Embracing the Blessings

Been quite some time! It's now the 25th... around 8:30am and am doing some sort of acrobatics here while sitting on two ottomans placed side by side... I just opened the door to let in some fresh air into our home, but discovered there were also mosquitoes, so I'm on guard to make sure nothing gets into my little baby Marco's delicate skin....

Yep, you read that right... gave birth to baby Mark Cyrus a.k.a. Marco on Nov. 20, a Sunday and a family day. It's worth a labor that lasted almost 15 hours, but am really very blessed that my mom in law and my hubby were there to at least reassure me while I'm feeling those hellish labor pains....

My dad was there, too, to usher me and my new son in my private room in the hospital after the delivery. I can sense that he missed me a lot. Well, I did too.. but I hope he also saw how happy my husband is making me... so he can tell mom....

2nd week now of Daddy going to work as a teacher, finally. :) He's teaching English, MAPEH, and Values Education at a public school. I really dunno why, but every time he preps for work, the whole family always gets involved! Hahaha... that might not work for me when I finally get back to work myself....

Next week will be my final week before returning back to work. But I'll try to work weekends first. :) Then, the following week's going to be no day off work weeks again.

My horoscope's said it that the opportunities in my life are gonna slow down during the last part of the year, maybe even 'til the following year. But I'm not taking it negatively. So far, I'm enjoying it, embracing it... 'cause I really need to slow down a bit so that I could still enjoy my life and help my kids enjoy theirs too.

Especially Marky. He's been having bouts of jealousy with the new baby lately. I've talked to him prior to the delivery, and it seemed to have worked. But the problem was the people around him, who kept comparing him to the new baby, and who kept on spoiling him just so he won't feel envious. But he doesn't need to be spoiled so he won't be jealous. He just needs to understand what's going on and what his role will now be. I just really wish I could regain my strength soon so I could fully impose that. Marky can't come in contact with people who teach him stupid things....

That's it.

So help us, God.

Nearing the Homestretch

It's been quite some time since I last blogged... to be really honest, there has not been much time... since October started, I've been out of a rest day... I was already absent twice, but that's so that I can have genuine rest and lots of sleep....

Anyway, it's now nine months since Baby Marco was conceived... and I'm getting the contractions regularly now. Bit scary 'cause they now feel like dysmenorrhea, not just the cramps that I know I've been having because my hips and womb are expanding. Yesterday was one of my two absences... which I took because of the dysmenorrhea-like contractions. But no, the baby's not coming out yet.

Also another reason why I took a day off from work is because Daddy went home super late... 'twas already almost 3am when he arrived here. He'd been drinking with his buddies from his ancestral home... it's been quite some time since he last did that. So, I just waited for him to come home and took him to bed. He was soaking wet from the rain. He was too tipsy and sleepy to take a bath, so I just grabbed Marky's warming oil and massaged Daddy with that.

Anyway, since I've been having these contractions already, I re-checked my delivery bag last night. Everything's ready save for my clothes, which are still drying on the clothesline. Can't deny that I'm now excited to deliver Marky's baby. =)

So... that's it for now. Just ate breakfast. Now, I'm gonna take just a short rest to let the food come down and then, proceed to prepping for work.

Thank you, great God, for Your blessings. We don't deserve all these, but still....

God speed. :)

A Day After Sunday....

Sunday has always been fun, family days for us, whether we go out or just stay at home. =) Yesterday, we went to a fellow who's had ectopic pregnancy to gift goods in the form of food that she can eat while recuperating from her operation. I must say I'm impressed with my husband because of this. Helping, indeed, feels so rewarding, even if the person connected to her were a foe....

Then, we went to nearby QC Circle. Along the way, Daddy took pictures of Marky who seemed to be having so much fun with the sights around him. We saw his penchant for stairs, though that's scary because, of course, we're scared that he might fall and roll down any minute. And we also saw how Marky's extra careful with those streets that have drainage stuff - he'd carefully cruise through them only if he has something else to hold on to or if an adult is leading him across.

At QC Circle, it seemed that we were walking forever. 0_o But we did enjoy everything we saw, especially the musical dancing fountain, the treats such as the Go Kart and the sort of skyline (though we weren't able to try any of them), and the many families who were there to just hang out. We really wish there's something like it in Caloocan City, where we currently live.

We were very tired upon going home. I had to rest at once because I need to, or else, I might accidentally induce labor. 0_o Marky also slept, and he's still sleeping right now. Can't help but marvel at how my little son looks so angelic in his sleep....

Now, it's time to go back to work. Soon, I might not have any rest day at all. But I hope everything will work out just fine.

So help us, God.

Another Week Ahead

Been out of a single blog post last week... maybe I'm just feeling tired or I don't feel that inspired... but this time, as you might have noticed... I'm up with another blog! ;p

Had 30 articles approved for this pay period. That's 1,500 for tomorrow! ;p Add that to the 1,400, I guess, that I have right now and I have 2,900. The fruits of my everyday labor, hehehe. =) Thank You, Lord.

Just realized that I'm just two months shy from delivering our second child... makes me a bit panicky, scared... 2,900 in savings isn't that much... thank God I've already bought baby's diapers... just need to buy another bottle of baby oil and buy new baby bottles.... I guess that's it for now.

Lots of big changes today. New programs, new look. But here's my horoscope:

"Why are you in such a rush? No one is chasing you -- although it's true that everyone else is far behind you right now. That's all the more reason for you to slow down or even stop for a rest. The upcoming plans you have will have to wait anyway, so there is no sense in hurrying. Keep your focus on what needs to happen today, and let tomorrow take care of itself. Today is a good day for socializing -- you may have been neglecting this aspect of your life."

God speed. ;p

Gotta Try To Be Happy!

Pagbungad ko pa lang sa pinto, impending bad trip agad. Kung kailan sinabi kong magbabaon ako ng egg sandwiches for breakfast, saka inubos ang eggs. Ang mga plato, hindi na naman nahugasan. At ang laptop, hindi na naman pinatay ng maayos. Nakakaloka. Ako pa ba ang gagawa ng household chores dito? Akala ba ninyo, simple lang trabaho ko, madali lang pumasok sa trabaho araw-araw, madali lang mangarag araw-araw, lalo't buntis ka pa? Bullshit.

Anyway, what made me happy is that the clothes have been washed... thankfully, because I have nothing more to wear tomorrow. Sighs. I gotta be happy 'cause it's my last day now as a 24 year old....

