I'm Officially A Mom Without A Nanny!

I have to start making puppets or if I get too lazy to make a DIY, I need to buy some soon. Polie’s crazy about his stuffed animals talking to each other (Mom and Dad do the talking, of course)! He’s growing up so fast and so smart! He knows what lotion to put on his arms and legs upon waking up, what vitamins to take at a certain time and oh, he already recognizes different colours too! In three months, it’ll be his birthday again. I already planned for his ‘multiple’ parties, just small celebrations with my family, Pao’s parents, and our friends. I can’t wait!

Christmas is just around the corner! It feels like the first time to be celebrating this season with my loved ones. I’m really looking forward to celebrating it with my family and our close friends.

Plus I’m officially a stay at home Mom without a nanny! I’m quitting work after months and months of deliberation. It’s hard, no, especially if your mind isn’t sane. It’s true what they say; being mom is still the best (and hardest) job in the world! But the feeling that you get from seeing your kids grow up and just being with them every single day is priceless.

Postcard Lovin'

I pride like myself for having the ability to forgive easily. I’m pride-less, really. It’ll always come to a point that when I’m being accused of something and even if it’s not entirely my fault (and have no fucking idea what it’s about), I’d still apologize for I don’t know “supposedly” my blunder or some sort. I tend to please people because I’m terrified of people being mad at me. But there comes a point in your life that you get tired, and then, you realize that there’s really no point of doing it. So you stick to those who matters and who always will. I suck at change but hey at least I’m doing something about it.

And I’m digging these random acts of kindness I’m getting; like overseas phone calls from one of my best friends and a random message from a person I used to stalk asking me if “everything’s alright” (totally unlikely). Oh yes! Random things make me happy.   

I love getting postcards (and letters too)! If you’re a stranger in a faraway land, send me some postcard love and I promise to write back. We can talk about books, arts, music and food (or the beach and night skies)! I never had pen pals overseas; you’ll make the inner child in me truly happy. Leave a comment here with your email and postal address or shoot me an email. Thank you so much in advance! 

100 Day Photo Challenge: Day 29

What makes me smile?

Saturday mornings with the kids.

And grocery shopping with the hubby. :)

100 Day Photo Challenge: Day 28

Day 28: Something you're afraid of
(w/ 6mo old Polie)

I’m not afraid of failure, actually, I’m soooo used to it already. I’m afraid of feeling that I’m a failure as a mother. I had to work ASAP after giving birth to Polie because we need all the financial backing I could get from my job. He was barely 2mos old when I decided to go back to work. He’s 1 yr and 8mos now and I still lack confidence if I’m being a good mom to him. Some days are really hard (like today); it’s frustrating and depressing to see that he’d rather be with his yaya than be with me. I don’t know but it was so much easier when I was younger (or maybe because I have no yaya that time to feel so insecure about). Baby steps, I know I’m getting there!

Everyday Is A Bad Hair Day

I was supposed to get a haircut last week but hubby insisted that I leave my hair alone. I’ve been meaning to grow my hair long but it’s so difficult to resist the urge to cut it. I’ve always had short hair all my life, believe me, I’m in pain. I know that he’s longing to see me with long lustrous hair but he’s just too shy to admit it. So once more I’m giving it a try (for the nth time).

Wish me luck because I’m not really good in keeping the scissors at bay! 

Just A Thought And Some

We went out last Saturday to run some errands, do our groceries and attend mass. It’s been long since we did that, all four of us. The officiating priest in Puregold Molito was telling us about “proper dress code”. Amusing because the mass is inside a mall; it’s Saturday and a lot of people who attended the mass just wore shorts and I mean not just “shorts”, theirs are skimpy short-shorts. I know it’s inside a mall but just a little thought; you’re attending a mass, you’re not going to the beach! Yes, we know that you want to attend mass but you could have sat at the back! Dress accordingly for fuck’s sake! I really hate it when people do that.

So we went home, had some an assortment of chips, watched a crappy movie while I ate a BIG bar of chocolate and slept like a baby. The following day was spent cleaning the house, cooking meals, sleeping in between, reading history books about Europe, eating and watching reruns of our favorite TV shows. I know it’s boring but I miss boring. Being dull consoles my chaotic brain. So it’s good to be a bore every once in awhile; it works for me. 

