2013: Another Year

Since this is my 1st post for the year, I think it’s but right to say HAPPY NEW YEAR 1st. So there, now what? Well, I’ve spent the 1st few days of January being mentally and emotionally busy. I’m busy contemplating over a lot of things, mainly of my kids. My maternity leave went past just like that and now that I’m in the office, I can’t get my kids off my mind. I’m occupied of just worrying about them. How I wish I do not need to leave them for work. I wish I could feed and provide for their needs by my love alone. Yes, I can only wish. But hey, even the filthy rich works, even harder than I do. I guess I have to deal with this just like everybody does. Or until I can find other means of earning without leaving home.

 

Incidentally, my blogging had gone its 1st year last Saturday. I am happy that I am still inspired to write and share my thoughts. I owe it a lot to my niche of course which is mi familia. Although my initial objective was to earn, I’m glad I’ve come to love it per se. But I must never forget why I came here in the 1st place.lol This year, I will try a little harder to monetize my posts. I think I’ll start on getting my own domain, I can use up my blog profits last year to buy 1. I hope it’s still enough after that lunch treat for the ever-supportive-non-blogger-niche of mine. During my lunch treat, I was asked by mi esposo of how will I pay the bill, he asked if I know now how to withdraw my paypal money… I answered No! #lagot #alamna. hehe

 

I hope I can earn like the other bloggers who depends their income on it. I wish that time will come that my niche and my blogging will be under 1 roof, 24/7. 

 

Have a prosperous 2013 everyone!

Kitchen Make-Over

Our family decided to renovate my parental home to make new space for the kitchen. We thought that the existing does not serve its purpose well as designed. This time, we didn’t consult an architect, my brother and I just collaborated to come up with a suitable design to meet our (cooking) needs and the budget too. Of course the lesser labor force involved, the lesser cost it will take. But since we didn’t hire an architect (together with his whole entourage of workers), we are faced with the “who will work for us?” dilemma. Getting a reliable construction worker is so hard to find these days, especially in our side of town. How I wish there is something like installitdirect which will take care of this project just like in US where they have install-it-direct san diego synthetic turf, but I can only hope.

So far, my brother contacted a laborer to do the roofing, he is due to report today and start on the roofing, while the mason and his helper are due to report tomorrow. I hope they are true to their words because this renovation needs to hit its finishing stage before typhoon Helen makes a landfall this week.

As I said, I can only hope for the better. I promise to try-test this new kitchen as soon as it’s completed. Better start scouting for new recipes now.

15th Month

Mi bebe is growing fast. Everyday, she surprises us with something we never thought she would know or recall. She’s only 15 months. She cannot utter a full word but she communicates. She responds to conversations like “who’s you Tatay?” (she points to wherever her Tatay is), “do you want milk?” (she nods), “let’s feed mash” or “let’s go out” (she automatically asked to be carried). She can gesture a dance move she once saw, she remembers each game we introduced her, she mumble syllables as if singing (you can name that tune). She identifies thing that belongs to her, she calls her favorite doll “bie”, and she grabs her pillow whenever she’s sleepy. She’s happy when we read her a book, she can count ‘til 5 with her finger. She’s techie-baby too, she can navigate her Tatay’s iPhone, turn-off a laptop and use a cellphone.

At 15 months, she already shared fair amount of tantrums. Had made her Tatay mad with her stubbornness, and made me disappointed especially during meal times. She makes me worry with her roughness with kids when she gets excited and concerns me with her stranger anxiety.

Mi bebe is exactly 15 months today, she cannot say an understandable, clear and full word, she still cannot walk on her own, she tests our patience at times, but she never fails to make us happy. She simply is our breath of fresh air.

The Simpsons

The Simpson Family as they first appeared in The Tracey Ullman Show



The Simpsons is the longest-running animated television series in the US today, its Guinness Book of World Record certified. The show is an animated-satire, spoofing the present state of the (US) society - may it be political, religious and even showbiz – as depicted in the lifestyle of a typical family, who lived in a town called “Springfield”. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie simply poke fun at everything and anything. With their subversive humor and wit, the family never fails to leave a valuable lesson at every episode. Oh well, who doesn't know The Simpsons anyway? I practically grew-up loving this cartoon. And I love it more that the characters do not physically age and still appear just as they did, it gives me nostalgic effect.

