Today is the second Sunday of May and it's a special day for all mothers. Whether you're a biological mother or you're a mother at heart, today is our special day.
In the past years, me and my family celebrates this day either by going out of town or by eating lunch or dinner in a restaurant. Usually no gifts or flowers ... we're not really into gift giving ... we're more on service and presence.
This year is very much different. National Capital Region (NCR) is still under the Enhanced Community Quarantine so there is no way that we can go out of town or go to any restaurant to celebrate. We just stayed at home, did some household chores and watch random shows in Netflix.
In the afternoon, my husband really wanted to treat me to some restaurant food so he asked my daughter to order through Grab Food but to his dismay, the app just says "Waiting for Available Driver" or something to that effect ... after more than fifteen minutes of waiting we decided to close the app and instead my husband prepared a simple vegetable dish. That was already a treat that we enjoyed as a family.
As a special treat, I requested my children to pull out the white hair on my head and clear my underarms with that stubborn hair ... it's really the right time to make such request to my children .... they just can't say no.
We have celebrated the Mother's Day in a very simple and inexpensive way but just like before, it is a meaningful one since we have celebrated it as a whole family.
God bless everyone. Til my next post.
Showing posts with label My Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My Thoughts. Show all posts
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Activities during this Enhanced Community Quarantine
It's more than a month since the Enhanced Community Quarantine was imposed. The number of cases of infected individual is still rising and it's just heartbreaking.
For individuals like us who are not part of the frontliners, our most important role is just to follow the rules and cooperate with the government's efforts in controlling the spread of this virus.
For me and my family, staying at home is not really that bad. There are just a lot of things that we can do to make ourselves busy.
Me and my husband have the work from home (WFH) option from our company so definitely we need to do office works during weekdays. It is a common sight having our individual spot on the dining table doing our own thing on weekdays. Of course from time to time we take a break to do some household chores like cooking and going to the groceries to buy some necessities. It's good that there is a grocery store just outside our village. For some wet market (palengke) items, some of our neighbors took the initiative to contact a local supplier and pool our orders and have it delivered at the clubhouse for us to pick-up. It is really a good initiative since we can buy fresh fruits and vegetables at a palengke price (grocery prices are more expensive than the wet market price).
Despite all the distractions of doing household activities during our office working hours, we still see to it that we have done sufficient work for our company for the day. At least we have the time flexibility in doing our job. We are so grateful that our company had given us this chance to work from home, still able to provide financially for our family in the midst of this pandemic. So it's just right to give our best effort in doing our work for the company.
For our children, since their schools were officially closed before the start of the implementation of ECQ, they are now in vacation mode. Normally they watch TV and play some online games but we still see to it that they help in doing the household chores. They do the cleaning and sometimes even the cooking. They are old enough to cook some simple dishes. Of course from time to time, we really need to call their attention as they are so engrossed with their online games.
During the weekends, I do my favorite hobby for now which is container vegetable gardening. Not that big though since we only have a small space. We are living in a condo unit and the only place we can put our plants is in the balcony and the laundry area. I'm really happy to have started this container vegetable garden before the ECQ because now we have some supply of green and leafy vegetables which are just needed to boost our immune system which is really necessary to fight this virus.
Another family activity that we do on weekends especially Sunday is that we attend the Sunday mass right in front of our television. We dedicate the time to attend the mass just like we are inside the church. This is really a new experience and we're happy to do this activity every Sunday. Times like this, there is no other way but to trust God.
Keep safe everyone. God bless each and everyone of us.
For individuals like us who are not part of the frontliners, our most important role is just to follow the rules and cooperate with the government's efforts in controlling the spread of this virus.
For me and my family, staying at home is not really that bad. There are just a lot of things that we can do to make ourselves busy.
Me and my husband have the work from home (WFH) option from our company so definitely we need to do office works during weekdays. It is a common sight having our individual spot on the dining table doing our own thing on weekdays. Of course from time to time we take a break to do some household chores like cooking and going to the groceries to buy some necessities. It's good that there is a grocery store just outside our village. For some wet market (palengke) items, some of our neighbors took the initiative to contact a local supplier and pool our orders and have it delivered at the clubhouse for us to pick-up. It is really a good initiative since we can buy fresh fruits and vegetables at a palengke price (grocery prices are more expensive than the wet market price).
Despite all the distractions of doing household activities during our office working hours, we still see to it that we have done sufficient work for our company for the day. At least we have the time flexibility in doing our job. We are so grateful that our company had given us this chance to work from home, still able to provide financially for our family in the midst of this pandemic. So it's just right to give our best effort in doing our work for the company.
