Our Dadilo's and Mama's True Legacy

Now that they are both gone and went with the Lord, I remember many things about them, all the wisdom and advice I've heard and the good practices I've seen. One of the most impactful memories I stored in my heart is their huge faith in God. I can vividly recall when we prayed on one Christmas Eve because we didn't have any food or gifts at that time and they claimed that that will be the last time we celebrate Christmas with nothing because God will provide, which eventually happened; we were blessed and prospered the year after that and year after year. Another is their belief and hope for a better tomorrow. It was from them that I always hear "tomorrow is an opportunity to get better, strive harder, exceed, excel, be a better version of yourself." It was from them that I heard, "stop complaining, the pain will be gone tomorrow." It was from them that I always look forward to something better, more rewarding, results of hard work. Dad said, that is not good enough. "HINDI PWEDE ANG PWEDE NA!" The standards keep on getting higher kaya when when we reap the rewards, it was always sweet victory. Mahirap pero sulit. Ganun ako pinalaki. Not dependent, not complacent, not mediocre. Ako lang ata sa aming magkakapatid ang maagang naexpose sa hirap kaya ganun na lang din ako naging ka-ambisyosa. Imagine, ang bata bata ko pa, ang dami ko nang ginagawang chores mula 8 years old, mamalengke, mag igib ng tubig, magtanim ng kangkong, kamatis, mag alaga ng baboy, manguha ng kohol, maglaba at mamalantsa ng lampin, maghugas ng plato sa dilim hahaha. Ang hirap na masaya kasi kapag natapos ko lang ang mga yun chaka ako nakakapaglaro, so dapat mabilis kumilos para me reward, maglaro sa bukid. Ang saya saya! Mahirap pero rewarding. Daddy and Mama trained me to be independent, to strive more, accomplish more to have a better life. Work, play, study - cycle repeats. By the end of my elementary days, I knew the hardships paid off. But that didn't stop me from striving, setting the standards higher. It went on until high school, college, working part time while schooling. By this time, my high standards were established and mama and dadilo wanted it re applied with my siblings. I hoped and prayed that whatever they saw in us, they will continue. We started on the right path we all worked part time while in school, we finished and got our degrees and worked. Eventually, we started our own families, had our own children.

Why am I saying this now? What is it for me, for my children, nieces and nephews and the younger generation? True, past is past but we can learn from it. There were so many good learnings from the past that we can use and follow. Maybe it was the thought that I don't want them to experience what I had, I let the children live comfortably. I am having those regrets, I wanted to continue what Mama and Dadilo started in me with my children, my nieces and nephews because I believe and could still hear Dadilo saying "Hindi pa pasado yan, magaling ka, believe that you can do better than that!" It is true, we can continue with their legacy - to be an achiever, not to quit but to work harder, to accomplish more, to find how and become a champion. We are all blessed with skills and talents that we don't want to get wasted. I hope the younger generation - our children will realize this that even if they can afford not to do chores, or be happy with the grades they've achieved, they will do more, be more, be of significant value. I hope my children while imagining me in the middle of rice fields carrying water containers, will realize that Mama, Dadilo and I worked hard to be where we are today, that they will continue the legacy of faith, hope and belief in hard work and growth mindset. Not complacent, mediocre or no drive at all. That is not what God wants us to do. He has great plans for us, plans to give us hope and a future. Only then, we can truly say that we are Mama and Dadilo's offsprings because we are achievers and always aim to be the best versions of ourselves.

 

To you my beloved: "Are you making Mama and Dadilo proud with what you have or accomplished right now?"

Keep Calm I'm turning 50

Wow, how time flies. I am so thankful that I have reached this important milestone in my life - fifty years! I am a Golden girl, it's my year of jubilee.


In the Bible, the year of Jubilee occurs after seven sets of seven yearly intervals (49 total) are completed. The fiftieth or "liberty" year is proclaimed on one of God's annual feast days known as the Day of Atonement.

This fiftieth (Jubilee) year is sacred — it is a time of freedom and of celebration when everyone will receive back their original property, and slaves will return home to their families . . . If one of your brothers becomes indigent and has to sell himself to you, don't make him work as a slave. Treat him as a hired hand or a guest among you. He will work for you until the Jubilee . . . (Leviticus 25:10, 39 - 40).