Here’s the pair of glasses that I bought from Paterno Eyewear last Saturday at Cuenca Bazaar. I bought this instead of the Owl frames because it’s kind of small for my face. Its lacquered red, it has gold hinges, very chic, vintage looking and it is lightweight too! I love it! Plus I got them for only P600! The seller’s generous enough to slash P50 off its price because she didn’t have exact change. It’s hard to resist the urge to buy more because they sell the most gorgeous vintage looking eyewear at a fraction of the cost compared to the ones being sold in malls. Check out their Multiply site and look for Ms. Pia. 

Peek-a-boo I see you! :)

Polie wearing Mommy's glasses: ADORKABLE!

I bought a pair of shoes from Renegade Folk's clearance sale. Sadly, the shoes I bought run a size smaller. But I read somewhere about freezing leather shoes. I tried it and it worked! Plus I forced the boys to wear the shoes around the house for a day. Ha-ha! Talk about ingenuity, eh? So that’s how my weekend went. Boring and oh-so-great!

Fits me perfectly! (Pardon the jammies)

Sustainable Beauty: Human Nature's Natural Moisturizing Shampoo w/ CREAMFoam

I hate that this shampoo is always OOS.

 This is the first time that I’ve tried this and I think I’ll be hoarding more of it.

I love the mild lemongrass scent and I love the fact that it makes my hair soft.

 Easy on the pocket, doesn’t give me the sniffles and proudly Pinoy made. :) 

All natural ingredients

Oh So Random!

I seriously think this teaching job is the perfect most adequate job for me. Sure, it’s a pain in the ass to have seasonal work load (career and money-wise). But nothing beats the time that I get to spend with my kids every single day. I miss teaching but I miss being a mommy more. Sometimes, I feel bad because I have to leave the kids at home just so I could work. There are times that I’d be so infuriated and insanely jealous because my youngest son likes to be with his yaya more. So I’m grateful for the impeccable timing that I’m on leave from work.

I’m waiting for this pair to arrive. I ordered a size 9 but their sizes run one size smaller so if this pair won’t fit, I’ll try the freezing method to have them stretched. Its leather so I think it’ll work. Well, I hope! Renegade Folk is having a closing out sale. It’s too bad really because I like their quirky loafers. Not the usual flats you’d frequently see in malls. Theirs are, what’s the term again? Androgynous? I’m so tempted to hoard all their remaining flats, really.

And because it’s Friday and I’ve been diligent enough in all my responsibilities; I’m entitled to eat all the cookies I want. It’s calorie-induced day! Happy Friday, everyone! :) 

100 Day Photo Challenge: Day 27

This brother of mine used to be my mortal enemy when we were younger. Maybe because we can't keep our mouth shut or we're just plain crazy, I don't know, but we used to hate each other's guts. But I love him and I'm so proud of him.

Day 27- A picture of yourself and a family member

100 Day Photo Challenge: Day 26

My Mom used to drive me nuts but it's okay because I have the coolest dad. We love to eat that's why we're all fat (except my youngest brother). We love music and a common staple in our Christmas tradition is our yearly videoke contest (crooning to the song Vincent of Don McLean). 

We might be crazy sometimes but I love them all to bits. 

  

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you

A Quick Update: Photo Challenge Day 19-25

Just a quick update on my 100 day Photo Challenge (now, this is really turning into a challenge because I can’t find time to update my blog often). I hope to finish it before year end. Why do the 100 day challenge? I have no idea what has gotten into me when I started it. Here goes!

This is I think an epiphany that I can't really grow my hair loooonggg.

 Which reminds me, I'm getting a haircut soon. 

Day 19
A picture of you when you were little.

Well I think everybody does.   

Day 20: Somewhere you'd love to travel
My dream destination: MALDIVES

And of course! 

Not just Venice, I mean the entire country!

Something really terrible happened to me when I was a kid.

 I tried to forget all about it but sadly I couldn't. 

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.

   I'm an awful public speaker. And this is something I really WISH I'm good at. 

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at. 

I've read this a dozen times already. Still my favorite book to date!

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.

This is really hard. It's like a pageant question.

 I wouldn't want to change anything about me, but I'm no beauty queen,

 so I would like to be a happier person cause usually I'm not. 

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.

