The Pleasure of Writing

I am not writing because I've become too wrapped up in rules in writing
and dos and don'ts of writing. I love writing down just what I feel when
I feel it, but I read somewhere that writing is a discipline and that I
should write everyday even in all I write about is just nonesense. I've
gotten so caught up with the hope to write better that it has hindered
me from writing freely. When I am writing I tend to be overly conscious
about rules and this hinders me from writing freely. Which brings me to
one good practice, I guess it's better to just write a draft. Write
freely and honestly. Then re-read it again for some adjustments and
corrections.

The reason I can't overcome this is because I have the tendency to
obsess about these things. When I found out that I should do everything
I can to improve my writing, I bought every book I can lay my hands on.
I bought and bought them but I failed to read them all the way through.
I lack follow through I guess. I cant get over this because I fail to
just sit down and write, even when I feel there is nothing to write
about. I wait for the urge to write, and believe me the urge does not
come easily.

The benefit I get from not writing is... nothing really.

Turning it around

I am glad that I am now over with my obsession with writing rules. My
writing is now flowing fluidly and my ideas are pouring on to paper
freely. I am not bothered at all by the rules and my main concern is to
translate my thoughts into words.

I am now enjoying my time to write. I am having the time of my life
recording my life into my writing. I find writing exhilarating and
therapeutic. I feel much better after having written down my thoughts. I
cherish my time I have in front of my computer and notebook since it has
been a gateway to free my mind of any baggage I carry around. Writing
has been a privilege rather than the burden I always thought it was.

"Dial M" For a Not So Funny Joke.

How can we take these people seriously when they don't even take
themselves seriously? How can a former government official go on
national TV, lambast known politicians on air, in the midst of a
grueling campaign season and then say that the whole darn thing is one
big fat joke, when pushed against the wall by a senatorial hearing. His
talk show is a comedy show after all.

FYI, no one is laughing at your "joke", everyone is laughing at you.

A Toast for Toast Box's Delectable Fare

Friday nights are Berto and Kwala Date Nights. We didn't really choose
the day, it's just traffic is so terribly horrible on Fridays that we
choose to wait it out, hoping that by the time we hit the road, the
traffic would have eased up.

Last Friday, we decided to try the dining offerings of Toast Box, a
Singaporean restaurant located at the 3rd Floor of Greenbelt 5. We've
passed by the resto a number of times and I've always been intrigued by
the bright and cozy interiors. I've been bugging the hubby for a dinner
date there. He's been making excuses, but the last time we passed it, we
noticed that they offered one of our favorite chow of all time,
hainanese chicken! That was all the convincing that Berto needed. We
went inside and were surprised to note that although it looked like a
semi-fine dining resto (the interiors looked a bit like that of Rack's)
actually wasn't. We had to line up and give our orders to the counter.

Toast Box's interiors gave off the shabby chic feel. Almost everything
was painted in white, emphasized even more by the bright lights. White
wooden tables and chairs, scattered around the restaurant, reminded me
of those comfy sets one can find on porches (if you had one) or by the
breakfast nook (if you're English, I guess). There are also some couches
available for those who want to lounge and drink coffee comfortably. It
exuded a laid back atmosphere.

Since it was our first time, we asked about some items on the menu, the
girl manning the counter dutifully answered our questions, albeit
unsmilingly. In the end, hubby settled for his favorite, a hearty
serving of hainanese chicken (P239), which came with greenish looking
rice and ginger/soy sauce dips. Hubby enjoyed this dish! He said it was
flavorful and the chicken had just the right texture. I opted to try
Nasi Lemak (P225) which turned out to be a huge portion of fried chicken
leg served with coconut rice and fried egg. It also came with an
interesting siding of sweet-spicy dilis and beans. I was pleasantly
surprised that it didn't taste like the usual fried chicken, it was more
flavorful, not to mention really crunchy. It tasted more like crispy
pata than fried chicken. Yum! We washed our heavy dinner down with
their Iced Lemon Tea (P30), a strong blend of brewed tea with 2 slices
of lemon. BURP!

