tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-97491302024-03-07T14:53:06.843+08:00our dwellingwe're living on our owncharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.comBlogger336125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-27389664828190657592016-06-07T09:31:00.000+08:002016-06-07T09:31:18.345+08:00Crush<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sharing this again for posterity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jullana posted this on FB last 03 June 2016.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYGMvDQeapm7VIgySMbuPSMBQzgzOQ27bcHHrrT6xXaW2AaOLK8ipdQs-bZH7MxpWlqs3dkCuAsNqPNWdZAz1yXzz-4AD7semtuNT4AMLyKc5HTVHrAhdEZhj37TEr64ZLqh9/s1600/Screenshot_2016-06-03-21-28-47.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVYGMvDQeapm7VIgySMbuPSMBQzgzOQ27bcHHrrT6xXaW2AaOLK8ipdQs-bZH7MxpWlqs3dkCuAsNqPNWdZAz1yXzz-4AD7semtuNT4AMLyKc5HTVHrAhdEZhj37TEr64ZLqh9/s320/Screenshot_2016-06-03-21-28-47.png" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To which, her classmate Chester who has a crush on her, commented #10. So here was my comment and the conversation that ensued.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IeJUyZw87yULjukFSqZLfXmr0pedyXte-iQ9Iz8L27rwfXpOvHWFj30rB1k_cxsXb8Po0f7EhJwWzH0P01OqE1iMu-AjSPU4-Aj57ud6xxaZ8jG4DB7v8vK3HPwD1r2nGVa3/s1600/Screenshot_2016-06-03-21-25-56.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IeJUyZw87yULjukFSqZLfXmr0pedyXte-iQ9Iz8L27rwfXpOvHWFj30rB1k_cxsXb8Po0f7EhJwWzH0P01OqE1iMu-AjSPU4-Aj57ud6xxaZ8jG4DB7v8vK3HPwD1r2nGVa3/s320/Screenshot_2016-06-03-21-25-56.png" width="180" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After a while, he deleted his message and replaced with this.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQoj4sftjcDcuaXq9NJIssWFrkCJrgquWzR_f-0j6U3xU_RmX5J1YJ45E9Q-s7NXpUXL7FA3pxh4E1m1ZO0ejhNX20_3u_rG-jnTQ3Yd9hcvuBpWYk3Ja0NXaB-Y0m8f-vxKK/s1600/Screenshot_2016-06-03-21-31-03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQoj4sftjcDcuaXq9NJIssWFrkCJrgquWzR_f-0j6U3xU_RmX5J1YJ45E9Q-s7NXpUXL7FA3pxh4E1m1ZO0ejhNX20_3u_rG-jnTQ3Yd9hcvuBpWYk3Ja0NXaB-Y0m8f-vxKK/s320/Screenshot_2016-06-03-21-31-03.png" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And after a little more while, he PMed me this.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ucGm_Tkn0o5y768SJNQMowsR43jfBUpdHUK4d0P6W5UjJhdbyjD2Bkpg3ybJbqkVMfV9B7aR-Xr1DG2ntE-fZpE7EGMQ2MDzX8rZerKtnRM43gjb_nmEZhDC3TlaIoZpoGmy/s1600/Screenshot_2016-06-03-21-34-37.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ucGm_Tkn0o5y768SJNQMowsR43jfBUpdHUK4d0P6W5UjJhdbyjD2Bkpg3ybJbqkVMfV9B7aR-Xr1DG2ntE-fZpE7EGMQ2MDzX8rZerKtnRM43gjb_nmEZhDC3TlaIoZpoGmy/s320/Screenshot_2016-06-03-21-34-37.png" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think I handled it pretty well, didn't I? ;) </span></div>
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<br />charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-56795464242687209562016-06-01T09:32:00.000+08:002017-01-19T18:58:56.605+08:00Drunk in love<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The little big man, who's a big boy now, has been going through a lot of changes over the past year. I guess what I'm about to share is one milestone and deserves a detailed story-telling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cousins from Bataan were over at the brother's house last Monday. As expected, brother and cousins went drinking, as they usually do when they get together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I let the big boy Migo join the younger cousins. I went to bed early only to be woken up by the brother and nephew, carrying my big boy into the bedroom, drunk.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He was saying all kinds of things, blabbering actually. I made sure I took a video of him so I could later show it to him and make him realize how stupid he looked drunk, in effect, make him NOT drink anymore in the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some random blabber:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M: pakisabi sa syota ko...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tyrone: wag mo sabihn syota kase ibig sabihn nun short time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M: ok pakisabi sa lota ko... lota... long time 😁</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M: mahal na mahal ko mommy ko. Gusto ko pakita sa kanya na naaappreciate ko mga paghihirap nya.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M: (to Tyrone who had him in his arms) don't rape me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To wit, all of these are recorded in a secret file in my phone. For future reference. Someday. 😉</span><br />
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charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-53349234615053226732016-05-23T12:05:00.000+08:002017-01-03T12:08:04.050+08:00A conversation with my old friend last night stuck to me. All this time, I am seen as a weak person by friends of my younger self. I guess because they saw me as a sheltered, defenseless, littel girl back in college. Back then, we would go on class projects at my house since my parents won't allow me to sleep over at another person's house. My dad would always pick me up from school when we had classes till 9pm. I had a nanny who took care of my needs at home. I was a crybaby -- the littlest sad things, even happy things, made me cry. My college friends knew all that.<br />
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Funny how I knew all this time too, that I was the most independent among my siblings. At 10 years old, I asked for my own bedroom while my brothers slept in the same room as our nanny. I was usually by myself in doing my homeworks and other activities. I learned to commute by myself at 12 yrs old. Right out of college, I looked for a job on my own and never asked my parents to pull any strings for me to get in companies where they had associates in.<br />
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I got married in my late 20s. That's when I became dependent on the hubby. I never went anywhere new without him. I relied on him literally what I was gonna eat everyday. He always did things for me and the kids and I almost couldn't do anything without asking his opinion.<br />
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But as years passed, and especially in our situation now, I am on my own again. I'm dealing with things I never thought I could handle. <br />
