Chick In Black Monday: An Old Blouse

I wore this blouse yesterday and realized that it's been with me for sometime now. In short, it is old. This photo was taken when I was still working with Convergys and have not conceived Roey yet. Ha ha! But it still look as if new. Yes, I only have few clothes and most of 'em are about 4 years already. Some were donated, some became an everyday wear clothing. I know it's kinda weird that when I plan to buy something for me but always end up buying for the kids instead. That's one characteristic of a mother, no doubt about it. most of us Moms are like that.

This is my first time joining Chic in Black Monday.

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Facebook Timeline

This is mine, temporarily. As stated in the application, Facebook Timeline will be live by the 30th of September. There are some who find it cool and some doesn't really like the changes Facebook recently launched. I guess we just have to learn to go with the flow sometimes and embrace the fact that changes are inevitable, be it for the better or otherwise.

I chose to that profile photo for the fact that I am already missing my friend Vangie and her daughter Sam (the one in the photo with me & K). They're in the US already by this time. I just wish them all the best. I know Vangie will succeed if she continue her baking biz there. Have you seen her cakes? Check out the last one I've tasted here. I was to request from her to bake something like that for my birthday but they left for the US too soon. Ha ha! Oh well! I'm too old for cakes anyways. I should just save up for Roey's 2nd birthday. =)

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When The Kids Get Sick

Worrying about the kids’ health whenever they get sick makes a parent, especially a Mom, paranoid and at the same time stressed. It has an effect on almost everything including work. However, the children come first. Besides, they are the reason of that “everything”.

I have not been around for a while. I missed a lot of things and blog opportunities already. Also, I have withdrawn my first salary from Odesk already which went to the hospital bill and medicine expenses of my toddler. No, please do not get me wrong about hospital bill, she was not admitted. We just have to bring her to the emergency room for faster accommodation and quickly rule out Dengue. I am glad she did not have Dengue; it was Tonsillitis, which caused her high fever. She was already okay after low-grade fever last Thursday due to viral infection, but last Sunday was different. She became irritable and too sensitive. No one can hold her but Mommy.

I had to leave her for a while at my parents-in-laws’ care while Keanna & I looked where we can borrow a nebulizer, bought medicines and attended a birthday. Roey was okay, and was active when we left. I was just informed through a text message that she suddenly had high fever, her eyes were a bit sore, she kept sneezing, which causes tears to run down her cheeks even if she was not crying. I was already hesitant to leave her but I did not want to bring her along too. My conscience is bugging me. I should have just asked her father to buy the medicines instead. I should have stayed by her side at home. We should have not gone to the party. We went there still just as not to disappoint my elder daughter. She has had a little too many disappointments lately. Things and my decisions went wrong that day. I have learned a lesson. Roey has mild Pneumonia and a possible Primary Complex Infection. Has to take her antibiotics for 10 days and cough medicines for 5 days. She will have a repeat X-Ray after ten days to check if she really has Primary Kochi Infection. I am really hoping she does not have any. I know that it can be treated, for 6 months that is, but what is hard is having her take the medicines on a daily basis. We had to go through it with her big sister twice before.

On the other hand, when my kids show cold symptoms, I really do not give them any medications at once. Serving them with fruit juices and lots of water is what I do normally. In most cases too, I use Saline nose drops or spray so as to help thin and remove mucus and let them breathe in comfort. I do not rely on medicines instantly for anything even for myself. I always have in mind that all medications have side effects especially to children. Another reason why I do not want to go through a 6 months long medication, in case Roey has Primary Complex is the fear of accidental overdose. These medicines have too many ingredients, yet not everyone has all the symptoms and same level of illness severity. I have seen the hesitation in giving the antibiotics in the eyes of the on-duty doctor at the emergency room last Monday. My MIL accompanied me and was the one who mentioned about giving Roey antibiotics. The physician gave a bit of a sigh, signed the prescription and explained the reason why he had to give the antibiotics.

Roey is getting better now. No more fever. But still, I'm having a hard time feeding her. She became a lot more closer to barney though.

It is definitely hard when the kids get sick especially if they do not have any health insurance. Health benefits are what I liked about my previous employments. We do not have to worry about shelling out money for consultation fees and the medical expenses are reimbursable too. Oh, am I missing the regular job prior to being a freelancer? I could be, but I am not giving up yet. I know I will do good as a freelancer. I can earn the same amount of money I was earning before and afford getting my kids the health insurance they deserve. Having said that… let me go back to work. LoL!

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STEFtember Prizes

I have already claimed that this is my month... Septembercharm, remember? Here are few of the surprises that came my way this month.

Thanks to Eihdra and Pearl for these prizes. Aside from these stuff, I've been blessed to have been hired as a researcher as well. Blessings are definitely starting to pour. Issues of the heart & home may be there but I manage to keep positive. These issues just pass by but the lessons that's packaged in it stays with me plus I always remind myself that I'm more blessed than problematic. I have friends, family & relatives and my wonderful kids!

I'm looking forward to more happiness! Happy September!

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Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs 2011

The Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs is on it's 5th year. A writing project that seeks in identifying new and emerging blogs who are making an impact to its readers. Here is my official entry for The Top Ten Emerging Influential Blogs 2011.

1. The Pepperific Life

A spicy blog of a single working mom who cherishes her daughter so much. Pepper writes so good that you'll really feel how the parent in her mirrors you as the reader. A newbie she may be, this blog is really interesting and promising.

2. My Green Living Ideas

I'm voting for this blog for the simple yet so BIG reason that her advocacy to protect the environment is definitely inspiring. This Mommy doesn't just have the knowledge of ideas but also the heart to save Mother Earth.

