tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33724338459561006632024-02-20T02:27:17.868+08:00I am Super NanayShirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-21738193258375297102012-11-20T15:07:00.003+08:002012-11-20T15:07:52.897+08:00When Your Child Gets Sick<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johan's temperature this morning</td></tr>
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Johan's been under the weather since Thursday. His fever has been on and off since and today he's been having loose stools. Even though there's been no drastic change to his hyperactive self, I decided to file for consecutive leaves from work since yesterday until today.<br />
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I caught the bug yesterday and was feeling down as well, as I too had a slight fever, but I have to forget about myself and care for my sick child. I was deathly worried that he'd catch the notorious Dengue Virus and I've been on the look out for the usual signs. Thankfully, it's just a sore throat according to Johan's pedia which we saw yesterday and he was only prescribed an antibiotic and a cough medicine. Thank you, Lord!<br />
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I've been absent from work for two days straight and for an employee that still has no vacation leaves, two days can mean a big deduction come payroll. I actually lost more than those two days' worth of pay as I'm a performer at work and I'm consistently one of those getting the weekly awards. Since I've been absent, I am no longer qualified to this week's incentive program, neither am I on the list for the perfect attendance bonus come month-end and I can no longer run for our company's monthly valedictorian award. :(<br />
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But, if you're a mom and your child gets sick, you'd drop everything in an instant. Nothing means more than the needs of your child and during this time, my son needs me more than anything.<br />
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Struggling but still,<br />
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<br />Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-22507666537441945612012-11-19T16:35:00.001+08:002012-11-19T16:58:27.927+08:00Quack vs MD<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Are you a believer of <i>Albularyo</i> or Quack Doctor or Faith Healer? Honestly, I am not a believer. I am one of those people who does not believe on anything without scientific basis. I am aware, though, that there are some cases which medical science could not explain but until I witness a limp person was made to walk again by a Quack Doctor, then me believing in this alternative is impossible.</div>
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I don't have any firsthand experience with any Faith healers. I am not even sure if this is the same as <i>Manghihilot, </i>which I allow my son to be brought to. <i>Hilot</i> for me is the same as reflexology so there is still scientific explanation how some sickness can be treated by this method. </div>
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What I find weird about the Faith healers are the ones who whisper prayers because I am not sure if we are praying to the same God or not. Also, I cannot see the images they "see" when they do the <i>tawas</i>. Maybe that's because I am not gifted like them. </div>
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Johan has been having on and off fevers since Thursday and I've been receiving comments that I should bring him to an albularyo. But, I've been firm on my decision on bringing him to his pedia today. A decision that was welcomed with raised eyebrows and cold shoulders. :)</div>
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If I were to bring Johan to a non-medical professional, I would bring him to Father Suarez instead of the albularyo. No offense meant to those who believe, to each his own.</div>
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Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-83221861327654055782012-11-08T05:30:00.000+08:002012-11-08T05:30:04.404+08:00Before the Trick or TreatBeing a mother demands a lot of patience and I think more so if you are a mother to a boy. Boys are naturally hardheaded and naughty. My little boy included.<br />
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However, there are times when attitude is never a problem, it's just that the world seems to work against your favor. Like last weekend when we went to Johan's first Trick or Treat activity. His outfit has been planned days before, I crammed finishing his Russell, the Wilderness Explorer, uniform up to the day itself.<br />
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We left the house early so we arrive early as well, which will give me enough time to prepare Johan. He's been his usual bubbly self while in the car - dancing to music, saying "Stop" and "Go" whenever we pass by traffic lights and pointing to things asking, "As dat?", his own version of "What's that?".<br />
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Then we finally arrived at Nuvali where the Trick or Treat will take place, we made a left turn and proceeded to park the car when all of a sudden, the unexpected happened. Johan puked and it was a lot! He's soaked to his underwear and I too had puke in my pants. Johan's been wearing the pair of shorts of his Russell uniform and it's soaked as well! The carefully planned costume was ruined though I was so thankful that I made the right decision of not making Johan wear the shirt (with the neckerchief and the badges) until the last minute before the activity starts. But, his shorts?! And my pants?!<br />
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Hubby immediately parked the car on the side of the road so we could clean up. The passenger side of the car has puke all over, Johan has puke all over his face, his shirt and his shorts, I have puke at the back of my pants and people are really staring. I was thisclose to exploding because that's what happens when an OC mom's plans don't push through. I hate my smell, I hate the smell of the car and I hate that Johan's shorts were ruined.<br />
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Then I saw my little boy, standing on the side of the road (with puke all over him) looking at me with eyes wondering what's happening. I was so ashamed of myself for even thinking about the car, my soaked pants and his ruined outfit, I forgot to consider how my son might have been feeling at that moment. I immediately cleaned him up, continuously whispering, "Don't worry, it's okay." and dressed him up in a different pair of shorts and his Russell top.<br />
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And it did turn out okay, despite me and Johan smelling of puke that entire afternoon. Sometimes, I must learn how to let small things like those from affecting me too much. It isn't worth it and it definitely didn't stop us from having fun that day.<br />
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Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-16998221706372430472012-11-06T22:17:00.002+08:002012-11-06T22:17:38.263+08:00Busy Super NanayI am so sorry for the lack of posts. The past week until today was hectic. We had to render overtime at the office before and after the long weekend to make up for all those days that we were on holiday. We went to the cemetery on the 2nd of November. I crammed finishing Johan's Russel costume on Friday night as soon as we got home from the cemetery. That's what he wore the next day, Saturday, on his first Trick or Treat at my sister's office. And to top it all off, on Sunday, which was supposed to be everybody's rest day, I had to wash a week's worth of laundry. Yep, I am Super Nanay and I'm actually living up to my blog's name.<br />
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More on what went on during our long weekend can be found on my other blog: <a href="http://lifetimeoftogetherness.blogspot.com/">Lifetime of Togetherness</a>, so please visit that as well. For now, I am going to tuck myself in beside my already sleeping little prince and have that much needed beauty sleep.<br />
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Goodnight, Mommies!<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" />Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-76167225282007065372012-10-29T05:09:00.002+08:002012-10-29T05:46:16.046+08:00Bad Nanny<center>