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I guess I could say that I am a coper. I cope with what life throws at me. I'm glad I am such. I hope my children learns this too.charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-69574887375953084802016-04-12T07:55:00.005+08:002016-04-12T07:55:40.924+08:00Army<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is my song for you. But you're not here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I know that I've been messed up<br />You never let me give up<br />All the nights and the fights<br />And the blood and the breakups<br />You're always there to call up<br />I'm a pain, I'm a child, I'm afraid<br />But yet you understand<br />Yeah like no one can<br />Know that we don't look like much<br />But no one fucks it up like us<br /><br />16 and you never even judged me<br />Matter of fact I always thought you were too cool for me<br />Sitting there in the caravan<br />All the nights we've been drunk on the floor<br />And yet you understand<br />Yeah like no one can<br />We both know what they say about us<br />But they don't stand a chance because<br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I'm with you<br />When I'm with you<br />I'm standing with an army<br />I'm standing with an army<br />When I'm with you<br />When I'm with you<br />I'm standing with an army<br />Standing with an army</span><br />Dark times, you could always find the bright side<br />I'm amazed by the things that you would sacrifice<br />Just to be there for me<br />How you cringe when you sing out of tune<br />But yet it's everything<br />So don't change a thing<br />We both know what they say about us<br />But they don't stand a chance because<br /><br />When I'm with you<br />When I'm with you<br />I'm standing with an army<br />I'm standing with an army<br />When I'm with you<br />When I'm with you<br />I'm standing with an army<br />Standing with an army<br /><br />Standing with an army<br />Standing with an army<br />Standing with an army<br />Standing with an army<br />(I'll be yours)<br />Standing with an army<br />Standing with an army<br />I'm standing with an army<br /><br />Yet you understand<br />Yeah like no one can<br />We both know what they say about us<br /><br />When I'm with you<br />When I'm with you<br />I'm standing with an army<br />I'm standing with an army<br />When I'm with you<br />When I'm with you<br />I'm standing with an army<br />They don't have a chance because<br /><br />Standing with an army<br />Standing with an army<br />Standing with an army<br />Standing with an army<br />Standing with an army<br />Standing with an army<br />Standing near you<br />Standing with an army<br />Standing with an army<br />Standing with an army<br />Standing with an army<br />Standing with an army<br />Standing with an army<br />When I'm with you<br />Standing with an army</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span>charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-2588792672113774652015-11-18T17:56:00.002+08:002015-11-18T17:56:15.187+08:00DadNovember 3 Tuesday (2 weeks ago)<br />
I was driving home from work and called mmy MOm to inform her that I would be fetching her. Her phone was offline so I called my Dad so he could call her landline to inform her.<br />
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November 8 Sunday<br />
My Mom went to a reunion with her brother and sisters. SHe asked me to check on my Dad during the day. To be honest, I was actually afraid of checking in on him. What if I find him unconscious? What if<br />
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November 10 Tuesday (1 week ago)<br />
Mom called me to tell me Dad doesn't want to go to the doctor. She told me to start preparing white outfits for her and me and my brothers. You know what that means. I called my younger brother and started bawling. I couldn't take it.<br />
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November 18 Wednesday (today)<br />
I went out for errands and brought home Dad's favorite JOllibee palabok. I fed him. Literally. It was the weirdest feeling in the world.charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-15320966678136481602015-10-06T11:01:00.003+08:002015-10-06T11:01:36.107+08:00OOTD (Conversations)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This morning as I was getting ready for work, I put on an old top that I must've been wearing frequesntly over the past weeks. The little girl said to me to wear something else. That I should wear my other clothes at the back of the closet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So I took it off and found this girl flowy off shoulder top that I probably used only twice since it was bought months ago. I wore it and showed the little girl. She approved then went to the closet to find a matching black bandage skirt. She let me wear it, stood back and said, "There."in approval.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I stood in front of the mirror and told her, "But I don't like wearing skirt in the office." to which she replied, "Yeah. It makes you look old."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So I took it off and wore my black distressed boyfriend jeans. When the little girl saw me again, she quipped, "That's fine. Cool pants. Nice top."in approval.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The little girl's fashion inclination is manifesting.</span></div>
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charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-63656374478318961962015-10-05T10:04:00.001+08:002015-10-06T11:02:25.032+08:00I'm Pregnant<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last night, I had the weirdest dream. I don't usually have vivid dreams. I always sleep deeply and if ever I do have dreams, usually, I forget what they're all about come morning. But this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I was in the market and the vendor was holding my hand and looking at my palm and pointing at my moving pulse and she told me that I was pregnant. I was shocked. I knew I didn't want to have another child. But I knew too that having a new one is a blessing and that I cannot "not want" this one.</em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNqM8j5zTL-QV5XVfKa2bAmdmfO3u-9_pY8C42AbAogFNoAXWYge6qi9vt27iw7OJ5r3YhmVci-TEDf2qQxr2jRHXHEg55yBIsqqfAp4abnKTRlwLL6Y18E7yK49shxpg4R5z/s1600/preg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNqM8j5zTL-QV5XVfKa2bAmdmfO3u-9_pY8C42AbAogFNoAXWYge6qi9vt27iw7OJ5r3YhmVci-TEDf2qQxr2jRHXHEg55yBIsqqfAp4abnKTRlwLL6Y18E7yK49shxpg4R5z/s320/preg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I woke up with the purpose of checking out the dream dictionary about what this might mean. As soon as I got to work this morning, I looked it up and found this.