My 2020

What a year it has been!

For most, if not all, it was not really a good year.

At the beginning of the year, I remember Taal Volcano erupted.  We are miles away from it but I remember it happening as a number of people are still reeling from the earthquakes in December 2019.  Classes were cut short and Christmas break came early at that time.  I remember the Taal Volcano eruption since Chesca's Kindermuisk classes had some changes to synchronize with their schedule in Manila.

I turned a year older in January.  All I can remember was that on the eve of my birthday, Chesca came to the room bringing a cake with a candle, which we blew together.  I cannot honestly recall how I spent my birthday.

February went on normally, although news about the Coronavirus started coming in.  JJ had to leave for Australia to study.

In the middle of March, classes were canceled. We stayed in our own house for about a week or two.  But when it became clear that the lockdown would be for a month or two, we decided to move to my parents' house as it is bigger and with more company, both for my parents and Chesca.

Our longtime helper was also asked by my Mom to leave due to misunderstandings.  So they were without any helper as well.

My second semester classes for Law School continued online.  I have already finished my classes and exams with my undergrad class for AdDU.  I was not able to give an exam for my UIC classes though.

Chesca did not have any issue staying at home for two months.  I think she enjoyed being with all of us, all day and night.

In April, we celebrated Chesca's 3rd Birthday party with a "Jungle Theme".  She still had fun with her stuff toy as her guests.  She enjoyed blowing her birthday candle several times and of course, opening her gifts.  I was so happy that I was still able to give her a themed birthday party.

During the two-month lockdown, I think I went out twice to buy stuff.  

Restrictions eased a bit by the middle of May .  I started reporting to the office.

I also got appointed as Assistant Dean of the AdDU - College of Law, which I am truly grateful.  I was not totally expecting it as it just came out of the blue.  I do remember that I received the news on Mother's Day.  

As the days went by, things got more busy with Law School as enrollment began.  Of course, a lot of transitioning happened with online delivery.  I had to attend meetings and training everywhere.  Add to the fact that I still had some lawyerly stuff to do.

Conducting online classes was not the easiest stuff to do, not to mention that I was handling 8 units for the first semester (What I was thinking?!?). Thankfully, I was able to manage all of it, though, I still have to finish checking the exams and submitting the final grades as of this writing.

I also had one undergrad with UIC.  It was not easy as well as I had to record all of my lectures.  The students did not have that much luxury being online with unstable internet connection and data consumption usage.  Yes, I talked to them and conducted exams wherein all I see are their profile pictures.  

Prior to the lockdown, Chesca started not wearing diapers during day time.  I wanted to use all her diapers first before to discontinue using it during night time.  But when I noticed that she does not pee on her diaper that much in the evening, I decided that it was about time.  So, it was in August were she started with no diapers at all.  It was such a breeze!  From the time she started not using diapers in the evening, I think she peed on the bed for less than 5 times.  At the onset, I brought her to pee in the middle of the night.  As the days progressed, she would also wake up and tell me she will go wee wee.  A few times, she went down the bed to go to the CR by herself (Of course, I noticed it and went with her).  

Chesca has her online classes as her school.  I think it does good for her.  But this is one thing that I had to juggle as well as I have to go home before her classes start at 4:00 pm, 3x a week.  Although, I am blessed that Johanna can cover for me at times.

Looking at Chesca watching Youtube videos of Disneyland and other places makes me sad as I want her to experience all of this.  We were supposed to go to London this December and I know how much she would have loved traveling.  I am really praying for better times, the sooner the better.

I still get teary eyed whenever I go to the mall and I see the Kidzoona and all those play areas closed and I can still all the toys.  

Watching and hearing the news are truly disheartening with the economic effect as a lot of people lost their income.  I continue to pray for better circumstances fo everyone.

Of course, there is that constant worry about this virus and constantly praying for protection for my family and friends all over the world.

Nonetheless, I am still grateful for our family is still surviving.  

Prior to the pandemic, I was extremely busy.  Things did not actually change after the two-month lockdown as I was still busy from May up to the present, maybe even more busy.

I am juggling things - taking care of my toddler, keeping our "room" clean and orderly, managing my classes and some administrative stuff, and coping up with my private practice.

I admit things have been hard between me and my spouse.  I am praying for things to be better.  

Here I am saying goodbye to 2020.  Yes, it was not that all bad for me.  I still do have a lot to thank for the year that was.  And I am so looking forward for better things this 2021!

Routine

Amidst the pandemic, one thing remains .. my love for my little girl.  Yes, it sure remains and my love her keeps growing each day.

Everyday, I do catch up with my work and some household stuff.  One thing that is constant though is the routine I have with my little one.

She wakes up at 8:00 am (on the average) and whenever she sees me, she smiles.  She either says she has to go wee-wee or that her diaper is full.  Yes, she still wears diapers at night and I will try to make changes in the next few months.

She then takes her breakfast after she asks for my phone.  She either wants to look at pictures or watch some videos.  I know this is not the perfect scenario but I have allowed this recently as this makes her eat breakfast, although I still spoon feed her.

After breakfast, she takes a bath, brushes her teeth, dresses up, takes her gummy vitamins, puts on her mosquito repellant sticker and then either plays with her toys or watches TV.  I then finish up getting ready for work.  I usually take a bath when she is still sleeping.