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I was so shocked and terribly saddened this morning when I came across this news. A nanny in New York, apparently stabbed to death the two kids that she was paid to look after and tried to commit suicide herself. I can't imagine the horror that Maria Krim, the mother of the kids, had when she arrived home from the swimming lessons of her other child only to find that her two other kids are dead. </center>
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This only made me even firm on not hiring a yaya. This is just one of mine and hubby's worst fears on hiring one. I know most of the yayas here in the Philippines love the children they are taking care of, I was even raised by a number of yayas given that both of my parents were working when I was young. But, times are different now. Before, it was easy to find a good-hearted yaya who who'd love your kids as if they're her own. Now, even the yayas from the agencies cannot be trusted.</center>
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We are lucky that we have my mother-in-law living with us to take care of Johan while hubby and I go to work and we have my parents as back-up caretakers should my mother-in-law had to go somewhere.</center>
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Maria Krim is a stay-at-home mom who just had to be with her other child that fateful day when tragedy happened. It is best not to judge because we all do not want nor expect bad things to happen to our children when they're out of our sight. I just read more than a few negative comments about Maria Krim and how she's a bad mother for leaving her kids with a nanny. These negative comments doesn't help in any way nor does they ease the grief that the Krim's are going through right now. Let's offer prayers instead of judgement, please.</center>
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I am a mom. Though I don't know how it feels how to lose a child, I still get chills in my bones with just the thought of it and I, in all honesty, am not sure how I would cope. I don't even know if I could move on, I'll probably go crazy. I don't really know. That's why I'm praying for Maria and Kevin Krim - I pray that they both be blessed with strength in this time of mourning and hopefully, may justice be served.</center>
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Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-60145340716468634482012-10-28T11:45:00.002+08:002012-10-28T11:47:21.480+08:00The Imperfect Super Nanay<br />
What's the meaning of perfect anyway?<br />
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<b>per·fect/ˈpərfikt/</b><br />
Adjective:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be.<br />
Verb: Make (something) completely free from faults or defects, or as close to such a condition as possible.</blockquote>
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Even though I know I excel on some things, there will always be other things that I'm sure I'll struggle at. Like parenting. One can only be good at it up to some point but there are no perfect parents. Including myself. So, here is the Super Nanay's own list of imperfections. I know you can relate. :)<br />
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1. I breastfed my son for only three months. I'm sure most moms can relate to this. I have been judged for not breastfeeding my son longer than I did and I have been tagged a bad mother because of that. If given the choice, I would have breastfed Johan for at least two years because I am aware of the benefits of breastfeeding. But, my milk dwindled on the third month until it eventually stopped flowing.<br />
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2. I allow my kid to watch TV. Our TV time at home is most probably longer than yours in your own homes. Though, I control what programs my son watches, there are more than a few times that I allow him unlimited TV time.<br />
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3. I let my son eat french fries... and hotdog and cake and doughnut and ice cream and chocolates, just because. Yeah, you can go <i>tsk tsking </i> now because I find myself <i>tsk tsking </i>too when I had to give in to my son's choices of food.<br />
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4. I allow him to have my drinks - from Frappe to Milk Teas to the not-so-freshly squeezed pineapple juice that you can buy at any fast food restaurants. Again, just because.<br />
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5. I scold my son. Not too loudly though, but I feel bad every time I had to and for me, that's me being imperfect.<br />
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As I've said, nobody's perfect. I am not a perfect mother and I know I never will. What I am aiming for is not to be one, but to be a good role model that my son can look up to, to be the best mother I can possibly be for him and to just love him unconditionally with all my heart.<br />
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<br />Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-71458599894643650092012-10-25T05:42:00.000+08:002012-10-26T05:43:00.753+08:00How does a domain work?I've been thinking about purchasing my own domain but then I realized I know nothing about it actually. Can somebody help me please? I would really, really love to be part of the .com community but I don't know what to consider in getting my own domain. Here are a few questions that I came up with:<br />
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1. Where to purchase and how much? I am gearing towards purchasing the cheapest possible.<br />
2. How would it affect this blog on blogger.com? Will everything I've written be imported to the .com?<br />
3. What's the guarantee that I'll get more traffic with a .com?<br />
4. How do I design a .com? Any leads on good web designers that don't charge so much?<br />
5. How long does a domain registration last? Is it a year?<br />
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All comments will be highly appreciated. Thank you!<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" />Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-65814763247412938242012-10-23T21:32:00.001+08:002012-10-23T21:38:55.191+08:00Motherhood TruthsIn the two years that I've been a mother, I can say that I have learned a few things. Probably, not as much as those with two kids or more or those who are mothers longer than I've been one but still, I hope some moms would learn a thing or two from my list.<br />
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<b>You will feel guilty. </b>Maybe not always but there will come a time when you leave your child at home to go have some "me" time and you'd hear that incriminating voice in your head asking, "How could you?". I heard that voice, more than a few times, when I badly needed some alone time or whenever me and hubby escape for a quick movie date. You don't have reason to feel bad. All moms need even a short amount of "away" time for us to recharge our energies. You'll have mommy burn out if you don't.<br />
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<b>You will become unsociable. </b>Most especially during those first few months after giving birth because you will be sleep-deprived caring for you newborn, very tired after doing all the household chores and quite frustrated for wanting a little romantic time with your husband which unfortunately never happens. Choosing sleep over a night out is called for and I'm sure your friends would understand that.<br />
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<b>You will be selfless. </b>Once you become a mother, instinctively, you will put your kid's needs over your own. When I was single, all I could think of every payday is that new bag that I've been eyeing for so long or those killer pair of high heels that (though I'm sure my feet would really hurt wearing them) I've been dying to buy. Now, all I could think of every payday is my son's milk and diapers. I can't even remember the last time I bought myself a new pair of jeans or a good-fitting blouse because every time I look at the price tag of the things I've been meaning to buy for myself, I am reminded that one blouse costs as much as a week's worth of Johan's milk. So, I put off buying myself some new things.<br />
