Missing Blogging

It's a rainy Tuesday afternoon.  I am taking a quick break from doing one of my regular household chores - folding the laundry. I have missed this...

It has been quite some time since I last wrote an entry here. It was one excuse after another. It started with me getting annoyed that there was a virus or pop-up every time I would open my site. Up to now I am still trying to figure out how to fix this and at the same time do a new lay-out. If anyone can help me out or give me advice, I would be very appreciative.

I also got caught up with being a mother, a housewife and many more that I did not know how to split my body to accommodate all my different roles. But most of all, I missed writing and sharing my experiences and thoughts among other things. I have resolved to embrace being a write/blogger as one of my roles from now on.

I have missed the friendships that I have made when I started this blog. I have missed visiting other blogs. I have missed reading articles on a regular basis. I have missed learning and discovering new things. I have missed this. But I am happy to be here again...

Star ng Pasko, ABS-CBN Christmas 2009 Station ID

37 days to go and it's Christmas!!!! =)

I would like to share this song that I think best fits the meaning of Christmas for everyone especially all the Filipinos who had to go through so much storms, figuratively and literally, this year.

This is my early gift to you all. It's got lyrics so you can sing-a-long. I hope you all enjoy this very catchy tune.

Annoying Pop Ups - Help!

Lately, I noticed that annoying pop ups have invaded my blog site "Simply Happy Me" and I would like to extend my apologies to all of you who feel the same way as I do about this.

Honestly, I do not know how this came about. I was just surprised when I was going to update my site when two annoying pop ups appeared. I am still quite new when it comes to setting up my site and all so I cannot really figure out where the problem is.

If any of you could help me out on how to fix this nuisance on my site, I would be very grateful. Thank you in advance!

Tongue Twisted

Sometimes there are just days when your mind is much faster than your speech and this leads you to stumbling all over your own words when expressing yourself such as, The alphabetic synthesis passes the constituent behind the assuming ace. This would definitely throw me off my speech track any day and leave my tongue all twisted.

Has this ever happened to you? When does it usually occur? For me, I noticed it happens when my mouth becomes all dry since I have not been drinking much liquid. I guess it really helps to keep ourselves moisturized even for our tongues to avoid situations like these. What do you think?

Why Do Women Cut Their Hair?

I just got back from the salon a mere two hours ago. I asked my favorite hair stylist to give me a new look. I wanted to try having some fringes or better known as bangs. I also wanted something slightly shorter since my hair grows quickly anyways. With the instructions that I gave my beloved hairstylist, Jo gave me a medium cut layered hairstyle with some side swept fringes. More than four inches was chopped off my long hair to achieve this but I like my new look! =)

Yes, drastic as it may seem to cut so much all at once but I felt I had to. Don't get me wrong, I love wearing my hair long. But I thought I just needed a change. I have been wearing the same hairstyle for over six months already. Aside from my roots showing since I have not colored my hair yet, I just found the length of my hair quite unmanageable as well since it was already up to my waist. It felt very warm and "heavy" wearing so much hair.

I know for women that their mane is their pride just like with the lion. But there are just some reasons that us women have that with a blink of an eye we decide to chop off our long hair and catch the people around us by surprise.

Here are just some of the reasons why I decided to cut my hair:

1. It was too long and reached up to my waist already.
2. It had no more "style".
3. It was unmanageable.
4. My roots were showing so I had to cut the colored-faded part off.
5. I was preventing splint ends so that my hair would be healthy looking.
6. It was too "hot" or "warm" to wear being so long.
7. I wanted a new look.
8. I wanted a change to compliment my life.

Have you had a haircut lately? What are the usual reasons why you decide to change your hairstyle?

Back to the Grind

It's a Monday again and I bet most of you feel the same way I am feeling right now. Where in the world did my weekend go? Was there actually a weekend? Hahaha!!!