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPHvKKmzvP0ZZbRqEZfHuCDu60THuWwaWTVQH0YsvsNJZEJD79WNQQI1lkPAQSQyPAetdK0fTF8PBmg4QYp8ktxRjnhr9rnENM9CefZyg08fDW55YXplrOVALWXV4Rg3JYCRj/s1600/Screenshot_2015-10-05-08-58-48.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPHvKKmzvP0ZZbRqEZfHuCDu60THuWwaWTVQH0YsvsNJZEJD79WNQQI1lkPAQSQyPAetdK0fTF8PBmg4QYp8ktxRjnhr9rnENM9CefZyg08fDW55YXplrOVALWXV4Rg3JYCRj/s400/Screenshot_2015-10-05-08-58-48.png" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So here I am, pondering about the possibilities. Few weeks ago, a friend/supplier and I have discussed his plans of getting me as an industrial partner in a business he will be setting up next year. I've been actually looking and opening my doors to new opportunities but so far, nothing concrete has come up. I really hope this is a sign.</span></div>
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charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-13211170691702758232015-09-24T11:09:00.000+08:002015-10-06T11:10:00.964+08:00Dad<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today my mom asked me to move back to our family home. The home where I grew up in. The home where only she and my Dad are living in now. That old home that I left many years ago and have started to call "my mom and dad's house" instead of home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A year ago, my Dad was hospitalized for the first time in his entire life. It triggered the start of many medical checkups that found him with liver cirrhosis and end stage liver cancer. On New Year's Day of 2015, while on our way to Tagaytay with my brother's family, he was hospitalized again becuase he was vomitting blood. Many tests and check ups and consultations thereafter, in August of this year, he underwent RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation) wherein a needle was stuck in his tummy towards the tumor in his liver to burn the mass. Masses, prayers, trips to PAdre Pio Shrine is what my Dad believes to be keeping him from anything worse.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The doctor said this month that my Dad can eat anything he wants. This is so he would at least eat. Because he hasn't been eating full meals for the past 6 months! And Dad thinks he's completely healed. Because, according to him, why would the doctor tell him to anything he wants if he's still sick?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So there goes my Mom asking me to move back. I know what it means. She doesn't want to be alone to face the inevitable. And I don't know if I'm strong enough to face it with her.</span></div>
charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-16116736725142641852015-09-04T08:08:00.000+08:002015-09-09T14:41:57.315+08:00Stage mom feels 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Still on that beauty pageant a few days ago. Just for the record.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was taking a video of the Q&A. The son's question was about how he will boast about his country. He was cool and composed and didn't seem rattled or lost for words, but his answer was way off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">From my left side, I heard someone (perhaps a mom of another contestant) say, </span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">ang layo naman ng sagot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I had to restrain myself from hitting her with my left. You know that feeling when an ambulance alarm starts ringing in your head and heat quickly crawls up from your neck to your face to the top of your head? That's what I felt and if not for the videocam I was holding up, I really would've hit her in the face sideways with my left.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mothers. You know what I mean.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-41274044789398683612015-09-04T08:01:00.000+08:002015-09-09T14:40:07.867+08:00the hubby<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last week, the hubby, calling through a payphone from where he is, told me he had high blood pressure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">180/120.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I asked him how he was feeling and if he had medication and when he will be able to see a doctor given his circumstances.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After this he spoke seriously:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Pag nawala ako...kung mawala ako and papalitan mo ko...wag kang pipili ng kagaya ko ha.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I said ok but tears welled up in my eyes. I haven't cried about our situation for the longest time now. But this. I pushed back the tears.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What can I say?</span></div>
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<br />charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-85072879411137271702015-08-25T20:43:00.000+08:002015-09-09T14:39:10.001+08:00Stage mom feels<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am the worst kind of mother.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I did not know that today the little big man, who's not so little anymore, <i>who just turned 13 just over a week ago</i>, was one of the contestants in a beauty pageant in school. All the while, I thought he was preparing for a class presentation for their <b>Buwan Ng Wika</b> culminating activity. I even considered going to work today because my boss was hesitant in allowing me to take a leave. At the last minute though, my leave was approved. But really, all the while I thought it was just one of those routine activities that a good mother should attend for her kids. I was so wrong.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKiKckQzAS_m7rHfRzNy-fjiUs1kPnqIxu1TYrRkzIDOkddIupOI_Q5_SXFjiygPRuJ0jGe1kBUBoSL2_Stw1JORgI5_bAtoxToShKQJ13TSgNQo0gu4pBNfCSH0FZhX8XlcS/s1600/IMG_20150825_193116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKiKckQzAS_m7rHfRzNy-fjiUs1kPnqIxu1TYrRkzIDOkddIupOI_Q5_SXFjiygPRuJ0jGe1kBUBoSL2_Stw1JORgI5_bAtoxToShKQJ13TSgNQo0gu4pBNfCSH0FZhX8XlcS/s320/IMG_20150825_193116.