For our children, since their schools were officially closed before the start of the implementation of ECQ, they are now in vacation mode. Normally they watch TV and play some online games but we still see to it that they help in doing the household chores. They do the cleaning and sometimes even the cooking. They are old enough to cook some simple dishes. Of course from time to time, we really need to call their attention as they are so engrossed with their online games.
During the weekends, I do my favorite hobby for now which is container vegetable gardening. Not that big though since we only have a small space. We are living in a condo unit and the only place we can put our plants is in the balcony and the laundry area. I'm really happy to have started this container vegetable garden before the ECQ because now we have some supply of green and leafy vegetables which are just needed to boost our immune system which is really necessary to fight this virus.
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| Some of the vegetables which are easy to grow anywhere |
Another family activity that we do on weekends especially Sunday is that we attend the Sunday mass right in front of our television. We dedicate the time to attend the mass just like we are inside the church. This is really a new experience and we're happy to do this activity every Sunday. Times like this, there is no other way but to trust God.
Keep safe everyone. God bless each and everyone of us.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Living Amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic
As of this writing, the World Health Organization declared corona virus as pandemic. This means, the virus has already infected a lot of countries.
Here in the Philippines, specifically here in Metro Manila area, the number of infected individuals started to rise this week which prompted the government to cancel all classes starting last Tuesday, March 10, 2020 until Saturday. My children's school even declared the end of this school year. Last periodical exams were waived and student's need not go to school. So officially, it is already my children's summer vacation. Well, I think it is a good move so as not to risk our children's health.
There are no work suspension, so business as usual. In our office, hand sanitizers and alcohols are located in all access points and temperature check is being done on all employees upon entering the building. Door handles and elevator push buttons are being sanitized regularly. A lot of employees are wearing masks but I'm not really comfortable with that and besides it's really hard to buy face masks nowadays. Anyway, I don't have any symptoms of flu, so better give the priority to use the face masks to those who have symptoms and to all our hard working medical personnel who are very much in close contact with this virus.
Here in our place of residence, elevator push buttons were covered with plastic and sanitized every 30 minutes and temperature check is being done to all residents and visitors entering the premises. All social gatherings including regular fitness activities were cancelled.
Late this afternoon, a lot of information regarding possible lockdown of Metro Manila was spreading and the result is ... panic buying. I went to our local grocery store, just near our place and there was a lot of people. Grocery carts were all used up, others are using plastic containers being sold by the store ... I think they will also buy that. Common grocery items inside each grocer's cart are rice, canned goods, milk and alcohols. I just went home after seeing a lot of people inside ,,, anyway we still have some food supplies at home. As long as we have rice, we won't starve.
In times like this, I think we need to calm down and not to worry so much. Too much worrying will stress us that without knowing it, our immune system is becoming weaker and we are getting more susceptible to corona virus.
Here in the Philippines, specifically here in Metro Manila area, the number of infected individuals started to rise this week which prompted the government to cancel all classes starting last Tuesday, March 10, 2020 until Saturday. My children's school even declared the end of this school year. Last periodical exams were waived and student's need not go to school. So officially, it is already my children's summer vacation. Well, I think it is a good move so as not to risk our children's health.
There are no work suspension, so business as usual. In our office, hand sanitizers and alcohols are located in all access points and temperature check is being done on all employees upon entering the building. Door handles and elevator push buttons are being sanitized regularly. A lot of employees are wearing masks but I'm not really comfortable with that and besides it's really hard to buy face masks nowadays. Anyway, I don't have any symptoms of flu, so better give the priority to use the face masks to those who have symptoms and to all our hard working medical personnel who are very much in close contact with this virus.
Here in our place of residence, elevator push buttons were covered with plastic and sanitized every 30 minutes and temperature check is being done to all residents and visitors entering the premises. All social gatherings including regular fitness activities were cancelled.
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| Elevator buttons covered with plastic and sanitized every 30 minutes. |
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| Scene at our local grocery store this afternoon |
For now, we just need to follow what the authorities are implementing. If not really needed, stay away from crowded area, stay at home, practice good hygiene. Boost our immune system by eating nutritious food, get our natural vitamin D from the early morning sun and get enough rest. Most of all, don't forget to pray so that God will guide everyone so that this virus will be contained and not spread anymore.
God bless the Philippines.
