The Rush

Photo from 

http://www.christmastreeland.co.uk/store/catalog/60/Baubles/
It's not a title of the latest movie I've watched (but could be, you know!) but the overall feeling that this Christmas felt like. Must be the holiday blues I am feeling, or have felt the past couple or so weeks leading to Christmas day.

Now that it's over I am sensing this tired feeling, as if I am faced with stale food. Not a good analogy, or feeling. I guess it brings me back to reality, and the thought of nothing to look forward to, anymore. For now, at least. Should I have wished I had savoured the Christmas spirit more? Or perhaps taken on a deeper meaning to it than how I have had.

Maybe since our Christmas this year is different I did not get to channel my emotions where I would have wanted to. (Too deep thoughts now!!) Maybe I've been pre-occupied too much with worldly things. I should have focused more on the real meaning of Christmas rather than thinking of gifts all the time.

Now, now, I suppose all these realisations now bring me to wanting for Christmas to come back! Or, should I say I am looking forward to Christmas 2012!! I hope I remember all these realisations come next year's preparations and celebrations. 

Holiday consideration

We've come back from our Christmas beach getaway from the Central Coast, and I think two nights was really too short a vacation! The whole family went, and with Christmas eve's celebration we we were rushing the next day. There were too many things to do and think of, and the safety of the house was a consideration. I knew we should have taken out home insurance before, or even just home contents insurance (just like my friend who recently became a homeowner in the UK). With the last minute mayhem and chaos, we ended up leaving a few of the little girls toys! She ended up playing with the hotel room's phone, curtains, bedroom slippers!! Luckily I did not forget to bring her beach ball and a few of her beach toys.

In moving to a house this year, I guess there are different things to consider as compared with living in a unit (well at least for me!). If I would have a choice though, we should have moved to a big house years ago! The space is incredible and the fun is just... different! I get all giddy just watching my little girl's eyes light up at the mention of playing out in the garden.

Can I do and be both at the same time

I find myself at a crossroad now just as I have renewed my migration agent license for another year. Having been a travel agent for 10 years, and now just starting to get into my migration profession .. makes me think quite hard if I am ready to let go of being a travel agent now. It is quite difficult to be both, and although both the travel and migration industries are faced with lots of challenges (booming internet booking facilities - stricter migration policies) I somehow still want to engage myself in either or both worlds.

But the question really is, can I be both at the same time? It is not an easy thought, and I find myself struggling. Considering I am into my second year in my own travel business now. Sometimes I wish I could be two persons at once, but of course reality check!! Perhaps I should just keep my travel business on the side while I concentrate on the other one...

Being a migration agent is one thing I would like to pursue as a career, a way for me to help others and give back to the world what I have been so lucky to have now. Watching the news, and reading about the real refugees' plight is just one of those things that motivates me to help out in ways I can.

Taken from http://www.freightcare.com.au/air-freight-australia.html

So, my dilemma is still on.. I am praying that 2012 will bring me more enlightenment and be more focused on the goal.

Catching the learning wave

Is this generation ruled by gadgets? Sometimes it makes me think whether it is just my hubby who is obsessed with new technology... mainly mobile phones, tablets, laptop, other Discount iPhone Accessories and trinkets. However when I start to think about it, even my dad has a new phone every year. My mom is the same, as well as my other siblings (well most of them!) who's phone model I have lost track of. Myself on the other hand would prefer to stick with the same phone brand forever if that's possible. I guess in that aspect I am not much of a "risk" taker. I prefer to use things which I am comfortable with, for as long as they are working I do not find the need to replace them. Sometimes even when it looks old and haggard already, to the annoyance of my gadget hungry husband.

We all have our own opinion and preference about these things, and I just choose to live simply with what is there and what is still working. One thing that frustrates me the most is when I can't figure out how to operate a new complex television remote. One time I was fiddling with the tv remote for half an hour trying to turn it on!! But I digress .. I feel the same way with mobile phones and other gadgets. Quite frustrating when I couldn't seem to grasp the rhythym of touch screen messaging. Now, I am in love with the Iphone!! Wouldn't go back to Nokia, and wouldn't convert to a Blackberry. Oh I suppose just until the next time I catch the learning wave!

Creating circles

We all have our own circle of friends. Some we just fell into as we grew up.. We lived across the street from them, or we met them at school or at work. Some we've met through common friends, cousins, siblings, etc. Some of them we ended up being best friends with, or have dated once or twice..