This is my typical day when I'm not teaching or doing errands. 

Still the best job in the world!

Day 25 - A picture of your day

Buff Time Tuesday and a Frog Beanie

Dexter would always be my favourite TV show. So it’s a good thing that I’m still on leave as I get to see the pilot episode first thing in the morning (well, after taking Polie for a walk). I remember last year, the pilot episode was aired on September 28. I never looked back. Ha-ha!

Dexter S6 E1: Those Kinds of Things

I can’t believe its October already! And I’m so excited for this year’s Trick or Treat. Last year, I made a frog beanie for Polie’s costume. We weren’t able to roam around for long. We had to bring Polie home after 10 minutes of decor seeing (no trick or treat but we still got some sweets because he was having a bad tantrum). His yaya had a sugar overdose and happily dozed off after eating all the chocolates and candies. It was still a fun night.

Anyways, despite all the bad things that has been happening lately (our own personal battles and with what’s happening in our country right now). I’m thankful still because I’ve been blessed with a beautiful family, I have the greatest and smartest friends and I still get to enjoy the simple things that life has been offering me. Be it a pilot episode of my favourite TV show or reminiscing about the good old times. Because really; it’s the small things that count. Buff Time Tuesday, Oh how I’ve missed you! :)

Amazing Bargains to Love

The hubby and I talked about Lasik over the weekend and decided that we’ll try our best to save money for it so I could have my eyes corrected. I know it still pose a lot of risks, not to mention how ridiculously expensive it is but I’m really getting tired of wearing glasses. But then earlier, I saw these:

via Paterno Eyewear Store

Can you imagine my delight when I saw these Owl frames online? It’s really cheap too! This pair costs P650! It’s made of plastic/acrylic with some metal elements (for the temples and hinges). I’ve been looking for this kind of frame for the longest time but you know how notoriously high-priced prescription glasses are. Another good thing about it is that the seller will be at Cuenca Bazaar this coming weekend, no more SF for me because I can get it there. Plus the seller’s so nice with all my queries. Even persuaded me to look for a cheaper multi-coated lens because the ones they’re selling costs P1k-- this is why sometimes I love buying stuff online. Hooray for online shopping!

And some amazing bargain finds over the weekend:

I love the comfy flats from Shoebox&Me. I bought a pair of mustard flats and amazingly, they have my size (because I have humongous feet). I initially bought (and accidentally, if I might add) the university loafer, I just realized it when I checked the box last night. The hubby has a bad habit of neglecting ORs so I was a bit worried if the store will still replace it. (I bought the green loafers with yellow detail! I think it’s FEU! My mom graduated from FEU so I guess its okay but it has some scratches). Surprisingly, the saleslady didn’t even demand to see the OR. Thank God! And I had a hard time finding a replacement for it because all the shoes are so damn cute!

We were doing our usual weekend grocery shopping when I saw Silka’s new lotion variant. Of course I had to buy one because it’s cheap, has SPF23 and it has Shea butter! Oh how I love that smell. I know this product is not organic but at least its Paraben-free plus sun protection.

And meet my new insect repellent. It has virgin coconut oil and titanium dioxide that blocks the sun’s harmful rays (talk about sunscreen overdose). It’s oil-based but it’s light and it smells of coconut! Non-toxic, 100% DEET-free, eco-friendly and safe for kids 1yo and above (Polie can use this as well).

I love my new bargain finds. And I love good customer service!

Thank you, shopping gods, for allowing me to discover these amazing stuffs.

You’ve been so generous to me. :)

The Irony

So one day my 10yo son suddenly realized that he had to stop eating meat. Okayyyy. 

September Hooligan

I'm missing someone badly. And one other thing too; I miss writing but I'm so darn lazy to write. So I'm posting photos instead (of what has happened over the last few weeks). BTW, I've just seen the Swedish film adaptations of Steig Larsson's novels last weekend. I love it! It's brutally good. Now, I wanna read all three books. ;)

 Okay back to the photos. Here goes! 

Perfect timing :)

Holiday breakfast. Hhhhmmmm. 

Because someone has been reaalllyyyyy bad. 