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How do I describe the feeling? Years ago, I witnessed this little big man fight in his very first taekwondo competition. I had jitters. My hands trembled as I held the videocam to capture the fight. I was a newbie taekwondo parent surrounded by parents of brown- and black-belts who've been through dozens of competitions. That first competition gave him a bronze medal. He came out of it triumphant and went on to dozens more competitions with more bronzes, silvers and golds. And me? I came out even more triumphant with every medal, every fall, every tear. He had as many triumphs as defeats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today I was a newbie mom to a teenage son who joined a beauty/talent/intelligence contest for the first time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It felt exactly the same thing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I looked on child rearing not only as a work of love and duty </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>but as a profession that was fully as interesting and challenging </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>as any honorable profession in the world </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>and one that demanded the best that I could bring to it.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>~Rose Kennedy</i></span></div>
</div>
charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-66252091901377427342015-08-13T08:08:00.002+08:002015-08-13T08:08:39.152+08:00My 13 Thoughts on Your 13th Birthday This August 13<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmbi_YVD9FG89VQnez1sExKeZURYN5oxlui8xQ733XWEqNBfcnMxVc9tBtiWtG8sSI8U4Hdfee0dgKnS7sMjqOSdQZGkNhSNpBQBO3jXvy1HQ8IOOeqh9Jmrd-gaMnJhrfGPM/s1600/11846653_10153104199245777_2381459248140959687_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWmbi_YVD9FG89VQnez1sExKeZURYN5oxlui8xQ733XWEqNBfcnMxVc9tBtiWtG8sSI8U4Hdfee0dgKnS7sMjqOSdQZGkNhSNpBQBO3jXvy1HQ8IOOeqh9Jmrd-gaMnJhrfGPM/s320/11846653_10153104199245777_2381459248140959687_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">13. I've been a mom for <b>13 years now</b>. (Who would've thought i'd get this far?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">12. This is a new chapter for you and me. Everybody says the teenage years are the most challenging for parents but the most memorable for their children. I hope we could get through this together and you arrive at your adulthood and my senior life both of us unscathed. (So help us God.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">11. I'd appreciate it if we could stay friends throughout. You did promise me when you were 4 years old that you wouldn't keep secrets from me. So let's take it from there, shall we? It's best to tell your ol' mom your joys, sorrows, triumphs, problems and I promise to be the best listener. Ever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">10. Your sister is your friend as well. I hope and pray that you nurture your relationship with her. Make her feel that she's protected and loved by her older brother. Remember that your future girlfriends will take particular note of how you treat your mother and sister.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">9. Though your Dad is not physically present, know that he loves you very much. And you know you can always ask him for guidance and advice on things you cannot ask me. ('Cause he is still the best Dad in the world.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8. Learning in school is the most important thing to do during your teenage years. It sets the foundation of how you will turn out in your adult life. You wanna be successful yeah? Study hard. It will all be worth it when the time comes and you will be thankful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7. Independence is something you have started wanting for the past year. The more you will want it in the next years. I'm giving it to you. I give it to you and I trust that you will make sound, reasonable and balanced decisions. I will always be here to give you advice and guidance. (Just put down your phone and talk to me.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. What do I always tell you? Your character is what you do when no one else sees you. Even when no one sees you, always do what is right. And kind. Pray wherever and whenever. There's no limit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Your success in life will be all your doing. No one else's. You define your future. And even your present. (I mean, your now, your present. Not gift. I know what you're thinking.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Don't worry about your height. You'll grow much taller than you already are. Believe me. (I know.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Hugs and kisses and "I love yous' should never EVER run out. You hear me? It reassures me that I'm doing good as your mother.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. All my promises, I will fulfill them. Not always immediately, but rest assured that I'm trying everything to keep them. I hope you fulfill yours too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Enjoy your teenage years, my son. How you will live your life at 31 will depend on how you will live your life at 13 onwards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"There's this boy who stole my heart.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>He calls me Mom."</i></span></div>
charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-41549348843903979782015-06-18T17:43:00.001+08:002015-06-18T17:43:07.974+08:00of dishonesty and bullies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgae-lfbtrwazSc4AfXtdCsdVnFGM5j2ahV4-PJjE9muLwHDjyCOLpU2CYrc0FH7jnW2YcfqpvSROjsbFo55nCi91CyPNJdeTQt1t3N_LwnxBMsolPg8uuZNarzymKco31pyMh5/s1600/jullana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgae-lfbtrwazSc4AfXtdCsdVnFGM5j2ahV4-PJjE9muLwHDjyCOLpU2CYrc0FH7jnW2YcfqpvSROjsbFo55nCi91CyPNJdeTQt1t3N_LwnxBMsolPg8uuZNarzymKco31pyMh5/s1600/jullana.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The little girl the other day showed me a crumpled 500 peso bill with wrapped around a bottle of liniment. She said she found it inside her schoolbag. Of course, she knows it's not hers because I don't give her that amount of money for school.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I told her the most logical thing to do. Give it back. Go see her school's principal and return it to her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The next day, she got bullied by one of the boys in her class. She said she was walking from the front of the class towards her seat when this boy punched her in the stomach. She curled in pain and cried. When the teacher was told, the teacher's reaction was that the next time the boy punches her, his parents will be called to school.