Giveaway: Deceptively Delicious

An Island review will be giving out 2 copies of the Deceptively Delicious book to two lucky winners picked at random. So here's to hoping one will land on my hands. Smile.

Maybe you'll be lucky too :D, so try and head over the place. Deadline is on the 19th of October. Hali ka na!

Supporting WhyMommy

Yes, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And a timely thing has happened - I found one wonderful blog that has so touched me. It's WhyMommy's.

On this note, I'm also joining

to build the Wall of Support for her as well as those others who are also fighting this deadly disease.

I also thought to pass this blog bling,

which Melanie at Our Happy Happenings gave me few days back to WhyMommy for inspiring many women -me included- with your courage through your poignant posts.

Things that scare me

There are times in our lives when our hands would get clammy and we’d feel queasy in the stomach. We would shiver and get goose-pimply all over. We’d have our heart pounding a hundred beats per second. We’d lose the natural healthy color on our face and in its place would be a ghastly ashen look. Or we would be restless, anxious and apprehensive. There are also times when we would be just silent and in thoughtful countenance, but nervous all the same. On few occasions, we couldn’t help but let out either a short yelp or a blood-curdling scream, depending on the impact of a certain stimulus on us. But these reactions are just few of the tell-tale signs of fear.

Needless to say, the factors/stimuli that trigger these reactions vary from one individual to another. So, let me just speak for myself and list down some of the things/events that make me feel these .

Blood and mutilated bodies of animals (humans included). Just the mere mention of these sends chills down my spine so I will not elaborate.

Driving. Maybe it's just me or maybe it's driving this side of the globe that makes driving a nightmare. But really, I am battling against this nightmare. I hope the face-your-fear-to-conquer-it works because I’ve been traveling with this fellow nicknamed Fear and facing him almost everyday for almost a year but the feeling of apprehension every time I take the wheel has not waned one bit! Maybe one day soon, I’d figure out a way to unbuckle and drop him off the road.

My son, or what he does. Sometimes, what he does is too much for a mother’s heart. Example, he likes to hurl himself head first at our walls (which explains why we have cushions placed on some parts of our bedroom walls). Much to my concern, he is also fascinated with electric outlets and likes to explore them when he can find the chance to. (No, outlet covers don't work because he knows how to manipulate them.) Then, he loves dogs. But how can something so endearing such as affection plants terror in a mother's heart, you may ask. He loves dogs so much so that he would chase even stray dogs with every intention to hug them, which in turn makes me bolt and run after him while shouting "Matt, rabies!!!" But except for these things (and some more others :D), he is a very adorable boy who gets so much fun seeing terror in my eyes likes to laugh and play around.

Quick note: Parenthood, they say, is really not for the faint of heart and (I might just add) slow in action so then I have no choice but to be strong and quick.

Losing my sight. The prospect of going blind terrifies me. I cannot imagine waking up one day and seeing the world in total darkness. I cannot imagine not being able to see the lights and the colors around me. I cannot imagine not seeing the the gamut of expressions on the faces of people I interact with everyday, most especially my loved ones. Are they frowning? Smiling? Is there a twinkle in their eyes? Not being able to see all that would be pure torture to me.

Losing my memory. I dread of being afflicted with the Alzheimer’s disease. Imagine the feeling of not knowing anything, even who you are. Scary.

Mosquitoes. It’s a wonder that something so small could cause me anxiety and sleepless nights! But they do scare me more than cockroaches. First reason why I feel skittish and could hardly sleep when I hear a buzzing sound is, these tiny vampires are the culprit behind Dengue and Malaria - deadly diseases which are prevalent in tropical countries like the Philippines.

Second reason is, in my mind they are deadlier and that they could be more than just Dengue and Malaria carriers - these bloodsuckers could be AIDS carriers, too! I know, I know it’s the world’s most ridiculous thought ever conceived but I’ve been thinking, what difference is the needle or an IV from the proboscis (needle-like mouth of a female mosquito)? What if a mosquito bit someone afflicted with AIDS then gets on to its next victim- me, perhaps? Surely it could transmit AIDS! Of course, I've realized that my theory is totally unfounded and way off tangent; and truth is, I've certainly found all the reason(s) to make me believe that that’s simply impossible but a paranoid little voice inside me still asks what if?

***

Written for the October Write-Away Contest over at Scribbit. If you're interested to join - you still have time since deadline is still on Wednesday October 17, so hali ka na, come and join the fun.

Thanks #2

Maiylah, who writes at Life Snippets and who posts beautiful shots of this and that (she's really a great photographer) gave me this.




