“I have chicken pox.”
I wish my announcement would have been as grand as saying, “I have the hickies!” It was “prophetic”—the chicken pox, I mean.
Last month, when we went to Aki’s pediatrician for his supposed last vaccine shot for his first year, Dr. Serafica asked me and my husband if we already had chicken pox. My husband was sure he had his share (because it seemed like everybody has to get the virus at one point in their life). But I’m doubtful if I had mine and my mom was just not helpful.
The doctor said that since Aki might still not have the anti-bodies to fight off the chicken pox virus during the first year of his life, we must have him stay away from possible transference. His chicken pox vaccine was supposed to be scheduled on November still but instead, we had the shot administered earlier—last Saturday.
I know that I promised Aki that I will be there to see him through his shots. But for this one, I just have to stay home since I can’t go out and has to be in isolation. But his daddy told me that Aki was such a good and brave boy that he didn’t even squirm while the needle was injected into his right leg.
Although Aki have had his vaccine already, I still have to keep myself from going near him since the doctor said that the vaccine usually takes effect in five to seven days still. I’m so yearning right now to hug and hold my little one but it won’t be until next week that I can do that. =(
I’m also off from work until the 17th and this is sad and nice at the same time.
It’s sad because my editor, LAP, will be leaving the paper and will join a private firm. After 17 years, I never thought she’ll leave. But it is for the better anyway. I know her reasons and is supportive of her decision.
She’ll be off to her new company on the 10th and I won’t be there to say my good-bye. But there’s still one more meeting when the team can talk, for the last time together.
Being away from work is also nice since I get to finalize the party plans for Aki’s first birthday party. Anthony said that he’s inviting his whole team and my in-laws are flying in from Bacolod.
I have already decided on the menu for the kiddie party and dinner. Some of the party stuff I already bought from suppliers. I am now decided to get a clown host instead of a host in costume since it is so out of synch if the party theme is Sesame Street but the only host in costume available is Winnie the Pooh and Blues Clues.
Hubby and I are yet to decide if we will push with having Elmo (the mascot) around. I haven’t completed the survey as to who among the invited kiddos are scared of mascots since if most of them have mascot phobia, then I’d pass up on Elmo this time lest I’d want the party to end up as a screamfest.
I already bought some game prizes and the loot bags but I do not have the items that I will be putting in them. I’m still trying to haggle with Anthony if we can instead get the mini-mall where the children will be given a little shopping bag and play money to buy from the mini-mall what they wanted for themselves. The supplier told me that the package will go with an attendant who will take care of looking after the store.
Anthony still wanted to get inflatables but it would be unfair for Aki since all the other kids will get to play at the giant inflatable slide and he can’t just yet.
Oh well, we need to talk about everything the soonest time since I want to book all the suppliers before the month ends so that I can concentrate on buying the food items and other stuff that we need in the house for the party—tissues, deoderizers, new rugs and yep, an additional slip mat for the CR. The other day, the son of our neighbor slipped while taking a bath and had a long cut across his eyebrows. =(
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
domestic woes
i have domestic problems and thank God it is not between me and my husband.
but it is getting in my nerves that i am now loosing sleep over these so-called concerns. in fact, right this very moment, i am so furious that I wanted to storm out of the room, out of the house and go next door to try to politely ask (if I can) if our next door neighbors can at least lower down the volume of their boomboxes so that some people, who happens to be just next door, can now get some sleep.
okay, i know it is fiesta time and people are allowed to be merry and all. but i think these next door people can at least extend a little consideration. but i doubt if they know what consideration is. they didn't even think twice of burning some rubber to cook their lechon--and they did this twice already.
but it is not only this incident that got me furious over them. it is everyday, since we became neighbors that me and my family has been treated to auditory torture, which gets me to think that these people could be deaf or probably some objects' clogged their ear canals. Or it could just be cerumen, left to rot down those pipes in between their brains. Or worse, these people could already be suffering from sensorineural hearing loss since day in and out, screaming is constant in their household.
i am trying, as hard as I can, to rise over this concern. and I still don't have any other solution unless we get to the end of our househunting, which leads me to my next concern.
you see, i have a spoiled brat in our house from monday to saturday noon. aki's yaya had a 3 year old daughter that nobody i know within our family can stand anymore. she's a so-called brat who has the makings of a disillusioned third wheel, but i do hope some intervention is going to be administered for her.
at first, my heart really went out the little child but she's just like the prototype evil witch but the very young version.
i really dont have problems sharing aki's toys with her, not until i saw that she does not want to share, but she wants to get all! what also pissed me off was when aki was playing in front of the TV set that she pulled him away so that she can watch barney, when i didnt play the video for her!
