Care to Give?

Last weekend, mi esposo chanced upon the movie called the “Caregiver”. Yes, it was my HUSBAND who chose to watch a local-drama-film-starring-d-megastar-Sharon-Cuneta-in-Cinema-One. I have to give emphasis on that, because you know, IT’S THE FIRST TIME! He is not fond of local movies, what more a drama for that. I bet he doesn’t even know that Cinema One exist on cable, until that day. The kids and I fought for our right for better TV programming aka nick, nick, nick, ninick, nick, nick, Nickelodeon! (did you sing it? Boo, you’re too old for it I guess.lol), since he pleaded he’s the head of the family, we let him. Just this one, okay? While he was watching, I was left with no choice but to watch too, I thought I can bear with this, anyway John Estrada was there too. So there, we both saw the movie for the first time (I know, we’re so Jurassic in that aspect). The movie was good, actually. It relates to my own experience having family members working abroad. But since the movie revolves around the medical field (it was “Caregiver”, after all), it was my ex-colleague, Lynnie, whom I remembered the most. 

Lynnie, previously worked for the government agency, where I am still employed at. She was a vigorous Nursing graduate. Since she needed to support her family, she didn’t care less if she was employed as an office staff, even though, it was out of her league. While working, she managed to find time to review for the boards, which she eventually nailed. Now she’s a practicing nurse in New Zealand. She did not have an easy start, but she possessed the same wit, charm and determination to succeed, as how Tita Shawee portrayed it in that film.

As of the latest, Lynnie, together with other Filipino Registered Nurses based in New Zealand, has established a foundation with charitable purpose. She holds the position of no less than the Founder and Chairman of the Caring for Humanity International. It is the reputedly first Filipino-led International Foundation, based in New Zealand, organized to extend assistance to communities across the country and overseas that have been badly devastated by natural calamities or have been exposed to violence. Whoa, I couldn’t be prouder. We, Filipinos should be proud of this. 

Presently, the Foundation is raising fund for the 4,000 displaced families in the 2 coastal towns in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines, which were affected by a widespread fire. 

Isn't it touching to know someone across the globe still cared for fellow citizen here. I’m sure it touched your heart and would want to give a little love. You can do so by checking this website.

The movie ended on a happy note, with Tita Shawee finally reunited with her son in London. I hope Lynnie's advocacy never ends.  

End VAW Now, It's Our Duty

I was 1 of the many privileged employees who were sent to attend the Knowledge Sharing Exercise (KSE) spearheaded by the Human Rights Commission. Today’s KSE made an in-depth discussion about Republic Act No. 9262 or commonly known as The Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Act of 2004. VAWC Law aims to stop violence against woman and/or her children (biological or otherwise) by her past or present intimate partner. Intimate partner may mean anybody whom a woman had or has sexual relationship with, like:

 

·         husband (or ex)

·         live-in partner (or ex)

·         boyfriend/girlfriend (or ex)

·         dating partner (or ex).

 

This law classifies VAWC as a public crime. It also aims to promote awareness amongst people to act and do something to stop such violence. Our guest speaker, Atty. Claire P. Lucson, from Womanlead Foundation was very knowledgeable (and inspiring at the same time) about the topic. She clearly discussed the acts of violence, remedies, penalties, and what every abused woman can do to protect herself and her child. Such acts of violence can include but not limited to:

 

· Physical violence – bodily or physical harm

· Sexual violence – act sexual in nature committed against woman or her child (rape, sexual harassment, forcing the wife and mistress to live in conjugal home,  prostitution, et al.)          

· Psychological violence – acts or omission causing or likely to cause mental or emotional suffering (intimidation, damage to property, stalking, marital infidelity, et al.)

· Economic abuse – acts that make or attempt to make a woman financially dependent (withdrawal of financial support, destroying household property, controlling victim’s own money, et al)

 

I found this Law very beautifully crafted and detailed to the tiniest detail. This was possible because the victims themselves were the one who drafted this. What I love more about this Law is that it gives everybody the right to stop the violence. No more “away mag-asawa lang yan” mentality, anybody can end VAW because it now our duty.

