Should I be neighborly?

I have been living here in this part of the country for six years already. The same length of time as my marriage to my dear hubby Rix. I admit, I have never thought of knowing about the other people on this same street where we reside when I first moved in. But, up until now, I still don't know what business they are in. I have no idea whether they are in garments manufacturing or steel supply, or probably employed somewhere. It could be that it's really like this here, I was not briefed. Since I am a shy and quiet person, I did not make any move to get to know the neighbors. I interact with more people online than in real life. The people I see face to face and talk with are family members, relatives, friends of Rix, and my friends, some of whom I don't even see that often. 

I would stand on the balcony with my children at times and observe what's going on down the street. The only person who calls my attention with a smile is the taho (soy pudding) vendor. Well, it seems nobody's complaining anyway, so I don't need to bend over backwards and offer them food or anything. I always see in American movies that if someone in the neighborhood just moved in, he/she/the family would be welcomed with a basket of home-cooked food or baked goodies. It seems that's not applicable here. I wonder if that's the case in guarded villages? How about you? If you have moved into a new house, did people in your neighborhood welcomed you or talked with you?

our street at night, view from the balcony

A Little Sentimental About Life After College

Last week, I went through my college plates and folios I brought from my parents' home. Memories of my professors' voices, sleepless nights and faces of my group-mates popped up in my mind's eyes. I shook my head as I felt again the dipping of my spirits when I encountered the low grades. I was a bit relieved that that part of my life was over. It's just such a waste that I didn't get to practice my course longer. Maybe if I had taken and passed the board exam, I would still be deciding between vinyl flooring and quickstep laminate flooring for a project I would probably be working on. 

a little model I made for one of my Arch classes

Well, my string of decisions led me to this place and this season: a wife to my hubby and mother to our three little wonders. Some moms, after being stay-at-home-moms or work-at-home-moms, decide to be or go back to being work-out-of-home-moms. I wonder if I would do that when my children are a little bigger and more independent, but I cannot picture it as of now. I cannot imagine myself as a working woman again, at present. But, doing interior design for a whole house without budget constraints is on my life list (bucket list to most), among others. I am still populating that list and will share it to the world soon. He he! 

To Stay Or Leave?

More and more Filipinos are emigrating from their home country to another. What are the possible reasons for this?
~ Greener pasture meaning more job opportunities
~ Seeing no positive outcome of struggle in the Philippines
~ Lack in benefits for the individual like managing personal credit or for the family like healthcare and refinance loan
~ For people who are alone and 
~ Willing to undergo a change in culture
~ Adventure

We have to admit that despite life being hard and it seems money has very low value in the Philippines, we are still pampered and we have the luxury of:
~ Being able to hire household help and nannies at an affordable price
~ And drivers, too, for some
~ Asking family members to assist in caring for our children or for our home
~ Buying really cheap stuff or cheap food
~ Having the rice or the LPG tank delivered to the home
~ Being able to afford starting our own businesses

So, as a Filipino, will you consider immigrating abroad? Or are you content staying in the country? Just wondering!

Lose Weight Fast with HCG

That is what the HCG diet promises. Is that really possible? I thought. Many people want to shed the pounds fast without exercising or invasive procedures that cost a lot of moolah and pain. I know that I do. So, when I read about taking HCG drops under the tongue instead of injecting it, which I am scared of, I couldn't believe my eyes. And, it is said to cost less than the painful (at least, for me) injections. It should be combined with a low-calorie diet, however. Like drinks with L-carnitine that are said to promote weight loss, they should be coupled with proper diet and exercise. The HCG itself does not cause one to lose weight, but it modifies one's eating behavior. The low-calorie diet program provided will help maintain the ideal weight. Sounds promising, yes? Will you purchase the homeopathic drops plus its diet program, or not?

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of HCG. All opinions are 100% mine.

Evolution of Scrubs

In my world, it used to be that scrubs were worn as hospital uniform only. The surgeons and nurses were decked out in these scary (in a patient's point of view) outfits. They seem to come in the color green. I read somewhere that it is colored thus so that blood on that fabric will become brown since red and green are complementary colors. Because of that, it wouldn't be as disgusting as when the blood's "canvass" is white. That is just in my humble opinion.