As I am celebrating and blowing my trumpet for my year of jubilee, I am sharing my list of 50 blessings that I am thankful for (lifetime ito).


1. My relationship with my Lord and Saviour - Jesus Christ
2. My Papa P - Pogi - (in English  - my handsome) husband Lito and how each day is valentine's day
3. My 3 sons who are equally smart and handsome as well - Aloysius, Kyle and Lex
4. My parents - Naty and Rolando who I am indebted for my life, the good life, life lessons.
5. My siblings - Wendy and Roty and our unique relationships
6. My other siblings, nephews, nieces in the Philippines.
7. My church - Church on the Queensway who keeps us growing in the knowledge of the Lord
8. My other church family - Servants of Christ Ministries for starting our walk in the Lord in Canada
9. My challenging but rewarding career
10. My current employer - MCBC who gave me opportunities to work and travel to the following places:
11. MCBC UK - Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, UK
12. London
13. Windsor
14. Cambridge
15. Stonehenge
16. Roman Baths
17. MCBC HQ Denver, CO
18. MCBC Golden Brewery
19. Hiked and reached the top of North Table Mountain at Golden, CO
20. MCBC Montreal
21. Manor Saint Sauveur, QC
22. ADEC Innovations / AMDATEX who gave me the opportunities to work and travel to the ff:
23. Rockwall, Texas
24. Irving, Texas
25. Binghamton, Upstate New York
26. Deposit, New York
27. New York City
28. San Francisco, California
29. RFM Corporation and the exposure to IT and dealing with challenging personalities
30. SGS Philippines for the multinational environment experience and for meeting Lito there
31. SGS Far East Limited for the travel to Southeast Asia
32. For all my officemates who also became close friends and mentors until now.
33. To my old church - Lighthouse Community for introducing God to my children in their young age.
34. To all my lifelong BFFs from Grade and High School, whom I shared with all joys, pains and successes ever since.
35. To all my relatives whom I share all my childhood memories.
36.  For coming here to Canada and becoming a resident and adopting us as citizens.
37.  For letting us explore the beauty of nature in and around the corners of Ontario - falls, beaches, ostriches and beautiful lakes
38. For the travels in other cities in Canada with family and friends like:
39. Ottawa
40. Kingston
41. Old Quebec
42. Old Montreal
43. for all the other planned trips in the coming months - Money and time to do this:
44. Disneyworld Florida, Philippines plus Japan or Seoul side trips
45. for the invention of TV and letting us watch all Korea Drama and TFC series
46. for the invention of social media - like FB, IG etc. for keeping me updated and connected with friends online
47. Music and all the perks in listening to it, any genre - bring back all memories
48. The opportunity to be with, work and sometimes disagree with people. The joy of being human and learning about the different kinds of people and how to deal with them.
49. for all the wisdom and lessons in life, the errors committed to correct and have room for improvement, the capability to adapt to change
50. for the life filled with hope, faith and love that comes from something supernatural - God.


I would say I have lived the life I wanted to have, the blessings are bountiful and I believe there is more to come.  Thank you Lord for the true love, joy and peace that I believe will only come from You.


Happy birthday to me, it's time to blow the trumpet and consecrate the fiftieth year. It shall be a jubilee for me, because God owns everything, this is the year when a man's possessions would be returned to Him.  My time is His, time to give back time - volunteer work to be used for His glory.

Some trinkets to remember

I have not been updating my blog and I missed opportunities to share the good things and blessings that I received.  I tend to forget about them so now, even if for a short post, I will mention the trinkets to remember so that when I get older and if I decide to make this blog of mine into a book, I will be able to read or pass on the good memories.

My Starbucks mug - my sister gave it to me last 2011 and I've been using it ever since. It was always with me in my meetings and conference calls.  It kept me warm in winters while walking on the streets of Toronto and while waiting for the bus. It was  not just was a vessel to my favorite drink, It was my constant companion and I feel sad that it finally gave  in and broke.  I remember  my director boss told me that she gave that day I was meeting her the deadline that if no one will claim the mug from her, she will take it, because there was no design like that in  Toronto. I told her that I got it from the Philippines and it has a sentimental value to me because  my sister gave it to me. It felt like I got reunited with an old friend. LOL, crazy me.

