Countdown

Right now, I'm beginning to feel giddy and a can't-wait mindset about my soon to labor and delivery moment. I am just too ecstatic of seeing my 2nd born and to finish this exhaustion and boredom about the discomforts I have nearing my awaited day. Oh how I wish it'll be a safe delivery and a bearable labor pains. But I still have a lot of preparation to do like having the baby's cabinet (me and hubby thought of having it customized for a more sturdier one), buy N's feeding bottles, cleaning items for the feeding bottles, mittens (I lost or maybe misplaced M's), install the baby's crib and prepare its fittings, buy her bathing paraphernalia, her towels, blankets. I won't buy a lot since I can use M's when she was still newborn. Buying new ones won't be necessary and I am just being practical because N won't use it for long. I'm excited about buying her new stuff this weekend since I am preparing it before I go on labor. I have already washed the baby clothes and other linens last weekend and have it ironed already. I just hope I'd be able to buy and get the stuff I want in one store. Happy baby shopping!!

My two cents worth

I never tried giving movie reviews since I am not the type of a moviegoer and an expert in film reviews. However, as a viewer, I have my own set of opinion which I think is worth sharing and that depends on my readers on what they think is my opinion according also to their own experience. Anyhow, we have our own thoughts about something that we have also to consider. I am talking about the much talk about movie "The Mistress" against "No Other Woman". I'd like to believe that with these two films, both are very relevant in the world we are in. It is not fictitious but should be dealt with an open mind and heart. Each and every one of us has a different story to tell, a different circumstances in life that it would be unfair to judge. "Thou shall not commit adultery" and "Thou shall not commit thy neighbor's wife". It's as simple as that but hard to do when trapped in a triangle. In the movie, "No Other Woman", Ann Curtis is the selfish, immature, bratty and liberated "other" woman of a married man played by Derek Ramsey. She'd get what she wants to the extent of not minding she's hurting other people especially the wife, Cristine Reyes. While Bea Alonzo, as the mistress in the movie "The Mistress", she's the selfless, responsible, prim and proper lady that's hard to hate. Being the sole provider for her extended family, she has reasons for having a benefactor in the role portrayed by Ronaldo Valdez. The issue is about money but it's more to it. First, Bea don't have a father growing up and a maybe he found it in Ronaldo. Second, Ronaldo has helped Bea in providing for her family especially for her grandmother. Third, she now pays it as "utang-na-loob" to Ronaldo by being with him every Thursday in exchange with the help and the good things she has received from his benefactor. If Bea has her own way, I think she would not enter into that kind of set-up. She's a good person inside and out but her family mattered to her the most that's why sacrificing was her way of making other people happy.

I am happy with the story as a whole because it shows the essence of love in many ways. Love conquers all. Despite having to sacrifice, entails patience and being selfless all in the name of love, then one has to do it. I like the phrase in the movie, "hindi dahil gusto mo, makukuha mo" and "kung ano ang gusto mo, makukuha mo." These phrases has a lot of realizations and limitations. There are things that you want, you won't really get it and some things you want, you can have it as long as you're determined to get it. But that depends on the situation.

Mental Block

I am nowhere in sight in the blogosphere for almost a month now. This somehow made my everyday routine lifeless. Nevertheless, I am present visiting other bloggers sites which I enjoyed leisurely. Maybe it's because I'm now gearing up and nearing my due date of expectancy. I feel lifeless, tired and slow in thinking that made my blog less appealing to my GFC friends (hope they will still support me even I'll be looong away during my 2 month maternity leave). But on the other hand, I came to discover a lot of things visiting other blogs to keep me updated and not outdated. I'm sure it'll be a challenging chapter ahead of me expecting my second baby girl anytime soon. Wish me luck and a safe delivery guys! I hope by the time I'm back on track, you are still there supporting my blog even if I'm away. I just can't wait to see another angel in my bedside and experience a whole new chapter of my life. It's a season of Christmas and I'm looking forward to experience it with the new blessing God has given my family. Season greetings to everyone!

