January And Some

Our youngest is turning 3mos soon. How time flies! January just occurred in a snap! I can finally blog now because the little one allows me to use the net from time to time! Hooray for an hour break from all the dancing and baby carrying! I’m still at awe with how things are unfolding for us. We’re excited and a bit nervous at the same time. But we trust the Lord too much that just the thought of it makes us hope for the best. Hope is a good thing, right?

I’ve been breastfeeding exclusively for close to 3mos now. I’m so happy because this is the first time I’m doing it. I breastfed our eldest but he drank formula (whenever I’m out of the house), the second one I breastfed for a month then my milk supply decreased to na-da because I’m too stressed from work. Now that I’m a stay at home mom, I decided to breastfeed exclusively. And boy what a demanding work it is! But such a blessing cos of all the pros we’re getting! The hell with the cons! I highly encourage moms and moms to be to breastfeed. It’s one of the best things you can do for your babies. Plus it’ll help you lose the baby weight (of course w/ proper diet and moderate exercise) fast!    

I’m just sooo happy and content with my life now. I know for sure because not even a messy bed could ruin my day! Truly, I’m a young mom and an amazing one (so they say) at that. So when my friend had asked what my birthday wish was, I simply said I couldn’t think of anything to ask. I want a lot of things for myself and for my family but I didn’t wish for money. For the longest time I’ve always wished for peace of mind and now I finally have it and of course I have the greatest gift a person can get, that is the gift of love and family. Hooray and thank God for motherhood!

(And some of my favorite snapshots over the last month) 

     

Our youngest at 2 mos

Found this cute DIY snowman while cleaning up
 Pol's school bag :)

First ramen EVER

Something pink and glittery for my birthday <3

Lovin' our new aboriginal coasters!

<3

Ooh yes, I do :)

I woke up on my birthday to this <3

Lunch date with my loves!

Thank God for crazy and amazing girlfriends! Love these bitcherakas to bits! 

And thank you Beauty Bar for bringing us affordable beauty products!

Hooray for guilt-free snacking!

And of course for Sundays as I get to read to our little kuya for a day :)

Goodbye Hello

Okay, my year-ender. I always do this to keep track on things that has happened for the past year or so. I’ll always be grateful for every year, and I don’t think there’s such a thing as malas year. It’s just a matter of perspective.

I’ve learned so much from 2012, but most importantly, I’ve learned to be patient. I’ve learned how to wait and pray, wait and pray, wait and pray. It pretty goes like that. And to forgive. And to let go. And it made me closer to the people I love, especially to God. I’m grateful. So grateful that sometimes I couldn’t contain my happiness; that sometimes I feel like my heart’s going to burst. I am happy without hate, regrets and cynicism. Thank you 2012 for being so freaking awesome! Bring it on, 2013! 

Hey, Momma!

You’ll learn a lot of things from motherhood. All good things, I believe! As I ponder on my year’s life lessons, I’ve realized how being a mom made me into a better person. I know I’ve been doing this for close to 12 years now but when you have three kids, well; it’s a whole new level!

Being a mom taught me to be... PRACTICAL

Years ago, I used to think that I’m practical but have come to realize that well, I wasn’t. And then came my second son, I thought so again, but then again, I still wasn’t. It was just now I can proudly say that I’ve finally learned to be practical. Practical, not stingy! I buy what’s needed and sleep on what’s not. (It was hard at first. Haha) I still buy pretty things from time to time but I make sure that I use it, not store.

Being a mom taught me to be... AN EXCELLENT ORGANIZER.

Well, I know I’m already good at organizing things but I’ve learned to be a top-notched organizer. I’m not really bragging but when you have 3 boys, you’ll eventually learn how to. My days are always planned ahead, my schedule is written down so I won’t have to forget a single thing. We go out without a nanny, would you believe? And I have three boys at tow! That’s how organize I am.

Being a mom taught me to be... SELFLESS

Let’s be honest here, in some inevitable way, we still tend to be self-centered. Hey, that’s what social media taught us. I believe that when you’re a mom, you’re likely to be selfless because you’re responsible for another human being. That’s why we have working mothers so they can provide for their families and mothers who quit work and leave their careers so just they can be hands-on with their kids. Or petty things like giving up the purse you badly want, or a trip you’ve been planning in a long time, or finding high-end makeup dupes so just you can save. You’d do everything for your kids; it’s the most natural thing to do.

And a lot more. Motherhood, I think, is one of the hardest things to do but definitely the loveliest! So I raise my non-fat milk to all moms out there. Cheers, lovelies!  

via google                    

All Is Fair In Love And War

Jessica Lange is the epitome of a golden girl because she’s literally glowing at her age-- laugh lines, crow’s feet and all. She’s sophisticated, refined and witty. That’s why I love her.

