Mommy's Break

From now on, this would be my new home. ;) I've had my own blog (www.parentramble.com). It was nice having that blog but I didn't get to have so much freedom editing its html as much as I have here in blogger.com. Probably, they have their own reasons like they wanted to protect their websites from hackers etcetera. But now, I found my new home where I could belt out all of my thoughts, rants and musings on my own two toddlers. Yes, I have two toddlers. Definitely, I'm blessed for having both of them. (Are you sensing some sarcasm?) But you see taking care both of them is really a roller-coaster ride for both of us parents (all moms out there, I know you are feeling me on this). Luckily, I have a partner, who is also hands-on when taking care of our tots. He helps me out in settling them down whenever they have their own "shining drama" moments. Still, I think we need another one to help us out even if we're two on two still it's not enough.

So what to do? I created a blog which serves as an outlet for me whenever I've had "enough". Sometimes MOMMIES need a BREAK or at least need something or someone to break away and recharge and go back again to reality.

Are We Safe From Melamine Now?

BFAD have already released all the list of products that are safe from Melamine. You can check this site for the updated list. But there are some supermarkets, because of their greed, have the guts to still keep these products on their shelves. But if found, they could be sanctioned by the authorities. I remember the time when Fisher Price, a known manufacturer of toys, have recalled some of their products for possible lead contamination. Turned out some of their products were China-made. I was scared because my mother sent exactly the same toy which was one of those banned, which is a Dora doll. It was the favorite toy of my youngest because she likes Dora very much. For a time she had lost her appetite for food and became sick. Recently, our previous maid have re-arranged our cabinets and retrieved the already-hidden doll. I was mad at her for removing it from our cabinet. So I said to her to burn the doll. There was also a time when my husband was fond of buying candies wrapped in foils from China, on which I vehemently disagreed because I'm just not OK with it.

Since this Melamine Scare, I'm quite aware or should I say paranoid of the food that goes into my daughter's mouth. I think it's safe to say that fruits and veggies are enough to feed them. But heck even those have chemical fertilizers in them.

Pressures of Becoming a Parent

Being a parent is a huge task. You will never know it unless you become one. Right now, I'm really confused as to what kind of discipline should I give to my three-year-old kid. Is it too early to discipline her or is it just right to begin punishing her for her mistakes? Does she already know what's right from wrong? So many advices from relatives and friends. One even told me to consult a child psychologist. Ultimately, I think I will be the one to know, as a Mother, what techniques are best suited for my child. Because each child is unique. One system could work for a child but will not work for other children. I've found this www.parentingtoddlers.com/toddlerdiscipline.html once when I was looking for some answers, not again, in the internet.

I'm praising my mother now for raising me and my brother, gracefully. I think. Because it is a really a tall task. Now I know why my mother always say to me when she was in the middle of scolding us that when the time comes that we become a parent, we will understand how hard it is to raise a child. I thought to myself, I will get a maid to help me. I thought it was that easy. But it's not. Even if I did had one, it didn't make it anyway easier. Because the most IMPORTANT thing that I've learned from my mom is the BOND that we had as a mother and child. The CONNECTION that will never falter what happens. The LOVE that no experts or child psychologist could beat in child therapy. Because whenever you establish that connection to your child, it will be second-nature to you to understand her needs or wants, to know her whims or caprices and as a result to be able to give her the right discipline that will soon shape her as she matures. Having a maid or having someone in the middle to do that for you isn't really helping at all.

I'm still struggling at this point in parenting, understandably, because I'm a first-time mother. But I know that it's never too late to be in touch with my kids and to know them deeply. One of my friend who became a mother herself, congratulated me because she was amazed at how I was able to manage having a kid and having two for that matter, while my mother was away and was not there to guide me. That's why the Lord is so great because He knows what to do. He created mother's instincts. ;)

Preparation for Preschool

As I was doing my early morning routine, I was surprised to see my eldest daughter woke up early one day. I saw that she was holding her "pooh" backpack. I told her that she was too early to be up and about. I asked her where she was going with her backpack. To my amazement, she answered, "Skul!" And so I asked her what's the contents of her backpack. I found her Jollibee stuff toy, blow-horn, toy car and stickers. So I asked her if she was going to school where was her pen and paper. She replied with an innocent grin, "I know!" To translate it, it means she doesn't know.

My daughter, who is just 3 years old, is already excited in going to school. Some told me that I shouldn't enter her early into school because she might lose interest right away. But I couldn't resist everytime I see the delight in her eyes whenever she sees girls her age in uniforms and when she watches the video of her cousins interpreting a song through actions, which she mimics with full of enthusiasm. Mind you! She already knows her nursery rhymes by heart, not that perfect though but at least she knows how to sing and sway to the music. And that's what preschool is about - Playing and learning.

