Drip, Drip.

Our water bill has reached a very critical level. We all know the culprit. The dripping bowl from my parent's bedroom. For a while, nobody noticed it was dripping; so when the bill last month reached thousands of pesos, my mother had to find out what was causing it. Our water bill usually is in hundreds only. So, you can imagine my parents shock when the bill reached 4-digits. Anyway, long story short - we had to change the bowl's thingiemagig in the tank (sorry I don't know the exact term) to stop the leaking. We also checked all our pipes and water faucets for signs of leaking. Our kitchen faucet is leaking a bit, I wonder if Mom will approve of changing it to these beautiful Moen kitchen faucets? I like it. It looks chic and it would go very well with our kitchen's current sink.

Anyway, it's El Nino and we have no business wasting water whatsoever, so if you suspect leaking in your house? Do me a favor and check it out.

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Wednesday Happy Thoughts

1. It's the last day of work for this week.
2. Cough and colds have lessened for me, Joshua and Jacob.
   
3. For the drizzle and cool Wednesday weather (a welcome reprieve from the constant heat).
   
4. Not much backlog from work (online and off)
5. The baby is eating, not much fuss and drama!! =)
   

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Eating for 2?

So far so good.

Baby boy is eating. He ate the rice gruel that we gave him. He ate the Gerber's applesauce and also banana's. I am happy. Hopefully, he isn't a picky eater unlike his big brother. Now we have 2 kids at home who needs to be spoon-fed. I am hoping the Big brother will learn to eat by himself this year. *Hoping* because I tried to leave him alone and he would just not eat! It gets me so frustrated so I give in and start to spoon-feed him again. Then my Mom would point out I was like this when I was young...Okay, so he got it from me. Hmp.

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Here In My Room.

Dreaming with you...endlessly...

I am dreaming of something yummy to add to my gadget collection. What is it? Nope, not an iPhone or cell phones (although I must admit I am not 100% happy with my Omnia II). People are talking about Blackberry and how fun blackberry messaging is so it made me curious. Besides, touchscreen texting is a pain in the a**.

Anyway....back to my point, I am actually dreaming of my new (upcoming?) Digital SLR. I don't have it yet and I really thought we'd be getting a Canon but I think Hubby want the Nikon D90 after all. The D90 is a bit expensive but a very good investment. We'll see!

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Oh, Really?

Oh my Gosh!!! Is there some truth to this rumor? My ultimate crush John Lloyd Cruz is said to be condo hunting with Ms. Shaina Magdayao? Hmmm.

Fine fine. Granted Shaina is a pretty girl. But she's too young for JLC. Imagine? From Ruffa to Shaina? JLC sure do have weird types. Or, he doesn't have a particular type of girl after all. Oh well, I just remember JLC because I came across a site selling ping pong tables. In JLC's latest movie, he uttered this memorable line, "I'm not looking for a fight; I'm looking for a reason to fight for you, for us." when they were playing a ping-pong game.

He was telling his current GF about his parents and how they would cool-off after a fight by playing ping-pong. Nice way to vent out right? Different couples vent off negativity differently, how do you vent out yours?

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8 Habits That Destroy A Marriage

1. Nagging, nagging, nagging. We know about the squeaky wheel, but complaining loud and long gets you only short-term gains and builds up powerful discontent on your spouse's side.

2. Blaming, criticizing, and name-calling. These tactics belittle the person you promised to love, honor, and cherish; let you play angel to his or her devil; and don't address the responsibility you both share for your marital happiness.

3. Bullying, rudeness, and selfishness. These ugly power plays tell your partner that he or she doesn't count at all in your eyes.

4. Peacekeeping and passive placating. A "whatever you say, Dear" attitude may keep your home quieter but leaves you in the martyr's role. You'll end up angry, defensive, and a drudge. What fun is that?

5. Deploying logic all the time. Life isn't the starship Enterprise; playing the dispassionate Mr. Spock not only cuts you off from your feelings but also subtly tells your spouse that his or her feelings don't count either.