Siguro bukas na lang ako magre-reminisce. Hehehe.

So cute naman my little Marky. =) Hehe.. malamang he's been looking for katabi in his bed-bed. He saw Daddy on the mats sa floor, so sumiksik siya kay Daddy and pinatong ang kanyang feety-feety sa legs ni Daddy. =) Hehehehehe. Gonna take a picture of it in a while.

God speed.

Tuesday pa lang. (Nanaman)

Wondering why I was drop-dead tired yesterday... good thing I finished with all my scripts before 5pm... because by then, my head was like whirling and I so badly wanted to sleep already....

Just discovered yesterday that there were more than just one jeepney terminal going to my destination at Bayan. This made me happy, 'cause I won't have to deal with what seems like hours just to be able to get a ride home.

So... that's just it, I guess. Feeling a bit off color at the moment. I hope the weather gets a bit cooler. Meanwhile, I'll go back first to my boys... my husband and my son. =) I usually linger with them for five minutes after my online work... then go get a bath and prep myself. =)

God speed, everyone.

My Final Week... as a 24-Year-Old ;p

Said it straightway here because I know not a lot of people know about my blogsite... but hid my birthday from Facebook because I don't want noise on Thursday, especially when I'm about to tell everybody that I'm gonna be absent on Friday. =) Daddy's planning a post-birthday celebration for me, and I could say I'm excited. ;p

But of course, before that, we need to tackle work first. Yesterday, I was able to write five Sneaky articles, thank God. Now, I wrote another one... but that's not really what I wanna tell you. =) It's that our new baby's kicking so much yesterday and today, he seems to be sort of enjoying what mommy's doing.

As usual, Marky's still so kulit. And his baby, the one inside my tummy, seems to be kicking his Kuya Marky as well whenever he gets near me. Maybe the new baby wants to play with his equally cute Kuya. ;p

Fun, fun.

That's all for now. Horoscope predicted it's gonna be a long, dreary day today. I hope not much. But I'll be ready. =)

God speed.

Really? Friday Already?

To this, I can say, "Thank You, Lord!" =) Hoping for another fruitful day ahead... for this last day of work week. Hehehehe.

Took me some time to connect to the Internet a while ago... dunno why. Maybe there's a problem with the USB extension cord... when I removed the modem from there and stuck it directly to the laptop's USB port, the Net finally connected. 0_o Hmm, maybe it's time to ditch it... for now, since we don't really need it yet as the Internet connects pretty fast here.

Just checked my Facebook this morning... got two friend requests, one of which is from, GUESS WHAT, my mom! 0_o Just approved her right then and there. Hmm, she also tagged two photos of me... one of which is my college graduation photo and the other, our family picture. Here goes:

Hmm... memories. But for now, I'm bent on living life for my husband and my two sons....

Got to buy stuff na for the new baby. =) I bought a whole bunch of nappies, 70% alcohol, cotton, and baby oil. Did not buy baby bottles yet because I can't find the brand I'm looking for. But at least, that's the only thing I need for now, plus a little more. ;p

Gotta go now. Wish me luck at work. ;p

God speed, everyone.

Sneaky Payday Thursday! =)

Yes! One more day to go, and it's gonna be Friday once more! One helluva week for me... but feeling very fulfilled because I'll finally get the fruit of my Sneaky efforts today. =) Well, it was a few hundred bucks short of what I expected, because some articles got disapproved due to keyword spamming booboos, hehehe... but the fact that I'm getting something out of what I've spent time and woke up early mornings for really makes me very grateful.

Thank You, dear Jesus, for enabling me to write....

Daddy wants me to begin eating more of veggies today. 0_o For lunch, he said I have to buy SALAD instead of my usual fare of rice and meat or fish. 0_o I just wish it's going to hold me up until work hours are finished.

Maybe I'll just start on Saturday. Not sure if I'll have the time for it later. But I promise I'll go look for healthier options later, preferably in the office canteen, perhaps. ;p

I'll shop later. =p Yes, that's for our new baby. Maybe I'll go to the mall near our workplace first and check out if they have Babyflo bottles there. Then, I'll go get my pay and shop for supplies at the mall near home. =)

Lord, please keep me safe and give me the energy I need for later.

God speed, everyone.

Wednesday Madness

Now, where did I get that title? Well, nothing really... it just sprang out of nowhere. But I hope it doesn't mean that this day will be one of madness. 0_o

Marky's been really clingy last night. Looks like he remembered the morning before. I told him to go get a toy so I could get out of the door as fast as I can. When he found out, he let out the loudest cry ever that I could hear even out there on the street.

So, last night, we ate together, took a bath together, he tumbled and rode and tugged me wherever he went. 0_o And then, when he got sleepy, he positioned for me to hug him... and he'd cry whenever I let loose. Thankfully, he's sleeping soundly now, so I was able to spring out of bed to do my stuff.

Love, love, little baby naknak. Even if mommy leaves you for work, doesn't mean she doesn't love you. She just needs to attend to things that would also benefit you. And, she's giving you the chance to be independent, to see the world as it truly is. Hopefully, you're having fun.

Planning to start shopping for my new baby's stuff tomorrow, when I receive my Sneaky payment. Got 3 articles disapproved already... they've been lined up for the next payday, but I hope all the remaining articles will be approved so I can get a little extra for now. Like I promised, I'm gonna buy first his nappies, then supplies, then bottles and clothes.

Once I complete all of the new baby's stuff, I'll be stashing the rest in the bag I'm preparing for my delivery. =)

That's it for now. God speed, everyone. =)

Tuesday. Hope Everything Will Be Okay 0_o

Glad I finished my Sneaky stuff earlier today than yesterday. But my tummy's kinda rumbling... ikaw ba naman ang kumain ng 2 bowls of pasta and 2 cups of coffee for breakfast. 0_o Well, I actually just finished off the leftovers from last night's dinner because I know Daddy will just throw 'em away when he wakes up later today.