Slow Down - this was the favorite comment of my driving instructor, especially when I am turning. I need to slow down. Now I come to realize that the same word is to be applied when we are making decisions, when we are angry or  making plans. We need to slow down and think and analyze more before turning or making the next move. Even if the world is at fast pace, we should be slowing down.

The word RESTFUL - my son Alexus gave me a present today and  the word restful was R of the word MOTHER, the other words were Marvelous,  Optimist, he said his teacher said the meaning was positive, Terrific, Heroic, Exciting, but he explained the word Restful. He said it's because I'm always resting or sleeping. LOL! I just explained that I need sleep because I come to office early. I will definitely consider that as my favorite trinket from Lex. Pensive thinking, I believe that the word truly depicts me because I'm putting everything in God's hands and with that I can truly rest.

Salt - I always remember this every time I clean fish, salt removes the smell, cleans, preserves and adds flavor. We are reminded that our life is to be like salt as what God commanded in Mark 9:50, "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other."

That's it for now and I hope I can add more soon. Thank you trinkets.

Back to school again

I'm in my second term for the certificate course I am taking at U of T - that is University of Toronto to those who are not familiar. It was exciting when I first set foot at the university and met my classmates, most of them are working professionals like me. I was apprehensive at first but then just like the first few days in my job, it went fine.  My first course was too theoretical and the project we did was too technical, it was too draining because it coincided with my year-end frantic activities.  But just like in my past career and personal issues, God was there and helped me cope.

Many things have changed from the way I studied before which is 25 years ago, or maybe the methods are totally different here in Canada and with a continuing education course. Here are some of them: Textbooks and reading them are mandatory.  Good thing, I love to read although it's also a different feeling reading a novel.  Writing an exam is also another story. The questions are more situational and tricky and is done by multiple choice. The class participation is really helpful as you get a chance to learn about other companies and industries. The orientation of the classroom is conducive to discussion. Just like in the movies, the students are sitting in an elevated theatre -style seating. The instructor pulls up a white screen and the lesson was presented using a PowerPoint.  We were also given an access to the university portal and all communication is done there. The lessons are also available in the portal's Blackboard where the student can access the course materials. Everything was okay and high-tech. If it were not for my team who didn't coordinate very well, I could have liked it. But since I'm not paying for my studies, the extra knowledge and exposure is really a plus for me.

This term, my team is amazing, everybody is engaged and we liked each other too. I don't have problems connecting and communicating.  I look forward working with my team and ace the project.

Hopefully, after completing this, I will be able to start the next course  - Lean Six Sigma.

Adding value to others by adding value to self

Two years ago, we had a team building exercise that focused on our "colours" or personalities.  The seminar is called "colours insights" and it was very good. I thought I know myself that well but after the exercise I learned more about my colours and how others perceived me.  One of the major characteristics of my dominant colour which is "Blue" is that I'm detail-oriented. I like details, I also like to write and plan. I like to continuously improve and learn, receptive of feedback and use that to improve. I will get bored with repetitive tasks and it's true. I'm glad that what I'm doing now is not that repetitive and exposed me to different people, handle difficult ones and helped bring out the "Red" in me which I lack.

The second dominant colour is "green". This is the "I Care" colour. These traits tend to focus on the emotional side of me.  It always look at how I'm feeling instead of being objective. This has both the positive and negative effect.

So that's me, my personality, the traits I have based on how God created me to be. Maybe there's more. Remember we are created in God's workmanship.  When God talked to Moses to lead His people, Moses said he can't even talk straight, how can he do that? There is nothing impossible with God.  Our colours can change depending on how you want to develop. If you need more "Red" - the GO-getter, then you have to brush up on leadership skills, if you want to have more "Yellow" - the encourager then you need to speak up more, engage in interesting conversations, listen and talk, not only listen or be a wallflower.  Our colours will increase or decrease depending on how we put our energies to it.

It takes something to be somewhere. We need to invest in time and effort to be wherever you want to be.  Like what I said, if you need to talk more, express yourself not only in writing but in speaking to crowds, you need practice. Start with how you answer a question, it can be more than a yes or no, or in asking a question, use an open ended type so that the one you are speaking to will not reply with a nod but he too will keep the conversation going. If you both ask or reply with a yes or no, the talking will eventually die. The conversation will end in an awkward situation.

