Cutty

Lately, I've been feeling more tired, more impatient, and more irritable than usual.  I haven't had a decent restful weekend since July.  It seems like it's going to be that way till early January.  Oh dear, I really need a break. Historically, I've been feeling burned out by the time August hits.  I remember that I usually hint of a getaway this time of year.  Exams, Asthma attacks, frequent trips to the hospital, rains and flood adding to the usual daily stresses, take a toll on me. I realize that I still need to teach my children how to be more responsible.  Little steps such as preparing what they need for the next day and determining lunch food will minimize my daily stress. At this time, I just want to stay away from everyone, read a book and not worry about a thing. I am turning into a Mama Monster.  Thank God, my children still remain sweet and affectionate despite the attitude.

It was a sad week for friends and relatives.  A friend's father passed on and a 6 year old distant relative didn't recover from heart surgery. T lost her mom to pancreatic cancer not more than 4 months ago.  I was just telling her how impressed I was about her strength.  Then, the news about her father's passing on just surprised us. Someone remarked that, maybe, he just wants to be with his wife. At first, I couldn't believe that someone can die from loneliness or heart-break.  But, I must have known four cases wherein the spouses pass on soon after their loved ones go.  Sinundan talaga, hanggang kamatayan. I am in awe of their bond.  But, love, as strong as theirs, transcends death. ----------------- The news about a 6-year-old niece passing on is devastating. I did not know her personally but I was in tears the moment I heard about it. She underwent surgery to correct a congenital heart problem. She survived the surgery but didn't recover from...

July must have been the month I have traveled most in the past decade.  Next would be May.  It is both an exhilarating and agonizing experience going through the photos in my Facebook Memories. So, while the memories are still fresh, I decided to unbox my scratch map to document the places I've visited in the past.  As you can see, it is still a work in progress. Asia is still the most visited region because of its proximity. Europe comes in next.  Slovenia and Slovakia are too small to be noticeable here. The markings on the United States map are confined to tourist spots and a few states where I spent time during business trips. I do not plan on setting foot in all continents, but I still want to scratch off a few more cities in my bucket list.  I am still hoping to experience food-tripping in Montreal, chasing the Aurora Borealis in Scandinavia, being in awe of the Hagia Sophia in Turkey, watching the sunset in Santorini, bein...

Vic's birthday and mine are a month apart. We rarely hold parties for ourselves. It's usually a special dinner with the kids and a big meal shared with our extended families.  However, I plan to make it a tradition to travel to celebrate our birthdays. Last year was Tokyo. This year, we decided to go to Hong Kong. We missed the place.  This year we decided to go about it differently. We didn't stay in our usual Marco Polo hotel. We explored parts of the city that aren't  familiar to us.  Hotel Pravo I like this hotel because it is in the center of TST. It is 2 blocks away from Harbour City  and 2 blocks away from Nathan Rd. It is surrounded by small restaurants that locals frequent. It is also quite accessible by MTR. TST and East TST MTR lines are just a block away.  The interiors are very modern. You'll be greeted by a dark reception area and hallways. However, the rooms are well-lighted despite the black and white  ...

Just for fun, I tried this Wiki applet on Facebook. This is what it said about me. Amazingly, it felt like it was really about me. From what I've seen on other people's Wiki profile, they all seem accurate to me.  Give it a try. 

I have always been bothered by people who have no care in the world when it comes to spending.  Maybe, because it is not who I am.  Because, if I were in the same position, I know wouldn't be like that. Growing up in a Catholic environment, Ivalued simplicity and moderation.  I often heard the term "solidarity with the poor." We were given the means to strive for our desires.  But, we also have minds to temper our desires. According to Merriam-Webster, temperance is the habitual moderation in the indulgence of appetites or passions.  In plain English, it is self-control. As a parent, I always think of the impression of my actions on my children.  I think about my spending habits, about over-indulging on food and drinks, about rewarding myself with too much time on the computer. Temperance, moderation, simplicity.  These are values I want to instil on my children.  Because children who are over-indulged are not self-reliant, do not respect ...

When I took my kids to Kidzania in BGC there were only 2 things I knew.  (1)  It is a great place for kids to do pretend play.  (2)  It is less expensive if we go on a weekday.  Apart from that, I knew nothing. To access the facility, you must "check-in" at the Cebu Pacific Desk.  They will hand you your boarding passes that will serve as your entrance tickets.  Each child will be given checks for 50 Kidzos, the currency used inside the facility. Upon entering the main area, look for the bank, operated by BPI.  Have the checks changed to the local currency.  This money will be used to pay for the training facilities.  With the initial amount, a child can enjoy 3 activities. Most activities require participants to pay 15 Kidzos. In case you run out of money, your child can earn them by "working" for the utility companies.  The kids will earn money depending on the complexity of the task. I am not sure if you can bring in foo...

I get irritated when I hear that the Philippines has a high unemployment rate.  It is true, there aren't much high-paying jobs available for those who are qualified.  But, there are enough jobs to help out those living below the poverty line.  Just check out how many opportunities are there at POEA. Several times, I've been stood up by applicants who said they will show up for an interview.  Several times, I've offered training opportunities but trainees are too preoccupied with other stuff to complete their training course.  Several times, I've offered jobs to people who, after a short time on the job, have decided to quit because it was "too difficult." Well, Dear, nothing in life is easy.  Even getting a ride to work is difficult.  Besides, it is all in the mind.  With no perseverance, patience, hard-work and resilience, you will never get beyond what you have now.  Without the proper attitude, one will never be equipped to handle grea...

I operate a business that is open 7 days a week.  Our only break is when the mall is closed on some days of the Holy Week.  Because the nature of our business is different, I couldn't celebrate Christmas during the holidays or any weekend, for that matter.  Luckily, my employees agreed to postpone the party till the crazy Christmas rush is over. My staff requested to hold it in a videoke joint.  I took them to the nearby place called Music 22.  It is a decent place with lots of private rooms, friendly wait staff and affordable rates.  I just supplied food and lots of drinks.  All they had to do was entertain themselves.  What a revelation it was.  For a group of 9, only 1 couldn't carry a tune. It looks like this much needed time away from work did wonders for them.  Our sales the following day spiked up! We shall definitely do it again. Here are the biriteras of Big Apple Spa.