God bless the world.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Goodbye 2011 ... Welcome 2012
Happy New Year everyone.
Time flies really fast that it seems just like yesterday when we welcomed year 2011 and now we are bidding it goodbye.
Year 2011 had been a fruitful and blessed year for me and my family. My plans of becoming a stay-at-home mom was realized, I earned from my stock trading activities and most of all, I became closer to my husband and children. A simple life with my family gave me more happiness than anything else this world has to offer.
With the blessings we received this past year, I'm positive that the coming year would be another fruitful one for us. Of course, life won't be a bed of roses but that's what makes life exciting and worth living for and with God's guidance and loving grace, I believe that year 2012 will bring abundance in all aspects of our life.
God bless us all.
Time flies really fast that it seems just like yesterday when we welcomed year 2011 and now we are bidding it goodbye.
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| Having fun posing for the camera while waiting for the clock to strike at 12:00 o'clock midnight. |
Year 2011 had been a fruitful and blessed year for me and my family. My plans of becoming a stay-at-home mom was realized, I earned from my stock trading activities and most of all, I became closer to my husband and children. A simple life with my family gave me more happiness than anything else this world has to offer.
With the blessings we received this past year, I'm positive that the coming year would be another fruitful one for us. Of course, life won't be a bed of roses but that's what makes life exciting and worth living for and with God's guidance and loving grace, I believe that year 2012 will bring abundance in all aspects of our life.
God bless us all.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
An Encounter with a Pasig Traffic Enforcer
Me and my family attended a baptismal ceremony at St. Francis of Assisi Parish this morning and since the church is near SM Megamall and the reception is in a restaurant just inside this mall, my husband decided that we'll just park at SM Megamall.
We are not familiar with the traffic flow within this area but since we brought the children with us, we decided to bring the car.
We were traversing the inner lane of Dona Julia Vargas Avenue going to SM Megamall when we were flagged down by a Pasig Traffic Enforcer (the blue boys of Pasig City) after we crossed San Miguel Avenue. Our violation according to the enforcer is swerving ... but later on he said that we did not follow the traffic sign that says "vehicles at inner lane should turn left". Actually we did see the sign and we were going to make a left turn at San Miguel Avenue but when we saw the cars in front of us just switched to the inside lane of the supposed to be opposite lane (a counter flow scheme to give way to motorists going to SM megamall), we thought it was just fine to remain in our lane ... a big mistake because we were stopped by the traffic enforcer.
At first I made an appeal to the officer telling him that we are not familiar with the route and it is our first time to drive in this area but he told us that it would be unfair for the other motorists whom they had apprehended before us ... he even showed us the two driver's license he was holding.
Sensing that the Pasig traffic enforcer won't listen to our appeal, I told him to just give us a ticket and I'll make the payment to their office on Monday but he discouraged us to get the ticket because it will just be time consuming and he have to confiscate my husband's driver's license ... instead he offered us to just pay the penalty to him at half the price and he will be the one to pay it to their office and the good thing about it is that he will not confiscate the driver's license.
Haven't been with this kind of situation before, we thought it is how it works and so we agreed with what he was suggesting. The enforcer told us that the penalty for our violation (ignoring a traffic sign) is 1,000 pesos so we just have to pay him 500 pesos and it will be okay, he showed us a smaller ticket which I thought was a receipt which he will give us but after he received the 500 peso bill he made a sign that we can go. I called him and I asked for the receipt but he said that there's no receipt needed and the ticket he just filled-up will be submitted to their office.
This is where I came to my senses ... this is not right ... I insisted that he give us a receipt and his name. I'm trying to read his name tag but it was hidden with a strap of a sling bag or part of their uniform? ... I'm not sure.
Since the enforcer won't give us a receipt and his name, I told him to return the money and just give us the ticket instead ... that time a man wearing a white shirt riding a motorcycle parked at the back of our car and the enforcer talked to him.
After a while, the enforcer went back to us, gave back the 500 peso bill and said that since he already filled up the other ticket he will generate a wrong report if he will issue us the other ticket (the real one), so he asked if we can just pay 100 pesos so he can cancel the other ticket and we can go ... being late for our appointment, I gave in to what he said ... I know it was wrong but just to end the situation, I gave him 100 pesos.
I searched the internet and I learned that the offense we committed was only due for a 150 pesos penalty and the way the Pasig traffic enforcer apprehended us was not within their standard operating procedure, he was supposed to introduce his name when he approached us.