After that sumptuous dinner, Berto and I decided our tummies still had
room for dessert, and I will share our dessert goodies in my post.

With Toast Box's savory fare and huge servings, food was indeed value
for money. We'll definitely come back for more.

Take Your Time

My little girl is ecstatic. Today she goes back to school. She kept on
asking me what grade she is in, and when she'd get to first grade. (Last
year you were in nursery class. Now? You're in kinder class. And then?
Prep. And then?...)

I remember feeling that way when I was a kid.

Impatience.

Impatience to grow up soon, impatience to finish school so that I can at
last play all day long and not be forced to have my afternoon nap,
impatience for more responsibility. I wish I can tell my daughter to
take her time. Enjoy. Time will come when you'd want to stay a young
student forever. That way you don't have to brave torrential downpours
just to get to a job you don't particularly like, you can sleep all day
with the excuse of burning the midnight oil the night before, you only
have to open up your palm and blessing will be bestowed upon you (aka
allowance) and you can read loads of (pocket)books with adults' approval
since they feel reading can improve your vocabulary. You can make
mistakes and learn from them.

Take your time in growing. Enjoy the new experiences and the friendship.
Make mistakes and learn from them. Love with all your heart. Savor your
youth. Take chances. Dream, and dream big. Be brave, and baby, live
well.

Missing My Mom's Handwriting

I remember my mom's handwriting vividly. She had beautiful handwriting.
It's a gift she failed to pass down to both my sister and me. It was
lovely and charming. Girly yet powerful. Mostly I remember her writing
when she made excuse letters for me when I got sick and had to miss
school. I remember how I loved the way she wrote my name...(Please
excuse Karen from being absent...) her capital K was so feminine yet
strong... I never liked my name. I always thought it was so short and
simple. I felt it wasn't special enough. But not when my mom wrote it, I
felt she scrawled my name with all the warmth and love in the world. I
felt special.

I also remember her staying at our kitchen table writing long letters to
my dad who was working overseas. This was way before the age of emails
and chats. It was during a time when only a privileged few had the honor
of owning telephones in their homes. Writing was their only way of
communicating with each other. I never thought of my parents as sappy
and romantic, but in their own way I guess they were.

She would write on her thick yellow pad using an old metal fountain pen.
Its ink bottle, still in its original box all blotched with ink stains,
always ready by the side, in case she needed to refill. She wrote in
beautiful and seamless longhand. I always admired how she wrote her long
letters, and believe me they were long... She kept our father up to date
with the daily humdrum of our household, the quizzes we had and how we
did, who got sick with what and even the latest scandal in showbiz and
the local news.

I guess miss my mom's handwriting because it mostly reminds me of my
youth. I miss how things were.

Mostly I just really miss my mom.

No School for Two Days

I was surprised when I saw the notes on the little one's school diary.
They had no classes for two days. In an effort to keep the teachers
healthy in body, mind and spirit, the school will be sending the whole
school's faculty off for a two-day retreat. Hmmm... I have a question...
It is only July, school only started last June. They had the months of
April and May to conduct their retreat... why didn't they have it then?!
Or they can also opt to have it on a weekend, but no... Does this mean
they also want free days off work? That they wouldn't want to encroach
on their employees private/home life so better on a work week than on
weekdays?

When I was still a student, I used to love it when we didn't have
classes... My parents didn't approve. They used to rant about how they
didn't like this one bit and how it was a waste of our money. I didn't
understand then, I fully understand now.

Two days... what a waste!

Weight-loss Insanity

I read somewhere that a symptom of insanity is doing something over and
over the same way but sincerely hoping to get a different result. Yes,
it's the story of my life.

I often refer to my college days as the good 'ole days. Sure, I had the
most fun with my friends at that time plus I did so well in school. But
these are not the reasons why I loved that era. I loved it for the
simple reason that when I graduated from college, I weighed exactly the
same way as I weighed on my first year there. I was thin! My cheekbones
were visible even with my face at rest, (no sucking in the cheeks just
to check if I still HAVE cheekbones) My collar bones were ever present!
I was a medium and I can buy clothes in free size.