As I leave, she makes sure that she gives me a big kiss and a big hug.  Sometimes she tells me that I can work at the brown table with my computer with an apple.  But I gently tell her that I have to go to the office.

I usually go home before 4:00 pm as she attends classes 3x a week.  For Tuesday and Thursdays, I have classes from 5 to 9, so I often leave her with our helper, my mom, my dad, my sister or my husband.

By the way, lately, she eats lunch and dinner by herself, although in front of the TV.

After dinner, she gets to play or watch some TV before she takes a bath or "punas".  She then brushes her teeth and wears her pajamas.  I then drink my tea while she will drink her Nesquik or Swiss Miss (with marshmallows).  She does this while watching Netflix on my laptop.

When done, its reading time with an average or 3 books.  If her papa is around, they read the book together while I do some work.  Otherwise, it would be me reading books to her.  After papa reads the books, she then calls me and tells me its time to sleep.

I then play 5 lullabye sons - Five in the Bed and Sleepybyes from Teletubbies, North Star Song and Peppa's Lullaby from Peppa Pig, and the Owl Song (music from the diffuser).  We then say our prayer.  I ask her who would lead the prayer and we take turns.  We pray "Angel of God" and say our thanks to GOD.  It is also like a rundown of what happened to her during the day.

She then asks for kisses and we ask her how many.  The highest number so far was 44.  Then she sometimes counts to herself up to 100 (and even beyond).  

And oh, she asks for a hug.  She wants a hug as we go to sleep or as we sleep.  She also gives me a hug.  Yes, we're locked like that.  It would be so nice if someone would take a picture when we do that at night, but its already dark.  If I turn on the light, then she would be fully awake.

I have so many stories to share about her.  But with so little time.

But one thing remains, I so love my sweet little girl.

Life (with my Toddler) as a Musical

I really love spending time with my little one!

Her day usually starts with a smile, greeting me good morning.  I then tell her to stretch.  And then she says "stretch, stretch like a giraffe" .. followed by a "swing, swing like an elephant" (elephant swings the trunk).  She then makes monkey sounds.  And I sing "eh eh eh eh eh .. try everything".  Yeah!  It's the song from movie Zootopia. She is not familiar with the movie though.  But she associates the song "Try Everything" with those animal movements because of her dance class.  She then says "Teacher! Teacher!".  I think she really misses her class.

After letting her play with her toys a bit, I tell her that we will "wee wee".  We are on the process of potty training.  We only had one success .. and a big one at that!  She "poo poo" on her potty yesterday morning, after she told me "Mama, poo poo".  We are so happy!  For her "wee wee", she usually pees while eating .. haha.  There's no indication though .. we just see it.  Even if her diaper or underwear is wet, it seems she's not that uncomfortable.  Ever since she was a baby, she does not cry with wet diaper.  Nowadays, it seems things are normal although her underwear is wet.  I guess potty training will take long .. oh, well!

For breakfast, she usually eats just enough .. just enough apples or oranges or grapes, cheese, eggs, sometimes cereal, fish or chicken.  I just hope she gets to eat more as she gets older.  Then there's juice or yogurt and water.

I then tell in a sing-song voice "Take a bath! Take a bath!" and then she sings back "Take a bath doo doo doo doo doo doo" to the tune of Baby Shark.  Same tune as she sings "Wash your face doo doo doo doo doo".  Then the little sings "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" or "My Toes, my Knees, My Shoulder my Head."

After the bath, I ask her what's next and she replied "Brush teeth!".  While brushing her teeth (or attempting to), she sings "And I'm brushing my teeth and it's so much fun.  I never let the water run. No! I never let the water run".  It's a song from Barney.

While I dress up and dry my hair, she watches Elmo, Dora or any Disney Cartoon. So that means she either sings the Elmo Song, the Dora Explorer opening song or the Hot Dog Song or any Disney song for that matter.  I sing with her and sometimes, dance with her.

As we drive towards my mom house, the little one is strapped in a car seat and she asks "What's that Mama?" pointing at cars, trucks, buildings and trees.  And if I say trees, she then sings the color song " .. Green is the color of trees and lots of things that grow ..."

I then drop her off at Nana's house and then I let her play.  I sometimes can leave her without crying if Auntie Hanna is around.  But today, Auntie Hanna was not around and she wants me to go with her to see the chickens.  Since I already booked a taxi, I had to leave her crying (Oh, how my heart ached!).  But if I had a car and she cries, I take time to stay with her until she is okay.

By the time I get back to her in the evening, she sings random songs every now and then.  She sometimes dances and performs in front of Nana and Grandpa.  And enumerates our names .. hehe

When we leave Nana's house, we look up and see the stars and of course, she sings "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star".

After giving her a bath, I carry her and she sings "The sun has gone to bed and so must I ..." But she is not yet going to sleep though.  She just sings it because I carry her like a baby.

We then read some books.  Most of the times, it is Papa who read her books or tells stories.  She points out the alphabet book.  As we reach R for ran, she sings "Rain, rain go away" while it's the "Mister Sun" song when we reach letter S.

As we go to sleep, we sing a bit and I ask her what to sing - of course, there's "Are you Sleeping, Are You Sleeping, Brother John", "Rock-a-Bye Baby", "Wise Men Say (Fools Rush In)" and "Dandansoy".  We then pray.

