A Housewife's Journal

wrong lay-out

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:57:00 GMT

I wanted Grohe faucet for my home. G wanted to transfer the faucet that he placed outside our house. It has been a nuisance to everyone who is using it. Why, he made a wrong lay-out for the place where he installed the faucet. He placed it below our window so if the person forgets about the open window, there is a tendency that they hit it.

It is me who should be blamed for this I insisted that the faucet be placed under the window. My reason, I need to see baby from time to time, especially when I am washing the clothes. But when I also hit the window, I wanted it to be moved immediately.

divi trip again

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:21:00 GMT

It has been more than a year since I last visited Divi Land. So when my mom asked me if I could accompany her to Divi, I immediately agreed. I just had to arrange that someone look after baby Gwenks when we go there. My initial plan was to wait for her tatay and go to Divi on Sunday, but when MIL told me that she is coming over Friday night, I thought that it would be better if we can go on a Saturday.

We left the house early, around 6:00 am. We were at Divi by 7:30. Our first stop was to look for baby clothes and accessories. We need to prioritize it so that we can budget the 'remaining' money for other stuff. We got our baby loots for a little more than 1k. We got a lot of discounts as we were the store's 'buena mano'. After that, we look for mom's curtains... while scouting for the cloth which she will sew for her curtains, I was already looking for baby clothes and I was able to buy several of it. We also got some maternity dusters and blouses for my SIL, a couple of slippers for mom and some blouses for me. We finished shopping by 10:00 am and got home by 12:30 noon. I would have wanted to shop more but I didn't have more budget for it.

As early as now, I am already planning when I would go back to Divi. I plan to buy items for baby's birthday party as early as October so that I would have to join the people doing their Christmas rush. I want to finish everything by November, for the January party.

*A simple tip for those who are planning to go to Divi. (1) Be there early, 'buena manos' are given more discount. It is easier to haggle. (2) Dress simply. It is better to leave your diamond rings at home, even just for the day. (3) Buy in bulk, if possible. The more you buy, the bigger discount you can get.

happy & relax

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 03:44:00 GMT

This week has been relaxing... added the fact that there is a typhoon which makes sleeping a lot better. As I have written before, G went to Malaysia for a week-long training. We, baby and I, were left behind. So I asked my mom if she could come over and stay with us while G is away. Now, I am totally dependent on her... it was like going home but within the comforts of my home. She has been cooking delicious meals, which I cannot surpass. Eating time is longer because we get to make 'chika' in between. I also have more time in front of the pc since she plays with her 'apo' whenever baby Gwenks is awake.

Hay, I so love this week. I have rested enough and I think I even gained several pounds already. To maximize my use of the computer, I have been searching for designs for our lawn. When G returns, he plans to 'fix' some part of the yard. He hopes that he can put some roof extension so that we could put some outdoor chaise lounges where we could stay in the afternoon.

I can't wait to see G back home again but I will also miss mom when she goes to Baguio after... for now, I will just maximize being pampered by her

father's day

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:59:00 GMT

For Father's day, our dearest tatay got something that he has been wishing for. He is now on his way to Malaysia, to attend a training c/o HP Though we didn't get to celebrate his first 'real' Father's day today, we were able to celebrate it last week when we went to Tagaytay. We made the best of it last time because we anticipated that they might leave today. We woke up early for our trip. We headed to Pink Sister's Convent to offer prayers and later on went around Tagaytay. We went to Palace in the Sky and later to the Picnic Groove. After lunch, it started raining so I told them that we should go home already.

In my mind, I was already thinking that we should go back again soon. Hopefully, next time we will be able to check-in somewhere I have been dreaming of. I wish to stay at a hotel similar to Vegas hotels but it is not just within the budget that we can afford.

