Havin' a baby

If it crossed your mind that I’m about to be a mom, well you’re absolutely wrong. Being one must be planned prudently and having one is not yet written in my priority lists. Yeah, I know I’m not getting younger anymore –the fact that I’ll be celebrating another year of existence next month, Yay!, should I be alarmed now? Nah!, Just to give justice to my blog title, here’s the reason why:

I went home last night nearly 12 midnight. I visited a friend who had just given birth and surprisingly found there our common friend who brought her 8 months old cuddly baby. It was nice to see them both and their cute and healthy little darlings. Now that the two were already moms considering I’m quite older in age, I find myself being left behind with their motherhood topics: how to cope up after giving birth, baby care tips, breast feeding techniques, where to find cheap but best baby brands, their experiences during labor and delivery, etc.. Whew! Since I’ve got nothing to share in concrete I just listened to their conversation instead. It’s indeed amazing how they were able to survive those rough moments and keep it going up to this point. Moms are real tough.

On my home, I just thought of this: Will I be a great mom in the future? Well, time can only tell.

X deal

For those who have crossed their fingers for me, big thanks!, really. You may free your hands now for good.

You now what I got in exchange to my first ever fifty pager souvenir program layout?? Ah oh, don’t ever think of money. Yea, I may be in need of such these days (well, who doesn’t need it, anyway?), I’m pretty sure what I got in return will make the less fortunate kids I’ve been visiting for three years - happy as I have imagined.

In exchange, my client will provide our club, Rotaract Club of Sampiro two hundred (200) pieces of children’s book to be given away this November to our adopted barangay in Ankileng, Sagada, Mountain Province. Not really bad. Right Tin-tin?

First draft

I was given two weeks to work on my first ever fifty pager souvenir program. At first, I was hesitant to accept it since it will consume most of my time and even steal some on my working paid hours. Here’s another thing, we haven’t talked how much I would charge them or if there would be any. Sigh. I was too shy to raise that topic since they’re one of the generous sponsors of our club. Well, I won’t hope for now (I’ll just keep my fingers crossed, lol).

I’ll meet the jurors tomorrow for my first draft. I had to admit that it was not easy to come up with such layout that would meet their expectations.

Well, say good luck to me then.

And one more, can you also keep your fingers for me? lol

On being truthful

Everyone is on rush hoping for a good catch ride to get home early. I was with my officemate (Love) then and while inside the jeepney (C5 road via Market – Market route) waiting for the exact numbers of passenger that would fit in, a dispatcher in his teen age kept on calling the attention of commuters with his very loud voice “Isa na lng!, Isa na lang!”

A lady with two white plastic bags was hastening from afar. Upon reaching, she hurriedly asked the dispatcher “Isa na lng?” The dispatcher stared at her from head to toe as if he’s examining the woman’s body built. She was kinda chubby and would definitely find herself uncomfortable including her would-be passengers if she would insist to ride. In a very straight manner he told the lady “Ah..Ma’am, the next jeep is right over there". The woman face turned no guilt as to what she just heard but instead went straight to the next jeep in line. The passengers inside the jeep including us looked at each others face as everyone finds their own way to laugh silently. I guess we laughed not because of how the lady looked but how the teenage dispatcher able to deliver what he said in honest and no offense meant way at all despite of his hesitant facial expression.

I just wished that all dispatchers should be that honest and conscious if the passenger body size can still be accommodated for everyone’s safe and comfy travel sake. After all we all pay for the same fare rate and that should grant us a snug seat.

Finally, the last would-fit-in-passenger came in and off we go.

A surprise visit on Father’s Day

Today is a special day for all fathers in the world. It is heartrending that I won’t see my father personally and spend the day with him in the province. What’s inside my wallet is just enough as my allowance until the next payday. I had tighten my budget to give way to our family’s major concern which they are aware of.

Before I went to bed last night, I texted papa and thanked him for being there for me always, with or without him physically at my side. I told him that I won’t make it on his special day but promised him to make it up by the end of this month, that sooner or later we’ll get of the probs we’re facing. He gladly replied me with these words: “thank you so much!”. I just thought that celebrating or remembering papa need not cost too much, that I don’t have to be with him in flesh just to make him feel how important he is. Simple text message straight from a loving daughter will make his heart big. And that’s what I did.