Attend a class, volunteer. The more people you are exposed to, the greater chances of you having to talk to more than your family members or close friends.  Not only will you learn more in a particular subject, your network of acquaintances will also expand.  Doors and windows of opportunities arise.

Learning (and reading) has lots of advantages, it widens your vocabulary which you can use in conversing. You become interested in new things, you will become more interesting to others making you more comfortable because you know about something and will be confident to contribute.

I was just recently promoted as Training Specialist and these are some of my observations from those I've dealt with regards to training and improving one's self.  First, those who are resistant to change will not progress.  These are the proud, complacent, the know-it-all, the closed minded people.  Second, those who are humble, open-minded, knowledge-seeking and change-embracing individuals will have a long way to go upwards.  I said upwards because they will continue to learn, to excel and perfect their craft and they move to the next level.  These people are not afraid to take risks, not afraid to fail because they believe that even if they fail, there will be another chance for them to correct and improve.

So where does a value-added individual comes in? First what does VALUE mean, it could mean low value or high value, like quality, lo or hi-quality.  What do we usually buy? The high quality because we know that it lasts longer or has more to it than the regular.  High quality means high value, remember what Louis Vuitton and Hermes are known for?  High value! But because of their high-quality, the consumers bank on that, they consider it an investment. 

Add value to your self - be that humble, open-minded, knowledge-seeking and change-embracing individual. Learn a new craft, find out how to improve the way you work, attend classes, read a new book, learn a new language and join enriching activities.  Along the way, you will find yourself sharing what you learned and your deeds mean something to another. Before you know it, you as an individual makes a great impact to your workplace or community by giving something of value because you are overflowing with it.

Don't waste your time with just something, invest in more valuable habits, it will add value to you and to those around you.

Don Moen's music and my early Christian life

We just came from a Don Moen's concert entitled "God will make a way: An Evening of Hope".  My friend Joy with her husband Dom joined Lito and I.  It feels good to watch a concert. Just like the old days with Joy at ULTRA.  But this time it's different because the artist is not mainstream. It all came back to me, the songs reminded me of the Thursday night services at ACCM in Makati (Word for the World Christian Ministries).  While we were singing along, I realized how Don Moen's  music made a great impact in my early Christian days. The lyrics of his songs inspired and attracted me to worship The Lord. I remember jotting down the lyrics in the handouts during the service. Some of my favourites include "Lord I offer my life to you", "Great is thy faithfulness", "Thank You Lord", I believe there is more" and many others....
As I was listening and reminiscing, scenes from my past flash and I couldn't help but cry and be thankful because it dawned on me that God never left me in my happiest and saddest days. His promises are true. God is good all the time. Even when I turned away and got "busy", He answered the prayers of those who cared for me and lifted me up to the Lord.  I know my true Godly friends included me in their prayers and now I want to thank them through this song.  To the people who introduced me to God's love and salvation, those who encouraged me, those who rebuked me, those who never gave up on me, those who inspired and keep on inspiring me, those who "showed" and not only talked about being a true Christian - Maraming salamat!
Enjoy the song....

let's keep on praying for each other.

My Bloopers (and Lex')

Lito and I have been collecting bloopers before and shared with Dennis and Loida (Happy Birthday friend!). A have a few bloopers when I arrived in Canada but I only remember one. Here goes: Saying Hi or Hoy Kamusta is always done here in the form of questions like "How are you?" "How'd you doing?" "How's your morning?" and so I always answer the same like "Good" "I'm good, how about you?" "Excellent because it's Friday!" or "Never been better". Sometimes I also say negative replies and that strikes a conversation when things are really not well. Anyway, one time the Brewery General Manager's Admin Assistant and I bumped each other in the hallway and she greeted me, I immediately replied "I'm good" when she said something but I later realized that she just said "Hello!" hahaha. so that's my blooper and here's the video blooper of my 3-yr old singing London Bridge. He is so cute and I want to share this here for you to be amused. Enjoy!

