Simple Joys in Rainy Days

Simple joys in rainy days... snuggling with your loved ones... watching dvds with your family... cooking your favorite meal... sleeping beside your husband and kids... reading a good book... laughing with the family... Well, there are so many things I can think of... how about you?

Holy Week

Holiday mode... No work for me for five (5) days this week, in observance of the Lenten season.  Our family will be going tomorrow to the province to spend the remaining days of the Holy Week. It is a good place to hibernate or to simply recharge.  This is also the perfect time for my baby to visit her grandmother,  uncles, and cousins from my husband's side. 

For most of us, Lenten Season means a long happy vacation.  We really took advantage of the long holidays.  Time for out-of-town and out-of-the country trips, time for the beach, time to unwind, and time to be lazy. 

Amidst our busy schedule this Holy Week, let us not forget to also give our time to the Lord.  Let's grab this opportunity to get closer with the Lord by doing penance, having a confession, attending mass with the family, going to processions, getting involved in the church, and just by simply praying and thanking the Lord for all the blessings we received.  Let us not forget the true meaning of the Lenten season. 

Have a happy and fruitful holidays! ^v^

Cheers to Guillen!

There is a good reason they call these ceremonies "commencement exercises."  Graduation is not the end; it's the beginning.  ~Orrin Hatch (U.S. Senator from Utah)

To all the graduates, congratulations!  This is just a beginning of your journey in achieving your dreams.  Continue to strive harder.  Do not also forget your parents, guardians, friends, and loved ones who supported you along the way.  They are also a part of your success.  Most especially pay tribute to your parents who worked hard to make this day possible.  

I would also like to mention that today is also the graduation ceremony of Guillen (our niece, from my husband's side).   Congrats, Guillen!  Keep it up! We are so proud of you! 

Guillen is graduating with honors, as the 3rd Honorable Mention in their elementary school (thumbs up sign!).  She also got a scholarship from a reputable school (lucky girl!).  You will soon be entering high school... more challenges and tests to come... But worry not, there will also be more fun and excitement.  Balance is the key word.   

Good luck to our pretty and brainy niece!  High school life here you come! ^v^ 

BC Bloggers

Writing and reading books are among my hobbies.  Both give me peace of mind and relieve me off tension.  I am really glad that blogging was introduced in the cyberworld.  It helps me a lot especially in terms of expressing my love for writing.  It can also reach a wider and diverse audience from all parts of the world.

Now that I am a mother, the more that I am inspired to write in my blogs.  One thing that motivates me too is the idea that you can also earn through blogging... Neat right?!  You get to do what you love and at the same time earn while doing it. This idea encourages me more to blog. 

In the world of blogging, link-ups are very important.  It will give your blog many followers and readers.  It can also open doors to opportunities.  To help me more, I have asked my blogger friends.  I also searched the net for possible link-ups.  Then I came across, BC Bloggers, which I understand more from Paula via http://www.mommydiary.net/.  BC Bloggers helps bloggers fill their blogrolls the fast and easy way.  BC Bloggers motto is "We don't have to beg for Links."  This is a great news to bloggers like me.  This also serves as a great tool to put your blogs on the "map".   All blog rolls are also assured that they are being followed and linked to the homepage.  Upon learning its goals and visions, I readily joined BC Bloggers.  I know it will help me a lot.

To all bloggers (neophyte or not), who also want to be included in the BC Bloggers, you just click here. 

Happy blogging! (^v^)

Milestones ^v^

Yesterday was a big day for our office.  A mass was held in celebration of its 115th Founding Anniversary.  I have not mentioned before that I am working in the government.  Yes, I am a public servant (^v^).  I have been here for almost 10 years...  (that's already a milestone on my part.. lol!). 

My appointment was dated April 30, 2002 (that would be one month from now.. yey!).  It left me wondering what have I accomplished for myself after 10 years.  Well, there are many changes that took placed.  I got promoted thrice, awarded with a house and lot (from NHA), finished my master's degree, got married, and had a baby.  It may sound easy but really it's no bed of roses.  There are times when I had no motivation to go to work.  It got boring for a while. Every day is like a routine.  This is the time when I decided to go back to school. It took a lot of determination, focus, and patience on my part to pursue my studies.   It was in December 2007 that I earned the degree on Master in Public Administration. Finally, I graduated.  All my hardwork paid off .

