Thankful Thursday

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As I am writing this post, I still feel the effects of working on graveyard shift but I am grateful because I was physically able to report to work last night.

I am thankful I have a job. I am thankful, though it’s not the world’s highest paying job, for the chance to look forward to every payday that comes when I can collect money to help my BH take care of the cookie bills.

It also dawned on me that everytime I say "I'm tired", it means I am physically able to perform some work during my shift.

I am thankful for this job. It has taught me – and is still teaching me the value of hard work, patience and perseverance.

I'm grateful, despite having moments when I feel like changing job, to be a part of a company that helps in making communication available to everyone - regardless of socio-economic status, religion, race - in this country.

Ice cream is hot

Banana Split. Coffee Crumble. Cookies ‘n Cream. Very Rocky Road. You’re right, these are yum, yum, yummy ice cream flavors.

I will not deny that, although I am trying to keep my sugar intake in moderation (but failing at times!), I love, love and simply love ice cream.

But who doesn’t? I have yet to meet a regular person that, without as much as a single thought, can resist the temptation of these heavenly melts-in-the-mouth goodies. Really.

But by regular person, I mean someone who is 2 year old and above. Because in reality, I already met a person whose mouth doesn’t water by the mere mention of ice cream. He is none other than my 22-month old son. No kidding.

Matt doesn’t like ice cream. He doesn’t scurry to get a spoon when he sees me produce a bucket. When I’d offer him some, he would only wrinkle his nose, turn his head away and say, “Hot.”

Oh, cute. Surely, it is hot! A hot seller!

But I have the feeling that that was not what he meant. But then I do not really know what he meant by that. What I do know is, he really would not take any of it. Not even when I bring a spoonful close to his mouth so he can readily taste its creamy goodness. I have practically tried all sorts of enticement (not that I encourage him to gorge on ice cream but just to test and see his reaction), but all resulted to the same response.

I am not half as concerned as I’m wondering.

Must he think these “hot” sellers are really hot, like soup is hot, because of the puffs of “smoke” that visibly waft from ice cream buckets? Or that an ice cream must feel hot (for him) because of the somewhat burning sensation caused by ice* when it hits the tongue? Other than these two theories, I am happily clueless.

Anyhow, it’s okay. It’s actually more than fine with me. If he won’t take any of it, that’s excellent. I just hope he won’t still do by the time he’s 5 years old and up. That would save us a lot of cash and dentist trips J

*My boy here doesn’t like ice either.

Wordless Wednesday: Wired World

Desktop Free View

This desktop show was a tag from Maiylah. So....

Tadaaaa! Presenting my screenshot.

Yup, this is how my desktop in the office looks like. That's my BH and my kid there. The PDF files are manuals I use at work almost everyday (*throat clearing*). The brown icons nearest my kid (and other two at top right) are also work-related apps (excuse me..). Okay, okay, that's still not an excuse of this, this...

Ah nooooo, don't tell me my icons are in total disarray :-) because I already know that. Chuckle.

Now, I'm tagging: Grace, Ana, Annie and Melanie.

[TAG STARTS HERE]

My Desktop Free View Instruction:

A. Upon receiving this tag, immediately perform a screen capture of your desktop. It is best that no icons be deleted before the screen capture so as to add to the element of fun.You can do a screen capture by:

[1] Going to your desktop and pressing the Print Scrn key (located on the right side of the F12 key).

[2] Open a graphics program (like Picture Manager, Paint, or Photoshop) and do a Paste (CTRL + V).

[3] If you wish, you can “edit” the image, before saving it.

B. Post the picture in your blog. You can also give a short explanation on the look of your desktop just below it if you want. You can explain why you preferred such look or why is it full of icons. Things like that.

C. Tag five of your friends and ask them to give you a Free View of their desktop as well.

D. Add your name to this list of Free Viewers with a link pointing directly to your Desktop Free View post to promote it to succeeding participants.