It has come to my attention that scrubs are being worn by doctor's assistants or secretaries in doctor's clinics and offices, although they perform very minimal procedures on the patient, sometimes. And some just list the names of the out patients, get the records, answer calls and accept consultation fees on behalf of the doctor.

The ones who patiently care for the elderly also wear scrubs, which look more professional than just a shirt and jeans. Laboratory staff also wear these as uniforms. There are now different types of fabrics that are available. These fabrics come in plain or printed. Most of the time, the printed ones have designs that are cute and attractive. My theory is that when the patients are children, they would think twice about being afraid of the nurse/dentist/medical technician. I know of a couple of dentists who wear scrubs with a smiling tooth on parts of their tops.

Many parents of the children here in the country utilize scrubs as the nannies' official get-up especially when leaving the house. Again, I think they look more professional although there are uniforms specifically for nannies. I may be planning on hiring an all-around helper cum nanny, giving her a uniform to wear when she goes out with us might be a good idea too. I just need to know where to buy medical scrubs. There are medical supply stores in Bambang St., Manila. I wonder if there is a wide range of designs available there.

Coupons, anyone?

Here in the Philippines, discount coupons like Savings.com coupons and Home Depot coupons are not very popular. The reason for this is not clear to me. What we have here in the country is a booklet full of coupons, which is bought just one time. There is no cutting, no clipping, and no printing from the Internet. I have seen blogs from Home Makers in the United States featuring coupons and coupon codes that could be used in stores like Pottery Barn, Sears, Crocs, and Target. There are also coupons and coupon codes that could be used for specific product brands like Huggies diapers, Campbell's, Welch's, and Pedigree. It seems to me that they saved a lot when grocery shopping using these coupons. I also admire these moms' diligence in their searches and collections. Coupons would definitely be handy nowadays when being frugal is vital to the economic changes. Using them makes one less guilty when shopping, in my opinion. They would be very useful when purchasing baby products for my soon-to-be born baby boy, when purchasing food items to cook and to stack the pantry with, when purchasing household goods, when purchasing furniture and appliances, and when purchasing clothes and shoes for my family. Almost everything that can be found at home has coupons and it would be beneficial when buying them, even if the discount is not that great.

Oh well, maybe the stores here in the country are not keen on that. They'd think they wouldn't earn and that they have monthly bargain sales in place of coupons.

Is LASIK for me?

There are a few people I know who are enjoying the benefits of Laser Assisted in-Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) - USAEyes helps patients learn about important issues on corrective eye surgery. These advantages include:

• Almost perfect vision, so...
• No more corrective eyeglasses that get in the way of doing things at times
• No more time spent on putting on contact lenses
• Eligibility in becoming a flight attendant (this was my ambition when I was a kid)
• No more worrying about lost contact lenses during leisurely activities or extreme sports
• Hassle-free packing when going on trips because there's no need to remember to bring the contact lens case and contact lens solution

There are also some risks and factors that make me unsure to have this procedure done to my eyes:

• Finding the best doctor and hospital for this job
• What if it doesn't work on me?
• Possibly losing my vision entirely
• Shelling out a large amount of money
• Pain
• Slow healing process

USAEyes.org can provide me with more information so i'd know if LASIK is for me or not.

Insurance for the Family

When we get the right insurance, it is surely a wise investment for the family. We already have life insurances plus hospitalization riders which I think would really be handy in these times. It seems that people nowadays are less healthy than the elders, I don't know why. We also have car insurance which I think is also important for unavoidable circumstances involving the vehicle. A savings type of insurance for the children would help parents pay for their tuition fees and save up for the dowry of a daughter - where applicable. When it comes to home insurance, I am not sure if it is advisable because we live in a sort of compound with other relatives and it's like a townhouse where it's one big establishment that's divided into units. There are also other types of insurance that cover even the smallest stuff , like our gadgets. I just don't know if those are worth it, though.