6. Throwing up distractions. You're just having fun, right? Think again. Being hyperactive, fooling around all the time, and refusing to focus—in conversation or in life—often is an attempt to avoid intimacy or difficult issues, which can be horribly frustrating for your mate.

7. Stonewalling. Another stall maneuver, stonewalling stops arguments and constructive discussions cold. Not much can happen when one spouse just won't talk about it.

8. Making unilateral decisions about the big things. Sometimes you have to pick the bathroom paint color on your own. But if you're making major decisions about your money, your time, your kids, and your family life, you're acting without accountability and cutting off the possibility of joint decision-making and deeper intimacy.

By Sarì Harrar and Rita DeMaria, Ph.D.

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Under The Weather

I've blog and ranted how a sick baby can be very taxing to the Mommy a few days ago here. So taxing in fact that I, too have been bitten by the bug.

As of writing this, I have stuffy nose, a banging headache and runny nose. I have slight fever (37.3) and I feel like garbage. The big brother and I share the same symptoms. The problem with him is that he doesn't want to blow his nose. How can you make a 3 year old blow their nose??? It's a problem really. How can he get better if he doesn't make those snot come out?

The source (baby brother) is better. He isn't fussy anymore and he has no more runny nose. Since big brother & I are sick, baby brother is with his Nanny most of the time. Thank God for we have a very caring Nanny. Parents know how difficult it is to find a trustworthy and loyal caregiver nowadays.

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Blog, Blogging.

Thinking of starting out your very own blog?

I've had my very first self-hosted blog last February 2008. I can't believe its over 2 years ago already. I've learned a lot yet there's still so much to learn.

A friend is asking me for tips and advice right now. He wants to earn through blogging. That's his main goal for wanting to start a blog. I told him that is that's his #1 concern he should invest in a reliable web hosting site. After all, its a little investment that will go a long way. However, he should have passion for blogging as well. Although it may sound easy to some, blogging is actually a lot of work. It's not just fun word play - you actually have to use your brains.

Got none? Google and do a bit of research before posting an article. Never give a half-baked post because you will turn-off readers and lose traffic in your site and that's what is vital in keeping a site active. If you have webhosting queries, you'd be surprised by the great amount of information out there available right on your fingertips. In this day and age, information is so accessible and vast that its a bit confusing where to go, what to get, whose reliable. So read up and be aware.

That's what I told my friend. He has to be online, read other people's blogs, know what his passions are and maybe write about that. Who knows he might be the next Perez.

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Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Tomorrow is Earth Hour.

We are asked to shut-off our electricity for 1 hour to raise awareness about conserving energy and to find ways and means for alternative energy like what http://www.nviro.com is doing. Check this video out and learn from them how NOT to waste energy by following the 3-R's: Reduce, reuse and recycle.



Not familiar of N-Viro? From what I've read about this international company, they would use its technology and help teach the municipalities and private companies of their patented processes on how to use lime and/or mineral-rich, combustion byproducts to treat, pasteurize, immobilize and convert wastewater sludge and other bio-organic wastes into biomineral agricultural and soil-enrichment products with real market value. Simply put, they will offer up the knowledge on how to reduce waste by reusing wastewater so that it can be recycled and use for other purposes. It is a very good concept, one that can help Mother Earth and its constant struggle in terms of waste management.

As we know, change begins within ourselves first and foremost. So, starting today, I will promise to recycle and not waste anything mother nature has abundantly given us. For example, here at home, we have a serious leaking problem. This has been going on for days now and no one has done anything about it. Before this day ends, I will make sure to have a solution for that problem already. And tomorrow, we will participate in the Earth Hour. What is 1-hour right?

8:30PM, March 27,2010. Don't forget.

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Nasal Sucker

Oh man. Having a sick baby in the house is taxing, not only for me but for my eldest as well. Naturally, since all three of us share a room, my eldest had a hard time sleeping.

Baby Jacob was up until around midnight last night because he had runny nose. It was a vicious never ending cycle of crying(him) and lots of carrying (me!). The thing is, whenever I had to wipe his nose he would cry, so I'd soothe him back to sleep, then his nose would drip again, wipe, then cry. This went on for awhile even when I had used the nasal suction to get the snot off his nose. Eventually, everything went quiet past midnight and both boys slept soundly after that. Good for them.