After I graduated, I took on an office job that I didn't really like,
but many approved of. Being the "good girl" that I am, I stayed on,
thinking I'd eventually like it...

This must've had an effect on my psyche. Depression set in and pounds
started to pile on. Slowly but surely, 20 pounds crept in. After I got
married, my excess pounds welcomed their friends who invited other
friends and soon they have a party on my thighs and midsection. I nearly
had a panic attack when I realized one day that I tipped the scales at
almost 200 pounds!

To say that I've had trouble keeping the pounds off is an
understatement. I have tried various ways of losing weight, from going
vegetarian, going to the gym, trying fad diets, drinking protein shakes
etc. If I weren't budget-constrained, I'd probably gone off already for
a liposuction.

I'd binge, I'd gain weight, I'd be remorseful, I'd try to lose weight.
I'd lose SOME weight, I'd binge, I'd gain MORE weight than I initially
lost, then I'd feel remorseful and the vicious, frustrating cycle begins
again! What's pathetic is I start my latest diet/exercise regimen with
the pure intentions and strong determination... until I fall again into
the temptation that comes in the forms of pizza/chocolates/chips etc.

Hopefully someday I find the determination to permanently choose to be
healthy... then probably the insanity will end... probably.

Bea Vs Parties

Last November, my husband and I started a photography business, BK
Pixels Photography. We offer photography services for birthdays, debut,
weddings and corporate affairs. We also have a photobooth for rent.
Since we are both working, most of our gigs happen on weekends, the only
time we also get to spend with our daughter. Recently, when my daughter
sees me in front of the laptop, with my brows furrowed (I'm working on a
layout) she'd ask me whether we had a party later? When I'd say yes,
she'd literally wilt in front of me and slowly slink away.

This would crush my heart yet what can I do. How can I explain to a 5
year old that I am doing this as part of a plan so that in the long run,
I'd be able to spend so much more time with her? That the hope is we'll
be able to run this business full time, from home so that we won't miss
her growing up? It's sad how she now dreads the word "party" instead of
being all happy and excited when she hears it. For her party means mommy
and daddy will be away again...oh well.

Parenthood can be tough sometimes, but it can be even tougher when the
children have to sacrifice too...

Stork Studios and the Inspiring Woman Behind It

Yesterday, I met a woman who, along with a partner, set up a very
lucrative business, the Stork Studio. Her specialization: new born
photography. This niche is pretty popular in the States but here in the
Philippines, she is the pioneer. Although Sofia Genato took on a
partner, she basically she runs the whole photography business, from the
marketing to the accounting to the actual taking of pictures. Her
background in advertising sure helps her a lot.

One thing that is quite obvious when one speaks with her it is her
passion for photography! And she's got it all figured out, she wants to
specialize in baby photography. She even invested in further training in
the states, and according to her, it is well worth the expensive
trainings!

I wish I can also have her passion for her craft. I love how she is so
definite about her goals and dreams. She has concrete dreams from their
business and is actually taking steps to achieve those aspirations.

I also hope for the laser-like focus that she has.

Now I understand why financial gurus promote staying within successful
people's radius. Her joy and enthusiasm for success is simply
infectious.

I would love to grow our business. Leaving the concrete rat-race has
always been my dream almost from the time I started running in it. Now I
finally have a chance to actually do it. Running a business is
definitely frightening, but hanging on to a job you're miserable in just
because of the fear on the unknown (unemployment) is no way to live.

Writing, Venting and Me

I had put my blogs on hold for some time. Not intentionally, mind you. I
just felt I had nothing to say. I was really trying to stick to the idea
of The Secret. I veered away from writing anything but positive
things... until I slowly realized that I didn't have any drive or
interest to write at all. Writing has always been my way of venting.
Some drink, some punch walls, I write.

Lacking in verbal skills to effectively communicate my thoughts and
feelings, I write my best when I'm mad or sad. Even extreme happiness is
sometimes not enough motivation for me to write a blog post.

So now I have to decide... write only positive stuff... and wait for the
writing mojo to strike (which sometimes never comes) or write whatever I
feel.