Catching up with Jen and Bea at Cafe Mary Grace ♥ 

Started the "BER" months with my best girlies. :) 

Something from Sweden too! (c/o Mommy Jen)
IKEA everyday! ;)

And one more reason why I love my job. :)

How's your weekend so far? I hope you're all having a great time. :)

Things I Love: Lazy Sundays and Some

Writer’s Block; It’s the worst feeling to have at this friggin time. It’s been weeks that I’ve been trying to write at least a level-headed entry but couldn’t think of anything to write. So let’s subdivide what has been happening to me for the past weeks.

At Camp

Last Friday was our last day at camp; I’m still at awe on how it went so unbelievably fast. I had so much fun during our Haiku writing contest. And one of my students won the said contest (yes, I’m always a proud mom). I’m teaching art and writing at the same time. It’s like my favorite idiom; I’m hitting two birds with one stone and all of that. And how I longed to have a poetry contest every week. (or maybe I should be teaching art instead, who knows?)

Station 9: Writing and Art Station

Hello, Goodbye

A student of mine asked if I could write a letter for him on his notebook. While writing, I was trying real hard holding back my tears (believe me it’s a struggle because I’m a big cry-baby). You see, sometimes even if I’d be so pissed with work-related dilemmas, I still couldn’t bear the thought of leaving these kids. And this student has treated me like his mom here in the academy. Ugh, it’s an agony. So last Friday I had a throbbing headache from too much crying. Yeah I know, it looks stupid but I don’t effing care.

But I’ll be teaching reading classes too starting Monday. How cool is that? I get paid to do what I love and I couldn’t be more grateful. It’s been a month that I’ve been teaching kids. Oh how I love it. I really really do.   

The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book.
  ~Author Unknown

And some over the past few weeks 

Aug 1: Funch leaving for Brazil.
I miss you, Jan! :(

Aug 10: Kilt, Bagpipes and Jonathan Davis
Damn, I love a man in a skirt!

Lower box, baby! 

El cheapo bag
 from SM Department Store ;)

Two weeks that I’ve been perfecting the art of making something out of nothing (my favorite saying from EPL) and I think I’m getting better at it. I love lazy Sundays. I love snuggling next to hubby and the boys. I love DVD marathons while pigging out on junk food and laughing hysterically from too much tickling. There were times that I’d still feel lost but I wouldn’t want to trade this feeling for anything in the world. Suits me well.

An Exercise in Gratitude

So what am I up to?

It’s funny you know sometimes fate has its way of surprising you. I found work in the most unconventional way. I teach kids to write. I’m an English teacher for an ESL academy. It’s been two weeks and it still feels surreal. And when I still think about it, I still couldn’t help but get teary-eyed; it’s almost dreamlike.

I’m in my late twenties and I have this emptiness that has been bugging me for the longest time. No matter what I do, no matter how happy I get, I still get depressed.  I’ve been miserable all my life that no matter how hard I try to fight it, I always fail at it, miserably.

I went to mass a few weeks ago. I didn’t know what has gotten into me that I asked, really asked and prayed so hard that I get the teaching position I’m applying for. And I got it.

Madison; 10

“My happiest moment so far in the academy is writing class. I like writing class because of the new teacher. She is very kind and she listens to me when I speak. When I study with her, I feel excited and she is a very good writer. I think I can learn many things in writing class.” This is from Madison's journal entry, one of my brightest students (add very brat too).  

Amanda; 12
My most improved student :)

It’s been two weeks of journal checking, book and movie reviews. It’s been two weeks of nerve-wracking deadlines and lesson plans. Yes, two weeks that I’ve been a teacher, but still haven’t thought that I had it in me. 

And to cap off a very productive two weeks: 

Unbelievably cheap books which I bought last Friday.
All four books for only P150! I love you, Powerbooks sale! 

A visit to Lola. 

The song “Hand in my Pocket” depicts exactly how I’m feeling right now. Yeah, I’m lost but I’m hopeful, baby. :)

Things I Love: Fridays And Some

If you happen to be a reader of this blog, you’ll notice that I’ve reverted back to its old template which is white. I’ve been doing a lot of cleaning (and throwing out junk I don’t need—this is literally and metaphorically) and since I want everything to be spotless and immaculate, hence. Plus, I’m obsessed with anything white. But if you know me well, there’s a slight chance I might be changing it, maybe if I get depressed again. :p

I created this blog almost a year ago to showcase artsy-fartsy stuff; but haven’t been posting a single artwork. I know, forgive the laziness. And the only time I get to be artistically driven is when I’m desolate and afflicted. Yes, I’ve got a little of Van Gogh Syndrome (which happens to be my favorite painter too, btw). Except of course for the self-mutilation! Soon, maybe? (I mean to create a work of art! Ha-ha!)