 

For more details refer to the briefers below or visit the Philippine Commission on Women website

 

Wanted: An Autobot

I just needed to break this coma – coma of writing an article, that is. My last “valid” blog entry was written in July for a story which happened in June, coma indeed right? This coma was simply brought about by overwhelming experiences that was overlapping with each other, overwhelming and overlapping enough that I didn't know which 1 to write 1st. Will I write based on occurrence, based on importance or based on price?lol The last was of course a joke. I just wished I was paid to write, my sponsor stopped sponsoring too, which killed my passion to write. #ImSoMukhangPera #IKnow I also became work-related busy which came side-by-side with the preparations of the past milestones in my personal life, my family life and my life in general (what's the difference between those 3 lives? Nothing, I just thought it's fun to dissect. J). And of course, plain laziness was never out of the list of culprits - or maybe it is the only culprit, after all. 

I sometimes wish my PC can read my mind and automatically type what I’m thinking, or maybe my brain would have an optic nerve or something that can send messages to my PC, transcribed it and viola a blog post. Either way, I know that won’t happen, at least not in this lifetime. So here, I’m trying to keep my acts together, saying nonsense, wasting your time and typing away to break the drought. 

This post is like vocalization of some sort, where every singers needs to do in order to perform well. And so, I wouldn't need to explain in my opening paragraph in case I thought of writing again, tomorrow. I hope I motivated myself well enough, the file in this PC specifically dedicated to blogging is about to self-destruct.    

Educator Resources

Because of the lack of depth within the public school system, parents must look to outside sources of education in order to give their children a full, comprehensive start into the world. Fortunately, many of the best minds in the education industry have come together under Mentoring Minds to provide not only a better education for children but the structure that is recognized by many continuing education facilities as an accredited solution that can substitute for public school credentials. One of the most effective initiatives of the minds at Mentoring Minds is the STAAR test. This test is a standardized test that is used to showcase mastery of the concepts that the Mentoring Minds curriculum attempts to instill in children. As a much deeper curriculum that is focused on real world applications, this initiative is providing children with a much more relevant head start into what colleges and universities are looking for when kids come out of high school. The initiative is a well rounded curriculum that includes math, science, writing and reading. Each student will be provided with a personal educational consultant that will guide the entire family through the curriculum from start to finish. With this kind of professional help on their side, parents are finding new hope in supplemental educational programs and Mentoring Minds is trailblazing a new path for education in the future.

Disclaimer: Guest post

It's Never Too Late!

TGIF! 

It’s going to be a long weekend for the esposo and I. It’s not a declared holiday but we can always declare day offs courtesy of our vacation leave.lol On Monday, we’ll be taking the road to Laiya in Batangas for the much anticipated rest and recreation time with the whole in-laws. My PIL will be treating their children’s family to this posh resort for their wedding anniversary. Actually, we wouldn’t file our leaves if we had a choice, but since this resort was so elusive and the only available slot they can provide us is on a weekday, we took it. Their wedding anniversary was last April 25, btw, we we’re trying to get a slot as early as the 1st week of April. Hmp! Acuatico Resort must be worthy of our looong wait, or else. 

This R&R may be considered as our last hooray for summer too. I’m sure my kiddos will have fun with their cousins. I am hoping for a good weather too, the not-raining-but-not-sunny kind of weather, for we will surely be exposed under the sun most of the time. I already geared my babies too, and I am so excited in seeing them in their swimming paraphernalia and all.hehe 

It’s going to be fun!

One More Chance

Vacation is over, that I have to constantly remind myself. As much as I would like to stay in bed and cradle my kiddos, I got up, reported to work and blog during office hours do what a responsible employee have to do. Unfortunately, the 4 days-off was still not enough for me to scratch the only thing in my bucket list, to organize my closet, that is. Peeping through my closet always gives me mixed emotions; frustrated because I feel like an irresponsible lady yet fulfilled because I know that I’ve been a responsible mother. Tidying up a closet requires a lot of time, especially the likes of mine whom jungle will be embarrassed, it will surely eat-up some time which is supposedly for my kids. 

Ironically, my kids’ closet is the exact opposite of mine. Theirs are so neat, tidy and well organized. Of course I’m an OC Nanay, what do you expect. I always see to it that I personally put their folded cloths in and only I get their OOTD. Would you believe that I maintain a uniform folding style on each item? That means I re-fold what the nannies had folded if it does not concur with my prescribed pattern. I also observed the FIFO method (First In, First Out, I’m an ex-accountant, remember?lol). 