There are times she would not immediately go to sleep and would even ask for hide and seek or play shadows.  But there are also times where she just stays and lays in bed, do some acrobatic moves moving from here and there until she eventually falls asleep.

Yup!  That's my life with my dear toddler, whom I love so much!

My Precious

I know .. long time, no post.

The past few weeks, I have been contemplating of writing again.  It has been a long time since my last post and I have so many thoughts going on inside this brain of mine.

Most of the thoughts actually pertain to my daughter, who just turned two years old a few weeks ago.

During her first weeks, I set up an Instagram account and hoping I could post once a day about her.  But I was not able to sustain it.  There were days that I was not able to take a picture of her.  And I have not posted for a long time now.

I have not also been writing in my gratitude journal for a really long time.  Before I was married, I was more or less consistent with it.  It dwindled when I got married and was totally out of the picture when I gave birth and moved houses.  I could have documented memorable moments of my little one on a daily basis but I just did not find time for it.

As days go by, I have realized that there were great memorable moments created by my daughter that we were not able to document .. we were just there living the moment with her!  I would love to have it documented but most of the times I am just caught in the moment that I forget getting my phone or that I would not want to distract my daughter just because I was getting my phone.  There are even times that my daughter would swipe my hand holding the cellphone or she would just say no if I try to take a video or picture of her.  At times, she would want to get the cellphone for herself.  Of course, there are times that she is much too willing to have her selfie taken or to have her performance video .. but not all the time.

At 2 years old (25 months), she can easily identify  the whole alphabet.  She even knows that an inverted M is a W (and she did this all by herself).  She could identify words beginning with the letters of the alphabet.  She could identify her name when written.  She knows the names of her papa and mama and the nicknames of her nana and grandpa.  She can count up to 20 and easily identify numbers 1 to 10 and some of the numbers from 11 to 20.  She could now identify colors, although this really took some time and we jokingly said that she may be color blind.  But we were able to dispel it when she was not consistent in erroneous identification of colors.  She can now fill in the blanks to the lyrics of Beauty and the Beast and to the intro of Can You Feel the Love Tonight.  She can dance to these songs.  She sings Do Re Mi and So Long Farewell.  She knows the words to Can't Help Falling in Love and You are my Sunshine.  She can also mouth some words from the songs of Frozen - Let It Go, Love is an Open Door and For the First Time in Forever.  She can sing a lot of songs and nursery rhymes.  She can identify Mickey and Friends and the Disney Characters.  

Of course, she learned it because we exposed it to her.  We read to her, we converse with her, we sing with her, we play with her and we watch TV with her.  I first noticed her fascination with alphabets when she was watching TV intently.  I later on realized that she was memorizing it.  She rarely uses the cellphone for youtube and other apps though.  And we do not have an Ipad .. hehe.  She watches TV but we really try to balance it.  

We do painting and coloring.  She sometimes colors the walls and the floors .. haha.  She feeds the fishes and plays with the dogs.  She plays a lot with the dogs and she does not get terrified to get cuddly with them.  We play hide and seek and cooking, which she calls "Coking" .. bisaya jud .. haha.  

She tells JJ to go upstairs when JJ is staying on her bed.  She tells JJ to go outside if she does not want to play with JJ.  But she said thank you JJ when she was staring at the toy Uncle JJ gave her.  She plays with JJ when Auntie Hanna is not around ..haha.  She tells Auntie Hanna to eat pizza.  She cries when Auntie Hanna leaves.  And also when Mama leaves.  But she does not cry when mama leaves and Auntie Hanna is around.

She is the sweetest.  She gives me random kisses and hugs.  She says I love you and gives a warm hug everytime we sing the I Love You song.  She is generous with her sorry's and thank you's. 

These past few days, we have no helper so I try to stay at the house whenever no one is available to look after her.  We have our afternoon walks near Nana's house.  She loves running downwards at the garage.  I let her play with the rocks, with her shouting Darna every now and then.  We had lots of pang-commercial moments  .. if only there was camera out there taking a video of our time.

Yes, my world revolves around my daughter.  And I love her so much :)

Birth!

Tomorrow, we are going to celebrate the birth of my daughter Chesca, which made me reminisce,

At this time last year, I was already admitted to the hospital 33 1/2 weeks into my pregnancy.

Two weeks before giving birth, I sent my ultrasound results to my doctor and upon seeing it, I was advised to bed rest.  But me and the baby were okay.  I took a half day from the office and went home.  From then on, I either stayed at my mom's house or at our apartment.

At around 2 a.m. of April 19, I had some leaking.  Calmly, I told my husband about it.  We briefly discussed about going to the hospital just to be sure, but, still, I was not feeling anything.  We were not in a panic or anything.  I told him that we do not have yet our baby bag, but he said he will just pack if I will be admitted (I was planning to ready bag that week!).  On the way to the hospital, I asked if he was nervous, and he said no.  I was not nervous as well.  We were just calm about it.  Well, after a few checks, I was advised to remain in the hospital for observation since my baby and I are ok.  No need to induce.  It was discussed that the baby should be in my tummy as long as she can since she is still premature.

So I stayed there in the hospital, with Allan, my relatives and Allan's sister taking turns in looking over me.  Every now and then I was brought to the delivery room for checking the baby's heart beat.  And yes, my water bag was still leaking.  No, it did not burst.  Since my water bag did not yet break and the baby was still ok, yet too early to be born, there was no need to induce.  Yes, I just watched TV and one time prepared an exam for my law school class, hehe.