Homer, Marge, Lisa, Maggie and Bart stars in thier own animated show

Last weekend, as mi esposo was browsing the tube for a show to watch, he came across with the Simpsons. As a fan, I demanded (understatement actually) that we stay-tuned. And to my surprise, even mi bebe liked it. Although I’m not sure whether she understood, at least she paid attention. As a Nanay, the Simpsons is one of the shows I would allow mi bebe to watch (at her age, with supervision ofcourse). I’m confident that although the Simpson family is dysfunctional, many episodes examine their relationships with one another and they often shown to care with each other. Moral family values still rules.

Before I forget, this morning flag raising's host was very generous to give away free donuts to all. Lucky me, donut is one of my favorite snacks. I think I can live with donut overload just like Homer Simpson. 

Dragon Baby

According to Chinese tradition, Dragon babies - those born in the year of the Dragon - are believed to be blessed with good fortune, luck, power and strength. And so many couples plan to have their children during the lunar year or Dragon year. Couples are also believed to conceive until about May 2 so that their babies will be born in the Year of the Dragon (source).

Hmmmm. No wonder mi esposo was insinuating the other day.hahaha No, we're not planning for another baby yet, mi bebe is way too young to be an ate, he was just playing around. Ironically, I can't help but recall my day-dreaming days, I always wanted a baby born on the year of the Tiger. It is my belief that a Tiger in the house is the very best protection against burglary. Yes, I’m shallow like that. My SIL who knew this dream teased me that my chance of having a tiger baby was diminishing (it was Feb. that time) and I conceded. But lady luck was on my side, on April we found out that I am 8 weeks on the family way. We had mi bebe on that specific Chinese year, it must be will power that worked. Hold-on, mi esposo must be seriously joking alright or his charm will power might worked too.lol

Incidentally, we are actually expecting dragon babies (I am hoping it would be more than 1). Our little pet daughter Mash (a pug) is pregnant! We’re excited grandparents. It will be her first born after 2 unsuccessful studs. Mi esposo as an expert dog breeder is making sure that everything about her pregnancy is well taken care of – from her vitamins down to the registration papers and documentations of her pups. Have I already said we’re excited grandparents? Oh yes, we are excited grandparents.    

Save on Electric Consumption

I was assigned to summarize/comment on the submitted report of this agency regarding the savings generated in view of the implementation of the Administrative Order (AO) No. 103, s. 2004. AO No. 103 is a directive to all NGAs, SUCs, GOCCs, GFIs and OGCEs to adopt austerity measures in the government. The document on my hand specifically reports their accomplishment base on "Section 1: (b) reduction of atleast 10% in the cost xxx - (2) consumption of fuel, water, office supplies, electricity and other utilities xxx" (read the whole content of the said AO here).

In times like this, where price shoots-up uncontrollably, we really need to come-up with ways and means to lessen utility expenses. If this agency can do, the more we must in our households (no AOs needed), especially it’s our hard earned money whose going to pay for it. On that note, I’ve listed few tips to save-up electric consumption, these are all do-able and effective base on my experience.

1) Choose lesser evil (or which appliance is more important at a given time). If you have to turn-on the A/C during your kid's (humid) afternoon nap, then turn-off the fridge (2-3 hours will not harm food stored in the fridge especially if nobody opens its door). Also, set the A/C’s timer at night. (Again, 2-3 hours is enough to cool you down, your electric fan can do the rest). Try sleep pooling (sleeping together in one room will prevent you to turn-on A/Cs in individual rooms).

2) Schedule ironing and laundries (again, apply tip #1 here). In our family of 3, we iron our clothes bi-monthly and laundry’s weekly. Preferably, do these in the morning while you can still use the natural light and most importantly no inviting shows available on the tube (no interesting show means no peaking on the TV while doing your chore).

3) Before you sleep or goes out of the house, remember to unplug all unused appliances and double check if the lights are off (self-explanatory here). It’s also safer that way.