As for me, I was half awake all night making sure Jacob was elevated and that he was breathing properly. I was suppose to go to a birthday dinner last night with a western theme, but I canceled last minute due to the baby's condition. Even though he had no fever (yet Thank God), it did not feel right leaving him. Good thing today is a Friday. At least I can take comfort in knowing I can sleep in tomorrow. The weekend is so close, I could almost kiss it.

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More Debates Please

The measure of a man is what he does with power. That being said, I really don't know whom to vote for this coming May 2010.

For the first time in years, our family is divided in the decision on whom to vote for this Presidential Election 2010. Before, it was clear whom to chose from between the Administration and Opposition. Now, we have so many choices. Choices that were not available years before. It's not that I am complaining because I like it this way. I guess I just like to see more of debates, like the one Cebu had a few months back. We got to know the people behind the promotional products and tv ads. We were able to hear their platform and stand on certain key issues.

I just hope for more debates. The Vice-presidential debate was a hot one. I wonder what will go down if we have a Senatorial debate?! Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago will surely speak her mind. For sure, I'd be voting for her.

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A Taste

It's officially my baby's first taste of solids today.

We gave him about an ounce of rice gruel (a rice based soup made from the stock), locally we call it lanot something the doctor even adviced since it is quite a simple food the baby's tummy can easily digest. Jacob seemed to like it. He didn't squirm or spit out the food. After a few teaspoonful he seemed full already so I stopped. After all, its the first day (of the rest of his life) of eating solids so I don't want to shock his tummy in any way.

Tomorrow is a new day, we'll see if he would like an ounce or 2 more of the rice gruel.

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Play Slots Online

No fail and right on schedule, the my little McGrabby woke up at 5AM.

The sun isn't up yet! =(

He was grunting and fussy so I knew what he was up to. After he was done, clean and full we started playing a bit. Since its too early to go down (not to mention its still dark!) I've tried to let him watch a Baby Einstein video. He seems to love the music so far. He's too small to enjoy the video though, he just looks for a bit and then proceeds to roll around the bed so I let him be while I check my mails.

I am too sleepy to do anything productive yet, so I try updating my blogs, I open Facebook and I even tried my luck with online slots. It is a good distraction - but only for a few minutes. McGrabby here disapprove of being neglected.

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Nervous Wreck

In a few hours we'll be leaving for Ozzy's assessment in his preschool. I dunno who's more anxious, me or him.

I am guessing, me.

Although I'm excited to see how he does, I am quite unsure if he would like the new school. What if he hates school? What if he doesn't make friends? What if he is bullied? Worse, what if he is the bully? Things like this are constantly swirling in my head...and with less than 3 months to go before the SY2010 start I can't help but be a nervous wreck.

I wish Hubby was here.

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Sleepy.

Today - like any other day, I lack sleep. I woke up around 5:30AM to the delightful squeals of my 6-month old baby. This would have been fine except I slept at 11PM since my 3-year old was still so hyper then.

"Great, he's up.", I thought to myself. "Now, I have to get up as well."

Those are just the little things being a parent is about. Plus the fact that you don't hold your time anymore. It's an endless cycle of adjusting your schedule to fit your babies' schedule up until the point wherein he has established a clear schedule for himself, like his eating & sleeping schedule. Good thing I work at home. This way; I can still be a mom and an employee at the same time.

This time around (2nd baby) it is less stressful. I guess its because you know what to expect, you can anticipate the needs like getting Wholesale Insurance life insurance quotes for you, the kids and for the rest of your loved one's. Also I'd to point out, when the 2nd baby rolls in, parents know that when the baby is napping - don't stay up and stare at him all night; go get some sleep as well God knows you need it too.

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Manic Monday #204

What do you value most in other people?

Honesty, loyalty and kindness. Also, I go for people who have a positive outlook in life. You know, I believe when you think positive, you attract positive things.

If you could only see black and white except for one color, what color would you choose to see?

Yellow. Because the dull black/white hue needs to have something that can add a cheery happy feel to it.