Here is the link for the Philippines Traffic Violation with their corresponding penalties and the link for the standard operating procedure a traffic enforcer has to follow in apprehending traffic violators.
We have learned our lesson, so from now on, I will keep a copy of these documents in the car. If you own a car, it is really a must that you know the rules of the road and your rights as a motorist.
I respect the traffic enforcers because I know they got a tough job out there but I should be ready for those who abuse their power and make money from unsuspecting motorists just like us ... this is our first time to encounter this situation and I know this will be the last ... we will arm ourselves with proper knowledge and if ever we'll be flagged down again for a certain violation, I'll make sure that the money I'll pay will be going to the proper authorities.
We are not familiar with the traffic flow within this area but since we brought the children with us, we decided to bring the car.
We were traversing the inner lane of Dona Julia Vargas Avenue going to SM Megamall when we were flagged down by a Pasig Traffic Enforcer (the blue boys of Pasig City) after we crossed San Miguel Avenue. Our violation according to the enforcer is swerving ... but later on he said that we did not follow the traffic sign that says "vehicles at inner lane should turn left". Actually we did see the sign and we were going to make a left turn at San Miguel Avenue but when we saw the cars in front of us just switched to the inside lane of the supposed to be opposite lane (a counter flow scheme to give way to motorists going to SM megamall), we thought it was just fine to remain in our lane ... a big mistake because we were stopped by the traffic enforcer.
At first I made an appeal to the officer telling him that we are not familiar with the route and it is our first time to drive in this area but he told us that it would be unfair for the other motorists whom they had apprehended before us ... he even showed us the two driver's license he was holding.
Sensing that the Pasig traffic enforcer won't listen to our appeal, I told him to just give us a ticket and I'll make the payment to their office on Monday but he discouraged us to get the ticket because it will just be time consuming and he have to confiscate my husband's driver's license ... instead he offered us to just pay the penalty to him at half the price and he will be the one to pay it to their office and the good thing about it is that he will not confiscate the driver's license.
Haven't been with this kind of situation before, we thought it is how it works and so we agreed with what he was suggesting. The enforcer told us that the penalty for our violation (ignoring a traffic sign) is 1,000 pesos so we just have to pay him 500 pesos and it will be okay, he showed us a smaller ticket which I thought was a receipt which he will give us but after he received the 500 peso bill he made a sign that we can go. I called him and I asked for the receipt but he said that there's no receipt needed and the ticket he just filled-up will be submitted to their office.
This is where I came to my senses ... this is not right ... I insisted that he give us a receipt and his name. I'm trying to read his name tag but it was hidden with a strap of a sling bag or part of their uniform? ... I'm not sure.
Since the enforcer won't give us a receipt and his name, I told him to return the money and just give us the ticket instead ... that time a man wearing a white shirt riding a motorcycle parked at the back of our car and the enforcer talked to him.
After a while, the enforcer went back to us, gave back the 500 peso bill and said that since he already filled up the other ticket he will generate a wrong report if he will issue us the other ticket (the real one), so he asked if we can just pay 100 pesos so he can cancel the other ticket and we can go ... being late for our appointment, I gave in to what he said ... I know it was wrong but just to end the situation, I gave him 100 pesos.
I searched the internet and I learned that the offense we committed was only due for a 150 pesos penalty and the way the Pasig traffic enforcer apprehended us was not within their standard operating procedure, he was supposed to introduce his name when he approached us.
Here is the link for the Philippines Traffic Violation with their corresponding penalties and the link for the standard operating procedure a traffic enforcer has to follow in apprehending traffic violators.
We have learned our lesson, so from now on, I will keep a copy of these documents in the car. If you own a car, it is really a must that you know the rules of the road and your rights as a motorist.
I respect the traffic enforcers because I know they got a tough job out there but I should be ready for those who abuse their power and make money from unsuspecting motorists just like us ... this is our first time to encounter this situation and I know this will be the last ... we will arm ourselves with proper knowledge and if ever we'll be flagged down again for a certain violation, I'll make sure that the money I'll pay will be going to the proper authorities.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Planning for a Bohol Vacation
My family and I are planning to take a 3-day/2-nights vacation in Bohol with a side trip to Cebu just to taste the famous Zubuchon lechon.
I had been to Cebu with a friend last April and I only had the chance to taste CnT lechon. CnT lechon is the best lechon I ever tasted but I have read some blogs that made a good review on Zubuchon lechon so I want to taste it and this time together with hubby and kids.