4) During over-humid days, you can always refer to your favorite mall. You can surely save-up on your electric consumption (just be ready with additional shopping expense.lol) 

Back to the 80's

That was our agency's 2011 Christmas party theme. We were all enjoined to dress-up in our best 80's attire and grove to the 80's music. I must commend the committee who led the preparations, they did their homework very well (read: it’s their era I'm sure. lol). All the aspects of the party were keenly taken care of.  You’ll be time warp once you stepped-out of the grounds. The set-up, props, decorations and even the background music were all in theme. Randy Santiago, our guest performer, represents! The color of the surrounding can never be mistaken to any other era. Colorful balls and rubix cubes served as our dinner table centerpiece. Since, I was not lucky enough to be picked at the raffle, I took home the rubix cube, no hard feeling what so ever. lol          

Last night, as we were all in our PJs and ready to call it a night, mi bebe was still-up for her last hooray. She reached for the rubix cube at our bed's side table and as if she's solving it. Good thing mi esposo was quick to document it. Look at this bright little girl and notice the "do not disturb, I'm concentrating" expression she's trying to convey. lol  



Birthday Girls

You can never have true friends in your work place, they say. That may be true at one point, because co-employees have interest and competing perspectives. But that does not apply to me. I’m one lucky person who has colleagues who can be considered true friends. And they just celebrated their respective birthdays this month.   

Born on the 13th - Flor/Flo (she writes her name that way): She's one of my HBBs, we met since forever. We live in the same village, our families know each other, classmates at Grade 1, separated for  awhile, and then back as classmates/seatmates/ chatmates/cheatmates/twins/triplets (with her real twin)/barkada/tropa from 1st to 4th year high. Separated in college, and reunited again when she recruited me (and mi esposo) to serve the country. As noble as it may sound, that just means officemates/IMmates/shuttlemates/tropa to us. =) I know, with the boyfriend around, this was her best birthday so far.   

cake blowing with the busy boyfriend at the side

Although not my officemate, another HBB - Liza, shares the birthday with Flo. How do you know, they're twins. lol

sharing birthday and the birthday cake with her twin

Born on the 17th - Lui: She's the sweestest. She's also a recruit of Flo, they're college friends. I'm just the luckiest to be working with her. We belong to the same division so we technically work together and we practically share everything here in the office (gossips included). She's my sister and my confidant and my kumare no doubt. With all the blessings she currently have, we still join her and her husband in praying for that one thing that will make them trully happy and complete.   



tiny cake for the lady with a big heart

Happy birthday sisters! And thank you for being around, you make work fun as play. =)

during the agency's 2011 sports festival



with our respective partners in our boss' office sala 



Baby Shower

My highschool best buds (HBB) are scheduled for a get-together this weekend. It's actually for our annual Christmas party, it’s long overdue I know, but it’s still better than never. =) Everybody seems to be pre-occupied last season to cause this delay, but at least it’s happening. Having said that, we the geniuses among the group, felt that we needed to come-up with "something" to cut down contribution expense (genius I told you) make it more meaningful. Since our HBBs’ wife is due on Feb. why not throw her a surprise Baby Shower? In that way, the couple will shoulder the food expense it would be more special for them as it will be their first born. They will be having a baby girl, and they're naming her Courteney Ysabelle Therese, nice right? 

Fidel (the daddy-to-be) initially wanted for a baby boy, he would joke that he would raise his son as a muslim to marry all of our daughters. Talking about karma this early, huh? lol Anyway, regardless of the baby's sex, the gang is still excited for the new addition to our 4A family. Here is the photo of the gorgeous mommy-to-be, Faith.



mommy-to-be Faith at her pre-natal photoshoot

Fidel took that photo above, he is btw a part-time - freelance photographer. He used to take photos as a hobby, he's earning extra for his passion now. Last year, he even ask mi bebe to pose for him to be included in his portfolio. Ofcourse, stage-nanay as I am, I gamely agreed (even if it would cause a little lump for mi bebe here and there). Mi bebe is still learning to sit by herself that time, she's only 7 months. Here are some of Fidel's shots:



 Other HBBs were also there to take mi bebe's photo, but I only choose to post photos from Fidel, since this is a mini-tribute for the parents-to-be. Some behind the scene photos: 



lightman cum clown cum alalay mi esposo with unpreggy (yet) Faith 

daddy-to-be Fidel showing me the raw footages of mi bebe

the HBBs (we're at CME, it's a swimming get-together cum photoshoot)