Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be in one of your househelp's shoes? How it would be like to be reprimanded almost every hour that YOU are around? Not to mention, be humiliated in front of many people? And how do they juggle to support their family in, say a P2000 monthly salary?

Often times I find myself staring at one of my kids yayas (plural talaga ha). I don't know what goes thru her mind every minute because I find myself reprimanding her almost all the time. I don't have much troubles with the other nannies but it's just this particular one.

She's 20-years-old, a single mother to a 1-year-old, dresses poorly, with an attitude like that of a naive girl. I would presume she never took care of her child as she's having trouble taking care of mine.

In most days, I wake up promising, to whomever can hear me, to be more compassionate and more patient with her but she just knows which button to push. I don't like nagging at all, makes me want to scream at someone's face.

But at the end of the day, when I find myself staring at her again, I wondered how she felt. If I were in her shoes, would I have talked back? To sum it up, I'm hurting for her. Though I'm paying her to look after my kids, she's still human after all. This time around I'm trying to extend my patience. It's not easy with 3 kids shouting and crying my way, but that's the reality. I'm crossing my fingers.

Dizzy!!!

I was supposed to prepare a post tonight but this headache is killing me. I'm nauseous from the ride way back here in the province (good thing there's internet!) I don't think I'd be able to entertain you tonight folks. Even my spelling and spacing are way out. But do watch out for it though. Upcoming post about my online buys and more... But for now, gotta take a break.

Good night guys. zzzzz

Something Green

My office has an earth tone feel. Except for the green paint on the bottom part of the wall which is a continuation of what the paint outside my office is, everything else is brown, white and black. So when our MHO brought a plant and gave one to me, I was delighed. I love gardening and I love flowers. If my 2nd child wasn't allergic to pollen, my room would be filled with flowers.

Usually my mother buys flowers and she buys extra for our office. I love roses so every week my clinic has red roses in it.

This time around, it is quite different. No flowers.

Thank you Dr. Rosario Mosqueda for the plant.

I would like to add more pazzaz to my clinic. Any suggestions?

What I'm wearing today...

Nope this is not a post about clothes. I'm not an expert on that area. What I love more than clothes are jewelries. My mom knows that. She usually gives me a pair when she buys jewelries. (love you mom!) Though some of which have been STOLEN! See here on my previous post.

The more exquisite ones, I keep for special occasions. For everyday wear, I lean more on the simple designs. Recently I have this fondness for yellow gold jewelries. My mother took note of that so she let me borrowed some of her yellow gold jewelries.

And these are my jewelries for today.

A set of heart earrings and ring with diamonds,
my wedding ring,
tri-color bangle I bought from paul and anna online shop

Mother and child pendant which my mom gave me

Have a productive day everyone and keep safe:)

What's on my neck today!

It's tuesday and everyone is expected to dress in tribal clothes. If not, adorn some accessories, as many as you can. And this is what I had on for today. A gift for my parents which I borrowed. Signifies being a member in the royal family back in the old days. I see these in almost anyone these days.

Have a great day!

5th Gaginaway Festival

Last November 11, 2011 was the opening of the Gaginaway Festival, and the 1st full moon for the month of November. It is a celebration of the coming together of the 4 different tribes here in Malita. Everyday different tribes presented foods and every night, different dances and customs were shown in the gymnasium. It was a fun-filled colorful week. Here are some of the photos during the festival.

What I wore!

My mom and my aunt danced every night. Observe how their clothes are the same? Also in here are my two younger brothers and Christine.

Taken during our Culmination Parade. 

Till next year!

*Photos were edited using LemeLeme iphone app.

The 30-Day Challenge

I  got this from Mec as Mom. This would be my everyday challenge from now on. I get so caught up with work that even at home, I spend less time with my kids. This would be a reminder of how I should spend the day with my kids.

I also printed 3 copies which I posted in the office and at home. I hope this would also serve as inspiration to some mothers.

Attack of the Head Lice!!!

I wonder if celebrities and Hollywood stars ever get to have head lice. I'm pretty sure some of you did, and it's such a pain in the a__! Not only is it difficult to eliminate, it takes time and real effort. And what bugs the most is that when you have eliminated the lice, yaya or your kid's schoolmate may have it and may again infect another.

About a few months ago, my eldest daughter had this. Since most of the housemaids are from the province, some have had it before working for us. What's a mother to do but treat each member of the household. I bought each one a fine-toothed comb (suyod) from a local supermarket. It took a month before  it was completely eradicated.

Licealiz shampoo is one of the many treatments for head lice. It's under Lamoiyan company. It's to be used twice a week for two weeks when treating and once a week to prevent recurrence. But this doesn't mean you do nothing else. You have to use a fine toothed comb on your hair and manually pick out the eggs to completely eliminate head lice.

I used it on my 2 kids and it is safe for breastfeeding mothers as well. As I've read, the content of pyrethrin is small enough that lactating mothers can also use it.

So does my kids having head lice make me a negligent parent? Some would say I may be, for letting my kids down when in comes to proper hygiene. Some would say that it is normal for growing kids. I would say that my kids are small and needs people to take care of them while I put food on the table, send them to school and provide warmth to their small bodies. I would be negligent if I do nothing and let the infestation proceed. I would be negligent if I do not treat them and everyone else in the house.

How about you, what's you experience with head lice?

Dinner with the Family

It was shabu-shabu time last night. My dad is on diet and this is his way of eating less and managing the craving.

Thank you Christine for preparing the food. It was yum!

My dad's 2nd favorite besides Japanese food

What to do?

I was trying to sync my daughter's iphone 3g but somehow nothing is working even though it did sync with my mac. The Apps kept disappearing. So I had to erase everything inside hoping it would clear out the glitch.

For days now, it's been like this. Any idea what to do? I tried turning it off and/or draining the battery but still. Help!