Innocently, Papa filed a leave from his work and traveled all the way to Makati to visit me. He tagged along Mama and CK, my nephew. I didn’t expect it. He even treated us out for lunch. I never thought that he would do that on his special day when I should the one who’s supposed to be doing it. I was so touched. Sigh. While sharing the food with them, I can’t help but to think of my would – be gift for Papa. I noticed my papa’s hand newly coated hand nails. To my dismay, his toe nails were not pleasant to look at. It definitely needs a pedicure. I asked him if he wanna have it done. He smiled and said “Yea, why not?” My mom even seconded that she wants a new haircut as well a new student boy cut for CK. So altogether we went to Index Hair Salon and have it all done there. It was nice to see them pampering themselves with new haircut and pedicure at not-so-expensive cost – reasonably priced within my means.

When it was their time for them to go home, I secretly handed papa a 1000 JPY I’ve been keeping to my wallet. Anna, my friend, gave it to me in exchange for peso during her recent visit to the Philippines. It may not that big amount but I know papa will keep it to his wallet as memento on father’s day.

*photo courtesy of http://www.foodandhealth.com/

Happy Independence Day!

In observance of the 109th Philippine Independence Day celebration, I am proud to post our Philippine flag i got from 3D Animated Flags--By 3DFlags.com. This is to give due respect to men and women who shed blood, sweet and tears to free us under the Spanish rule. This morning, I actively participated in singing of our National Anthem and even recited our Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas (English: Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag) held at Makati City Quadrangle together with my fellow public servants. For those Filipino bloggers who haven't done their share, here's your chance to showcase your national pride. Repost our Philippine flag and silently recite the pledge below.

Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas

Ako ay Pilipino

Buong katapatang nanunumpa

Sa watawat ng Pilipinas

At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag

Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan

Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang

Maka-Diyos Maka-tao Makakalikasan at Makabansa.

Happy Independence Day Filipinos!

Creative stuff for airsofters

I’m used of seeing different kinds of weaponry since my father was ex-military personnel. I spent my entire years of studying living in an area allocated for military dependents. Way back then, we need to pass two (2) military checkpoints before we could totally proceed to our everyday class which can be found outside the military camp. A six-by-six truck served as our school bus as public vehicles were not allowed inside the restricted area. Not only that, each of us should wear our dependent’s military tag as a valid identification especially when being checked by a military police on duty. The main camp gate closes at 8pm. Those who wishes to enter but unfortunately arrived beyond that time would have to endure the long walk to the partly pavement road going to his destination. Yea, those were the days – complying with the rules set forth by high ranking military officers. We’re born as "mess kit" children acting in accordance with military professionalism.

But looking at the other side of the coin, it did help me to develop my inner self in dealing with people in full battle gear. I have met peeps who find themselves scared of men-in-camouflage with their guns on which I have used to gotten since birth. My early exposure to fully armed men led me to involve myself to become one of the Philippine Military Reservists. I’m through with Military Orientation Training Course, Disaster Emergency Assistance and Response Training which were offered at 1303rd Community Defense Center Army Reserve Command in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Trainings are usually done in series of Sundays only as most of the participants are working on full time. Now that I completed the course, I have a plan of pursuing a new one. Hmm.. I don’t want to be on a real battle field ok?. I don’t want to die young and eventually end up my blogging career, lol.

I am thinking of a tactical hobby, like airsoft. I think it would be fun to try a life-like combat experience similar to that of a real world of soldiers except that guns used in airsoft are typically replicas of real firearms having the mechanism of pushing out 6-mm or 8-mm diameter projectiles. Some of my fellow reservists are into it now. Though I have my military battle dress uniforms and combat boots to wear on during the game, I still need more airsoft stuff to buy. I’ve got to have airsoft sport equipment that basically includes airsoft gun, airsoft pellets or plastic ball bearings (BB), safety goggles, and all sorts of tactical gear including vests, equipment holders, and gun accessories. Whew! That would entail a lot of money to dole out before I can get to start and even sustain my would-be hobby. Since I don’t have the financial capacity yet, I would rather go for finding ways and means to raise enough. Good thing that a certified gun hobbyist asked me to come up with custom-made sticker and badge for airsoft enthusiasts. He wants something unique that can be used as car decal signifying that the person on board is a certified airsoft addict. I suggested him to take a photo of him and used it as background for the text. Here are two of my artworks that he just recently approved:

bearing the logo of his airsoft group

personalized car sticker

Turikatoji - my Japanese sobriquet

I've been tagged by Imelda. Tnx sis!
1. OSWALD - moarimeikatate (sounds like america and states. har.... har... har...)
2. JUNELLE - zudotokutataku (Thank God I’m a Filipino! sounds like sadako. nyay! hehehe)
3. Sanilisa - arikatokitakiarika (Good for tongue twister challenge...hehehe)
4. Jeanne - zukukatotoku (sounds strange hahahha........ )
5. Juliana - zudotakikatoka (oh boy...i am glad that I am not Japanese :D It is difficult name for Juliana....LOL)
6. Janice Ng - ZuKatokimiku ToJi (not quite used to name starting with Zuka...haha)
7. MARZIE - Rinkashizikite (WOW! Very hard to pronounce but love that my Japanese name starts with an R!)
8. JEAN CHIA - Zukukato Mirikika (I love Mirikika! So cute!! ^^)
9. EMILA - Kurinkitaka (Yummy! Sounds like a sushi dish!)
10.FARAH - Lukashikari (I hate this name, it sounds like 'lu kasik kari' translated: you gave curry) hahahahah
11. DEBBIE - teku tutu kiku (lol! Sounds like 3 kawaii characters of a very cute Japanese anime! Love it!)
12.RATU SYURA - Shikachido Arifudoshika (Try saying that 10 times in a row without twisting your tongue!!)
13. Sam - Arikarin, Not bad. Luckily it is not Tamagochi.
14. Liza - Takizika (hehe, sounds like a tamagochi or digimon character)
15. Imelda - Ki-rin-ku-ta-te-ka (Kirinkutateka) sounds awful to me, glad to have not been in born in Japan
16. Bhang - I've chosen to translate my nick over my real name. Here's what i got - turikatoji (do i sound like I'm casting a spell?.. lol.)

Be a Japanese wannabe. I am tagging Anna, Wena, Se, Tin and Cameron.

Pleasures for less

counting what's left

Today is the start of my long weekend. I am glad that the celebration of Independence Day was moved on Monday. Thanks PGMA! Now what are up for me today? Since I just visited my old folks last week, I’m bound stay with Roomy (my pad) the whole non-working days. I have lots of time to be with myself doing cheaper thrills,lol. I’m on a tight budget right now due to the increasing price of basic commodities. I’d rather stay in place and not spend my hard earned money (as if have, lol) on pay-for-a-thrill pleasure to be entertained. Here are some of things that I lined up to do:

1. Go for hand wash –I decided not to have my dirty clothes not to be done at laundry shop only for this week. Beside the fact that it won’t weigh three (3) kilos which is the minimum, I also thought that it will be a great form of exercise doing it personally.

2. Unclutter personal belongings - I’d like to clean up my mess and reward Roomy a polished personal touch which I hadn’t done for almost a month due to my demanding weekend activities.

3. Movie Marathon – I got six (6) clear copies of movie to watch out for courtesy of my gracious officemate.

4. Chow trip – no worries If I get hungry, I am pretty sure enough that foodstuff stored in my personal refrigerator will definitely satisfy my grumbling tummy.

5. Bed rest – recompensing myself to take pleasure hugging my life size pillow for a long period of hours.

6. Time alone – give myself a break to find more quiet time contemplating my sense of self-worth.

Those listed may not sound pleasurable to others, but these I reckon would make me enjoy my own company.

How about you? What are your ways to keep yourself company for less?

My fountain of youth

I do love kids. I enjoy seeing them goofing around, fight over small stuff, envy each others toys and end up sharing the same. These are some of the usual scenarios whenever I visit my old folks place in Tarlac. Albeit my work is situated in Makati , I make it a point to block my calendar on weekends that will fall after the day I received my salary – my expected day of visits. I’ve got to have spare money in my pocket enough to buy pasalubong not actually for my parents or siblings but for my three nephews and two nieces who would definitely ask for it. Four of them are of the same age range – ages 2 to 3. The oldest will be turning 8 this year. I loved them. It’s a different feeling seeing them holding the grill of our gate as if they were like prisoners behind the bars, while waiting for me to arrive. Toys and goodies are my typical brought-home for them. I make sure that I have divided the stuff equally before I would hand it to each of them. You know.. just to prevent them from picking a fight.