Thanks, Maiylah. I am really touched with this gesture (and I'm feeling like Reese Witherspoon during Oscar 2006 Awards night! Yikes. Grin). But really, thanks a lot for thinking of me. I appreciate it a lot.

Now, I am passing this to... (drumroll please). And the Oscar, este Nice Matter Award goes to the following:

WorksForMom

Ana

ZJ

The New Parent


Happy blogging everyone!

Driving 101 (this side of the globe)

Dear Zenaida,

I am aware that you are trying your best to learn the mechanics of driving. I have noted your strong determination and let me assure you that you are improving. You are making progress in maneuvering through the horrendous traffic. You are making progress in facing intimidating drivers and dealing with formidable bigger-than-yours vehicles. I understand how frightening this must be for you but I can only imagine what you have to go through everyday. I understand because I have observed how your hands get clammy and cold everytime you take the wheel. But you are making progress in conquering your fear.

Although you are making it impossible for me to breathe at times - oh how you choke me with the way you grip on the wheel too tightly your knuckles turn ashen (and the bones protrude menacingly), I will not complain. Instead, I am offering these pointers below to make things easier and less stressful for all of us:

• Always use a seatbelt even if the rest of the motorists do not.

• Animal carcasses lying on the road should not bother you. There are not so many of them you see but once in a while, you will.

• In reality, the one-car-apart rule will put you in trouble. That empty space attracts interested parties to head over in that direction and literally gets you in the middle of trouble.
  
  Fiesta Traffic

• Never compete with PUV (public utility vehicle) drivers. Ever. It’s for your own safety. I am not sure if YIELD exists in their dictionary.

• Always –even if you have the right of way- YIELD to these drivers. It pays to show them that yield or drivers who yield do exist.

• Expect that some of these drivers will change lanes at the last second and block the way. With the number of drivers who do this, if you don’t, chances are you’ll be scowling at the first person you meet. It will only ruin your day even before you started it.

• When you are in an intersection and the light says “Go,” be very careful as you proceed. You might cross paths with drivers who like to ignore the red light flashing in their direction and still drive all the way.
  

• More often than not, the horn will save your day (and your passengers). There are pedestrians and motorists who need to be reminded that they are traversing a shared resource unless you honk the horn.

• Do not let jeepneys stopping in the middle of a highway to unload/load passenger affect you so much. My theory is, if each jeepney doing that can cause a single crease on the face then chances are, before you reach your destination, you’ll have pre-mature wrinkles all over.

• Pay extra attention to the buses. They are like anacondas – forgive me for the term- ready to eat you alive if you get in their way. Trust me. Do not forget the frightening episode you have had. Thankfully, you were able to swerve to the shoulders of the road out of harm’s way in time. I understand you were so shaken you had to stop for a moment to catch your breath and gather yourself.)

• Bikes -->
  motorelas -->
  and trisikad (or traysikad) -->
  
  cruising along the highway are pretty normal. But at least you’re not competing with cows! And think about how blessed you are.
  
  
  

Til the next drive. Happy driving. And please keep these in mind at all times.



With much concern,

The Steering Wheel ;D

***

The author has no intention of discouraging young aspiring drivers or warding off possible visitors in this town (or in this country, for that matter).

To read on someone's experience of driving in the Philippines, click here.

The Where-Is-The-Flag Game

So it was 2 months ago that we put up these posters but it was not until a couple of weeks ago that we have actually been using them, particularly the Flags of the World poster.

One day, he was eyeing them with interest in his eyes. “Sickle (circle).” “Star.” He said, while pointing to the familiar shapes he recognized. The unmistakable sparkle in his eyes and the eagerness in his voice gave me the go-signal to start touring around the world (and all for free!), albeit with the use of the flags.

Needless to say, a play-learn game also began on that day when I scooped him in my arms to face the collection of flags. By playing the Where-Is-The-Flag (of a country) game, tour we slowly did. Usually, I ask where-is and he’d point at the flag. Other times, I give him the liberty to point and tell me what (flag) country he’s pointing at.

Currently, he’s able to identify 17 flags. But I’m not in a hurry. Matt is only 22-months old. Besides, it’s just a game. He may continue playing, or he may not – and it would still be fine with me. It’s certainly up to him.

But we really have been touring everyday (and even several times in a day). On Matt’s cue, of course.

Like the books that I have given Matt, these visual aids are only made available to him without the thought of ever forcing him to learn these. He could choose to chew, tear or read the books and that will be fine with me (on the second thought, I could be frowning in the first 2 seconds but after that I'll definitely be okay -somehow, I'll find a way to put all the pieces back together :D). But the moment he says “Mama, read” or “Mama, tractor” or something like that, then I will readily be there to guide him. At least that’s my approach to his learning – by letting him take the lead.