While in the hospital, Allan and I discussed that we do not know when I will give birth and the hospital bill is piling up.  But we were comforted in knowing that both the baby and I are ok, and that is what kept us going.  Money will come and we will borrow if need be.  

However, on the afternoon of my 6th day, I had green discharge, which means the baby has pooped.  After evaluation, they said that I have to give birth already.  I was induced and after a few minutes I felt pain in short intervals ... I even asked "Mao na ni? Paspasa ba sa effect" haha.  I was thinking that the intervals would be longer.   I was able to sleep afterwards, eat and poop as well (haha .. sorry, too much information but I had to share it so that moms about to give birth need not worry because it's normal).  I slept for a while and I think at around 10 or 11 pm, I was given epidural (yes, I already informed my OB beforehand that I would go painless).  I then introduced myself to the anesthesiologist since he is a friend of my husband.  After that, I was still made to sleep and wait in the delivery room, with a nurse near me.  Everything was calm.  At around 2 or 3:00 a.m., they checked on me and said it's time.  So I was given instructions how to push among others.  And no, I was not feeling anything at that time.  I was just told to push as if I was to poop but stronger and harder .. haha

So without any pain, I just pushed as much as I can, with the help of a midwife/nurse, and after a few minutes, it was done.  My baby did not cry right after she was out of me.  I asked my OB about it but she said it was ok she will cry in awhile, which she did right after.  

That's how I gave birth.  I was not expecting it to be as calm as that.  My husband and I was prepared of the eventuality that my water bag will break with a "splash" just like in TV.  I was envisioning myself hurrying my husband to bring me to the hospital because I cannot bear the pain.  I saw myself shouting, crying and perspiring as I give birth.  But none of that happened, hehe.  Every delivery is a different story indeed!

Honestly speaking, I did not feel any pain during that time.  The most painful moment was right about that time after I was induced.  But after I gave birth, I felt weak .. so that's how it feels!

My baby was so small and cute.  And I was just so happy that she was healthy and ok, even if she was born at 35 weeks.  And so Chesca Myelle was born :)

Baby in the Tummy

Long time, no post!

I have a lot to share as to being married to Allan for over two years now.  I would have love to blog about our trips to Coron and Singapore.  But that has to be sidelined for now because I am more eager to share to you my journey to getting pregnant and eventually being a mother to my now 4-month old daughter Chesca.

Of course, my journey to getting pregnant started with being married to Allan.  I knew time was not on my side as I got married when I was already 35 years old.  I had a physical check-up, which turned out okay.  I then went to have my scoliosis check.  It is still there.  I was taught some exercises, which admittedly I have not done for quite some time now.  More importantly, I was told that it would be okay for me to get pregnant.

I then went to an ob-gyne to inquire as to whether I was fit to be pregnant.  To tell you frankly, it was my first time to consult with an ob-gyne.  I know, I should have done it sooner.

Anyway, I was told to wait it out for 6 months from getting married before resorting to fertility options.  I was told that it would be 1 year for those below 35.  Since I did not get pregnant after 6 months, the next step was to check whether my husband and I can bear a child.

And so we went to Brokenshire Fertility Clinic.  Nothing was found wrong with Allan and I.  I forgot what procedure was done to me but essentially they had a dye flow through inside me to show that my ovary and fallopian tubes are ok.  The funny thing about it was that I did not find it painful.  Thus, I was told that I have a high tolerance for pain.

Thereafter, I began taking ovulation induction pills.  Essentially, it is what it is - to induce ovulation.  I had to count days and was in constant contact with my ob-gyne.  Everytime I got my period was quite disappointing.  But we were determined.  This took place for 4 continuous months - pills, injections and negative pregnancy tests.

My ob-gyne then told us that the next step was for artificial insemination.  They refer to this as IUI.  So, we went through this procedure at Brokenshire.  Again, it was not that painful.  The actual procedure takes a few minutes only.  But I have to lay flat for almost an hour and I took a rest in the afternoon.

We were really anticipating that this was it.  Alas! It was not yet time.  I told my doctor about it and she said that we will try it again next month thereafter.  We asked how many times should we try IUI.  She replied at around 3 or 4 times.  We asked what would happen next if it would still not be successful?  Then, the next step was in-vitro fertilization.  We asked how much.  Our ob-gyne replied at around P390,000.00.  We did not have any budget for that.

So Allan and I discussed that we would try artificial insemination until we are allowed to.  If I would still not get pregnant by then, we were okay with it and will accept such circumstance wholeheartedly.  We were not that ready to resort to IVF.  

My ob-gyne has also explained to us that there are cases where the spouses don't get pregnant but there is really nothing physically wrong with them.  

While waiting for my next IUI procedure scheduled for October, I did not take any fertility pills and undergo any procedure.  We just waited it out.  Nonetheless, my husband said that if I don't get my period, I should still take a Pregnancy Test.  Nothing to lose so to speak.

A few days after I should have gotten my period, I took a pregnancy test.  Allan was out of town at that time.  However, it turned negative.  I informed Allan about it and rather asked why did I take it when he was not around.  I said if it turned out to be positive, I wanted to surprise him.  