I guess right now, I have to compromise. In order to practice my
writing, I will write whatever I feel. I will try to edit as much as
possible, keep it less negative... hahaha... but I give no guarantees.
=)

Fall In Love with Your Husband Over and Over Again

It has been years since you got married and somehow you’ve fallen into a rut. You feel you know everything there is to know about your husband. You know how he takes his coffee, you know what ice cream flavor he’ll order, you’re sure how he likes his steak, you know what mood he’s in on a particular time of the day… in other words, years of being married to him has made you so familiar with him. Here are some tips to rekindle your romance and help you fall in love with your life partner over and over again.

 

• Remind yourself how it was during the courtship days. You can not control your present situation, much less the person he’s become, but you can control yourself. So take hold of your reality. Instead of simply existing in your partner’s life, remind him and yourself that you are alive, and you are also the same girl he eagerly pursued years ago.
• Physically and emotionally reconnect with your husband. Go out on dates, Even a romantic stroll around the neighborhood will do, as long as you leave the kids at home.
• Think about the people you were when you met each other. When you were together then, what did you like about him? About yourself? Did you laugh a lot? Did you sing a lot? Do you remember the little things he did then that made your tummy flutter and your heart skip a beat?
• Look for something you used to find so endearing, or still do. Peel off the layers, look hard, believe me, it’s there.
• Everyday when wake up, be grateful for something about your husband and your marriage.
• So your prince charming is now a little heavier in the middle and a little thinner on top, but remember that he is still the same prince charming who used to do silly things just to get your attention.

 

Married life may not at rosy as you once thought it would be, but you can make it a lot easier and more exciting by choosing to be happy and in love with the one you promised to love and cherish till the day you die…even if he forgets to put his socks in the hamper.

 

2010 ELECTION CUPS

With only a few more days to go before the May 10, 2010 elections, surveys are conducted left and right. A few weeks ago, the primetime news featured 2 stores that joined the band wagon. Taking advantage of the summer’s searing heat, Frutas, a company that sells fresh fruit juice and shakes, and 7-11, a convenience store located at almost every corner decided to launch their own version of a mock election. When a customer orders a fruit shake or a big Gulp, the customers are asked to choose which cup bearing a presidentiable’s face they want. Each cup is considered as a vote for the favored presidential bet.  The stores will tally these “votes” and will release the results of their mock election just before the actual May 2010 election.

The Good:

• This allows the common person to easily show support for their chosen candidate, while enjoying a cold tumbler of fruit shakes and soft drinks.
• This can reflect the political trend for a certain area.
• This can create an environment of healthy competition among supporters within the same area.
• This is a smart marketing ploy for the companies.

The Not-So-Good:

• Question of credibility and reliability. People don’t really know their system of counting the votes.
• Not everybody buy from these stores, whether it be a question of taste, budget or proximity to a store.
• There is no buying limit. A customer can come back several times a day and order a round of drinks, and these “votes” will be counted in favor of his or her candidate.

Personally, I really like the idea of the Presidential Cups. Although there is much debate about the use and reliability of surveys, I think there is nothing wrong with showing your support for your candidate in whatever way you can especially if all is done in the spirit of fun. Kudos to Frutas and 7-11 for coming up with this gimmick.

So, are you feeling thirsty? Why not order a tall Noynoy Aquino, a chilled Manny Villar shake or an Iced Gibo Teodoro?

Try Not to Get Mad in a Child's Presence

Last night, I got really mad at our nanny. She did something that’s extremely disappointing. Anyway, it was already late and my daughter is already sleeping. I was so mad that I sat on the bed ranting at my husband about the incident. I kept at it for almost an hour. Poor sleepy hubby, but almost 10 years of married life has taught him that asking an upset, riled up woman to stop talking is like having a death wish. I didn’t even notice that I woke my daughter up. I’m not even sure if she opened her eyes but I’m sure she didn’t stir, because I would’ve stopped talking (or at least lowered the volume of my voice by a few decibels). I really thought that she was in deep slumber. I was so surprised when Bea woke up this morning and the first thing she asked me was “Mommy bakit ka nagagalit kagabi?” (Mommy why were you angry last night?”)