Since we will be traveling with kids aged 9 and 5 years old, I'm planning to get a travel tour package for the four of us but the adventurous and budget conscious me wants to plan and make the itineraries all by myself and make hotel bookings on-line but with all the available options available, I'm starting to get a headache. Maybe I should make a list first of all the things we really want to do with this vacation and from that list I can narrow down the searches I'm doing on-line ... of course the priority will be our children's comfort and safety.
I hope I can get a good deal for an end of December getaway otherwise we'll just schedule this trip for an early summer vacation.
I had been to Cebu with a friend last April and I only had the chance to taste CnT lechon. CnT lechon is the best lechon I ever tasted but I have read some blogs that made a good review on Zubuchon lechon so I want to taste it and this time together with hubby and kids.
Since we will be traveling with kids aged 9 and 5 years old, I'm planning to get a travel tour package for the four of us but the adventurous and budget conscious me wants to plan and make the itineraries all by myself and make hotel bookings on-line but with all the available options available, I'm starting to get a headache. Maybe I should make a list first of all the things we really want to do with this vacation and from that list I can narrow down the searches I'm doing on-line ... of course the priority will be our children's comfort and safety.
I hope I can get a good deal for an end of December getaway otherwise we'll just schedule this trip for an early summer vacation.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Disappointed with the Result
Manny Pacquiao won over Marquez via unanimous decision.
My husband went home yesterday after watching the live telecast of Pacquiao-Marquez third boxing match at the clubhouse but not like the previous fights, he did not asked me to open the television and watch the delayed telecast of the fight, he was not even happy to inform me that Pacquiao won. He said he was disappointed with the fight and the result.
After watching the news and reading comments of boxing fans on the internet, I learned that my husband is not alone in his disappointment.
Well, that's the sport called boxing. Like any other sports which requires judges to determine the winner, the issue of human error, negligence, favoritism or whatever you call it will always be present in every match. But can we blame the judges? ... at their place, they see what we might have not seen and they might have not seen what we have seen ... so in boxing it would be better for a boxer to knock his opponent out so that all these doubts will be erased.
For Manny Pacquiao, win or loose, I'm still proud of him. He have done a lot to put the Philippines in the spotlight and besides whatever the decision was, he has nothing to do with it.
My husband went home yesterday after watching the live telecast of Pacquiao-Marquez third boxing match at the clubhouse but not like the previous fights, he did not asked me to open the television and watch the delayed telecast of the fight, he was not even happy to inform me that Pacquiao won. He said he was disappointed with the fight and the result.
After watching the news and reading comments of boxing fans on the internet, I learned that my husband is not alone in his disappointment.
Well, that's the sport called boxing. Like any other sports which requires judges to determine the winner, the issue of human error, negligence, favoritism or whatever you call it will always be present in every match. But can we blame the judges? ... at their place, they see what we might have not seen and they might have not seen what we have seen ... so in boxing it would be better for a boxer to knock his opponent out so that all these doubts will be erased.
For Manny Pacquiao, win or loose, I'm still proud of him. He have done a lot to put the Philippines in the spotlight and besides whatever the decision was, he has nothing to do with it.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
It's All Set for Pacquiao-Marquez Third Boxing Match
It's November 13, 2011, the day most Filipinos are waiting for. It's the third boxing match for Filipino Pride Manny Pacquiao and Mexican Pride Juan Manuel Marquez. After several weeks of rigid training of both camps, it's now the moment of truth.
My husband is a boxing aficionado and he really loves to watch live all of Pacquiao's fight. Good thing here in our place, our homeowner's association always make a pay per view subscription whenever Manny Pacquiao has a fight so my husband doesn't have to go far just to watch the live telecast of the fight.
We attended the Sunday mass early in the morning. Instead of the 10:00 o'clock mass, we attended the 8:00 o'clock mass so hubby can get a good seat at the clubhouse.
The children and I will just stay at home and wait for the news of the fight's result. I don't really want to watch the live telecast of the fight. Once I know the result, it's the only time that I watch the fight's replay. I don't know, I just can't handle the suspense that happens inside the boxing ring.
Good luck to both fighters and I pray for your safety, no major injuries whatsoever.
My husband is a boxing aficionado and he really loves to watch live all of Pacquiao's fight. Good thing here in our place, our homeowner's association always make a pay per view subscription whenever Manny Pacquiao has a fight so my husband doesn't have to go far just to watch the live telecast of the fight.