Still a few days after that, I still did not get that period.  And so on that Saturday morning of October 1, 2017, I again took a pregnancy test.  And it was POSITIVE!  Two straight lines indeed!  Oh my, we were so happy!  I then took another one just to be sure!  It was still POSITIVE!

By God's grace, we were going to have a baby!

The Wedding (Part 3)

Since we already exchanged our vows, Allan and I were more laid back.

Well, there was an issue as to whether to have the cocktails in the open area or not as it was a bit cloudy.  It was an unfortunate issue but all's well that ends well.

Before going back to The View for the reception, I made sure to pass by our house so that our helpers, Tata and Mai Mai, as well as the dogs, will get to see us.

 At my parents' house

With Mai-Mai and Tata and the doggies, Charlie and Philip

 Allan and Jazzie at The View!  I love this picture!

 Stage Decor for the reception courtesy of FPD

Entrance of the newlyweds!  And yes, we're happy!

Last dance with my dad.

 First dance with Allan to the tunes of One Thing, Crazy Little Thing Called Love and What Makes You Beautiful.  See the Just Dance video at the back.  Yes, it was my idea as I think it was cool and fun to see us dance with that background.  And it also serves as our guide for our dance steps.  I think I only practiced with Allan 3 times, while Allan practiced more by himself, hehe

 Look at our guests in attendance!  We are truly grateful for their presence.  

And it seems they had a lot of fun!

 With our wedding cake courtesy of Sweet Advocate.  Another blooper here as we tried slicing first a layer that was not a cake.  We got confused whether to slice the third layer or the bottom layer, haha.  Oh well, memories!

 Cheers!

 My mom's time to speak!

 Dad's happy with mom's reference .. hehe

 Nanay's turn.

 Jeni, my sister and matron of honor, with her impromptu speech.  Touching!

 Allan still mesmerized with me ..hehe

It was also reunion time on my mom's side.  It was so happy to see my aunts, uncles, and cousins from Davao, Manila, Qatar and US.  Good times!

To Forever!

I am so happy I get to finish this blog just before our 1st wedding anniversary.  Cheers to forever!

My 2014 - Part 2

Here I am attempting to finish my post regarding my 2014.  So here goes my part 2:

MAY

And so my journey continued.  May was another month of trying times for the family, as  my sisters, Jeni and Bajeck, had to leave to Philippines.  I was continuously grateful for the Lord's strength for our whole family.

On the side note, I was able to meet up with my dear friends Lyn and Jinky, together with her one-day-she'll-be-famous daughter, Gaby.  We had dinner at Cafe Tavera and lo and behold, Gabby Concepcion right behind us.  I cannot remember if we were really shy or we just did not feel to have a picture of him.  So, here's our picture, with Gabby Concepcion in the background, with Gaby taking the pic.

Look for Gabby Concepcion!

In my pitiful attempt to stay healthy and lose weight, I tried zumba together with Jinky.  But it only lasted for a couple or weeks or so because a school semester was about to start and my nights are loaded.

Zumba lata with Bajenx!

JUNE

It was on the first day of the month when Atty. Emmanuel Accuna was pronounced death.  A lot were truly devastated and truly shocked and surprised.  To this day, I believe people are still finding answers for what really happened, who did it and why it happened.  To this day, I continue to pray for his justice.

The fondest memory I have of Emman was on the first day he took the bar exam.  I arrived early at the breakfast place to send warm wishes to the bar takers.  Emman gave me the biggest smile and I wish him best.  I shook his hands, and I was surprised that it was so cold.  Yes, the biggest smile with the coldest hand.  On January of 2014, we then had a talk how interested he was in taking the New York State Bar.  And I told him that I would help him out.

I think  June was really a time for me to reminisce my law school days as it was also a time when I got in touch with some of my law school friends.

Dinner with law school friends at Cafe Tavera (again!)

June was also a new adventure for me, teaching-wise.  For the first time, I was given teaching loads for Accountancy students of Ateneo de Davao University.  Exciting indeed!

JULY

 Work-life balance continued.  I had pleadings to finish and classes to hold.  I had dinner with friends and I also got to spend time with my relatives from my father's side.  My Auntie Didith, who is a nun, came from Italy and visited the Philippines.  For those who are familiar with my father, you'll notice that my dad and Auntie Didith look really alike.

 With Auntie/Sister Didith from Italy

Dinner with Jinky and Lyn again (one of the reasons I don't lose weight .. hehe)

Our family continued to overcome trials and I still thank GOD for always being there for us.  

The Book of Questions: Question 3

Question 3:

If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, 

what would you most regret not having told someone?  Why haven't you told them yet?

Answer:

I would regret not saying "I love you" that much to my mom and dad, my siblings and to my boyfriend.  I tell them every know and them that I do love them.  I write it down in my journal so that they get to read it when I die.  I haven't told them that much because I don't know how much "I love you" I should tell them, knowing that my love for them is immeasurable.  

The Book of Questions: Question 1

I just bought this Book of Questions last week.  It was on sale and I think it would make an interesting for my blog.  It can be like my emergency blog topic when I want to write but I am not sure what to write.  So here goes Question 1:

For a person you loved deeply, 

would you be willing to move to a distant country 

knowing there would be little chance of seeing your friends or family again?