But as we grow older, there are some circles we draw ourselves. We have a choice now. We don't just fall into these circle by accident, or because of our family. Living overseas makes it a challenge to build long lasting circles of friendships. However, when we do find that circle where we belong it forms our support group.

I find that I have always been the type of person who creates lots of circles. Admittedly, I don't always engage myself fully in each of them. Some circles are purely for circles sake. Some circles I have to maintain now, not just for me, but for my little one. The circles I put her in forms part of her. Without having cousins or siblings around, I endeavour to make her have meaningful circles. Relationships. Yes, those circles form our relationships. Only if we let them close enough to reach that level.

Photo from http://www.wallpaperhere.com/Nature/Other/Water_Drops_Circle_of_Life_72793

I am grateful for all my friendships especially those that have been through it all with me.

December equals $$

It's that time of the year when every turn is about spending hard earned money. In my household it is even more expensive because aside from renewing my professional indemnity insurances for both migration and travel, we are renewing our car registration and car insurance as well! This is quite a bummer of a situation since we obviously need to spend more on Christmas presents too. Plus the fact that it's my little girl's birthday next month means even more expenses! Just typing all this is creating a knot in my chest, with all upcoming debits waiting to happen (okay, some already happened!).

Luckily, I am not tasked to find Cheap Car Insurance for our family car. I still don't drive, and so I am clueless in this area. However, am sure if it is crunch time I would manage to research on this too and find myself a good deal.

It would have been a different scenario if I was to find a car rental for someone. I have quite good suppliers for this, which usually has the option to add on additional car rental insurance. Anyway, I digress. I wish not all our insurances and registrations happen in December. I should ask to change over a couple of the registrations to mid-year instead. Yeah, right. As if they would accept the request.

Turning 2

So our little B is turning 2 next month! Just a quick update on where we are at:

- Communicating: Little B is a chatterbox, and she's mastered counting to 10 without fail. She's learning to sing the alphabet (oh so cute when she gets to M: she says Eminem Oh P).
- School: We are starting pre-school in February! Just 4 hours, twice a week.
- Breastfeeding: Oh, we are still at it!!
- Sleeping: Still co-sleeping in this household!
- Social Skills: She is becoming a PRO (public relations officer).. She comes into the playground saying "Hi" to everyone.. And, whilst playing she welcomes new "playfriends" by handing them over a piece of seedling! I just hope and pray she won't fall into a bad stranger's trap one day.....
- Eating: Still not a big eater at breakfast,lunch or dinner. But she loves her sweet snacks.. Chocolate, Ice Cream.. Anything sweet! Wonder who she got that from!! Hmm!!

Too Long now!

By far, this has been the longest time since I have run an entry here! Or done some blog hop for that matter. Sometimes I wish there was two of me to be able to do all the things I want to do at the same time. What's kept me busy the past months... well, being a mum obviously takes up most of my time. The little girl is turning 2 next month! I cannot believe how fast time went by. After next month we will be paying 75% of the fare for her to travel overseas!!! Haha, that's the travel agent in me speaking. So, that has kept my hands full.. and being a migration agent and travel agent at the same time has kept me on a roll. So much to do, with so little time. I guess I can't seem to decide if I want to be both at the same time (migration and travel).. Or, choose one over the other. But that could mean losing my license if I give up the former. Sigh.

So, while I've got a little bit of time on my hands now I'm just thinking if I should even research about online dating lies or that refugee law issue that I have pending. Perhaps, I should just catch more "zzz's" since I woke up early this morning to do some work (oh and watch Gossip Girl! Hahaha!).

But since I'm up anyway, might as well update this blog and catch up on some blog reading. It has been ages, and I miss reading my blog friends' journal. Ciao for now!

Since then

Hubby's given me the talk.. I've been too whingey lately and it's sending him not pleasant signals that the novelty of having a baby is gone. Admittedly, I have been whingeing too much. And I feel bad that maybe little B is sensing it... Bad vibes.. So, I have and am, making a conscious effort to be positive and not whinge. Much. Much less. Especially when it comest to me selfishly wanting me time. To work. (Have realised that as much as I am a career oriented person, I am a mum now. And a wife.)