So what’s the point of this article, I’m really not sure. Maybe praying for another long weekend, we all deserve a second chance after all. 

My Emissary to Heaven

Do you have a father-figure in your workplace? I did, but our father-daughter relationship was a bit different, ours was a teasing, playful type. He was mi esposo’s officemate. I would make frank calls on him. I would shout call his name wherever I see him. He was my source of inside (their office) stories, we gossip like there’s no tomorrow. There was 1 time when I gave him a false story about myself and then laugh hard when I learned that he made a rumor out of it.

 

But I am not the only one who has a naughty side. He would screen my calls and would buy a lot of time before transferring my call to the right person. There was even a time where I had to hide my identity just so I’d be transfer fast. He also puts our car’s windshield up when parked. And yes, he spreads my false stories. Haha 

 

Our closeness was always noticeable. He would never leave my office without saying “hi”, which always lead to somebody (his body) dragging him out of the office. He would always ask my whereabouts and I would always check on him. I remember how I laugh when he told me how he met his 2nd wife at the wake of his 1st wife and almost cry with the story of how his 1st wife promised she would not let him touch their baby (and true enough, their baby died with the mother during the delivery). I will never forget his birthday, his birthday was my Papa’s birthday in heaven. He said he would be there anytime, too.

 

The news of his passing reached mi esposo while we were hearing Palm Sunday mass, the news said he had a heart attack. I felt pain in my heart but I didn’t even utter my usual “rest in peace prayer” for him. I was in-denial I guess. I wanted to cry but did not, I told mi esposo I might cry at his wake but I hope not. I want to remember our laughs more than anything else. I want to remember how good man he was.

 

Eternal rest grant to your soul Mang Baby Boy Tony, may your soul rest in peace. Say my regards to Papa, will you. And please don’t tell him how naughty I am to you.

"Room Nurse"

The term is all over the news nowadays and it greatly offended the Filipino nursing community, worldwide. Although the former lawmaker had retracted and apologized for using such terminology, I would still agree that there is such. But they are not the under-board nurses, not the caregivers, not even the nursing undergraduates, but they are us, mothers. Mothers are the room nurses.

 

Yesterday, my good friend/officemate had a good migraine attack. She was throwing-up and was hitting her head until she can no longer tolerate the pain and burst into tears. I suggested that she call her mother to bring her home immediately. But while waiting for her mother, I was with her the whole time. We stayed at the office’s pantry and there I tried to provide her comfort. I improvised an iced bag, monitored her vomits and massage her head. I also made sure she was comfortably in lying position. When she met the 30 minutes no-vomit requirement, I asked her to drink her medicine. That’s when she fell asleep. She was sleeping when her mother called-up to check on her, I answered the phone and reported the things I did, when I heard her told me that what I did was right and exactly what she will do, that’s when I realized that I am a full-pledged doting mother.

 

Of course I would not know what to do had I not had a hands-on training. I am glad my 2 years of experience as a mother was enough to take care of my sick friend. I believe that if you give your loving heart, you’ll provide the best care, nurse or mother alike.

I Believe!

Life is full of miracles, every day is a miracle in its own rights. I just realized that the year 2013 is a momentous year for the familia. This year, we are about to celebrate 4 major milestones in our family life that we cannot just brushoff (read: G-A-S-T-O-S year). Come this June is our 5th Familia Anniversary (aka Wedding Anniversary), you know that 5 years marks a big milestones in everything, right? And then, this September mi esposo and I will be celebrating our 10th Anniversary as a couple. While on October will be Dos’1st birthday and on November will be Uno’s 3rd birthday, it is the 1st birthday where she will fully be aware of the merriments. To culminate these milestones, the esposo and I are thinking of pushing that fancy vacation which was suspended last year due to my pregnancy. We are seriously saving for it now actually. Another thing in the drawing board is gifting the familia with a small business. This can aid our finances and maybe finally can ignite the construction of our dream house.