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<b>Your patience will be tested. Again and again. </b>My toddler sometimes seems to confuse the word "No!" to "Go!". Whenever I tell him to stop, he tends to do the opposite thing and ignore me. Remember that my son just turned two years old, imagine how it'll be when he turns a year older. Ohh, I am so prepping myself for that magical word, "Why?".<br />
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<b>You will be judged. </b> Be it by other moms or non-moms. You parenting skills will be on constant scrutiny and you'll continuously receive unsolicited advice on how it is best to raise your own kid. My own unsolicited advice: be polite, be firm and move on. Unless you're going to actually do what you were advised to do, it is best to bite your tongue, maybe just say "Thanks, but no thanks" then walk away. It is for everybody's peace of mind, believe me.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" />Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-33791948199177814802012-10-22T22:01:00.000+08:002012-10-23T19:07:58.126+08:00Struggles at the SupermarketMy husband and I do our groceries monthly. We do this to minimize our trips to the supermarket thereby saving on fuel. We usually leave our son at home so we could complete everything on our list but for the last three months or so, we've been bringing Johan with us to the supermarket.<br />
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Yesterday, we decided to do our grocery shopping a week earlier than usual. We brought Johan with us and as expected, it was a riot!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GDmJ1ghaBSCwjetz1BSkhXVMy31lmvEP5UI5pQY9psG1jEi_SCEWYp39NgwxsaWpcIsmj4GD2LThdlX4iG-LJizZM0cso60GS_W404ibJdRULB4HJVYyKn3XbRoiCMHglOM1Ne17AiE/s1600/GEDC3619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GDmJ1ghaBSCwjetz1BSkhXVMy31lmvEP5UI5pQY9psG1jEi_SCEWYp39NgwxsaWpcIsmj4GD2LThdlX4iG-LJizZM0cso60GS_W404ibJdRULB4HJVYyKn3XbRoiCMHglOM1Ne17AiE/s400/GEDC3619.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He made all the biscuit containers into drums</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSA-SD1VA5W-8Xv3Zqo7YOxN8TUeClm3y4LGADg63kKngB_UZY862tVux4kl_5Ah5NYALxdBDSiuKemTjNWjlGl9CI9xSBgXthH66ZARpcKNEHaOHofD2uiV_n4bv0aA1Qwbq-WWfKjM/s1600/GEDC3620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSA-SD1VA5W-8Xv3Zqo7YOxN8TUeClm3y4LGADg63kKngB_UZY862tVux4kl_5Ah5NYALxdBDSiuKemTjNWjlGl9CI9xSBgXthH66ZARpcKNEHaOHofD2uiV_n4bv0aA1Qwbq-WWfKjM/s400/GEDC3620.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He wanted to help Mommy so he kept on putting things in our cart</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsdAinlSlU5NdJrO1ximdYck38_skSZj7gS8l7waw7vOwNP7lzEldMpdwY0NrXvGlGyahqd5Csz36bdhGf5fXrHHx_O6m3nC_pw8fA9bqfhJU66Gf3YbQSqCuV520a6JYT2P-xkJAEXg/s1600/GEDC3622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsdAinlSlU5NdJrO1ximdYck38_skSZj7gS8l7waw7vOwNP7lzEldMpdwY0NrXvGlGyahqd5Csz36bdhGf5fXrHHx_O6m3nC_pw8fA9bqfhJU66Gf3YbQSqCuV520a6JYT2P-xkJAEXg/s400/GEDC3622.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then he wanted to help Daddy with the cart</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAnU_YI2drxGmwWW3Jom1lg6gxo64Nkgk-cb1gBA4p-JYtdHtJswzXTSgHNcR6GAx5yqEYeADlzjmMlHL3KCIzSojXlBNYd0gODfvzkdc8rIr8D30JIeSvJv3OurwckhTDn4mvnqT284/s1600/GEDC3626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeAnU_YI2drxGmwWW3Jom1lg6gxo64Nkgk-cb1gBA4p-JYtdHtJswzXTSgHNcR6GAx5yqEYeADlzjmMlHL3KCIzSojXlBNYd0gODfvzkdc8rIr8D30JIeSvJv3OurwckhTDn4mvnqT284/s400/GEDC3626.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But all he really wanted was to get in the cart</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhhEO5ZR3BXHT7424KaY-yGQua-jNsQNpel6ycuDNajlv3I5OqK4S4pKglBpB5hqq4m2d4ExCLDvo72jasbOq2Pe9MzuRyFmmjQmfmdnuJFef_RVZOQyQZQ59MlKut9duPfoKreLH8b4/s1600/GEDC3630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhhEO5ZR3BXHT7424KaY-yGQua-jNsQNpel6ycuDNajlv3I5OqK4S4pKglBpB5hqq4m2d4ExCLDvo72jasbOq2Pe9MzuRyFmmjQmfmdnuJFef_RVZOQyQZQ59MlKut9duPfoKreLH8b4/s400/GEDC3630.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I enjoyed a momentary silence when we passed by an aisle with a little LCD screen<br />
showing a product commercial</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMS0Rna8Au3_o3EkaK1jGz1WnKsTKYdXhBPXm2zkshKO40DVBAo5IQ63VOGCAPrFUOSHrsg2WzCHsdEw-kQUflIKmc2PlADsq-gbJMIPzlpVxzkt6Yvi3-IX3XArm8B2HTiHcXxFrWgcc/s1600/GEDC3632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMS0Rna8Au3_o3EkaK1jGz1WnKsTKYdXhBPXm2zkshKO40DVBAo5IQ63VOGCAPrFUOSHrsg2WzCHsdEw-kQUflIKmc2PlADsq-gbJMIPzlpVxzkt6Yvi3-IX3XArm8B2HTiHcXxFrWgcc/s400/GEDC3632.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course, he just have to turn that roulette</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johan having the time of his life</td></tr>
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My boy has been his usual, naughty self when we were at the supermarket. He kept on putting stuff in our cart, wanted to get inside the cart when it was already full so I went and got an empty cart that he can get in, and he kept turning that roulette over and over. Good thing is that the lady manning the roulette found my son too cute, she even gave him a balloon.<br />
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But, seriously, with my son's overactive personality, bringing him to the grocery is no easy task. I was confronted with the constant urge to scold him when he's being so <i>makulit</i>. What I did to keep the boy preoccupied sure helped us finish our grocery shopping without losing any of our cool, here are some of them:</div>
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<ol>
<li>Let the kid help. When Johan started to grab things and put all that into our cart, I called him and asked him to help mommy with some stuff - I let him carry small boxes of soap, sachets of fabric conditioner, shampoo - and allow him to put these necessary stuff in our cart.</li>
<li>I ask him to look for some items - while we're at the milk aisle, I asked him where his milk was or I told him to get a toothbrush while we're at the oral health aisle.</li>
<li>Dance. It is great that supermarkets now play music in the background so when my son heard Oppa Gangnam Style, he immediately stopped what he was doing and jumped his heart out.</li>
<li>Teach the kid some manners. Whenever we see another child or a supermarket employee looking Johan's way, I tell my son to say Hi. I also taught him to say "Excuse me" and "Thank you".</li>
<li>Charm people. My son used to be so shy around people but he's been a little sociable lately and I cannot be more than glad that he's finally coming out of his shell. He's charmed some supermarket employees by his dancing, waving, answering "two" when asked how old he is and saying "A-ya!" when asked what his name is.</li>
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Grocery shopping, so far, has never went smoothly when Johan's with us. But, it sure did make it more interesting and well, yes, fun.</div>
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Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-46951216697763655852012-10-20T14:47:00.000+08:002012-10-21T14:47:48.783+08:00Leaving the Kids at Day Care Centers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How many mommies actually leave their kids at the mall day care centers? I am tempted, honestly, just so I could shop in peace, try on some shoes without somebody tugging my hand to go out of the store or choose a few clothes without a little boy playing hide and seek behind the clothes racks.<br />
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We did let our son play at the mall day care centers, twice or thrice already, but it is usually with me going inside as well. What keeps me from leaving him alone is fear. I am scared that he'd hurt himself while playing or another kid would hurt him because the attendants might not be paying as much attention as I would have had or worse, he'll be taken away, kidnapped by some bad guys.<br />
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Are my fears irrational? Some say I may be like this because my son is too young to be left alone in a day care center but I've heard stories that some moms actually leave their kids as young as one year old. I know that in my case it'll only be for an hour or so while I'm shopping but still I cannot bear the thought of leaving Johan alone. I am constantly reminded of all the bad things that could possibly happen to Johan while I am not around and those possibilities are more than enough reason for me not to leave him by himself at the mall day care centers.<br />