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| The clubhouse all prepared for the live telecast of Pacquiao-Marquez Fight. |
We attended the Sunday mass early in the morning. Instead of the 10:00 o'clock mass, we attended the 8:00 o'clock mass so hubby can get a good seat at the clubhouse.
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| The early birds getting the best seat. |
The children and I will just stay at home and wait for the news of the fight's result. I don't really want to watch the live telecast of the fight. Once I know the result, it's the only time that I watch the fight's replay. I don't know, I just can't handle the suspense that happens inside the boxing ring.
Good luck to both fighters and I pray for your safety, no major injuries whatsoever.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Freshly Squeezed Calamansi Juice for a Hot 11-11-11 Day
For those who are superstitious or those who are fond of lucky numbers, today may be a special day but for most people just like me, today is just an ordinary day which just happened to have a rare calendar date and that is 11-11-11.
Here is the Philippines specifically here in Metro Manila, the weather is hot. I fetched my son at school at 11 o'clock in the morning and whooo ... it's so hot. I just can't stop perspiring.
For a hot day like this, I love to have an ice cold freshly squeezed calamansi juice ... so healthy and so refreshing.
Calamansi is a small citrus fruit which is abundant here in the Philippines and is very rich in vitamin C. To neutralize the sour taste of calamasi juice, I add muscovado sugar instead of refined sugar because muscovado sugar is more nutritious compared to other sugar, it has a strong flavor of molasses though but once you are used to it, it's not really that bad. I also added a teaspoon of honey to this mixture and the children are starting to love this.
For a hot day like this, it's really great to just sit and relax and sip this ice cold freshly squeezed calamansi juice.
Here is the Philippines specifically here in Metro Manila, the weather is hot. I fetched my son at school at 11 o'clock in the morning and whooo ... it's so hot. I just can't stop perspiring.
For a hot day like this, I love to have an ice cold freshly squeezed calamansi juice ... so healthy and so refreshing.
Calamansi is a small citrus fruit which is abundant here in the Philippines and is very rich in vitamin C. To neutralize the sour taste of calamasi juice, I add muscovado sugar instead of refined sugar because muscovado sugar is more nutritious compared to other sugar, it has a strong flavor of molasses though but once you are used to it, it's not really that bad. I also added a teaspoon of honey to this mixture and the children are starting to love this.
For a hot day like this, it's really great to just sit and relax and sip this ice cold freshly squeezed calamansi juice.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
I'm Feeling Down
I hate it but I'm feeling so low today. I think this is part of my PMS (pre-menstrual symptom) but I hate it when I feel this way.
I woke up earlier than usual but aside from cooking rice and transferring some books on the shelf, I did nothing but sit on the couch. I just want to cry for no apparent reason ... oh I'm so unproductive during this time.
Mid morning, my son gave me a reason to cry when I can't find him. Usually, every morning after my husband and daughter leave the house, I let my son play outside our unit with his friends ... a group of boys from 5 to 8 years old ... they are just playing at the second floor (playing area) of our building. After a while, one of his friends knocked on our door looking for my son ... I thought they were together so I went to look for him. After a few minutes of going up and down (we live in a 4-storey building) calling my son's name, I got no reply. I went out of the building and went to the clubhouse thinking that he went there with his other friends but I still did not find him. I was already at the brink of crying when I remembered to check him on our neighbor's door. Their door is usually closed but my son sometimes go inside their unit to play with their 3 year old child and thanks heavens, he was there.
When we were already inside our unit, I have not controlled my tears. I cried while talking to my son.
I think crying helped in lifting my spirit because after the crying drama, I felt relieved and somehow my mood brightened.
I woke up earlier than usual but aside from cooking rice and transferring some books on the shelf, I did nothing but sit on the couch. I just want to cry for no apparent reason ... oh I'm so unproductive during this time.
Mid morning, my son gave me a reason to cry when I can't find him. Usually, every morning after my husband and daughter leave the house, I let my son play outside our unit with his friends ... a group of boys from 5 to 8 years old ... they are just playing at the second floor (playing area) of our building. After a while, one of his friends knocked on our door looking for my son ... I thought they were together so I went to look for him. After a few minutes of going up and down (we live in a 4-storey building) calling my son's name, I got no reply. I went out of the building and went to the clubhouse thinking that he went there with his other friends but I still did not find him. I was already at the brink of crying when I remembered to check him on our neighbor's door. Their door is usually closed but my son sometimes go inside their unit to play with their 3 year old child and thanks heavens, he was there.