List of those who participated in the tag:

iRonnie

skippyheart

thesserie

domlawrenceosb

sasha-says

maiylah’s snippets

verb

your link post here

[TAG ENDS HERE]

30 Things

Because I just turned 30, I’m going to run-down a list of 30 things I learned as a parent.


I have learned…


1. that the best way to take care of the baby inside me is to take care of myself.


2. that I have to take care myself to be able to take good care of the baby who’s already outside of me.


3. that I have the ability to make milk, change diapers or baby clothing and rock the baby while still half-asleep.


4. to smile while changing poopy diapers.


5. to say goodbye to 8-hour or more sleep, to be thankful and contented with a 6-hr sleep, and to survive through days with even less than 5-hour sleep.


6. that mushy left-over of the baby won’t make my stomach ache.


7. that spotting shards of glass on the floor can make you think “where’s my kid?”, “could he be hurt?” and a thousand other thoughts even when the baby is safely tucked in your arms. Panicky or forgetful? Maybe both.


8. that it only takes ONE kid to tear a house apart.


9. to pray more (and it’s not just because of #8).


10. to be a child once again. To play more, sing nursery songs more, eat baby food…


11. love what my kid loves. So if my kid loves Leelard the Lizard, then why can’t I?


12. to say I love you a hundred (or more) times a day. (This also implies repeating everything I say a hundred or more times. Wink! )


13. Kids are so imaginative. A squash is a ball, a calculator is a phone,

a fork is a screwdriver, etc.

14. to be imaginative too. That’s why I call medicines as “vitamins that make one well.” Wink.


15. to be constantly on a look-out for safe product alternatives to be used at home.


16. to get everything done – do the laundry, scrub the floor, prepare meals, wash the dishes and baby’s bottles, yaddi, yadda- in a jiffy (while the baby sleeps).


17. that it is possible to take “power baths” in less than 5 minutes.


18. to appreciate my parents –especially my mother more and more each day. (Pregnancy and childbirth are not easy.)

19. not to complain or laugh so hard when kid farts (he did while I was listing this!)


20. that it is awful to leave a crying child in tantrum alone, but it’s more awful if you had screamed and hurt him because you did not leave.


21. that lights are lifesavers, they have he power to stop baby’s tears.


22. that a kiss can make the pain “gone na” (disappear).


23. that the sweetest thing on earth is a child’s I love you.


24. that there is nothing more touching than his “Sowee.”


25. that at any given time, there is no more pleasant music than the laughter of a child.


26. that there is nothing more distressing to a parent than having a sick child.


27. that there is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing him cry.


28. that there is nothing more heartwarming than seeing him smile.

29. that a parent makes the bed, prepares the kids to bed, gets them to bed but sometimes never makes it to bed himself/herself.


30. that there is nothing more fulfilling and daunting than parenthood.


31. that sweat-soaked head can still smell sweet. (Sound like a tongue twister. Lol)


How about you, what have you discovered about parenthood?

WFM interviews me

What Works for Mom's Blog had this little blog go-around. Below are the questions she asked me and my answers to them.


Leave me a comment saying “Interview me.” I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions. If you don’t have a valid email address on your blog, please provide one. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

1) Which do you like dislike more: shopping for new jeans or going to the dentist?

A: I do not really dislike going to a dentist - I honestly like them more than the rest of medical practicing peeps (no offense meant). But a few months ago, when I went to one and had amalgamation done on me, it made me a little teary-eyed.

Now who hates shopping? (I only do when I'm short of cash!)

2) What is one thing you'd like to accomplish by Friday?

A: At work, to start cracking some macro again (which is already long overdue). At home, housework, housework and more housework.

3) What's the worst or best advice you were ever given?

A: The Best (and worst) Corporate Advice - That corporate advice #1 says: The boss is always right. That advice #2 (and after) says: If I should have other concerns/complaints, I should always refer to rule#1.