I wonder if my insurance company covers me when I travel abroad. For example, when I go to New York, would they have New York insurance information? Or if ever I decide to settle there, would they be able to handle my New York home insurance? It sure would be quite a hassle to change insurance companies from time to time. This reminds me to ask our agent regarding our coverages outside the Philippines.

Call me the Clutter Queen

Even before I got married, I've got so many stuff in my room. It seemed I cannot make myself throw away the things I do not really use. I guess you could call me a "sentimental fool". I read in an article that said: when you are cleaning out your closet, you should be ruthless. I find that hard, especially when I have old stuff that I still see potential for in the future. Or is it just me? 

Anyway. Then, I got married and now live with my hubby. All of my things should be here with me, supposed to be. But, no, there are still so much of my stuff that I left at home with my parents. The idea was nagging me until now. Unfortunately, our current home is too small to fit those possessions that I think I might need to rent a self storage where I can temporarily keep them, and go back to them when I have decided to dispose of them after 10 years (ha ha, too long!) Is there even such a storage here in the Philippines? If one has a very large place, which is not being used, this would be a great idea.  It could be made into a warehouse with divisions. People lacking in storage spaces could rent a room where their old stuff could be safely kept. It could even be transformed into a place where garage sales take place! What do you think of that?

Now, I have to learn to be ruthless, starting with the clothes in my closet.

See Alice in Wonderland Again

It was recently that I got to watch Alice in Wonderland (1951 film), animation film from Disney, with my daughter Elle, who likes to watch fairy tale stories from Walt Disney. 

image source

She enjoyed it because of the colorful characters like the White Rabbit, the Caterpillar, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare and the Cheshire Cat, etc. It emphasized more on the visuals, rather than on the story. So I guess that's why Elle, a toddler, found it quite amusing.


And isn't it impeccable timing? This year, Alice in Wonderland movie will be available in all Philippine theaters starting March 4, 2010. And for the IMAX 3D, it will be available only at SM North EDSA IMAX Theater.

From Walt Disney Pictures and visionary director Tim Burton comes an epic 3D fantasy adventure ALICE IN WONDERLAND, a magical and imaginative twist on some of the most beloved stories of all time. JOHNNY DEPP stars as the Mad Hatter and MIA WASIKOWSKA as 19-year-old Alice, who returns to the whimsical world she first encountered as a young girl, reuniting with her childhood friends: the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Dormouse, the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, and of course, the Mad Hatter. Alice embarks on a fantastical journey to find her true destiny and end the Red Queen’s reign of terror. The all-star cast also includes ANNE HATHAWAY, HELENA BONHAM CARTER and CRISPIN GLOVER.

I cannot wait to see it! I am curious as to how Alice turned out as a young woman from a little girl full of wonder and imagination, and has her own world to escape to just to get away from her history lessons.

I also want to know what part does the Mad Hatter play in Alice's life, and if he is still, well, mad!

And how about the Queen of Hearts? Has anyone stopped her obsession with chopping people's heads off?

 

The introduction of new characters like the White Queen certainly made me curious.

 

"Curiouser and curiouser!", little Alice exclaimed when she entered the room with the small locked door. And like her, I am now getting more and more curious with Alice in Wonderland movie.

Daydreaming...

image source

Sometimes, I cannot help but wonder what it is like to live in a house like this. If I were to be the owner, it should be located far from the city, away from the noise and dust of the Philippine metropolis. That is what I always dream of so my kids could have fresh air and plenty of space to run, tumble and play with the dogs. The driveway designs will have to be simple so it's easy to navigate through the place.The driveway pavers must not be slippery and slick, especially when they're wet. A manicured lawn would add charm to the house. I also want a porch and a nice patio. The porch and patio designs shall feature many plants and flowers that we ourselves will plant. There shall be nice outdoor furniture, where we can relax and read books on Sundays. There could be a swimming pool, if it isn't too much to ask. And pool parties galore, although I don't know how to swim. And a barbecue grill, too! That would be so much fun! I could invite family and friends over for some quality time together. I know, I should be more realistic, but it doesn't hurt to dream big at times, right? Right? :-D

image source

Somniloquy runs in the family?