Let me also share with you... that I am a "no newbie" in the field of public service.  I have been formerly elected as a Barangay Kagawad (Councilman) in our district.  I was the youngest who won during our term.  I served our barangay for five (5) years.  It was definitely a humble and learning experience.  I got a chance to see what real life is all about. I have also learned to mingle with different kinds of people (from politicians to the less privileged ones).  I also gained a lot of inaanaks (godchildren) during those days.  I considered this milestone as one of my achievements in my life.

Working in the government is like a privilege for me.  It is also an advantage to mothers like me since you only work for eight (8) hours (the usual schedule of an ordinary government employee).  You have  weekends to bond with your family.  There are vacation and sick leaves in case of emergency and filial obligation plus official holidays to spend with the family.  There are also some downsides though.  In terms of  monetary consideration, it really depends with the agency you are employed to.  I know you can earn more in private companies especially if you are an achiever.  But when it comes to job stability, I guess working in the government is a wise move.

After 10 years, the ball will roll again.  Hopefully, I will still be here to write again on what transpired to another 10 years of my life... Looking forward to a brighter future, all the best for our family. ^v^

Fire Drill

Our office held a "Fire Drill" today.  In a tropical country like the Philippines, this is very important.

According to Wikipedia, a fire drill is a method of practicing the evacuation of a building for a fire or other emergency. Generally, the emergency system (usually an alarm) is activated and the building is evacuated as though a real fire had occurred. Usually, the time it takes to evacuate is measured to ensure that it occurs within a reasonable length of time, and problems with the emergency system or evacuation procedures are identified to be remedied. 

A drill, like this, helps people to know what to do and how to act especially in emergency situations like fire, earthquake, and other calamities.  People generally tend to panic in cases like these.  Fire drills are held in schools, offices, buildings, hotels, and business establishments.

Here in the country, reports on fire incidence have been observed to increase during summer time.  Brownouts and short circuit or electrical malfunction of electric appliances (such as electric fan, television, and iron) are considered the most common causes of fire.  Usually, this can be attributed to the negligence on the part of the user.  Crowded areas or places are also considered high risk.  Discipline should always be observe to avoid any inconvenience.  We should always be responsible to our actions.  Think of the majority's safety. 

Just a reminder... When entering a new establishment, building or any premise, you must familiarize yourself with its entrance and exit.  You must also know where the fire exits and stairs are located.  In this way, in case of emergency, you will know where to go.  Always remember not to panic. 

To end this post, I just hope that we will never experience the real thing... and going back, our office did pass the fire drill.  ^v^

Life is a Blessing!

"If you need something to be grateful for... check your pulse.. Life is a blessing. Live it well. Start the day with saying.. Thank you to God." - a text message sent by my father early this morning.  As I read the text, I told myself.. "This is a good one.. very enlightening.."

In this modern time, most of us want material comfort and hi-tech gadgets.  Others dream of travel abroads, getting a car, acquiring condo units, or just living a glamorous life.   It is good to know your goals or to have an ambition in life.  These are good motivation for a person to strive harder.  But to those people who cannot afford these things at the moment, don't be frustrated.  Just count your blessings.  Each has his own time.  Let's look at the brighter side of life.  Sometimes, we just take small things for granted... the simple joys of life. 

I guess, we should thank the Lord just for being alive for it is indeed a special blessing given by God.  Let's live it well. Let's savor the moments with our loved ones.. like having a good laugh with friends... eating at home with the family... sharing jokes with your children.. These are the wonderful blessings that make life more worth living... ^v^

St. Jude Thaddeus

Thursday... a special day for the devotees (like me) of St. Jude Thaddeus.  Who is St. Jude Thaddeus?  Why do people flock every Thursday and do novena prayers?...