(This really shouldn't be taken seriously. In fact this is supposedly our standing joke in the office. But this one ironically ceases to be funny at worst times - times when you know and experienced the truth in it. Best because it's true; and worst because it definitely is true! It's a worst truth. If taken seriously, that is.)

4) How full is your glass?

A: Brimming (with lemon-chamomile tea!). And I'm thinking of one lovely cycle, you pour out love and love be poured unto you.

5) Where (other than home) would your ruby slippers take you?

A: To this wondrous place where when I pop open my sleep-ridden lids in the morning, the first thing I see is both my BH and my kid's expectant faces (for breakfast :-D). A place where I could feel the warmth of them sleeping beside me and hear the melody of their snores before I drift off to ZZZland at night.

Thankful Thursday

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On my way to the office, I was thinking about what I should be writing in this TT post. I had few things in mind then. But these few things quickly evaporated before the car rolled to a halt in front of our office building.

Few comments from my passenger - who is also my father, did that. I will not say what these comments are but suffice to say that I honestly felt hurt. I know I must be scowling when I got in the office early this morning [and I’m just glad no one, maybe except the guards, saw the stormy look on my face then].

So hurt was I that as I opened my email, I was really ready to cry. But I did not. Actually, I forgot all about crying the moment I started reading the messages in my inbox. They were encouraging messages that help dispel the gloomy mood I was in. Thanks, thanks a lot. And thanks to my friends who sent the mails.

Later in the morning, I had this conversation with an officemate. We were having a casual chitchat about parenting when she said, “Good for you that you still have your parents to help you out... I don’t have that luxury…” That hit a chord. At a moment when I was feeling unhappy with my father, that really got me [and thanks to this officemate].

I was reminded once again of the value of maintaining good relationship with my folks. I was reminded of the unconditional love they’ve given us –their kids, of how they sacrificed their needs just so they could give us a better life. I know they didn't have an easy life, what with five kids to take care of. But they are always there for each one of us.

Try as I might now, I couldn’t remember a time in my life when I needed them that they were not there. I really couldn’t imagine not having them around. They helped, guided and supported me.

I was able to celebrate my 30th birthday because they are instruments of my existence. After 3 decades, nothing has changed. They are still helping and supporting me every single day.

I’m really forever grateful to them. For everything I have now, it’s because of them. Oh yes! They are important. However hurt I may feel at the moment over some comments my father made, will not make him not less important (because he will always be). And I know those comments as before will soon be forgotten and will soon be a part of the past.

Okay, we may disagree and hurt each other at times. But whatever happens, it will never change the plain and simple truth that they are my parents and they are family, that they are part of me as I am part of them, and that they love me as much as I love them.

Of that, I’ll always feel blessed. And I am thankful. Nothing will ever change that.

Wordless Wednesday - 7th largest Mall in the World

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Tackle It- Tuesday

I was home all day yesterday but I didn't get much housework done. Reason: I had a terrible headache and my body felt so sore everywhere. I'm so glad I have my mother to help me with everything. I was also able to get much-needed sleep - thanks to her.

And sleep does make wonders. Today, I'm back working. Actually I just came off from my shift.

After I put the last period on this post, I'll be heading to the grocery to pick up some supplies, mostly for my son. Formula. Diapers. Detergent. And other basic necessities.

When I get home, after the grocery trip, I hope I still have enough time to vacuum the car (badly, badly needs it!). If I couldn't, I hope I could do that before the week ends.

And then there are clothes that need to be returned back to the closet. And floor to disinfect.

How about you, what's on your to-do list today?

Celebrity Blogs

So I’m a blogaholic. I write. I comment. I read. I must say more often than I should.

Sometimes, for me, it’s a case of too little time, too many blogs (to read). But there are plenty of interesting blog sites around that my list of must-read sites is ever increasing. These are blogs of mothers, of writers, of friends and of people who want to inform, to share and to give us a glimpse of their lives.

And some of these are written by personalities that lead “more than ordinary” lives.