Did you know that there's a blog chronicling what a man says in his sleep? Check out the Sleep Talkin' man here. 

And there's another one, Nate at Night, claiming to be the original.

I know that I talk in my sleep. I am not sure if it's normal. But, my hubby sometimes does, and also my daughter, too. According to Wikipedia, it is very common for children to talk in their sleep. I am just concerned that she sometimes cries and is inconsolable when she's awakened by this or by shouting, when she dreamed of something unpleasant. Why, she even throw tantrums in her sleep!

There are times I would like to also record what I say during the night, but it may be very embarrassing. Don't you think?

Happy New Year!

Last entry for the year 2009.
No sentimentality.
Just wondering what to look forward to in 2010.

My daughter Elle and I both need a haircut.
I suppose Elle needs to attend pre-school. School starts so early for kids these days!
Our second baby is coming soon. I guess I need to be more prepared than with Elle. I don't know if she'll understand the concept of having a sister or brother yet.
With another baby on the way, I realized I am not entirely sure I made the right decision to be a stay-at-home mommy. But this is no time for regrets. I need to make the most out of my situation and decision, and hand this concern over to the Lord.
I will strive more to be a better wife and mommy. And daughter, and friend.
I will be more content, more grateful and more selfless.
One of my close friends is going to get married. Welcome to the club!

I hope everybody will have great things to look forward to in the coming year.

They're here!

My very own Ugg Boots! My early Christmas gift! Although, I don't know yet how to wear them in a tropical country like mine. But, it came just in time before the cool months of December and January kick in, so there'd be opportunities to don them, I hope. Click here if you want to win a pair yourselves. Thanks to Odette of little miss firefly for blogging about this, that's where I learned of this offer. I ordered the Classic Short, but I think they shipped the Classic Tall to me. Should I have it changed, I wonder?

She's Back!

What's wrong with this picture?

• Is that Kristin Kreuk??? You betcha!
• Is she Chinese? It says here she has Chinese blood. I didn't know that!
• She's playing Chun-Li in Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li. I always thought Chun-Li (in the video game) was tall.
• I didn't know Kristin Kreuk's got BIG & chunky legs!
• Why are they bringing back Street Fighter? I have no idea!

Wordful Wednesday hosted by:

What went wrong?

What the couple could have done to avoid such a tragedy:

• Not let the child watch too much TV, especially violent, crime-related ones
• Why do they have poison at home? And don't they read labels? These things should be kept out of the reach of children
• Not spoil the first child
• Give fair attention to both children
• Introduce the first child to the second baby even while still pregnant, or show pictures of babies
• Teach the first child to be gentle to the baby, and give him chances to caress, play with and help with dressing the baby

How about you? What can you suggest to the couple?

Toy Fail?

One sunny yet cool January day, I was inspecting one of the many toys given to my daughter last Christmas. This is what I discovered.

Did you notice anything unusual? Other than Pooh's Cowboy cousin?
Yes? No?
Here's a closer look.

Can someone, anyone explain to me why there is a carrot stuck to the horse's neck?

Problematic?

She is a shy girl, the quiet one in their group of three. She seemed intelligent at first, but they say she's the slowest to pick up instructions. The other two would sometimes tease her, she would just smile and mumble something in defense. She started college 6 years ago, and she's still at it at present. It makes one wonder. Her dad was the one who spoke to us of her intention of joining us for a period of time. He must be a patient man, to keep seeing her study for so long and to keep paying for her tuition.
I don't know what I would do if my daughter grew up to be like her...

He is the nephew of his wife. He borrowed his uncle's shirt one day. It got stained when it was washed. Instead of admitting his fault, he asked the helper to just put it back in his uncle's closet as if nothing happened. It was discovered, but instead of apologizing, he offered to pay for it, at his parents' expense (their financial status is not that good and they had to borrow money from this particular uncle from time to time).
I must teach my daughter to be honest and admit her mistakes, to apologize and try her best not to do it again.