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When told of this, I was furious. But my Mom, (the Grandma) who was told first before me, was even more furious and decided that she will personally go to school and report this incident. It was fine with me since my work nowadays demands that I be at the office always.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Later in the evening, my Mom told me about how she lectured the Discipline Officer in school about bullying. It was a little funny because knowing my Mom, I'm sure they heard a handful of her wisdom. She'd made her mark on the school officials, I must say, esp that officer and the Principal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The little girl later told me she returned the money and liniment bottle to the principal. The principal told her, "You're honest huh. Ang laking pera nito at ibinalik mo." Then she left.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Much later, the principal went to her class and asked for her and told her, "I forgot to tell you, very good for what you did."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Goodness is about character - integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat people. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>~ Dennis Prager</i></span></div>
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charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-45659721792746381092015-06-05T12:06:00.000+08:002015-06-05T12:07:19.475+08:00Liminal Space<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This morning, I attended a worship service at the office which I initially thought was a first Friday mass. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The pastor spoke about Liminal space and the Liminality of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Great</i>, I thought. This is exactly where i am right now. I couldn't help but post this on IG right after.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoc2n_CuS0PlbgMCu5NrZG_XWhxGcMyfdZ2p2heuCJCLsEg_d3uLX4hR1vbkZo2OGGKNFXMqy1ZNx3gPLWb2bELxUxb2vLu_KiftjRBZfhtCwzY9VuOvfEH6_0NVis6R9k2-_m/s1600/liminalspace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoc2n_CuS0PlbgMCu5NrZG_XWhxGcMyfdZ2p2heuCJCLsEg_d3uLX4hR1vbkZo2OGGKNFXMqy1ZNx3gPLWb2bELxUxb2vLu_KiftjRBZfhtCwzY9VuOvfEH6_0NVis6R9k2-_m/s320/liminalspace.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This past month of May has been a month of transition, decisions of going forward or staying behind, major life changes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I brought the little girl to voice lessons. She also went on a 2-day acting workshop which she immensely enjoyed more than the singing which took a few weeks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I got a new seat / desk at work at the corner of the 2nd floor office. As if that's a major life change but then now it's more airy and spacious so I guess that will affect my work attitude and flow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The boss asked me if I wanted to level up. He wanted me to take on the responsibility of being Division Head. The following day I talked to the VP for HR and told her I didn't wanna. I knew it was something I shouldn't do, being that, the dynamics of the company will only make me the fall guy. I am happily placed already where I am and doing good at it. So why spoil the broth. My VP told me the same.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I decided to transfer the kids to a new school. Practical reasons. Lower tuition fees, no school bus service, being that it's walking distance from our house. Shorter school hours too. More time to sleep in the morning and will get home early in the afternoon. They will still be tutored by my cousin and I have high hopes they will excel this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I finally bought that new car I've been pining over since last year. I will now be able to go anywhere I want with the kids, independent of anyone to drive for us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've contacted a prospective employer. We've planned a meeting to discuss things but so far nothing concrete yet. But he did say he's definitely considering me on his team. Which is something I am holding on to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My sister-in-law who's been helping me and hubby has been having her own personal problems. She and her kids slept over one weekend this May. I want to be there for her emotionally but we don't get to talk often.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The start of June has been nothing but positive for me. I can say I'm contented and happy right now. Something happened with the hubby last weekend where he is right now and it got me worried for a while but I guess he can deal with it. I'm praying for him constantly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm looking forward to better days ahead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>It is not the strongest of the species that survive,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>nor the most intelligent,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>but the one most responsive to change.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>~ Charles Darwin</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A good read:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://inaliminalspace.com/about/what</span></div>