I’ve been reading about power dressing and I’ve fancied myself wearing a power blazer and killer heels. Think about someone working for an insurance company but it doesn’t have to be a boring black and white ensemble. Anyways, since I’ve lost a significant amount of weight for the past couple of months, I need a major wardrobe update because all I’ve been wearing are oversized everything. I’m 28 and I think I’m ready for some big change. For years, I’ve shunned away from dressing what a normal working woman must look like. I hate dressing up like everyone else.

And this is me doing something out of the box.

I wrote this entry last March. I can’t even remember why I forgot to post this. Anyway, thinking about weight lost and power dressing made me smile. It made me feel like a grown-up. But, I’ve been gaining weight and I couldn’t even wear shoes with a 2-inch heel BECAUSE I’m pregnant!

A month after our Boracay shindig, I missed a period and it made us buy a couple of pregnancy kits because we’re excited? Ha-ha. We’re kind of expecting this. So after a series of peeing and peeking, I finally told the hubby, hugged him and cried because I was just so happy.     

But it doesn’t end there.

So a couple of weeks after that, I was crying again. Not because of morning sickness, but because I’ve been bleeding. I was so confused because it’s been positive all along but how come I’ve been experiencing PMS? We rushed to the hospital and the doctor told me that we have a month to wait if the baby will be strong enough to survive the contractions. So for a month, we waited anxiously. I’ve cried myself to sleep because I was just so scared.

And it was just a test of faith.

I’m on my 18 weeks now. I’m a vegetarian once more. Just a few weeks ago, my face was covered with perioral dermatitis. I couldn’t use organic facial products. I couldn’t even cry because my skin will go red. It’s hard being pregnant but hey I’m not complaining. 

Well, hello there! :)

High and Dry

C: So, how do you do it?

T: I have no fucking clue.

This was the last conversation I had with an old friend which got me into thinking for weeks now. How the hell do we do it? When you’re a couple and you’ve been together for years; how do you stay in love? After the kids and all the blunders; do you still see him as the person you’ve fallen in love with? Maybe it’s a yes, or no. But really, how do couples do it? What if one day you woke up and realized that you don’t have the same values anymore? What if you’ve changed and you are not that sane person anymore? How do you keep it when you’re jaded?

You go back where it all started. You try to remember the good things. And from there, you try to remind each other of the good times you’ve had and how you used to treat each other. You muse over your courtship stage sans all the drama.

Think about your kids and your family. When you’re older, you become less selfish, so sometimes even if you’re tired of being in a relationship, you try to work it out. That’s what being a parent is about. It’s not about you anymore.

Talk. It wouldn’t help if you’ll just keep it in. When you’re having domestic problems, initially, you talk to your husband. You try to solve your problems amongst yourselves. If it fails, you seek help from your parents or friends and ask for relationship advice.

Given that you’re financially capable, go on out of town trips. It’s fun to learn new things with your spouse, be it an overnighter or a weeklong trip.  

Do something out of the box. Let’s face it, when you’re in a long term relationship, you will get bored every once in a while. When it’s starting to feel like a chore, take action and do something about it. It can be a romantic dinner just the two of you, unplanned road trips or dressing up for a nice dinner at home; the possibilities are endless! All you have to do is do something you’re not accustomed to, and maybe, just maybe, get a little crazy. It’s fun!

And you have to remember the four golden words: listen, compromise, repair and gratitude.

Oh, I'm not so clueless after all. So yeah, maybe, it is working.

Obrigado!

Our camp’s about to end in just a few more days and I can’t hide my excitement because I’ll get to have some quality R&R with the boys this whole summer vacation. I really miss being a stay-at-home mom. And it’s a good thing that our nanny will have a 3-month long vacation too. Maybe I can start writing again. Or I don’t know, do something out of the box.

So here’s to beach trips and spontaneous getaways! Cheers!

Hello, Twenty Twelve!

I feel so sorry because I’ve totally neglected this blog. The past few months have been a hell of a roller coaster ride. You see, after my last post, I received a call from my boss in school; they want me to teach again because there’s a new camp (which means more students hence more teachers). It’s again, one of those “universe-conspiring” things that led me into doing what I do. It’s weird because we’re that close to getting rid of our nanny so I can just stay at home and take care of the kids. But since it’s just a temporary thing, I decided to accept the teaching gig instead. Money to save and of course, its teaching and I couldn’t resist it.

Similarly, I had another “universe-playing tricks on me” all over again. A year before last year, we had to take care of our little one because he contracted Rotavirus so we were confined inside the four corners of the room. It happened again. But the good thing about it is; he contracted a viral infection. Nothing serious, it’s not dengue although we got paranoid because his fever has been up-down for the last three days and he hasn’t been eating well, so a day after New Year’s Day, we went to Asian Hospital to have his blood checked. He’s okay now. A bit cranky but his appetite’s back. At this point, my husband and I were talking about what’s going to happen next New Year’s Eve and according to him, we must be outstandingly ready. Oh well, I think we’ll just stay in our house and do a major house sanitizing before New Year’s Day. Cleaning is like spiritual cleansing to me. So, yeah, I’m gonna be ready.