• Lea Salonga. Singer extraordinaire, theater actress, wife and a mother to Nicole. She's one of the finest voices in this country and one of my favorite as well. The Broadway Musical Miss Saigon catapulted her to fame and earned her numerous awards. She, who's the (singing) voice of Princess Jasmine from Disney's Aladdin, writes about motherhood and Broadway among others.
  


• Ala Paredes. Singer, artist, VJ and model. I just love the way she writes, she's very articulate. I love her spunk and her honesty, too. Her poignant post about Dalai Lama’s visit to Sydney is so inspiring and thought-provoking.

• Jim Paredes. Singer and composer. He is a member of the legendary trio, the Apo Hiking Society. He writes about family, his observations, and a gamut of other topics. Jim also writes regularly for one of the country's leading newspaper.

• KC Concepcion. The well-traveled commercial model and daughter of the Megastar (although she definitely did not become a mere shadow of her mom, I can't help including that bit- my apology) shares about her adventures in Paris (where she recently graduated), and her trips to New York, Switzerland, etc... By far, hers is the only blog I found that gets as much as 300-plus comments on a post.
  

• Bianca Gonzalez. Model and aspiring director. After her much-talked about stint in the Big Brother house, she has concentrated more on TV hosting jobs. Blogging since 2003, she's written so many posts already about her life, on and before the limelight.
  
  

Welcome Blogaholics!

DO you constantly think about blogging? Can't you keep away from blogging? Maybe you've become an addict. A blogging addict. Like me.

Some call it blogaholic (which makes me wonder if there's also a Blogaholic Anonymous somewhere around here). But how do you know if you truly are one?

You are a certified blogaholic...

…when you think of blogging all the time. Come hell and high waters, you still think about blogging.

…when you cannot stand the idea of an empty page or date skipping (of post). That really bothers you no end.

…when you spend most your Internet time reading blogs, commenting and writing your own post.

…when you are supposedly working on that memo the boss requested, but still. Or when coffee and lunch breaks are skipped are spent in a rush, so you’ll have lots of blogging time.

…when you are off to a vacation, you insist on bringing a laptop even when there’s already an excess of baggage. Or when you are on vacation with no access to Internet, you fret and fidget and get frustrated because you are unable to blog.

…if family members will instantly (and maybe in unison) give the “home but busy tweaking templates” answer everytime someone asks about you.

…when you are still glued to blogging even while your kid tries every tactic to get your attention. Okay, you’re stopping now because she’s tugging at your shirt already.

…when you find yourself mentally blogging while walking down a busy street. You are already mentally constructing sentences for your next post.

…if your partner will teasingly comment on the time you spend infront of the PC blogging. In fact, the casual greeting is slowly replaced by added with “So, how’s the blog?”

…when your partner has invited you, not once or twice or thrice but for the umpteenth time already, to go to bed yet here you are still tapping the keyboards, finishing a post.

…or when everyone is asleep, you sneak out of bed, stealthily tiptoe to your PC and softly tap on the keyboards. I can just imagine the resolute control you exert on your every movement so as not to make any sound, because you made it clear that no one should stay past their bedtime hah!

…when after ten sentences and you think you’re already done but you still keep going and going and going. Not to mention that you are still doing this in the wee hours of the morning.

...when you try, short of sticking toothpicks on your eyelids, to fight off sleep just to blog. You definitely must be sleep blogging already.

…if before closing your eyes, the last thing on your mind, is definitely blogging. You could be thinking what to right next or whether your recent post will make much impact on the readers.

…when for you, blogging has become synonymous to breathing

…when you are still reading this now, and smiling while doing so. Boy, you just can relate!

P.S. Please don’t worry, you are not alone.

Shaking hands with Frustration

The beauty of this somewhat odd living arrangement I have with my BH is the fact that business trips could sometimes bring both of us together in each other’s arms. And all for free.