As a whole, we enjoyed our Tagaytay trip we ate merienda at Little Bread House in Paseo before finally ending the day. I hope tatay enjoyed his day as much as we did.
- Pictures to follow -

on leave

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:44:00 GMT

I am on leave next week from my wifey duties Actually, it is G who is leaving on Sunday. He will attend a training from June 22 to June 26, which requires him to check-in in a hotel for that span of time. He will be with 2 of his office mates. This only means that we, baby and I, can sleep longer since we do not have to prepare breakfast. I can also sleep earlier since I will not have to wait for him from work... such a relaxing week for me

On the other hand, we will surely miss him. This is the first time that we are not sleeping beside him. Anyway, to make up for it he promise to bring home 'pasalubong' for us. He is thinking of buying a doll maybe for his little girl. As for me, I told him I wanted teddies. I saw this link over the net and I told myself that I should own at least one of it. When I wear it, it will surely make me feel sexy and hot :p Surely hubby would always want to go home early.

Anyways, I just hope that hubby makes the best for his trip and that he'll be home safe.

my turn

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:30:00 GMT

I've been writing about baby Gwenks' cough and colds in her baby blog. Last Monday we went to her pedia for her last rota vaccine and at the same time we had her checked. Doc Pedia prescribed Ambroxol for her cough and Neozep drops for her colds. So far, she is getting a lot better. But despite the cold weather, she still has an electric fan by her side.

This morning (actually it started last night), I was already having an upset stomach. Now I am so weak going to and from the cr (excuse me for that). I think I do not have the strength to finish the day anymore Good thing the little girl has been very cooperative. After I gave her a bath, she was already playing alone. Now she is in her duyan sleeping. I hope this 'feeling' will stop in a while. I do not want to be admitted. I still have a lot of things to do and prepare. I still have to go to the mall and hope to find a gift for Father's day. Even if it is on sale; its the thought that counts anyway

Have to move now, I still have other works that are about to expire... just read on

2nd quarter

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:42:00 GMT

6 months has past and another six months more. 15 days of June has already passed which means that we are already about to end the second quarter of this year. Time has gone so fast that I think I have to move fast to be able to achieve my plans for this year.

For the second quarter of the year, I was supposed to inquire for possible cart business that my siblings and I can engage with. We have a number of 'ideas' as to what cart we should franchise but the only common idea is that it should have dependable POS systems that comes with it. This idea was set aside when I ended up being a full-time housewife with no househelp. Now that baby Gwenks is a little bigger and that I can bring her with me easily, I can now start inquiring again. So far, I have a 'prospective' line that I am looking at.

As for my accomplishments, I was able to maintain the house without any help. Likewise, I was able to follow the schedule for baby G's vaccines and check-ups. In addition, our small store is still open. Despite the hectic schedule that I have, I am able to attend to neighbors buying from the store.

As a whole, I can say that our 2nd quarter is okay. No one got sick and we are blessed in many ways.

For the third quarter, I hope to do more on my list. I hope to cross out more accomplishments and be more fruitful.

dental appointment

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:56:00 GMT

This is the time of year when we have our dentist appointment. Thank God this is another benefit that we get from our health card. In order to maximize this benefit, we try to get the best dentist affiliated with our health card provider. I try to find someone who has qualities similar to Frisco Dentist. I grew up thinking that the teeth is something that we shouldn't disregard. I am glad that my parents taught me that visiting the dentist helps maintain a beautiful smile. It is even better when you prevent possible tooth problems rather than dealing with one.

G will have our schedule before he leave. I hope Dr. Novenario (our dentist) is free on Saturday. This is it! I hope I get A-Ok again on our check up

things to do

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:21:00 GMT

I have only one on my list... that is to renovate my farm at FT

Unlike the past weeks wherein I was too busy with house chores, now I have nothing on my things to do list. I have already made a schedule which is suitable for my 'lifestyle'. I make chores when baby is either sleeping or in the mood of playing alone. When I work, I do it fast. I now go with the rule, 'Clean as you go!' No more chores left lying around, I do it asap.

Now, I have more time surfing the net... and enjoying my farm. I do not plant and harvest on an everyday schedule but I make sure that I log in everyday. I make sure that I plant crops that are ready for harvest from 2-3 days. All is well at this point. I am even ready to take piano lessons if this is possible online.