 

Speaking of dream house, yesterday, we finally had the gut to stop by the townhouse we are eying for the longest time. The kind sales broker wowed us with their model units and the esposo and I was just drooling the whole time. lol I seriously am shabby as I toured around the house. I wanted to scream I WANT THIS HOUSE at the top of my lungs. Esposo on the other hand had already visualized the placing of the appliances and the furniture. I told you, that was our house! We were so thrilled and were willing to sell everything we have to get it. But reality bites, we went home with shrug shoulders, where in God’s hand will we get 6.9M? We’re just government employees, re-mem-ber?

 

Oh well, life is still good especially with all these milestones in line. I may not know where to get the money to make everything in our drawing board come to life, but I still believe in miracles. There can be miracle if you believe and that's true.   

Gossip Girls

I remember watching 1 financial analyst lectured on TV, to start he said: when the rich people get-together they talk about business and how to acquire more money, when the middle class meets they talk about gadgets and how they acquired it, when poor people sees, they talk about other people. Funny, but I think it’s not only the social class that prompts gossiping. It can be tracked from the idleness of a person. The less activity you do, the more time you have of watching others and putting colours into things. 

 

That is most common in a community set-up. Like in my place, my neighbors are always so gracious in updating me about our neighborhood. Weekends are my only time to bond with them but they make sure I’m not left behind. The most recent and the juiciest is the break-up of this young couple. It troubled me because they are close to the family and worst the reason for their break-up is something so hard to mend. Such a waste. 

 

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot of stories in the office and it’s making me sick. I’m tired of listening to issues that’s beyond my control. I’m tired of commenting and sharing my piece. I’m tired of picturing somebody to fit the story. I’m tired of the fact that I have time to gossip.

 

I hate gossips. I don’t like talking about gadgets. And I’m not rich.  

Playing Favorites

Fa-vor-it-ism – the practice of treating somebody better than others. 

 

My Kuya, who’s working in Saudi is coming home soon. He’s not renewing his contract to get a refresher course in Dental Technology, his field of work, for him to get a better chance in applying for work in other countries. Though the intention was good, I don’t buy the idea. He has 2 children and I don’t think it’s wise to give-up a good-paying-stable job without a precise replacement. But Mama supports him and gave him the go. Though Mama would never admit (and as much as possible would not show bluntly), we all grew up believing Kuya was our Mama’s favorite child. But we didn’t take it against him (or even her). Though he got the favor most of the time, we’re not jealous and accepted the situation casually. It’s a perk of being the 1st born.

 

That’s the way it has been, parents favors the eldest. I was still single then when I asked a mommy friend of her thoughts about it, she said maybe because the eldest is the most anticipated child, it’s with the eldest where parents shared most experience with and they had the solo attention before everybody else came. Hmm, sounds convincing right?

 

But Office favoritism is another story. Our group feels we are not in our boss pet's list. Since we came from a different mother Office, we are getting the least trust and confidence from her (which should not be the case), thus giving us lesser job assignments. But I would like to stay positive and think that our boss would like us to relax and be not stressed. If you look at the bright side, now, I can surf all I want. Lol 

 

Guiltily, I also play favorite with almost everything, be it with pillow, dress, shoes and even food. But is my 1st born my favorite child, you asked? I’ll be honest, Uno is my favorite daughter..

 

.. and Dos is my favorite son. J

Visiting Toodler

For the 1st time this month, I was able to complete a workweek. I’d like to share the credits to my in-laws for opening their doors for the familia. This week, we stayed at their abode while waiting for a maid to flock, but as to this writing there’s still none. Regardless of the maid, our stay there brought us a lot of perks. For one, it is so proximate our office, we only need few minutes to travel which gives me a little more time to cuddle mi bebes in the morning. This resurrects my desire of having our own place in Manila and “claim” that townhouse along the way to the office, again. Also, since we’re guests, I am not obliged to think and plan for our meal, the food is always there on cue (plus a packed lunch for us).

 

But what I like the most is the company of playmates Uno is getting. All her cousins’ lives there and since she’s the youngest (sleepyhead Dos doesn’t count here) she enjoys the advantage of the extra patience her older cousins extend. They don’t mind even if she shouts, giggles and plays while doing their homeworks, not even if they are in serious study ala gmat tutor style with their mommies. They still make it a point to throw her a smile.

