What motivates you?

It's this time of the year when the corporate bigwigs start to roll out their plans and goals for the employees to follow in creating their own. Usually there is a target to meet or exceed. When that happens (exceeding the target), there is an incentive or bonus. That strategy is an effective way to motivate people in order to achieve the corporate goal. So my question now is - applying that strategy in your own life, what would be your goal for the year and what motivates you?

I learned that our life is like a pie where every slice represent an aspect and it should be distributed if not equally, in balanced proportion. Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Social, or Mental are what makes our pie and if we do not spend some of our time, effort or money in one of these makes our life less than perfect.

Like in the previous years, my goals always include plans to improve my SPESM life. That means joining a new ministry in church, enrolling in a physical activity, reconnecting and be with friends, learning a new skill, saving for the house or a trip etc. In all these aspects, you have role models and characters that you look up to. Some of them inspires and motivates you to keep you going and achieve your goals. Others make their goals their motivation too. Seeing that poster of a beach is a motivating factor to save for that trip in the Philippines to enjoy a Boracay or Palawan holiday or buying that Delsey luggage to make it to the first base of your travel goals.

Whatever your goal is, set it within eye level --> make it visible to the eye so you will always think about it and everything follows to work at achieving it. "Whatever your mind conceives, your body achieves."

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.

Our first roadtrip

It was a smooth-with-only-few-problems ride on our first road trip to the United States last Christmas. The car we got receives the highest safety awards and also with God's protection, we are confident that we are in good hands. We checked for quick and free insurance quotes and since the model we got is one of the safest in the minivan category, we are paying minimal for our car insurance. Our travel took 11 hours including the stops and the interview at the US embassy on the border in Buffalo. On the way home, we were challenged by foggy and poor visibility, but the cooperation of our children and the nice views in the countryside of Upstate New York make up for a memorable first road trip.

Good thing, Lito can take advantage of the cruise control feature of the car where you can just set the speed and hold on to the steering wheel to keep you going. The twin screen DVD player that we attached at the back of headrests also kept the kids busy. When they are not sleeping or playing games, they watched their favorite Disney, Spongebob and Tom and Jerry Series. I am not good in taking shots while the car is moving but I hope you enjoy these photos I took on our way to and from New York City:

Reading to kids

I'm so excited. My almost 2-year old Lex is starting to read on his own, browsing the pages and pointing to pictures. I love reading to my kids especially now that Kyle and Miggy are going to school. My 3rd child doesn't want to be left behind. Our reading time is right before going to sleep. Our new king-size bed is enough for the 2 younger kids to squeeze in between us. I guess we need nightstands to put our nightlamps for our reading sessions. With 2 nightstands at the sides of our bed, we have the option to keep one light turned off if the other kid is already sleeping. I wonder which one to choose to match our bedroom theme because there are a lot of styles to choose from.

On Moving and Change of Address

We will be moving to a new apartment by the end of this month. We got lots of things to pack and thanks to our friends who provided the boxes that we can use for our knick-knacks. Some also have pledged to help us move. I didn’t realize that aside from organizing and packing our stuff, contacting truck rentals and movers, we need to inform everyone concerned about our moving and new address.

We received billing and bank statements regularly. There are also subscription to reading materials and freebies. Most importantly, we received information regarding our tax incentives and latest updates from the Canada Revenue Agency and other government agencies thru the mail. I wish there was a one-step way inform them of our change of address. I stumble upon the US Postal Service and discovered they offer free service for people that are moving anywhere in the US. You just have to give them the old and new address then all the mails will be automatically delivered to the new place. The site also provides a checklist to help you remember all the people, utility companies, government agencies and financial institutions that you need to inform of your new address. I could use that list after we have done all the packing.

Spaghetti and other Pasta lover

My family loves spaghetti and I love noodles of every kind. My kids do not like to twist the fork in order to eat the spaghetti right but likes to sip them instead. I could use some Kitchen Scissors to cut the Spaghetti noodles in half before serving. There are different kitchen shears to choose from depending on the use but I really want to try it with the noodles.

Mocha Frappuccino fix at home

I am so fond of Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino and I'm glad that I can still have my favorite drink at home anytime I please. This time not only tasting like the real thing but also looking like it.

Do-it-yourself Mocha Frappuccino

1. Pour the bottled Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino in a tall glass.
2. Top with vanilla whipped cream.
3. Then squeeze chocolate syrup on top.