St. Jude Thaddeus is known as the patron of desperate or hopeless cases.  He is generally shown with an image of our Lord upon his breast.  Based on his pamphlet, there are many ways of gaining his favor.  Some devotees make a weekly Holy Hour at his Shrine.  Others make novenas in his honor by assisting at Mass and receiving Holy Communion on nine (9) consecutive days.  Still others invoke him daily.  It matters not the method used to obtain his intercession just so one proves himself worthy of divine favor. You just need to pray wholeheartedly and sincerely.  Aside from attending mass and praying novenas, you can also light some candles and pray for your petition.   Candles come in different colors such as brown (health), blue (career), yellow (general), green (spiritual), and pink (love). 

my own pamphlet



I also think that he is the patron of students.. because I have observed that students often visit him and make novenas especially during a major examination.  They will even bring their pens, papers,and envelopes to be blessed.  Others also believe that single women pray to St. Jude Thaddeus for a happy lovelife.  There are also people who ask for good health and physical healing.

As for me, I always believe that St. Jude Thaddeus, through God's divine intervention, never fail to answer my prayers and petitions.  I always seek his help and protection in every hard situation I am in, desperate or not.  Ofcourse, I never forget to thank him for all the blessings I receive. Writing this article is my own little way of spreading his goodness and miracle.

Surely, there are moments in our lives that we are faced in (or will be facing) a difficult situation.  Thank God for St. Jude Thaddeus, who gives us hope that even in the most desperate cases of our lives, there is something positive to look foward to.

To see a short prayer to St. Jude Thaddeus, click here.

Happy Thursday everyone! ^v^

Rain Rain Don't Go Away

It's the month of March... but it feels like June... Looks like it's gonna be a rainy week for us.  Basically, I do not like rainy days.  Why, because there's something in the rain that makes me feel lonely or gloomy.   I do not really know why that feeling... Maybe, it was just really me imagining things.. haha.. But, thinking again, I do love the coolness it brings especially now that is summer.  Looking at my baby, she loves it too, she had longer sleeps and nap times every time it rains...  and that now made me see the other side of rain... I guess I will also learn to love it, since it gives comfort to my baby..

(... silently singing, changing the lyrics.. "Rain rain don't go away.. Come again another day.. My little girl wants to sleep more.. so she'll grow up wise and strong!") ^v^

"Summer is hotter with Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion, Shick, & Nuffnang"

My ideal Nuffnang summer is..."going to Boracay with the whole family."  It is a perfect getaway for me this summer, since I still have not been to Boracay.   I want to bring along my husband and baby, my in-laws, my sister and his husband, my parents, the kids (nieces and nephews).  It would surely be fun, especially to the kids.  Imagine all of us under the sun and enjoying the beach.  It would be a great bonding for the whole family.

Before going to the waters and taking a swim, I will advise the kids and the rest of the group to use the Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion (which is one of the "must-be-bring" things to the beach).  True to its  tag line, "Banana Boat Suncreen Lotion.  We've got you covered", the Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion is designed to be waterproof and provide protection to the skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays.  The product comes in Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15, 30, 85 and 100.  It is also safe for kids to use.  Just a reminder.. you should apply suncreen lotion at least 30 minutes before going out in the sun (to allow your skin to absorb the lotion).  You may also apply it around the tops of the ears, nose, and cheeks because these areas are said to be susceptible to sunburn.  You can now enjoy the sun's heat withour worrying about your skin. 

Aside from the sunscreen lotion, I would also be bringing my husband's Schick, which he uses everyday in shaving his facial hair .  He trust Schick's quality. It is safe and convenient to use.  Truly "Schick.  Free your skin" works best for him. By the way, Schick is not just for men, women can also use it to shave their legs and underarms. It contains coated blades for a safer shave for both men and women.  Schick can also be a great skin care as shaving is considered to be one of the gentlest, safest, and easiest way to achieve a soft and smooth touchable skin.

Well, what can be more fun this summer than this... Surely, "Summer is hotter with Banana Boat Sunscreen Lotion, Shick, & Nuffnang!"  ^v^

Straight From the Heart



My own copy given by my good friend "Hya" last Christmas 2011

Last 2009, as we (me and my Mama) were inside the National Bookstore, I happened to glance at a book entitled "Straight From the Heart - A Prayer Companion".  To satisfy my curiosity, I look at its contents.  It was a book of prayers.  Upon browsing through some pages, I told my mother that she should buy one.  She is one of the officers in our church's organization, so I guess she can use it with her church activities.