You have a 10 minute speech to give at a high school, what is it about?

I would talk about following their dreams, enjoying their life while they are young and learn from their mistakes.

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Additional Baby Stuff

The problem with the second child is that they no longer get brand new stuff. For instance, my baby boy gets most of his big brother's clothes, toys and shoes. He would also inherit his big brother's walker and 2 strollers.

I am itching to buy him a newer stroller because the smaller one, the one we use everyday, has a broken strap already. I tried to fix it by sewing it but I don't think it will last long. You see, because of wear and tear the straps are already very worn out and looks like it will break easily. We can't rely on it anymore. I hate using the other one because it is too big and bulky for the mall or for everyday use around the neighborhood.

I actually like these baby planet strollers especially this solo sport model which is said to be light weight and comfortable. That is 2 of the things I am exactly looking for. I could even get stroller accessories for him like this too cute strap covers. Shoti needs it especially now that he can't fully control his head just yet.

For now, I just have to prioritize buying him a nice, sturdy armchair that can be easily put away if not in use. I have learned that because our previous highchair wasn't to practical in a small space. At least, baby boy Jacob can have something new and shiny he can all his own and not a hand-me-down.

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Almost Solids

I was suppose to start feeding baby Jacob solids last week. I can see he can support his head already but not quite. It's not yet 100% so I won't force the issue of feeding him solids just yet. I will wait 1-2 weeks. This will give me some time to buy his highchair. I've been wanting to go to SM because of the sale but I really can't find the time to go. Besides, I don't have someone to go with.

On to more updates with the boy...Baby Jacob can crawl. Well, not crawl with all fours, but he can lunge forward to get an object he is eying or slither on his stomach. He looks so cute when doing this. He has a strong grip and he would definitely disapprove when you take a toy away from him. His big brother would laugh and say he looks like a worm!

He would babble and say bababa or mamama. I know he is almost ready with solids because he would stare when someone's eating and I see him open his mouth a bit too as if asking for food! That's it. More updates soon. XO

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Doesn't Mean to be 'Mean'

Next week, Ozzy is scheduled to have his entrance exam (or assessment) from his prospective school. I am crossing my fingers on this one. We have actually been pretty decided on sending him so SFAS (I am an alumni of that school) and I hope the little monster won't decide to act up.

Otherwise, I'd die of embarrassment when he starts calling the proctor of the test "ugly". when he doesn't get his way. I know he doesn't mean to be 'mean' but ugly has been his favorite word of choice when teasing. I have told him that its not nice to use that word, instead maybe say, "silly" or "your funny".

Schooling is a big milestone for kids, I can't believe I am a Mother of a preschooler. Mom was teasing me saying, "Naku your just starting out, there's still gradeschool, highschool and then college."

Oz is a good, smart boy. He is learned, knows his ABC, numbers, shapes and colors. The thing with him is that he is very short-tempered. He gets easily frustrated when he doesn't get his way, he's moody and he does not share. Sometimes, I ask what I did wrong, but my Mom would assure me little boys are like this. Eventually they will learn to be social beings. LOL. I do hope Mother is right, if not as early as 30 I'd be needing best anti wrinkle creams, come to think of it, I better start using them now. Prevention is the key. I actually have fine lines already so I better avoid getting new ones!

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Who Touches Yours?

It must be the heat or my new toner, but something is up with my skin. It has been extra dry and has had its share of zits lately. I've read up on some of the best home remedy for acne online but I can't find anything that I want to try. I know a lot of health buffs have suggested wheat grass, they say drinking wheatgrass juice may remove acne but eck...I don't like. It seems to me it wouldn't taste good. I know, I know...I am being whiny here.

I should just change my toner and moisturizer. Or I could visit a reputable dermatologist then I could say, "Only (insert name of famous derma) touches my skin, who touches your?" Fun. I've always found their catchphrase fun.

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"Facebook password reset confirmation customer support"

Have you received it too???

I routinely open my spam folder because some messages tend to go there, so when I received an email from an alleged 'Facebook Support' I read it. It had an attachment but I didn't open it (yet). The emails tell recipients that the passwords on their Facebook accounts have been reset, urging them to click on an attachment to obtain new login credentials.