The so-called "RH Bill"

I had been hearing about this issue lately in the Senate more so when President Noy declared through his recent "SONA" (the 3rd "State of the Nation Address") that he is in favor of the RH Bill which some women in the House of Senate are in favor of. I honestly could not say if I am in favor of it or not because I haven't been well-informed of the said bill. However, I have my stand in which I personally believe that one must be well-educated and sensitive enough to build one's family at the expense of one's health (especially that of the mother) and financial condition in life. I would love to have a BIG family. It is of so much joy to have many children around because it's fun. Both my parents have a big family too that's why I can say the bigger, the merrier. However, they were born way back when the peso is equivalent to US$ 20 or way below; when one (1) liter of gasoline/diesel is P16.00 or below; when the transportation fare is around P1.00 or below. You see, the way of life before is very affordable that a family can sustain to raise kids of 8 members or more. Not to mention that only the husband is working for their living and the wife is taking care of the household and kids. I wish that it's still our way of life today. But it's not. Everything is rising except for our salaries (if you're a working/an employed being). And it's hard to cope with the expenses if you have plentiful of children with the present condition we have. I am in favor of family planning for both parents. Whether they would be using contraceptive method or natural planning, it depends on the parents as long as they will be thinking of the well-being of their family. One to two or five to six children doesn't matter as long as they are capable of keeping their family on its feet and that they can provide the needs or maybe wants of the entire family. A well- planned and well-educated family is healthy for everybody. Not only for the family itself but also for the society as a whole.

The Power of Touch

I equate touch to healing. I know many will agree with me on this. With just a simple stroke of hand running to one's skin will make you feel comforted and loved. Right? It just dawned on me because I feel I took this simple gesture for granted. Last Monday, as in my previous post, I remembered my hubby told me, he misses me doing it to him. I was caught off-guard. Of what? Because of what happened that night, after those little incidents that almost drained our energy, time and stomachs, I think he needed that gesture a long time already. When we were about to head home in our friends' house for dinner, he came straight to me and said he's tired. Then out of my emotions, I stroke his face because I feel that I have to do it despite of what happened. Then he blurted immediately, he misses me doing it. I was a bit guilty because with everything we've been through and with the things that we have now, I realize that I have taken small things for granted especially taking extra care of my husband. I was more focused on being a mother and tending the house. With my job that requires me 9 hours daily, 5 times a week, I feel that I was consumed with my daily routine. I am just lucky and thankful that my husband has been more sensitive now than before. That makes me think that he became man enough when our first child was born. He's now more caring especially that our first child is a girl. He always tells me he will do everything to provide for us and that he loves us. He never misses a day without saying he loves us. And that makes me figure out that a small amount of hug, kiss and touch does a big difference to one's being. It's not at all difficult. It's free!

Life's Little Mishaps

Yesterday's turn around of events were unexpected. There were a couple of not so good incidents that happened to me and my hubby on our way after office work. We did not go home directly since we have to fetch somebody at the airport. She'll be arriving at 6:45 in the evening. Aside that the weather is a bit gloomy (though it didn't rain), my husband told me that we will stop first at a vulcanizing shop to have his spare tire fixed. It's almost 7pm and we were still there. He told the man who fixed his tire if it can be finished the soonest since we'll still be going to the airport. Maybe because of that pressure, the tire wasn't worked properly. Because halfway on our way to the airport, we heard a noise at the back of the car, it's like we were pulling tin cans. When I told my husband what's the noise all about, he immediately pulled down his window and saw that the tire that was fixed was again almost wrecked.  We were still thankful that we were not driving in a highway and prevent any deadly accident. That was so frustrating. Even if we have to fetch his friend, he asked her instead to take the taxi and follow us where we had a change of tire again. Good thing that there were good Samaritan bystanders who extended their help changing the tire. That was a time consuming incident. I was surprised that I didn't flare up and took it coolly. I was able to calm my husband down despite what happened because I know he is already hungry.

That's what life is all about. You never know what will happen to you in the course of life. But we must be ready to face any untoward incident that comes along our way. The most important thing is the attitude we choose on those trying times and how are we able to deal with it.

But at the end of the day, we were able to get half dozen of Krispy Kreme from that friend of ours. It was a happy ending indeed!

Waiting for another Maria

Time flies fast than I ever imagine. Before when everything in this world is not so complicated and not in a hurry, I can still appreciate the itsy bitsy facets of life. Now that with a lot of happenings that I cannot fathom one-by-one, I just realize that I'm about to deliver a new life 2 months from now. It's like a passing event that I regret I wasn't able to focus more on my second pregnancy unlike the first one. Maybe because I already new what's going on with my body and what's not to do. I am just too  complacent. I said that because my first daughter is still in the growing stage and I am just amazed of how she turned to be an adorable being. Honestly, I am in tuned more with M than my pregnancy. And I am guilty about it. Maybe that is why the baby inside me is very active unlike M. She just want my utmost attention. Now, me and my hubby is starting to introduce baby inside to M. M now knows how to say 'baby' and she acknowledges it by holding and massaging my tummy and she even hugs and kisses my tummy. That's too sweet for M! Wondering wants going on in her mind on it? But somehow, at this point, I try to condition myself that when they'll become two by October, I will be having another adjustment period and that's a new phase of becoming a parent and a mother that I will again experience. It's a challenge yet I know it will be a fulfilling phase of my life that surely as a mother no one will be able to understand, truly!