3. My Painted Lips

Everyone of us, whatever gender or age we have has this vain side. This blog simply embraced the fact that being vain ain't require someone to be rich. I have my vote for My Painted Lips because of her simple approach on vanity. her tips are definitely of great help especially for a stay-at-home-mom like me.

4. Mom Writes

Happy thoughts and memories is what this Mom writes. Who wouldn't be amazed on how Mommy Ruby manages every blog she has? This mom's wit created and founded a number of communities and groups too. She's managed to share a lot to every blogger she's encountered. She definitely deserves a spot.

5. Tottering Mama

This blog serves as a tote of wonderful experiences and ideas a mommy blogger has. You will be awed on how a newbie blogger is packed full of effective parenting ideas. The author's determination will not just inspire the readers but influence as well.

6. Levyousa

Inspired by the levitaion spell of Hermione from the movie Happy Potter, this blog gets a vote from me. The author and I have the same reasons on deciding to blog, explore things around and share tips and ideas that could be helpful if not to all, at least some. You will not feel boredom in this blog because its packed with lots of reasons to levitate.

7. Notepad Corner

A vote goes to this blog which is like a jar full of colored candies & sweets. Or, I must say, that this blog is much like of a book or diary that is full of thoughts and stories of learning and life's essence. It is a combination of niches, from personal to being a mom. From business to parenting. Another blog that should not be out of the list.

8. Certified Foodies

An interesting blog of food loving siblings. You'll find great ideas and recipes in this one-of-a-kind blog. These two certified foodies believe that the key to everyone's heart is really food and this has made them the closest siblings ever.

9. The Bloggers Journal

As the name itself connotes, it's a blog jam-packed with blogging tips and tricks. Check out how a Mom manages to be hands-on yet a fulfilled blogger at the same time. Her tips about blogging didn't just came out of the box but were all self-experienced and though some may not work for all of us, what we can get here will truly help any blogger one way or another.

10. Mommy Survival Guide

Another vote goes to a Mom's blog. The author has incorporated the wonders and ponders of being a mom. For me, this is a blog celebrating the toughest job on Earth yet keeping the balance. This blog doesn't just get a vote from me but also a salute and virtual bouquet of flowers. Hooray to being a Mom!

The project would not be possible if not for the 2011's sponsors:

Cyber Monday Deals, TRIbeca Private Residences, How To Videos, Palawan Beaches for Sale,Green and Natural Lubes Philippines, Philippine data center, Philippine online shopping, Singapore Jobs, Pinoy Party Food, Manila rentals, and Great product deals.

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Losing Weight and Gaining It Back

I indeed lost weight. That's what I told myself after looking at these photos. Both these photos were taken maybe 4 years ago. The first one at the PBCom Towers office of Convergys and the other at my parents in law's home.

Weight loss, why am I little alarmed? Well first, I didn't really intend to lose weight. I didn't enroll in a weight loss program at all. I have not really grown big but I would like to maintain or be at the 50 kilos level. I'm below it as of this day. It was just recently when I realized that I've lost almost 22lbs. That's quite a lot. That's an achievement to those who are in a weight loss program or using weight loss systems. I have been made aware of this by friends and my cousins. That's what made me decide to do something to gain it back. Extra rice please!

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Electronic Cigarette, Thumbs Up or Not?

I'm not a smoker, but hubby is. He may not be a chain smoker, still, he smokes. He unintentionally shares the toxins brought by second hand smoke. Well, he's kind enough to go outside when he needs to light a cigarette so our kids won't see him or inhale the smoke brought by the cigar. Nah! Even so, right?

Anyways, my brother in law was also a smoker. He still smokes sometimes. The only difference is, he no longer needs to buy the cigarettes per piece or pack, he just needs to recharge his electronic cigarette in case it needs to be recharged. Yes! He's now using an electronic cigarette and gave one to Ronald as well. He also mentioned the benefits of using it. I can't believe I am actually typing this, benefits of using electronic cigarettes. Wow!

Really? So what are they? Let's enumerate them...
First of all, you save money. And this is self explanatory.
Secondly, there's no second hand smoke. Well, there is smoke literally but it's water vapor released like smoke. When there's no smoke, then it's also smoke smell free!
Third, no tar, no toxins and no poisons and the likes...e-cigarettes are non-flammable too, so it won't burn anyone's skirt or shirt. I remember to have a shorts that has a cigarette burn, courtesy of an uncle. Haha!

I guess there were indeed quite a few benefits of using an e-cigarette than be the one being referred to by the cliche: "Smokers never grow old because they die young". I would like name the hazardous effects of smoking but I don't really want to go on the details anymore since they can be gross and scary at the same time. I'm gonna keep it short and simple instead : Smoking is dangerous to our health. And I have to really try harder to convince hubby in using the e-cigarette from now on if he can't really just stop.

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Mosquito Patch

Can you see that cute pup in front of her Pink tee? It's actually not an imprint but a patch. A mosquito patch to be exact. A mom here is in a bit of paranoia due to the obnoxiously spread of Dengue. I have already tried a different brand of patches before as I've posted in my previous blog. But this one's better in my opinion since it has a much subtle scent, it also comes in kid-friendly designs. Aside from the usual anti mosquito lotion, I put on a patch or two in my kids' clothing for protection of course. These patches come in cute animal designs and assorted colors. A box of 24 patches is reasonably priced at Php149.00 which is available at SM supermarkets. That's where I got it that is! 


Thank you to my friend Vangie for this photo. Happy 22nd month to our Roey as well. 

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