Sweating hard with Zumba

I got my Zumba Fitness game for Kinect from Lito on Mother’s day but it was only when the Flores came that we were able to play the game and I realized it was so addictive. Kelly was so good and even Tita Lorna danced to the salsa tunes. The following weekend, I tried it myself and I was sweating hard after just finishing the Calypso lessons. Zumba is a combination of Salsa dance, Belly dancing and exercise all in one. Since I am using Xbox 360 Kinect, I needed to follow the instructions and movements to the detail in order for me to win or finish the game.
I took the next lessons in the following days and by doing it for 30 minutes a day I think I lost pounds through all the sweat coming out of my body after the workout. This is timely because I will be eating a lot in all the holiday parties and get-togethers. Oh, by the way, this game makes me fart a lot so I think even the toxic gases are coming out of my body too. LOL!

How was your 2011 Qs?

I got this from my favorite e-group and because it's really timely- the year is about to end, I'd like to say that God has poured out His blessings to me and my family exceedingly and abundantly. With these blessings, I am very thankful. Here's a quick glance at year 2011 through these Qs:

1. What did you do in 2011 that you'd never done before?
SKIING

2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Sorry but I don't make new years' resolutions.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, my sister's friend ANI.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No

5. What countries did you visit?
USA (New York, Washington DC)

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Time to do my scrapbooking

7. What date/s from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 25 - Encounter God retreat
May 6 - Mama and Dadilo's arrival here in Canada

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Joint Effort with hubby - we bought our own house this year

9. What was your biggest failure?
I wasn't able to sort/organize our picture files.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No

11. What was the best thing you bought?
The House, Flavor Wave

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My youngest son who is more sociable than his older brothers

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
An officemate who thinks she knows everything and bullies new employees like me

14. Where did most of your money go?
The house, travels

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Our First Ski Adventure
All our travels-in and around Canada with my mom and dad
My Sister and Sister in Law being pregnant
My getting to know God more

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Desert Song

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? happier
ii. thinner or fatter? just the same
iii. richer or poorer? Richer :) we are blessed more this year

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Exercise

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Eating sweets!

20. How will you be spending Christmas?
We will be staying home for Christmas

21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
If the degree is asked, I think I loved my family more this year.

22. Who got together and who broke up?
JLo and Marc Anthony, KC and Piolo

23. What was your favorite TV program?
Charlie's Angels, The Listener, Hawaii Five-O, Wipe Out

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
No

25. What was the best book you read this 2011?
Have a new kid by Friday

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I learned a lot of Hillsong songs this year!

27. What did you want and got?
A new Cellphone and an Ipad, but I haven't gotten them (yet, hehehe)

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Just Go with It (I love Adam Sandler movies!), Transformers

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Celebrated it with my family plus my mom and dad. I turned 43.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
To serve God by sharing His words and inspiring others to come and accept Him as Lord and Savior.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
When I came here, my wardrobe became lean and more on classic styles. I have started to wear skirts and dresses (yes, even in winter!).

32. What kept you sane?
God and My family

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
None

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
none

35. Who did you miss?
My Family and friends in the Philippines

36. Who was the best new person you met?
None

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011:
Whether we admit it or not, we need Christ in our lives.
http://www.needhim.com

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"in all of my life, in every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship."

I'm back online

It's only been a month since my last post here but it felt like ages. I miss blogging and being online. It's true that our internet connection was just recently re-connected because of our move to a new place (our own one, yey!) but I have been "offline" for sometime now. My Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is attacking and I need to rest my hands in keyboarding. I have been using the Facebook more and posted some updates about me but it's still not complete without putting them here in my blog. I still have lots to share here, like our recent trip to the US, my mom and dad's own escapades and our new abode. I hope you will look forward to these updates.

So what did I do for the last month? ...enjoying the blessings that God has given us. Thank you Lord for your goodness.

Midlife - Half empty or Half Full?

It's my birthday on the 18th and I am so excited. Nothing fancy planned. I just wanted to reach my actual birthday and meditate on the goodness of God. The lifespan of an individual is more or less on the 80's and I'm so happy that I've reached halfway. This blog is a record of the ups and downs of my life and I could say that I can't ask for more because I'm blessed. Maybe what I can do is to upgrade my life insurance. And I could start looking for life insurance quote. My needs and lifestyle now are different from the time I got one 20 years ago. I could consider browsing for life insurance types to learn more about investing and making sure about having something for the kids in case something happens. I learned a lot from Insurance Information Exchange and I'm sure you will too. Careful planning and execution is the key to life's success and it doesn't hurt to be ready especially now when I'm in the middle part of my life.