It’s Friday and I’m in love! I’m aware of how cheesy it is. But usually, my Friday night means I get to binge on chocolates (okay, maybe just a little bar will do). And some things I’m loving right now. :)

My Laundry Companion: SURF Liquid Detergent

It’s a hard working liquid laundry detergent and it’s keeping the sniffles at bay. Cheap and effective!

My Miracle Workers: Olive Oil + Vitamin E Caplets

I have a C- section scar on my bikini line. It’s been a year and the scar has been breaking up (it’s started to flatten and soften already). Thank you my miracle workers! It’s all natural and void of any harmful chemicals.

My Running Shoes

I never thought I’d truly enjoy jogging. Because I’m asthmatic and a total klutz, I’ve never given it much thought (and I find it dreadfully boring). But it changed a few months back and I think I’m getting the hang of it. I love my running shoes because it’s keeping me fit and because my Mom gave them to me.

My Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini

I’ve been looking for this kind of swimsuit for the longest time. I love anything retro! It’s got dots and stripes, a ruffle triangle top, on sale (20% off) and my size (size 0! Yay! I’m getting back to my pre-pregnancy weight, hooray!)!

My feel good song; because I just can’t help but smile. Yes, I’m always in love on a Friday night. Happy Friday, everyone! :)

Just Don't Stay in Bed Being Useless

I miss the days that I get to blog everyday. I miss blogging and taking photos of the kids and random things that I see. I miss status-whoring in FB but I feel I’m too boring to say something requisitely amusing. For the past couple of months all I’ve been posting are hostile rants.

See for yourself. :p



I seldom go out, it’s usually thrice a month tops and when I do, it’s with friends and the hubby. The only person I get to have an intellectually stimulating conversation on a daily basis is with my eldest son (because of his insane questions which prompts my brain to think). I haven’t been finishing up a novel in a week which is very unusual because most of the time I can finish up a paperback novel in a day. And my grammar is getting rusty.

I feel I’m getting dumber everyday.

I stopped blabbering and did something about it.

• Read. And so I read, reading almost everything from shampoo bottles to milk containers. I try my best to finish up a novel at least once a week. My eldest and I read together. I read to my youngest child. I read during movie marathons by turning on subtitles. I still read the dictionary sometimes and some old psychology books. I scrutinize food labels, nutritional information and calorie content. I read whenever an opportunity presents itself.
• Write. Even when I’m not blogging, I still write in my journal. I write letters and small notes to hubby and my eldest child. I keep in touch with old friends by sending letters and emails. I write my prayers which I do almost every single day.
• Talk and go out every once in a while. I started talking to sensible people. I’m not a big talker. I’m more of a listener and observer. The only time I get to talk and blabber nonstop is when I’m with my sister and the hubby. But I have a habit of asking questions. Almost all of my friends are working. Some of them I get to see every week and I make it a point to talk to them asking everything from the controversial RH Bill to stressful workloads and even senseless questioning about boys’ night out, hookers and condoms. It’s good to immerse yourself in rational conversations once in a while and even the not so ones. And because it’s so much fun to talk and be with your closest friends after a week-long pain in the ass workload, plain and simple.
• Get physical. I’ve been losing a lot of the post-pregnancy weight gain and getting back to my usual weight. To quote Franz Kafka from The Metamorphosis; “Just don’t stay in bed being useless.” --has been my morning mantra for the past couple of months. Physical exercise is good for our general health; it makes us fit, improves our ability to relax, speeds up learning and improves blood flow to the brain. A healthy mind dwells in a healthy body indeed. 

In between floor wiping, scrubbing pots and pans and doing the dirty laundry; I try to read, write, talk and go out with friends every once in a while. And if all else fails I resort to the good old adage; Mind over Matter mantra. I’m not getting dumber. I’m not getting dumber. Hhhhmmm... And it’s working already. Haha.  



Breakfast in bed for Mom's Day!