 

I’m sure she’ll miss everything when we return home this weekend. I am not sure if I can complete another workweek next week because of this. Lol

Stress-Free December

I learned that the company I previously worked for had their Christmas party already. As I was browsing their uploaded photos over Facebook, I can’t help but be nostalgic of my days as an accountant. Yes, I am an accountant before I served the government and be the President’s typist. lol Going back, I know December is a busy month for us in the Finance Department, this is the time where the Book of Accounts are closed and the start of preparation of year-end financial reports for its submission to BIR. We almost always talk about taxes and irs form and other accounting "technical" terms. Hah, so tiring and stressful, I’m glad they already had their party and had fun before their 24-hour shift kicks-in. I’m also glad I won’t need to spend overnights in the office as well just to beat a deadline. Well, I guess being a typist has its perks too. Hehe

As to my present employer, I was touched to receive an sms invite for our Yuletide Party. It was so nice of them to remember me and asks my presence even though I’m on leave. They said I am welcome to tag my kiddos along which made me more excited. I just hope we could attend.

Reward System

December is the most rewarding month of the year, money wise. It is where the bonus and extra bonuses are expected to be received. My employer (who happened to be the Philippine Government) is about to implement a new basis in giving extra bonus next year. It will be a performance-based bonuses which can range from P5000-P35,000 per employee. I am not sure of how the new productivity assessment will work but I am sure it would be a cause of arguments between co-employees once it is implemented. I mean, can you really say that there’s good, better, best office in 1 organization? I still believe that every office must be working together to achieve the mandate of the agency as a whole and should not compete with each other for the sake of getting the “best” reward. Oh, but it was carefully deliberated by genius minds, I am sure my judgement is wrong and the plan would turn out to be beneficial to all ends.

 

Well, that’s for 2013, for the meantime I think I must collect all the TimothySkykes updates I can get and be able to put my best penny stocks online so that I don’t need to rely on whatever monetary assessment my employer will give me.

Do you Think I'll be Rich?

We usually hear from financial experts to not be dependent on a sole source of income, no matter how stable it may seem. They always say to look for opportunity to earn aside from your steady salary. I think it is a logical advice, but no matter how I tried, I really am not a risk taker when there’s money involved – not a criterion of a good business man. What I was thinking is to earn using my skill, talent or interest – which I am still clueless whether I have any of those. lol Being a Korean english tutor is one good option, but I am not sure if I’ll be an effective one. I don’t have formal training and exposure to this kind of profession.

 

Yes, if you notice, I have tones of excuses and yes I’m tad lazy. I’d rather spend my spare time relaxing than stretching a bone for that extra money. Don’t you think it’s more fun to spend than to work hard to earn? Just teasing (but seriously, it is. hehe). Well, I’m still praying for a typhoon of money or receive a huge inheritance from a multi-rich - unknown relative.

 

Oh well, at least there’s blogging for me, the closest way in earning extra.     

How's My Driving?

The whole agency where I work for was shocked by the news that one of the shuttle bus drivers (D1) got involved with a serious traffic accident. Apparently, he collided with a tricycle and it took its driver’s (D2) life. Investigation revealed that D1 was also a victim of the circumstance, it was D2 who counter flowed which made D1 impossible to avoid. But since there’s life involved the D1 surrendered himself to the police and took full responsibility of the accident. Good thing the lawyers from our Legal Office was there to offer assistance for D1 and were as diligent as the dwi Arizona lawyers. The next thing we knew D1 was out of police detention.

 

You really cannot trust drivers these days, that I am constantly telling mi esposo every time he holds the wheel. No matter how cautious you are, there are lots of crazy, irresponsible drivers on the loose that would really test your temper. The key I think is to always keep cool and be patient on the road. But I guess the government should really work hard in educating drivers of the traffic rules and reprimand them in case of violation. It is only the law enforcers who can discipline them and revoke their licenses if necessary. Anyway, driving is just a privilege and never a right.