But the person partly to be blamed about this little monster is her mother, who continues to give empty threats as her way of disciplining the child.
Now, I am really thinking of talking to her about the situation since her daughter is getting in the way of her work. I don't want to think about it but I know that should there be an emergency with her left alone with the two kids, I'm sure she'll think of her daughter first.
There was also this one time when I need to get Aki to his pediatrician and we have to bring her daughter along and it ended up with me not getting the needed assistance from her since she was also tending to her daughter.
Thinking about all these concerns really gets me weary. I am now in the sack but sleep continues to be elusive. The level of noise is still the same despite it being past 11pm now.
Well, I hope it'll rain now so that they'll all call it a night and so that i can finally catch up on my Zs.
but it is getting in my nerves that i am now loosing sleep over these so-called concerns. in fact, right this very moment, i am so furious that I wanted to storm out of the room, out of the house and go next door to try to politely ask (if I can) if our next door neighbors can at least lower down the volume of their boomboxes so that some people, who happens to be just next door, can now get some sleep.
okay, i know it is fiesta time and people are allowed to be merry and all. but i think these next door people can at least extend a little consideration. but i doubt if they know what consideration is. they didn't even think twice of burning some rubber to cook their lechon--and they did this twice already.
but it is not only this incident that got me furious over them. it is everyday, since we became neighbors that me and my family has been treated to auditory torture, which gets me to think that these people could be deaf or probably some objects' clogged their ear canals. Or it could just be cerumen, left to rot down those pipes in between their brains. Or worse, these people could already be suffering from sensorineural hearing loss since day in and out, screaming is constant in their household.
i am trying, as hard as I can, to rise over this concern. and I still don't have any other solution unless we get to the end of our househunting, which leads me to my next concern.
you see, i have a spoiled brat in our house from monday to saturday noon. aki's yaya had a 3 year old daughter that nobody i know within our family can stand anymore. she's a so-called brat who has the makings of a disillusioned third wheel, but i do hope some intervention is going to be administered for her.
at first, my heart really went out the little child but she's just like the prototype evil witch but the very young version.
i really dont have problems sharing aki's toys with her, not until i saw that she does not want to share, but she wants to get all! what also pissed me off was when aki was playing in front of the TV set that she pulled him away so that she can watch barney, when i didnt play the video for her!
But the person partly to be blamed about this little monster is her mother, who continues to give empty threats as her way of disciplining the child.
Now, I am really thinking of talking to her about the situation since her daughter is getting in the way of her work. I don't want to think about it but I know that should there be an emergency with her left alone with the two kids, I'm sure she'll think of her daughter first.
There was also this one time when I need to get Aki to his pediatrician and we have to bring her daughter along and it ended up with me not getting the needed assistance from her since she was also tending to her daughter.
Thinking about all these concerns really gets me weary. I am now in the sack but sleep continues to be elusive. The level of noise is still the same despite it being past 11pm now.
Well, I hope it'll rain now so that they'll all call it a night and so that i can finally catch up on my Zs.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
allergy attack
I’m still sleepy from last night’s visit to Aki’s doctor. He’s been coughing since the past week, although his cough comes only in the early mornings and late at night. I was alarmed when my mom told me that it might be asthma since he’s been breathing faster than usual.
Off we go to the clinic and the doctor told us that, unfortunately, Aki got my allergic rhinitis. It usually occurs when fruit-bearing trees start to bloom flowers and the pollen dust gets blown in the wind and end up at our homes until the little ones get to sniff it.
Fronting our house is a mango tree, which as I am looking at it past my window, is now starting to sprout its first blooms. While next door, there’s a star-apple tree and just across our place, my parents’ house have at least three tambis trees that grow flowers the whole year round.