I carefully re-read everything written on the email because I found it quite unbelievable that my password would be reset without my permission. When I have my password reset in my bank login for example, they have to verify carefully if it was actually me their talking with. PW resets are sensitive stuff and cannot easily be done by whoever.

I thought the email was legit - really, I was about to open it, good thing I noticed something was amiss, that was not my email add in the TO: part.

According to anti-virus software maker McAfee Inc. if the attachment is opened, it downloads several types of malicious software, including a program that steals passwords, banking passwords and gather other sensitive information.

More info about it in this article. Beware and share this info to others.

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What are you willing to do for $5

I found this funny site, fiveer.com which is a maketplace where people can post stuff or share the things they're willing to do for $5.

Here are examples of silly (and disturbing) things people will do for $5:

• I will sell you my eternal soul for $5
• I will transform you into a zombie! for $5
• I will give you 10$ if you find 2 more people to give me 5$ for $5
  

..and here are some serious helpful stuff.

• I will give you interview tips or mock interviews for any high-tech company for $5
• I will provide vegetarian/vegan substitutions for any recipe for $5
• I will give you tips on going green with a solar panel for $5
  

How about you, what are you willing to do for $5?

Me? I am willing to do reviews for 5.:))

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Round Worms

Eck.

My brother showed me a very disturbing video of some 3-year old kids' colon being operated on. Why? It was infested with roundworms (ascaris) a common intestinal parasite. Imagine, they got around 20 of those suckers out, and they were not small little things, they were huge grown one's! OMG.

*Shivers*

Suddenly, I see my own 3-year old boy walking around the house barefoot and I freak out. I explain to him the dangers of walking barefoot but then again, what does a 3 year old know right? So it's up to me to make sure his colon and other parts are cleansed and detoxified. Taking colon cleanse products and making sure his hands, feet and environment are clean are some measures I can take.

Or I could show him the video. Nah! No way.

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Undecided.

I found a great open question posted in Yahoo! Answers which asks,"Have you already decided who to vote on May 10, 2010? Why or why not?"

Yes. I am one of the many who are still undecided.

Why? Because we've been burned by past Presidents that Filipino's became unbelieving and we've set the bar higher by looking for that 'perfect' President who won't succumb to corruption. Is there even a 'perfect' President? I doubt it.

...so anyway, I am either choosing Mr. Businessman or Mr. Pilot. I know, I know....why Mr. Businessman? Why!!! Well, I like him ever since. Granted he's spent a great deal of money on his campaign and he's not a good public speaker and debater as Mr. Pilot but I like him. I like that he has done a few good things under his belt as opposed to Mr.Pilot here. Yes, Mr. Pilot is intelligent. But so was Mr. Marcos. Go figure.

I swear, if I could escape it, I'd rather spend May 10, 2010 finding the strongest fat burner than voting for someone halfheartedly. I believe that if I should vote, I vote for someone I strongly believe in, its either that or not vote at all. I don't want to help put another bad seed in power.

I think I'd go for my initial choice...Mr.Subic. I like the guy. I think he's cute. LOL

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Long, loose curls.

I am not loving my current haircolor right now. I had this done 3 months ago, now it looks dry and the black roots are showing. As much as I would love to go to the salon, I just can't right now. Too much going on and I can't make time for it yet. Good if it took only 2 hours max, but I am sure it would take 4-5 hours to have my desired hair makeover.

I found this in InStyle and thought of following it!!!:)


Hope it looks good on me though, I'm no Mischa after all.

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Relocating and Pursuing A Career

For a while now DH and I have been discussing our plans for the future. I am seriously thinking about applying for a job with him overseas...I am an Engineer by profession but I've never really had any experience in my field. Helping out in our family business is very fulfilling so I never had the need to venture out on my own.

Not until recently.

It seems having my Husband work so far away has taken its toll on me. It was well and good at first, but my kids are getting bigger and the absence of their father is making a negative impact on the development. For example, my eldest is a Mama's boy! I don't want this following him until he's in grade school, or worse - high school! This is the time where little boys look for a role model and Hubby's presence is needed. We have 2 little boys after all.