Birthdays and Thanksgiving

This year I should say is the 2nd best birthday celebration I will not forget in my lifetime. The first is  my birthday celebration in year 2000 where I was surprised. My relatives from Manila carefully planned for my birthday bash. I almost broke in tears. That wasn't an extravagant one but knowing that they took the extra effort to prepare everything, that was so touching! And this year was incomparable too. I had 3 batches of birthday celebration all in my birth date! That was so tiring yet satisfied and happy at the same time. I had prepared lunch for my immediate family and some relatives, merienda time with my in-laws and dinner time with some officemates of my husband. That was tiring indeed but fulfilled. I give credits to my mother since she helped me all throughout my preparation.

With these celebrations, I thank the Lord for giving me another year of worthwhile experience and unending blessings. Blessings that I didn't ask yet He gave. Every day of my life, all I am wishing is good health for myself and my family and sustenance that I may live each day in greater glory of His name.

Firmoo: I won!

I won! Here's the proof. Finally, I had my first winning giveaway from my fellow blogger. Thank you Elilea for the sponsorship/opportunity (thanks to Firmoo too!) and for the random luck I got from your giveaway promo. When I opened my blog today, a Monday, I am totally surprised and at awe when I got the email notice from you. I can't believe it! Though I haven't completed the total number entries required but I gave my best to comply some of the requirements to the best of my ability. Actually, I never expected to win because I am never lucky with this kind of "pa-contest." But then, through Elilea's blog, I am driven to join more blog sponsorship giveaways. Thank you Pretzel! You've given me hope.

This is also a coincidence since my birthday is coming up in a week's time. Thank you Lord for answering my needs! I know that in many years, I deprived what is due to my health especially my eyes. Now that I have a pair of eyeglasses coming up (still waiting for Elilea's reply to my email confirmation and the possibility of Firmoo to contact me), I am very much excited to give myself, my eyes in exact, total relaxation and medication.

Talk about J.Co donuts: First "mouth" experience

I have been yearning to grab a bite on what's new in the "food"landia . After all the food trippings I see in this blogosphere (I really thank I'm part of this), it keeps me updated on what's the newest craze in this industry. I'm referring to the much talk about J.Co donuts.

Its history

Nice one!

Oops! because it's hand carried all the way from Manila.. pardon for the messy donuts. But even though it's like this, sure it's really tasty and the sweetness is just enough that it won't stuck up in one's throat.

I love the taste of some of it since I haven't eaten yet the rest of the donuts. But believe me, I can finish this in just one sitting of course with a friend. (Share-share style!) But for sure each and everyone has that distinctive taste that I'll surely love knowing that I have the sweetest tooth ever! I highly recommend it over the other pricey donuts because as I said the sweetness is very bearable and mild in the taste buds. Hope it would also be accessibly available here in Davao..soon! Calling J. C's..

For a better and deliciously looking images, visit their website at www.jcodonuts.com.ph.

Versatile Blogger (Part II)

Thada!! And here is my Top 15 Versatile Bloggers not in random order. I chose to not put it in order since I don't know who tops the most since everybody deserves to be in Top 1. Where in fact, it takes me days to ponder and jot down my Top 15 because everybody on the blogosphere deserves the versatility in blogging since each and everyone has its own unique pages that speaks of their own personality. But since Ate Balut just ask for Top 15, I had to make my own list. Pardon for those who are not in the following list, but those who are in my blogroll deserves in this list too. That's why I had you in my list because your site inspires me! 

And the Versatile Blogger Award goes to....

1. Balut on Balut Manila and Run! And Keep on Running
2. Joanne of My Open Notebook
3. Nikki of Askmewhats
4. Chloe of ChloeBelle's Nest and ACE'S
5. Irish of D' Explorer
6. Zenith in Heart of DNA Success
7. Mike of Explorer, First Time Networker, Jocy's World and The Researcher
8. Lester of Gateway to adventure
9. SMF of Life In Every Moment, The Blood Donor and The Flowergirl Artist
10. Shengy of Love Always, Shengy'sdelight and theLivingShed
11. Michael of The Pinoy Wanderer and Show Me Your Look Today
12. Blogger of The Pinay Wanderer (hey, what's your nick?)
13. Mai Flores of Budget Biyahera and Sinigang Junkie
14. Joanne of Joanne's Blog
15. Maxi of The Travelling Swe-Nay Foodie
16. Jenn of Tara! Let's Eat

And there you have it. I have Top 16 because they really deserve this award! I can't help it. Thank you to all of you!