My recent visit last week was a great one. I bought them bags with basic school supplies in preparation for the incoming class opening (lol). They ain’t going to school yet. The reason why I gave the little ones educational stuff is for them to start learning with their moms at home. They were so happy that you would see them carrying their own back packs while roaming inside the house. They even have their own spot where to bring out their papers and pencils to start their doodling time. I’m in a high spirit every time I see them – my fountain of youth, enjoying every little thing I got for them. Yea, not even one of them is mine, but the way they pleased my eyes is enough for me to say that they are my very own.

Here.. lemme share you their charming pix which I personally taken.

Cyan Kirk telling Alexa Moelah, her sister to face the camera

This is Emman wearing his personalized cap

Lorraine Ashley in her red and white dainty dress

Keight Andrei's own way of brushing his baby teeth

Back to work

Yea, Tadaima (I’m back!), in Japanese. I’m 85% in good health, yippee!. (I still have my disturbing cough). It’s time to unload my backlog and start the day with positive outlook. I’m taking one concrete step at a time while keeping my burning desire to take actions and be focused on my daily tasks. I’ll try to keep this momentum for good, uhm.. just try (lol).

I have nothing to write on for now. This is to just to update you guys of my health condition and at the same take a quick capsule of blogging, hehehe. Thanks to those who took their time to visit and wished me to get well. Biggie thanks!

‘Till my next dose..

Unwell

Lately, I noticed that the weather is unpredictable. There are days when the weather is fine then all of sudden the rain will pour – must be the effect of global warming. Tuesday before I went home, I felt like I’m getting sick. I’m worried If can make it early the following day since I was tasked to open the office. Yea, I was absolutely right. I found myself hard to drag up on my bed as my normal body temperature rose. I got totally sick. It’s good I was able to inform Rain, my officemate who’s leaving across my pad, to open the office on my behalf. Thanks Bes! (That’s how I call him)

Last Wednesday - the day I freed my office chair from my weekday’s sittings. I stayed the whole day in my pad. But as much as I want to take a good rest, I always end up waking up due to the giggling laugh brought about by the children playing right in front of my gate’s pad. I couldn’t ask them to refrain from doing so for I might misunderstood by their respective parents who were there also outside. I don’t want it to be the cause of the fire to flare up more so, start the fight with them. The result – the desire of getting enough rest became far from reality.

confined to bed

Thursday – thou I haven’t had enough to put my feet up, I decided to report for work. My eyes looked teary and feeling heavy that I can’t stare straight on my monitor. I closed my eyes, put on my jacket to keep me warm and rested for a while. That’s how my day was.

Weekend has gone by and I could somehow say that I’m getting fine. My only problem is having this productive cough that produces horrible phlegm and mucus. I had the feeling of constantly need to clear my throat. It’s kinda disturbing!. I had consumed one bottle of cough syrup but it never worked. It didn’t because I’m too wayward to supply my body with enough water and other liquids, such as fruit juices, which are probably the best cough syrups. These will surely help soothe my throat and also moisten and thin mucus so it can be coughed up more easily. I have to put the blame on me. I think it’s about time to put my body at work by giving more importance to myself. I admit, sometimes I neglect to treat myself with the highest degree of respect; that one affords a best friend speaks to the importance of considering oneself as one's own best friend.

I can't wait to say this to myself, "I am worthy enough for me to be kind to myself."

more tags

Another two (2) tags from Wena. Biggie thanks!

A. More About Me

Participants:Tere-Blessing in Life 2.Yen- Me and Mine 3.Aggie - Pink and Brown Diaries. 4. Mich - Random Thoughts 5. Vannie - FunFierceFab 6. Jane - My Charmed Life 7. Abie – Women Xplore 8. Jody - In This Game of Life 9. Eds – Just Me 10. something purple 11.vanity kit 12. em's detour 13. mind bubbles 14. In Demand Opinions 15. Sweet Lullaby 16. MJ's Hurrah17. Buzzing Around 18. Tasteful Voyage 19. A Mom's Note 20. moms..... check nyo 21. Technotrend 22. Ness 23.Filipino love stories 24. Lisa 25. Ester's Daily Thought 26.Missbodybeautiful 27. My Daily Thoughts and Moods 28. Uncomplicated 29 Blueaficionado

1. What do you want for your birthday?next year?

A healthy family and out of the country travel experience.

2. Who will be your next kiss?

My dada

3. When was the last time you went to the mall?

Thursday, market-market

4. Are you wearing socks right now?

Nah, just my pink topsider

5. How did you spend your summer?

Summer outing with my officemates in Pagudpod and Zambales. Outreach project in Sagada

6. Have you been to the cinema in the last 5 days?

Nope.