When we were already inside our unit, I have not controlled my tears. I cried while talking to my son.
I think crying helped in lifting my spirit because after the crying drama, I felt relieved and somehow my mood brightened.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Another Price Increase for Meralco Consumers
I'm watching the news this morning and news about another price increase on our electricity bill is going to be implemented by Meralco this month. It's just like a few months have passed since they implemented an increase and now they are again implementing another increase.
Their reason is that the Malampaya Powerplant was shut down since last week and repairs was made to this plant and the cost of the repair will be passed on to the consumers. I really don't understand why all the costs incurred by these companies in repairing their powerplants, their transmission lines, substations , etc. are being passed on to the consumers ... what I understand is that, it will be another burden to us consumers who by the way are already burdened by all the prices of commodities which are going up these days.
Well, that's how life is, being dependent on all these utility companies. We can voice out our grudges, they listen, but they continue with the increase anyway. So, what's new?
Their reason is that the Malampaya Powerplant was shut down since last week and repairs was made to this plant and the cost of the repair will be passed on to the consumers. I really don't understand why all the costs incurred by these companies in repairing their powerplants, their transmission lines, substations , etc. are being passed on to the consumers ... what I understand is that, it will be another burden to us consumers who by the way are already burdened by all the prices of commodities which are going up these days.
Well, that's how life is, being dependent on all these utility companies. We can voice out our grudges, they listen, but they continue with the increase anyway. So, what's new?
Sunday, November 6, 2011
A Sunday Treat
I have mentioned in my post here that as much as possible, I serve my family a well-balance meal everyday but once in a while we indulge on "fast food" meals or what many call as "unhealthy foods".
Today is one of those days that we treat the children with what they love to eat ... Jollibee!
Hmmmmmmm ... yummy. If the children can get their way, they want to have this everyday ... but that's a big NO from hubby and me.
Happy Sunday everyone.
Today is one of those days that we treat the children with what they love to eat ... Jollibee!
Hmmmmmmm ... yummy. If the children can get their way, they want to have this everyday ... but that's a big NO from hubby and me.
Happy Sunday everyone.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Back To School
After a week long vacation for the semestral break, it's back to school again for my children in grade school and pre-school. Back to the normal activities of bringing and fetching the children to school, preparing their food, checking on their assignments if they have done it and so on and so forth.
Our week long vacation was just spent here at home, doing some cleaning and organizing some stuff. The children had fun doing their trick or treat activities here in our place. It's a yearly activity they are looking forward every end of October.
Last November 1, just like any other years, instead of going to the cemetery and visit our departed loved ones, we just lighted a candle at home and prayed. It's really hard to travel with children in tow during this season so it's better to just stay at home.
It's good that the children have taken their break and have relaxed a little because Christmas season is just around the corner and for sure they will be busy again preparing for all the activities they will be doing for their Christmas celebration in school.
Our week long vacation was just spent here at home, doing some cleaning and organizing some stuff. The children had fun doing their trick or treat activities here in our place. It's a yearly activity they are looking forward every end of October.
Last November 1, just like any other years, instead of going to the cemetery and visit our departed loved ones, we just lighted a candle at home and prayed. It's really hard to travel with children in tow during this season so it's better to just stay at home.
It's good that the children have taken their break and have relaxed a little because Christmas season is just around the corner and for sure they will be busy again preparing for all the activities they will be doing for their Christmas celebration in school.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Goodbye Typhoon Pedring
After hitting a large part of Luzon including Metro Manila with rain and strong winds, typhoon Pedring is now heading to leave the Philippine area of responsibility. The sky is still cloudy although it is now a little brighter and the sun somehow managed to shine even for just a short period of time.
Despite all the damages brought about by typhoon Pedring to some areas of Metro Manila and other places in the provinces, most offices and schools are now back to normal.
Here in our place, thanks God, typhoon Pedring has not left any major damage ... just some scattered leaves to clean up.
My prayers to all those who have been badly hit by typhoon Pedring.
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| The sky is still cloudy but not as dark like yesterday. |
Despite all the damages brought about by typhoon Pedring to some areas of Metro Manila and other places in the provinces, most offices and schools are now back to normal.
Here in our place, thanks God, typhoon Pedring has not left any major damage ... just some scattered leaves to clean up.
My prayers to all those who have been badly hit by typhoon Pedring.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Family Meal Time
We believe in this advocacy and to show our support, we had a simple yet relaxing family dinner this evening. We shared on the simple fish and vegetable dish prepared by hubby.