Why can't there be longer weekends? Why can't it be three days instead of two? Three is the perfect number - first day is to unwind and let it all out, second day is for time with family and loved ones ,and the third day is to just simply relax...nothing more, nothing less. Now, that would be just perfect. But unfortunately it does not go that way. Darn. :P

I guess the least we can do is make the most of whatever short break we have before getting back to the grind. What I usually do is plan for the weekend. Oh yeah you heard me right, I actually schedule my weekend along with the rest of the week. At least this way I get to maximize the 48 hours I have to unwind and relax and do whatever needs to be done which I can't on a regular weekday.

It may sound a little too "organized" for some but it works for me. I get to do what I really need to . Then if there is actually "extra time" left in my weekend schedule I am free to do "bonus" activities. Then before the last few hours of my weekend is over, I can actually look back and say "Yeah, at least my weekend was well-spent."

How about you? How do you go about maximizing your weekend?

Wordless Wednesdays: Proud to be Filipino

Salamat Tita Cory. You make me proud to be a Filipino...

Ipagpatuloy namin laban mo. (We will continue the fight.)

Find more Wordless Wednesday participants at
MomDot, 5 Minutes For Mom and Extraordinary Mothers.

Thank you Tita Cory

"I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life." - Former President Corazon C. Aquino 1933-2009

You are an inspiration to us all. We will always keep the candle of freedom burning in our hearts. We will continue what you have started.

Thank you. Thank you.

I Miss You Cleo

You are my beloved dog of 8 years

You were always there to make me smile

You would comfort me when I was down

You never failed to be there for me

You brought so many happy memories

You were my first baby

You grew up with Roberta

You were more than a dog to me

You will always be part of the family

I could not imagine not having you around

No one can ever take your place

You mean more to me than anything

How I miss you right now

I wish you did not have to go so soon

I love you very much Cleo....

Working on a Saturday Night

It is a Saturday night. It is such a relief to end such a hectic week. I am sure this is how most of us feel. We all can't wait to rest, relax and unwind.

But for some unexplainable reason, I have this urge to do some work on a Saturday night. Yes, you heard me right. I still feel like working even if I already had such a busy week. I know, I know. You are probably thinking on which side of the bed did I wake up this morning to make me a workaholic.

I guess it is just one of those nights that you had a good day earlier and was able to get enough rest as well as relax at the same time, which I did. That is why I still have a lot of energy and motivation left to do some productive things. Besides, there is no point in sleeping or trying to sleep when your mind is still wide awake. I will just end up tossing and turning in bed for hours. So why waste time and instead just do something worthwhile, right?

What do you think? Am I being a little workaholic here?... =)

Children Grow Up Fast

Tomorrow, our daughter will be starting her regular school schedule. Her classes will be finished by three o'clock in the afternoon. Since she takes the school bus, she will be home in an hour or two after her dismissal time. She will be gone for nearly eleven to twelve hours everyday, five days a week.

It only dawned on me earlier that my husband and I will hardly get to spend time with our baby. She will be spending most of her awake time in school. We were both starting ftofeel sad especially me. I was so attached to my daughter since she was our unica hija.

I have always been hands on with Roberta. When I was pregnant with her, I decided that I would breasfeed her exclusively for as long as I can so that she will always be close to me, and that happened. I also changed my lifestyle and career path so that I could be home more often, and I was able to do that too. But I guess there are just some things that are beyond our control. Children grow up so quickly no matter how much time you spend with them.

This was exactly what I was feeling with Roberta . Though I did not like it I just had to accept the reality of life. I just told myself, make every moment count with my baby, make it memorable since there was no turning back time.This holds true for every relationship and everything we do in life.

"Carpe Diem"...Seize the day...

Storage Companies: Do You Really Need This Service?

Storage companies are not a common thing where I am from. If you want to move and you need help, the best next thing to do is either call some family, relatives or even friends who are more than willing to help you. The only extra service you would actually need to pay is hiring a moving van or truck with movers who will help carry the big items. As for extra items that you are no longer interested in bringing with you on your move, you either give it away, sell it second-hand, donate it, or throw it away.

What do you do if you need to move? Would you need a storage company's help for your extra things?