After getting a copy, I started reading it in the house.  I find it very enlightening especially in times when I feel stress out, depress, and down.  It really helps me to feel good.  The book was also my everyday companion, during my pregnancy (especially in the most difficult part, when I was on my 10 weeks)  .   It help me survive those moments of depression.

I also recommended it to one of my friends, Hya, who happened to see me reading it in the office.  She liked the book as well. I told her it can also be a nice gift to our friends and family on special occasions.  She liked the idea and ask me if she can do the same.   I said it's ok, because I also want to share the book with others.  I want them to see its beauty.  I also want them to feel closer with the Lord as this is what I felt everytime I am reading it and praying.  I also get to be familiarized with some of the saints I have not known before.  My favorites include St. Padre Pio, St. Therese, St. Anthony de Padua, St. Jude, and St. Gerald (patron and protector of expectant mothers).  If you want too see some of the prayers in the book, I shared them in my other blog site, just click here.

By the way, last Christmas (December 25, 2011), Hya also gave me my own book (as I have been using the one that my Mama bought).  It is really sweet of her, and I so love her for that. (*smile)

In case, you want to get your own copy.  It is available in National Bookstores.  The price is affordable.

Go and grab one! I am sure that it's worth your money. Have a blessed day! ^v^

EQ Birthday Party Raffle Promo

When I was still single, my shembot friend kumare "Hya", who is also my officemate and a mother of two (2) adorable kids, advised me that in the future if I already have my own baby, I should try EQ diapers.  She believes in the quality of the product.  Plus, the price is very reasonable. She also informed me that EQ has various promos and freebies that consumers can avail.

Following Hya's advice, I tried EQ Diapers for my newborn baby.  From then on, she has been using it until at present time.  My baby is now nine (9)-months old.  So far, we have not experienced any problem.  No rashes or any discomfort at all.

Just like what Hya told me, I have been keeping or saving EQ packs while waiting for its promo.

And now, finally! Last January, I learned of its new promo, which I readily joined, the EQ Birthday Party Raffle Promo.  This one is so perfect for me, because my baby will be turning one (1) this May.  That's why, I am hoping I would win. (*wink)

Well, let me share you some of its mechanics which may be useful to interested readers and consumers.

To participate in the nationwide raffle promo, you need to submit the required number of  EQ packs  (such as EQ Plus with Soft Cottony Cover, EQ Colors, and EQ Dry with Magic Tapes) in an envelope, together with the following information: name, address, contact numbers, e-mail addresses if any, and signature, as well as your baby's name and birthday on a piece of paper.

You can submit your entries through a major Mc Donald's Stores, mailing or hand-carrying to JS Unitrade (JSU) Office. 

Each winner will receive one (1) Mc Donald's Birthday Party Certificate worth P7,500.00.  Promo Period will be from January 16 to April 16, 2012. 

Draw Schedules:
 
                                           Deadline of Submission       Draw Date             No. of Winners

• 1st Monthly Draw :     February 17, 2012          March 2, 2012                             75
• 2nd Monthly Draw:     March 16, 2012              March 10, 2012 (9AM)              75
• Grand Draw:               April 16, 2012                April 27, 2012 (9AM)               150

Promo participants can only win once within the entire promo duration .  Non-winning entries in the 1st draw will be carried over in the 2nd Monthly Draw while the non-winning entries in the 1st and 2nd Monthly Draws will still be included in the Grand Draw.  (This is nice...  participants will have more chances of winning.)

All entries received after the deadline will be included in the succeeding draws.  Mailed entries for Grand Draw will be accepted until 5 pm of April 26, 2012.  

Winners in the 1st and 2nd Monthly Draws will be announced in the Philippine Daily Inquirer.  Within a week after each draw, all winners will be informed through a notification of registered mail.  

Hope this information will be useful.

Go... and start looking for your EQ packs!  Who knows, you just might have a chance to celebrate your kid's birthday party this year at Mc Donald's, for free.

For more details, just click here. 

Good luck!  ^v^

Summer is Here!

