Season 4 of 24
--Million Dollar Baby
--Finding Neverland
--Crash
--Assault on Precint 13

Guess What?

2006-01-08T01:10:00.000+03:00

Yehey! Got a new bag:)

The Five times Five Account

2006-01-04T13:37:00.000+03:00

Five Yrs ago...2001 It was a year after I graduated my degree and I was still in My dear sweet homeland trying to get out of the country as planned, I did not want to work there. I wanted bigger remuneration to be able to save at once for a business so my choice is to go out and seek for greener pasture.

After 5 months of 2001..I was already out of the country and working in a big company owned by a Sheikh, I was part of the team who opened a franchise in the Middle East. Remuneration is bigger as expected and life is still in a roller coaster, i thought I wouldn't make it! But I did! I soared and found myself again...

5 MOnths Ago...(fast forward) At this point of time i'm already married and has a toddler and on my way for our second baby. It was a day before I delivered our new baby boy. I was already preparing everything that we'll need in going to the hospital (but i packed my bag and my baby's bag when i was on my 7th month, just to make sure). Pinkish discharge are seen as sign of the start of my labor but it's a week earlier than expected. On the following day, as early as 2 am I roused everybody from sleep, I know it's the time. From my experience from my first born I already know when I should go to the emergency, I waited for 2 more hours to make sure my dilation had progressed. And then my Hubby, along with my toddler, my brother and our maid we went to the hospital. And after two and a half hours, We made it! My new angel is in my arms already.

5 Weeks Ago...We spent almost all of our shopping for some furnitures and my hubby was back from Dubai from a company training. We bought new furnitures to fill in most of the spaces in our big receiving room. Two years ago, we were given a short notice to vacate the villa that we are renting if we'll not succumb to the demands of an almost double increase to our monthly rental. But we resisted on him and tried to find a flat that would meet our budget, and for that we had to sell some of our furniture since we planned to transfer to a smaller place and it won't accomodate 2 sofa sets. But we didn't find the flat that we wanted so we decided to stay. Flat rentals here are jacking up and as well as old ones so we better stay put and rebuild our home. But still I didn't want to unpack those 10 big boxes for I really wanted to transfer to a new flat only that we can't.

5 Days Ago...It was the day before New Year, and as usual I have to do most of the preparations for our dinner. I listed for my hubby and my brother all the things and fruits and other things that they should buy from the grocery. From morning til afternoon I was preparing and cooking food.

5 Hours Ago...We started watching Season 4 Of 24 and still watching it til now. My sweet yet naughty toddler kept on diverting our attention to her. She wanted us to focus on her shapes and object puzzle and ended up her tickle-everybody game.

5 Minutes Ago...Still watching 24 and writing this post.

5 Minutes From Now...Surely, i'll still be in front of my computer, writing some post for my toddler and my baby.

5 Hours From Now...I'll be sleeping on that time, and of course, or maybe i'll be up by that time and breastfeed my baby. He drinks milk every three to four hours. And as soon he is full i'll catch up on my sleep.

5 Days From Now...Nothing special that i want to do on this day just go on with my everyday activities; taking care of my two babies and the usual ordeals. Of course, that includes an exercise in the morning, and hopefully, i could follow my fitness schedule.

5 Months From Now...My baby boy would be 10 months this coming July and I would be already a year older by that time. Am so hopeful that by that time i reduced my size and weight and gained more wisdom. And my sweet daughter would be nearing her third birthday and soon by that time, she started already her nursery school.

5 Years From Now...it would be 2011 my daughter is already seven years old and my baby boy is five. I think by that time i'm already working and secured savings for my kids and have already travelled around Europe and Asia. If our plan of migrating to UK or Canada would push through but still i'm doubtful but hopes that we are still considering that plan. And the rest is vague for me.

Not Yet Late for My 2006 New year's Resolution

2006-01-04T13:23:00.000+03:00

This blog of mine has been on hiatus for quite a longer time, i guess after i delivered my baby boy i stopped writing here and concentrate on the blogs of my babies, whew! But here i go again for the nth time trying to make some resolutions for this new year, hope i could materialize and stick to it til i achieve most of my goals.

--Exercise more, shed off 20 kg, i know it's like i'm dreaming but I CAN MAKE IT!!!
--Be religious with a low-carb diet.
--Learn more on Powerpoint, Access and Adobe
--Be more patient
--Being a mom is a two way learning process, i want to learn more from my babies.
--Be more active in posting in my blog and as well as the other two blog accounts, for my toddler and my baby
--Save for my two babies (this should materialize no matter what I don't want to take risk for not saving for my kids future!)
--Invest in a new business that would give a total Return on INvestment, not just a crap!
--Hopefully, i'll be on a workplace again (I know, this would be the last thing I should do since my babies are still small, they still need me)
--Stop my worries on everything and be as cool as I want to be.

2005-09-07T10:55:00.000+03:00

Akala ko ba sa maid namin ay may experience na sa trabaho nya, galing na rin sya sa Singapore at nagtrabaho na rin dito dati sa middle east pero bakit parang walang alam sa paglilinis o sa trabaho nya sa pangkalahatan?

Nakaka-irita yong turo ka ng turo sa kanya kung paano gagawin ang mga gawaing bahay tapos di naman pala pumapasok o tumitimo sa isipan nya! Sa tanada nyang yan na halos doblehen ang edad ko bakit parang wala man lang syang kaalam-alam.

Pagkarating nya binigyan ko na sya kaagad ng oryentasyon sa mga gawaing bahay, papaano nya gagawain ang ibang mga gawaing bahay sa level ng linis na gusto ko pero parang sinusubukan nya yata ang pasensya ko...

Mahigit isang buwan na sya sa bahay pero sa kalimitan kinakailanagang paulit-ulit na sabihan ko pa sya. Ganon ba kapurol ang utak nya? naka-abot naman sya ng high school pero kahit na yong iba nga dyan na halos wala talagang pinag-aralan may utak kung papaano nila gagawain ang trabaho nila. Mas maganda kung ginagamitan ng utak kahit sabihing katulong ka lang pero por jus paganahin mo naman ang utak mo!

Kaya pala may mga nabubogbog na mga katulong din dito sa middle east lalo na kung mga arabo pa ang amo, kung kaparehas nga sa kanya ang makuhang katulong, lalo na at yong mga yon ay kulang sa pasensya at gusto ura urada ang pagkilos mo.

Hindi ko naman sinasabi na maging katulad sya o kasimbilis ni dash sa mga trabaho nya sa bahay pero ganon na siguro sya makupad kung kumilos. isa pa hindi sya marunong magluto. minsan parang nakikinita ko na parang ako na amo nya na lang palagi ang magluluto ng pagkain namin. Siguro sa una, okay lang yon, tinuturo ko naman sa kanya kung papano lulutu-in ang pagkain o anong klaseng luto pero sa katagalan ako'y ini-inis nya.

kung hindi nga lang masyadong malaki gastos namin sa kanya ay ngayon mismo papalayasin ko na sya, at cancel pa para matuto at hindi na makabalik sa bansang ito for 2 years. kaya lang ayoko namang maging ganong kasama . kaya i'm giving her a more time na sana naman ay matuto na sya.

tama ba namang maglaba sya na pinaghalo ang puti sa de kolor! mama mia! sa tanda nyang yon hindi kailangan ko pa rin syang turuan ng tamang paraan ng paglalaba at nakita naman nya na magkaiba na nga ang lagayan ng mga labahing de kolor at puti at ng mga dapat na i-hand wash lang. hay! kayo ba naman magkaroon ng ganitong katulong tingnan nyo lang kung di rin tumindig balahibo nyo sa inis...

isa pa, ayoko ng nagbabait-baitan lang, pag nandyan kami sa harap nya maamong tupa sya sa anak ko pero minsan pag sila lang dalawa lumalabas na rin ang kulay nya. minamatyagan ko lang sya, at wag lang nyang hintayin na mahuli ko sya na may gawin sya na labag sa kalooban sa anak ko at makikita nya ang hindi pa nya nakikita.

halos lahat ng paraan ng paggawa nya kailangan pa syang ikorek! simppleng paghihiwa ng mga gulay tama ba naman na isama pati yong mga tinanggal mo na ngang dulo ng okra? at kung magtrabaho sya masyadong salaula!

hay naku! sana nga matuto sya at wag ako daanin sa mga ngiti at tawa nya.

siguro naman dapat sumunod sya sa gusto namin, oo , alam kung galing sya sa isang rural na lugar, siguro nga iba talaga ang mga pamamaraan ng pagtrabaho sa bahay nila pero kung sinasabihan ka naman o tinuturuan ng tamang pamamaraan then why not? bakit di ka matuto?

lahat naman ng ikagagaan ng trabaho nya ay sinasabi namin sa kanya tulad na lang ng pagllagay ng sistema sa pagtratrabaho nya sa bahay kaso bupol talaga!

at isa pa lahat ng mga konsiderasyon binibigay namin sa kanya in short hindi kami masamang employer sa kanya, tulad na lang ng mga pansarili nyang mga toiletress, sabon, toothpast, shampoo, ultimo napkin nya binibigay namin sa kanya at least man lang makatulong na yon an hindi na nya mabawasan ang sahod nya at ma-ipon nya kaso siguro di man lang nya yon na-iisip para galingan nya trabaho nya sa bahay.

at kahit anong kinakain namin yon din ang pagkain nya, di kami tulad ng ibang amo na tinitipid ang mga katulong nila at tratong kasambahay ang trato namin sa kanya di katulong...sana man lang tumimo ito sa isipan nya.

mama mia!

2005-08-30T06:06:00.000+03:00

Sinabi ko sa maid namin na gawing ala turon yong nilagang mongo, as super clear ang instruksyon ko, malinaw pa sa tubig sa balon.

" Pakiluto mo yong mongo ng parang turon, lagyan mo ng asukal yong monggo tapos ibalot mo sa shanghai wrapper tapos deep fry mo at magtunaw ka ng sukal at ilagay mo sa nalutong monggo ala turon."

"Opo ate!" Ang sagot nya, malinaw din, wala na syang tanong, meaning naintindihan at nakuha nya lahat ng mga sinabi ko.

Hay dyos me! Ina-ate nya ako kahit lamang yong edad nya ng kalahati sa edad ko, at ganon din sya sa hubby ko, kuya din ang tawag nya kahit mas matanda sya

pagkatapos ng tatlumpong minuto, ayan na sya, nilapag na sa mesa ang pinagawa ko. Ngek! ang mong ala turon ay ginawang ala-burger patty! hashus!!! wala talaga.

ang ginawa nya, yong monggo nilagyan ng flour at deep fy tapos nilagyan sa ibabaw ng tinunaw na asukal! saan napunta ang lumpia wrapper???

My Mood Ring

2005-08-27T00:57:00.000+03:00

Your Mood Ring is Dark Red

http://images.blogthings.com/moodringgenerator/dark-red.gif"> %20color="#000000"> Very happyLovePassion

Ring Generator

Thanks Daddy God!!!