Preparing for the Storm

I received an SMS message from my aunt earlier that the storm with the name "Feria" will be hitting the city tonight. If it gets hard enough, the power may go out. I am hoping that does not happen but we never know.

Of course, being the girl scout that I am. I always like to be prepared for situations. In this case, the situation would be that there might be loss of power or electricity. So, while I had time and not busy with work I prepared:

Here are the things I did:

1. I went around the house to check that all the doors and windows were locked and all wa ssecure. Better safe than sorry right?
2. I placed the candles and matchsticks in a location that I can easily find them when needed.
   
3. I looked for a flashlight with working batteries and put it within reach if in case the lights suddenly go out.
   
4. Lastly, I got our trusty rechargeable light and made sure that was fully charged and working.

With all this done, I felt more secure and ready for anything. Haha. I am exaggerating but you know what I mean.

How about you? What do you do to prepare for a storm or bad weather condition in your area?

Perfect Beach Weather

Today is just the perfect beach weather!

The sun is up high and beaming with all its might..beautiful clear skies with very few clouds in sight..and a slight cool breeze blowing from time to time...

This is the view outside my window of my home office. You're probably wondering what am I doing indoors when I can be soaking the sun right now. I know..I know. I really need some color since it's been awhile since I had my dose of Vitamin D.

But what can you do if you live in the city and driving to the beach would entail you to travel for nearly 3 hours or more not to mention having to brave some traffic along the way. That's the part I don't enjoy. I am sure you don't like that either.

Why can't we just be in the beach with just a snap of our fingers? Haha. How I wish that was possible. If it was, I would be at the beach everyday. Wouldn't you? =)

No Place Like Home and Brewed Coffee

I think this is one of my guilty pleasures - just being at home with a cup of brewed coffee, being online and listening to hip music streaming in the background..

Yes, I have been out for awhile..or you can say I have been out for a vacation and just bumming..well not really but how I wish :P

I did a little travelling to visit some really close friends and relatives who I have not seen for years as well as attend my little brother's wedding. It was actually a very short vacation but for a mommy like me, it felt like forever! After the first few days, I was starting to feel so homesick and just wanted to go back home immediately. All the more I felt so homesick when I was able to go online and see my baby and hubby on cam and chat with them..sigh..

I guess no matter how busy we are as moms, we just need a break from everything and have some time to relax and enjoy ourselves. It may not be as extravagant as going on a vacation but a simple trip to your favorite coffee shop, spa or salon or even maybe a joy ride in your car with your favorite music playing in the background is the perfect break that you need from your busy day.

We all need a breather from time to time to help us get through our hectic daily schedules.

How about you, what's your favorite "time out treat"?

Spring Cleaning

Roberta and I are busy on a Saturday night doing a little "spring cleaning". I know it is a little odd doing such a chore at night. I guess you can say we are night owls or we work better at night. During the day the weather is just so warm, it just zaps you off your energy and makes you so unproductive. Well, that's how I feel.

The "computer room" or the pink room has long been waiting to be tidied up. This is the part of the house where I spend most of the day because my work station is here. This is also the place where you can see Vince, Roberta and I busy doing our own little things at our own little corners. I say little because the room is not exactly big but it's cozy and conducive for working.

As they say, if things around you are in order, your life will be too. I agree with this thought. Life is easier when you can find everything in its right place.

While I was researching on spring cleaning tips or advices, I came across this very informative site: Organized Home. It gives lots of ideas, tips and advices on how to clean your house, cut clutter and organize your home. This is just perfect for what I need right now. Why not check it out, you just might find some useful tips you can use in your own home.

Hot and Humid

This best describes the weather today. It is only the third day of April but the weather is real crazy already. It is like the sky can't decide if it wants to just be warm the whole day or decide to actual pour some rain to make things cool. The suspense is killing me! I know, I am overacting a little here. Hehe.

But really, don't you hate it when you look up in the sky and you think it's going to rain because of the grey clouds so you decide to prepare for it by bringing in your laundry or taking an umbrella with you when you go out. A few hours later, the grey clouds are still there but the sun is also peeking from behind and it's become hot and humid. Sigh.