So, here's my top three thoughts/motivations to keep me from slipping back to my old whingey self:

Photo from http://creativethursday.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/03/growing-up.html

1. The little girl now won't stay little for too long. She is beginning to be communicative, and that just makes her all the more irresistible. In other words, as much as she is testing my patience big time, she is just being herself = cheeky baby. This stage won't last long, before you know it, she's spending more time with her friends than me.

2. Work can wait. Having decided to have a baby is a lifelong commitment. It's about sacrificing, knowing priorities. At the moment, we may not have all the spare moolahs to spend, but at the end of the day little B just wants me and her dadda's time, love and attention. The occasional new toys are just perks. But really, quality time spent together is priceless. In a few years, we can get back on track with our savings. For now, enjoy the moment.

3. Keeping it simple is the key to (my) happiness. (my decision and definition of happiness). One day at a time, one step at a time. There's plenty to do, but it all starts with small steps. Every step of the way will lead to something worthwhile.

I am thankful for hubby's not-so-gentle reminder. Sometimes it's just what I need. A verbal whack in the head.

Why Sleep

The past couple of ___ (months/years?) I've been missing good sleep. And I mean, honest to goodness long and uninterrupted zzzs. Oftentimes when the little one is asleep, I try to catch up with work or aimlessly search for stuff on the net. I know I should put to good use the free time to rest. But no, I find myself lost in tons of things to do besides lie in bed.

Photo from http://ecoki.com/sleep-remedies/

I wonder when I'd get to enjoy sleeping again. Sleep in til mid-day both on a saturday and sunday.. I suppose, just like everything else I will get it back in a couple of years. For now, I should be happy that I get to sneak out of my mummy duties for a couple of hours every day. C'est la vie.

Mummyhood Tips

As much as I try to keep a balanced life, I cannot seem to perfect time my time management with all the different things I do. I really wish I could just stop working for 5 years straight, so I can concentrate on the little one. But of course that's not financially viable.

I often read tips on these topics, motherhood, working mums, work at home mums, etc etc etc.. But, in reality it is so much more difficult to practice. *sigh*

Sometimes I wish I had household help to clean after me, that way I could focus my energy on teaching the little one, going to the park with her, enjoying our quality time. Patiently.

My hubby always reminds me that it would only be a few years before she grows up and I would get my "personal" life back... Sometimes I wish I could speed time up, as I am aching and craving to have some me time. I would like to be able to go to the toilet, or have a bath in peace. Or, take a quick lunch (at the moment, our lunch time is 30 minutes. minimum.). I've always been a very, very patient person. I think I am one of the most patient persons I know :) But I find myself sometimes, admittedly, getting impatient. I guess that's how it is when she is "attached" to me day in day out, no matter whether I am working, eating, sleeping, taking a shower, cooking, etc. I should be flattered. I know. But human nature gets the better of me. I get tired too.

0100 Truths

It's been a very long while since I've done this...

100 truths.

What was your…




1. Last beverage — Water



2. Last phone call — My sister.



3. Last text message — My dad.


4. Last song you listened to — Oh Well.


5. Last time you cried — Shed a tear, this morning. At the airport. Cried, as in big cry ... don't remember.



Have you ever…



6. Dated someone twice — Yes, of course.



7. Been cheated on — Yes, emotionally.



8. Kissed someone and regretted it — Nope. But the other way around. Did not kiss someone, and regretted it. Haha! But not anymore!!



9. Lost someone special — Yes. A few times.


10. Been depressed — Yes, I guess we all go through that somehow.



List favorite colors:



11. Aquamarine


12. Old Rose



13. Light Yellow


14. Gray (not exactly a colour)



This year (2011), have you…



15. Made a new friend — Yes.



16. Fallen out of love — Nope.



17. Laughed until you cried — Oh yes, there were a few times.



18. Met someone who changed you — Not this year! Or, not yet!


19. Found out who your true friends were — I've known who my true friends are for a while now.


20. Found out someone was talking about you — So far, I have yet to find out!



21. Any regrets — I try not to. Sometimes it's an effort.


General:



22. Prized possession: Our wedding ring/engagement ring.


23. Hobby: Doing nothing! For a change. Am a busy bee otherwise.



24. Do you have any pets? — No pets in this household. Sadly.


25. Do you want to change your name? — Nope, I am pretty much happy with my unique name.

26. What did you do on your last birthday - Spent the day at home, with the little one. Then, come evening
with hubby.


27. What time did you wake up today? — 7AM



28. What were you doing at midnight last night — Working.


29. Name something you cannot wait for — I cannot wait for next summer! Just warm sunshine with a two year old would be exciting...