2005-08-07T20:41:00.000+03:00

At last nakaraos na rin ako, my labor started At 1 am, Friday, sa una di pa gaanong masakit ang contractions kaya pinili kong mag stay muna sa bahay then after 3 hours tumindi na kaya i told them na we should have all our early morning breakfast para lahat kami may energy sa pagpunta sa hospital.
When we reach Women's hospital patindi na ang sakit at we went straight to the emergency area at yon na nga 6 cm dilated na ako kaya after they took my B.P, my temperature, and they put me in the delivery room.
From 5 am ang bilis ng progress ng pagdilate ko, but the excruciating pain was so unbearable kaya i told the nurse to give epidural to lessen the pain of my labor. kaso nga lang sabi ng nurse na sandali na lang ang hihintayin at kasi goin on 8 cm na daw ang dilation ko kaso sobrang sakit talaga kaya i persistently asked for epidural. yon, sumunod din sa akins wakas and i waited for 30 minutes bago magtake-effect ang gamot at yon nga medyo nagnumb na ang lower part ng body ko and i feel dizzy.
basta natandaan ko, IE na naman and told me that i can start pushing na daw, kaya sinimulan ko na and i can feel the big lump na nga, yon na yong head ni Sean, and after 4 biggg and strong push kahit dizzy ako I Finally Made It!!! From the time na dumating ako sa hospital, 2 and a half hours lang at nailuwal ko na rin si Sean...
lumabas na rin si Sean Linus and they gave him to me for my first glimpse, hug and kiss for my dear Prince...
he weighs 8.14 pounds and very tall. kaya pala nagmadali syang lumabas kasi hindi na sya magkasya sa tummy ko sa sobrang laki at haba nya. he should be delivered on the 12th of august pa, nag-advance sya ng 1 week, siguro sobrang excited na sha makita ang mommy at daddy nya and of course his ateng makulit...si big sister Princess:)
Son, we love you very much!!!
Thanks din pala sa mga nurses na tumulong sa akin, lalo na ang pagpareserve ng room namin ni Sean kasi sa sobrang dami ng nanganganak you have to wait sa recovery room for longer hours para ma-accomodate ka nila kung may availability na sa mga rooms nila.
Buti na lang nakita nila si Princess sa may waiting area kaya nalaman nila TIta Sally at TIta Rosie (thanks very much to them) na andon na ako sa delivery room kaya pinuntahan nila ako kaagad at itinawag na ipalipat ako sa pandalawang pasyente lang na room.
Dati kasi sa kay Princess walang problema kasi sa private na room nagpareserve si Daddy nya kaso sa ngayon gusto ko na hindi ganon kalaki ang hospital bills namin kaya yon ang nangyari...so far okay naman ang lahat.
Thanks din kay Tita Cita, pang-evening shift sya, kaya naasikaso din nya kami ni Sean...
To all of you who offered prayers for my safe delivery ...Thanks A Lot!!!

the time has come!!!

2005-08-04T11:59:00.000+03:00

Malapit na ngang lumabas si Sean Linus, just this morning when i went to c.r. may nakita na akong thick pinkish discharge, as i learned from my experience from giving birth to my first born ganon din ang sign na nakita ko na mag-iistart na ang paglabor ko.
Meron na ring contractions kaso hindi pa nga ganon katindi, at bumaba na ang tyan ko kaya medyo nakakahinga na ako ng maluwag kasi nagkaroon na ng space ang lungs ko. So far, yong sakit ng likod ko at lower abdomen hindi pa naman ganon katindi kaya i prefer to stay in the house muna saka na ako magpapadala sa hospital pagmatindi na talaga ang sakit.
Inayos ko ulit at tiningnan ang bag na dadalhin namin sa hospital kung andon na nga ang lahat ng mga gamit na kailngan namin ni baby Sean para bibit=bitin na lang pagmagpadala n ako sa hospital.
Si P gustong umakyat sa crib ni Sean, as i told her nga na di na sya pwede kasi kay baby brother na yong crib hindi na sya pwede sa loob magplay, ayon nagwala, binitbit ng upside down si pooh at tigger sabay balibag sa floor. kawawang mga toys nya, but for sure she'll be delighted and overjoyed pagmakita nya si sean...

what goes around, comes around

2005-08-03T01:23:00.000+03:00

treat people fairly,
treat people with respect,
treat people with kindness,
genuine kindess, that is.

remember, most of things that happen to us
are by-products of what we doand what we nurture
in our hearts.

1 week old...

2005-08-03T01:06:00.000+03:00

BUkas isang linggo na dito sa bahay namin mula ng dumating sya galing sa Pinas ang nahire namin na katulong sa bahay. So far, okay naman ang performance nya needs only to improve lalo na sa level ng cooking pati ng cleaning. Sobrang sipag nga nya, side-effect pa yata sa trauma na nakuha nya sa dating amo na Arabo na may asawang Puti. Dati daw sa mga employer nya kulang sya sa pagkain, imagine naman maghapon sya na nagtratrabaho, hanggang gabi pa tapos tinapay lang ang pinapakain sa kanya...yeeessss!!! tinapay lang!!!
Ang unang mga araw nya sa bahay kailanagn pang i-supervise ang kanyang work at i-orient sya sa mga trabaho sa bahay and how things should be done, ayoko kasi na mabago pati pagkaka-ayos ng mga gamit sa bahay. Gusto ko kung paano ko inayos dati ganon din ang gagawain nya. Okay naman sya madali namang turuan but you have to remind nga lang minsan kasi minsan nakakalimutan nya.
She's too much eager to please us kaya sobrang sipag nya kahit sinasabi namin na magpahinga sya paghapon at huwag mamalantsa sa umaga baka mapasma sya and worst baka magkasakit pa sya at manganganak naman ako eh di papano yan baka kami pa ang magbantay sa kanya. Sabi pa nga nya kasi sanay daw sya na ganon sa dati nyang amo, masyado syang busy, syempre arabo yon...pero syempre Pinoy kami at hindi naman kami ganon magtrato ng katulong. We treat her as part of the family, kasabay sya sa hapag kainan, kasabay naming kumain at kung ano ang pagkain namin yon din ang pagkain nya. Mas mabuti kasi kung ganoon at least alam nyang we treat her nicely.
Sana nga magpatuloy syang ganon, mabait at masipag sa amin para hindi na kami kumuha ng iba. MInsan playmate din sya ng anak namin kahit siguro pagod na sha pero pinagbibigyan pa rin nya amg makulit naming anak pagnakikipaglaro sa kanya.
Kahit malaki ang gastos namin sa pagkuha sa kanya parang okay na rin kasi okay naman sya. Buti nga di katulad ng ibang employer na i-aawas pa sa kanyang sahod ang pamasahe nya from Pinas, which is ganon ang ginagawa talaga ng mga kumukuha ng maid, its either yong agency yong manghingi ng pera sa kanya or yong employer ang magbawas ng 2 buwang salary nya.
Sana nga lang magpatuloy ang magandang samahan, magpatuloy syang mabait at nagrerespeto sa amin kasi ganon din naman kami sa kanya.

9 days and still counting...

2005-08-03T00:56:00.000+03:00

9 days to go na lang at ayan na si Sean Linus...baka naman mas maaga pa kasi sa ngayon pa lang palagi na akong nakakafeel ng early signs of labor like contractions at palagi ng sumasakit ang likod ko. nakaready na lahat ng mga bags na dadalhin sa hospital just incase manganak na nga ako at ibinilin ko na sa kanila (my dear hubby, my bro and our maid) what i want them to do pagmanganagnak na nga ako.
so far, my hyper toddler ganon pa rin sya masyadong energetic lalo pa ngayon na mas marami na syang kalaro , yong uncle nya pati ang maid aside sa amin ng daddy nya. masyado na syang naging mas bibo minsan napapa-ikot nya ang uncle nya pati na rin ang maid sa kung ano ang gusto nya, which is hindi namin tinotolerate.
sana nga maging madali ang pagdeliver ko kay baby Sean.

What Your Name Means

2005-07-28T01:08:00.000+03:00

There are 16 letters in your name.Those 16 letters total to 77There are 8 vowels and 8 consonants in your name.

Your number is: 5

The characteristics of #5 are: Expansiveness, visionary, adventure, the constructive use of freedom.

The expression or destiny for #5:The number 5 Expression endows with the wonderful characteristic of multi-talents and versatility. You can do so many things well. The tone of the number 5 is constructive freedom, and in your drive to attain this freedom, you will likely be the master of adaptability and change. You are good at presenting ideas and knowing how to approach people to get what you want. Naturally, this gives you an edge in any sort of selling game and spells easy success when it comes to working with people in most jobs. Your popularity may lead you toward some form of entertainment or amusement. Whatever you do, you are clever, analytical, and a very quick thinker.

If there is too much of the 5 energy in your makeup, you may express some the negative attitudes of the number. Your restless and impatient attitude may keep you from staying with any project for too long. Sometimes you can be rather erratic and scatter yourself and your energies. You have a hard time keeping regular office hours and maintaining any sort of a routine. You tend to react strongly if you sense that your freedom of speech or action is being impaired or restricted in any way. As clever as you are, you may have a tendency to make the same mistakes over and over again because much of your response is glib reaction rather that thoughtful application. You are in a continuous state of flux brought by constantly changing interests.

Your Soul Urge number is: 3

A Soul Urge number of 3 means: With the Soul Urge number 3 your desire in life is personal expression, and generally enjoying life to its fullest. You want to participate in an active social life and enjoy a large circle of friends. You want to be in the limelight, expressing your artistic or intellectual talents. Word skills may be your thing; speaking, writing, acting, singing. In a positive sense, the 3 energy is friendly, outgoing and always very social.

You have a decidedly upbeat attitude that is rarely discouraged; a good mental and emotional balance.

The 3 Soul Urge gives intuitive insight, thus, very high creative and inspirational tendencies. The truly outstanding trait shown by the 3 Soul Urge is that of self-expression, regardless of the field of endeavor.

On the negative side, you may at times become too easygoing and too optimistic, tending to scatter forces and accomplish very little. Often, the excessive 3 energy produces non-stop talkers. Everyone has faults, but the 3 soul urge doesn't appreciate having these pointed out.

Your Inner Dream number is: 4

An Inner Dream number of 4 means: You dream of being a very solid citizen that people can depend upon. You strive for organization and predictable order. You want to be recognized as a person with a plan and the discipline to make that plan work like clockwork.

ano ba ang totoo???

2005-07-26T14:23:00.000+03:00

First and foremost, sabi ni M okay na daw ang lahat-lahat; visa, medical check up at parating na sa Friday ngunit ang friday na yon naging Tuesday na naman. ngayon tinatawagan ni S si M para matiyak talaga na darating nga nagyong araw mismo para masundo sa airport pero wala man lang reply sa tawag at text nya.

Ano ba ito? nagkakalokohan ba? just tell us directly if there's any problem para makagawa kami kaagad ng another alternative, para makakuha ng ibang maid. 17 more days to go at manganganak na ako. inasikaso namin ang pagkuha ng maid more than 2 months ago pa para we have enough time kaso ano bang ginagawa nila sa amin?

Dapat kausapin na namin talaga si M ng masinsinan kung ano ba talaga ang totoo...

Ang hirap ng ganito ...

Nakakainis...

Nakakabato...

21 days to go...

2005-07-22T16:26:00.000+03:00

3 more weeks na lang at lalabas na si Sean Linus, pray ko lang na sana maging safe ang panganganak ko at healthy sya. di na ako masyadong nakakatulog sa gabi at palagi ng sumasakit ang likod ko. sana di ako mahirapan this time unlike with my daughter sobrang tagal akong naglabor at sobra akong nahirapan.

halos okay na ang lahat ng mga gamit nya, yong mga lampin na lang at ibang receiving blankets ang kinakailangang plantsahin. nabili na rin namin sya ng mga bottles nya just in case kailangan.

be a good boy our li'l angel. mommy, daddy and ate Andrea love you very much!!!

kailan kaya?