4.Your Mocha Frap is ready to enjoy.

Alexus' milestones and time to shop

Alexus' Milestones

1st month - Smiles and recognizes his name
2nd month - opens and closes his hand on separate occasions
3rd month - laughs out loud and eats his feet
4th month - turns over on his own

Alexus will be turning 5 months tomorrow and I'm proud to say that he's advance for his age. He can already crawl like a snake and lifts his upper body using his two arms - what a strong boy. Now, we can't leave him on the rocking bassinet or "duyan" not even on the bed alone because he can move from one place to another in a flash. We already have a playpen but this is still being used by his elder brothers. I'm considering buying him a convertible crib/bed so he can move around without me worrying. There are plenty of Nursery Furniture on the internet but I found a shopping paradise for babies and toddlers where I have lots of choices. The site also provides buying guide and comparison on different kinds of cribs. What's amazing is that it shows you the price range, perfect for budget-conscious mothers like me.

Most of Alexus' newborn clothes are now small for him, sometimes he looks like Winnie the Pooh. I guess it's also a good time to change his wardrobe. I wonder if we can move to Canada this Spring so I can already buy him spring clothes.

My best friend (and every woman’s) – Jewelry

I admit I’m not adorned with lots of jewelry but I like them a lot, in fact they’re my best friend (I turn to them when I’m lonely hahaha). What’s amazing is that even if I don’t have them with me (yet), my eyes feast on them. I found an online jewelry store where I see a wide array of jewelry, from rings (includes engagement), bracelets, necklaces, earrings and pendants - A perfect source for jewelry gifts and gift ideas for any occasion. This site provides different jewelry categories and guarantees best quality and service. Each category shows more choices upon selection. The ring category gave me a large collection of rings to choose from including their unique diamond rings which are my favorite. The site also has a large assortment of gemstone rings including ruby, amethyst, sapphire and opal for those interested with their birthstones. Those who are getting married, or asking someone to marry will find their promise rings and wedding rings distinctive and special for their loved one. What’s wonderful is that there is a clearance center for any of these categories for those on the look out for affordable jewelry like me. Those who are looking for but don’t have a particular jewelry in mind may be guided by the search feature which allows to shop by product type, by stone, or by price. Shopping is secured and delivery is free for orders over $150. All orders arrive at your doorstep as a gift because it comes in a rich red gift box with a white bow – a treat for jewelry lovers like me. Wishing to have mine soon (*wink)

My breastfeeding experience and a lot more

I tried breastfeeding on Aloysius but had low milk supply, it only lasted for a week and had to rely on the formula for his feeding. In my second child Achilles, I was a bit successful in breastfeeding. I was able to nurse him until I was back to work which is only two months. The moment I was able to buy a breast pump, the milk supply had dried and I had no choice but to go back to formula milk. Now that I'm able to successfully produce more milk and having learned that breast milk is the best, I want my Alexus to enjoy it hopefully at least until 6 months or until it dries up again. My other working mommy friends attest that using a breastpump prolong and help in producing more milk. Now that I'm back to work, I consider buying a breastpump.

Since there is a wide range of brands and styles of breastpump to choose from, it helps to use a buying guide. I found one that gives you the pros and cons on the types of breastpumps. It even has notes on safety and lists of top manufacturers. I was particularly interested in Manual breast pumps and the site provided photos and information on each product, the price and the stores where it is available.

The links provided in the site also enlightened me on some issues and concerns on breastfeeding.

My Christmas wish list - IPOD

When I visited the Apple Store in New York last April, I never wanted to leave the place. I wish to live there. I’ve seen the Macs but my heart longs for an IPOD. The iPod is one of the world’s most popular music and video players. Until now, I haven’t had the opportunity to own one because ipods now offer varied styles, great features and storage memory to choose from, my heart becomes finicky about these gadgets. I am choosing between IPOD Touch and IPOD Nano. Whenever I have time, I browse these sites to help me review and compare these IPOD gadgets.

I thought I forgotten about it until I gave birth and the Christmas now fast approaching. I thought I’d like to give it another try and wish for an IPOD as a Christmas gift. Ipods make excellent gifts to your loved ones of any age. I use this site to compare prices of these gadgets and it will be easier for my gift giver to have a wide selection of stores to buy my IPOD online.

I just hope I will receive my IPOD gift soon.