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charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-49671902820466457682015-05-18T11:04:00.000+08:002015-05-18T11:28:28.957+08:00Bruce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvk6lwccGUjHxvJurVXnk5esqv4UyHvkGL_e0BpYvPZ3Y5HH42btZEFEMVi4QrKQClZ__KdvpLTBkatPFV6secqL7xsH2aVLOfqLKqs8NjSIzyQn-drwMG69DxvaETMK3BX5V/s1600/img_3654.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvk6lwccGUjHxvJurVXnk5esqv4UyHvkGL_e0BpYvPZ3Y5HH42btZEFEMVi4QrKQClZ__KdvpLTBkatPFV6secqL7xsH2aVLOfqLKqs8NjSIzyQn-drwMG69DxvaETMK3BX5V/s320/img_3654.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been thinking about it for the last 13 months. At the start of 2015, the desire was too great not to do something about it. (It is more of a need, actually, not a want. Yes, I am justifying my action.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">His name is Bruce. He's small for a guy but quite brusque in my opinion. He's black. Please, no judgment there. He's actually cute and charming but has this air of being smug, sort of reserved and secretive. My dad didn't like him when he met him. But all dads are like that. He wanted Red but at the last minute, I chose this guy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY16JlkWGWw700BQ08h8USGyRGu1oE0r2ABpma9YUbEFczfRkFDW5ZrYrkekrV5UjW08YiPBcdWlXyIWs5fBsV9u1mkbq8iC7I4jYoZXxu5YwnnyU3PghEbcCCPSDey5mVoV1h/s1600/bruce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY16JlkWGWw700BQ08h8USGyRGu1oE0r2ABpma9YUbEFczfRkFDW5ZrYrkekrV5UjW08YiPBcdWlXyIWs5fBsV9u1mkbq8iC7I4jYoZXxu5YwnnyU3PghEbcCCPSDey5mVoV1h/s320/bruce.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My daughter wanted to call her Nicki. I asked her why. Her reply: Nicki Mirage. <insert canned="" here="" laughter=""> </insert></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just this morning, I've decided she/he will be named Nicki Bruce. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gender: Gay. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yeahhh! Lalaki sa umaga, babae sa gabi at pag weekends. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">P.S. In January 2015, en route to Baguio with my family, we first went to Manaoag and as I saw cars lined up to be blessed, I made a mental note to have mine blessed there too. I didn't realize Our Lady was listening. </span><br />
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The cars we drive say a lot about us.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~Alexandra Paul</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<h1 class="sCaption" data-reactid=".8.0.1.0.1.0.0.1.0.0.0:0.1.2:1" style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #222222; font-size: inherit; font-weight: 400; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px -8px 0px 0px; max-height: 160px; overflow-y: auto; padding-right: 8px; text-align: center;">
<span data-reactid=".8.0.1.0.1.0.0.1.0.0.0:0.1.2:1.$text0:0:$text0:0"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination.</i></span></span></h1>
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<span data-reactid=".8.0.1.0.1.0.0.1.0.0.0:0.1.2:1.$text0:0:$text0:0"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>~Drake</i></span></span></div>
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<br />charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-16065909552353534752015-05-14T15:11:00.000+08:002015-05-18T15:12:39.106+08:00CrossroadsToday I did the unforgiveable.Or sometimes, I think it is.<br />
<br />
I officially transferred the kids to a new school.charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-49906976125476914612015-05-02T10:00:00.001+08:002015-05-18T11:05:28.406+08:00Twinnies<div class="blogaway-section">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2GfrFTgbuimJ3AHxZ6aJ_e373GUzl_j7Xrnl8GnHWyQlaNInURulaRVnQciEcWYTUV2EZMXq4LsmQvcm-0b1bdQc-dlyHhGSNka60KacRdXyLeq4JISBpbAXmYauljiEX0sv/s1600/20150215_095853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga2GfrFTgbuimJ3AHxZ6aJ_e373GUzl_j7Xrnl8GnHWyQlaNInURulaRVnQciEcWYTUV2EZMXq4LsmQvcm-0b1bdQc-dlyHhGSNka60KacRdXyLeq4JISBpbAXmYauljiEX0sv/s1600/20150215_095853.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was told this actually happened a few days back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The little big man (who, by the way, is no longer little) put a lock on his phone using his image. The way it goes is that the phone only opens if he puts his face in front of it and it detects that it is him trying to unlock it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The little girl, naughty as she is, put her face in front of the phone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And walah!!! It opened!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now who still says they don't look alike? </span></div>
<br />charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-72371440350437696962015-04-13T10:16:00.000+08:002015-05-02T10:17:46.414+08:00Rite of passage<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today is one of <i>those </i>days. The nanny hasn't come back from her supposedly 2-week vacation. Last week, my boss told me not to be absent from work for the rest of the month. The little big man has to go to school to finish clearance for his 7th grade before release of his report card this week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So this morning I had to leave the little girl at home with Ima. I knew she was sad because she will be left at home to fend for herself. Ima is virtually non-existent in terms of being a guardian to her, but at least she's there to be with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When Migs and I went downstairs, I heard the little girl calling out following us downwards. I stopped and thought she might be crying out of sadness. When I met her at the foot of the stairs, she came to me and in a hushed voice, asked:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Mommy, pwede ako maglaba?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I broke into a smile. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Back story: Last week, she watched me do the laundry using our washing machine and said she wanted to do it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I dropped Migs at school and got to work. Once there, I received a message from the little girl: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9cw7MBVSQF1RTT3tVtMx9-Eb0-emAoKlL4H624HsBBXFuxV8x3EbITQBbasHhWsGw38etVqrF-hFRR90yy3JjR-YAwFh38o_enENCRLQmRvblIaa05mNuoQxISEBz20x-2bU/s1600/Screenshot_2015-04-13-16-22-09_fact_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9cw7MBVSQF1RTT3tVtMx9-Eb0-emAoKlL4H624HsBBXFuxV8x3EbITQBbasHhWsGw38etVqrF-hFRR90yy3JjR-YAwFh38o_enENCRLQmRvblIaa05mNuoQxISEBz20x-2bU/s1600/Screenshot_2015-04-13-16-22-09_fact_1.png" height="320" width="180" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This day marked the day my little girl became a grown-up.</span></div>
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charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-65438434810720335562015-03-24T06:59:00.001+08:002015-05-02T10:21:35.623+08:00Tests<div style="padding: 5px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgpNQ_s3R-wy0JDFHxZfLr3u-EEtwiF1mEvigZ_rBikETxbkXYv_4I3S4Vsn4yIff_XRzFWvbTOhXzLjZ_OUCb_x0uFLPAj7HddSHmSZ75P9dQ0Sj57QUP8bDg0vM3w5pImo4/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgpNQ_s3R-wy0JDFHxZfLr3u-EEtwiF1mEvigZ_rBikETxbkXYv_4I3S4Vsn4yIff_XRzFWvbTOhXzLjZ_OUCb_x0uFLPAj7HddSHmSZ75P9dQ0Sj57QUP8bDg0vM3w5pImo4/ cursor: pointer;" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid; max-width: 320px; padding: 5px;" width="320px" /></a></div>
