Puto at Kutsinta

I am debating whether I would bring store bought or home cooked puto at kutsinta on monday on Anevay's school. They would be having their first community day and its entitled Pista ng Kulturang Pinoy. I am tasked to bring the said kakain. It's been a long time since I cooked one and I like to cook right now. Probably cook some extra for Luis since he loves my puto and kutsinta. But that would mean waking at an early hour on a monday morning. hmmm.

And then the little girl's class would be singing "paa, tuhod, balikat, ulo". I was teaching her to sing the said song and I can't help but laugh on her version. Paa, tuhod, malikat, yulo! haha. I guess if you asked her to sing head and shoulders she won't be having difficulty.

The Techy Mommy

How many cellular phones do you own? Me, I have three. One is my main phone that's my smart line, another one for GLOBE (for its roaming capabilities) and the other one for my PLDT land line plus. But I don't bring them all when I go out. Sometimes I only bring my main phone because I am that kind of girl who does not like to bring some many stuff. As long as I know that I have a gadget with me where everybody can call me for emergency then that's fine already.

I just love it when technology plays a vital role in making my mommy life convenient. Ever since the little girl started schooling and has been fetch by her school bus, it put my mind at ease that I have the number of his school, the driver and the helpers of the school bus in my cellphone that anytime I am having doubts I just can dial the numbers. Phone are of great convenient for mommy like me.

PE Time

Yesterday and every Tuesday is PE day of the little girl. On this day, they would go to their library, watch a movie and do some play on their play area. And yesterday, I had the strength to sort out her toys and re arranged our living room. But she came home while I am in the middle of my clean up.

So here she is.

Exploring

I just can’t help but smile when I come across different pictures on social networking sites that I am a member. I love looking at the pictures of former officemates/friends who have been travelling on different countries for training as part of their job. These former officemates have been friends with me and the husband way back the time that we are all struggling financially. And then by a twist of luck, one by one, they were able to land some job which does not only pays a great deal but also give them the opportunity to train on different countries.

The last pictures that I see that my friends posted were pictures of Italy. I wonder if he have used the services of the www.bbplanet.it for his bed and breakfast needs. Knowing him and how internet savvy he is I guess he used it for booking. And I bet the website would be a big help for him since he will be able to see where the bed and breakfast is located, the rate and even feedback from others.
Quite a pleasant experience right? With websites like this with top notch services, it removes the stress in planning a trip/training and just let you enjoy exploring the country.

Recent Family Pic

Last week, part of the little girl's assignment is to bring a recent family picture. Since the week before that, Friday was declared no classes so the homework was given to us Monday. And because I was not feeling well, I forgot about the picture and just later realized it around Wednesday. I was expecting the teachers would send out reminders but I was wrong. So by Friday, I received a text from one of my co mother, telling me that discussion is now centered on the pictures. I just got the pic that was taken in bub last May 2008 and gave it to her teacher. With the thought of replacing it with a recent one after I developed this during the weekend.

Escape

With my condition now and my lupus wreaking havoc on my emotions, I wanted to escape everything that reminds me of pain and aches. But I know I cannot do that. This is reality and reality is where I live in. But despite my present predicament I am looking forward for the future. I have been in this situation in the past and I was able to surpassed it. Maybe, when this is all over, the husband would find it fitting to let me have an out of town vacation when he comes home. I wanted a romantic vacation riviera maya but I know we can't afford it. So a simple family getaway to one of those white beaches here in the country would be much appreciated. I just wish by that time I am up for a trip. How about you, where do you want to go ?

Improving

I am quite happy with the transformation I am seeing on the little girl. She is starting to develop habits that are quite good. During the mornings when she wakes up we won't be switching the tv on. We will eat breakfast, drink her milk and then take a bath. When she hears her school bus honking she would grab her bag and tell me that her school bus is already there.

It's quite amazing to see her develop right before my eyes. The last two weeks I have been seeing improvement on her stamp records. Before it would only be two stamps for a week, now its three then four. haha. I just hope it continues. But today she went home without stamps again. haha. But she played with her socks. I think they are playing puppet socks in school that's why. She calls her socks Pops.