Being an internet savvy

I just watched The Social Networking and I was amazed at how Facebook was invented. Actually, I'm so 'bilib' at these geniuses who came up with sites and apps that make people busy with their gadgets. The internet has come a long way and technology is evolving fast. Next thing you know, the app or gadget has been updated even before you try it. I can't believe I am seeing different tablets now, when it was only last year that IPad has been launched and now Apple has the IPad2 version.

I was a graduate of Computer Science but I am not one of these geeks, did not even pursue a career in this field. But I am an internet savvy - from email to blogging, social networking, yes I have it all - friendster, multiply, facebook. I also own several egroups and I am also a member of the online communities in the Philippines and here in Canada. I have a Plurk account and about to try Twitter but did not. I realized that all these will require too much time on the internet and less time for my family and other important things. I can only do some updates in this blog once a week when the kids are already asleep.

It never really occurred to me that I have been addicted to the internet for quite sometime now until I received an email from Yahoo today. It said my yahoo mail is 13 years old now.

Thanks to Yahoo and the internet, I learned a lot and still learning because it will never end - the influx of information from the clicking and scrolling of pages in all the available gadgets. I can't wait for voice activated commands because my CTS is also not ending.

Blood, hospitals, scrubs or anything medical

I could have taken a medical course and enjoy a lucrative profession but I was afraid of being in a hospital. Would you believe that the very first time I was admitted in a hospital was when I gave birth to Aloysius? I have been blessed with good health and going to clinics if I was sick would be enough to heal me. Just seeing someone wearing white lab coats coming my way, I would think that he will give me a shot or take blood from me. Seeing blood even my own will make me faint.

I frequented hospitals when my children arrived because of regular check ups. If I remember it right, there were 2 times that Aloysius was admitted and stayed for a week because of gastroentirits and respiratory problem. I was crying when they were putting dextrose in Aloysius. I cannot even look at the needle but my child was very brave. He also liked it there in the hospital because the nurses were friendly and they were wearing scrubs with cartoon characters printed in them.

When I came here, actually, it started in the US when I had a chance to go a hospital there, my fear somehow disappeared. The halls in hospitals here are not that eerie and it looked more of a hotel. The smell is also not that bad - you know that certain hospital smell? Anyway, my perception of those wearing hospital uniforms also changed. I could have been one of them too, but it is already late for me to go back to school and pursue a medical career. I hope one of my sons will be interested in that career path. God willing.

2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics inspired Coins and other collection

I am a collector of many things usually from places we’ve been to like postcards, souvenir bells and ref magnets. I stopped collecting (except for the bells) because magnets leave marks on the ref and postcards are more appropriate to be mailed rather than kept. This year Canada hosted the Winter Olympics in Vancouver and the government issued the 2010 Olympic games-inspired coins in different denomination. Lito’s officemate was collecting these coins and since she got an extra coin album from RBC, we became an accidental collector too. We just got the last coin and completed the collection. Like any collector, it feels good to see your collection organized and displayed in a nice way. Otherwise, you’re just collecting dirt. Here’s the coin collection:

Miss Clearance

I admit I'm a shopaholic. Sometimes I just want to go to a store, browse thru the racks and check out the items. It started when I was stressed in the office or domestic and I found myself going to the shopping mall to unwind. You wouldn't believe that it gives me a different kind of high just hearing the sound of hangers and the cash registers LOL. It came to a point that I needed to hold on to my cash and cards but I didn't give up on shopping. Actually, it paved the way for me to discover the one part of the store that I've been ignoring but is worth browsing too - the clearance racks. I also learned about the ukay-ukay or second hand stores from the internet and bought items there like winter jackets before going to the US last 2008.

Now that I am here in Canada even if I have my own job and can purchase from my pocket, I maintained that frugality in shopping. Lito and I were not into signature brands (although I found out that the vintage stores here in Canada carry lots of cheap branded items) and are not picky when it comes to buying pre-loved items. We got our Joovy Caboose, Evenflo highchair and some branded toys like Little Tikes, Playskool, Fisher Price etc. for the kids from garage sales and second-hand baby stores.