Most of us who grew up in the compound have had allergic rhinitis. Although when we’ve grown up, it became more manageable since we are more frequent outside the compound.
But for Aki, it really gets me worried every time he coughs. But his doctor assured me that the coughing is a voluntary action on his part in response to his itchy throat. He also prescribed an anti-allergy medication, which will have a sedative effect on the baby.
The doctor said the medicine will be ideal for our little travelbug, as the family will fly to Bacolod on Friday. This is Aki’s third trip and his fourth time on the plane.
During his last flight, he was well-behaved and we thought that he is already getting the hang of air cabin pressure. But the doctor warned us since Aki is now more mobile, he’ll be more prone to get ear aches.
“One dose of the medicine before boarding and you’ll have a hassle free flight,” the doctor told us, matter-of-factly. Well, I hope so.
But before that, I’ll finalize my checklist of things-to-bring for the flight. I’d need lots and lots of comfortable and loose shirts for Aki since his daddy’s going to bring him to the farm for his first visit there.
I will tell you all about our farm experience the next time. Ciao!
Off we go to the clinic and the doctor told us that, unfortunately, Aki got my allergic rhinitis. It usually occurs when fruit-bearing trees start to bloom flowers and the pollen dust gets blown in the wind and end up at our homes until the little ones get to sniff it.
Fronting our house is a mango tree, which as I am looking at it past my window, is now starting to sprout its first blooms. While next door, there’s a star-apple tree and just across our place, my parents’ house have at least three tambis trees that grow flowers the whole year round.
Most of us who grew up in the compound have had allergic rhinitis. Although when we’ve grown up, it became more manageable since we are more frequent outside the compound.
But for Aki, it really gets me worried every time he coughs. But his doctor assured me that the coughing is a voluntary action on his part in response to his itchy throat. He also prescribed an anti-allergy medication, which will have a sedative effect on the baby.
The doctor said the medicine will be ideal for our little travelbug, as the family will fly to Bacolod on Friday. This is Aki’s third trip and his fourth time on the plane.
During his last flight, he was well-behaved and we thought that he is already getting the hang of air cabin pressure. But the doctor warned us since Aki is now more mobile, he’ll be more prone to get ear aches.
“One dose of the medicine before boarding and you’ll have a hassle free flight,” the doctor told us, matter-of-factly. Well, I hope so.
But before that, I’ll finalize my checklist of things-to-bring for the flight. I’d need lots and lots of comfortable and loose shirts for Aki since his daddy’s going to bring him to the farm for his first visit there.
I will tell you all about our farm experience the next time. Ciao!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Cory-Marcos in our minds
I just found out that my hubby is a Marcos loyalist for reasons that he can't really be sure of (those were his exact words). I just found out today when he smiled at my yellow ribbons--one pinned on my shirt and the other one tied around my bag. I asked him if he wants one and he politely declined. In a hush, he said "I'm a Marcos fan."
"Why?" I asked. "I'm not sure why," he answered.
I asked him if his father was a Marcos supporter too, and he said yes. And then I get the picture, but I will not go into much details about it.
Most people from my mom's family were Marcos loyalists too because my grandfather was appointed by Marcos as director for the Citizen's Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) in Cebu. And I know many other Marcos loyalists that have remained silent since the last three days when Corazon Aquino is, again, at the center of the spotlight.
But I know of some Marcos loyalists too that did not try to repress their sentiments of disbelief over all the accolades being thrown at Cory, now that she's dead. And the possibility of creating another holiday in her honor--or worse, be declared a national hero--must be killing down staunch Marcos followers.
I'd say, why not just give it to Cory--for posterity's sake. She was after all a former president--and an exeptional one at that. She, as what broadcaster Ted Failon said, have not built a lot of roads or bridges or a CCP, but she stood out for integrity. In a time when integrity is passe, she died to let the people know that we can all stand for something as simple as being true to oneself and to the people around you.
I was barely six years old when People Power broke out and my fondest memory of that era were yellow bands, Cory chants and the People Power junk food that came with a free heart sticker.