Mommy is Sick

It's been a roller coaster ride for me. At times I am well and ready for action but most of the time, I would just want to cuddle my pillow and sleep for the day. It's really is frustrating. It brings me back to the time that I wanted to forget. I wanted to cry but looking at Anevay I know I have so much to be thankful for and it's a waste of time spending it weeping. There are less fortunate people out there than me. Those who are suffering from malignant Mesothelioma have far worst condition that I am.

It's still is nice that no matter how I am feeling during the morning, the afternoon and evening are okay. I can still take care of Anevay and even cook for her. Speaking of the little girl, she is really growing up fast. She talks a lot and sing a lot. And smile a lot too! Which means she is growing up happily..thank God!

For now, please keep me in your prayers. I know I have been through worst, but those worst moments I have my husband on my side almost everyday. He is my strength but now he is miles away from me. Daddy, I miss you!

Out the Whole Day

And I am too tired (on times like this I wish we can just drop everything off and start having my dream Vegas vacations) . Wouldn’t that be nice? Well, right now I am just thankful that the pain of my LUPUS is gone and we were able to go to the mall to buy stuff. Though I was not able to buy everything that's on my list. Because we run out of time. We have a three ‘o clock appointment.

Anyway before we went to the mall, I asked the little girl to sit on her chair so that I can take a picture of her. Since I already have a new camera I am in the mood again to take pictures. My Sony W170’s flash have already given up on me and not to mention that I am having battery problems with it. So I decided to buy a new digicam. A Nikon L20, 10megapixel, being sold at Php 7200 in Ebay. I would be sending the SONY for warranty repair and I know it would take weeks before it would be send back to me that’s why I bought a new one.

Here are the pics of the little girl.

I got a lot of pictures. Mostly not decent enough. Now, I know how to deal with her. I should have to make sure the camera is in burst mode so that I can take a picture of her with a smile and looking at the camera. haha. But she really is turning into a beautiful girl.

AUTHENTIC COACH BAGS

For reasons (which I would just keep to myself…lol!) I would be posting one authentic COACH BAG that I bought from Faye. If you are interested in buying, you can head over to her blog. Either at www.quicker8.com or www.lakadkoto.com. I guarantee you, the bag she’s selling are quite a steal. They are even cheaper as compared to the prices of EBAY sellers.

Here is my new treasure. A product of my hard earned income. hehe.

Front.. Inside

Back

Oh I love this big bag. I have another big bag which is a LACOSTE bag which was bought by the husband last Christmas for me. But that bag has no zipper. This one has so I like it. And it’s really BIG, that I can put almost everything from ANEVAY’S FOOGO FUNTAINER, to her LEAPSTER, to extra shirts and wipes. And it’s quite a steal. I know i would be using this bag for years.

So head over to FAYE’s blog. She also has LACOSTE and RL bags for sale!

The Celebration

I got a lot of things to do today. I have a list of where I am going and what I am going to do. But unfortunately my day did not start quite well. I started having no appetite for breakfast, so instead of my planned pandesal and coffee, I opted for the easiest and hot alternative - oat meal. I know I was headed for disaster because I wanted to throw up. I ignore that growing sensation in my stomach and drank four tablets of pred and two tablets of biogesic. And decided I won't be going anywhere for the duration of the morning. I need to stay in bed because when I check my temp, I have a slight fever. Just my luck!

I ordered spaghetti from Red Ribbon plus a mango cake roll which I planned to give to the school bus of Anevay. I told the Kuya just to share it in school. Oh, the birthday girl went home sobbing. She was crying her hearts out because she still wanted to play on the playground. haha. She was wearing a paper medal with the number three on it, i think it was a gift from her teachers.

Later in the afternoon, we went out to get my coach bags, the dolls from the ebay seller plus my new camera arrived. Then the party. I ordered a lot. I went beyond ( I should have used an inventory software to track my visitors and order). We end up with a lot of leftovers. But the kids had fun. They even went home with a lot of food and balloons.

I was so tired. I wanted to sleep but I am still waiting for the husband so that I can share this event with him. I guess he is still busy. After this I am heading to bed already. Here are some of the pictures.

Happy 3rd!

Three years. It's not an easy road that we have traveled but looking back what I always remember is that God has always been with us.