Really irked yesterday. First, I waited for ten minutes at Jollibee for an order of a rice meal and pancakes. Next, I dunno how, but I lost 100 pesos from the 300 that I already saved from my allowance for the new baby. I believe it has something to do with me taking the change for Avon purchases from my savings. Sighs. Now I'm regretting that I didn't just follow my instincts from the last time and bought my initial stuff for the baby. There's also Bev and Keya, who were demanding for their out-of-stock purchases, and it made me got irked with Avon once more because it's been, like, three brochures. And then, the rain poured like hell last night! Traffic was affected... I waited for, like, an eternity before I could hail a jeepney to take me home. It was already past 9pm when I arrived home last night. 0_o

But still, there's stuff that made me happy yesterday. =) The baby dancing round and round in my tummy while I was busy writing. The fact that all my showbiz stories saw airing time yesterday. The pasta dinner. The before-bedtime bath with Marky. And, sleepy time with Marky. =)

Today, here's my horoscope:

If relationship issues have got you feeling confused or frustrated, the stars say that it is time to get away from them altogether -- at least for a while. It's time for you to face your fear of being alone, and there is only one way to do it. Take yourself out on a solo date. Go somewhere that makes you feel pampered -- whether it's a fancy restaurant, a posh spa or front-row seats at the theater. Remind yourself that you deserve to be treated well, and you will start being treated well.

At work....

You're in an expansive frame of mind at the moment, which is exactly where you want to be. The marketplace seems awash with possibility, and you'll have all sorts of ideas -- some outlandish, some positively ingenious -- to pitch to your higher-ups.

No plan of pitching to the higher-ups though. I'm contented with what I have. =)

Just praying that this day won't be a bad work day.

God speed. =)

It's Another (Manic) Monday

Put parentheses on there because it's like that's not how I really felt about this day. Unlike the past few weeks, I'm sort of smoothly taking this day... like it's just another day... not really that it's special, it's just that I'm looking forward to be able to once again moonlight and earn some dough out of something I'm fond of doing... and that is making my brain work. =p

So, how's my work day gonna fare. Here's how, according to Shine:

Push yourself a bit at the beginning of the week. You know your own challenges best, and you shouldn't let fear of making a mistake hold you back -- there's much to be learned (and gained!). Workplace connections crackle around Wednesday and Thursday. Cement some important relationships, but also make sure anything more than businesslike is appropriate and under control. On Friday and over the weekend, a little reorganization can bring big benefits. Look especially closely at methods or strategies you've been using so long, other options seem crazy. They're not.

For the week, accordingly, it's gonna be like this:

You are poised on the brink of greatness at work (and in most other parts of your life) on the 1st and 2nd. Get ready for a pretty heady ride! Your work life may never be the same, once you've shown everyone at the office what you can do. Wow! Let your oh-so-impressive brain do its work on the 5th and 6th. Your intellectual curiosity just can't be beat! Romance is the ticket on the 9th, 10th and 11th. Your ideas really rock their world on the 15th and 16th! (Here's a hint: For best results, don't get into unnecessary scrapes with your colleagues before you present your stunning ideas). Experiment on the 20th and 21st. After all, that's the secret to truly innovative thinking. Organize on the 25th. Whether it's a business retreat or a new ad campaign or a networking picnic in the park, take advantage of these lazy summer days to bring people together in the great out of doors. Celebrate good news on the 28th and 29th. Spend on the 31st. But don't overspend. Financial health is a key to career success.

And for the year:

Now that Chiron is finally coming out of your work sector this February after an extended seven-year saga of pushing every social insecurity button known to man, your work environment should be considerably less painful. If you've had trouble with co-workers or employees, you'll finally feel like you're getting some thicker skin compliments of Neptune moving out of your work sector between April and August. Use this planetary reprieve to take a more detached attitude towards all of the drama.

The absence of Chiron and Neptune in your work sector facilitates renewed confidence in your talents. You can stop second-guessing your skills and put more energy into furthering your assets. With a major eclipse pattern hitting your career sector in June, you can expect monumental changes to occur in your professional life between June and next January. This is the year for your hard work to pay off. Plus the lessons of compassion and heightened sensitivity you've learned over the past several years will only work to serve you in reading people's subliminal motives and assess who is a true ally and who to avoid at all costs when doing business.

Between the end of January and June, Jupiter comes back to bless your sector of legacy and other people's money. You'll likely be gifted with a considerable karmic jackpot in the form of a donation, gift, inheritance or loan. Do you still have issues receiving? Now is not the time to look any gift horses in the mouth Virgo. You've more than paid your dues with the amount of free help, guidance and other such service and now it's your time to receive and replenish the well.

So help me, God.

Once more hearing the sounds of a nearby school commencing classes. Sigh. 'Hope my husband gets hired in the job he longed. I honestly desire to see him in his teacher's uniform, doing what he loves, being looked up on by people, because I know that's what he truly desired.

My prayers....

A half month more and I'm seven months on the way. My husband would like to change our new baby's nickname... he can't be called similarly to Marky. Great relief for me.

Ten more days and I'm turning 25. Not really thinking about it, though. It's a Thursday, a work day, so I hope my husband allows me to just let that day be a quiet work day. And then, we'll be celebrating on the Sunday following. =)

Thank you, Lord, for the life you gave. =)

By the way, we had a fun time at the big mall yesterday. Got irked by my aching leg, though... perpetually standing really isn't the way to go for pregnant people. ;p But Marky had a grand time. He rode that virtual reality stuff, where he assumes that he's on a car race, and sampled some rides at Storyland. He was so mesmerized with the lights and the noise and the play atmosphere! Me and my husband could only look at each other in content. We wish we could give Marky more of mall times and play times.

As for our forthcoming baby, I think I'm gonna start buying stuff for him this week. Stuff on my list include:

>> One big pack of disposable nappies (preferably in 40s... torn between buying EQ or Pampers)

>> New mittens and socks

>> New pair of shorts (even just 2... he could share with Marky when he's back from the hospital)

>> The essentials (baby oil, 70% alcohol, cotton, Sanitex/feminine wash, adult diapers)

>> One can of infant formula (will buy this during my last trimester)

Will probably start shopping first for the nappies, the baby oil, the alcohol, and the cotton. And then, I'll go look around for the clothes at the shopping mall nearby. Then, come my 8th month, I'll be shopping for things I need, specifically the feminine wash and the adult nappies. I'll try my best to save for the can of milk, so that Daddy won't have to worry about that any more when I return from the hospital with the new baby.

And this, dear Jesus, I pray... please keep my new baby safe, happy, and healthy,

just as You did my dear little Marky.....

God speed, everyone.

At Last... It's My Day Off....