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What are your thoughts?<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" />Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-13602367308336002322012-10-19T22:22:00.004+08:002012-10-19T22:31:25.681+08:00From SAHM to Working Mom - The Big SwitchI had to quit working when I got pregnant with my son because of some complications. After giving birth, me and my husband decided that I'll stay home to take care of the baby. We didn't talk about when will I get back to working and never did he pressure me to work again, besides, I love being with my son 24/7.<br />
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<b>The Reveal</b><br />
Now, here goes the being honest part. Don't get me wrong, I loved being a SAHM, I really did. What I didn't like about it is the monotony of it all. I have been working since I graduated from college and I didn't stop working until I became pregnant. I love the constant challenges at work, the friendships I made, the knowledge that I gained and since I'm being honest, I loved the money that comes in every payday. When I stayed home, I had very little access to the outside world aside from Yahoo Messenger and Facebook. I was tied at home caring for the baby, running a household and I was swamped with all the chores that needed to be done.<br />
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I once posted in my family blog, <a href="http://lifetimeoftogetherness.blogspot.com/">Lifetime of Togetherness</a>, how undomesticated I am. I still am though I'm sure I've improved in some areas. But, I realized I am not an effective parent when I was a SAHM. I've had melt downs, my self esteem went below critical level, I was starting to become unhappy because I felt that I cannot reach my full potential if I stay at home and realistically, my husband and I have big dreams for our family and we cannot reach our goals if only one of us is working.<br />
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<b>The Mommy Wars</b><br />
I was told, when I was still a SAHM, that I was being stupid for not working again, that the baby is not reason enough to stay at home and waste my college degree on. I get uncomfortable silence when I was asked what I do for a living and I answer, "I'm staying home with my son." I think, and I would forever believe so, that being a stay at home mother is the hardest of all jobs. It is not something you could instantly walk out off, there are no sick leaves nor vacation leaves, there are no fixed schedules and a bunch of other stuff. I could go on and on, but ultimately, I think that being a stay at home mom is the most noble and the bravest thing a woman can do.<br />
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Now that I'm working again, I still get unwanted comments like - how could I leave my son at home, I am being materialistic for wanting more and worst, I am not a good mother. Those comments are enough to make one furious but I chose not to get affected as much. After months of working again, I realized, I am a better parent to my son.Our time together, during weekends, are most appreciated and guaranteed great moments because we missed each other all week. I am also a better person with fewer melt downs (yes, I still have those once in a while), I am happier, I am contented and my self esteem is back up. I also know for a fact, that I can now give my son a better future - with mine and hubby's income combined, we can now save more for the little boy's education, needs and a few wants.<br />
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<b>The Conclusion</b><br />
Simply, different strokes for different folks -just because being a SAHM works for one means that it'll work for the other and the same goes for being a working mom. Each person is different, with different views, different needs. In my case, being a working mom works for me better than me being a SAHM but does it mean that I am any less of a mother? Most definitely not! Yes, I am not perfect and I have shortcomings. But, who is perfect and who does not have any shortcomings? Nobody.<br />
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For now, I will remain a working mother but I am not closing my doors to going back to being a SAHM. If my son needs me back at home then I will quit my job in an instant but until that time comes, I will continue working and build a secure future for him. Besides, my own mother worked full time until I was in fourth year high school yet I turned out okay. My son will be fine because working or not, I am still his mother and I make sure he knows I love him and that what I am doing is not only for myself but for the best of him and our family.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" /><br />
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<br />Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-61013570021571859122012-10-18T21:00:00.000+08:002012-10-19T05:05:45.362+08:00Oral Hygiene 101<br />
When Johan's teeth erupted, I started researching on the best method to introduce oral hygiene to my boy. He's had a total of three different toothbrushes and only used one brand of toothpaste. So far, his favorite brush is this Firefly toothbrush that lights up. I bought this at Watson's for, I think, Php 250.00.<br />
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We tried a lot of techniques, believe me, to make the kid enjoy tooth brushing and even if he does enjoy it at times, I cannot honestly say that I've been entirely successful. There are still a few times when I had to hold both of his hands down to be able to brush his teeth. I downloaded a lot of fun videos about tooth brushing that I let him watch, before and during, just so he'll have an idea on what I'm doing.<br />
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These days, I instruct my MIL to brush Johan's teeth during bath times and since I'm not home during the week days to know if it's being done and yes, because I'm simply OC this way, I brush his teeth again (twice!) when I arrive home at night.<br />
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I still can't say that I have been successful but we're getting there. I am yet to prepare Johan for his first dentist visit and I think I will be more scared than he would be. I don't think I'm prepared to face the stress that his crying will bring. Oh he will cry definitely, I'm sure of that.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" /><br />
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<br />Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-68205339490235420362012-10-16T21:12:00.001+08:002012-10-16T21:28:06.226+08:00Kids and Escalators<div style="text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="256" src="http://www.smartescalatorservices.com/images/home_image.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="540" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.smartescalatorservices.com/">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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What is it about escalators that draw the kids towards them? My son is no different. Every time we go to the mall, he would either pull me or his daddy towards the escalator and go for a "ride".<br />
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I am very vigilant about looking after Johan when we go to the mall because I'm scared that what happened to <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/150775/boy-injured-in-escalator-mishap">the kid who got injured when his arm got stuck in the escalator</a> would happen to my son. The thought of it even sends chills to my bones.<br />
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Imagine my horror when last Sunday as we went to nearby SM, in just a blink of an eye, I saw my son running towards the escalator going up. I don't know if it's adrenaline rush or what, but I sprinted! I actually did ran my fastest just so I could catch up with Johan and like in the movies, it was like everything went into slow motion and I reached him as soon as his foot stepped on the floor plates of the escalator.<br />