30. Last time you saw your mother — Last month.



31. What is one thing you wish you could change about your life? — Occassionally I think I would like to change a few things. But I suppose, things and events and people happen for a reason. So, I'd rather not mess up with that. Answering the question though, I wish I had me and hubby's family live in the same city as us.


32. What makes you sad? – Thinking about not spending enough time with family (obviously coz they are not around)



33. Your happiness — A very lazy weekend. Lunch by the wharf, movie marathon with hubby, spend half an hour at the park with the little one. On a very nice sunny warm weekend.


34. What’s getting on your nerves right now? — Slow Technology! Slow laptop!


35. Most visited webpage — Facebook


37. Food that I avoid: Chocolates. But, I usually succumb to temptation.


37. Nicknames — I'd rather not share.


38. Relationship Status — Married.


39. Zodiac sign — Aquarius



40. What do you wear on a nightout? — Hmm, I don't remember when the last one was! But I would probably wear blouse/jeans, or a dress + tights.


41. What do you wear to a casual lunch? Casual dress

42. What do you wear on a bad day? — I wear my hair up, baggy clothes.


43. Fashion Icon — None really.


44. Hair color — Tired brown. Would love to have some colour done tho: one shade of brown lighter.


45. Favorite brother – Both of them! Hahaha.


46. Height — 5 foot 2


47. Do you have a crush on someone? Yes, but they don't know me. And they live in a different world. Yes, hubby knows about this!


48: What do you like about yourself? I usually like that I am a go-getter. Recently though, I've been having a few issues due to my time constraint/limitations thats not under my control.


49. Workout: Balancing the baby, doing the dishes, and working.


50. Tattoos — None.



51. Righty or lefty? — Dominantly a righty. But I can do some curvies on my left too.


Firsts:



52. First surgery — Giving birth.


53. First piercing — First and only - ears.



54. First best friend — Joyce.


55. First sport you joined — Swimming.


56. First vacation — Baguio with my family.


57. First kiss – My second boyfriend.


58. First pair of trainers — Don't remember!!


Right now:



59. Eating — Chocolates. So unhealthy!


60. Drinking — Lots of water.


61. I’m about to — Have dinner.


62. I’m listening to — The sound of silence.


63. Waiting for — the little girl to wake up.


Your future:



64. Want kids? — I want another one! Sooooon.


65. Get married? — Check.


66. Career? — I am really wanting my travel biz and migration biz to work out well.


Which is better…



67. Lips or eyes ? — Eyes


68. Hugs or kisses ? — Hugs, then kisses.


69. Shorter or taller? — Taller.


70. Older or younger? — Would have preferred an older one, but I manage to always end up with someone younger!


71. Romantic or spontaneous? — Romantic. Not so much a spontaneous person, at heart I will always be a planner.


72. Nice stomach or nice arms? — Nice arms!!


73. Sensitive or loud? — Sensitive please.


74. Hook-up or relationship? — Is this even a question? Definitely a relationship.


75. Devil or angel? — Angel please.


Have you ever…



76. Kissed a stranger? — Never.


77. Drunk hard liquor? — Not in a very very very long while.


78. Lost glasses/contacts? — Nope..



79. Sex on first date? — Nope.


80. Broken someone’s heart? — I think I have. Maybe a few times. More or less. More.


81. Had your heart broken? — Oh yes.


82. Been arrested? — No.



83. Turned down someone you love? I don't know if it was love. But yes, I have turned down someone because of Love.


84. Fallen for a friend? — I think so.



85. Raison d’ Etre? — To be happy.


Do you believe in…



86. Yourself? — Not my strongest moment now, but yes, I try to.


87. Miracles? — A big YES.


88. Love at first sight? — I think so!!


89. Heaven? — Yes.



90. Santa Claus? — Yes!


91. Kiss on the first date? — Well, no.


92. Angels? — Yes.



Answer truthfully…



93. Do you still think about past loves? — I think every once in a while, we all do.


94. Did you start your day with a prayer?  I try to.


95. Did you sing today? — Yup.



96. Who was the one that got away? — Well, I'd like to think he let me go.


97. If you could go back in time, how far would you go, and why? 1990. I'd love to re-live high school and college days in Manila. They were the best.