One unappealing part though is the chance that we would never see each other’s shadow despite being in the same town. Like what happened years back when he’d flown in from Japan and was waiting for another flight to take him to Cebu while 20-minute ride away, I was spending the night alone in a hotel room.

And it happened again few days ago. We both were on business trips. It was Sunday afternoon when a flight took me to Manila. That very same afternoon, but from a different origin, he also took a flight bound for the same destination.

So there we were just few minutes ride from each other; I, in a hotel room somewhere in the business capital of Manila and he, in his hotel room less than an hour ride away from me. As neither of us felt safe hopping on a taxi at night and taking a trip in a not-too-familiar city, we dejectedly remained where we were.

And at that moment, I came face to face with a buddy named Frustration.

Gifts Galore

I received a present this morning. Isn’t that sweet?

This came from my sister, the youngest one in the brood of five. She’s found employment already (her first job after graduating last March) and she’s starting to enjoy the first fruits of her labor now. Consequently, we are also enjoying some because she’s sharing it with us.

And more on gifts, look what I found my sister’s room.

A box of red, red roses from Flowers Express- that's what! (I only took a shot of the lid because it simply is not mine and I'm really not at liberty to show the real contents).

And yes, that’s my sister who gave that undergarment. But no, I wasn’t snooping. (Ok, maybe I was snooping a little. Lol). But the box was lying on top of her cabinet/dresser for all the world to see. And these flowers came from her boyfriend who works away from home. Mmmm, another long distance love-affair.

But flowers delivered right at your doorstep is…wonderful. Really, really sweet!

Thankful Thursday

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The past few days were a series of trips for everyone in the family (all except my son). First, there’s my brother’s wedding. Then, there's the individual business trip to Manila, for me and my BH.

Last Friday, everyone, including my brother and his bride-to-be wife, was supposed to board the earliest flight to Manila had things gone as planned. As it was, their flight was cancelled and moved to a later time because of aircraft mechanical trouble. Thankfully though, they were able to board at 5:30PM after an 11-hour delay. That was looong but that was better. More than that would have been difficult; it would have prompted the to-be-wed to postpone the wedding as it would be impossible for them to make it to their destination because of the good 7-hour land trip following the plane ride.

But very early on the wedding day itself, they safely arrived in La Union, where the wedding ceremony would be held. Thanks, thanks be to God.

I’m also thankful that my brother finally found his lifelong partner. May their union be blessed now and for always.

I’m thankful that while everyone was away, I was able to manage the goings on in our house. And that I survived that first night when I was home alone with my son, who was a little sick.

I’m thankful for my BH’s sister for keeping me company the second night.

I’m thankful that my parents, my mother’s brother and my sister made it safely back home.

I'm thankful that while I was out myself, I have my mother -as always- to take care of my son. I was really worried sick when she called me that Matt had fever. But the thought that I got my mother to attend to him was reassuring.

I’m thankful that (although we were not able to see each other there) my and my BH’s trip to Manila went well and that we arrived safely back to our bases.

I’m thankful that kiddo Matt has no fever since yesterday. Thanks God.

Whew! So there. It really feels good counting my blessings. Have a blessed week everyone.

Wordless Wednesday: Trio

Tacke It - Laundry (again)

Just arrived at home from an out-of-town trip. I'm a little tired and sleepy and my ears still hurt. I've already finished unpacking my clothes, which I did somewhat mechanically and I badly needed to take a short nap but couldn't afford to do so at this time. (And what am I doing infront of the PC?)

But really, my son's laundry are already screaming; the piles of clothes do need my immediate attention. Haaayy, I couldn't believe they could get this high in barely two days. And so, I have to keep this short and get out of here now.

Oh pretty pleeeaaaase

Can anyone get me a shirt that says


Last night, my brother (and yes that's the lieutenant who's going to get married this Saturday) bluntly asked me, Da, buntis ka? (Are you pregnant?)

Ouch! That sounded like a bomb.