Just came in from a grueling work day... arrived late 'cause I got a bit lost at Nova Bayan... also largely because I was taking my time too much... well, because of the adrenaline rush, I was able to finish checking three VOs in a span of 20 minutes... the headlines, the video of the day, and one silent story took me some more time, though, because I still have to preview videos and ask questions.....

Wasn't able to make any Avon sales today. People seem to be more mindful of their money these days, what with the politics currently ensuing in our workplace. Wasn't able to collect any payments either. And one customer even came to me with a bit of a good and a bit of a sad news: she was happy with the eyebrow pencil, she used it twice upon delivery, but it got lost while she's on the way home. :( Really sad. But of course, she's still got to pay me for that.

Sans all these things, well, I still think that the week has been, overall, productive. Here's why:

1. Been a bit quicker, more creative at work. I believe I've somehow made it, but I still got to improve on my craft. Or maybe I'd just have to really make up for it when I get back in shape after I give birth.

2. I was able to commit to my savings target! Though not really that well, especially today, because of that very expensive Kenny Rogers roast chicken meal (and I wasn't happy about the vegetables, because there were a lot of beans... I told you I should've ordered fruits instead!)... so I was only able to save 20 pesos for these day... but all in all, I was able to save 300 pesos for the whole week. If I'll be able to keep up to this until my last trimester, I will be able to save at least P4,000 right before my leave! :) Now, I was wondering whether I'll do the same with Marky and start spending the cash for Marco's stuff, or if I'll just sack away the money first. Hmmm....

But when I was pregnant with Marky, it helped a lot that I had all the stuff ready when Daddy's about to take me to the hospital. He was worrying then about the bills and everything, he was kinda lost and didn't know what to prepare. Thankfully, I prepared all the stuff months in advance, all in a bag, so all we did was lift and go.

------------------

So there. But there's still one more area where I failed oh-so miserably, and it's with remembering to take my vitamins. 0_o

Yes, I was able to take it three days in a row. But by the fourth day, I forgot... and on the fifth... and this morning yet again.

(I took my vitamins now. Sorry, dear little son.)

Why do I need them? My OB says the pills are supposed to help my bones produce more red blood cells to prepare for the massive loss of blood inherent in pregnancies. I should've been drinking milk also. 0_o But I honestly got to forgo my daily dose of fresh milk because it costs 35 pesos a carton and I have to save at least P50 daily. :(

Maybe for next week, I'll kind of have to rehash my diet once more, so that I'll be able to put my money to where it should really be spent on.

That's it for now.

It's rest day at last. Thank you very much, Lord.

God speed....

Politics at Work

Fourth day in a row that I'm blogging... now, congratulate me, fellas. =) 'Know I used to do this, but it just dwindled these days because of unprecedented busyness at work... now I'm learning to sort of manage my time, and find some of it to be able to blog and moonlight as well in the morning.

My horoscope for the day:

"Your boss or another authority figure is in a great mood, so push your luck. Run with the ball and see what happens, because there's never been a better time to show off and get noticed like the pro you are. Get ready for advancement -- it's coming your way."

Lately, I've been kind of checking out horoscopes almost daily. Blame it perhaps on the fear that I might fall victim to the current game of politics going on at work. Won't elaborate... I bet many of you already have an inkling about what I mean... but yeah, it's been pressuring those industry newbies and those who came from government networks like me to just work quietly and do our best to avoid the monstrous powers that be.

Almost 7:10am. It's the third day since I applied for dealership with Natasha, but I'm still not getting a response via email. Oh well, I guess I shouldn't get too excited... it's not even the business hours yet.

I almost forgot! I have to do the Avon receipts today! Think I need to hop now.

TGIF! My prayers for today: Please, Lord, no work-related problems for today. And, Avon payments. ;p

God speed!

Payday Wednesday!

Seems like I'm keeping up to my resolution so far. ;p Proud to say that I managed to save almost P200 by now for our new baby's expenses. =) And it's now the third day in a row that I'm moonlighting at Sneakindesign, so it's all good. I just hope all the articles pass so we'll be sure we'll get our pay on the 17th.

By the way, here's something I'd like to share. Wala lang. =p

Still thinking right now if I'll ask Daddy to go to our office later... you see, payday's always been "lakwatsa" and bonding time for the family... but it can also get costly... maybe we'll just have to save more at the moment.

Got into a chat with some pals in the office yesterday. There seems to be a kind of conspiracy against us talents who have more than one show. One person obviously would like to put his own people in. No problem with that, but it's just a very obvious example of politics in the workplace. Sigh. It's indeed everywhere.

With this, perhaps all we can do is pray and hope that this person would see sense.

God speed.

I Want!

It's 7:03am... just done with my 10th article at Sneakindesign for this pay period. Add this to, I guess, 12 articles I had in the three previous pay periods (when I wasn't really able to concentrate on doing articles because of morning sickness and work), and I now have 22. Enough to make sure that I finally get some moolah on the 17th. Tomorrow, it's payday at my regular job... a considerable amount's gonna be slashed off from my income, thanks to that awful sore eyes... I just hope the guys who bought lots from our Avon business last time get to pay in full this time.

Saw this one on the Net. =) Been longing for this for quite some time already... a loading business.

And this....

On the other hand, I believe Daddy wants these:

A sari-sari store

Pastillas =)

In God's grace and time. =)

P. S.: Currently signing in to become a Natasha dealer online. Hehehehe... no problem with me 'cause we have a sort of recruitment agency just across the street... I can transact directly from there. =p

God speed. =)

Six Months.

First time I had ultrasound with the baby's face so clear. He looks like Marky! Wahahahaha....

Three more months... the countdown begins, and we'll finally have Baby Marco with us. And with the countdown comes the real problems.

Three months into my maternal unpaid leave, it seems like there's some kind of conspiracy against me at work. Perhaps it has something to do with my performance, but since many of us are affected, it's more like they're doing this to put in their own people in the position. Don't understand? Don't worry, you don't have to. ;)

Three months into my leave, we started having problems with cash flow. And then, there's an unsigned contract. Learned about that last week. I don't know yet if it's already signed or what. But they're still not telling me anything about that.

Let me go into some details. You see, I'm headwriter in one Saturday news program. I wasn't talked into it, I didn't even know about it, until our PC told me. All I know was that I'm writer, and the bulk of live items and the counterchecking of stuff would all fall on me. Our PM learned. He questioned me relentlessly, and all I answered was, "I really didn't know, Sir." And then, he said he's not going to sign my contract yet.