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I think my heart stopped beating the whole time I was running towards him. It scared the hell out of me, I tell ya. In the end, we both went up the escalator and went back down again, with the little boy jumping in glee not knowing his mom is near tears and on the brink of having a heart attack.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/87/53/76/00/0087537600264_500X500.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Jeep-3-in-1-Harness-Backpack-Lion/13866905">Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My mom told me to buy something like the one on the photo so I could keep Johan close every time we go out. But, I'm still thinking about it because it gives me the impression that my son would look like a dog on a leash. Apologies to the moms who use this product, it's just my personal opinion which might just change in the future. By the way, can you give me some feedback on the product?<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" />Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-49304017585923795002012-10-15T20:17:00.000+08:002012-10-15T20:19:19.349+08:00Getting Informed on K-12<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"What?! Additional years in school? Hindi kaya magsawa na ang mga bata mag-aral nyan?"</i></blockquote>
Yes, that was my initial reaction when I first heard about K-12 or the Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education that is now being implemented in some schools, public schools specifically.<br />
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Honestly, I don't know much about the program except that it meant additional tuition fees to pay and longer school years for the kids. It's a good thing that while I was visiting some of the mommy blogs that I follow, I chanced upon <a href="http://www.chroniclesofanursingmom.com/">Chronicles of a Nursing Mom's</a> post <a href="http://www.chroniclesofanursingmom.com/2012/10/k-12-for-private-schools.html#more">K-12 for Private Schools</a> and there I learned more about the K-12 Program.<br />
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The K-12 primarily covers Kindergarten to 12 years of basic education - 6 years of primary education, four years of Junior High School and two years of Senior High School.<br />
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The curriculum will also be adjusted in this program which means some of the subjects that are being taught in High School before will be integrated in the lower levels. Subjects like Biology, Geometry, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Algebra will now be taught from Grades 7-10 under the K-12 program. Another great concept that I highly agree to in K-12 is that the Senior High School will be made suitable to prepare the students on what courses to take in college based on their interests, skills and capacities. The students will also undergo On-The-Job Training or OJT to enable them to experience first-hand their chosen track which I think will be really helpful in gearing the students towards being responsible adults.<br />
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The only thing that I think is imperative in this program is minimizing the shortages of classrooms in public schools. We've seen it in the news time and time again and I think we all agree that no student can learn enough in a classroom packed with 70+ students. It is just not possible for one teacher to address all the educational needs of that huge number of kids and that is the reason why my husband and I both agree to send our son to a private school instead of a public one. Well, that might just change if the ratio of teacher vs students in public schools drops to at least 1:40. It is feasible if only the government can provide enough classrooms and train more teachers.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="220" src="http://www.gov.ph/images/uploads/k12-table3.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gov.ph/images/uploads/k12-table3.png">source</a></td></tr>
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Personally, I think the K-12 program is promising and if given the chance to succeed, it is really beneficial to both parents and students. Yes, it might mean additional years in school but ultimately, it is one with every parents' goal for their children: to mold them into better, successful and educated individuals.<br />
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Be informed and learn more about the K-12 Program by clicking <a href="http://www.gov.ph/k-12/">here</a>.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" /><br />
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<br />Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-20850480825196142942012-10-14T12:22:00.001+08:002012-10-14T12:22:57.467+08:00The Resurrection of the Super NanayI know I have neglected this blog for so long and to think that it has been one of my dreams to put up something like this.<br />
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I look up to other mommy bloggers - Frances of Topaz Horizon, Martine of Dainty Mom, Chris of Mommy Matters and Fleur of Mommy Fleur - among many others, though, I know I am far from being a mommy blogger per se, it would be nice to be able to write helpful and sensible content for readers, moms or non-mom alike.<br />
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So, I am resurrecting this blog. I will work hard (and pray harder!) that I'd be able to post new topics everyday and I aim to be as honest as I could possibly can.<br />
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Please bear with me?<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" />Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-44639988697354684872011-12-06T21:26:00.001+08:002011-12-06T21:48:26.007+08:00Philhealth will not pay for your 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Caesarean procedureI received an email regarding this through my Yahoo group, <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NewlywedsAtWork">Newlyweds at Work</a> and I quote:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last August 5, 2011, the </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323054933_7" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323055024_4"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323055053_4"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323055152_4">Philippine Health Insurance Corporation</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323054933_3" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323055024_5"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323055053_5"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323055152_5">Philhealth</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> passed a circular to all </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323054933_9" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">health care providers</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">, members and hospitals stating the new guidelines for certain surgical procedures.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Included in that circular is the new </span><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323055024_0" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323055053_3"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323055152_3">Caesarean Section</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Package.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The memo states: "Elective Caesarean sections (e.g. CS per patient request) including repeat cesarean sections performed without indication shall not be reimbursed by the Corporation."</span></blockquote>
Read more <a href="http://ph.she.yahoo.com/philhealth-will-not-pay-for-your-2nd--3rd-or-4th-cesarean.html">here</a>.<br />
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Having given birth via Caesarean Section for my first pregnancy, this news isn't so great. Given the high costs of hospital facilities and doctors' professional fees, the reimbursement of Philhealth for a mother's delivery is much appreciated and expected. When I gave birth October of 2010, we were able to reimburse PhP 13,000 from Philhealth lowering down my final hospital bill from PhP 89,000 to PhP 76,000. We were able to allot the reimbursement that we got to other baby needs like formula, diapers and clothes.<br />
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I am really hoping that they make the necessary revisions on this new regulation. I know it is possible to have a VBAC or Vaginal Birth After Caesarean but it still carries many risks to the mother and to the child. Many attempts to have VBAC still end up having a CS delivery anyway.<br />
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This isn't about convenience, which also was not the case why I had a CS delivery on my first child, this is a matter of choosing the safest possible way of bringing another child into the world.<br />