The month of March reminds me that it's summer time again... Time for outings..  travel abroads... out-of-town trips...  family reunions... get-togethers... good food... mouth-watering fruits... halo-halos.. ice creams... It's also a time to be lazy for some of the students...  For us who are working,  that means less traffic because students are on their vacation... Hmmm... Whatelse to expect this summer, ah long holidays because of the Lenten season... time to do penance... to sacrifice... to bring back to God his goodness...  Some also will take a vacation in the province to unwind or recharge...  Some will just let summer pass, just doing their same routine.... As for me, I like the warmth that summer brings.  It makes me feel that life is good and beautiful.  It brings hope that no matter how hard all the trials  may seem, life will still be bright and lovely just like summer... ^v^

TGIF

Thank God It's Friday!  This means two glorious days will follow... I say glorious, because there's no work and will have the whole two days to spend with our baby... Since I became a mother, I want to spend every minute of my time with our baby... If only we can afford it, I would rather be a housewife than a working mother... But that's life.  We have to face reality and be practical.   So here I am, a working mom.  Each time I go to work, I prefer that my baby is still sleeping so it won't be  hard for me to leave her and go to work.  That's how it goes every Mondays to Fridays.  But if she is awake, I will feed her before I leave and make sure that she goes back to sleep. I love watching and putting her to sleep even if I am already tired from work or needs to wake up early morning.  My baby is now more receptive since she is already 9 months old.  She enjoys talking as she babbles a lot of time.  She also loves dancing and singing just like other babies.  She has so many antics that made me and my husband laugh.  We just adore her.  I thank the Lord each day that she gave us this sweet bundle of joy.  She gave a new meaning in my life.  She is my inspiration and motivation to move forward and be positive in life... And now, it's Friday once again... Looking forward to go home and be with my baby... ^v^

My Mother and Babykoy

Bonding with Lola

I am just happy that my mother loves Annika so much... Like any other lola (grandmother), she loves to cuddle her... to sing with her... and just to play with her "apo" (grand daughter)... Annika is now the source of our happiness in our home. She is truly a bundle of our joy.  Her Lola is fascinated with her antics and cute gestures.  She always tells me and my husband that they look alike.  I also think that they have resemblance.  Looking at Annika, I think she inherits more of his dad's face than mine.  But I can also see some features of my mom and just a little of mine.. haha!

I am also glad that Annika got to see her grandmother on both sides and grandfather (my dad).   My husband's father has passed away when he is still young.  It is a good thing that Annika experiences how to have grandparents as  I did not have a chance to be with my lolos and lolas on both sides because they already passed away when I was born.   I also believe that it is  important that she knows her roots.  I want her to have a lot of happy memories with her lolas and lolo. And so for now, I love taking their pictures, capturing their precious and sweet moments, so that when Annika grows up she will be able to see how much her lolas and lolo love her.  ^v^

A Friendship to Keep

 







The Way We Were

This picture was taken during my college days with my best buddies (Michelle, Neri, Luisa, and Joy) and other classmates.  I do not exactly remember what the event is... hahaha!  Seeing this picture brings a lot of fond memories with my good friends. Oh how I really miss those days! Back then, all is fun and hard work in our school activities.  We had a great bonding. I also have other friends from different sections who are also close to my heart like Kyle, Resi, Mildred, Jhosie, Bevs, and a lot more.  There are also guy friends who made my college days more fun and memorable.  I am happy to say that up to now we (all my BFFs)  still communicate inspite of our busy schedule.  One of my friends is already based in Singapore.  The other one is about to get married.   At this time of our lives, we are now making our dreams come true, and creating families of our own.  I can say that our friendship has been through a lot.  Our relationships had also its ups and downs. It has already been tested through the years.  As individuals, we also have our own trials to surpass, battles to conquer, and fears to  face.  These experiences make us stronger and better individuals.  But, the thing that I truly love about our friendship is that no matter how long we have not seen each other, every time we had a chance to get together, the feeling of comfort, love, and support is still there.  It is the same feeling back when we are still young and still in college. At this point in time, there is so much to look forward in the future.  I just hope that someday our kids will be the best of friends as well. For my best pals, thanks for all the fun, tears and laughters that we shared.  I will always love you guys! ;)

 

at present time with my sweet pea



Happy Moments

Good times.. good memories... The pictures were taken during the Baptismal Celebration of Baby Julia... I am with my husband, daughter, and my co-worker friends (with their daughters). We really had a great time... We enjoyed the food (at Max's and the yummy lechon at the host's house), the wine, and especially our chit-chats and kulitans.. Life is really good...Let's count our blessings! ^v^
 
 

a toast for our friendship...