Well, I don't have problems with NOT being the headwriter. I don't even encourage myself being the headwriter, not at this point, because I'm pregnant and I won't be able to pitch especially when my EP's absent on December. I just kinda hope that he didn't belittle me too much.

Anyway, that's it. I understand we really have to do something now to make sure our current income tides us over during the lean months, which will likely start November up to December. Here are my resolutions:

1.) NEED TO SLASH MY FOOD EXPENSES. Been really costly when it comes to food these days. Can't help it, really... my life centers on food whenever I'm pregnant. But I was able to slash on food costs when I was pregnant with Marky, so I could buy him some stuff like nappies, bottles, and some clothes. Now, I'm gonna do the same... save at least P50 from my daily allowance to be able to buy even just nappies, a can of milk, new milk bottles, mittens and socks for our new baby.

2.) MOONLIGHT. At home, I can do at least a Sneakindesign article daily. Thank God for investments such as our own laptop and internet at home! Now, I'll be sure that I can still earn even when the computer shops are closed.

Daddy also invested for our own Avon dealership business. Does us wonders because it helps us save on our cosmetics costs, as well as earn a little extra for ourselves. Perhaps I need to be more pushy when getting the payments. =)

3.) JUST WORK. Try to be as OK at work as I can. My Aksyon EP is trusting me to do the creative stuff, I just noticed. So maybe that's what I have to work with and strive hard to be really good at.

That's just it. =)

And pray, pray, pray.

Just remembered... one of our desk editors gave me a rosary from Vatican, and it's already sort of getting out of its plastic container. Perhaps it's really high time that I get to use it.

These are the times when I missed having an adoration chapel where I can pray in. I wish we have one just very nearby. Sighs.

Anyway, that's it.

As for the baby's name? Yep, Daddy wants the nickname Marco, and maybe the name Mark Kristoferson. But I'm thinking of something aside from Mark, 'cause I might get confused with him and Marky. What about Matthew Kristoferson? Isn't that nicer? ;p

So, that's it.

God, help us.

It's The Weekend... But There's One More Work Day....

And that work day's gonna start a few hours from now.

Just blogging to update. =) Hmm... it wasn't really a stressful week but I might have pushed myself a little too hard... got tummy cramps that were a little too difficult to handle.... I thought I'd be giving birth prematurely... heaven forbid. 0_o

Fortunately, Daddy allowed me to rest early that time. The following days were no longer that hard for me, so it's all good, although I'd still feel really tired most of the time.

Marky's now walking! =)

(to be continued... gotta prepare now for work ;p)

Hey Blogger! It's Been So Long!

Indeed... been busy and all... 0_o

Right now, it's a very peaceful Monday morning... am right now peering through the glass jalousie windows of the living room... yes, we are now in our new home. =)

It's actually three weeks now since we transferred homes. We did because we just couldn't keep up with the old one any more. You see, it's been raining days before... and the floor in our bedroom got all flooded. 0_o Why, we weren't so sure, But I really am having suspicions that the drainage system is just underneath us, which is scary. 0_o So, we went sleeping in the living room, which was fun anyway, because it was cooler there than inside the bedroom where there's absolutely no way for the air to go out aside from the door.

Another thing, the sink and the bathroom, which just couldn't hold water any more. It got so bad that we had to wash our dishes outside the house.

And then, the perennial problem of the very sparse water supply. It got really bad that it was like a month of us having to get our water from other sources. Pity, pity....

But what really got our ire was when the landlady went to us and asked us where our payment for water was. That was unthinkable... how come you have the guts to ask for payment for something that's not been rendered? She was really insisting that we pay... so my husband just told her to subtract the amount from our advance deposit. But that's long gone, the landlady exasperatingly said. That really made us furious. So, does that mean we're not getting any refund in case we're going out?

So, three days I guess before the month ended, we hopped out to a place nearer my office. The apartment's situated at the heart of a commercial center, which means that we have the mall, the hospital, the churches, the schools, and even the ATM and the police station just very near us - exactly my husband's dream. =) The best thing is that both the lessor and the lessee are required to sign a contract, which means we can now be assured of our rights. =) Plus, the place is a lot more pleasing to look at and easier to clean, because the floors are tiled, and the bedroom and the restroom both have ventilation.

The caveat? It's, of course, more expensive... almost double the price of the previous house... because it's in the commercial district and the business is legal. Another, the living room is a whole lot smaller. Small bedrooms are okay with me, but I found a small living room harder to adjust to... I've been used to roomy living rooms! We actually found it difficult at first to squeeze in all our belongings inside when we moved here. And yes, the small kitchen sink. I found it really difficult to wash dishes because of the cramped space, although at least, we don't have a problem with the drainage any more. So, I'm making it a household rule to make sure the dishes are washed at least after every major meal, so it won't be so hard to wash.

And yeah... in the past, we've had P10 or even P5 breakfasts and P20 to P25 lunches... now, we're having P25 to P35 breakfasts and P35 to P50 lunches. I also kind of missed the daily palabok that's only for P10. That's why I asked Daddy to buy some pasta so I could cook, but problem is I don't really have that much time to cook any more.

But, I know there's a way. You see, Marky now takes a bath with me everyday, and I still get amazed at how I'm now able to manage it. Way back, when Marky wakes up while I'm preparing, it means I won't be able to report for my morning shift, unless Daddy manages to wake up early AND control him. 0_o Now, when Marky wakes up early, we just eat breakfast together, take a bath together, dress up together... then, he wakes up his tita-nanny, dons on his walking shoes, and off we go to the porridge shop for Daddy and his tita's breakfast (which he's going to partake with, too, anyway).

So far, that's it. Happy to be able to post another blog once more. Right now, Marky's still sleeping, and I've already had breakfast. But I sense that he's gonna wake up any time soon. So I think imma prepare for our bath now.

'Til next. =)

God speed.