So..right now I am updating my resume. I must admit it looks really unappealing. I am almost tempted to take up an online degree to broaden my knowledge especially in the field of business and administration.

An article from Karen Burns lists the common mistakes job interview mistakes. Here are the top 15.

1. Arriving late.
2. Arriving too early.
3. Lighting up a cigarette, or smelling like a cigarette.
4. Bad-mouthing your last boss.
5. Lying about your skills/experience/knowledge.
6. Wearing the wrong (for this workplace!) clothes.
7. Forgetting the name of the person you're interviewing with.
8. Wearing a ton of perfume or aftershave.
9. Wearing sunglasses.
10. Wearing a Bluetooth earpiece.
11. Failing to research the employer in advance.
12. Failing to demonstrate enthusiasm.
13. Inquiring about benefits too soon.
14. Talking about salary requirements too soon.
15. Being unable to explain how your strengths and abilities apply to the job in question.
    

These tips are really helpful especially for me. Can you believe I've never been in a single job interview ever since graduating BS-Industrial Engineering last 2005? Yes, that's right. I went straight to working for our business. Although it's terribly easy for me, it would have been a good experience for me to try out something outside the family business even for one year after graduating. Now, I feel super rusty especially in the interview department. I was thinking I'd want an online business degree, after all I have background in handling a business. Also, I can be very dependable, highly responsible, self-motivated and well organized.

So, who says a mother of 2 can't go back to school?

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Jacob @ 6 Months

Now at 6 months, little JV has turned into a babbling, fast crawling little grabber. He's weighs about 7.5kgs and loves to go out. When he's out and about; he just keeps quiet and observes the activity around him. He responds when you call out his name..he loves the water. I always catch him staring/observing his big brother, often laughing or smiling when he does. I am wondering what he is thinking...Also, he already recognizes his caregiver. Once when my sister came over for a weekend, little Shoti didn't want her to carry him. Sorry Aunty!!:((

This milestone chart here is from BabyCenter:

Child's Age	Mastered Skills (most kids can do)	Emerging Skills (half of kids can do)	Advanced Skills (a few kids can do)
1 month	• Lifts head when lying on tummy • Responds to sound • Stares at faces	• Follows objects briefly with eyes • Vocalizes: oohs and aahs • Can see black-and-white patterns	• Smiles, laughs • Holds head at 45-degree angle
2 months	• Vocalizes: gurgles and coos • Follows objects across field of vision • Notices his hands • Holds head up for short periods	• Smiles, laughs • Holds head at 45-degree angle • Makes smoother movements	• Holds head steady • Can bear weight on legs • Lifts head and shoulders when lying on tummy (mini-pushup)
3 months	• Recognizes your face and scent • Holds head steady • Visually tracks moving objects	• Squeals, gurgles, coos • Blows bubbles • Recognizes your voice • Does mini-pushup	• Rolls over, from tummy to back • Turns toward loud sounds • Can bring hands together, bats at toys
4 months	• Smiles, laughs • Can bear weight on legs • Coos when you talk to him	• Can grasp a toy • Rolls over, from tummy to back	• Imitates sounds: "baba," "dada" • Cuts first tooth • May be ready for solid foods
5 months	• Distinguishes between bold colors • Plays with his hands and feet	• Recognizes own name • Turns toward new sounds • Rolls over in both directions	• Sits momentarily without support • Mouths objects • Separation anxiety may begin
6 months	• Turns toward sounds and voices • Imitates sounds • Rolls over in both directions	• Is ready for solid foods • Sits without support • Mouths objects • Passes objects from hand to hand	• Lunges forward or starts crawling • Jabbers or combines syllables • Drags objects toward himself

In the 6 month mark; he has already passed all the milestones, except that he can't sit without support for his head yet. I am guessing its 'cuz he has a big head. His big brother at 6 months can sit unsupported already. So because of that I am still waiting around until I start to feed him solids. However, I've started to mix his milk with formula. I will still nurse him 90% of the time, I just want him to get used to it. Other than that, he passed with flying colors.

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