I wonder what the weather will be like tomorrow. Will it continue to be this fickled minded or will it decide to actual be hot or rainy? I guess I just have to wait and see. But for the meantime, it's good to be prepared for anything - come rain or shine.

Done with Preschool

School is out for our little one. She is officially done with preschool. Last Friday, it was the Prep Culminating Activity in school and at the same time the last day of school for all prep students. It was very entertaining to watch all of the prep sections prepare a special program number. But hubby and I were beaming with pride for our little princess, she was part of the opening number doing a short ballet dance with five other girls. (I will post the video later. )

It was a happy feeling to see Roberta finish preschool. Good thing she only had two years of it - Kindergarten and Preparatory. Because I know some parents who have there kids in preschool for almost four years if I am not mistaked - Nursery, Kinder 1, Kinder 2 and Prep. Whew!

Dada Vince and I felt sad that our baby will be in Grade 1 next year. This means she will be doing big school things such as:

1. eat lunch in school not just recess
   
2. more subjects to study from five in Prep to eleven in Grade 1
3. more books to bring in the bag
   
4. wear the big girls' standard school uniform and not the pastel-colored one-piece dresses
5. be home from school in the afternoon not by lunch since full day schedule already

Waaa!!! I think I am having separation anxiety here just thinking what it will be like this coming school year when Roberta starts Grade 1.

Personal Priority Setting

Doesn't it feel good when you accomplish so many things in the limited hours that we have in a day? That's how I felt today. And it felt good! =)

I have actually had this feeling since Monday of this week. Last Friday, I made an important decision and gave up one of my work commitments so that I can free up more time in the day. It's not like I won the Lotto and instantly became a multi-millionaire and did not need the extra income. I still need the extra income but I needed more time as well so I can do other more important things in my life aside from earning money - that's being with my family.

I decided to set my priorities in the important areas of my life properly before entering the last month of the first quarter of the year. I guess I have always been the type of person whose decisions in life are based on my personal priorities.

These are presently my personal important areas in my life:

1. Family (Vince and Roberta)
   
2. Relationships (with extended family and friends)
   
3. Finance (encompasses business and career)
   
4. Health and well-being (I'm not exactly getting younger..hehe)
   
5. Spiritual (for inner peace)
   
6. Self-improvement (unlearn bad habits and attitudes)
   
7. Education (learning something new and constantly feeding my mind with new information)
   

Personally, I think this is a good practice to do from time to time so that I can review the things I am presently doing and see if I am on the right track of living my life fully and being happy at the same time. Usually, when I start to feel a little less positive about a particular area, it just means that I need to do a raincheck and see how I can fix things.

I know it may sound a little O.C. (obsessive compulsive) or something to do something like this. But it helps me stay in the right direction. Without properly setting my personal priorities, it's like I am taking my car out for a drive without a specific destination to go to. Now, that does not make sense right?

Do you do something like this in your own life from time to time?

Forever Our Baby

I just got home from driving my daughter, Roberta to school. She usually takes the school bus in the morning. But I let her sleep in a little more since she slept late last night.

While I was walking away from the gate of the school back to my car and watching other parents drop off their daughters, I realized that my baby is now a little lady. I still see her as my baby forever even though she is already six turning seven in a few months.

How time flies for us and our kids doesn't it? I can still remember clearly how Roberta was when she was barely even six months old. My husband, Vince and I tried our best to spend as much time with her as we can so as not to miss those special moments and bonding times. We would work at home and bring her everywhere with us. Up to now, that is what we are still trying to do. But you really can't stop time. Kids just grow up so fast.

I am just thankful that Vince and I were given the opportunity to spend as much time as we can in taking care of our little princess. I know that there are some parents who would love to but can't because of work or other important and uncontrollable matters. We are very grateful.

Even if it seems that the time spent with our Roberta is not enough, It makes it all worth it when she tells us nonstop that she loves her Mama and Dada very much ahd gives us a big hug and kiss when ever she gets a chance.