DIY First Aid Kit for Baby

[ ] Baby nail clippers or blunt scissors

[ ] Cotton balls (don’t use swabs to clean baby’s nose or ears)

[ ] Baby thermometer

[ ] Bulb syringe/nasal aspirator

It's been, I guess, a month since Marky had this what I call his "tool box," a handy portable box where I put all his essentials. Good thing I chanced upon this. This will surely be helpful. =)

From Swanky Baby:

[ ] Medicine dropper or spoon with measurements

[ ] Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze (for circumcision care)

[ ] Infant acetaminophen (Tylenol)

[ ] Antibiotic cream

[ ] Saline nasal drops

[ ] Baby gas drops

[ ] Disinfecting hand soap (for you)

Today My Life Begins - by Bruno Mars

Just chanced upon the song a few minutes ago... just think it's gonna make a great new theme for my website. =)

Sing along and enjoy! =)

i’ve been working hard so long
seems like pain has been my only friend
my fragile heart’s been done so wrong
i wondered if i’d ever heal again

ohh just like all the seasons never stay the same
all around me i can feel a change (ohh)

i will break these chains that bind me, happiness will find me
leave the past behind me, today my life begins
a whole new world is waiting it’s mine for the taking
i know i can make it, today my life begins

yesterday has come and gone
and i’ve learn how to leave it where it is
and i see that i was wrong
for ever doubting i could win

ohh just like all the seasons never stay the same
all around me i can feel a change (ohh)

i will break these chains that bind me, happiness will find me
leave the past behind me, today my life begins
a whole new world is waiting it’s mine for the taking
i know i can make it, today my life begins

life’s to short to have regrets
so i’m learning now to leave it in the past and try to forget
only have one life to live
so you better make the best of it

i will break these chains that bind me, happiness will find me
leave the past behind me, today my life begins
a whole new world is waiting it’s mine for the taking
i know i can make it, today my life begins

i will break these chains that bind me, happiness will find me
leave the past behind me, today my life begins
a whole new world is waiting it’s mine for the taking
i know i can make it, today my life begins
today my life begins…

Got A New Phone!

It used to be the primitive phones. Now, it's this:

(Yehey... marunong na akong gumamit ng webcam ;p)

Pardon the poor quality... those photos have just been taken from my laptop's webcam.

(Gee, there's my blog! =p)

Gotta get back to working... super time to sleep already....

(There's little Mark Pork sleeping. Can't go anywhere farther from him... he acts like a magnet whenever I stray away from him... he'd also go up and cry...)

To all this, I can say... thank you Daddy! And, thank You, dearest Lord! =)

HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY....KRIS! (Isang Dekadang Pagsasamahan)

Went home last night feeling very nauseated and heavy...

Opened the door... there's a party.....

Rice is cooking, pancit just done, 2 cakes and fruits on the table, and on the chair, some clothes.

(Of course, there's also little Marky, making kulit)

Thought it's somebody's birthday... so I asked Daddy what all this is for.

And then, Daddy showed me this:

... flanked with this:

I almost cried. Hugged him tight. =)

That was last night. Today, June 9, 2011, marks our 10th year as a couple. It's not like how some people will perceive it to be... it's actually a super on-and-off thing during our first years... and we really just got along a few years back....

10 years ago, we were both active young community leaders, and that's how we met. Remembered my prayer back then that I want a church group member to be my lifetime partner. He came... but I never thought then that he's the answer to my prayer. Thought he was just another guy... but apparently, we're meant to be together.... Indeed, that's how this website was conceived...through the belief that people who are meant to be together always find their way in the end (One Tree Hill).

Roughly two years ago, I got pregnant with our first child, Marky. That's when we started living together. It wasn't always easy. Like many couples, we often have misunderstandings, there are things about each other that we just can't accept, and we were always defensive. But as time flies, we found out that one reason why we stuck to each other: We know how to push each others' buttons. =) We know we can fight and soon, we'll just be laughing about it. It also helped that he's a very responsible person. He values his image and his principles very much... they're principles that are very liberal... they're bound to raise eyebrows, but hey, they work wonders....

And yeah, it helped that whenever I look at him, now a lot healthier and flawed, I can still feel that 'kilig,' and I fall in love with him more and more each day.

Now, I'm almost four months pregnant with our second baby. Told Marky it's gonna be his baby. Know it's gonna be a challenge, but if Marky brought us closer together, this sure will, even more.

Thank You, dearest Lord, for the wonderful ten years....

He is the best thing that's ever happened to my life....

He completed me.

I love you so much, Daddy.

Happy, happy 10th birthday.

LOVE,

Mommy =)

(This is the most decent family photo we could manage... hehehe)

Day-Off, At Last!

Still proud of myself for getting the whole week through without any absences.... Anyway, it's already 9:42am... woke up around 8am because Marky's fretting... oh... he's awake now... grinning and climbing up my back....

So... well... Marky's now talking to me... saying ALIKULIKULIKULIKU... his newly invented word... hope he doesn't bang on the keys....

(OK, he's awake. So... what now?)

Guess I'll have to continue my blogging later. My son's coming over and he is banging my keyboard. Gotta turn on the music.

Posted.

Just keepin' you guys posted... 'guess I have no more excuse to not update this blog any more, since I now have a laptop of my own. =)

Thanks largely to my husband who made this, which, as y'all guys know, has been a dream two years back. =) 'Never thought that dream would be realized soon... thought it's still gonna take us one more year or so... but really, thank God for sales in the malls, we were able to avail of one that's not too pricey and yet, has a quality that we can be proud of. =) And it even comes with a warranty for one year... free repairs and replacement for unit and parts. =) The agent actually advised us to keep on using and using and using the laptop so that we'll sort of exhaust the warranty. =)

Thank God as well for my doubled income. =) Been doing so little to pay Him back. And having a bit difficulty these days because of my daily bouts of morning sickness. I've been perennially late in the office, it's starting to get a bit shameful. Thank God the big wigs understand... but of course, I hope I'll get over with these morning illnesses soon.

That's all for now. Want to share about further dreams and aspirations, but Daddy's been nagging me that he wants to go online.

Haha. That's us.

See ya around guys.

God speed.