98. If you could pick a day from last year and relive it, what would it be? — The day I gave birth.


99. Are you afraid of falling in love again? — Why would it happen again?


100. Posting this as 100 truths? — YES!

Feeding past 15 months

Just a random, seemingly selfish post on feeding past 15 months. I might overshare, bear with me!

My little girl just passed the 15 month mark this month, and so that means it has been that long that I have been exclusively breastfeeding her! (And I don't mean expressing milk into a bottle - coz she's never drank from a bottle!) I feel quite proud and happy to have gone this long and this far in terms of providing for her needs, whims and wants for over a year now. I know a lot of times, we are comfort feeding but that is part of the whole bonding experience, I think. Slowly, we have been trying to wean. It's been a good 3-4 months that I have tried to. But, a few things have cropped up and so I am not trying to force wean her at all .. we traveled solo a couple of times, she got confined due to a possible asthma allergy.. The latter being a big reason why I decide to just go on .. at the hospital, the only thing that comforted her was her num nums, when she could barely drink/eat anything. She couldn't say what she felt so feeding her was the best thing me and hubby could do. I told myself that I would breastfeed until she could talk to say if she was in pain, or at least start to wean when she could talk properly. Even if it means, she would be extra clingy for a bit longer.

We are still co-sleeping her, only for another few months I hope, so she's got easy access to her milk at night. Meaning, it has been a long, too long a time that I haven't had decent straight sleep. Just the same as the fact that I haven't had a proper glass of wine in ages! Probably over two years now! (count including pregnancy). The most I have had would be ten sips of wine (but not while preggo, and not in her first six months)... Books/Research say it's okay to have a glass of alcohol, right after feeding, but I always wanted to just play it safe. There are days (or nights!) when I feel I want to indulge in a couple of glasses, but I've managed to be good and sleep it off. I can delay the gratification with the anticipation that I will have half a bottle one day when we have weaned.

A good habit/outcome to still feeding this long means that I have been trying to eat healthy for this long now. Early on, I would be mindful of eating too much peanut butter, milk, etc. As I noticed she was having runny poos then. Nowadays I am not as careful, as her digestive system is a bit more mature now. Though, I still try to eat lots of greens, and drink lots of liquid. I never really developed the habit of eating malunggay capsules as I found my sister was intolerant of it, so I may also be. I found that I still managed to keep my milk supply up - perhaps, it's the great demand that kept it up!

I talk about weaning, with the reference to little B, but actually a lot of the weaning is also on my part. Believe it or not, I have started to feel sad sometimes with the thought of stopping our special bonding. I've even resorted to capturing a few snaps of our silent moments, just the two of us, in our weird feeding positions! Haha.

Sometimes, the thought of feeding another child, our second child when that happens... comes to mind.. whether I am able to feed as long, or whether I will have the same patience for it when the time comes. Feeding for 15 months has not been all easy - taxing on my body, my patience at times. Not that I don't enjoy it, because I do. But just like anyone we have 'trying' days, when she would bite me every time, when she would whinge and demand that I carry and feed her while doing my chores. Sometimes even, I have to multi task so much that I end up with a really painful back. Sacrifice and love. At the end of it all, prevails.

Driving mad

Hubby was driving us to the mall last week, and there was this car that swerved in front of us quite scarily. Good thing it was not in the side of the car where our little girl is seated, but either way it gave us a bit of sudden shock. It happened all too fast! I don't fully understand how comprehensive our insurance policy was, but I knew I did not want to have to contact an Austin Personal Injury Lawyer for whatever reason it might be! I was glad that hubby didn't flare up because of the instance, although if something happened at least I have the contact details of the company: O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath – Personal Injury Lawyers – 808 West Avenue, Austin, TX. 78701 – 512-494-9949.

Round the easter table

The family gathered around the big Easter lunch table is one thing I've been wanting to experience again. This year, we are celebrating Easter with hubby's parents and I'm sure their company will be enjoyed although we sadly anticipate the last few days of their holiday.

We are heading off to the Sydney Royal Easter Show, which would prove to be a fun family moment. Particularly for the little girl, who will experience the Easter Show for the first time this year. Surely I can imagine her squealing in delight, pointing at the animals on 'show'. With the rabbits taking center stage as far as she is concerned .. "wabby" as she calls those bunny rabbits.