Earlier, I was contemplating on entering her into homeschool. This offer was our best option since my husband and I works and takes care of the kids at the same time. I know you must be confused. Me too. How in the world did we manage it? Only parents of the same situation as ours will understand. But now, since we already have someone to help us out in the household chores, I've decided to enter her into a regular school because I can see it in her personality that she likes mingling and relating to other kids, even older than she is. Homeschool wouldn't be appropriate for her. Although, the homeschool I'm referring to have some activities that would require her to socialize with other homeschoolers, still it was on a weekly basis and I'm not yet sure if the system will fit our daughter. Eventually, I will think about it especially if the tuition fee rises above our income bracket. But for now, I'm really excited for my kid's first step to preschool. Hopefully, I won't be having problems of leaving her in school. But the school requires first one week supervision by the parents. By the way, the preschool that I'd be enrolling her was the same preschool I went to when I was just her age. :)

Internet Marketing

Been awhile (by Staind playing in the background) since I've updated this blog. My golly! Thanks to my friend who have indirectly reminded me to resurrect my writing capabilities (if I have any). She gave me a link to a work at home seminar by blogging done by someone who have earned from it. He has also a Virtual Assistant seminar. I'll do this as soon as I have the resources ;). But I'm really more interested in his Internet Marketing seminar since I have so many 'rakets' (business) like Life Enzymes and internet (PrimeVPN) and Human Heart Nature that I wanted to market on the internet. But this costs more than the VA one so I must have, again, the resources. ;) (Sigh!) So little time, So much to do (by Arkarna).

It's All About The Money

I just need to repost this. A friend posted this on Facebook. :)

There are two very good reasons why you should earn more:
1.You Want To Give More
2. You Want To Grow More

When you earn money, it’s not the money that’s important; it’s who you become through the process of earning money that’s important.

Rightly Said. :)

Pranic Healing

Lately, I came across an interesting subject in a forum, which is Karma, Soulmates and Reincarnation. To make it short, I became interested in the discussion that eventually led me to visiting Anthony Vivero, the famous x-ray psychic; with the help of my forum buddies. He sees through a person's body and as if, like x-ray, he scans through it and could detect if you have some diseases and he touches it at the same time. He holds free healing during Wednesdays and Saturdays in his home at BF, Paranaque. He told me that I have thyroid problem that's why I don't get fat even if I ate so much (err, he didn't mention the latter). I have yet to have mine checked since I've learned thyroid test costs much.

Anyway, while we are in the subject of healing, someone in the forum shared an ebook about pranic healing. It's about healing yourself through prayers, invocation and meditation, even if you are not a psychic. This is a good read: http://www.scribd.com/doc/6918711/Choa-Kok-Sui-Pranic-Healing

Name Game

My mother forwarded this game to me. It' fun. Try it. :)

Not as easy as you think!!

Rules: IT'S HARDER THAN IT LOOKS! HIT FORWARD, ERASE MY ANSWERS, ENTER YOURS, AND SEND IT ON TO 10 PEOPLE INCLUDING THE ONE THAT SENT THIS TO YOU. USE THE 1st LETTER OF YOUR NAME TO ANSWER EACH OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS. THEY HAVE TO BE REAL PLACES, NAMES AND THINGS. NOTHING MADE UP! TRY TO USE DIFFERENT ANSWERS IF THE PERSON IN FRONT OF YOU HAD THE SAME 1ST INITIAL. YOU CANNOT USE YOUR NAME FOR THE BOY/GIRL NAME QUESTION.

1. What is your name? Kate
2. A 4 Letter Word: Kiss
3. A Boys Name: Keith
4. A Girls name: Khryssa, Kirsten (my kid's names ;))
5. An Occupation: Keymaker
6. A Color: Khaki
7. Something you wear: Kickers
8. A Beverage: Kahluah
9. A Food: Kare-Kare
10. Something found in the bathroom: Kleenex
11. A place: Kalibo
12. A Reason for being late: Kids
13. Something you shout: Kulet!! !

My Top Hits This Valentines

I'm actually excited for Valentines. Hihi. Me and my husband along with my cousin and friends will watch a concert of Side A, Freestyle and MYMP this coming Sunday. Nope we're not gonna join the rest of the couples this Feb. 14. Funny, my cousin said that if you will go out on the 13th or 15th of February, you are actually considered as a mistress. Hehe. Anywho, the streets, malls, moviehouses and parks will be full, I bet. There would be a pandemonium. So I'm ok with the date 15. It's better to be called a mistress than be stressed out with too many people!

Anyway, this concert is actually just a repeat of their December 1 concert due to public demand. I saw one of their concerts uploaded on YouTube. Specially, when Juris, my hubby's fave singer, belt out Miley Cyrus' 7 Things. She's good. At the end, she was really exasperated and she said, "You see that's why we never sang those kind of songs." :) But she could actually make Avril a run for her money. Here's the link: http://www.playlist.com/playlist/15074078987/standalone

Btw, before anything else here is my hit list for Valentine's. Enjoy!