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If I would give birth again, I'd rather go the safe route and undergo a CS delivery again than attempt to have a VBAC and risk my life and my child's life along the way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="noborder" height="39" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a>Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-33555863143639366482011-11-21T16:07:00.001+08:002011-11-21T16:28:26.340+08:00TV Time, when is too much?I know that there have been countless of discussions when it comes to allowing kids to watch television. I myself have been a witness to how my niece behaves now after allowing her to watch the Nickelodeon channel even before she turned two. Whenever she's in front of the TV, it's like she does not hear anything else other than the program that she's watching.<br />
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Now that my son turned one, I'm thinking when is TV time too much?<br />
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I am guilty of allowing my son to watch educational CDs as early as 6 months. Now, he loves watching the programs on the <a href="http://www.babyfirsttv.com/">BabyFirstTV cable channel</a> and I cannot say that I am very strict when it comes to his TV schedule.<br />
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I immediately turn the TV on soon as my son points to it. I know I may be regarded as being defensive when I say I only let him watch the Baby First TV programs and little of Pocoyo, Pororo and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on Disney Jr but honestly, those were the only TV programs that I allow him to watch (well, Eat Bulaga, a local noontime show, is his favorite, too).<br />
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I am aware of the many advantages of educational programs, videos and music to children. These will help them develop many skills, introduce the kids to English, the basic shapes, colors, the letters of the alphabet. But, I am also aware of the many disadvantages of too much TV time - lack of interest in physical activities, kids who watch too much TV are likely to become overweight, reserved or unsociable.<br />
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I'm sure that things in our household will be different once my son start school which will be years from now but slowly I will minimize his TV time and introduce more active games and activities that he will enjoy yet learn a lot from.<br />
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How about you? When do you think TV time is too much?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="noborder" height="39" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a>Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-32425214309308271362011-11-15T11:04:00.001+08:002011-11-15T16:21:15.888+08:00The Hardest of AllI'm sure most moms, if not all, will agree with me when I say that the hardest times of being a mother is when our child is sick.<br />
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Johan is better now, he hasn't vomited since Sunday night and his poop is looking a little normal today. He is his normal hungry self munching on apples, taking bites of banana and biscuits. I couldn't be thankful enough that finally we're nearing the end of his "worst" days.<br />
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The days when he's at his sickest and vomited more than five times were also my worst of days. It was during this time that I whispered to him, "Give it to Mommy please. Make Mommy sick instead of you". Thinking back, I realized it was probably not the best idea because how can I take care of him when I am sick, right? But, that time, all I cared about was ridding him of the vomiting spells, the endless pooping and the hard time of taking his medicines.<br />
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What mom won't take the place of her kid in times of sickness? I was praying really hard for Johan to get well and that it won't reach the point where we need to have him admitted in the hospital. I don't know how I would handle it if an IV drip needs to be placed on him. I might lose all control and shout expletives or physically hurt the nurse should the needle don't get inserted on the first try.<br />
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Ah, motherhood. It truly is not the easiest of jobs and I've only been in it for a year. Still got a looong way to go.<br />
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Johan, please don't get sick anymore.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="noborder" height="39" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a>Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-26381512742477923012011-11-11T17:42:00.001+08:002011-11-11T18:14:19.687+08:00Uninspired<br />
I know that I have already been neglecting this blog which I shouldn't given that this is fairly new. But, as I've said in my other blog, <a href="http://lifetimeoftogetherness.blogspot.com/">Lifetime of Togetherness</a>, my son hasn't been well for the entire week. He's been vomiting and pooping for five days and we've been to his pediatrician twice already.<br />
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Good thing is he's doing a little better today and drank apple juice from his sippy cup. Even if it's only a small amount, it's a big accomplishment because during the first days of his being sick he refused to eat solids and drink fluids other than his formula.<br />
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I pray that he gets well soon. I've been frustrated the entire time he's sick and I've been grouchy and I'm sure I made life a living hell for hubby this entire week.<br />
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Please offer a prayer for my little one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="noborder" height="39" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a>Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-76011153539603048822011-11-03T18:13:00.004+08:002011-11-03T20:48:21.309+08:00My Mommy Mission Statement<em style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This is an official entry to <a href="http://daintymom.com/2011/11/write-your-mommy-mission-statement-my-pre-birthday-blog-contest/">Dainty Mom’s “Write your Mommy Mission Statement”</a> contest.</span></em><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Creating a Mommy Mission Statement is not easy. I had to look deep and question myself what I am really aiming for. I prayed for this. I spent an entire day thinking about this. I've written a few drafts until I arrived at this one which I think summarizes every single goal I had in mind in just a few words.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">Here goes My Mommy Mission Statement:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">To surrender everything to God and to let His will be done at all times.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">To make my husband feel loved, respected, valued and admired every single day of his life.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">To provide a warm, peaceful, happy and loving atmosphere in our home.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">To set a good example for my son on how to become a good, law-abiding and God-fearing citizen.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">To embrace and love my son wholeheartedly and accept his individuality should his interests be different from ours and should he choose a different path in life than what we dreamed for him to have.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">To provide guidance and assistance that would help my son be properly equipped to face life’s battles with strength and determination.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">To have fun with my family at every single moment that I am blessed to be with them.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Finally - to live simply, love unconditionally and laugh abundantly.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
What's yours?</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" class="noborder" height="39" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></span></a>Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-84678075168921958422011-11-02T21:54:00.000+08:002011-11-02T21:54:58.684+08:00The Importance of Talk<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Communication is one of the top three killers of marriage. - </b>Essortment.com</blockquote>