For 2011, I was thankful for a lot of things. I found a job that I love. I was able to meet new friends because of work. I’m grateful for free concerts and out of town trips. I’m thankful for friends, but moreover, I’m thankful for loyal friends. I’m starting to unearth my inner peace, although bit by bit, I’m getting there. I smiled a lot last year, not an easy thing to do especially when you’re a semi-neurotic freak like me, but still, I tried to be happy. I celebrated the best Christmas dinner. It was a stress-free and meatless pig-out feast. I couldn’t be any happier because I celebrated it with the most important people in my life.

I told myself last year that I’m gonna own 2011. It’s been a hell of a roller coaster ride-- ups-downs and everything in between. But I’m grateful, I really am. I’ve learned so much from last year and I resolve to make this year, if not the best, better than before.

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! 

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)

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. :)

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!

On Frilly Hats and Series of Unfortunate Events

I haven’t been myself lately and there were series of unfortunate events AKA reasons for my long online absence. Not to mention that summer is officially here. It’s been twice since we’ve gone off to the beach. Say hello to the scorching heat of the summer sun (and to my sun freaking spots, which by the way, every summer, continues to breed on its own)! :)

So exactly what are those reasons?

Okay, let me start off with February. We celebrated Polie’s 1^st birthday with our closest friends and of course our family (unfortunately for me, it was just Pao’s family). I won’t be elaborating anymore on what exactly had happened, but let’s just say that it was not a typical birthday party you’d expect to see (but what’s typical nowadays, anyway?). I’m just glad it’s over, at least for this year.

I seriously love this pic even if I look so enormous here.
L-R: Bor, Funch, Jap, Jen & Beachie

Happy Birthday, Polie! 



My March was one hell of a roller coaster ride. Not to mention what a crazy week I had when we were on a beach trip with our closest friends (well, because something annoyingly bitchy has happened right before we took off from the airport). But it was a blessing in disguise, really. It has caused me great pain but I’m grateful it happened because it was an indication who I should be sticking with (and it was just plain common sense! Sometimes I really hate myself for being so stupid). I’m thankful because in times that I feel lost and needed a friend, they were there, our friends. Never fails.

w/ Funch and Jen, before we took off.
Do I look good in this stress?

Puka love!

Our last sunset.
 Boracay is love. And Boracay is so not overrated. 



Bye pristine white sand &
 crystal blue waters.
 See you again next year! :)

To top it off, a concert with Mr. Scott Weiland! Stone Temple Pilots in the flesh, a dream come true for hubby dearest. Suffice it to say, he fits in the generation when Stone Temple Pilots was Stone Temple Pilots. He grew up listening to the band (when rock music was still about Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll), so just imagine how ecstatic he was when Scott belted out those eerie notes. It was one hell of a night and Scott is still amazingly so hot.

Big Bang Baby! ♥

03.09.2011:
 It isn't you, isn't me. Search for things you can't see.
 Going blind, out of reach. Somewhere in the Vaseline.

I didn’t expect that housework would exhaust the shit out of me, seriously. It’s been a month that I’ve been doing our dirty laundry and keeping our home spic and span (which is something I’m particularly proud of; and that with the exception of ironing clothes, because I just sucked at it). We decided to lay off a househelp (it was Manang, to be precise) mainly due to financial reasons. We want to cut down certain expenses such as, of course, that would be the obvious, and then comes the electricity/water/food consumption. You see, when you’re a mom and when you do the budgeting yourself, every single peso is accountable. I’ve been a budget-maven for the past couple of months. And sometimes I just hate it when I get too frugal. And I know hubby hates it too.

But it’s just so fun that even if I find it so darn hard, I can’t let go of it. I know how laundry detergents trigger my asthma attacks, not to mention that I have sensitive skin and I’m allergic to detergents and cleaning aides, in which, I’ve suffered a severe face rash on the onset of my housekeeping fiasco. Or how I would get panic attacks when I’m deliriously tired from cleaning and scrubbing dirty floors. I enjoyed it so much, that even at the end of the day, when I still have to cook a decent dinner and clean our bathroom upstairs, I can still smile and say with grace, I’m genuinely happy.

Because I just can’t. And because I’m still losing weight even if I pigout on junkfood in the middle of the night and Polie’s gaining weight already because I’m too OC that I still have to prepare a separate fat-free, oil-free, organic munchies for him and because I just love the smell of our home when I do all the cleaning myself. How could I let go of that? See, if you know me well, you know that I just can’t.

Off for some R&R with my sisters, errr, I mean a sister and a brother.