School for Johann

I just realized that we'll be sending our eldest child to school next year. Based on the age requirement above, we'd really have to start scouting for schools. We'd also have to start saving up. Johann will probably have his 3rd birthday party in school also.

Hay, expenses are piling up. Kailangan na talagang rumaket.

iLike

I was looking for an update for iPhoto, when I saw this ad



I haven't even used my folding mouse from Microsoft, and I'm inclined to get the new Magic Mouse. It is so cool. Trust Apple to come up with new innovations to an already useful tool. Click on the link to see the demo.

Sold!

I've always had this stash of beads. I used to tinker with them when I was on bed-rest with my first baby. I didn't have the nerve to sell them or give them out as gifts. I only wore those I made.

Last week, there was an opportunity to earn. Vic's colleague loves necklaces. To me, that is an understatement. So, I tried my skill in creating necklaces. She got 4 out of 5 that I made. I'm quite happy and proud that what I made are actually sell-able. She'll be back next month, so I hope to create a new collection in time for her arrival. This has brought this skill to a new level.

Is This For Real?

A few weeks ago, I got a text message from Globe. It says,

"Globe Advisory: Globe Bangon Pinoy is one with our valued subscribers who were affected by Ondoy and Pepeng. As our way of helping, we are waiving your 1 months subscription fee. Rebate will be posted on your November bill."

How true is this? I have yet to verify this with Globe. It is a blessing, nonetheless.

Swimming

It has been awhile since I last dipped in the pool. Yesterday, the pool was clean and looked inviting. I also had nothing better to do.

I changed into my swimsuit and plunged into the pool. I was trying to remember the strokes I took almost 10 years ago. I guess I had too much fun because I stayed in the water too long. Now, I am nursing a cold and occasional coughs. My voice is a little raspy. My throat, a little sore. I thought I was doing myself some good.

I can't come down with anything!!!! There are invitations to give out and giveaways to pick up.

All This Hoopla

Di naman ako kinilig sa kanila. But, I'm glad that they've decided to settle down after all these years. I admit, I do find their timing dubious. Vic even said that it was like a marriage of convenience, for both of them.

I understand that it is very difficult to organize a wedding as large scale as theirs, considering that they're both public figures. I also understand that they have to welcome the public to their gathering. From an outsider, it looked like a circus. At a time like this, one would want this most special event to be solemn and perfect. I'd imagine that one would want to focus on her groom and not be distracted by the number of people who attended the wedding.

About canceling the reception, I think it is a convenient way of limiting the reception to the closest family and friends.

After everything that has happened, I wish them well.

It Was A Productive Day

Yesterday, the husband took a day off from work to accompany me to the land of Divi. I planned to get prizes for Javi's birthday. Vic wanted to buy stuff for the home.

Right after breakfast, we trooped to Divi and searched for Anding's toy store. I got a lot of prizes, plus some decors for the Halloween Party. It was pretty difficult to look for Backyardigans items. So, I just settled for the farm animals and other non-farm-related toys. I got shirts for the boys. Even Vic got something for himself. I ended up not getting anything for myself. Vic urged me to get Christmas decors already. But since I had no theme in mind, it was difficult to weed through the variety of decors and colors in front of me. We decided not to get anything yet.

After a quick lunch, we went to the nearby Soler/Alonzo Streets. We were looking for light fixtures for the part we're expanding and for the living area. We must've gone through every store in search of the one that's closest to what we already bought. We ended up going back to the first store we visited.

It is such an awakening that prices there are 50% cheaper than those we saw at the well-known home depots. Driving to Binondo and finding a parking spot were pretty difficult. But, it was all worth it after factoring in how much savings we got that day. It is highly recommended to buy items in bulk because vendors really lower the prices, down to the dealer's price.

I am guessing that that wont be the last trip to Divi this year.

Javi's Party Preps

We're celebrating Javi's party in less than two weeks and I have nothing to wear!!!

Other than that, almost everything is ready for the party. Hmm...except for the cake pala!

The giveaways are ready and will be picked up tomorrow. The menu has been settled and the venue is also booked. I just have to distribute the rest of the invitations and try to get confirmation from the invited guests. I'll also have to finalize the order of the program.

At this point, I am thinking that I may not have carried out the theme to the fullest. I just don't see any point wasting more money on tarps, additional balloons and standees.

Other than those concerns, I have no more worries about the party. I just hope Javi will enjoy whatever we've planned for him.

Comparisons

This afternoon, as I was waiting for my lunch, I received a text message from Johann's former nanny. She was asking about him and about Javi. We exchanged several messages then came a reply, " Di pala katulad ni Johann, naglalakad na nun nag-birthday."

That ticked me off. I set her straight that Javi is just like Johann at that stage. I got the feeling that she is proud of her alaga and is taking credit for her alaga's achievements.

As a parent, I try not to compare my two kids. Every time I feel it creeping into my head, I remind myself that each child is different and develops differently. I know, it is easy for observers to succumb to comparison. Sometimes, I know, it can't be helped.

As a parent, I want my kids to be their best selves. Their best may not be better than others'. Nevertheless, I'd be a proud mom because they did their best.

Comparing achievements often lead to sibling rivalry or jealousy or a misplaced sense of competitiveness. It is something I want to avoid, if possible.

If you become a parent yourself, you'd understand.

Apple's pickings

In the few PRP episodes I've seen, I noticed that there's one judge who stands out. She doesn't sugar-coat her words. Like Simon Cowell, she is not afraid to speak her mind. She takes her title to heart with her constructive criticism. Because of that, she raises the bar. Her high level of standards forces the contenders to outdo their previous work.

I wonder where she got her work ethics. Her work discipline is so refreshing in an industry where almost everything is ruled by artistic license.

I am seeing Magis in action. Opus Dei ka ba? Or pinalaki ka lang na ganyan ng magulang mo? Or nakilala mo din si Lolo Joel sa isang bahagi ng buhay mo?