And that also reminded me of something I stumbled into a few days ago.

No, don't get me wrong. I'm not really against the thought of getting pregnant but to be mistaken as one when I'm absolutely not is... not much of a pleasant music to my mousey ears. But then, the truth - almost always -is very much like that. Aaaargh!

Anyway, as I was writing this, I was thinking, so how about working on the second child. Maybe I really should start planning on that. Now, folks, there's no need to get too excited as I only said to start planning. Grin, grin.

Thankful Thursday

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Thursday once again. Time does fly real fast.

I'm thankful for the chance to see my son smile, hear his laughter, listen to his seemingly endless babble. For the chance to hug and kiss him and exchange Iloveyous with him.

He is definitely a gift from God. A living proof of His love. And through my son, He has shown me what it's like to love unconditionally, without reservations.


Although he has the ability to make me want to open my mouth wide and scream like a madwoman, I have to thank God for that too. Because through Matt, He is helping me learn become more patient and understanding. And I am truly humbled.

Hairy days are here again

How fast time flies and it's September already. My favorite time of the year. Actually, it just starts from here and rolls until early January.

One reason is when the month ends "ber", I'm kind of reminded that Christmas is just around the bend. Thinking about (and anticipating of) the Yuletide Season never fails to bring "that anticipating" smile on my face and a childish sparkle in my eyes. BTW, I've heard few Christmas carols over the air few days back.

Another is, it is at this time of the year when my favorite tropical fruits come aplenty. Mangosteen. Jackfruit. Mangoes. Lanzones. Rambutans. And a lot more.

These are rambutans and I've been eating plenty of these these days. Hairy, spikey, succulent rambutans (the spikes are not sharp though). In Malay, the language of Malaysia where this fruit is widely known to have originated, rambut means hair. Thus, the name.


This fruit also goes by the name of hairy cherry or hairy fruit. In Vietnam, they call it Chôm-Chôm. When the rind is ripped off, it will show a luscious whitish flesh which is distinctly sweet and juicy.

Wordless Wednesday: The lieutenant with my tenant

Tackle It - Net Break

My tackle today is not much. But it's actually one of those easier-said than-done things. At least, that's that to me.


But I needed to do this today as I am not much up to some surfing. Gotta rest my eyes for awhile. I've been feeling funny after not getting much sleep last night (and then have to wake up so early to fetch my brother, who's in town with his bride-to-be, from the airport this morning). Home is really abuzz with activity, what with the upcoming wedding and travel plans.


So I wanted to spend as little time as possible blogging. Or net-watching.


Catch'a later.

Stop the banging now

Kablam! Is your precious one doing it again? Wonder of all wonders, but they surely like to play close-open with the doors.


So is the slamming of the door already getting on your nerves? Are you head-over-heels worried that those cute little fingers would eventually get caught in between? Oh well, you are not alone.


But over at HowToMe, I found the cheapest way to put a stop to all that banging and slamming. And the answer is obviously a door stopper!

For more neat ideas, head over at HowToMe.

Quoted

L o v e is an act of endless

f o r g i v e n e s s.

-Jean Vanier

Make it last

I washed tons of clothes this morning. All of my son’s (I prefer to do his, by myself – despite the cleaners who come every Saturday to do the laundry). Pajamas, shirts, short pants - handwashed them all (because I also prefer to do that). Relieved sigh.

But before they could be wear-able again, there’s another batch waiting for my attention. Tons. All of his. Again. Sigh.

Did he have that much clothing? Yes.

Did I buy him all that? No. Definitely not.

In fact, I haven’t shopped for Matt’s garments for nearly a year now, which I understand seems impossible when you have a fast-growing kid at hand.

So how come he has more than he could wear in a year’s time? Hand-me-downs.

Ah. Of course.

Actually, some were Christmas presents, most are hand-me-downs. Matt is really lucky to have 2 older cousins who are his “source” of clothing.