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<div>
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I'm the type of person who finds it hard to put her thoughts into words, verbally. I suck at communicating what I really feel and ever since me and the hubby got together, this behavior of mine irks him the most. You see, whenever there's something he did that I didn't like, I tend to shut up for a long time. He'll be left clueless because I am not talking to him though he's sure he did something and that makes me angrier because he, of all people, should know what pissed me off.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Slowly, though, I'm trying to change my bad habit. I'm doing my best to keep our communication lines open after last week's episode. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
It is really hard for me to say what I feel especially when I am mad. The reason why I tend to separate myself from the situation is that I don't want to say something that I know I will regret later on, hence, the cold shoulder I give my husband. I know it's frustrating for him but that's my way of dealing with it, letting my anger pass, thinking we'll be able to talk sensibly when I am not seething with anger. Wrong.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Last week, all the past issues came out - issues that we weren't able to settle because I refused to talk to him in the heat of the moment. When I decided to finally talk to him about those things, he became angry thinking that all of those were in the past already and he thought we're done dealing with those. That's the ultimate reason why couples should definitely discuss even the smallest issue - to settle the problem and to prevent it from blowing into a larger one.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Through sweat and tears, I did my best to communicate to the husband what I was feeling. Yes, there were a few times that voices were raised, a few "I always do everything and you never help out", but in the end, the talking paid off. A huge chunk was taken of my shoulders, I can breathe easier and our relationship has never been better. Husband even filed a two-day leave from work so he can spend time with me and our son. It was truly the best long holiday weekend we ever had even if we only stayed home.</div>
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<div>
Let me share with you something I read that helped me become a better communicator:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here are Five Communication Strategies to Use with your Spouse from <a href="http://www.essortment.com/5-communication-strategies-use-spouse-37374.html">Essortment.com</a>:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Be a good listener. Let your spouse talk about the things that are most important. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Keep focused. When it's your turn to share, stay on task with the key point. Don't try to cover too much territory at once or go off on a tangent.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Stay calm. While it's fine to share emotion briefly, try not to get overcome by strong feelings of despair or anger unless you are facing a true catastrophe. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Set a goal. Since both spouses tend to often stay busy, you may want to have a goal in mind for your focused discussions. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Use communication as a way to express affection. Praise, encouragement, affirmation, compliments, and gratitude are some of the ways that you can show love to your spouse.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<div>
Read more <a href="http://pinoyworkathometips.com/2010/11/">here.</a></div>
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I still got a long way to go before I master the art of communicating with my husband but I promise myself to be a better, calmer, happier, talkative wife to him in the coming years.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="noborder" height="39" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a>Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-79795504995875970712011-10-29T06:45:00.000+08:002011-10-29T06:54:41.029+08:00Cooking Diaries: French Bread and Carbonara<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am no cook. I've said this over and over in my other blog, <a href="http://lifetimeoftogetherness.blogspot.com/" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Lifetime of Togetherness</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">, and my family can attest to that. But, I am not giving up, oh no, I'm definitely not.</span></div>
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The other day, to satisfy my craving of Carbonara (which lasted for days), I went online to search for a recipe. Since we still have spaghetti noodles and a can of sliced mushrooms left in stock, all that were needed to buy were cream, ham and cheese. Since, I was already at the grocery, I decided to buy some ingredients for the French Bread as well.<br />
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Come on, these are very easy to make.<br />
<b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b><br />
<b style="text-align: left;">For the Carbonara you will need:</b><br />
<br />
about 175 g of spaghetti noodles or any pasta noodle<br />
2 boxes of Nestle Cream<br />
3 slices of Cooked Ham, cubed (mostly will use Bacon but I prefer to use Ham)<br />
1 can of sliced button mushrooms<br />
Garlic<br />
Onion<br />
Parmesan Cheese<br />
Butter<br />
Salt and Pepper<br />
Parsley for garnish<br />
<br />
<b>How to:</b><br />
1. Cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente (with this task, I had to ask the help of hubby, I don't know when to tell if the noodles are cooked already, haha! I told ya, I am a cooking dummy!)<br />
2. In a skillet, preferably non-stick, melt 1/4 butter, saute the garlic and onion, put in the ham and mushrooms then slowly put in the cream, stirring continuously. Add salt and pepper.<br />
3. Add the spaghetti noodles in the skillet and toss until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.<br />
4. Transfer into a plate, add Parmesan cheese and top with parsley.<br />
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Easy right?<br />
<br />
<b>Now on to the French Bread. Here are the ingredients:</b><br />
<br />
4 slices of bread<br />
1/2 cup Condensed Milk<br />
1 Egg<br />
1/4 cup of water<br />
Butter<br />
Cheddar Cheese<br />
<br />
<b>How to:</b><br />
1. In a bowl, whisk the egg, 1/2 cup condensed milk and 1/4 cup water.<br />
2. Place about 2-3 slices of cheese on a slice of bread and cover with another slice.<br />
3. In a skillet, melt some butter.<br />
4. Dip both sides of the sandwich on the egg-milk-water mixture and fry in the hot butter until brown. Turn over to cook the other side.<br />
5. Drain in paper towels.<br />
<br />
No sweat, right? I told you, these are fairly easy to make that even a kitchen dummy like me was able to cook these.<br />
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Here's my end product.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNne79e2OrjOWnJ5vpkR6YwvipQFBXuOENqaaG-y-pbScCJIukk-TkpxkYM9VSNpjpU0RdKsi_TtTO4MmuDfmjHVrN7hav-73ihRM3nrwas42MNIcx1Mg6Afo1N5-L1sxi6o6jTZlQfY/s1600/GEDC4048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNne79e2OrjOWnJ5vpkR6YwvipQFBXuOENqaaG-y-pbScCJIukk-TkpxkYM9VSNpjpU0RdKsi_TtTO4MmuDfmjHVrN7hav-73ihRM3nrwas42MNIcx1Mg6Afo1N5-L1sxi6o6jTZlQfY/s400/GEDC4048.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><img border="0" class="noborder" height="39" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div>Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-74279904050729294182011-10-28T08:44:00.000+08:002011-10-28T09:01:15.515+08:00Mommy Moments – Mommy’s Favorite Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mommyjourney.com/category/mommy-moments" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="mommy moments" src="http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr71/mommyjourney/mommymoments.jpg" /></a></div>
