Potty-training

So Tala is 2 years and 4 months now. And I think it's right about time that I train her how to use the potty. Ang mahal ng diapers. Ayoko na!

Before she would tell us that she pooped, only right after she already did the deed. But recently, she would tell us 5 minutes before, so I took that as a sign to put the potty that Grandma bought for her to good use.

So we started making her sit in the potty. She seemed to know what it was for but so far, nothing has happened yet. We've been doing it every morning or during those times that she says she's gonna go. So far nothing. I know it takes patience. A lot of it.

So while I'm waiting for that fateful day when I wouldn't have to include diapers in my monthly budget, I'd like to know how you moms did it. Care to share any tips? At least before I start pulling may hair out? Would love to hear from you.

She Loves Hats

Tala has a thing for hats. She wears 'em all day long inside the house. The thing is, the hats aren't hers.

This one for instance is another one of her dad's hats that she loves wearing while running around the house, or while in the couch watching Mickey Mouse Playhouse. Sometimes she just sits in one corner on the floor, wearing a big hat that covers her whole face.

And sometimes when she wears a hat, she convinces everyone in the house to wear one too. She goes "Mommy hat! hat! hat!" or "Daddy hat! hat! hat!" until it all becomes a huge hat party. Sigh. You're such a riot Tala. Don't ever change Anak.

First Post of the Year

This year is certainly starting out well. Aside from Hub's film winning best indie film in the recent Metro Manila Film Fest which I've blogged about here, oh wait, technically that was late last year...point is, this year seems to be bringing in a lot of positive vibes.

2011 was a tough year for a lot of us. In my case, it was very challenging. I went through this whole roller coaster thing as far as career goes. I've made mistakes. I left my old job to go back to agency life, only to realize that it is so much different than how I remembered it some 5-7 years ago. It didn't take a genius to figure out that I wouldn't last long in that company. I didn't fit the culture and I found myself dragging my feet to work. I realized that life is too short to be in a place that made me feel so displaced.

At the mid part of the year, I tried my hand at juggling two jobs. Until now, I still don't know how I managed to pull it off. Financially, the whole set-up worked as I earned double income. Bills were paid on time and we got to afford a lot of things, stuff that I would normally not splurge on. But there I was constantly shuffling from one place to the next, from one meeting to the next, from one office to the next. At the end of the day, I was exhausted. I really felt like my energy was just sucked out of me. Too much that I had nothing more to give. And when a friend died last year, it was an eye-opener for me. She was so young and she was working very hard. Too hard. I can't go like that. I have a child. I want more children. I dream of seeing life beyond my golden years. I knew that things had to change. My pace had to change. Decisions had to be made....again.

I decided to prioritize my balance and peace of mind. I needed to focus on one thing and be really good at it. I will prioritize life-enriching experiences and know that in my heart, as long as I love what I'm doing, the money will follow. By next week, I am going back to my old job, the one I left months ago. The one that allowed me creative freedom, a sense of self and made me work with a team of people that are both creative and brilliant.

And with that decision, I also started going back to doing things that I love. Like blogging for instance. For some reason my other blog has been getting a bit of traction. Opportunities have come up to discover new places, try new things and get to know more people through blogging. A friend joked saying "You have given in to the system!" but like I told her, I am limiting posts only for things that I'd like to review or am open to try, with the condition that there will be full disclosure. This blog though, I will try to keep as personal and as private as I possibly can. That's the plan.

I feel like this year really holds a lot of promise. It feels so light and positive. So how about you, how has the first few days of the year been treating you? I sure hope it's pouring in a lot of good vibes too.

Heart is Bursting

When Sendong happened, I was in Cebu. The gravity of the aftermath only hit me when I came back to Manila and saw the reports on TV.

That photo of the child that was about Tala's age, covered in mud and being carried by her Father who was tears, did it for me.

I started my own mini-relief operations. What started as just three paperbags grew to 20 large packs of donations, that has eaten up most of my living room.

I know that true charity is anonymous, but seeing this just brings tears to my eyes that I couldn't help but post and share it with you guys as it really tugs at the heart.

To everyone who helped make this happen. Thank you. Words are not enough. Its because of your help that some families in CDO, Iligan and other affected areas will have a clean change of clothes, water to drink and food to fill their tummies.

For the past week, I didn't feel "Christmasy", but this very moment has changed everything.

Merry Christmas everyone! Let's make this season count.

No Excuses...

... We just gotta do our part.

