Cutty

... our A/C will be fixed today. The motor part we've been waiting for the whole summer arrived already.  Someone from the authorized  service center will drop by to fix it. Thank God, we wont be using our vintage A/C anymore.  I can just guess how much electricity we've consumed in the past three weeks.

Everyday I am struck by stories of God's providence.  Each time, I am humbled by how simple others live and how much they are thankful for.  I am ashamed to admit, even to myself, that I always ask for more than what I need.  Yet, He still provides.  Now that our income has decreased because of investments not pulling through, I try not to worry and just trust that He will make a way to even out the injustice in this world. Karma Chameleon lang yan! To be fair to Him and to my husband (who works hard for the money), I try to live simply.  Every time I feel the urge to splurge, I ask if I need it.  You may have noticed that I haven't purchased anything of "value" this year.  Hooray for EQ!  Hooray for me! But, seriously, nakakahiya naman sa kanila noh!

I am often bothered by pre-school children dressed like teenagers, sometimes posing as teenagers would.  Why do some moms allow that?  I suppose they find it cute.  I find it strange because some moms hold on to their daughters' childhood as long as they can, by dressing them appropriately and telling them to act their age. Hay, it's almost as bad as a 40y/o dressing like her daughters. What's your take on this?

My husband's been in Oz for 5 days now and he is bored to death.  Establishments close at 5PM.  No wonder band gigs happen at 3PM.  I am not sure if it's the same way in the bigger cities.  I know that it is going to be difficult to beat homesickness and the winter blues if that's everyday life. I'm glad he is enjoying the fresh cheeses and cold cuts from the nearby open market.  It's also nice to know that there's a Filipino store just a few blocks away. We've been thinking of me joining him there.  It'll be just for a few weeks, before Johann's school starts.  Ewan.  We still have to factor in Visa processing.  Baka pauwi na siya by the time I'm ready to leave.  Oh well.  I am just waiting for his decision.

When we were in the Land of the Free, I've seen my Tita bring coupons to her shopping trips.  She got $6 off on Ecotrin.  We saved $5 in Toys R Us using a coupon lying just beside the cashier.  Now, looking through Target's coupons, I realized, I could've saved another $10 on some items we purchased like Aveeno, Neutrogena, on Men's and Ladies' apparel.  Who know what else I could've gotten at a lesser price. Since we do not practice this here, I didn't know that I could get further discounts.  It was too late when I found out about it. Sayang. ---------------------- Here in our country, we have something similar.  If you are familiar with the Groupon sites that allow you to purchase a service or item using vouchers, then that's it.  However, you'd have to purchase the voucher then pay again if you exceed the value of the voucher.  But, these are implemented on big-ticket items only. Will coupon shopping work in the Philippines?  

... in one week.  That's how it was for Vic.  It is awfully tiring, both physically and emotionally.  We arrived from our vacation last Tuesday.  Yesterday, I brought him to the airport for Oz.  My kids and I can't wait for the next 6 weeks.  Hay, buhay OFW.  Ang hirap pala.

Going to the United States with kids in tow is a different experience.  My kids have never traveled that long in a plane.  No yayas were around to look after them.  Vic and I took turns washing them and giving them baths.  We also took turns feeding them. Everyday of that two-week trip, I thanked God for modern conveniences like microwavable food, the dishwasher, Disney Junior and Target pushcarts with built-in forward-facing seats.  It made my job as a mother and a parent easier.  Watching over my boys were not really a chore.  They were big enough to be left alone to play.  Vic and I could just let them sit in front of the TV so we can pack/unpack and do other chores.  I didn't mind doing it until they were being bratty or fighting over toys. Before our trip, here were some of our considerations: Car seats.  I had those items in our budget.  It wasn't expensive at all.  In fact, a pair of  Nine West shoes is more e...

We arrived early yesterday morning to 32C.  I have no problems with the heat because I can usually take it.  What's bothering me is our aircon.  We were hoping that it'll be repaired by the time we get back.  Punyemas!  It's already a month since the parts were ordered and we still don't have them.  Summer is almost over and our electricity is running because the inverter aircon is busted! ----------------- Summer has just settled in when our A/C broke.  It started making noises then it just stopped producing cool air.  It is just our luck that the warranty expired just a month before this incident.  We had no other choice but to move into the den.  It is the only room that can hold us all together, with the comfort and convenience of the A/C, TV, and computer.   I miss the privacy and the peacefulness of our room. ----------------- When I called Panasonic to inquire about their parts, they said that their ETA is June...

We flew in the day Osama Bin Laden was killed.  It was, in fact, the news that welcomed us as we entered my cousin's house. That piece of news bothered me no less.  I was already fidgety because just a few days before that, Gaddafi's sons were killed.  I made a mental note to stay away from tourist spots. ------------------- Our flight in was quite pleasant except for PAL's "exceptional" customer service.  It wasn't bumpy at all so the kids were able to sleep during the flight. We got the preferred seats so Johann and Javi had space to move around when they were finally awake. There were a couple of  food accidents but WE managed WITHOUT the help of the cabin crew.  They always took a lot of time to get to us.  When they finally did, they spoke to us with THAT condescending tone.  I decided to let it go.  In cases like that, I always showed them saccharine politeness that bordered on sarcasm.  May araw din kayo. ---------------...

We wrapped up Bettina's 1st Birthday party a few hours ago.  I am glad that kids and adults alike enjoyed what we prepared for them.  We were bothered by the sun and the humidity.  But, that didn't stop the kids from joining the games.  We were all impressed by Jiggle's balloon sculptures. We had endless supply of taho and ice cream in Champola cones.  I just don't know how we're going to dispose all those balloons. I glad that Bettina managed to stay awake throughout the party.  Both kuyas were very cooperative and wore their assigned costumes till it was time to change.  Though many sent in their regrets for not attending, it was still a lively party.  Everyone went home sweaty and sticky but smiling =P I am still reeling from the success of the party, I can't sleep.  Or, maybe I'm just anxious and excited about the days ahead?