And no, I’m not having any issues with that because I grew up using hand-me-downs from my cousins and even from my brother. So, if there’s another baby coming in the family, mine or my brother’s or my cousin’s (whichever comes first- hehe), expect that I’ll also be handing some (of Matt’s), too.

And that also means taking care of the clothes - and prolonging their life - is a crucial matter.

So now, I will run down a list of ways to do that.

Ø Do not bleach.

Ø Or you could use alternative bleach.

Ø Common stain-busters:

1. Bubble gums. Put ice over the area where a gum was stuck. When gum has hardened, carefully remove the gum.

2. Blood. Soak in a solution of hot water + salt or baking soda or white vinegar.

3. Grease. A mixture of hot water + white vinegar or dishwashing liquid or shampoo will take care of this. BTW, putting a little shampoo over the area in the neckline with that hard-to-remove-dirt greatly helps.

4. Rust. Soaking in soda water or Sprite/7Up softdrink.

5. Mama's lipstick. Dab (do not rub!) alcohol or ammonia on affected area. Dishwashing paste could help eliminate stain, too.

Ø If you must use commercial bleach or chlorine, do not leave clothes longer than necessary or overnight in the solution as this can weaken the fabric.

Do not brush shirts and other delicate items. Ah, this reminds me of a cute towel, which now has runs and loose threads hanging because one of our cleaners inadvertently washed it with the brush. =(

Do not wring. This will deform fabric. You may squeeze the water by folding the newly washed item into four (or whichever is possible) and putting the folded item in between your hand. That’s that.

Ø -As a rule of the thumb, coloreds and whites should be washed separately. But tell you what, I don’t follow this sometimes. I do wash them together, but if and only if I am very sure that the colored material I am bringing in will not bleed. If you’re not sure, then don’t. Never assume, please.

Ø Also, dry coloreds and whites separately.

Ø So you can retain original color for the longest period, do not dry colored items under direct sunlight. Since the sun is a powerful bleaching agent, if you must, dry them inside-out.

Ø If you use plastic hanger for drying, feel for uneven edges or sharp excess that flimsy materials like silk, polyester could easily get caught with and cause a run on them. Cotton materials are rarely harmed by these though.

Ø Now, I like to put fabric conditioner on clothes, because it makes them easier to press and the conditioner keeps the clothes smelling good even when stored for long. But if, like me, you are wary because the scent might not be too kid-friendly, you could opt for baking soda. Or you could use baby soaps before the last rinse.

Ø When pressing, adjust iron temp according to make. Almost always, iron manufacturers include a guide to this.

Ø A fabric that seems to gather lint is best ironed inside-out. To remove lint (and if you do not have a lint-remover), you could use plain old scotch tape.

Ø Lastly, always read care instructions.

Not goodbye

It must have been there in my phone for so long already. T'was an SMS from a friend. She was asking me about the mechanics of an email time bomb. Specifically, how to plant it.

No, wait! *Hands in the air* I am not in the payroll of the Al Qaeda. Nor am I of violent nature. I am very much a peace-loving human being; I could even hardly harm a fly.

By email time bomb, I was only referring to an email that will be sent at a preset time - your chosen time.

Anyway, she was asking. And I very well know what that meant. I know, even without having seen the content, that the email was going to be a farewell of sorts. (I have yet to see it when I get back in the office)

But I'm aware that she and her family have already packed their bags for a big move. Few days from now, they will be moving out of this country to start anew in a new land. They will be flying off to foreign soil. Off to bigger opportunities. To a better life.


So... Sniff, sniff. But no. I'm truly happy for them. And I'll always remember... Okay, I'm stopping myself right at this minute before I drown everyone in my melodrama.

But before that, I have to say something (even if I'm not sure she's gonna read this but then I might just send her the link. No?). So... Mmmmm. Goodluck! I hope for the best for everyone in the family. We'll see you around.

There I finally said it. I am really not so good with goodbyes so there'd be none of that.

Her cute daughters, with Matt