Hubby would enjoy the Motocross show, featuring jaw dropping stunts and heart stopping motorcycle mid-air moments. There would be a few sports cars that would be doing their usual number as well = speed driving backwards, creating that dusty, amazing stunt. Ok, I do think this is quite fun too.

I'm sure though I will enjoy more the big tents that sell those fun showbags! A guide to various showbags to choose from get advertised in newspapers - enumerating what is inside the bags, etc. A lot of times the showbags get sold out quickly, so this should be our first stop on arrival! Sometimes the showbags include discount coupons, sweet treats, cool toys, etc. Showbag sponsors include: Magazine companies, Confectioneries, Softdrink makers, Toy makers, etc.

In the past, hubby and I enjoyed watching the Side Shows.. although I fing them a bit too gory and strange, we keep coming back to catch a glimpse of those entertaining performances!

Visiting the Easter Show reminds me of festivals that I used to attend back home, although not as similar to others, the whole ambience of being at a venue where the main purpose is to bond with the company you're with (family, friends, colleagues, etc). All that while enjoying the performances, rides, food (think fairy floss! aka cotton candy).. truly this weekend will be a fun way to welcome Easter. Of course, not forgetting the reason behind the season.

Business planning

The other day I had a meeting with my business coach about my business plan. I have not really had the luxury of time to thoroughly plan the ins and outs of my business (not good I know), but have started taking extra steps recently. My hubby has taken a few weeks off for me to be able to concentrate and seriously think about my action plan.

We've decided to take measures in bringing my skills up in the travel industry by taking online destination and product web trainings. I've also gone and set up some meetings with suppliers to be able to do some bit of networking as well. So far, I have done baby steps, but in time these will make a big difference in increasing my confidence again. After all, I have taken a good one year off to take care of the little one. It's about time I sharpen my dormant skills. Either I do this now, or I will end up wearing scrubs and take on a totally different career in medicine! At least I know the website to source them if needed : http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/ Haha! Of course this career change won't happen in this lifetime. I will leave that to my youngest brother who is about to embark on his medical degree.

Cupcakes on this gloomy Saturday

Cupcakes by moi

I've put my baker's hat on and baked two dozen cuppies, since my in-laws are arriving tonight! It has been a month since I've baked, and so I was eager to make some. I actually should have tried decorating the icing using a piping thing. Hmm. I should bake again soon so I could try that.

We're not done yet cleaning the whole apartment, but the rain's been pouring since early this morning.. lazy cleaner in me. I could only manage to bake the cupcakes, and make lunch :)

Trying on dresses

THIS DRESS?
Photo from Eidress.com

.. In my dreams! I wonder what that means? Does it have anything to do with the impending domicile move? Or is it signifying a need for a career change? Hmm.

Or maybe, it means I need to buy more dresses! Shopping!! (Not)

Occasionally we dream about things, people, places, and other stuff. Sometimes we forget even what the dream was about, but sometimes we remember.

Last night, for me, it was about attending a college friend's wedding. I was trying on some dresses to wear. Whether I wanted the black polka dot dress, the (baby) yellow and blue dress (??!! ugh, colour scheme problem - well, it was a dream), or the shocking red ensemble. And, it wasn't a simple choice... I based the dresses on the black stocking that I was already wearing. Talk about putting an image on a background. My stocking was the blank canvass that needed something to go with it. Usually it was the other way around right? But no, not in my dream. The dress HAD to match the stocking I already chose.

OR THIS DRESS?
Photo from fashaddix.com

I guess in reality, we choose what we want based on a number of criteria: our mood, the event, what we have available, what is appropriate, what he have in our wardrobe. Really, that speaks more than just about dresses, mind you. It could mean principles in our chosen 'Lifestyle', career, home, etc. What is your "Stocking"? What is THE 'blank' canvass that you are choosing other things based on?

I wonder what I will dream about tonight.

Thanks to all sticker companies!

I must be on vacation ... 3 blog posts in one day! Let alone one morning! :) I am taking the half day off from work.

The little girl is dismantling stickers from her sticker book.. and sticking them.. on my leg !! Well, it keeps her entertained and busy. Lately, it's been all about stickers. I never realised these sticky things had magic! The size or shape does not matter (for now).