2005-07-19T02:38:00.000+03:00

Naku. magdadalawang buwan na hindi pa rin dumadating ang katulong namin, sabui with in ten days maaayos ang visa nya pero hanggang sa ngayon wala pa rin. Naka-ilang biyernes na rin ang lumipas pagtinatanong namin, ang sasabihin darating na ngayong friday pero ala pa rin.

Una nagkaproblema sa maid's visa nya kasi wrong spelling ang surname nya.

The second time na ipinasa sa immigration, nasilip na nacancel pala sya dati kaya nagchange passport sya kaya nadelay na naman.

At hanggang sa ngayon ang palaging sinasabi ay "okay na!" pero wala pa rin sya.

Sana nga ay tumama man lang ngayong friday dumating na nga sya.

Kasi kung hindi para makapaghire na ng iba!

HIndi lang naman sya ang pwedeng makuha, marami din dyan kaso nga lang nagtiwala kami kasi ang naka-usap namin na nagtratrabaho sa agency ay kaibigan at kakilala sya.

Wala na ring kwenta kung dumating sya after one month pa, kung kelan nanganak na ako, eh di sna yong perang binili namin sa visa at ticket nya ay nanganak na rin ng kunting tubo sa bangko!

Sana naman maayos na ang lahat...

Kahit hirap ako sa sobrang laki na ng tyan ko at may toddler pa akong malikot kinakaya na lang ng powers ko ...akala ko pa mandin darating sya kaagad para makapagpahinga man lang ako...andami kung mga maling akala...sana maayos na!

At sana worthy naman ang paghihintay namin sa kanya!

sa wakas...

2005-07-17T10:33:00.000+03:00

At last, 2 days more to go andito na ang kapatid ko, sa dinami-dami ng mga nangyari sa kanya bago matapos lahat ng mga kailangan nyang lakarin sa Pinas para makarating sya dito sa amin, natapos din. napakadali dito mag-apply ng kahit na anong visa wag lang ang visiting visa for brothers kasi bawal yan ngayon pero ang problema naman ay sa Pinas.
"Welcome to Doha unkyel Nonoy" sabi ni Princess:)

weekend treat")

2005-07-09T01:30:00.000+03:00

We went to City Center to catch up with some friends and it's the birthday of Princess godfather; had a dinner at Applebee's and headed to the movie theater to watch War of the Worlds...Yes! for the first time we let our 21 months old daughter to watch a movie, yon nga lang sci-fi pa at hindi cartoons. Buti na lang hindi sya umiyak and she let daddy Nath to carry and hug her and sometimes sat beside ate jelay or transfer to me again. Natapos din namin yong movie pero parang bitin yong ending and how come that Tom Cruise was able to use a car while yong other cars di umaandar? Parang may kulang but the effects were great. In a scale of 10, i'll rate it with 8.

2005-07-04T23:47:00.000+03:00

Bakit na lang ganon ang tao, kahit sino kapamilya man o hindi, akala nila na pag nasa abroad ka sobrang dami ng iyong pera di man lang mag-isip na ang daming sinakripisyo para man lang medyo guminhawa ang buhay kahit nasa malayo. Akala mo napupulot lang ang pera sa kalsada, kung manghingi, manghiram or worst magdemand akala mo isa kang bangko o may pinatago silang pera sa iyo.

Di man lang mag-isip na pag ang tao may isang pamilya na dapat unahin nya ang kinabukasan ng mga anak nya. Isa pa, minsan makikita mo na may mga sigurista talaga, halos hatakin nya lahat para sa kanya di man lang mag isip. Ang dami kung gustong gawin kaso sa ngayon di pa talaga pwede, kelan kaya ako makakapag trabaho ulit para may matatawag akong sariling ipon para kahit papano anuman ang mangyari maging sigurado din ang bukas ng mga anak ko.

At isa pa, ang hiram ay magka-iba sa bigay, pero may mga taong nakakalimot na may hiniram pala sila o pilit na nililimot na lang para hindi magbayad. Sa akin lang kahit man lang magsabi na "oy! pwedeng sa susunod pa na taon o after 10 years namin kayo bayaran?". Nakaka-inis lang kasi may mga taong ganito, lista sa tubig kumbaga. Ang bilis magsabi na manghihiram o minsan nga boluntaryo pang pinapahiram kasi nangangailangan talaga pero hindi man lang mag-isip. Nakakadala. Kaya isang leksyon na dapat matutunan sa buhay, kinakailangan unahin din ang sarili kesa sa kapwa. Matutong magsabi ng "hindi" sa kapwa at huwag umasang maganda pa rin ang magiging pakikitungo nya sa iyo.

2005-07-04T23:19:00.000+03:00

May mga taong nakakarma din dahil na rin sa pagiging masama ng kanilang mga ugali. Aaminin ko, ako hindi naman ganon kabuti pero di rin naman kasama, pero hindi ako kasing arogante ng aleng ito. Akala mo na napakabait sa una pero yon pala may bunto't at sungay din. Kahit simpleng tanong lang sa kanya na sanay'y simpleng sagot lang ang ibigay nya pero mahilig sya magpasaring. Ewan ko nga ba kung bakit kumukulo ang dugo ko sa kanya. Di rin naman kagandahan, ang pangit nya pero tingin nya sa sarili nya ganon sya kaganda.

Kung magsalita akala mo donya, kaya natatawa ako sa kanya ngayon dahil nakarma din sya. Paano ba ang pakiramdam ng isang taong parang pinagka-isahan ng mundo? Paano ba ang pakiramdam ng taong parang walang kasiguraduhan ang buhay lalo't may anak ka? Di ba nakakapraning din? Ang masasabi ko lang sa kanya, samsamin nya ang sensasyon ng karma!

Sandali na lang...

2005-07-04T10:12:00.000+03:00

Sa wakas natapos ko na rin ang pag-oorganize ng mga gamit ni Sean Linus (ang magiging bago naming angel baby sa bahay). Dati tinago ko na lahat sa maleta ang mga baby clothes at mga iba pa nyang gagamitin kaso hindi pa rin naman pala kami makakalipat ng bahay kaya balik sa closet na naman lahat ng mga gamit. At least marami syang mga gamit mga pinaglumaan ni ate nya kasi halos lahat ng pinamili ko noon sa panganay namin ay pang-unisex kaya okay lang.

Sana maging maayos at madali ang panganganak ko ngayon unlike sa panganay namin na masyado akong pinahirapan, maglabor ba naman ako ng 14 hours! At isa pa ang mga nakabantay na mga Indianang nurse ay walang paki-alam kundi nakikipag tsismisan lang sa ibang nurse na dumadaan. nakatatlong shift ako ng mga nurses at halos silang lahat ay walang silbi. Ang hirap talaga dito sa bansang ito, hindi pwede ang asawa o kahit na sinong kapamilyang babae na magbantay sa'yo habang nanganganak ka.

Okay naman ang mga gamit nila dito sa hospital yon nga lang kasi Arab country kaya hindi pwedeng nasa tabi mo ang yong hubby habang ume-ere ka. Di rin pwedeng magrequest na mag pa caesarean ka not unless na kailangan talaga.

On the positive side, walang bayad ang manganak dito kahit pa caesarian, wag ka lang papalagay sa private room after delivery. On our first born, private room yong kinuha ni Nath kaya ayon anlaki ng binayaran namin, parang nagpa-caesarian na sa Pinas. Pero okay na lang kasi sulit naman kasi alaga ka talaga pati ang baby and most of the nurses Pinay pa kaya okay lang.

Pray ko lang talaga na mas madali at walang anumang komplekasyon ang panganganak ko at safe and healthy ang baby namin...

2005-07-04T09:33:00.000+03:00

HIndi lahat ng gusto natin ay nangyayari ayon sa kagustuhan natin. Hanggang ngayon inaantay namin ang kinuha naming maid and until now hindi pa rin lumalabas ang visa nya. Malay ba namin na may problema palang haharapin.

Noong unang lumabas yong visa nya mali naman ang spelling ng apelyido nya but worst nong binalik na sa immigration ang papeles nya na cancel pala sya kaya she has to do some errands in the Pinas para maayos ang gusot.

It's nearing its second month mula ng i-process ang pagkuha sa kanya at hanggang ngayon wala pa rin. Kung hindi lang nakaka-awa naman sa part nya i would rather get another maid na lang kaso nagkagastos na rin sya kasi lumuwas na sya ng Manila.

Sana pagdating naman nya dito maayos sya para worthy naman ang effort pati ang perang ginastos sa kanya.

Nakakamiss...

2005-07-03T23:29:00.000+03:00

Sarap umuwi sa Pinas, how i wish na pwedeng mag jeep lang at ayan na ako kaso sobrang layo...hay! kelan kaya ako makakatikim ulit ng...

--lechon baboy
--lechon kawali
--buko pandan
--buko pie
--kumain sa Jollibee at Greenwich
--sinigang na baboy
--bibingka
--suman at latik
--ube jam
--alimango
--hilaw na mangga na isawsaw sa bagoong alamang
--kumain ng aratiles
--halo-halo
--puto at dinuguan

kelan kaya ako ulit makakapagtalampisaw habang bumubuhos ang ulan? dalawang beses lang dito umulan at di ka naman pwede mag enjoy dahil may kasamang alikabok.

kelan kaya ako ulit makaka-akyat ng bundok at lumanghap ng sariwang hangin?

nakakamiss ang makipagtsikahan sa mga dating kaibigan ng hanggang magdamagan...

nakakamiss ang company ng mga matatawag kong totoong kaibigan, kupara dito wala masyado akong kaibigan kasi halos lahat ng mga tao plastik...

kelan kaya ako makakapag rest feeling ko pagod na pagod na ang katawan ko...

hay! buhay abroad...

kelan kaya?

Drooling...

2005-07-03T23:23:00.000+03:00

How I wish to have this.

Buhay sa Ibang Bansa!

2005-06-25T00:09:00.000+03:00

Ang tao di nawawalan ng hinaing sa buhay, katulad na lamang ni misis no. 1 walang katapusang himutok at reklamo sa kanyang asawa. Marami daw syang gustong gawin sa buhay nya kaso di nya magawa dahil ang gusto daw ni mister dapat unahin nya ang kanyang pamilya. samantala, ang gusto naman ni misis na unahin ang kanyang karer sa buhay kaya kahit anong luho ang gusto nya binibigay na lang daw sa kanya ni mister para manahimik lamang sya.

Minsan ang tao hindi nag-iisip, hindi makuntento muna kung ano meron sya. Kung tutuusin hindi mahahanap ng mister nya ang sahod na tinatamasa nila dito sa abroad kumpara sa Pinas kahit hindi mataas ang posisyon ng kanyang asawa sa kompanyang pinapasukan. Pero mas gusto pa ni misis na umuwi na lang daw silang mag-anak sa Pinas kung hindi man lang mapropromote si mister. Dapat isipin na lang nila na mas magiging maayos at makaka-ipon sila ng sapat na pera dito kumpara sa Pinas.

Tama din naman ang kanyang mister na dapat unahin nya ang kanyang pamilya kasi maliliit pa ang kanilang mga anak. Sabagay, kanya-kanyang diskarte yan sa buhay.