In history class from grade school to college, I was more touched with how Filipinos then tore out their cedulas as a sign of revolt to the Kastilas.
It was just three days ago when I truly understood what Cory, and the rest of the Filipino people, fought for 23 years ago. It was not the Marcoses. It was for the Filipino freedom, threatened by the ideals of one Ferdinand Marcos.
And who I am to say that one was better than the other? I'd rather not go there. I will remain content with the thought that each had a role to play in a bigger plan.
But I think it was not brilliance on statutes or the ability to defend oneself in court--not even charisma--that made Cory an icon. It was goodness that transcends, goodness that shatters a spirit of cynicism and spite.
"Why?" I asked. "I'm not sure why," he answered.
I asked him if his father was a Marcos supporter too, and he said yes. And then I get the picture, but I will not go into much details about it.
Most people from my mom's family were Marcos loyalists too because my grandfather was appointed by Marcos as director for the Citizen's Legal Assistance Office (CLAO) in Cebu. And I know many other Marcos loyalists that have remained silent since the last three days when Corazon Aquino is, again, at the center of the spotlight.
But I know of some Marcos loyalists too that did not try to repress their sentiments of disbelief over all the accolades being thrown at Cory, now that she's dead. And the possibility of creating another holiday in her honor--or worse, be declared a national hero--must be killing down staunch Marcos followers.
I'd say, why not just give it to Cory--for posterity's sake. She was after all a former president--and an exeptional one at that. She, as what broadcaster Ted Failon said, have not built a lot of roads or bridges or a CCP, but she stood out for integrity. In a time when integrity is passe, she died to let the people know that we can all stand for something as simple as being true to oneself and to the people around you.
I was barely six years old when People Power broke out and my fondest memory of that era were yellow bands, Cory chants and the People Power junk food that came with a free heart sticker.
In history class from grade school to college, I was more touched with how Filipinos then tore out their cedulas as a sign of revolt to the Kastilas.
It was just three days ago when I truly understood what Cory, and the rest of the Filipino people, fought for 23 years ago. It was not the Marcoses. It was for the Filipino freedom, threatened by the ideals of one Ferdinand Marcos.
And who I am to say that one was better than the other? I'd rather not go there. I will remain content with the thought that each had a role to play in a bigger plan.
But I think it was not brilliance on statutes or the ability to defend oneself in court--not even charisma--that made Cory an icon. It was goodness that transcends, goodness that shatters a spirit of cynicism and spite.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Bohol, now and back
The last time I was in Bohol was when Anthony and I went to Panglao for a relaxing weekend three years ago (that was a long time ago, I figured!), but it ended up with me stuck in our hotel room because I accidentally stepped on a sea urchin (ouch!).
It was a great trip and I told Anthony that the next time we go there, we’ll have our little Aki in tow.
Just the other day, I went on an overnight business trip to Bohol to cover the regional fair of the Department of Trade and Industry in Central Visayas.
I’ve always loved the pace and ambiance of Bohol and I am glad that now there are more destinations to go to, giving more options of what one wants to do even during short trips.
I also get to try the Buzz Café of the famed Bee Farm. I would have wanted to really go to the actual farm since I thought that it was just within Tagbilaran City. But it is in an area going to Panglao Island, the drivers told me.
At the Buzz Café, I ordered spareribs with brown rice and the salad side dish were of organic flowers and leaves of plants that I’m sure I’ve seen somewhere in my lola’s garden.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, with me eating flowers and all. I ate one bouganvilla flower and that was all I can muster to have for myself.
I don’t know how to exactly describe the taste but there was a tinge of delicateness to it. But I felt weird, after eating the flower.
At the Buzz Café, they also sold sandwich spreads, which the owner “invented,” or that’s how the head waitress at the café puts it.
I tried the malunggay spread, the honey and the pesto and there was one more that I forgot what it was. I would have wanted to buy their famed honey but I can’t get my eyes (and hands) off the pesto spread. I bought two small cans of it, and my mouth now starts to water at having it paired with French bread. Yum!
Anyway, the trip at Bohol, though a short and a “strictly business” one, was worth me waking up at 4am to catch the 6am fastferry trip. I get to shop around for the best rates for our planned family summer vacation next year.