Note to self: Just because a child is sleeping, it doesn’t mean she can’t absorb the feelings and words surrounding her, good or bad. Try not to get mad in her presence, she is like a sponge whether she’s awake or asleep.

How to Treat and Prevent Head Lice in Children this Summer

Having head lice may seem to be a simple problem, yet it is an excruciatingly irritating and embarrassing experience. When I was young, I remember being reprimanded by my mother for vigorously scratching my hair in the most inappropriate places like churches and restaurants. I couldn’t help it. My head felt so ITCHY! Bea also had a bout with head lice when she was almost two years old. She was so irritable especially at night. I felt so sorry for her, but it didn’t end there. Since we slept in the same bed, the little creatures felt it was perfectly fine to venture to the nearby head, MINE! Argh!

Head lice are something that is often associated with summer. For children, the joy of summer vacation will not be complete without spending hours playing under the sun. And the humidity, sweat, prolonged exposure to the sun and other sweaty, not-sure-if-they-take-a-bath playmates increases your child’s risk of getting head lice.

 

Treatment

• Eliminate the lice. There are many over the counter products like shampoos and creams for this purpose. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully. These products often contain harsh chemicals which may be harmful to skin and eyes. If there are still some head lice left, a second treatment may be needed after two weeks.
• Comb out the nits. After the treatment, comb hair with a fine-toothed comb. In the Philippines, we have what is called the suyod. The suyod will help comb out the dead lice. This process is often considered as a summer time ritual between mothers/grandmothers/nannies and little boys/girls Do this every so often, to make sure that you’ve totally eliminated the head lice. If you don’t have a suyod, any fine-toothed comb will do.
• Take the lice out one by one. You can reserve afternoons for head lice hunting sessions, that is if you can keep your child still for more than a few minutes. This can be a challenge.

 

Prevention

• Head lice can be transferred from one child to another, so make sure they don’t borrow things they use for their heads like combs, brushes and hats.
• Fight the heat. Don’t stay out in the sun for too long. Seek some shade when outdoors.
• Take a bath and wash hair everyday. Encourage your child’s proper hygiene, plus this will also make the child feel refreshed.

 

Prevent Head Lice from Spreading

If your household has already been invaded by the attack of the head lice here are some things you can do to prevent it from spreading to other members of the family:

·         Wash the clothes, towels and bed linen used by the child in hot water.

·         Soak combs and hair brushes in boiling water for 5-10 minutes.

·         Vacuum furniture, carpet, curtains and other fabric that the child came in contact with 48 hours before the treatment.

·         Check other members of the household for head lice. Make sure they are treated too to prevent recurrence in your household.

Thankfully, Bea and I got over our head lice incident. Summer is meant for fun and enjoyment. I am sharing our experience with you dear readers not to embarrass myself but to help you prevent this from happening to your child. Make sure your children make the most of this season. Make sure they are happy and healthy and most of all head lice-free!

Things Not To Say To Your Spouse

Marriage is a wonderfully complicated thing. I think there is only one way to keep a happy and loving relationship with your spouse... put much time and effort in the relationship. call it emotional investment if you will, it you put in the needed effort, perhaps even more. the rewards you will reap will be more than enough!

With that in mind, here is a list of things NOT to say to your spouse, and keep the peace in your home:

I told you so.
I can do whatever I like.
You're just like your mother.
If you don't like it, you can just leave.
You're always in a bad mood.
Can't you do anything right?
You just don't think.
That was stupid.
It's your fault.
All you ever do is think of yourself.
What's wrong with you?
If you really loved me, you'd do this.
All you ever do is complain.
You're such a baby.
I can't do anything to please you.
Turnabout's fair play.
You get what you deserve.
Why don't you ever listen to me?
What's your problem?
Can't you be more responsible?
I can never understand you.
What were you thinking?
Do you always have to be right?
You're impossible.
I don't know why I put up with you.
You deserve a dose of your own medicine.