I'm Back!!!!

finally got the energies to go back blogging again... this is the most i could muster for now... i feel nauseated....

anyway... just some updates for you here... royal wedding's done at last... and the weekend before that, which happened to be easter... marky's baptism! really, a whole lot of thanks for those who attended, sans the very far venue... we really appreciated it. =) pity i can't download photos here for some reason, but you may find them at my and my husband's Facebook. =)

hmmm... about the holy week... i really did nothing but sleep and lie down... i felt so lazy and dizzy all the time, it was frustrating 'cause i had wanted to tidy around the house and refresh myself during vacation... but there i was, doing nothing and being useless! but at least, i was able to catch up on some of the lost sleep... and i was able to take on the prescribed bed rest....

btw, dunno if i told you guys about this already, but i'm now about 2 and a half months pregnant with our second baby. 0_o had a preg test again this morning... this time, it yielded a positive almost as immediately as the flick of a finger... which explains why i have these dizzy spells and morning sickness... had about a couple or so absences already... sighs....

anyway, still thankful God has blessed me with a job that gives me double than my asking price... really anxiously and excitedly waiting for the first trimester to be over... i mean, the phase of lazy, dizzy, and vomiting... and hoping that, when that phase ends, i'll regain my energy and love for work....

also really very grateful to God for a husband who knows how to invest, and who takes care of all our home needs for me. i know, that's supposed to be my job, but he understands very well that i need somebody else to do it for me right now. hoping that he gets a better job, the job of his dreams, soon.

and yes, i'll be eternally full of thanks to God for my little boy, who's now growing so fast, so aggressive, and so full of life, at 9 1/2 months! =) i'm teaching him how to listen and heed to "no," and "come here," and "get that." the reason? i happened to know some babies who don't. 0_o thankfully, my son listens, and he obeys. so, as a reward, i let him explore as much as he wants, unless of course, if there's potential for danger.

Lord, bless our new baby. =) hoping for a little girl so that we'll have a boy and a girl. =) hubby and i are planning to name her kriziane kate, from both our names and because her conception coincides with all the fuss about the royal wedding. =) what d'you think?

Marky's Christening!

Updates! Updates!

Finally! Got on my blog once more... it's a Saturday evening and I'm still at work... but there's really nothing more to do save for waiting for our show to air, so all that's left for me to do for now is to entertain myself....

First off... the family reunion! I got reunited once more with my biological family (as in Mom, Dad and my brothers) last weekend, with Daddy and of course, Baby Marky. We first met at church... then, we went to our old home where we had one of my fave dishes - Mom's egg burger and chicken neck with liver adobo! =) Yum! Pity we didn't have Mom's carbonara... but it was all right....

Preparations now in full swing for Marky's christening. It'll be on the 25th of April, a Sunday, at the Sto. Niño Parish. Reception will follow at Chow King in Almar. Why Chow King? Well... it's basically because we canvassed and we found out it's more affordable there, and we can even have the room free for ourselves for the first two hours and rent the videoke! We shopped around first... should we have Jollibee, Chow King, some other resto, or just our home and have the food catered by our own fellas? We first tried Jollibee, but we decided this won't work... all the party packages are for kids, and all our attendees are adults. So we just decided that would work instead for his first birthday. Catering's good, but the viand and rice will come from Daddy's side and the spaghetti, carbonara and chicken will be coming from my mom's... transporting will be a major hassle. Plus, we're not sure about the security of our guests here. Other restos - nah. There's not much choice. The next better restos from here are kilometers away. So we opted instead for Chow King. The venue's accessible from the church, the meals are adult-friendly, we could have as many add-ons as we want, and as I've said, we can have the videoke, as well as the room for free for the first 2 hours!

And last but not the least... by the way... I'm pregnant once more! 0_o I'm not kidding! Indeed, it's baby number two, coming up... almost two months now. =)

More for next week! Stay tuned.

God speed....

The Moment I've Been Waiting For

Got into a spat with Daddy's elder bro last night. He was drunk; I was tired and spending quality time with my little boy. Playing with Marky is just as tiring, but it's one of my means to relax....

And then, he asked these crazy questions. I don't wanna answer. I never wanted to deal with stupid stuff like this.

He insisted I answer. I said I don't talk to people who were not my level. It got his ire. It worked... it burst his bubble.

This guy always seemed like the perfect epitome of the bum... he's been given opportunities, but he neither excelled nor persevered to excel in any of them. I've always been raising this point to Daddy, with care, for he always kept his ears shut whenever I open the subject... which I understand, because he loves his brother... but....

But my concern really is that this guy is growing to be a sort of jinx to all the people who help him, who would support him in his endeavors. The perfect example is his girlfriend. She's a pretty-enough girl, with amazing computer skills and knowledge and the knack for relating to people. I had wanted to recommend her to jobs, but I didn't, because I know her earnings would only go to "that" person....

And, guess what? "This" person applied and put me in his character references! Amazing! As if I didn't know how he worked, how he sabotaged his every output, and how he flunked in every assignment he is given!

Now, he's been given another opportunity to prove himself. My only wish is that he doesn't flunk this one, like he did in his other gigs....

Daddy has threatened to leave me because of that one simple sentence I said to his bro. I'm not gonna force him not to. He has to choose if he will go with his ancestral family or with me and Marky. But, 'guess what? I'm thankful this has happened. Because it kind of harked me back to my senses... that I'm now grown up, a mom, a partner, and I should have that sense of responsibility already....

Tiredness from work is no longer an excuse. As I've put it in the past, I chose to live this life. And Maryan is known for always making her decisions right. So be it.

Now, I'm determined. Whether Daddy leaves or stays, I will be able to raise Marky. On my own. Without the help of either family. And I will make sure, as I always did, that both will be proud of me and my son in the end.

Need to go back to God. Soon.

God speed....

Back on Blogger! =)

Whew! It's really been quite a while since I last blogged! And yeah... truly missed it!

UPDATES:

>> Been REALLY BUSY at work! (As in, with all the capital letters) We've launched a new TV station, which is all news, weather, and sports news. It's called AKSYONTV, and people would be able to watch it on channel 41 here in Metro Manila and channel 29 in Cebu and Davao. I'm with the breaking news episodes from 8am to 1pm as chargen supervisor... then I segue to my regular show which is Aksyon on TV5, which airs at 6 pm and is, by far, the most HARASSING program here in the newsroom! (That's why whenever I pinch-hit for other shows, they were kinda surprised at how I manage to look relaxed) Then, I'm also with Andar ng mga Balita on channel 41, but just for their Saturday edition (Andar starts at 6:30pm during weekdays, and 6pm on weekends). For Aksyon and Andar, I'm a writer and story supervisor. Ho-hum... nuff said. It was really EXHAUSTING, it sent me feverish by the end of this week, which was further aggravated by the ulcer on my foot! (Need I explain yet again?)