Anthony and I are excited for that trip since it will the first for our family. Based on our plan, we’d take a four-day vacation and get two tour packages.
First, there’s the Chocolate Hills Tour that includes a trip to the Blood Compact Shrine, the manmade forest, watch the tarsiers up close, lunch at Loboc river, a trek to the Chocolate Hills, try the hanging bridge and visit the old Baclayon Church.
The second tour package that we chose is the Panglao Island tour, which includes a visit to the Hinagdanan cave, the Bee Farm and this old church in Dauis (I think?!) and then frolic at the beaches in Panglao.
Just thinking about the trip, even if it is still months away, gets me excited!
You all might be wondering why we plan our vacation this advanced. Tour operators have always advised to plan trips ahead of time because well-planned trips save you a lot of money and effort. Besides, the hotel where we will be staying told us that they are already open to accept bookings one year ahead.
And no, it is not going to be at the Eskaya (I wish though!). Eskaya is just stressfully expensive! The driver at Bohol Tropics told me that an overnight stay there costs at least P35,000 and this does not include food yet. For a day tour, it’ll cost you P1,000 per person. (I think Eskaya’s selling point is also their being ultra-expensive).
So now I’m back to Cebu but I promised I’ll be back to Bohol soon! I’ll just forget Eskaya, for now.
It was a great trip and I told Anthony that the next time we go there, we’ll have our little Aki in tow.
Just the other day, I went on an overnight business trip to Bohol to cover the regional fair of the Department of Trade and Industry in Central Visayas.
I’ve always loved the pace and ambiance of Bohol and I am glad that now there are more destinations to go to, giving more options of what one wants to do even during short trips.
I also get to try the Buzz Café of the famed Bee Farm. I would have wanted to really go to the actual farm since I thought that it was just within Tagbilaran City. But it is in an area going to Panglao Island, the drivers told me.
At the Buzz Café, I ordered spareribs with brown rice and the salad side dish were of organic flowers and leaves of plants that I’m sure I’ve seen somewhere in my lola’s garden.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, with me eating flowers and all. I ate one bouganvilla flower and that was all I can muster to have for myself.
I don’t know how to exactly describe the taste but there was a tinge of delicateness to it. But I felt weird, after eating the flower.
At the Buzz Café, they also sold sandwich spreads, which the owner “invented,” or that’s how the head waitress at the café puts it.
I tried the malunggay spread, the honey and the pesto and there was one more that I forgot what it was. I would have wanted to buy their famed honey but I can’t get my eyes (and hands) off the pesto spread. I bought two small cans of it, and my mouth now starts to water at having it paired with French bread. Yum!
Anyway, the trip at Bohol, though a short and a “strictly business” one, was worth me waking up at 4am to catch the 6am fastferry trip. I get to shop around for the best rates for our planned family summer vacation next year.
Anthony and I are excited for that trip since it will the first for our family. Based on our plan, we’d take a four-day vacation and get two tour packages.
First, there’s the Chocolate Hills Tour that includes a trip to the Blood Compact Shrine, the manmade forest, watch the tarsiers up close, lunch at Loboc river, a trek to the Chocolate Hills, try the hanging bridge and visit the old Baclayon Church.
The second tour package that we chose is the Panglao Island tour, which includes a visit to the Hinagdanan cave, the Bee Farm and this old church in Dauis (I think?!) and then frolic at the beaches in Panglao.
Just thinking about the trip, even if it is still months away, gets me excited!
You all might be wondering why we plan our vacation this advanced. Tour operators have always advised to plan trips ahead of time because well-planned trips save you a lot of money and effort. Besides, the hotel where we will be staying told us that they are already open to accept bookings one year ahead.
And no, it is not going to be at the Eskaya (I wish though!). Eskaya is just stressfully expensive! The driver at Bohol Tropics told me that an overnight stay there costs at least P35,000 and this does not include food yet. For a day tour, it’ll cost you P1,000 per person. (I think Eskaya’s selling point is also their being ultra-expensive).
So now I’m back to Cebu but I promised I’ll be back to Bohol soon! I’ll just forget Eskaya, for now.
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