<div class="blogaway-section">
Leftover. Untouched milk. First day of final exams for the schoolyear and the little big man (who is not so little anymore, mind you) did not drink his milk before leaving for school. I always told him to never take tests without milk in his tummy.<br />
<br />Another schoolyear is almost through. 4 days of tests and we're done with 3rd and 7th grade. How time flies indeed.<br />
<br />Yesterday I was told that my Dad has a year to live. He'd undergone lots of tests, went to a third doctor last Friday for a third opinion on his liver cirrhosis. And yesterday around 1pm, my sister-in-law tells me this. I'm putting it out there as bluntly as I was informed. No small talk, just straight out, flat out truth. I wept, yes. I've been in denial for the last couple of months since his first hospitalization in October.<br />
<br />How time flies. Indeed.</div>
<br />charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-44843563740234587302015-03-18T08:19:00.001+08:002015-05-02T10:22:57.928+08:00Speedblogging<div class="blogaway-section">
Ok so I'm blogging while inside a cab on my way to work. Yeah the last one was while I was having a pedi. It seems that I have found that these situations are opportunities to write (blog) my thoughts and musings and whatever.<br />
<br />Anyway, yesterday I found out our company has a new HR Manager who was introduced the day before, when I skipped work. So I didn't get to be introduced to her.<br />
<br />So I was thinking...how would I introduce myself to her, in a speech of some sort?<br />
<br />Hi, I'm Chari. I'm the Product Development Manager of Denim & Bottoms. I've been with the company longer than anybody else, except for the owner's relatives and friends.<br />
<br />Geez. Statement. Pathetic.<br />
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<br />charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-50593901460927926182015-03-16T12:36:00.001+08:002015-05-02T10:24:52.345+08:00Liked<div style="padding: 5px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKF7l2OVJQR_1YzlxfUSQjvnmC89unKTharpcs7Y1eqT6Wsr2m2xOsv3bnByqHmXTYUyiSKZSNYtnjzGIDo2iIPf_YrZdaq8di7dGFSf7gpAWdDwSYoQUnPKKFOHLLP6XZlFK/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKF7l2OVJQR_1YzlxfUSQjvnmC89unKTharpcs7Y1eqT6Wsr2m2xOsv3bnByqHmXTYUyiSKZSNYtnjzGIDo2iIPf_YrZdaq8di7dGFSf7gpAWdDwSYoQUnPKKFOHLLP6XZlFK/ cursor: pointer;" style="border-radius: 2px; border: 1px solid; max-width: 320px; padding: 5px;" width="320px" /></a></div>
<div class="blogaway-section">
Today I skipped worked to run errands for the kids. I guess, to be honest, to get some much needed me time. I'm at the salon now as i write getting a pedi. Seriously considering getting a haircut and curls but not yet decided. I might watch a movie by myself later at home. <br />
<br />The first thing I did this morning after the kids left for school was water the plants, which i havent done for quite a few months since I hired a househelp. I just might get the house cleaned and do the laundry later in the day. After all, it's only lunch time. <br />
<br />Earlier i went to the post office to mail a letter for the little girl's homework. Then I ate at that old hole in the wall lugawan near the old city hall where the hubby and I used to crash. I was reminiscing the old days and will have to admit, I kinda miss it.<br />
<br />Much earlier, my brother and I were vibing about getting my own car. Easier said than done though. I really must work harder in order to get things rolling financially for my little family.<br />
<br />I've not blogged for the last few weeks so I feel I have a lot to say. But my mind is reeling of things that happened over the last 3 months.<br />
<br />Like, I started a loaning business. Like, the hubby thing. <br />
<br />Like, no taekwondo training for the little big man for the longest time. <br />
<br />Like, my Dad has liver cirrhosis and he doesn't realize that it's degenerative and I'm like wtf, it doesn't sink in.<br />
<br />Like, my new Samsung Note4 last February. <br />
<br />Like, I was Ninang for the first time at a wedding.<br />
<br />Like, I was sort of big shot at work for the last couple of months because of the jogger trend which has become the cash cow for quite a while now.<br />
<br />Like, my kids are always arguing and fighting, sometimes getting violent with each other.<br />
<br />Oh geez, pedicure is done. Till next.<br />
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<br />charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-54244953099007538882014-12-24T13:21:00.000+08:002015-01-09T13:28:05.522+08:00anniversary<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today marks the 10th anniversary of this blog. Congratulations to me. Whatevs.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPY8HM10SRO-nxdDLA_OSwsS-XFhpD24t9_4jLls1mIIqFPW53zEPHoWnluMHjcU4ADfkVp6ZUECdZcQ4dGypNhaQ7u0U4-tD3zhOoz9js5Nkkoadki73VRTpV0vRxuvzpPOG/s1600/start2004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPY8HM10SRO-nxdDLA_OSwsS-XFhpD24t9_4jLls1mIIqFPW53zEPHoWnluMHjcU4ADfkVp6ZUECdZcQ4dGypNhaQ7u0U4-tD3zhOoz9js5Nkkoadki73VRTpV0vRxuvzpPOG/s1600/start2004.jpg" height="249" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-41022577979992981472014-11-07T10:26:00.001+08:002014-11-07T10:26:44.439+08:00miggers<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Found this artwork among a pile of papers that the little big man took out of his school bag last night. Posting this so someday he can look back and say he actually did this and what he wrote came true.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvNh6qhNlcfx_chNWBvzIh_ZbG00eQ4XOKmA_n36xWLcWbQdrFDLXvxluzJ87X6gsuU0JW-85a4wghKpoRlNMpY9CefSbSm0AjN4jrnvw_xWFJ6UPE66B-rYEdJ5QPrYJqHfu/s1600/20141107_060642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvNh6qhNlcfx_chNWBvzIh_ZbG00eQ4XOKmA_n36xWLcWbQdrFDLXvxluzJ87X6gsuU0JW-85a4wghKpoRlNMpY9CefSbSm0AjN4jrnvw_xWFJ6UPE66B-rYEdJ5QPrYJqHfu/s1600/20141107_060642.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It reads:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">MIGGERS</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">-kinda sporty</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">-kind</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">-love video games</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">-lovable</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">MIND</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I want to learn the lessons if life. Life must challenge me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">HANDS</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I will not only use my hands for video games. But also for helping out poor people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">HEART</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I want to embody on how kind I am. I may be makulit but I'm kind. Note: I'm also sift hearted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">FEET</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I will only walk forward not afraid of the future. I wish to have a good future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>To know oneself is to study oneself in action with another person.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>~Bruce Lee</i></span></div>