Si misis no. 2 naman gustong ipalaglag ang kanyang pinagbubuntis kasi ayaw nyang magkabeybi ulit kaso gusto ng mister nya maraming anak. Mas gusto pa nyang magtrabaho kesa manatili sa bahay. Syempre wala na syang pandagdag pambili ng mga abubot at anik-anik nya kaya dapat nag-iingat sana sya na hindi mabuntis. Ayaw nya non, mas marami syang mapagtsi-tsismisan kasi nasa bahay lang sya at likas naman syang tsismosa.

Si misis no. 3 dalawang beses ng nagpalaglag kasi di na nya makakayanan daw pa pagnagbuntis naman sya ulit kawawa daw ang kanyang mga anak na maliliit pa. Bakit ba ganito? Ang lupit naman, gagawa-gawa tapos di papanagutan. May iba nga dyan na hindi nagkaka-anak at gustong magka-anak pero walang dumadating ni isa at eto naman ang iba pinapalaglag lang.

Misis no. 4 at no. 5, sila ang mga taong walang katapusan at walang kasawa-sawang nakiki-alam sa buhay ng mga may buhay. Paborito nilang pag-usapan ang buhay ng ibang mga tao, kaibigan man o hindi at mas matindi kung kaaway.

Wala na bang ibang magawa dito sa mundong ito?

2005-06-20T08:21:00.000+03:00

Tumatanda ka na, tol.

Nasa Friday Magic Madness na yung mga paborito mong kanta.

Nakaka-relate ka na sa Classic MTV.

Lesbiana na yung kinaaaliwan mong child star dati. Nanay na lagi ang role ng crush na crush mong matinee idol noon.

Dati, pag may panot, sisigaw ka agad ng "PENDONG!". Ngayon, pag may sumisigaw nun, ikaw na yung napapraning.

Parang botika na ang cabinet mo. May multivitamins, vitamin E, vitamin C, royal jelly, tsaka ginko biloba.

Dati, laging may inuman. Sa inuman, may lechon, sisig, kaldereta, inihaw na liempo, pusit, at kung anu-ano pa. Ngayon, nagkukumpulan na lang kayo ng mga kasama mo sa Starbucks at oorder ng tea.

Wala na ang mga kaibigan mo noon.

Ang dating masasayang tawanan ng barkada sa canteen, napalitan na ng walang katapusang pagrereklamo tungkol sa kumpanya ninyo. Wala na ang best friend mo na lagi mong pinupuntahan kapag may problema ka. Ang lagi mo na lang kausap ngayon e ang kaopisina mong hindi ka sigurado kung binebenta ka sa iba pag nakatalikod ka. Ang hirap nang magtiwala.

Mahirap nang makahanap ng totoong kaibigan. Hindi mo kayang pagkatiwalaan ang kasama mo araw-araw sa opisina. Kung sabagay, nagkakilala lang kayo dahil gusto ninyong kumita ng pera at umakyat sa tinatawag nilang "corporate ladder". Anumang pagkakaibigang umusbong galing sa pera at ambisyon ay hindi talaga totoong pagkakaibigan. Pera din at ambisyon ang sisira sa inyong dalawa.

Pera. Pera na ang nagpapatakbo ng buhay mo.

Alipin ka na ng Meralco, PLDT, SkyCable, Globe, Smart, at Sun. Alipin ka ng Midnight Madness. Alipin ka ng tollgate sa expressway. Alipin ka ng credit card mo. Alipin ka ng ATM. Alipin ka ng BIR.

Dati-rati masaya ka na sa isang platong instant pancit canton. Ngayon, dapat may kasamang italian chicken ang fettucine alfredo mo. Masaya ka na noon pag nakakapag-ober-da-bakod kayo para makapagswimming. Ngayon, ayaw mong lumangoy kung hindi Boracay o Puerto Galera ang lugar. Dati, sulit na sulit na sa yo ang gin pomelo. Ngayon, pagkatapos ng ilang bote ng red wine, maghahanap ka ng San Mig Light.

Wala ka nang magawa. Sumasabay ang lifestyle mo sa income mo. Nagtataka ka kung bakit hindi ka pa rin nakakaipon kahit tumataas ang sweldo mo. Yung mga bagay na gusto mong bilhin dati na sinasabi mong hindi mo kailangan, abot-kamay mo na. Pero kahit nasa iyo na ang mga gusto mong bilhin, hindi ka pa rin makuntento.

Saan ka ba papunta?

Tol, gumising ka. Hindi ka nabuhay sa mundong ito para maging isa lang sa mga baterya ng mga machines sa Matrix.Hanapin mo ang dahilan kung bakit nilagay ka rito. Kung ang buhay mo ngayon ay uulit-ulit lang hanggang maging singkwenta anyos ka na, magsisisi ka. Lumingon ka kung paano ka nagsimula, isipin ang mga tao at mga bagay na nagpasaya sa yo.

Ikaw ang nagbago, hindi ang mundo.

On Friendship!

2005-06-20T08:02:00.000+03:00

Friendship is a Gift that nothing in this world could compare, not even a treasure of wealth.

Friendship is not measured on earthly gifts you have given to her, but it’s measured on the depth of trust, honesty, loyalty and understanding you can give or offer.

It doesn’t mean that when you give, one should reciprocate what you have given… When you give, you give it with your heart…you don’t expect that something will be given back to you.

Friendship should not be on the grounds of financial or monetary accessibility. Remember that money is the route to eternal damnation!

Friendship doesn’t mean hurting each other ‘coz the event didn’t turned out the way you want it to be. When you don’t want something from her be it simple to some delicately complicated thing go straight and talk to her in a right manner. Friendship doesn’t mean that you’ll backstab her with all your meanness and irrationalities or illogicalness…

All of us are human beings… and all of us have or had shortcomings in our lives be it a normal problem or a nerve wracking, painstaking, head spinning one. And we are here as friends to help each other and not to make things worse.

Don’t judge all the people around you! Check first yourself, meditate on your life… is your conscience clear from impurities of life? Or is it as muddy as most of the other human beings too! Before you point your accusing fingers on others see first yourself in a mirror and direct your attention to yourself.

Friendship doesn’t accept a blockage on from what race, religion or social status you came from. It is the true acid test of friendship. Stop being so righteous…’coz everyone has its own dilemma to face and combat.

Friendship also means being true to your friend and not talking about her in her back. Gossiping and envy are very much related. It’s like sisters in crime. Remember envy will destroy you as you destroy others.

One should not be so envious of the other ‘coz that’s the time that one will compare herself to the other to the point of losing the essence of what friendship should be. If your friend found a good life be thankful for her that she has such blessing. Don’t whine with the inadequacies of your life, the grace from Daddy GOD is so abundant that HE doesn’t want to spare anybody from it.

Don’t count the material things that you have. And don’t ever compare it to others especially to your friend, ‘coz from it, sometimes you will see that she has more or less than what you possess.

The true meaning of friendship sprouts from your adherence to some religious moralities and philosophies. And your Christianity shows on how you treat your friends…

The manifestations of being a Christian doesn’t mean only reciting those prayers and going to a Sunday mass, but its true implication in the inculcation in mind and deed of the Christian obligation in your e everyday life here on earth. It’s on the matter of application of what you’ve learned about being a Christian.

Friendship means helping each other not only in times of strife and sorrow but also in some nitty gritty things. You have two hands, one is for helping others and the other is for yourself.

Good friendship stands out even from the murkiest water. It will soar in the skies with all the good intentions. Being a good friend is not very hard to fulfill, one needs only a pure heart. But, I think it needs self-rectification to achieve one.

Respect others. Friendship should be accompanied with respect without it friendship will not survive. Respect others and they will also return your respect to them. Think of what you want to talk to others if its implication would be for better and not for worst outcome. But here in this place others love to backstab than to offer a pure friendship. Gossiping is just like a cookies ‘n cream flavored ice cream. They don’t feel ashamed of themselves if they do it coz almost all are doing it.

People who belong to that specie are the lowest level of mankind here on earth. Their brains are only capable of processing that kind of nonsense ness…

Analyze this…meditate on what you’ve been doing to your “friends” and to others. Do you deserve to be called a friend? Are you not ashamed of your mistreatment to others? Don’t camouflage yourself with the color of friendship; better show your true self! It doesn’t make sense at all!!! You are liken to a beast with seven swaggering tongues and a tail that you use like your microphone.

It’s better to be alone and not to harm others than with the crowd and be nasty to others. Don’t be a traitor, be a true friend!

And one thing I want to point out is that maturity on friendship doesn’t correlate with a person’s age. As a person grows she or he becomes more adept with the tricks of life. It’s better to have young or a baby for a friend. Their brains are still pure like white cloth.

So far, here in Doha, you can’t easily find the true meaning of friendship. Usually it’s accompanied with greed, envy, wrath, and damnation… especially if you will not lend money and other material things.

Luckily, I found but only few!

Maybe, there’s still there outside my world of interaction…

Father's Day!

2005-06-20T07:43:00.000+03:00

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!!

We Love you!!!

Life:)

2005-06-20T07:40:00.000+03:00

Can't tell when life would end but i know that it has already started. Life depends on how one would view its beauty and negativities. Sometimes it's full of good things while on the other hand sometimes, it has some twist that most often than not life is accompanied of not quite pretty things. However, be it on its brighter or darker side one has to make it to the fullest while you may, who knows its nearing to its end. you have to value each moment and be happy of what you have and what you don't have. completeness only comes upon the realization of the things that you are showered with and the things that you are not having. It's on the feeling of contentment that matters, no matter how many of good things you have if you are not contented then it's just useless.

Get Real!

2005-06-09T13:01:00.000+03:00

Just some thoughts on friendship, I have only a small circle of friends whom I can say that they are my true friends, they are the one that through ups and downs, through thick and thin, and in every downpour and sunshine in my life we’ve bonded and stick on together as we traverse each life even though each of us are in different places.

There are also those kinds of people who claim to be my friends who are fond of bad mouthing other friends, so what would keep them from saying bad things also when you turn your back on them? It’s their heart’s delight to speak of someone whom they find so amusing or simply they just envy. Where can I find the true meaning of friendship in their actions?

It’s not that I’m being so righteous but I just hate those kinds of people.

I don’t hold onto false friends, the moment that I know that I’m putting myself into a trap of unworthy friends I would at once hold myself and detract from being caught into the web. There are those who are very nice in front of you but when you turn your back they’ll tell another side of story about you. Some of them are so very articulate not to be the subject in every gathering but they tend to be the worst buttinsky, yenta or kibitzers. For me, ok, I’ll be nice to these kinds of people but don’t expect from me that I’ll treat you more than a mere acquaintance.

just turned 29!

2005-06-05T15:35:00.000+03:00

Happy Birthday my love!!! Last Friday we had a small party for my hubby, some selected Filipino families in his company came with some food. I know they quite understand that I’m in my second trimester and I can’t cook and prepare lots of foods.

I managed to make leche flan and fruit salad for dessert and cooked prawns with chili and garlic while the birthday celebrant made beef caldereta. So far, the little party went well. All the best for you my dear…we love you very much!!!

Cheers!!!

2005-06-05T15:34:00.000+03:00

How time flies and sometimes when friends asked me how long we’ve been married (S and I) I sometimes can’t give the exact answer in an instant, I told my friend to wait for a few seconds ( we we’re chatting) as I checked our marriage certificate. We are nearing our third year this coming 8th of October; and we are blessed with an intelligent toddler (P) and another one is coming after two more months...