Source: Dr. Steve Stephens - Marriage:Experience The Best

TODDLER TIPS: USING TIME OUTS TO DISCIPLINE YOUR CHILD

Forcing your child to go for a time out is a good way to stop a child’s misbehaving. This also allows her to regain her composure. But you can’t just shove your child towards a corner and let her stare at a blank wall, there has to be rules to be set.

 

• Designate a spot in the house that is uninteresting and away from where most members of the family are. This will be your child’s official time out spot.
• Using simple words let your child understand the reason why her behavior caused her to go for a short time out. Let her know that hitting or shouting at her friend is not appropriate behavior, hence the time out.
• Impose the time out immediately after the misbehavior is done, so that your child will associate the misbehaving with the time out.
• Keep time outs short. 3-5 minutes should be long enough for toddlers and preschoolers. The time out is meant to stop the child’s misbehavior, not as a punishment.
• After the time out, talk to your child again and remind her why she was given a time out (it is not right to hit or shout…etc). Then direct her attention towards another activity that she can be interested in and focus on.

frustrated

At what point do realize that you’re stuck? At what point do you think that you’re frustrated and hurting and sadly there’s nothing that you can do about it? When you’re unhappy with something, should you just be quiet and be miserable or should you tell your partner, knowing he’ll do it for you…and still be miserable anyway… because its frustrating that he doesn’t have initiative and he is not sensitive and you have to spoon feed him with these kinds of things…

GOD CAN!

The Lord Our God Is Worthy.

He can do anything but fail.

He can comfort lonely hearts.

He can change adverse circumstances.

He can heal diseased bodies.

He can mend broken relationships.

He can move our mountains.

He can conquer our worst enemies.

He can fix every problem.

He can guide every footstep.

He can heal our deepest hurts.

He can forgive our worst sins.

He can lift our heaviest burdens.

He can calm our worst storms.

He can satisfy our deepest hunger.

Bless His Holy Name…

--Rev. Dr. Geoffrey V. Guns

 

Appreciate Simplicity

Simplicity adds quality and contentment to your life.

Simplicity comes from learning to say “no”.

Simplicity is being satisfied with what you don’t have as with what you have.

Simplicity involves removing the clutter.

Simplicity means never buying something for the purpose of impressing others.

Simplicity refuses to get caught in the trap of overspending, over committing and over working.

Simplicity enjoys happiness and treasures joy.

Simplicity cherishes tranquility.

Simplicity knows how to be content in whatever situation you find yourself.

Simplicity celebrates God’s creation and sees God in the small stuff.

Source: Bruce and Stan (Adapted from “God Is In The Small Stuff”)

God is So Good!

I just want to share, that God is indeed so good! I have been dodging a credit card’s calls for a few weeks now, simply because I have nothing good to say to them… admittedly I have fallen behind my payments and I have really been trying to scrounge money to pay, but as we all know, the interests and fees are just too much!  It has been one of my fervent petitions to the several churches we’ve been to this last weekend, financial help…

Early today, I decided to suck it up and call the credit card company to ask for some sort of reprieve from my penalties and maybe we can come up with an arrangement like I can pay in installments. I just wanted to show my goodwill and the fact that I am still here and not really in hiding… unfortunately they said that they had no offers as of the moment. I asked if I can call anyone so I can explain my plight.. she said none,  I can try and email but for sure they will give the same answer.

I really felt disheartened…. At least I tried. I refused to wallow in sadness so as not to attract further mishaps (I am a believer of The Secret)

This afternoon, I received a call. I knew it was from the credit card company since I have caller id. I didn’t even let it reach the second ring… I answered and greeted the caller politely. It was actually an angel calling! I explained that we have suffered through the Typhoon Ondoy tragedy, and that I have been having troubles financially… he was very understanding, he was from Marikina too. He said that Citibank indeed has a program to help typhoon victims…they will let cardholders pay for the outstanding balance in installment without interest and penalties! Exactly what I was asking for earlier!!! God is Good!!! Definitely! He knows exactly what we need, exactly when we need it!

Now my plight will be endorsed for approval. I am claiming this will be approved as soon as possible! Thank you Lord!