When I was diagnosed with LUPUS way back 2002, in midst of a budding career and a blooming love life with your daddy, I was put in a dark. To the point that I was asking God, 'why me?'. Mommy can't even walk properly and the beauty that I was used to started to vanish. And then, as fate would have it, in 2004, Mommy got operated on the lungs because of some fluid, later I developed pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs). It was a deadly disease and as Dr. Ino told me I am lucky to have survived the ordeal.

Because of the blood clot, I have to take maintenance medicine. Believe me, if I have a choice I would have not taken it. Since Dr. Ino warned me already that it would cause abnormalities if mommy got pregnant accidentally. He warns both Daddy and I about unplanned conception.

Our choices are not to many. But daddy being the man who have love me unconditionally, never look at me as a someone with limitations. For him, with or without LUPUS, I am the woman he love no matter what. He have a choice at that time. He can turn his back on me and leave. But now, he hasn't. Instead, he never gave up. We got married in 2005 and months later we discovered that we already have you.

I was worried, nervous, apprehensive. In my first ultrasound I was already preparing myself that there might be defects because of coumadin. But you know, God was so good. From the first ultrasound to the last, it showed a normal you. I don't know how many ultrasound I have to go through, but for those nine months ( I had numerous, on the last stretch, mommy can see you on a weekly basis through ultrasound) ..... I only one regret, that is worrying. I should have really taken daddy's advise... to have FAITH.

Yeah, FAITH. That is the one of the things that mommy and daddy have to cling unto.

Three years and here we are, we still have a long road but I thank God for giving you to me and daddy. You are a reminder how much God loves me and how much Daddy unconditionally love me. How lucky I am to have both daddy and you in my life.

I love you, be! Love you very much.

2007


2008

Happy 3rd birthday, Anevay!

School Again!

We haven't done anything for the weekend. I let the little girl watched tv and have a movie marathon. We wrote just a few lines and circle. Practicing her writing and focus. She still has a lot to learn when it comes to paying attention for a long period. haha.

And since Friday is no classes, we also don't have any assignment. Her teachers only gives homework during the weekend and so their books also were send home only on Saturday and Sunday.

I am planning on having a simple birthday celebration at home on Thursday. I am going to buy balloons and order some food from Jollibee and have it delivered at home. I still have not come up with any idea for gifts for her. For now I'll leave you with two of her recent picture. She's turning three this Thursday!

How to get this LOOK?

While breakfast in bed seems appealing, it's not my kind of thing. I always dream of having breakfast outside. In a outdoor setting in our house where I am surrounded with trees and chirping birds. And then with kids running around. I wanted a huge garden with a playground. lol. That dream is always in my heart and I know in the future that will happen. And you know what? While surfing the net I found the perfect garden for me. A place that spells tranquility.

I was thinking, how can one achieved this kind of look in their garden? Well, I got my answer. Hire the massachusetts landscaping team. Yeah, they were the one who design such a beautiful landscape. If only they can design our garden, it would definitely be a dream come true.

Now because of that picture I am more motivated in making sure I spend wisely. We need to finish paying for the equity of our second house by November and for sure there would be an allotment for a garden on that house. Though it's only a small house and lot. I just realized that the location of the house we bought is just right since it's near two good university -- La Salle and Assumption. That is if we choose to enroll Anevay on either school in the future. Now that's what I can instinct. haha.

Nikon Coolpix L20

I am already decided to buy a dslr this year. But I still need to come up with the funds to buy one. lol. For now, I am planning on buying a NIKON COOLPIX L20.

My Sony W170 is giving me a headache. The battery just won't charge. The charger's LED kept on blinking and then the flash is not working. I called up SONY's customer service and asked how much would the battery and charger will cost me. The battery is worth 3k and the charger around 1k. And then I have to send the camera to ROBINSON's PIONEER because that is where the store of the ebay seller is. I hate the hassle so I settled on buying a new but cheap digital camera. Said camera only cost 7k and uses AA battery. haha. Now, I don't want any sony products. I have already been burned twice of their battery. First is the camcorder now my digital camera. Oh well.

Need to Shop!

Right now there is a car that is parked in front of our driveway. I think the car broke down. I hope the owner can fixed it (me thinks, should I give the number for motorhome towing, lol!, it's just slip my mind) or risk being towed.