Lost Soul!

2005-05-28T01:41:00.000+03:00

Sometimes life is so unfair, for how much you deeply cared and loved a person but seems that no matter how you wish for him to change for his own betterment your actions seems so futile. From my memories as a kid i adored him, he’s my confidante, my friend and I’m his pet. But as I grew up, slowly realized how fool I was for he cared only for himself and less for his family. Prestige, high degree of education, vices (packs and packs of cigarettes and bottles of liquor) are his priority.

I would say, he’s responsible, but not enough to give us more fulfilling and richer lives. He is everyone’s friend for he always provide and give what they want from him even if it cost him a lot from his family. At first I can’t fathom his goal in life but as I aged and became more mature answer kept pouring my mind.

As much as possible I want to cling on happy memories of my childhood, those good old days full of laughter for I was a child then who knew nothing but to play and have some fun. But as you start to have a grasp of your life, everything is changed.

As for now, still his best friend is his unwavering hunger for liquor and sticks and packs of cigarettes and we are his foe for this.

I can’t imagine how he loathes us if we dared to speak against his vices for he is the victor, the righteous and no one, nobody will go against him for that.

I don’t know how to approach him sometimes words are better left unspoken and hearts of caring souls just wander.

For he is our father and no matter what, whatever may happen still he is our father…

Life upon contemplation...

2005-05-28T01:17:00.000+03:00

I guess we’ve come to a point that we reassess our lifestyle and future in living here in the Middle East; as what we always wanted is to give the best that we could to our children. Being here and running a smooth sailing yet uncompetitive life is nothing but a waste of our youth, the drive for competence is sapped and our minds and souls crave for some profound and rich fully lived life.

I want to live with my family in a country wherein my rights would be respected, wherein we’ll not be bounded by some backward traditions, cultures and laws. A place wherein we’ll not be limited because we are expatriates but wherein we can justly assert our rights as individuals and as human beings; unfortunately here we can’t move freely as one would want to for there are lots of rules to follow.

As for weighing the pros and cons, I would say that life in a European country would be better for us, especially for our children than here in the Middle East. Hope that we could materialize everything the soonest…

Hoping...

2005-05-24T00:28:00.000+03:00

We are on the waiting mode for our new helper and still fingers crossed on finding a new two bedroom flat that would fit and satisfy our need for a quite bigger space than would fit all our furniture and not deprive our toddler and an upcoming baby for a space to play on.

Hopefully, we would like her (our new maid) and all would be on a smooth sailing basis. And as for the flat, how I wish that we could transfer before I give birth.

Goodbye Chocolates!

2005-05-13T00:59:00.000+03:00

The other day was my monthly check up with my doctor and she told me that I gained already ten kilos and I’m just on my sixth month of pregnancy. During my first trimester I was so cautious with my food intake that mostly of my meals especially when we dine out includes only a Caesar salad or a not-that-fatty foods but as I progressed on my 2nd trimester that’s the time that I was hooked on and always demanding that we eat in Applebee’s with their mushroom steak and worst enjoyed and forgot that almost every weekend or everyday we eat in fast foods or in eat-all-you can restaurants.

To make the situation more gastronomically appealing for all us, we bought recipe books on Italian foods, chicken menus, stir fry and sea foods and to accompany that we even bought red and white wine to be used in cooking for the menu that requires some wine in it.

And now I have to stop gaining weights or else I’ll put myself and my baby in a risky situation. It’s difficult to give birth if you gained a lot of weights and it will be too difficult for mw to shed off those fats again after giving birth. I’m just praying that all would be normal for me and my baby. When I gave birth to my li’l munchkins it was too difficult, with all those agonizing pains for almost 14 hours in labor but still fortunate that I delivered my first born Andrea ( a 3.3 kg. beautiful and healthy baby) normally and for this one I’m hoping that I would only labor for a shorter period of time.

I guess I have to start with some light exercise and walking in Corniche would be a brilliant idea. I want to do some swimming but I’m afraid that I may get some infections (UTI) since I’ll be using the pool in Intercon Hotel and it is open for all the members of the health club so I’d better not.

Playing and taking care of my nearly twenty –month old toddler and doing all the household chores is liken to running in a treadmill but can’t stop myself in eating sweets and chocolates which I blamed my dear husband for buying those stuff but for now I really would want to bid goodbye to those sweet goodies!

I'm not a superwoman!!!

2005-05-11T17:09:00.001+03:00

Being a mother to my nearly twenty months old daughter and to a soon baby boy (I’m on my sixth month) and a stay-in-the-house wife sometimes irked me by how other people or worst some friends address this situation to me. OK! I resigned myself from being a super woman; juggling my work before and being on my first month of conception of my first born to just a plain housewife but it doesn’t mean that I have no worth at all. Comments like this really have a nasty blow on me: “Why you bring another baby?” “Don’t you want to go back to work?” or simply but very downright statement like “Oh! You’re pregnant again?” A mixture of irritating and in a joyous manner utterance of curiosity.

As much as possible I want to direct them with positive answer, but explain to them my priorities in life? Why the heck? I just give them short but direct to the point thoughts for them to ponder on.

Living here in abroad is not that easy life especially if you have no other families to pass on some responsibilities on lots of aspects from taking care of your child to the household chores. And for me, I chose the right decision which is to stay with my daughter and live a simpler life. I and my husband did not want the idea of letting our daughter grow in a nursery with lack of attention and love. It has a big impact on the child’s personality and attitude especially that we are living here in an Arab country wherein she’ll be bombarded with different cultures, traditions and languages.

There are lots of things to consider; for one, is your husband’s income is enough for the entire family to live a decent life? Most of our kababayans here do not have at all the leisure of just staying in their abodes for they don’t have the means to do that. We don’t have the same cases so stop pestering me!

Next is, if juggling all your responsibilities in work and inside your house put you in a high level degree of pressure and stress so why not consider some changes? For my case, with my previous job I was always tired and irritated (on the latter part wherein I was on my first trimester for my daughter). So, it’s best for me to stay and rest.

For me, my family is my priority and surely for others making those comments they just can’t say that their families are also on top of their work coz they need to work their buts on their job to fill in the needs for their children.

I guess most of them don’t just use their heads…

My hand is in my hussyfskap!

2005-04-30T23:22:00.000+03:00

I don’t go to work…

My mind is always taxing on everything that I want to finish before I deliver my second baby from making my little Munchkin’s scrapbook, editing some videos taken during our vacation, transferring to a new flat (hopefully, we find the flat that we wanted) to getting organize again the wardrobe of our upcoming baby boy. I know for sure, that if I’ll not finish all those stuffs and some nitty –gritty things I would be having no time at all for I’ll be occupied with our new baby and my naughty-yet-sweet toddler.

Yes! I don’t go to work but I ‘m occupied with house works everyday. I don’t go out to make a living but giving my full time,care,attention and love to my family is great enough than going to work and putting my toddler in a nursery with dozens of kids of different nationalities and be yelled at or bullied by another child.

I no longer go to work yet I have my daily routine of work…I do the laundry, iron clothes, cook meals, mend some broken stuffs, clean the house, do the dishes, do some needlework if needed, dust furnitures, fold clothes and keep our closets well arranged, vacuum the floor and keep our haven tidy from all the messy toys and books of our little darling.

You are right! I’m now a plain housewife who changes our beddings every weekend and do the bed everyday. Kept all mirrors and glass surfaces free from dusts, does the groceries every weekend (of course with my loving hubby and my little munchkin and soon I’ll be having my baby angel so just imagine me finishing our groceries while pushing a stroller for a newborn baby with an active toddler who can’t stay in her stroller while tugging another trolley for the goodies!)

How I wish I have some superpowers like the mom in the film The Incredibles! Surely in five minutes all of my errands would be finished. But wait if I’ll be having some superpower then little munchkin Andrea would be having hers too for she is my daughter, oh no! I can’t handle it coz surely she’ll be the “violent V” heheheh and my baby angel would be like “Dash” I guess I can’t handle it …So it’s better to be just like the other normal human beings.

Back to my being a plain mom who doesn’t go to work but does all the work in the house, I’m also the all-the-time-regular playmate of my little bunny (who’s 19 months old) and the all around “yaya”, a teacher, a friend and a mother. So as you can see my hands are full already of jobs to do so why would I go out and need more…

Maybe yes but after four to five years or more…who knows?

Flashback!!!

2005-04-20T15:16:00.000+03:00

A surge of unpleasant feelings sometimes engulf me when thoughts of insensitive exchanges or conversations are being processed over and over on my brain. Sometimes, people don’t even try to weigh or listen to the depth and magnitude of what they say even sometimes it is liken to an acid poured directly on my being.

I don’t know if such conversations were being hurled at me with no certain meanings or just being keen on what my reactions would be. For one, I did not want to be tested by who ever, for whatever it may serve her purpose. Take a look at this one scenario, a person told me that she wanted to adopt my second baby. No matter how close we are or not, I’m just a like a mother hen who wanted to protect my chicks! And not to mention that a conversation on that idea of her wanting to adopt my baby occurred not only once but couple of times; what the heck is talking or asking about?

I was on my first trimester and lucky me that I did not suffered a lot of nausea or some sickness unlike from my first born, but this telling me such stupidity makes me feel sick!

Blatantly I retorted in a calm way my objection to what she wanted, but deep inside me I Was so furious. Where on earth did she get an idea of me giving away my baby? Seriously speaking or even if it was a form of joke but on my part I took it as a form of mockery with no sense at all. What she thinks of my baby a piece of meat, a pet dog
Or certain objects that can be given away just like that.

For whatever her reasons, be it a selfish one or not; I did not get her motive. Is it to help us? Why? She just wants to have a second baby because she’s old enough and incapacitated to produce another one. But my God! We are not talking here of some piece of a furniture or whatever, it’s my baby! We are not in need for whatsoever be it financial or what. The reason I have to stay in the house and quit my work it’s because for my children, for my family. And there she is blabbering with those nonsensical things which I for one thing did not considered hitting her back even I wanted to. A mock to myself,
Being a mother and a dagger stabbed to the inner core…my heart!

There are lots of kids in the street, or even a poor relative who has no financial means in bringing up their kids then why not ask from them. Or just even focus on your family and take care of your child I guess that would be the best!

Gmail goes Infinite!

2005-04-07T14:01:00.000+03:00

You are currently using 370 MB (18%) of your 2067 MB.
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Up to what extent Gmail would increase their capacity? So who needs another inbox?

still looking :)

2005-04-06T22:21:00.000+03:00

Another afternoon spent on checking a flat but we didn’t like it, it’s old and has this not-so-good ambiance so we decided to have our dinner in A & W and afterwards went to Jarir Bookstore. At last, I got hold of “Memoirs of a Geisha” and “The Vince Code” both popular and bestselling novels.

We also bought four recipe books, one is on how to easily prepare fish, and another is on how to cook stir fry, one recipe book on Italian foods and another one for chicken for all seasons. Dad Nath is looking forward to eating a gastronomically satisfying meal, I hope I can make it…

blogs...

2005-03-31T22:22:00.000+03:00

I’ve been blog hopping and read lots of different stories, some on their everyday lives while others focus on some political, social or just nothing issues, and others share their literary pieces while others just use blog as a release for some angst.

For me, whatever random thoughts that fill in my mind and find it okay sharing and putting it for public view is just fine as long as I’m happy for what I’m doing , anyway it’s my part in this web. It’s up to me how far I would divulge myself in every entry that I would make; or who knows if it’s a fiction or real?