When It Rains, It Pours

Funny how my officemates are trying hard to rearrange their tiny office spaces just to accommodate feng shui teaching. They even shop for what is thought to be lucky items and put it in their respective tables to attract good chi. I’m not sure if they have achieved their desired luck after two weeks of passionate following, I am not even sure what luck do they need. I am just glad the luck somewhat bounces to me, indirectly though. Lol

 

It’s actually mi esposo who’s been receiving blessing after the other these past days. It started when he attended a work related seminar where he won both a special prize and the grand prize, the latter was easily monetized the following day. Then the next day, I was surprized to receive a dinner package, I later found that it was intended for him (only coursed through me) as a gratitude for extending his IT expertise.

 

I didn’t know these things overwhelmed him, mi esposo admitted he is afraid of what might be the take-back of all these lucks. I assured him these were his blessings and not mere luck. It’s the reward for his goodness and is not something he needs to pay off soon. And after all, he has a pregnant esposa (oh, you know the saying).

 

Pouring blessings, I just hope the (literal) rain will stop this weekend. My scheduled maternity photoshoot must push through.            

Not a Desperate Housewife

I am happy with how mi bebe is manifesting her intellect. As early as 22 months she can count to 10 without sweat. She can even recite a whole sentence from her favorite book. I am so pleased with it and inspires me to do better as a self-proclaimed educator.  

 

Incidentally, I met with my former colleague last Friday night. We work together for the government for almost 2 years before she transferred to the private sector, now she’s a stay-at-home mom. I can still remember our chit-chat times where we shared our fascination of becoming full time housewives, we always dreamt of running the house ourselves and having lots of time in our respective kitchens. We wanted to be hands-on mothers, we wanted to be our kids’ very own tutors and see with our own eyes each milestones and achievements they make.

 

Her kids are now 6 and 4 years old, both in school and due for their periodical exams. She even made it as an excuse for being late that night. She said she reviewed her son first before leaving the house. She even admitted that she has a lot to (re)learn too. She needs to be updated with everything in order to be an effective tutor.  I’m happy she’s living her dream. I wish her luck.

 

As for me, I am yet to teach mi bebe the 26 letters of the alphabet. Or should I potty train her first?  

Accomplishment Report

August 2012 is a blessing to working parents, like us, and our kiddos. This year, we had 2 consecutive long weekends, which meant longer time to relax and spend together. But unlike most families there, mi familia decided to spend those 2 weekends inside the premises of our home, its more relaxing and convenient for the family members, no one needs to drive and no one needs to plan, budget and pack (of course the latter would surely be me), we just made sure to stock-up a lot of good movies and munchies that could go along with it. Mi esposo and I also thought it’s the best time to finish our longtime house-chore backlog, he to fix the cable reception inside bebe’s room while I to declutter our marital room. But 7 days of no work was not enough for me to… even start on it (I’ll try next weekend again..hehe). On the other hand, mi esposo was able to fix the cable reception while lying, hmmm that’s a little unfair, but finishing his task with no sweat gave him a lot of sweet moments with his bebe. Aren't they so sweet?

               

But our greatest achievement over the weekend was being able to try the most talked about doughnut in town. It was not an easy grab, for we lined for almost 2 hours just to get our precious 1 dozen. The doughnut was worth the sacrifice though, but I hope its patrons will not recourse to that tough challenge again, soon.

Tough Rider

It’s been years since I last used the Light Rail Transit (LRT) to transport me to the office. As much as we can, we avail of the shuttle service our dear office provides, yes, we have to leave home super early but in turn we have a very convenient trip. But due to some untoward home emergency today, I felt the need to be reunited with this mode of transportation and as expected it’s as terrible as usual. Today is a workday and I was there on a rush hour, what can be worse than that? I’ve been an LRT commuter almost all my life and over those years I’ve already acquired the skills and technics on how to be a certified tough LRT-rider (that includes effortless walk to the platform, managing not to fall on the rail, squeezing yourself in and balancing inside a cab - all while protecting your most valuable belongings). Yes, I’m certified tough but today I have shown my vulnerability, I am pregnant. Nothing had change in the LRT scenario, but I am just thankful that the courtesy lane had improved, well, I really cannot compare much, it was my first time to avail of this anyway. But based on what I’ve experienced today, there is already a guard stationed at the door allocated for the senior citizens, pregnant, disabled and passengers carrying children and he was there the whole trip to assure that only passengers mentioned can come inside that designated cab.

The courtesy lane was such a big help, but I was late nevertheless.