Anyway, I am thinking that I need to shop this coming weekend. I plan on making Anevay wear pajamas. Yeah, she hates wearing it but since it's getting colder because of the rain, I realized I needed to make her practice wearing PJs. Also, I want to buy her slippers that she has to wear inside the house. I also need new placemats. And I am contemplating if I would go to the mall or the market mall. hahaha. I was able to buy some stuff last week on the market that are way cheaper than those in the mall. But when I told the husband about it, he asked me if the little girl did not get some allergies on the things that I bought. haha. funny!

So now I am trying to think where would I buy stuff - market or mall?

Monday Chores

Since it was raining last Friday, we weren't able to go out. Anevay has no classes and of course, for fear that she might get sick when we brave the rain, I decided that we stay indoors the whole day. Actually the whole weekend. lol. So I was not able to pay my credit card bill. Urgh.

That's why tomorrow, I will be out the whole morning doing some offline chores. Which includes :

• go to Anevay's school to replenish her shirt and towel on her grooming box
• go to the market and buy our stock for the week
• go to the bank, to pay bills

For the week, I plan to :

• visit a dental clinic for cleaning and tooth extraction
• visit saloon to get a sort hair cut and foot spa, pedi and manicure
• go to St. Scho (if ever the bags from Faye are already here)
• check if the aluminum supplier can make me a rack for my kitchen using stainless
• go to a shop nearby shop to scout for made to order hanging cabinet
• get some referral for cleaning lady
  

One of the FEAR

Every parents always pray that their kid/s would have a brighter future. That's why we strive and work hard to make sure that we can give them the thing that will aid them in their future quest. But of course, admit it or not, no matter how hard we try there are still that is beyond our control.

I remember when I was still on my teenage years. I had a friend, who have been with me ever since I was five. He is intelligent and have been serving the church all throughout our elementary years. As we approached our teenage years he began to change. From being an A student he slid down on the bottom. We were suspecting that drug addiction was a major reason on the changes.

It was disappointing to see him go from worse to worst. He is a like a brother to me. Unfortunately, his family was on denial that the idea of putting him on a drug rehab facility was an act of defiance instead of love. It was such a waste because that friend died on a vehicular accident and according to rumors was on drugs at the time the accident happen.

Starting to Write

Every weekend, Anevay's class would bring home their workbook. She only has two workbooks and a notebook that they call PATECON, short term for PARENTS TEACHERS CON something. I can remember what the con stands for. So every weekend I sit down with her and look into her assignments. I also take that opportunity to review her books and look at what they already did.

I was disappointed to see that there are pages which were half done. Like the objects are not fully colored or the X mark is not written properly. I know it's too much to asked for a barely three year old kid but what I am disappointed is that I take that as a sign of the teacher's manner of spending time with the kids. I am assuming that they don't spend much time with the kids to make sure that the students are doing what is instructed and try to monitor if they finished the task. I don't want to stressed myself out with the manner of teaching but its being a great concern for me.

So, to keep my mind off my not so good impressions of Anevay's teachers I started focusing on the little girl. Last weekend I really put her in a table and then let her color the pages in her assignment. I explain to her what she should do and I was surprised how quickly she caught up. But since I am having a hard time with her attention span I expected that after a few minutes, she would complain. And I was right. She said I am so tired. lol.

Today, I was surprised when she happily got her writing book and started tracing stuff. Here is one of her video.



Believe me, I am so happy. I am seeing a lot of progress for her. Never mind the stamps. lol. And what made me more proud was that when I left the room and got back she showed me this.

I did not tell her what to do. I did not even gave her the blue crayons but when I came back she already draw three straight lines (copying the box above). But of course you can also see her impatience later. haha.

And here is another video of her.

Checking In!

I am trying to check on my budget for August. Though I am happy that I was able to prevent myself from using my three credit cards, there are still a lot of things to pay for, that are not part of our monthly expenses. One is the husband's insurance, then Anevay's tuition fee and school bus fee. On top of that I am planning to put in a stainless stand for my kitchen utensil somewhere in our kitchen window. Also I am going to contact some personnel to put up a hanging closet in the other room to house some of our bedsheets and mine and the little girl's bag. Yeah, indeed expenses are pouring for us.