Now back to the flags. If you’re wondering how I introduced the flags to a barely-2-year-old tot, here are some points:

1. Tell him of his current location or his origin. I started by telling my son of the country he is from. Consequently, the very first flag learned was the Philippine flag (for Matt, it's 'fins').

This could also be the reason why he usually says “Fins, Mama” when he wants us to play with the flags.

2. Speak of the loved ones who could be in this or that country. A child can easily grasp the information if a relationship is conveyed (or if you make a connection). “Canada is where Tita Che is,” I used to say. To this day, Matt (usually while pointing to the flag) still says, “Can’da, Tita Che.” Similarly, he’s learned to identify other flags like South Korea, Japan , United Kingdom and the USA.

3. Pick a flag that is obviously different. A very different flag or strange-looking one could have an advantage. An example of this would be Nepal.

4. Associate the flags according to the symbols or figures in them that a child could readily identify. Lebanon (has) a tree; Hongkong, flower; Brazil, globe; Switzerland, cross; Israel- stripes and a star; Kenya, (looks like) a spider; and Barbados, a fork.

5. Let him take the lead. In some instances, a child might point or show some interest on a particular flag. Tell him about it. Like this morning, Matt was pointing to the flag of Bahrain so I told him about it. This afternoon, when we were playing (again!), he was able to identify it (plus two others namely, Tonga and Vietnam).

6. As with other things, give praises or encouragement. Conveying your approval to a child when he has correctly identified something could help bolster his confidence. If he makes mistakes, you could tell him that it’s okay and to try (and try) again.

7. Make learning fun (for both of you). Promise not to laugh, but I am not way above from making exaggerated noises and funny faces (usually when he makes mistakes). Although it makes me feel oh-so silly at times, but hey it’s just a game so I'll make it like one and be the silliest. Besides, I think my son loves it. And he’s catching up, too. My imp of a son would tease me by pointing to the wrong flag and then he'd look intently at my face. After I make my funny-silly act capped with a fake fallen look, he’d take a cursory glance over the flags, point to the correct one and look at me in the face with mischief dancing in his eyes and playing on his lips. Hah! He is definitely enjoying it as much as I do.

Thankul Thursday

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

Another week has passed and it's Thursday once again -time to say my thanks!

• I'm thankful for my and my family's good health.

• For my parents who always guide me.

• For my friends who always brighten my day, adn some of these are friends I made in Blogville. They always make me smile -or laugh.

• For the rain.

• For God's provision.

• For the mercy of God everyday of my life.

Wordless Wednesday: Exploring Palawan

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

(or The Underground River)

Tagged : Nothing but the Truth

The New Parent likes for me to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. It's about things -or things that people say, do, think.. that don't sit well with me. So here goes:

Abuse. Of any form- verbal, physical, emotional, etc. Drug abuse. Environmental abuse. Abuse of power.

Excuses. There’s no need to make a big production of every apology, a simple “I’m sorry” would suffice. (I’ll eventually ask questions, so save your explanations for later. Grin.)

Extravagance. I’m really okay with this but it's entirely another story if you sacrifice your - or your family's need over a want. And then PLEASE don’t tell me you’re broke and don’t ask me to loan you some money when just the other day you were flaunting the Patek and Louis Vuitton bag you bought over the weekend.

Notions:

• that presents/gifts should be expensive. (It need not be, but if it’s expensive and it’s for me then, thank you very much! Chuckle.) Seriously now, it shouldn’t necessarily be expensive, what’s important is the gesture.

• (or the cliche saying) that history repeats itself.

Expectation that we immediately, with just a blink of an eye, become experts (of whatever). Be considerate (am pretty sure it will be greatly appreciated if you give allowance for some mistakes).

Smoking in a public vehicle (hence, exposing non smokers to sidestream smoke). Again, please be considerate.

Speaking of consideration.. When I see a pregnant woman or an old woman standing in a public transportation while few feet away a number of beings belonging to the young and strong population sit comfortably. Have mercy.

Assumptions. Please spare me.

Flattery will get you anywhere. Please, please, I am begging you, please don’t.

Now I'm tagging: Maiylah, Lutchi, Tiff and ZJ.

Take charge

"History repeats itself."

What a sad thing to say. Even if it’s not directed to me, I feel sad when I hear someone say this. But sad is an understatement. I take offense as I can feel the inequality of this statement very similar to when I hear someone say that because his father is a thief, he- the son- will one day become a thief too. How unfair.

Or just because a country had gone down the economic rut in the past that it’s going to plunge to the same rut again. Maybe. But then, maybe not. And what a hasty judgment to say that history will repeat itself.