Writing is a form of a release, whatever I can’t put in action or say…well, and here’s my space. Sometimes I just want to chronicle some events that happened to me or to my family and friends.

I really do enjoy reading some bloggers stories. From them I learn how they cope with their everyday lives especially those who are also in abroad, or simply how they enjoy their leisurely trips to other countries.

So convenient and easy, if you happen to get bored or on the verge of contradicting once philosophies or whatever story that is not to your liking then just close the window and that’s it, you are out and hop to another blog that comes up with your satisfaction.

Some blogs are too educational, some are nasty, cheesy, others are entertaining with lots of jokes (hrrmm…green jokes!) and some are just the-not –so –good –ones, but tee hee…whatever they are still they are blogs.

Kuya Romy (RIP)

2005-03-30T13:49:00.000+03:00

I'm so down today after I heard the news na wala na si Kuya Romy.
The man that I used to know as a father here in Qatar is now gone...

Hindi po kita makakalimutan Kuya.

Almost

2005-03-30T13:47:00.000+03:00

Yesterday, we're both excited akala kse namin makakalipat na kami ng haus; but after some thoughts... hindi pa pala.

The Spider and the Fly

2005-03-29T23:20:00.000+03:00

Will you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly,

'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;

The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,

And I've a many curious things to shew when you are there."

Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain,

For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."

I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;

Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the Spider to the Fly.

"There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,

And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!"

Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "for I've often heard it said,

They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!"

Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, " Dear friend what can I do,

To prove the warm affection I 've always felt for you?

I have within my pantry, good store of all that's nice;

I'm sure you're very welcome -- will you please to take a slice?"

"Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "kind Sir, that cannot be,

I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!"

"Sweet creature!" said the Spider, "you're witty and you're wise,

How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!

I've a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,

If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself."

"I thank you, gentle sir," she said, "for what you 're pleased to say,

And bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day."

The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,

For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:

So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,

And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.

Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,

"Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;

Your robes are green and purple -- there's a crest upon your head;

Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!"

Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,

Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;

With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,

Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue --

Thinking only of her crested head -- poor foolish thing! At last,

Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.

He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,

Within his little parlour -- but she ne'er came out again!

And now dear little children, who may this story read,

To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne'er give heed:

Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,

And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.

by Mary Howitt (1799-1888)

What's Your Baby's Claim to Fame?

2005-03-28T21:11:00.000+03:00

Liezl, your baby's bound to be an Entrepreneur

With your baby's well-rounded mix of intelligence, creativity, and charisma, we'd say your baby's bound to succeed in business. In fact, it wouldn't surprise us if they just followed in the footsteps of Henry Ford and Bill Gates — soon as they've mastered walking and talking, that is.

You've probably noticed how quickly your baby makes friends and connections at the park or how skillfully your little one creates their own little worlds with blocks. Bringing up a business-bound baby can be a lot of fun — but be prepared for plenty of lemonade stands and newspaper routes in your future. And as your little one develops that worldly savvy, just make sure they don't mistake money for the meaning of life as you help them hone their business and leadership skills. Even at this early stage, we can tell — you're sure to be richly rewarded for bringing this gem into the world.

from Tickle

Adobong Manok

2005-03-27T20:11:00.000+03:00

Wala lang, habang nagpapatunaw ng kinain naming Adobong Manok, at habang naghihintay ng dina-download ko, sulat muna ako dito.

Bagong version ngayon ang ginawa kong Adobong Manok. Ginisa ko na muna at hinayaang maluto ang manok. Nang medyo napiprito na cya doon ko pa lang nilagay ang pinaghalong toyo at suka na nilagyan ko na rin ng paminta.

Mukhang masarap din kse daming nakain ni Dimps, hehehe. Ako control muna kse tumataba na naman yata. Hirap mag maintain ng ideal weight.

Rain in Doha

2005-03-27T07:37:00.000+03:00

I got a nice sleep last night and I was planning to go to work early today, while doing some stretching, I heard some kind of raindrops outside the house; yes it’s raining in Doha! After my stretching, I went back to bed and sleep again :)

Black Saturday

2005-03-26T14:36:00.000+03:00

I'm relatively happy that our Princess is little_bit_getting_well now, after 3 days of having a diarrhea and fever. Slowly she's now back to her usual self: a dynamic superrrr baby girllll!

Today is Black Saturday and here in Qatar you'll not feel the solemnity of Lenten Season.

Personally, as daily in the morning I tend to meditate as I prayed my “wake-up” prayer and in addition this week I'm also trying to imagine the “religious celebration” back home.

Also, oh yes! Very worthy to mention, I finally finished watching Mulan after more than 10 attempts. Since last week I started to watched it; but not able to finish. Cute movie, I almost cried, hehehe, at the end (hey, it took more than a week for me to finished it!).

We got a bunch of “5-in-1 DVDs” from Souq. Yes, "those kind" of DVDs are openly available here in Qatar!

I love you

2005-03-22T08:40:00.000+03:00

Happy birthday and happy love anniversary Dimps!
Well, as always all I can give to you is my love as a gift.
Love you forever.

upon contemplation...

2005-03-20T22:37:00.000+03:00

Another year that adds to my life, and another year which I should be making up to with my pursuit for more learning as of life per se…as a mother, as a wife, as a friend, as a child.

It’s like I’m still yearning for more from the zest of my existence, just halfway there; contentment, happiness, ambitions…I want to widen my horizon and touch my real existence as a whole.

There’s something inside me that needs to be awaken; like a fire that needs to be rekindled…Like a placid body of water that wants to be stirred up; like a child who wants to wander and dance in a rain while reaching for the rainbow in a mid-summer morning.

I want to learn new things, as I learn from my precious child.
I think for once let the course of my destiny pave its own path.
Let His Will be done…

I want to thank my loving husband for everything; for a wonderful life worth living with you…Thanks for caring us, for always being there for us, for your unwavering support and kindness and most of all Thanks for your Love.

I would want to thank also my precious daughter for her sweet innocence which emanates her goodness, her warmth, and in her small ways she showed me how much she loves me.

For my parents, brothers and sisters, friends and acquaintances; life would not be complete without all of you…

And most of all I thank God for everything, for every person He sent to touch my life, for the gift of Love, Faith and Life.

Just another Day...

2005-03-19T21:34:00.000+03:00

We had a very long day as for today; went to our future flat ( I think the least for us to wait is just a week or two and it will be ready) and to Ninang May’s house and waited for Dad Nath for almost two hours , call of duty again.

Princess is the model for the day; she showed them her cute and smart sassy pose. And finally, we went to City Center again for a small celebration and dined at Applebee’s (again!).

Our little lady asked for some candies when we passed near Sweet Factory, with no words to say just grabbed Dad Yam’s hand and led him to the stall.

Zzzzzz....

2005-03-18T23:24:00.000+03:00

I want to hit the bed...but my baby Sean Linus kept on squashing my bladder and my eyes are atill glued to what I'm reading...

some thoughts to ponder!

2005-03-18T00:32:00.000+03:00

Well, for consecutive days now, we’ve been to birthday parties, window shopping and just a lazy afternoon walks in Corniche.

Quite a bit happy, we are near to transfer to a new flat! That’s what I’ve been praying for, even for my birthday wish (huh! I’m not yet too old for some wishes). I’m just too desperate to move out from this uncomfortable situation, I hate to say but I do really hate to see my neighbors’ faces especially that Pakistani family and his slave (need not to mention those ugly and old creatures!).

I’m not planning for any celebration for my big day; just want to be with my precious daughter and loving husband. We have to save more bucks now, one baby is coming soon and monthly flat rentals are quite high so we have to tighten our belt.

And I promise not to be smitten with my obsession for shopping, things have to change, we have to set some priorities like savings, educational plan (but not buying those pre-need insurances but putting money in the bank for our children), and more investments.

Time flies so quickly, so we have to adjust ourselves with it and be a ruler of our destinies; wherever path we want to traverse.

at this moment

2005-03-15T00:22:00.000+03:00

)Name the last four things you bought:
= gifts for Xena and Ebenezer, chocolates, scented candle, and gift wrap

2) Name four drinks you regularly drink:
= water, hot tea, iced tea, mango juice

3) Last time you cried?=
I don’t want to remember

4) What's in your cd player?
= nothing for me but baby songs for Andrea

5) What's under your bed?
= toys of my adorable toddler

6) What time did you wake up today?
= 9:00 am

7) Current hair?
= shoulder-length hair

8) Current clothes?
= I’m wearing my usual clothes while I’m in the house, blouse and shorts

10) Current worry?
= transferring to the new flat, when it gonna be happen…I want to move out now!

11) Current hate?
= our Pakistani landlord, who doesn’t know the meaning of a contract and who has no soul at all, he can be liken to a mad dog!!!

12) Favorite places to be?
= Corniche, Applebee’s, City Center and Intercon Hotel

13) Least favorite place?
= wala

14) If you could play an instrument?
= hmmm…before when I was in my grade school, an ukulele

15) Favorite color(s)?
= pink, white and baby blue

16) How tall are you?
= 5’2”

17) Current favorite word? words?
= none

18) One person from your past you wish you couldgo back and talk to:
= no one

19) Favorite days?
=Friday and Saturday, that’s my loving hubby’s day off

20) Where would you like to go?
= anywhere as long as we would be having fun there and it is okay for a toddler

21) Where do you want to live when you get married?
= in a serene place, wherein no one would intervene with us

22) Favorite food(s)?
= chicken espetada, fried hamour, mushroom steak, and Caesar salad with thousand island dressing

23) Colors of most clothes you own:
= white, pink, blue and red

24) Number of pillows you sleep w/?
= only 1 but I’m surrounded with 8 pillows

25) What do you wear when you go to sleep:
= shirt and shorts or a pajama

26) What were you doing 12AM last night:
= I’m in my dreamland

27) How old will you be in 10 yrs:
= I’ll be 35 then

28) What do you think you'll be doing in 10years:
=I will be running my own business, enjoying my kids and touring Europe and Asia with my family

29) Do you have braces?=
I don’t need one.

30) Are you paranoid?!
= sometimes…

31) Do you burn or tan?
= both

32) What is the brand of your wallet(s)?
= mango, nine west and oasis

33) Your alarm clock?
= wala, I don’t need alarmclocks I have my daughter to wake me up.

34) Brand of shampoo?
= pantene

36) Notebook?
= hmmm…singapura

37) First real memory of something?
=can’t remember

38) First screen name?
= dimple

39) First piercing/tattoo?
= nope!

40) First enemy?
= can’t remember

41) Good cry?
= I had…a lot!!!

42) Last library book checked out?
= hmmm…can’t remember that was the time I was still in college

43) Last person you yelled at?
= our landlord

44) Last beverage drank?
= pepsi

48) Last annoyance?
= 2 days ago

49) Last disappointment?
= wala

50) Last thing you wrote?
= about my existence here in the beautiful world?

some things about me...

2005-03-14T15:20:00.000+03:00

I know…I know… I’m nearing my 26th birthday, may be, you think that I’m already having some memory lapses huh! I just want to make a list of the people and stuff that I love and crave for. And for the special happenings in my life in this beautiful world, be it a mark for my existence and I want to be remembered with all these things. I want to make up to 1oo list but for now those things that lingers my mind would go first and hopefully be able to finish it in a day or two...