Ooh, first question is quite challenging and I would take it as it is.  And this means that what I have to consider is that the limitation/hindrance/obstacle is that "little chance" of seeing your friends or family again.  I have to answer that question in this premise because in this world that we live in, it is always a possibility to travel through the various modes of transportation.  And of course with technology, we can still "see" our friends and family even with the physical distance.'

But to answer this question point blank, my answer would be NO. (Whoa! Big letters jud? Hehe)  That "little chance" of seeing my friends or family again would make me feel desolate and lonely and sad even if I am with someone whom I love deeply.  There would be that sense of incompleteness.  I have been used to keeping in touch with my family and friends every so often that to keep me away and distant from them would really make me an unhappy person.  It would be unfair, not only to me, my family or friends, but also to my loved one who would surely feel sad if he knows that I am not doing okay despite being with him.

For me, it is not about being selfish and thinking only about my happiness.  It is more of because I am really that kind of person who is constantly in touch with the people who have touched my life.

Thank you very much. :)  

Get Lucky

In order to be admitted to the New York State Bar, one has to pass the New York State Bar Exams as well as the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE).

I took the MPRE last August in San Diego.  I was lucky that Atty. Noreen informed me that I could take it outside of New York as long as I indicate in my application that I am taking the MPRE for the New York jurisdiction.

And so, I decided to stay at my aunt's place in San Diego.  I was advised that I could study for the MPRE after the New York State Bar Exam.  And so I did.

I said to myself that I was going to study for a week for the exam and I had two review books on hand already.  Sunday before the exam, I already started listening to some lectures online.  And then, I would answer some sample questions as well.  By Tuesday, I realized that I could cover more topics if I read instead of listening to the online lectures.

Anyway, my aunt and uncle were very accommodating as there were nights that we went out for dinner.  So I had to make the most of my time in the morning and/or afternoon.  

On Thursday night, there were some changes as my sister was going to fetch me on Sunday, the day after my exam.  So my aunt decided to make the most of my Friday.

We went to the outlet stores on Friday morning as my aunt had to buy some stuff that I could bring to my uncles.  I was also able to buy some pasalubongs as well since I felt I could not buy them when I leave San Diego.  I then studied in the afternoon.

I told my aunt beforehand that we would not stay late that night since I had exams the next day.  For dinner, they treated me to a Korean buffet .. whoa!  

My cousins at an "eat-all-you-can" Korean restaurant

I thought we were going home but then we stopped by Extraordinary Desserts .. wow!  I had Strawberry Parfait and it was delicious!!! (No wonder I gained weight!)

Sarap jud ito ba!

My cousin ordered this Truffle Framboise - Masarap din!

I thought we were going home after that but guess again.  We made a quick stop at USS Midway.  We did not go inside anymore since it was already closed.  My aunt wanted me to stop by here because aside from a tourist attraction, it was where Jessica Sanchez had her audition and homecoming for the American Idol.

With my cousin

And so, we went home.  I was so quite nervous for my exam the next day - wondering if some stuff I have studied have been deleted because I felt so full with the food I ate.  I haven't done something like this on the night before an exam.  Adding to my anxiety was the fact that I was not able to finish all the review materials I had on hand.

This is all I could bring for the MPRE Exam (in a Ziploc bag)

My uncle and I left at around 7:30 and I was at the Test Center (a school) before 8:30.  The exam started at 9:00 a.m. and I was done at 10:45 a.m.

My uncle was supposed to fetch me at 11:00 after mountain biking.  I had no cellphone or watch with me since it was not allowed during the exam.  I just waited after all the other examinees left.  It turned out that one of the guys my uncle was biking with had a flat tire and in mountain biking, no man is left behind.  I was not nervous that I was not going to be picked up (again, I had no phone or money).  I knew I just had to wait.

In the afternoon, we went to Legoland with my cousins.

The exam had 60 multiple questions, only 50 of which were graded (but you won't know what).  I know I did my best.  I have read that some people overstudied for it but others pointed out not to take it for granted. 

Results were out just this week.  I knew it was going to be released this week, 5 weeks after the exam.  I wasn't sure what date though but any day during the week.  I was trying to search for #mpre over twitter and voila!  I saw some tweets saying they're so happy they passed!  My heart was really beating so fast.  I logged in my account and saw my score:

Before you get excited, that's not a perfect score!  The highest is 150 (scaled scoring) and the lowest was 50.  The score required for the New York jurisdiction (it varies in every state) was 85.  So, yes .. I passed it!!!!

Thank you Lord!

Thank you for my aunt, my uncle and their whole family for accommodating me.  I thank them for their support and their faith in me that I could make it (that's why they made the most of my stay in San Diego, even during the night before my exam!)

Thank you to my ever supportive mommy .. as in! Wala na akong masabi!

I am indeed lucky with my family and relatives and passing this exam.  I could not have done it without God's grace.

I hope my luck will continue with the results this November.  

All Star

So much to do so much to see 

So what's wrong with taking the back streets 

You'll never know if you don't go 

You'll never shine if you don't glow

For the past few weeks, you can say I have been maximizing my brain capacity (although scientifically, I think it's not that possible yet).

Yes, I had and have so much to do, so much to read, so much to write .. basta so much!  It has gotten to the extent that I get so easily irritated lately.  I also worry a lot.  There are times I find myself teary eyed, almost crying or really crying.  