For me, they are problematic.
But, maybe it's OK for them to take their time in school, not considering working to somehow repay their parents.
Or perhaps it's OK to borrow other people's things, and not take good care of them.

Ponder Her

Two weeks ago, my baby's temperature rose high and she's so hot that we had to give her paracetamol and we needed to keep wiping her with a wet washcloth followed by a dry one to prevent her temperature from rising any further. At the height of her fever, I sat her on our bed and gave her some toys. I propped myself on one elbow behind her, watching her and thinking.

I know I'm a weakling for some of the diseases that I have, and how I easily catch a cold or a cough, and feel shots of pain here and there. I was even diagnosed with a weak immune system before and weak blood vessels in my nose. I had nosebleeds almost every day while growing up. So, I was wondering if Elhaym's immune system is weak, too. In her one year and 4 months on earth, thrice she had high fever, the first one she even reached convulsion (yeah, I convulsed too when I was little, they say it's hereditary?). And then, she was hospitalized, where I vowed not to go back there. It's because I don't want her to be very sick again, and also because of the poor medical services that that particular hospital offered. It's such a bad experience, and maybe even traumatizing for Elhaym.

I noticed that Elhaym's hair has grown long, but not thick. She's a cute little curly-bottom. I still haven't given her a haircut yet since birth. I don't know when is the right time to set baby up for her first haircut. Some say, all her hair should be cut off so the new ones would be thicker, others say that even if I cut it, her natural hair type would still come out. Oh, i don't know! When should Elhaym have her first haircut? And there's this folklore that the first person to cut her hair should be intelligent, if not a genius, so baby would also be intelligent. Hm...

While, looking at the back of her head, stroking her shoulders and feeling for fever on her neck, I wished with all my heart that she would get well very soon! Suddenly, she stopped playing and she seemed to be staring ahead. I dare not disturb this moment by looking at her face, but she sure looked deep in thought from my point of view. I wonder what goes on inside the mind of a one year old... I wish she could turn around and say to me,"Mommy, did you know that...?"

It's fascinating to observe how Elhaym's vocabulary is expanding. The words taught her she could repeat almost with the same pronunciation and tone. This reminds me to be careful about what I say around her.

Right now, I thank God that she's OK. She loves to run around, turning our house upside down. She just has to open all cabinet doors and drawers, then take out the objects inside. Her doing so could give me a headache sometimes, but I prefer this to her being unwell.

Thoughts from the sauna

• Where is God leading me? Should I switch to another bank as suggested by my papa? Here or far away? On crossroads...
  
• I hope I get a good massage later on.
  
• Hm... 10 minutes have passed and I have not broken into a sweat yet. I stood up, reached for the ladle and scooped water onto the hot rocks. It sizzled and after a few minutes, beads of sweat formed on my face and my arms were moist. But, I was getting light-headed so I stepped out eventually.
• I touched my hair. Oh no, is it drying out? Maybe I should have bought hot oil treatment and put it on my hair, then wrap a moist towel around it.
• I really need to lose weight

Massage musings:

• Ouch! Not too hard please!
• If only you could massage away my flabs.
  
• I.must.not.fall.asleep.zzz... I don't know why, but I tend to fall asleep while being massaged, even if it's a bit hard.
  
• And if I fall asleep and the attendant doesn't wake me up, Rix will be waiting for quite a while in the common area, and he'll get impatient.

My hubby and I went to Orchard Spa to get a massage. The place was small, yet cozy. The amenities were satisfactory (although I like Spas to have a steam bath facility) and the attendants were helpful and smiling. The therapist assigned to me was courteous and considerate, now and then she was asking me if the pressure was OK. We even took advantage of the offer 'free meal after every massage'. The food at the Redwood Restaurant was so-so. Not all dishes were available. But then, it was already 10 p.m. when we finished.
My right shoulder and jaw throbbed after that, and the ache in Rix's nape did not go away. Was it effective or not?