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charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-61575982745921835272014-11-03T17:33:00.002+08:002014-11-03T17:42:57.423+08:00conversations<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the little girl and me few weeks ago while walking on our way to the grocery. not verbatim. but it went something like this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">mas favorite ko si daddy kaysa sa yo. i love you pero mas love ko si daddy ng konti. pero i love you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">so mas love mo si daddy kaysa sa akin?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">uhmm...oo... pero konti lang.. ikaw 99%, si daddy 100%</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">ah ok.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">parang ikaw mas favorite mo si kuya kaysa sa akin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Children begin by loving their parents; </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>as they grow older they judge them;</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>sometimes they forgive them.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>~Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray</i></span></div>
<br />charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9749130.post-90212809737408360572014-10-30T17:27:00.000+08:002014-11-03T17:39:24.064+08:00the ice cream maker<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">it's the kids' 4th day without school. semestral break. the little girl's been begging me to bring her with me to the office and i've promised her that she can go to the office with me today. just because.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">early on, the office has issued a memo no longer allowing employee's children in the premises. it was brought about by an incident among the owners' relatives who fought over one of the kids. long story. so anyway, before going to work with my little girl in tow, i told her that in case the guard does not allow her inside, we will have to go home.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">when we got there, guard was all smiles. we went in smoothly without question. officemates who missed her since she was there a lot last summer, were so glad to see her. immediately, i set her on the table behind me doing some papercraft. she was well-behaved and wasn't a nuisance at all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">then one of the HR personnel called my attention about the memo. i immediately said i'll just leave the office with my daughter. it wasn't a big deal really. i knew it was coming but i just took the chance since everyone in the office knew i always bring her there whenever she had no classes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">i decided to take it as an opportunity to bond with her so i told her we will go to the mall instead. perfect timing cause it was already 10am. as we walked out of the office, the little girl started sobbing, saying "</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">i'm sorry mommy, i'm sorry mommy...</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">" i appeased her, telling her it was ok, it wasn't her fault. but she kept on saying i'm sorry as tears fell down her cheeks. i hugged her to me and reassured her that it was ok and we will just enjoy our day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we ended up in toy kingdom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">we ended up with a toy ice cream maker.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TbP5Ipj14i997ZPcTTZJ4x3zBgC2W8TYDxOLEViThUxM-SI4K3Fr7aTez10nFOKLsuBkcCw1CAtcf94ujGk0mInH4QfO09H4MEqduIixj2Eyy8uCt4sReRfInDIg2b_vcFYi/s1600/20141030_171259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TbP5Ipj14i997ZPcTTZJ4x3zBgC2W8TYDxOLEViThUxM-SI4K3Fr7aTez10nFOKLsuBkcCw1CAtcf94ujGk0mInH4QfO09H4MEqduIixj2Eyy8uCt4sReRfInDIg2b_vcFYi/s1600/20141030_171259.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">later, she apologized to her dad as well. she was actually afraid to tell her dad about it and was teary-eyed again as she explained to her dad that she didn't want it to happen. again i told her it was alright. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">then she asked, </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">pano yan san ka na kukuha ng money? wala ka nang work?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and it dawned on me, the reason why she was sooo sad was all the while she thought i lost my job because she went to the office with me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">this made me a bit mad at what happened. this made me want to get back at that wretched office policy for not allowing my kid in there. i could only imagine the trauma my little girl felt all these hours since morning!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and so i told her over and over again that it wasn't her fault and that i didn't get fired. my dear daughter..... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">so we made ice cream instead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Children are happy because they don't have </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>a file in their minds called "All things that could go wrong."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>~Marianne Williamson</i></span></div>
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charihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604333751875911931noreply@blogger.com0