Saw a pic of a little girl just about the same age as Tala. She was covered in mud and was carried by her Father who was in tears. My heart broke into a million pieces. Let's all please help.

First of December and Why I'm Panicking

Wooha. Can you believe it? We're in the last month of the year. Today marks the entry of the Christmas season Ladies and Gentlemen. We can officially start our greetings with "Merry Christmas!" or "Happy Holidays!", without looking like an over-excited eager beaver.

And I must admit. I am approaching this month with a bit of trepidation.

Why so? Let me tell you.

In the past years, at around this time, I would already be about 65% done with my Christmas shopping. Seriously. I would have my stash ready for wrapping. Afterwhich I just need to carefully place each present underneath the Christmas tree, waiting for the reactions of people around who will do all that they can to size up the present and guess what I got them for Christmas. In my head I'm thinking "Te...Wag ka ma-excite. Mug lang yan."

Now, I've shopped for only 1 present. And it's not even a present that I really planned on getting. It was a watch I got on eBay which I didn't like the moment it hit my doorstep so it is now officially part of my gift stash. Aside from that, nada. To think I have two offices, two sets of families (mine and my husband's) and a whole lot of people that I need to shop presents for. Ayayay. Goodluck naman.

Second reason why I feel anxious, is because this December is incredibly busy for me. I have back-to-back-to-back events, I kid you not. I remember in the past Decembers, things would usually slow down. In fact, most often than not, we just go to the office to warm our chairs and update our Facebook statuses.

This year is different. I need to plan out Christmas activities in the store. I have two trips to Cebu, that are both a week apart. I have two office Christmas parties to attend and help put together. I have to help plan out my pamangkin's 1st birthday party. I have Christmas dinners left and right, with old officemates (different offices mind you), a homeowners Christmas party and I need to help out with some pitches before the year ends. Kunswelo lang sana kapag tapos na lahat by end December, but no. There's a huge event happening on Jan 4, which I already need to start working on now. Whew. Homaygulay. I can't breathe.

Third reason why I feel anxious over the holidays, is that Hub and I have been talking about baby number two. And based on the chinese calendar, oh yeah. May ganung factor talaga. If we want to have a boy, then this is the month to get busy. hahaha. But you tell me, how in the world, can we conceive if I have jampacked my schedule na parang ayaw ko nang matulog? Diba? Is it not meant to be perhaps? I don't know.

Forth reason and hopefully the last reason why I approach the holidays with a lot of uncertainty is my job situation. I know I arranged for this whole two jobs thing, I did. Ginusto ko to diba. But at this point in time, I actually don't know if I can still pull it off. You know why? I'll tell you why....I. AM. LOSING. MY. MIND. I constantly feel like I'm in a tug of war. Yes I can manage but at the same time, I am constantly shuffling from one place to the next, from one office to the next and from reporting to one boss to the next. I'm surprised that i don't get to mix up their names in the process. If I am serious about the third thing (see above), then I might have to slow things down a bit. And to be perfectly honest, I already know deep within my heart where I really really want to stay. Maybe I just don't want to admit it to myself.

So there. I certainly hope the holidays aren't as hectic and crazy for you. So anyway, here's to the first of December! If you happen to see me around looking haggard and restless, well now you know why.

Birthday Reflections

When the clock strikes 12, I will be officially turning a year older.

Looking back, I feel like I've accomplished pretty much what I've set my mind into...well at least for the past decade. I told myself that I need to be in a serious relationship by the time I hit my 20s. Done. I was with the ex-BF, now husband for over 8 1/2 years. I told myself that I should be married by the time I hit 29. Done. I was hitched at 28. I told myself I should have my first born before I hit 30. Done. I gave birth to Tala a month before I hit the big 3-0. I told myself that as far as the career goes, I'd like to experience what a "Director" tag would feel like, Done. Although I'm telling you, it ain't all that.

So what else am I planning for myself? Some of my birthday wishes include more travel for me and the family. I really want to bring Tala to Disneyland. Doesn't matter which one. I remember the kind of joy I had when I went to the Disneyland in Anaheim. That was one of the best moments of my life. I want Tala to experience that same joy too. Hopefully, very soon. I'd like to start trying for baby number two. I figured since Tala can speak full sentences now, I guess she might be old enough to understand the concept of having a little brother/sister. Of course, there are a lot of stuff that I'd like to covet, much of these I have unabashedly written about in my other blog.

Bottomline, I am grateful. The Lord has been good to me and has helped me through some tough times. I thank him for another year of life and another year of golden opportunities.

So there...now where's that darn cake?...