>> Marky's 7 months now! Yeah, I noticed I'm so one month behind in giving updates now. He's now grown so much bigger, he looks so much more mature, and I can really imagine the little boy who'll soon be tugging my shirt when he starts going to school! He now has two front teeth, both on the lower jaw, which sprung during his sixth month. And now, he's growing two more teeth on his upper jaw! I really wish I could spend more time with him, so I could read him books and go kwatsa-kwatsa with him, but right now, all I can do is to save for his future. And yes, spend sleepless nights because Marky now has a habit of sleeping SOOO late because he's waiting for Mommy to come home. 0_o

>> Daddy's RESIGNED! Thank goodness he's done it before IBC-13 goes totally bankrupt with all the corrupt people in there! Don't get me wrong, I have cherished my time there, but the people there have not done enough for the people who are working for them. It's time for them to take a bow from the industry. Currently, we're crossing our fingers on Daddy's application for a public school he's long been longing to get into. I really hope he earns the slot this coming school year. I would really, sincerely love to see the guy I love loving what he's doing. There are times when it's obvious that he's still missing what he was doing at IBC-13, but really, I would rather have him just stay and relax at home than work there. Although I was the one who urged him to work there. =p

>> My brother's thesis. Almost did the whole thing. Sleepless nights, cash strapped. But in the end, he passed. And that was rewarding. =)

That's it? I'm afraid... yes. 0_o

All right, so I see now how (kinda) little I was achieving these past few days, months. But at least they were big things (hehe, got that?). For now, let's leave it at that. But I do have a few wishes:

>> A laptop, so we can pursue our online gig
>> A house where we can live in peace =p
>> Daddy's job!
>> Super free Sundays and the means to go out during Sundays
>> That we'll be able to go to Mass regularly on Sundays (I must admit, we don't now) =(

God speed....

Marky at Six Months!

Check out his most current photos here:

Marky at six months! =)

HERE'S A SNEAK PEEK:

The Year. Thumbs Up. =D

2010 is my year, indeed. It was the year when major changes took place in my life. But when I really think about it, they're not really super major changes - just a shift to the usual family, work, church routine... because now, it's more like a new family, a new company, and a new baby. =)

It was the year when I loved... lost... and gained. And now, it's 2011. What's in store for me this 2011?

Personally, I'm only hoping for the best... for all of us.....

By all of us, we mean me, Daddy, and Marky.

I haven't really thought out my New Year's resolutions. So maybe, it's safe to say that I don't have any. But I do have New Year wishes. Some of these are as follows:

- That I get some extra raket at the company I'm currently with, that will not interfere with my play times with Marky. (Thankfully, I was offered a news writer post for our weekend show, and here's a stint where I was offered a segment producer position but it's just not there yet... so it's, like, an early thanks and I promise to be good at them!)

- That Daddy finally gets to teach na. (He's now on the way to resigning from his current company... I hope it's for the better. Our fingers are crossed.)

- That Marky will get to have some more nice clothes, nice books, and nice toys to play with. (Now I understand why there are some people who just can't resist buying those chic toys and kid's books even when they'd most likely go to charity soon. Babies and kids do need to play, and sometimes, adults, too.)

- That I get my planned pixie cut and new stuff as well. (I know Daddy doesn't exactly like the idea, but he's entertaining it... just that, we're always saving all our money right now for Marky's milk and baby food... so I kinda hope we'll be able to save some extra so that I can get my own stuff.)

- That we get to own a laptop na. ('Nuf said.)

- That we as a family would be able to really go out na as planned every Sunday, to church to hear mass, and then, to some nearby park or shopping mall (there'll be time for it even if I work on weekends, since my duty's 4pm pa naman.)

Daddy's making silip na, and I'm hungry, too, so I think it's time to say time's up. =)

God speed!

On My Baby Naknak's 5th Month (Happy New Year!)

It's been quite some time since I last posted... my apologies 'cause I've been so f***ing busy at work these days... as in!

Anyway, Marky's turning six months next week. So this may seem like a conclusion to how he's been during his fifth month. Well, here goes.

Fifth month for Marky has been so memorable. For one, it was the time when he had his first Christmas and New Year celebrations. Second, it was also when he went to Mommy's office! Yep, he was the apple of the eye when his Daddy brought him to visit Mommy in the office. Mommy had needed an escort because it was TF day and at the same time, Christmas bonus day. So, Daddy sort of thought it was the perfect time to bring along Marky also.

My workmates were all in fun quandary when they saw my son. But Marky got all stressed out and cried... he's apparently not used to seeing so many people get abashed by him. Just as our show was ending, I brought him upstairs to the control booth. He was so mesmerized by the many TVs, the many buttons, the many sounds, and the serious faces of the people around, who were throwing winks at him! We were joking that he was the one who actually directed the show.

Then, when Mommy's about to get her dough, Marky was left to the care of the reporters, who, thankfully, played very good nannies to him while I and his Daddy are not around (Headline: News reporters ng TV5, may bagong karir!). After that, we took him to SM Novaliches where we shopped for Noche Buena as well as baby stuff.

Fast forward to Christmas celebration... I think Marky knows something's up, because he can't sleep in the hours before 12 midnight... he just keeps on playing and calling, "Mimi" (that's how he calls me). And, when 12 midnight strikes, we dressed him up and we went to his Lola's which is just a few blocks away from our abode. He was so scared of the fireworks! Too scared, in fact, that it sent him feverish that he had no choice but to fall asleep in Mommy's arms, while clutching on to Mommy's shirt.

Come New Year's celebration, Marky's a lot better because this time, he took a nap before 12 strikes. Good for Mommy, because I had to cook media noche. And then, when the pretty fireworks started coloring the sky, we armed him with a cotton each in his ears and a towel on his nose and mouth, and we urged him to look at the fireworks. He's so confused he doesn't know where to look first! It was very funny. And then, when the fireworks ceased, we pulled the guests inside for some media noche and drinks. Marky played host to the guests - he was quite a chatterbox and he entertained the people with his tongue sticking out and his spit showering on all of us. By 3am, he motioned to Mommy to put him to sleep, and after ten minutes, we're in bed, sound asleep.

Right now, he's sick... with colds, cough, and a slight fever that goes on and off. We blame it on the weather. Even I was feeling down and out right now... every time I go to work, I feel like I'm very, very sick. He's currently undergoing medication and we hope he gets well soon so he'll get to enjoy his mid-morning hot water baths again.

Happy New Year, peeps!

Love from: Daddy, Mommy, and Marky!