 

Sweet Talk (Daddy and Annika)





Chess and the Kids



Mommy and Annika

On the Road



At Max's.. Sarap to the Bones!

My Babykoy's First ID Picture

Healthcards... one of the things I considered essential that I must have for our family especially for my baby.. Since budget is tight, I have to get one for myself and Annika in case of emergency... I had mine last month.  I will be getting this February for Annika.. The agent told me that I should have a 2x2 picture of my baby as a requirement and so I had her picture taken.  Annika looks cute in her pink shirt, with her usual ponytail...  I find it really cute that she has now an ID picture...  Hopefully, I will get her healthcard soon.



The Love Month

Five days from now, it's Valentine's Day... Love is in the air as they say.... Couples are busy thinking on what to give to their partners on this special day.  Actually, Valentine's Day is not just for couples or lovers.  It can also be a special day for any individual because each of us knows how to love... to care...  It's not all about romantic love... It can be a love for a mother.. a father...  siblings... relatives... and friends..  In my case, I have more reasons to celebrate this occasion especially that our marriage has been blessed with a wonderful baby.  There's so much to be thankful for and hoped for.   In the coming days, I know that love will still continue to grow in our relationship.  There will be more love to give to my husband and our little one as they are my source of inspiration, comfort, and strength.  There will also be more dreams and wishes to make and to fulfill for our family.  Giving them love makes my life more fulfilling.  

I guess this Valentine's Day, just spending  time with your loved ones is already enough to make the day special.  With all the not-so-good things happening in our country, we should thank the Lord that each time we wake up, our loved ones are there to greet.... to hug us ... to talk to.. to smile .. to cry... and to laughwith us...  Let's always keep the love flowing... Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Let's spread love and positivity! ^v^

Happy Hearts Day!

Welcome to the Christian World!

Annika was baptized on September 18, 2011 at the Sto. Domingo Church.  She was almost 4 months then.  We got some of our relatives, close friends, and my officemate friends as her ninongs and ninangs.  My husband (Mike) and I organized the event.  We got Tramway Tea House as our reception.  It was a very memorable occasion.  All of our loved ones are present.  We are just happy that things went well and our daughter is finally welcomed in the Christian world. 

I just wish that Annika's life will be filled with bliss, love, laughter, and peace... and that she will be surrounded with kind-hearted and God-centered people...  May we also give her a good life and a bright future through the Lord's guidance and divine intervention.  There's also one prayer I always humbly ask the Lord... that He will keep us (me and Mike) healthy and safe each day, so that we can take good care of Annika and be there for her until she has a family of her own... and even until she is old and grey. 

My Little Sweet Pea



My Sweet Pea



Last 2010, I learned I was pregnant... At first, I am really shock at the thought that I am finally going to be a mother.. Lots of things entered into my mind.. Ofcourse I feel so happy learning that I am carrying a child (my ultimate dream).... and then I also got scared at the thought of actually giving birth... But after seeing my OB, and knowing that my baby is doing well, I know that everything will be fine with the Lord's help and support from my husband.... The first three months of my pregnancy was very difficult for me... It was the time when I always have my rosary beside me and prayer book to keep me strong... This is the period when I am always vomiting and experiencing nausea. I was even hospitalized for 3 days... Then things got better when I returned to work.. as I am already coping with my pregnancy.. my body now has finally adjust... I am even going to the market, commuting from our house to work, and climbing stairs since we live in a 4 storey building, and our unit is in the 3rd floor.. It was my routine everyday, as my tummy grows and my due is getting nearer... Then finally the most memorable day of my life, the time I already saw my baby, my little Annika Celine... It was a very happy feeling, mixed emotions...  I feel so blessed seeing her.. She is a beautiful and an adorable baby... I can't believe that she is in front of me, and  I am actually holding her... She is my miracle.. I will forever love her and will take care of her... She is now the joy in our family...She is truly a God's gift.. a special blessing! No doubt, all the pains I experienced during my pregnancy is all worth it.. I now have my baby with me.. Thank you Lord for my Annika!