I went to Goodwill->pre-loved items store last Friday where I found nice home decor items - IKEA frames for a dollar each and decorative mirror for our new apartment. I just hope these items are still there when I go back on Friday because it's additional 50% off on all items. My BFF Joy also told me about Value Village, also a pre-loved items store along Lawrence Avenue. This store is very nice you wouldn't think it's a used items store. The items are organized per category, per size and color. I liked the furnitures and I also found nice but big toys for the kids - kids bike for 10 dollars, a little tikes plastic bike for Lex worth 7 dollars. It will be hard for me to bring them home and besides, we'll be moving. Maybe next time. Here's the one toy I wouldn't pass up, when I saw it I already felt it's perfect for my Lex - an IKEA brand abacus toy, almost new and the price tag is wallet friendly (see the tag?) You know, a shopaholic like me never comes out the store empty handed hahaha.

Back to the Corporate World

I can't believe that my first week at work has passed. Because I signed a confidentiality agreement, I cannot disclose my employer or anything related to my work here. I would say that I've been blessed, my colleagues and superiors were supportive and gave me a warm welcome. I was given a welcome kit containing promotional materials which old employees didn't get. The only downside is my travel time, it's a total 12 hours that I am not here at home so you could just imagine how tiring it is to commute. But I don't complain, I'm just worried that I may not have quality time with my kids but I know that that will change when we move near my workplace. My first few days were spent attending orientation, trainings and meetings which I missed with my old employer. It feels good to be back, time to make my neurons work, learn, grow and move up...I'm glad I'm up to the challenge of going back to the corporate world. Beer, anyone?

What Irmee wants, Irmee gets :)

I was surprised! I was just telling Lito that I saw a good bargain for a netbook in a Best Buy flyer and last night I got my early Mother's Day (and Birthday daw) gift. I am so happy. I used to have that motto - "What Irmee wants, Irmee gets" when I was a teenager but time and circumstances changed that attitude. I thank God I'm not like that anymore (well, sometimes hahaha). I put "I want, I want with a smiley" comment on the ad making it in my wish list to buy when I have my own job. Lito granted my wish and now I got my own Netbook to use. Our Lenovo and Twinhead are always busy because the kids already know how to use a computer and linger on that poptropica and starfall sites. Now I have something to call my own personal gadget because it's pink.

What is a Netbook?
A netbook is a small to medium sized, light-weight, low-cost, energy-efficient laptop, generally optimized for internet based services such as web browsing and e-mailing.

The form factor of a netbook is smaller than that of a notebook and they are very light in weight (usually 2 to 3 pounds). Common features include a small screen (usually around 7-inches to 10-inches diagonal), wireless connectivity, but no optical disc drive, and a smaller sized keyboard (usually 80 percent to 95 percent of normal size) - perfect for smaller hands like mine haha.

I haven't tried using it yet. Too excited maybe but I need to read the guides first before I explore on my netbook. Based on the reviews I've read, it's a good buy considering the functionality, style and of course, the price. I can't wait to blog, plurk and facebook without someone telling me to hurry hahaha. For now, I'll just smile and savor my very first Pink Netbook - an Acer Aspire One D250

Product Specs:
Model: AOD250-1729
OS: Genuine Windows 7 starter
CPU: Intel Atom Processor N270 (1.60GHz)
RAM: 1GB
Storage:160GB hard drive / multi-in-one card reader
Display: 10.1″ WSVGA (1024 x 600) TFT display (Acer CrystalBrite Technology)
GPU: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
WiFi: 802.11 b/g WLAN
Lan: 10/100 LAN
Webcam: Integrated Acer Crystal Eye webcam
Color: Coral Pink and White
Battery: three-cell battery – up to 3.0 hours life depending on configuration and usage
Thickness (closed) 2.5 cm
Weight (including Battery) 1.11 kg
Dimensions 10.2″ (258.5mm) W x 7.2″ (184.0mm) D x 1.0” (25.4) H

I feel good

It feels good to have a "me" time. With the home chores and attending to kids, stay-at-home moms like me should find that "me" time so they will be recharged. I'm thankful that I am here in Canada, enjoying the perks and freebies that the government gives to the residents. They are after the well-being of individuals giving them the opportunity to engage in sports, exercise and other activities at no cost. I enrolled in Toronto Fun's boxercise and cardio exercises while Miggy attends computer class every weekend and Kyle attends a class similar to Gymboree which costs a lot in the Philippines. It feels good to work out and sweat. While we were jumping, kicking and punching, I feel stronger. Meeting new friends and exchanging hi's to classmates adds up to my social being.