Luckily, God always provide for us. There are times when I feel that what we have is not enough but in the end he show me ways to help us out. No wonder I don't have problems with Collection Agency. Well, I make it a point not to have problems with them so I am discipline to pay what is due if ever I do used their services. But for now I am happy just to give advise to my friends who would want to be friends with this kinds of agency. You know by paying their dues on time. Well, I always tell them to live within their means. That's a good start, right?

But if you are in a business of lending money it's better to hire a collection agency like americanprofit.net. Because they would be the one handling the transactions and would make sure you get the payment that is due.

Anevay...today!

She's really growing. Turning three next week. We already solved her constipation problem so she is now doing her thing on the toilet bowl of course with her own toilet seat. Her appetite also improved. She is now eating on our regular plate and consuming all her food. I always want her to have a clean plate.

Because I am quite determine to make sure she gain weight, I am always on my toes going to the market to buy fruits, cook her favorite meals (which always include viands with soup) and make some fruit shakes for her.

And now I only turned on the tv around 4pm until 7pm. After her nap before dinner. Hopefully we can be this discipline all throughout.

US Gold Coins

Since I am looking for a perfect way to invest some money I chance upon an article about us gold coins. I know I have been talking so much about investments and about rare coins but what can I do? I just wanted to find some way to help the husband in making our money grow. During this hard times one has to find a way not to spend their hard earned income but rather come up with steps to secure some investments and ways to save for the future. As a wife and a mother I think that is my tasked right now. As much as I hate to admit it. Especially since spending the money is more of my forte that saving it. lol. But since I love both my husband and daughter and I don't want their future to be wasted I am bound to the duty of taking care of the finances.

No Stamps!

On the second week of school, I started to notice that Anevay is going home without stamps on her hand. It really bothered me so I talked to her teacher. T. Hayden told me that Anevay sometimes shout during class and would leave the circle during lessons. I told the husband about it and he said the little might be bored already.

Starting July, there was already the stamp record which was being given during Friday. For the first two weeks of the record, Anevay always has 2 out of the five days with stamps and the rest it's a NO STAMP for her. The remarks of the teacher would always be do not follow teacher's instruction and leaving the circle. That really bothers me a lot already.

I thought I was just being a 'stage mom'. But I was wrong. During the parents teacher meeting last Saturday, almost all parents were discussing the stamps. haha. We were stressed out finding on when our kids don't have stamp. But what really bothers me right now is that despite the remarks of the teacher what is missing is their course of action to improve the students behavior.

You see, I am looking for improvements. It's not that I wanted my little girl to have stamps everyday. I admit Anevay is one energetic girl who cannot be put in one corner and expect her not to move. I accept the remarks but I am also expecting the teachers to do something for the kids. I also noticed that some of the activities in the workbook of Anevay seems unfinished. A sign of being not attentive to the student's attention.

If there won't be improvement on this week's remark I would definitely putting my thoughts in the notebook of the little girl for the teacher to read. haha.

Zenni!

Zenni Optical is synonymous to quality but affordable prescription glasses. They are know for having those $ 8 Rx eyeglasses. If I am a kid right now and would need an eyeglass I would definitely get this one.

Pretty isn't it. That is why I am giving a High Five to Zenni Optical. Not only do they have a wide range of selection of affordable but quality glasses but also stylish as well. You can catch a glimpse of this on Zenni Optical on TV!!!

Ayun, Ayun!

I am glad that Anevay is learning something from school. She is a lot more talkative now and can communicate very well. If you asked her with a WHY question, she would answer you back with a statement that starts with a BECAUSE. If you said something that she does not agree with, she would say 'Oh no mommy that is not ...'. Basically she is really developing.

But what really made me and the husband laugh was when anevay was so happy saying AYUN! AYUN! while pointing. I think she learn that from her classmate and she was so glad to used it at home. Even today while she was talking to her daddy over the phone she kept on saying ayun. Oh I love our little girl!

Stocks

I really want to learn about stocks. I know its a high risk investment but it's also yields a huge amount of earnings if you know how to play. I know with the global economic crisis still creating waves one should be a little bit cautious. But I also happen to remember someone said that when the economy is on a dip and everybody does not want to risk, prices of stocks are at low so its time to buy because eventually the stocks will go up and you would be on top. But of course, as a newbie I might as well used Power Option to help me in my decisions with stock. Also, I have to learn more about covered calls to protect my investments just in case I have decided to take the plunge in stock trading.