The bonds of matrimony

It’s sad to hear that nowadays it’s a common thing for husband and wives to be separated. In a country like the Philippines, where there is no divorce and with a very traditional and conservative outlook on marriage, being separated is a hard process, most especially if there are children involved.

Recently, we attended a talk regarding parenting at my son’s school. I was happy that hubby blocked his calendar to attend this very important activity for his son. The talk was conducted by Arun Gogna, who is a sought-after national and international lay preacher. I have attended one of his talks during my younger days and I have been impressed.

During the talk, Arun injected a lot of humor which made it more interesting for parents like us. A lot of what he talked about, are things that we all knew but needs to be reiterated. Although one important thing that really stuck me is his last statement about parenting..

“Parenting is how you treat your spouse.”

He reminded us that our children will mirror the way we treat our partner. If we show love and affection, they will feel loved and be confident about themselves. On the other hand, if we show hatred and disrespect to each other, our children will tend to reflect on these negative behavior.

I am glad and grateful, that despite our humble beginnings as husband and wife, we have learned to love and respect each other and have constantly shown this to our children. Even though I sometimes look at diamond wedding rings and wish that I have one of those, my present relationship with my husband is priceless and I cannot ask for anything more but to give us the much needed strength to endure whatever life has to offer.

For both us, having kids have strengthened the bonds of our marriage. I am truly blessed and I thank the Lord for that.

Photo by Emery Co on Flickr. Some Rights Reserved.

Reminiscing the past

Just recently, I was tasked to make a video for my son’s graduating class during their recollection. Each parent was tasked to submit a baby photo, a recent photo and a family photo.

It was quite an arduous task putting together the video, but it was a labor love. Good thing there are a lot of scanner software in the market nowadays which makes it easy for parents, like me, to turn hard copies of photos into digital copies.

Doing the video, it was a trip down memory lane seeing these boys grow up right before my own eyes. These boys were together since Grade 1, being part of the honors class. All their activities I have compiled for the video showing.

While the video was showing, all the hard work was worth it when I saw the reaction of my co-parents. They appreciated my work I would gladly do it, given a chance.

Too much politics

Watching the news these days is really disappointing. While the Christmas girl is me is still checking if everyone on my checklist has a gift, others are so busy fighting and exchanging harsh words.

The other week, after being slapped with an electoral sabotage case, Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo while awaiting trial, following a Pasay City court’s approval yesterday of her petition for hospital arrest, refuses to ride an air ambulance service provided by the government but instead prefers to be transported via a bulletproof bus. This incident resulted in the exchange of harsh words between the two camps.

This week, members of the Congress fastracked the passing of the impeachment case against Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, which reportedly was pushed by no less than the President himself.

I can only shake my head in disgust! It is no secret that my brother in law is a Senator, but we are not a political family. I just can’t get it. Probably, the reason for my disgust is because of the timing. This is Christmas, people should be thinking of the reason why we are celebrating…

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. -John 3:16

Yes, not too long ago, my husband’s family especially my BIL, was a victim of political harassment. But I could not wish it to happen to any family.

I just hope that we can all move forward and know by heart the reason for this season.

Christmas Break

It’s official! School is out for both my kids. Yippeee!

Well, my boy was out since Thursday and today is my daughter’s last day of school. Two weeks of long undisturbed sleep which I am so looking forward to. I am also eagerly awaiting our annual family get-together which will be in a beach resort this time. I just pray that the weather will cooperate. Crossing my fingers!

Busy as a bee

My schedule is so crazy nowadays that I do not even have time to take a pause and indulge in some relaxing massage or a facial. I remember the last time I was this busy was when I was working and started selling baked goodies on the side. I go to work feeling like a zombie, because I need to finish my baking at 2am. Now, I feel like I look like a zombie, My hair color is starting to fade, my face is starting to break and my nails…arrrgh! But no worries, I shall have my “ME” after the Holidays and de-stress myself. Good thing, I still find time to squeeze in my exercise regimen, which I feel is the most important of all.

Even with all the toxicity, of course, I still don’t forget to look Fab I try to put on make up even just a hint of blush, a lipstick and of course, my mascara. Good thing I am blessed with a good skin type and naturally long lashes, teeheehee. Once I was asked by an office mate if I was putting on fake lashes and even inquired about the best eyelash growth product I was using. “Oh, this is my natural lash. I just placed mascara,” I replied with a smile.

Working in front of people has taught me to dress and look good even when I am busy, it gives me no excuse to look hideous. Oh that’s not me at all. Others tell me that when you are a SAHM (stay at home mom) that gives you a good reason not to dress up. I say No! I probably wouldn’t be wearing my usual office attire but I certainly wouldn’t wear anything crappy. You always need to look good, whether you are working or not.

Let it go and make room for the new

I came home one day from my yoga practice and saw my eldest crying and whining. My first instinct was of course, to ask what happened. Then she blurted out the events of the day that led her to cry. One thing good though, she didn’t cry in school.

My daughter even when she was a kid, was such a “cry baby” just like her mom but I have learned through time that crying does not solve anything. And so while she was growing up, we have taught her how to be strong and not be hypersensitive about things. Thanks to her dad, she has slowly outgrown the cry-baby stage … until now.

I tried not to show pity but I really feel for her. She’s the captain of her batch cheering squad and it’s a very big responsibility. When things don’t go her way, it can sometimes make her fall to the ground. My advise is simple. “If things don’t go your way, your tears will not help solve any of your problems. You can cry to release those emotions, but only for awhile. Let go and pick yourself up and try to be objective about things, it will let you focus more on the problem at hand.” It took while for her to stop sobbing but after all the pep talk, I know that she’ll be alright.

Sometimes the reason, why we cry and drown ourselves with sadness is because we keep looking back at the mistakes or the misfortunes that took place. LET IT GO! I am reminded of the quote I saw in Facebook…

When life’s strong winds come blowing, bend with them and let go. By bending, you become stronger in new places. By letting go, you will be making room for the new and the better.

Nowadays, you need to be more flexible. Get out of your comfort zones and try out new things. I used to see myself as an office type of person, where I have a fixed workstation. But lo and behold!  I am now an entrepreneur. If I need to work, I do not need a workstation. I can work anywhere just like those hospital computer carts, my mobility does not affect my efficiency.

It took me awhile to find my niche and now I tell myself, “I should have done this a long time ago.” Oh well, it’s never too late …

The Holidays Bazaar @ Valle Verde 5

Another bazaar weekend for us. This is what’s keeping me busy me busy as a bee nowadays. On November 26-27, we will be joining the Holidays Bazaar @ Valle Verde 5. Find us at booth D12. Hope you can join us there!