7. What was the last thing you had to drink?

Warm water coz I'm coughing.

8. What are you wearing right now?

Pink blouse, black skirt and blue jacket

9. What was your last purchase?

two (2) boxes of nacho chips.. dip later..

10. What was the last food you ate?

Sautéed sayote with ground beef, fried fish and rice

11. Who would be the person you would call if you were up in the middle of the night and couldn’t sleep?

Anna, but since she's in Japan now.. my dada is next to her

12. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?

Yea, a blue Abercrombie & Fitch collared shirt

13. Do you have a pet?

I used to, but not now.

14. What made you laugh in the last 5 days?

My nieces and nephews

15. If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?

London..(lol)

16. What is the last thing you purchased online?

Nah.

7. One thing you hate about yourself?

Nothing..uhm.. i guess my being too scared of earthworms. I find myself so over reacting whenever I see one. What i can do? I can't stand it. I swear!

18. Do you miss anyone?

Yea, my classmates during college days

l9. What are your plans for the day?

to update my assigned workload in GIS

20. Last person you sent message?

My dada

21. Ever went to a camp?

Yeap, Girl scout days

22. Are you a good student in school?

I guess so...since I consistently belong in cream section

23. What do you know about the (your) future?

That I'll be able to achieve everything I have written and posted on my dreamboard

24. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?

cologne

25. Where is/are your best friend/s right , now?

She's in Japan for now.



B. It's All About You and Me

Here's is another one.

RULES:1. Add your blog/s to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs. It’s okey if you only post this questions in one blog as long as you answer them.2. Get back to ME{refers to YEN} and I’ll add your blogs to the master’s list here! Yup, another linking thingy but this one has 15 questions and you get to enjoy answering them too!3. Tag as many friends online you know. But you don’t need to be tag in order to join.

QUESTIONS:

1. When you buy a greetings card, are the words or the picture more important to you?

the words

2. What’s your favorite kind of cake?

chocolate

3. Do you ever make gifts for people, if so what, or do you buy them?

It depends on my mood

4. What’s your favorite holiday?

Christmas Day-slash-Mama's-Birthday

5. Are you going on holiday this year?

I hope so

6. What was the best party you’ve ever been to?

My friend's birthday party

7. If you are married, describe your wedding. If not, what would your ideal wedding be like.

Simple yet a remarkable one. Like being married barefooted along the shoreline of China sea. (lol)

8. What’s the most romantic thing that’s ever happened to you?

I got surprised when my ex-bf transformed his room into a romatic dating place on my birthday.

9. What’s your favorite girl’s name?

My would-be daughter's name - Xyz Aia

10. What’s your favorite boy’s name?

My would-be son's name - Kinno Elijah

11. Which celebrity would you like a dream date with?

George Clooney

12. Which female celebrity do you find beautiful?

Angelina Jolie

13. Which male celebrity do you think is attractive?

Piolo Pascual

14. What is your best character trait?

friendly

15. What is your worst habitmoody/senstive?

procrastinating

Now your turn!!!The Master’s List:1. Me and Mine 2.Creative In Me 3.Little Peanut 4. Pea in a Pod 5. Sugar Magnolias 6. 6. A Life in Bloom 7. Because Life is a Blessing 8. Nita’s Random Thoughts 9. Nita’s Corner 10. Nita’s Ramblings 11. Thomas Web Links 12. Thomas Travel Tales 13. Great Finds and Deals 14. Make Money Online 15. Recipe Collections 16. My Wandering Thoughts 17. Filipino Online Community 18. Famous Lyrics Collections 19. Thomas Digital Services 20. Bohol Paradise 21. PRC Board Exam Results 22. My Paperless Writings 23. As The World Turns 24. My BIG Picture 25. When Silence Speaks 26. Felicity’s Vision 27. Bienvenue `a la Noryfel 28. Inday’s Kitchen 30. My Life 31. My Life in this Wonderful World! 32.Me,Myself+2 33.FunFierceFabulous 34. Supermodel Wannabe 35. kathycot dot com 36. buhaymisis.com 37. ISL Family 38. D’ Cooking Mudra 39. Pinoy MeriendaClassics Atbp 40. Uncomplicated 41. My Life with Mel and Thea 42. Bluaficionado 43.you're next!



I'm passing these tags to Anna, Cameron, Girlie.