Heart To Heart by Kayla

This is still fresh and hot. Just forwarded by my officemate. Kyla's new album Heart to Heart now available for your ears only. :D

http://www.tonetsdaily.com/2008/12/03/kyla-heart2heart-album-kyla-heart-to-heart/

I heart Kyla. Specially her version of my old-time fave, "Old friend". This song was special to me because it was my theme song with my bestfriend in gradeschool. I like it because it's timeless and the lyrics is straight from the heart.

Old Friend

A million times or more I thought about you
The years, the tears, the laughter, things we used to do
Are memories that warm me like a sunny day
You touched my life in such a special way

I miss the way you’d run your fingers through my hair
Those cozy nights we cuddled in your easy chair
Oh, no, I won’t let foolish pride turn you away
I’ll take you back whatever price I pay

Old friend
It’s so nice to feel you hold me again
No, it doesn’t matter where you have been
My heart welcomes you back home again

Remember those romantic walks we used to take
You held my hand in such a way my knees would shake
You can’t imagine just how much I’ve needed you
I’ve never loved someone as I love you

Old friend
It’s so nice to feel you hold me again
No, it doesn’t matter where you have been
My heart welcomes you back

Old friend
This is where our happy ending begins
Yes, I’m sure this time that we’re gonna win
Welcome back into my life again

Yes, I’ve tried to live my life without you
Knowing I had lost my closest friend
??? from time to time
Knowing I will never find the kind of love I had when you were mine

Old friend
It’s so nice to feel you hold me again
No, it doesn’t matter where you have been
My heart welcomes you back

Old friend
This is where our happy ending begins
Yes, I’m sure this time that we’re gonna win
Welcome back into my life again

Welcome back into my life again
Welcome back into my life again

There's A Reason Why We Love Each Other Now

My fave song at this moment. Now by MYMP.

http://www.imeem.com/rhojmusic/music/fHULbPfS/mymp_now_high_quality/

This is for couples who are so focused and worried about their future and if they will end up together that they tend to forget "NOW" moments. I would like to dedicate this to a friend of mine. I will call her "Z". You know who you are. I think so. Hehe.

Btw, Bong and I were able to go to the concert but it sucks that my friend and cousin wasn't able to get tickets since it's already sold out. My rating for the concert was A-OK. There were high and low moments. But one of the most memorable was when Jinky, surprisingly, did a dance number of Beyonce's Single Ladies along with Sheree as backup dancers. Take note: in tang-ga outfit. :) It was a hit. I also liked mymp's rendition of their new song "NOW" and most especially when she hit the notes again with her popular songs tell me, a little bit and especially for you. I also liked her rendition of girlfriend of Avril and 7 things by Miley.

Here is the lyrics of NOW:

Now By: MYMP

Now is all I know
Now is all I got
And I don't know
If there will be tomorrow for us.

Now is all I care about
Now that you are here
Now that you're the contents of my heart.

Now you're all I know
Now is all I promise
And I don't know
If there will be a future for us.

Now is all I live for
Now that you are near
And it was best that from the start it was clear.

Refrain:
Loving is not owning
We can let it go
We can let it go.

Loving is not owning
You can let me go
You can let me go.

Chorus:
There's a reason
Why we love each other now
And we don't know if this is forever.

There's a reason
Why we are together now
And we don't care if it's not forever now.

Now is all I think about
Now that I am happy
And I'm not sure
If there will be a future for us.

Now is all I offer
It's everything I got
But I still wish
That there will be a tomorrow for us.

(Repeat Refrain)
(Repeat Chorus)
Ad Lib
(Repeat Refrain)
(Repeat Chorus except last word)
(Repeat Chorus)

Coda:
We love each other now...

Top 5 Job Opportunities in London

                London has recently hosted the Olympics, as a saving recourse to boost its tourism by the year 2015. Thereby, hopefully, increasing income and generating more jobs for its people. With these, new and incoming workers are up on their toes finding information on what would be the topmost secure, if not the most recession-proof job in the capital of UK?
               According to the London Development Agency, there would be high demand for jobs for the next ten years or so, for the following positions: Top of the list are the senior officials and managerial positions - the likes of CEO, Company Director, Managing Director and General Managers, or those who know how to manage operations such as production, storage, construction and programs that a company services. Second are the professional positions like Surgeons, Doctors, Business Analysts, Financial Directors, Aircraft Pilots and Technicians, and IT officers. These first two categories are most likely to have the highest salary.
               With an ageing population like UK, there would also be an increase in demand for medical practitioners such as Hospital Consultants, Caregivers, Midwives and other personal service jobs, which comes in third in the list.
Jobs related to retail sales, comes in fourth, as the demand for goods will still be there. Last but not the least, Customer Representatives and similar entry-level positions in a number of industries comes in last on the top 5 list.
              There would, however, be a decline in Administrative and Secretarial jobs, Skilled Trades and Plant and Machine Operation jobs.