It's springtime and what a good way to spend your day at the community centre while enjoying the view on the way there. Leaves are coming out and flowers are starting to bloom. The weather is perfect, the sun is up there and the cool wind is just right. Time to savor the moment and enjoy God's blessings. It feels good.

Haven of Books

Feed your soul/mind.
Feed your body.
Cleanse your body.

These are the 3 vital things a person should do, in that order of priority. I can have the last two omitted but not the first. Prayer and meditation is important for the soul. It’s your link to your Creator. Reading is how you feed your mind. Humans were gifted with brains in order to use them. It is what makes a man supreme over the other creations of God. It is the knowledge that brings a person to a different level in his or her life. We get old and our physical bodies deteriorate but we also get wise as we age depending on what we put in our brains. Garbage in, garbage out. So while we can, let us bring in some knowledge into our brains so we can utilize them in the way they were supposed to function.

Reading books (and now the internet) are our great way to absorb knowledge aside from experience and lessons taught. I remember my mom always says – Make it a habit to read books, magazines or newspapers because “Para tayong lapis, pag di nagbasa, napupurol” (We are like pencil, we cannot write if there’s no lead.) Reading sharpens our minds. I also remember I became a book worm at an early age, read the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew hardbound collection in elementary and had to volunteer as one of the student librarians in high school to be able to read more books aside from the Sweet Dreams, Harlequin First Love and Mills & Boon pocketbooks. So now you know why I am nearsighted and had to wear eyeglasses hahaha.

I am so happy to discover my haven of books here. The Toronto Public library online system is so cool and efficient. I can search for my favourite authors and see the available books to read. I can even reserve for the particular title I am interested in case somebody else borrowed it. I will then be notified when it is available for pick up in any branch within Toronto. I have finished reading all the Shopaholic Series by Sophie Kinsella and her other books “Can you keep a secret?” and “Remember me?” which I find very amusing. My next author to read is John C. Maxwell – a leadership guru. For now, I’m just going to enjoy my latest Kinsella book – The Undomestic Goddess which I am – the undomestic, hehehe.

Things to do in 2010

I want to start the year right and as it has always been before, planning and setting some goals is what makes me busy these days. I remember the guide from Miggy's Planner and we could use TRAC (Think - Record - Act - Check) in our year-planning.

THINK is the first planning step for every month, week or day but it's also a great way to start the year! Take some time right now to think what's really important to you. What do you want to accomplish this year (or month or week or day)? What changes do you want to make? What do you want to improve?

RECORD - so you've thought about what you want to do. Now what? Start to fill in details and plan what you need to do. Get your pen and RECORD. Record the daily tasks and steps you need to take.

ACT - You know what you want to do. You know what you need to do now to get there. Now, put your plans into ACTION! Schedule time for your priorities and then take action. Planning meets action!

CHECK - the truth is things will never work out perfectly, no matter how much you plan. But don't give up; just get smarter. At the end of each week or month, look back one more time. CHECK how you did.Reflect on how things went. What went well? What didn't? Why? Whatever happened, think about how you can learn from it next time.

Having a job or a career is my utmost plan if not this year, whenever God permits. I need to prepare in order to be job-ready when the opportunity comes. I could go back to school or join cause-oriented groups for environment protection if I want to be on the EMS track. I know I'm at the cross-roads of family and career but I hope to be able to achieve fulfillment in both. Having a job has many perks aside from earning for yourself and your family. When I get my own job and be able to help Lito, we can finally have our own house, car and even fulfill our travel plans. The domino-effect is beneficial to all. Most importantly, self-fulfillment and the opportunity to continuous learning is what having a job for me is all about.