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This week on Mommy Moments, we're going to be posting some of our favorite photos.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDxWlJB7B8Xno_0kbSZUZNuPdDmpzQAxTAqNgs7JSn6PnINCwyJ-lrH3d7wNl4RfQZ3IwGP-r2v9j0KpOIinuj5GJ1jqfvKGnQO6rFNOCGk6lJy-upHkaKaXjfyFasnbhN0txA6FDA-A/s1600/DSCF0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><br /><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDxWlJB7B8Xno_0kbSZUZNuPdDmpzQAxTAqNgs7JSn6PnINCwyJ-lrH3d7wNl4RfQZ3IwGP-r2v9j0KpOIinuj5GJ1jqfvKGnQO6rFNOCGk6lJy-upHkaKaXjfyFasnbhN0txA6FDA-A/s400/DSCF0257.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Johan's first ever photo right after being born - taken by my sister</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OCeNax-Fod-JIofEfN77NvauBE5Ogn6uP-FexAs9010e1Su86Ffv2hyphenhyphenKh3dxYWdjsnMi52QQ2Hd9VQhHzLzupzYqpcylcahVkUJ9E3vS10ggY0yxslsov3j0uoZpRA2E4DfcAPVWUv0/s1600/DSCF3857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OCeNax-Fod-JIofEfN77NvauBE5Ogn6uP-FexAs9010e1Su86Ffv2hyphenhyphenKh3dxYWdjsnMi52QQ2Hd9VQhHzLzupzYqpcylcahVkUJ9E3vS10ggY0yxslsov3j0uoZpRA2E4DfcAPVWUv0/s400/DSCF3857.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wackiest pic of Johan which never fails to make me laugh</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OCeNax-Fod-JIofEfN77NvauBE5Ogn6uP-FexAs9010e1Su86Ffv2hyphenhyphenKh3dxYWdjsnMi52QQ2Hd9VQhHzLzupzYqpcylcahVkUJ9E3vS10ggY0yxslsov3j0uoZpRA2E4DfcAPVWUv0/s1600/DSCF3857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hSQrhTVzCxcAXIi_ntFFqiZgwdczPSUmE_nLbJiFHTQxS_Z4UcqR4w3y9uNhxU9g3nI04lwfhqFw-rMsHaJcFR6hVyH12YQEg7-gxPOBEMLIQGtEWZMXrg_LO0UGx71Izqa9m_3TYFU/s1600/DSCF4998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0hSQrhTVzCxcAXIi_ntFFqiZgwdczPSUmE_nLbJiFHTQxS_Z4UcqR4w3y9uNhxU9g3nI04lwfhqFw-rMsHaJcFR6hVyH12YQEg7-gxPOBEMLIQGtEWZMXrg_LO0UGx71Izqa9m_3TYFU/s400/DSCF4998.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His most "kawawa" face</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4t1gIRHGIQbpfdCO-BFMkn71F1_QRGDJdGHLDnUozYy9cxFBfiDAcpcl6GaPxACxq8aW_Me2JYBCaEgE2C3Fx_JuEHWUidoYYmthm60P_svKZABbXjDA3A58BATWgR4dMG4DjdY2FYZA/s1600/GEDC3387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4t1gIRHGIQbpfdCO-BFMkn71F1_QRGDJdGHLDnUozYy9cxFBfiDAcpcl6GaPxACxq8aW_Me2JYBCaEgE2C3Fx_JuEHWUidoYYmthm60P_svKZABbXjDA3A58BATWgR4dMG4DjdY2FYZA/s400/GEDC3387.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the last photos of him with long hair</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2E4cV11HBoFo-OcRkVXWNBFHdSXKL3NvDbN3a4JMkpkBT5GP5WfLjrloYrUORlmbOlNUhWDQWLmQsNH2JZ2YJM_Q49vnYmi8HMv8nT3IPX7KSVK0BqymiEYrQyBK7S482_fggFUwrAQ0/s1600/GEDC3423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2E4cV11HBoFo-OcRkVXWNBFHdSXKL3NvDbN3a4JMkpkBT5GP5WfLjrloYrUORlmbOlNUhWDQWLmQsNH2JZ2YJM_Q49vnYmi8HMv8nT3IPX7KSVK0BqymiEYrQyBK7S482_fggFUwrAQ0/s400/GEDC3423.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handsome little boy with his new haircut<br />
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See more pictures from other mommies <a href="http://www.mommyjourney.com/2011/10/mommy-moments-mommys-favorite-photos.html">here</a>.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="noborder" height="39" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a>Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-3785563886579733532011-10-25T21:02:00.000+08:002011-10-25T21:02:15.539+08:00Something for the WallWhile browsing <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>, I stumbled upon this photo that inspired me to do something much like the same on the wall above our headboard.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Pinned Image" height="640" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/352647326_U8F1yK92_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="425" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/352647326/">Click for photo credit</a></td></tr>
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If only our wall has the same color as that wall, that would be awesome. However, I immediately searched for photos that I can use and went to work with editing them and tried to copy the design above and here's what I came up with:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__9xmV53BM1sAUdGNG_8A4Re_uOnQkw-7i-wglisyumnfGwRUToLFTEXFQRrMxit-GerLczO-lox-lf8di_1nj9Vsjnr7V0IHosW1upGkwLgwvBzGPDxNNhg-i8DyumW3047bX9Lk4To/s1600/wall2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__9xmV53BM1sAUdGNG_8A4Re_uOnQkw-7i-wglisyumnfGwRUToLFTEXFQRrMxit-GerLczO-lox-lf8di_1nj9Vsjnr7V0IHosW1upGkwLgwvBzGPDxNNhg-i8DyumW3047bX9Lk4To/s400/wall2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now, I just need to have these printed out and mount them on our wall. I hope it would look nice. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="noborder" height="39" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a>Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3372433845956100663.post-11023621039307416502011-10-24T18:11:00.004+08:002011-10-24T18:17:52.226+08:00The Big Rocks Come FirstEver heard of this story?<br />
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One day this expert was speaking to a group of business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration I'm sure those students will never forget. After I share it with you, you'll never forget it either.</blockquote>
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As this man stood in front of the group of high-powered over-achievers he said, "Okay, time for a quiz." Then he pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouthed mason jar and set it on a table in front of him. Then he produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, "Is this jar full?" Everyone in the class said, "Yes." Then he said, "Really?" He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. Then he dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks.</blockquote>
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Then he smiled and asked the group once more, "Is the jar full?" By this time the class was onto him. "Probably not," one of them answered. "Good!" he replied. And he reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand. He started dumping the sand in and it went into all the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question, "Is this jar full?"</blockquote>
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"No!" the class shouted. Once again he said, "Good!" Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. Then he looked up at the class and asked, "What is the point of this illustration?"</blockquote>
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One eager beaver raised his hand and said, "The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard, you can always fit some more things into it!"</blockquote>
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"No," the speaker replied, "that's not the point. The truth this illustration teaches us is: If you don't put the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all."</blockquote>
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Don't you agree?<br />
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In our family, it has been a constant <strike>discussion</strike> fight between the husband and myself the way he manages his time. Yes, he is the sole provider of the family and he goes to work 11 hours a day (travel time included) for 5 days a week, but it is during the weekends when I find him in front of the computer playing games for hours that drives me to the edge. I think me and our son deserve at least a day of uninterrupted quality time.<br />
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I'm not going to rant how this pisses me off but I just want to reiterate that we should always make time for the people that matter. Time is something we never have enough of and it flies by so fast you will never get back a day.<br />
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Work, hobbies, extra-curricular activities - these are just the pebbles and the sand in the jar we call life. Family are the rocks and our jars should always be filled with rocks first before the pebbles or the sand. Otherwise, the jar will be filled with all the small things while all the things that have significant value will be left behind.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s1600/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="noborder" height="39" img="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbqCx50hTF3p0S-vH5a0HoC8R_AUe410ThY-IQh1dpMQLzMJttGbbtFAPJBB3UsRONvkWV2w1ADQ-p7VW-gom6FNQwPunuWsw-VHjKpt84WKYx3ddwjRk3wajPdI3QoBnpO3ciUpIk14/s200/signature.png" width="200" /></a>Shirley Mae Taborahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13497690048084886434noreply@blogger.com0