With its negative undertone, it’s a creepy, hope-crushing life sentence to anyone. Just imagine being sentenced to a future based on a past you may or may not have direct control of. What a gross injustice.

It’s maybe true that what happened in the past will play an important part in the present time. But the past do not have a power on anyone, unless one lets it.

That’s why I beg to disagree. History will not repeat itself. But history will repeat itself if we let it.

We cannot be like a leaf riding the tide of the past and letting it carry us to unwanted shores. We are not helpless. We can make a difference to the here-and-now.

”All that we are is the result of what we have thought.”

-Buddha

History repeats itself. I cannot believe that. I cannot surrender the chance I have to make a difference in the future.

And I believe that the present time is a battle to make a better future. I believe in taking action, of taking charge of our lives. I believe in renewal. I believe in prayers. Most of all, I believe in a Greater Being who makes miracles.

So who are we to say that history will repeat itself?

”The future is not a result of choices among alternative paths offered by the present, but a place that is created--created first in the mind and will, created next in activity. The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made, and the activity of making them, changes both the maker and the destination.”

John Schaar

” We have not inherited the earth from our ancestors, we have only borrowed it from our children.”

Ancient Proverb

Thankful Thursday

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

I was sleeping on Saturday and when I opened my lids, it's already Thursday! Already October! Okay, that's an exaggeration but time flies real fast! And funny because we sometimes race against time. And in the hope of keeping up with the frantic pace of everyday living, we sometimes forget. We forget the little yet significant things-or events that make us think, cry, smile, throw fits of laughter or make us realize how how great it is to be alive.

I forget, too.

But thanks God for dropping pieces of "packages" here and there. They help me slow down, they help make the hours and days not go by in a blur, with me not having the slightest memory - que horror! - of what-has-been.

These are things like the mistakes I made over the past week. Makes me feel human and imperfect. And I like that because it means I cannot rely on myself alone but with the Greater Being who reigns over the heavens and Earth.

Like a job offer. Not for me though, it's for BH. Gives us the chance to ponder on our options, to speak from the heart and share our thoughts on the possibilities this offer could bring.


Like the traffic. Yes, the traffic and on my way to work last Tuesday, it was unbelievable. I am grateful that I was able to drive through the traffic and I arrived safely to my destination. And I am thankful that we have a vehicle that could bring us from point A to B.

And then, I am thankful for the people I work with. My officemates. They have become my friends and they make my working life much easier. Also, they are very kind to bring me home when my shift ends at so late at night. And to think that my house is a long way drive from the office.

Then, there's the office boy who keeps the office, the toilet and the pantry clean and who buys us our food.

The guards who open the gate, who sometimes help me find a cab and who offer an umbrella when it's raining.

And today, I'm truly thankful to be alive and to be able to write this Thursday post.

Psalms 107:1  Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Wordless Wednesday: Toy

Thanks!

Ana gave me this blogging award a week ago and I almost forgot about passing it on.

Anyway. Ana, thanks for thinking of me. I appreciate it. Thank you so much.

Brad Egel created this award and started the egg rolling to pass the love around.

So I'm passing some love to:

Maiylah at Life Snippets

Grace at Sandier Pastures

Melanie at Our Happy Happenings

Annie at My Life As Annie

Whew! What a great way to start the month. Happy blogging everyone!

Bless you

My dinner this evening is exceptionally early.

On most days when, like today, I work alone from 2PM to 10PM, dinner is usually at 11PM or so. First, because being the personnel-on-duty, I feel responsible of every goings-on in the network. And so I do not want to risk leaving my post unmanned. Second, I do not like eating dinner alone so I’d rather sup when I get home after my shift. (I’d be the last to eat dinner but at least I'd have someone –like my mother- to talk with while I sup.)

But there are also times when I’m lucky to be paired with someone who likes to eat dinner on time. In these few times, I’d be thankfully full in the stomach by 8PM.

Now today, except for the guards, I’m working alone in the office. I didn’t bring dinner as I intend to eat at home. Tonight though, my stomach was unusually not cooperative and was already grumbling before 7PM.

But thanks to our former utility man who now works as part-time rigger* and who lives just ober da bakod. He came and first volunteered to buy for my meal (I have a hunch that one of the guards must have told him of my need) but ended up sharing some of his dinner with me. I offered to pay him but much to my embarrassment, he plainly refused to take any payment for the food.

So if I cannot pay him, GOD will. May he be blessed today and for always.

*rigger – in telco speak, someone who install/troubleshoot equipment installed in towers.

Hooked!

Bullseye! I was hit smack in the middle with the truth in these statements.

Thankful Thursday

Click the picture for more Thankful Thursday participants

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?