So this is what happens when I take so much.  It's not just my brain which has been greatly effected.  I find myself emotionally unstable as well.  Mentally and emotionally unstable - thank you Lord wala pa ko gidala sa mental hospital.

I think what has been keeping me sane, nevertheless, is that I try to do something different or appreciate what's at hand.  I rant when a scheduled meeting does not go on as planned due to some fortuitous event.  I know it's beyond my control.  But I can control my emotions.  So I just rant.  And then relax.  And here comes a friend asking for some lawyerly help.  We chat while I prepare a doc and she shares some good news.

There are days when I already had my day planned.  Then an errand, a sudden meeting, an unexpected call from a client.  Schedule disrupted.  I get pissed.  But I can't do much about it.  I just go on and on and do what I can.  And then, I go to the mall, eat by myself - some me time.  And now, I'm back to myself.

Yes, I really had and have still so much to do until the end of August (or who knows until when).  There are times that I just have to let it out.  I asked for this.  This is what I want and I know that I am not just lucky.  I am blessed to have all of these!  

I know I'll get through it.  With God's grace.

Birthday Girl

I turned a year older.

I know that it has been weeks since I celebrated my birthday. But who says I can't post belated blogs, hehe.

My day was pretty simple as I wanted it to be. I was off for work at around the same time. Surprise, surprise .. my dear friend Elaine came for a short visit to greet me and deliver a cake. Woohoo! Allan treated me for lunch at the newly-opened Mesa at SM Lanang - as in they opened on the day of my birthday. So, yes .. the staff of Mesa sang a birthday song for me and I was given a free dessert .. woohoo!

I was back at the office and I did my usual stuff.

At around 5.30, I attended mass together with Allan. At about 7, I went to my class and they had a birthday surprise for me. Nice! I had my class for an hour, instead of two, because I left some of my notes (and not because it was my birthday .. defensive? .. hehe) Thereafter, I went home to my family.

It was pretty much a simple day, the way I really want it to be.

Thank you for all those greeted me a happy birthday. GOD bless everyone ;)

My 2012

http://business2blogger.com/happy-new-year/

Before the month of January will be over, I should make my flashback post of the year that was.

My 2012 was still a year full of blessings.

I turned 31.

I attended weddings, a bridal shower and children's birthday parties.

I celebrated with my friends as they passed the Bar exam.

I got to be a tourist in my own city as my friends and I, with Allan, had fun around Crocodile Park.

My brother got hooked with marathons and triathlons.

I was privileged to give a recognition speech at my Alma Mater, in its new events center.

I got involved in IBP Legal Aid programs.

I had a 23-unit teaching load during the first semester.

It was the year that I got bitten by a centipede and had to admitted in a hospital. I was just happy that I was ok, just right before our Boracay trip.

I got to visit Boracay for the first time with the family, celebrating my mom and dad's 32nd wedding anniversary. Admittedly, Boracay didn't impress me much due to the constant rains and flooding. But I was so happy I get to parasail, helmet dive and fly fish with my brother and sister.

I got to spend time with my sister from Melbourne as she had a 2-week vacation in Davao City. We went to Pearl Farm for a day and went for eating escapades around Davao City as well.

I spent the last weekend of October in Manila for the Bar Operations.

I wasn't able to go with my friends in our planned trip to Manila due to my LLM classes. But I'm happy that they still enjoyed the trip nevertheless. I guess it just means we have to plan another trip.

I got to meet Atty. Dong Puno and Atty. Karen Jimeno. I really am a fan of Atty. Karen ;)

I started joining Bigby's Trivia Night on Wednesdays. I always have fun when I join. So far, so good ;)

My 2012 didn't end so well as our beloved Blossom left us very unexpectedly. And then, there was typhoon Pablo ...

Here's praying for continuous blessings in 2013!

Work It!

I chanced upon this one while "facebooking".

Not leaving the office on time - been there, done that! And I am actually "proud" of myself having undergone such process, like a badge on my sleeve.

I am not saying that everyone should choose to experience working endless hours in the office or wherever their workplace may be. But to go through such phase is quite an experience and you get to appreciate life more!

"Work is a never ending process. You can never finish all the work" - I remember one of my Indian team mates telling me "When I leave the office, you are still here. When I arrive in the morning, you are already here. Work will always be there, you will never run out of work." I laughed and gave him a big smile and to this day, I will always remember what he told me ;)

I can even remember those times when I had to leave work at around 12 mn to 2 am and be back at the office the next day at 8 am. I even found it "amusing" that the bus still had passengers at around such time because it was during December. One time, the bus was even quite full - all seats taken!

One time, I was at the office for 24 hours! I was supposed to leave earlier but the one who should relieve me woke up a bit late since she also worked overtime the day before. I didn't take it against her though because I understood her situation. I wasn't ready for that overtime so I had no extra clothes with me, no toothbrush! I just didn't know what to say when I met one of my managers on my way out and he was just coming in for work and I was still wearing the same clothes from the previous day. He gave me a funny puzzling look and somewhat said "You're only leaving now?"