1. I grew up in a small town in San Jose N. Samar.

2. I have only one brother and very loving parents.

3. My Zodiac sign is Pisces.

4. I love to daydream as most Piscean do.

5. As a kid I love rainbows and care bears.

6. I attended my elementary grade, like I was only playing.

7. My high school life was plain but my close friends put color in it.

8. I love to eat chocolates ‘til now that I’m in my twenties.

9. I prefer to have small group of true friends than having a flock of false ones.

10. In my younger years, I was so thin, like skin and bones only.

11. I went to UP for my college.

12. My first remuneration was too much for me so most of it went to my family.

13. I’m married to the most loving and wonderful man; he is my best friend, my lover, and my confidante.

14. I’m a mother to an almost eighteen months old, adorable Andrea.

15. At this moment, I’m having our second baby, hopefully, he is a boy and we’ll name him Sean Linus.

16. I love pink color; almost all of my clothes are in the shade of pink as well as my daughter’s wardrobe.

17. I always crave for Godiva chocolate to be specific.

18. I love to wear pants and sandals (those strap ones).

19. I would love to travel around Europe, that’s one of my dreams in my life.

20. I don’t wear eyeglasses yet.

21. My husband thinks that I’m still baby face even though I’ll be having our second child.

22. I would love to work again in the near future.

23. I love my family very much.

24. I’m a person who loves red roses as well as pink ones.

25. I love to shop for trendy outfits and bags.

26. I love to collect perfumes.

27. I hate to say this, but I also fancy diamonds. I love jewelry!

28. I want the smell of my baby and my husband.

29. I want longer nails (but not too long) with polish, but not red.

30. I’m always in front of our computer, and like some gadgets.

31. I love to eat in Nando’s, Chilli’s and Applebee’s

32. I would like to go to a place, like farm or a beach.

33.I treasure my few friends.

34. I want to be grandmother when I’m already in my fifties.

35. I want my children to be successful and be God-fearing individuals.

36. As for now I want to stay at home with my kid and take care of her and as well as our upcoming baby.

37. I like scented candles, body scrubs and moisturizers.

38. I love to drink Starbuck's Frapucchino with caramel, mocha and chocolate.

39. I love to take picture of our adorable love child...Princess :)

40. I'm fond of collecting accessories.

41. I love to read novels and books.

42. I would like to invest in a business that could surely give a return and possibly would lead for us to retire from work at an earlier age.

43. I don't want arrogant, self-opinionated jackals...

44. I hate false friends, so watch out!

45. I prefer night than day.

46. I love to watch the sky at night and gaze on the stars.

47. I love puppies and gold fish, but can't have one since I have babies...

48. I love to draw and paint.

49. Sometimes I can't remember names of my old acquaintances...duh!

50. I'm a fighter and positive thinker (some friends may agree but others may not).

51. I want to learn HTML.

52. I want to learn other languages, like French and Spanish.

53. I love to read but can't find time for it.

54. I would like to go back to school for my master's degree.

55. I would like to study interior decoration.

56. I love simple and sensible talks with friends over a gastronomically satisfying food in a fine restaurant.

57. I am impatient (most of the time).

58. I want to learn how to drive a car.

59. I hate people who are fond of bad-mouthing their friends.

60. I’m the one who is stricter when it comes to disciplining our daughter than my husband.

61. I’m not romantic, but once in a while I indulge myself.

62. The focal point of my existence is my family.

63. I can be moody (sometimes).

64. I’m very friendly.

65. I’m good to those who are good to me. Treat me bad and I’ll not back off.

66. I want to migrate to another country, be it in Canada, London or U.S. or just go back and live happily in the Philippines.

67. I don’t want that my children would grow up in this Muslim country.

68. I am a homebody person.

69. I like doing all those wifely stuffs.

70. I want our home to be always clean.

71. I want to save money.

72. I love shopping, how I wish that I have all the means to buy what I want.

73. I believe in God, as well as Jesus Christ and Virgin Mary.

74. I want that my children will be religious.

75. I’m so happy with my life as a mother and a wife.

76. I love to eat junk foods but I hate it when love handles occur.

77. I want to be back to my old size.

78. I’m lazy to do some exercise in the home that’s why I need to go to a gym.

79. I want my children to have a healthy lifestyle when it comes to food.

80. I would love to buy lots of books and novels.

81. I hate terrorists.

82. One of my wishes is to have world peace.

83. Another is to stop the sickening and worsening condition of corruption in our government.

84. And most of all is to uplift the lives of poor Filipino masses.

85. I wish I have a power to deal with these kinds of dilemmas.

86. And to put an end to civil war in some countries.

87. How I wish

What's Up?

2005-03-14T09:20:00.000+03:00

It seems that longer lapses on our web log is taking place, just been so busy these past few weeks from the time that we arrived here from our vacation; all our weekends were spent looking for a new flat to transfer to.

Luckily, we found a new flat only that it cost too high for our budget; but we don’t have much option to choose from since the trend for the rents are jacking up due to the upcoming Asian Games here in Doha.

Our little lady is gaining more weight and becoming more active, she’s nearing her 18th month maybe that’s one reason (huh!). And our little Sean Linus inside mom’s tummy is following the suit of her older sister, he’s doing some gymnastic moves more often.

happy :)

2005-01-25T14:51:00.000+03:00

I got a new cell phone; it’s the latest Nokia 6670! Wow!!! And also daddy Nath has a new communicator, nokia 9500. I think it’s about time to change our old phones, just think of it; when we had our vacation all of their cell phones are new and ours are becoming obsolete. (Chuckles and wide grin!!!)

Now, I can store a 10-minute video of my li’l princess with my new phone and have 165 pictures without our digital camera, I can send text and make calls with lots of options. Whew!

hello doha!

2005-01-25T14:37:00.000+03:00

It was a wonderful vacation, lots of time for our families not to mention another blessing for us; surely, princess would be so happy and delighted after 6 more months and voila! Here comes our second baby!!!

Thinking now what name should our baby will have, but still we don’t know if he’s a boy or a girl…hmmm…how about, Sean Linus if he turns out to be a baby boy and Athena Lexia if she’s a baby girl.

Hopefully, we’ll be back in the Phils. after 2 years.

ready, get set, go...

2004-11-11T13:05:00.000+03:00

Checking everything seems that nothing is left before we go to the airport. Baggage, bags for hand carry my li’l munchkin’s dodo puppy and her toiletries that she’ll use while on board, of course my wallet, passports, exit permit and other pertinent documents needed.

So far, the house is clean and all toys are kept. I’m tired! All of us are drained with all those nightly shopping till early in the morning, thanks to the Ramadan season it made us stay late in the malls.

geee:)

2004-11-10T15:23:00.000+03:00

One more day and off we’ll go…I’ll be saying bye for now from my blog.
- drained
- excited
- tired and so drowsy ( no decent sleep for 4 days now)
- happy
- yet still energetic :)

girly stuffs!

2004-11-09T01:05:00.000+03:00

Two more days to go and voila we’ll be in Pinas already. It’s our monthly anniversary after eating in Nando’s (chicken espetada is the best still...) Nath reminded me once again of my cravings for Godiva chocolate and we went to a French coffee shop and bought the 2nd to the smallest box of godiva chocolates. They are so expensive, but packaging was very pretty though it’s not the wrap that matters it’s the content itself.

Shop until you drop! I got all my fave perfumes: givenchy’s (very irresistible), escada sentiment, 5th avenue for Elizabeth Arden, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo boss’s deep red, lacoste, escada’s island kiss and Hugo boss’s intense. And all of them are our gifts for families and friends…

home sweet home!

2004-11-08T03:10:00.000+03:00

Adrenaline all flushed, excitement is oozing that’s how we feel this past few days, which is nearing our vacation to our dear homeland. At last, we’ll be there in 4 days time. Gladly, all our tickets are being taken cared of as well as packing of our garments. Still, we have some errands to finish here in OWWA so that we’ll not be fixing it in Phils.

I pitied my little munchkin for her unwavering strength of all the late nights for her sleep, not to mention the long hours in malls trying to find some gifts for all our families and friends.

And as for this day, she kept on tossing and turning on the bed at unholy hours, from 1 a.m. till 2:30 in the morning. I felt her stress as for me; my mind is also running and taxing on every detail on our trip. It’s like I have in my memory listing of all the things that we need. Got to try to hit the bed maybe I’ll have my luck!

Philippines here we come!!!

just nothing

2004-11-08T02:54:00.000+03:00

All is well that ends well. Whatever hassles and contradiction that we’ve been bombarded and issues that we tackled these past few weeks, fortunately, we get rid of it, partly, not yet that finished not until we transfer to a new house when we come back here from our vacation.

True colors of neighbors kept on illuminating and changing yet true friends stick on as they are.

As of human beings , by nature, men just follow instincts as to protect themselves from life’s complexities. Being supportive on others is just second or the least he can give; that’s what I observed being here in abroad. Filipinos tend to not being mindful of other Filipinos. Unlike in our country wherein we tend to be there for friends or just an acquaintance if they need us, but here, just like our neighbor, even they know from the start that we are on the right side of the issue they blindly followed the pursuit of the other camp (another expatriate of different nationality). Anyway, just sharing my sentiment and nothing else...

ugly creature!

2004-11-03T03:06:00.000+03:00

Life sucks! Sometimes you come to a point wherein you abhor too much those negative traits of your neighbors. and that’s where I am now, I kept on reminding myself that they are good persons but my mind kept on reiterating and flashing some thoughts that justifies what kind of persons they are. What I truly hate are those kinds who happen to be ignorant of the meaning of true friendship; who never value others feelings. Mr. and Mrs. X are so alike that’s why maybe that they ended up together as husband and wife. They are so good when they are talking at you but can manage to stab at your back also. They are being influenced by some backward people. And even manages to brush with your shoulders with such nonchalance.
Thank you for reminding me that people like you still exist in this world thus keeping me aware to keep safe from your snake-like-bite.
It keeps my balance, my reality check. It helps me reassess myself where I am and where am I heading to.
At least it’s not yet too late for some adjustment on how to deal with them.
Sweet-mouthed yet they sting…
Words of comfort yet they bite…
Good advices but then they stab at your back…
Farewell to you ugly and stinky bipedal, stingy horned elephant like snakes!

reminiscing...