I can attest to their powers. Stickers kept the little girl busy --
... on our 7 1/2 hour day flight. She stuck them onto the airplane walls.
... hourly sunday mass.
... doctor visit, while waiting in clinics.
... while waiting for our food at restos.
... on the trolley cart while I do the grocery run - she would stick and unstick those brand stickers on fruits!
... pretty much anywhere.

Most of the time she un-sticks them and hands them over to me. For me to stick back onto the wall/chair/fruit/etc.

I now have added a pad of sticker in my bag :) In case of emergency.

Simple joy! :)

Sometimes

Sometimes my life does not revolve around work,
house chores, bills, responsibilities.

Sometimes the topics I am interested it does not involve nappies,
food for dinner, politics, news, travel, holidays, weekend, poems,
love, movies, songs, parties.

Sometimes I think I want to distance myself from the reality I am usually faced with.

But after that few moments to myself, I find that the topics I need a break from
Are the very ones which draw me back from my "sometime moments".

Sometimes I confuse myself.

Because really, I am interested in only those things.
Oh, Sometimes in a few more other things.
C'est la vie.

Thank God for growth spurts

It's a dreary monday, full on raining. It's 9AM and it looks like 6PM. That gloomy! Even the little girl is still asleep, she must think it is still bedtime. I'm not complaining at all about her zzzzs, coz it means she is growing! Usually though she'd be awake and about at 8AM. But since she's not up yet, I was able to do a bit of bloghopping!! Yipee! I think the last time I was able to do this was ... I don't remember when! That long ago! Anyhow... I feel refreshed by reading other people's blogs, thoughts, ideas, etc. (Now have a mental note to make this yummy spinach dish! - oh yes because I will remember to!) and I was inspired to change my blog layout now. (what an accomplishment - haha!).

Photo from here http://www.flickr.com/photos/dode-aljda/2863747186/

I should probably be working now, but the weather is not very conducive plus the fact that it's a monday! And, I am enjoying my silent time now ... listening to B snoring away, the rain splattering on my window, my warm cup of hazelnut coffee, and a number of blogs to read. Sweet. Just a bit of me time. Old me time. Just like how it was yearssss ago.

My mind is filled with post its

I cannot believe I almost forgot my blogger password! It's been that long since I've visited this page. Unintentionally. Really.

So, at the moment, my mind is filled with post it reminders and notes and lots of other important things, and not important ones too. Blogging for a while was just at the bottom of that long long list. But I've missed jotting my thoughts down. Really.

I don't even know where to begin now. I'm a clutterbug with random thoughts going on in my head. Now.

Where do I begin?

I suppose I wanted to make an entry entitled things I learned during my first year as a mum, but I doubt I can make an entry with a logical and chronological wave of thought.... So, I should probably just blurt my thoughts out in one go.

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Little B turned ONE a day before we headed off to Manila for a two week (turned three and a half weeks) holiday..... I am now a mum to a toddler! No longer a novice at this motherhood phase of my life .. but definitely not yet an expert...

... There is never enough time in a day to do all the things I have to do, things I want to do, and things I am supposed to do .... Well, there is not even enough days in the week to accomplish it all!

... I now know what people mean when they say that a child grows up too quick, and time flies. It really does. Amazing.

... A child will always take up most of your time, whether they are newborn, 6 months, 13 months, etc. They will always demand your time. No matter what time of the day.

... At 13 months after the birth of our child, our house is still a mess. Not because we don't have the time to clean it. We don't have the energy to.

... Breastfeeding is most difficult during the first month. At 13 months on, I can do this in my sleep. Effortless.

... It is essential, important, necessary to nurture the relationship with my husband! It takes a big effort to, on both our side, but that is part of the whole dynamics with a baby.

... Taking a night flight with a toddler is as difficult as doing a day flight. It's just a matter of getting comfy on the plane with the sleepy baby on your lap, or an active baby trying to run around the aircraft. Either way, it's a challenge.

... Grandparents will always spoil grandkids. That's their role.

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In about six hours I will have to get up, so I have to get some zzzs. As much as I would love to babble on. I can't. Physically am drained.

Work has been taking up a lot of my time. Working from home is even more difficult than working from outside the home. I am looking at putting B into occasional child care. At least 2 hours a week. I guess it would be good for her to be mingling with other people. As much as it would be good for me to learn to let go. Slowly. It would be good. Both ways.