I even remember that time my last day of work before the Christmas vacation. I reported early on a Friday and my flight for Davao was the at around 5 or 6 am the next day. I do not know what got into me but by Thursday night, I had all of my stuff ready. Maybe I already had a feeling that I was going to work late. And work late I did! I asked my housemates, who would be on the same flight with me to please bring my luggage and fetch me at the office at around 2 am. And off we went to the airport, with me wearing the same clothes I wore the day before. I tried to sleep while waiting for our flight but I guess I, together with my Davao friends, was just excited going home for a vacation. When we were seated, I immediately dozed off. I woke up and thought we were already in Davao. My friend told me we were still in Manila and apparently, there was a problem with regard to a baby who was a passenger in the said flight. I was just so tired that I went back to sleep .. hehe

I try to come to work early - at least before 8.00 or 8.30 am because I do not want to get caught up in traffic or find myself waiting for a ride for quite some time. Admittedly, there are times when there is not much work, but I still stay at the office because it is so hard to get a ride when the bus or the jeepney is full plus I have to consider the additional time I have to spend in traffic. So, I would rather stay late.

And there was even one whole month wherein I spend every single day at the office - yes, including Saturdays and Sundays! I know! Tsk, tsk

I also read one time that the overtime we do is usually the reason why we need to work overtime the next day or why we need to work more hours. Our average capacity is 8 working hours. Beyond that, we are prone to errors and mistakes - in other words, despite the long hours, we are actually less productive. Beyond the 8 hours, we think less clearly and become less focused. As such, errors and mistakes will arise. Thus, additional hours will be needed for reworks and remedies.

As I look back to those days, I do not regret experiencing it. I have learned a lot from my experience. But I am happy that it is over, hehe.

Nowadays, I rarely do overtime work as a practicing lawyer. Although, I usually arrive home late, it is because I teach at night. I do some teaching work at home though - checking papers, preparing test questions and studying for my lectures. But teaching gives me such joy ;) So, it's not really overtime .. hehe

True Blood

A week ago, while waiting for the elevator ride to the 7th floor, I noticed that there was this blood donation activity by the Nursing Division.

I was curious since I wanted to donate blood again since 2 years ago. I even promised my friend that I will do it again for her, although I did not give any deadline ...

Anyway, I proceeded to the area, all by myself, with my bag and transcriptions. Blood pressure was around 110/90 (I think) I was weighed (55 kilos minus 2= 52 kilos - that's what the nursing student told me after I was weighed.)

I filled out the form and then waited for my turn to be pricked.

After my finger was pricked, blood was dropped in this container with blue liquid.

Then, I was told I could not donate because my hemoglobin is just enough for me.

I was curious and I asked why. The girl from Red Cross told me that it is common for girls, considering that we have our monthly period. I see.

I was wondering since this is my first to be refused from donating blood. The first two years ago was without any hitch.

The other one was way back in 2003. I was asked to donate for the brother of one of my closest friends since we had the same blood types. It was my first time and I was excited. I did not have any doubts since I do not have any tattoos. I also do not drink and I do not take drugs. I was also feeling healthy that time.

So, off I went to St. Luke's (my first time there!) Everything went smoothly. I found out that time that one  cannot donate if he weighs less than 50 kilos. I was at 52 kilos at that time.

I laid on one of their beds. I thought that I would feel the blood coming out from my body. I didn't feel anything and after a few minutes, I discovered that one bag was almost full. After eating and drinking lots of fluid and visiting my donee, I went back to the office to finish some stuff for our Christmas program.

The second time was in 2005 (I think). The baby/toddler of a friend of my housemate needed blood and my housemate knew I had the same blood type. This time I went to Makati Med. It was a Sunday. I didn't get to meet the baby/toddler. After donating, I went back home and started to cook for our dinner.

It was just too bad that on my third try, I was not allowed to donate. Hopefully, next time!

Simple Plan

I was checking the quizzes of my students the other day.

In one class, I "discovered" that at least 5 were cheating. I gave them automatic zeroes.

I already returned the papers to them. Only one approached me and said that, although he was sorry and he accepts the fact that he got a grade of zero, he said that "nalibat lang" since he was not yet finished with the quiz and time was almost up. I told him that "3" is different from "2".

The thing is I try to prepare at least 2 sets of quizzes for my classes (I have even tried 3 sets). Sometimes I just change the sequence of the questions. Sometimes I make the true or false as Part I but Part II in the other set. At times, I change some figures - and this is when I usually catch them cheating.

So far, I had only two students who approached after I gave them the results of their quiz. The others never said anything and they just made "bawi" on the next exam or quiz. Some passed the subject while some did not.

Why would people do things which they already know are bad? Why is it that teachers need to prepare 2 sets of quizzes just to discourage students from cheating? Why wouldn't students just be honest because it is the right thing to do?

The same goes for the rest of the public.

The other day while riding the jeepney, a passenger said "para". And the driver replied, "sa unahan lang kay nay camera". Apparently, he is afraid that if he will unload passengers in the prohibited area, the CCTV will be able to record it and voila, he will be held liable.

But why wouldn't he just unload the passenger at the proper place, with or without the presence of the CCTV?

Same goes for these overpass and barriers. The government spends so much for these overpass so pedestrians would not just sprint on any part of the street. In addition, we also have these islands with barricades to deter pedestrians from crossing just anywhere.

Why can't people just cross on the pedestrian lane or use the overpass? Can they not get the point that it is for their safety after all?

I guess I can sum it up this way ..

Do good because it is good in itself - not because we are waiting for some reward or because we are afraid of the consequences if we do otherwise.

Avoid doing bad thing because it is not right.

I hope it is that simple. I could only hope.