2004-11-02T16:32:00.000+03:00

In the memory of my late grandfather; Papay Rodrigo I want to reminisce my great memories with him from the day I started to understand things till the day we lost him. Such a sweet and caring Lolo he is, I can still remember vividly how he would tell me stories of the World War II, wherein during that time he was on with mamay already and had their first baby boy. He always remind me of the place just at the back of our house wherein they use to hide (it’s a small hill full of trees and bushes that was before, long time ago) and how they manage to eat, just corn or some root crops.
What I terribly miss is sitting in his lap on my childhood and listening to whatever story he’ll tell us (me and my brother), sometimes scary ones like those enchanted places and aswang stories. And every time he’ll receive money from his farm he’ll always give me for a candy treat. During my elementary days in school you’ll always find me getting first to Papay’s house (just near to our home) and spending time with him and sometimes eating lunch with him. He doesn’t want to stay with any of his children as he wants to live his life alone in his house. Until he grown too old still he wants to be in his house and every weekend during my high school times I used to bring his clothes and iron it in the house and ‘till my college days I used to bring him whatever goodie I can give him. With a simple native hat, he’s so very happy to receive it and don’t forget the box of cigar he loves to let me buy for him.
And the time that I left to work abroad, that’s the period when he started to be forgetful and have some selective memory. Every now and then my mother told me whenever I’ll have an overseas call that my Papay is telling her how he missed me. And he’s fussing why I was working in a far away place and sometime he mistook my mother to be another person and tell her things about me.
The time he turned 95, from my phone calls to my parents I knew that he’s health situation is getting worst, he’s already bed ridden and can’t talk straight. That time I’m already entitled to a yearly vacation from my company but I’m not yet planning to go home coz I want to save more bucks but there’s this feel that I badly wanted to go home. I thought maybe coz Nat went to vacation (I’m only missing him that much) but the feeling is really different so out of the blue I decided to have my vacation instantly.
That time also, Niña (my 1st cousin toddler) had passed away, so I went straight to their place for the vigil and after the burial went home and stayed with my Lolo. At first looking at his fragile and sick state my heart is being squeezed I can’t bear to look at his skinny body, just bones clinging to his skin. I really felt pain looking at him. I talked to him and asked him if he can still recognize me, and then he burst to tears and I hugged him tightly reassuring him that once again I did not forget and will never forget him and kissed him lightly on the forehead as I used to do back then. He started to say things but like a baby he’s just babbling.
After two days of our reunion he passed away, and then I realized why I needed and being pulled by my senses to come home. Inside his casket he’s just like into a deep slumber with a smile on his face. I guess he’s very happy now wherever he is with Mamay.
For you Papay, you’ll be remembered by my family I’ll never forget to teach my child and children to be who their great grandfather is and how a great man you were. We love you dearly…

being rushed!

2004-11-02T15:46:00.000+03:00

My mind is so fidgety at one point I’m thinking of writing about Andréa’s new milestone but here I am focused on our new issue on tenancy. My God! Where on earth can you find a landlord who doesn’t know the meaning of the validity of the contract he and Sandro had signed? As far as I know, if the landlord had signed a certain document and as agreed by the lessee it should be binding for both of them and no further alteration as to the content of that document until the day that contract will terminate. But for him he want to give as an increase almost doubling our monthly rental (which is very absurd!) or else he is giving us a one month notice to vacate the villa. I’m sure he did not understand the word “contract” itself because if he does then he should know that both parties agreed that the period of our contract with him is not yet finished; it is for two years.

Being here in a Muslim country in Middle east and bombarded such an issue is very mind boggling I even started packing all our old stuff, even my husband is very firm on standing to our rights and defending ourselves but still I have second thoughts after all sometimes Muslim laws are not that fixed and I want to have a simple and quiet life here in abroad.

Even in a layman’s understanding or view on that issue surely we’ll get the good side of it but I don’t want hassles especially we have a baby and we don’t have families here. Hopefully, our landlord’s mind would be cleared with all those impurities of greediness for money especially that he is celebrating with his family the holy month of Ramadan. What’s the use of fasting when in fact your deeds are in conflict with your thoughts?

life keeps on rushing...

2004-10-30T01:59:00.000+03:00

Always on the go, our family seems to be on a hectic days in a row. From yesterday we started our days late, it was so nice lying under the blanket till midday and have our brunch and run around the house like a mad dog just to finish all the chores and fly again to every place we want to go.

Like today, me and my munchkin woke up so late that we did not even knew that dad nath went already to the fish market and bought those big prawns. Mom dimple, for the first time cooked camaron rebosado, and take note it went so well.

After accompanying dad nath in intercom for his swim we headed to city center for our groceries but went first to some shops, mommy can’t stop herself from indulging on some window shopping, just yesterday we went shopping in s. Oliver’s and dad nath kept on telling and bringing items to mommy dimple to try on and ended up on buying some clothes and shoes again.

Still counting on the days for our fast approaching vacation, can’t help ourselves from getting too much excited just to think that we’re heading to our dear country really keeps our adrenalin high. Mommy dimple started packing and unpacking things. Still not too sure how things would be on our first vacation as a budding family with a toddler. And of course buying and deciding on which item should be given as pasalubong to our families.

day out with the crabs!

2004-10-23T08:10:00.000+03:00

Yesterday afternoon we headed off to Simaisma near al Khor for a weekend picnic and had some adventures in getting crabs. After putting up the tent we ate and waited for the night, obviously, the moon doesn’t want to wane even a little, so waiting goes for some time. And then they decided to start the search for crabs near the shore (but had to walk for about 1 km.) and we Princess, Raymond and jelay had to stay in the tent.
Having two kids and one toddler to attend to, I gave them some rules to follow so I’ll not be having some headache with them: no getting out from the tent to start off with. To keep them occupied I let them sing, dance and do some acting activities. Princess and mommy were the jurors.
After more than one hour some of our friends got back to the tent already and showed us their catch, fewer crabs were there compared to the last time they had. Me and Andréa went back to the car to let her have some sleep and I was wondering why dad nath and the rest of our friends were not yet there. I thought that maybe they are enjoying that much in the sea that they forgot what time it is already. In contrary to my belief, they got lost in the sea and headed to the wrong way, with no cell phone, watches are whatsoever device to contact us. They went near the town and asked some people to lend them their phones.
What an experience! Walking for more than two hours and having only two crabs for ninong yam and Arnold and ten crabs with dad nath and ninang may.

New Toddler on the Block!

2004-10-17T14:49:00.000+03:00

Dad Nat had been so busy these past few days, coming home almost for consecutive days very late and sometimes had to go for work during his day-off, and princess and mom have to stay at home and wait for him till he arrives; quite a sad scenario isn’t it? But what can we do, his boss got those cheap consultants to save bucks and till now they are still facing the same issues and problems in their work. Enough for that matters, anyway, dad still managed to play with our li’l darling and have cuddly time with mommy.
Last Friday, we were in Ponderosa and after a fattening dinner and gastronomically satisfying dishes; steaks, chicken b-b-ques, different kinds of salads, desserts (Poor Princess she just got a cone but without an ice cream!), etc…we went to Jarir Bookstore and did not find the book “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren; instead bought two books, one is on how to raise a Princess….heheheheh (laughs!) “The Happiest Toddler on the Block” by Harvey Karp, M.D and the other one is “Chicken Soup for the Parents Soul”.
We are faced now with new issues on how to raise a toddler! Princess is on her way to toddler hood and most of the time we have difficulty in keeping her behave and stop the daily battle of wills. Aside from being hard headed, most if the time, she refuses to follow what we want to do with her, simple things like taking her daily vitamins and worst scenario would happen if taking her medicines are involved.
She has grown to be a mini me. Every now and then she follows what I do and in almost all of her gestures, attitudes and facial expressions I can mirror myself on my 1 year and almost one month Andrea.
The other night she went upstairs (with me behind her) all alone, she managed to get to second floor with all those more than twenty steps without taking rest. Such a determined and strong girl, she became more sociable and friendly. Wherever we go, she always finds ways to be connected with other people, like when we went to Corniche for a walk she ended up playing with other Arabic kids there and letting those kids eat her bread by putting bread on their mouth.
We started our countdown for our upcoming vacation and we are so excited to be home again with our gift to our parents, Princess Andréa Lizette.

Reality Check!

2004-10-15T01:11:00.000+03:00

Tomorrow will be the start of Ramadan and here we go again, Muslim people will have their fasting. For one, being a little bit starved with no water and food before the sun breaks in the morning until the sun sets, I can picture some occurrence that might and surely happen, car accidents will jack up; drivers who are starving can’t seem to do their driving well. People who are not practicing or those who are non-Muslim should be on guard for those who religiously follow their culture especially those locales, be aware of your behavior outside; no eating and drinking in public places.
And not to mention the newly built mosque near our house, for God’s sake! How we’ll endure the noise of every 10 km mosques. They pray five times a day compared to us Christians, but how on earth can we justify that they’ll surely be in heaven after their death. Was it just a “habit” of getting inside and say some prayers or are they really meditating and really connecting to their God? What I observed some of them are not aware of what they are supposed to be doing.
I have a friend, she is Muslim and I observed a lot from her actions. She used to go to prayer room for five times but sometimes, or most of the times, she just use it as a scapegoat from work. I mean, I don’t have contradiction for her religion and her culture, but for me, you should be at least conscientious of your actions.
On the brighter side of this holiest month of the Islamic calendar, Muslim who are very honest with their religious belief do some heartily fasting, really, without food, water, sexual relations, smoking and other vices. and at the end of the day, iftar comes, that's the time that they'll resume to their usual activities. To those who are also very religious Muslim they travel to their promised land in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. I t is the melting pot of all Muslims around the world who wants to have thier religoius journey.
Ramadan is liken to our Chrismas, this is the time that families friends and families get together and have a feast to break their fast. Sometimes rich Muslims do some generous acts of providing or sending foods to those who are needy. Same with us Christians, we give gifts and have parties and invite friends to celebrate with us. only that some norms, practices and beliefs are different with Muslims and Cristians.
What's important is, every person, be Muslim or a Christian, he or she wants to focus on sacrificing for God and contemplating the important things in one's life.
To all of the muslims in the world…Ramadan Kareem !!!

smile!

2004-10-11T02:19:00.000+03:00

For the past 3 days i was deprived of a decent sleep, until now i'm in front of this pc and making up w/ those days which i forgot to do for our blog...our daily existence here in this beautiful and mysterious world.
We’ve been to parties in a row...hmmmmm...additional calories to be worked on in a cross training machine and in the treadmill hopefully we'll find time to go to gym and not stay that much in the pool. And take note, my leche flan goes international! hehehehe... I’ve been making my fave dessert to every birthday party for free, of course, once in a while it's good to help and give friends some favor. Our Indian neighbor asked if I could make leche flan for the birthday party of Shania (my adopted daughter…that was before)
Back to healthy matters, my dear nath lost a lot of weight. He’s in the right track of his ideal weight from 90 kg. To 75kg; still it fluctuates whenever he ate in parties it jack up and on regular days, it remained the same. As for me, i'm so grateful that even though i don't spend much time now in the gym, instead i go for a swim i kept on losing weight. But i still need to achieve my goal, i'm not yet there. Seems that princess really likes to swim also but i can't let her coz her skin is still sensitive i don't want to take the risk of having some allergies or whatsoever. Since birth i was using mineral water for bath so I’ll just wait till she's a li’l bit older.
What’s new with our munchkin? Now, she can manage to walk great distances. In malls, parties, in intercon hotel and especially in the house she is always walking. Her stroller is no longer of use I think it would be more useful by the time Sean Linus (our dream baby boy by the year 2008, keep my fingers crossed) arrives. Not only that, but she’s a great debater now. If you’ll ask her or tell her something, she’ll instantly turn to her unending babbles. Of course, no exact words yet but she’s always saying something. And her hands are into some gestures like she’s in a debate and her face is full of emotion. Such a darling but sometimes we end up in a grueling argument for she wants always that what she wanted should be followed which I sometimes disagree.

Birthday Bash!!!

2004-09-24T18:21:00.000+03:00

Princess Andréa lizette's first birthday turned great! There were lots of guests, nearly 150 of them. They danced; played and got crazy with all those jungle rides...we're so very happy and grateful that her big bash went so well. All of our friends, ninangs and ninongs of Andréa and some new acquaintances from the church were also there. Friends of different races; there were Indians, Pakistanis, Lebanese, Canadian and of course pinoy friends also.

Happy Birthday our Li'l Angel..

Mommy and Daddy love you so much!!!