Famealy Day or not, we try our best to share meal times with our children. This is one of our family bonding time where our children feels they are loved and that they mean a lot to us more than anything else.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Lasy Day of Sale at S & R Membership Shopping
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| S&R Global City Second Level Parking |
Yesterday we went to S&R Global City branch and I have availed of big discounts on dinnerwares, vitamins, pillows and other items. I'll make a post about them within this week.
For the meantime, I have to get ready for a Sunday bonding with my family.
Happy Sunday everyone.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Household Chores I Don't Love
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| Dirty clothes waiting to be washed. |
Without a household helper, I have no choice but to do our laundry otherwise we'll run out of clean clothes to wear.
Using a washing machine is a big help but for small clothes and clothes with thin fabrics, I prefer to wash them by hands. So everyday, I try to hand wash few items but still the dirty clothes keep on piling so I asked my husband for help and he agreed that we will both do the laundry for big items on weekend ... haaay, it's so good to have an understanding husband who is willing to help on the household chores. It just makes my life as a stay-at-home-mom-without-a-household-helper becomes easier.
Monday, September 5, 2011
I Need a New Flat Iron and Ironing Board
If I'm not mistaken, I just bought these ironing board and flat iron just a year ago and I bought this heavy duty type ironing board hoping that it will last a long time but look at this now ... well what can you expect, house helpers don't pay for these things so they don't take good care of these. Texting while ironing or chatting with other house helpers ... nobody knows but I don't think this damage to the ironing board will be this much if your are just using it properly. The ironing board can't even stand properly because the joints were damaged ... I don't know how my house helper used this, she did her ironing every time we're at the office and she did not complain or told me about this either.
Well, I can't do anything now but just discard these flat iron and ironing board, I don't want to use these, it will just ruin the clothes I'm going to press. It's time for a new flat iron and ironing board.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Happy Fish
Hubby took a whole day leave yesterday to attend to our daughter's school activity. I can't attend because I have a sore eyes ... my son got it first, then my daughter and now it's me ... haaay life, despite of all the precautions I made, I was still infected with this sore eyes. Anyway, since my husband attended to our children's activities at school, I have time to do extra chores aside from the routine work I'm doing everyday since our house helper left.
I was thinking of just replacing the water but when I saw that the stones and the filter itself is already dirty, I cleaned the whole aquarium first before replacing the water. It took me two hours to clean all parts of the aquarium. It was tiring but it's worth it because our aquarium now is clean and the fish seemed to enjoy it.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
It's Time to Prioritize
Yesterday was my first day at home without a house helper. It was also the first day of school and work after the four day holiday. Preparing my eldest daughter for school was not really that hard because she is already responsible for herself, she just needs a little reminder to move faster otherwise she will be late for school. Hubby is a great help because he did some cleaning before getting himself ready for work.
After my husband and daughter left, I was left with CJ whose nursery class is still scheduled in the late morning. There are still a lot of household works to be done ... dishes to clean, clothes to wash and iron, cook food for our lunch, prepare and bring CJ to school and fetch him after two hours, after a few hours fetch again my daughter and so on and so forth. There's just a lot of things to do at home and it seems that the whole day is not enough to finish all these tasks. I was so overwhelmed with all the chores I want to be done that at the end of the day, I felt so tired.
Looking back at what I did yesterday, I think I need to prioritize things and not to try to multi-task. Trying to do things at the same time usually results in low quality output and stresses me more at the same time. To simplify my life I have to identify which chores are needed to be done first before going on to the next chore or maybe much better to rest first before going on to the next chore. I really don't have to finish all these things in one day ... even my husband tells me so.
After my husband and daughter left, I was left with CJ whose nursery class is still scheduled in the late morning. There are still a lot of household works to be done ... dishes to clean, clothes to wash and iron, cook food for our lunch, prepare and bring CJ to school and fetch him after two hours, after a few hours fetch again my daughter and so on and so forth. There's just a lot of things to do at home and it seems that the whole day is not enough to finish all these tasks. I was so overwhelmed with all the chores I want to be done that at the end of the day, I felt so tired.
Looking back at what I did yesterday, I think I need to prioritize things and not to try to multi-task. Trying to do things at the same time usually results in low quality output and stresses me more at the same time. To simplify my life I have to identify which chores are needed to be done first before going on to the next chore or maybe much better to rest first before going on to the next chore. I really don't have to finish all these things in one day ... even my husband tells me so.
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