I hope this schedule will last longer than I could imagine. Baby G has learned how to roll already and wants to sit more so I guess that means a different schedule for us soon...

weekly blessings

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:58:00 GMT

I missed writing and counting my blessings on this blog. I have to make it up, while the little girl is sleeping

There are a lot of things to be thankful for this week and the past weeks.

* Friends - Whether online or offline, I feel blessed because I have friends who I can talk to. I tell you, it is not easy being a housewife with no one to talk to during the day. I do talk to my daughter a lot but talking with someone who would talk back is better I feel more sane when I have a decent conversation with people.

* TV and Internet - it keeps me updated, even if I don't get to buy a newspaper.

* Household chores - These keeps me busy when the little girl is sleeping.

* 8-hour sleep - I still get this despite me not a household help. In fact, my sleep is even more 'deep' because once I hit the bed, I easily doze off to lalaland. Thanks to the little girl who is sleeping straight through-out the night already.

* Angels - in human form. They help us make the week faster and easier. These are family members, who would give simple blessings; neighbors, who help me take care of our baby; and others, who simply drop by and chat a little.

* Healthy family - though G has colds, I am still thankful that it is not baby Gwenks' who is sick. Vitamins like ascorbic acid is helping a lot.

* Online opps - very timing! They come when I needed them the most.

* My small family - G and baby Gwenks, they make life a lot better... mornings more welcome...

fun run

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 06:19:00 GMT

In the near future, we plan to join this as a family.

Since I gave birth, I had slowly gained my pre-pregnancy weight back naturally. Taking care of an infant has been tasking but worth it. If I hadn't lose weight, I would have started with the elliptical by now. This is the first option that I had in mind before. I prefer this over diet pills. To maintain this, G and I agreed that we will try running. He has started with this already and he had his 3rd fun run last Sunday, the IE8 run. This was sponsored by Windows Explorer. It was held at The Fort. We would have been there too, if it hadn't rained hard on Saturday.

Anyway, 3 or 4 years from now, we might join a fun run as a family. We can start with the 2 kilometers for kids. For now, we'll just jog around the village every weekend, while little Gwenks is on her stroller

mini note

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Sat, 30 May 2009 14:31:00 GMT

By now, my brother's plane has already taken off... he's on his way back to Papua New Guinea for work. After a month of vacation, he is now ready to face another year away from us.

He got home on May 2. Like any other 'balikbayan' he has tons of 'pasalubongs' for us. He brought things from wines, chocolates, clothes and cellphones. He also has a mini note which he would have given to me but I refused. I just asked that he let me choose from the several laptop deals available in the market. I refused the mini note because it was too small for me. If he has given it to me a year ago, I would have accepted it with glee :p Now when I finally saw one and worked on one, I wished for a bigger and more convenient unit. I prefer the regular laptop because of the screen size and the features.

tgiF

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:28:00 GMT

I have never loved Fridays the way I do now After Friday is Saturday, which means that G is home with us. It means that I can sleep a little longer (30 minutes longer than usual), I will not cook breakfast and I can have a long decent bath :p In addition, this also means that I (and baby) can go out of the house.

I'm super excited for tomorrow... I have already started washing our clothes so that we can leave the house earlier for the anticipated mass and after that we get to eat at SM no cooking for me! Double yehey...

The timer got off... have to check on the clothes. I will just have to read on the Mesothelioma lawyers later... as well as harvest on my farm. I invested around 100k on my crops this time

weekly blessings

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Fri, 15 May 2009 11:36:00 GMT

Aside from my weekly round ups, I'd like to make list for the blessings that me and my family are receiving each week. There are times when I feel so down so instead of thinking of it, I would rather count the blessings.

For this week, here are the things that I am most thankful of...
* good health for the family - Everyone is well despite the frequent change of weather. I do not have to worry anything from colds or flu or even mesothelioma that could affect my family.
* friendly and supportive neighbors - I am blessed with them. Since I am left alone with no house help to turn to, my neighbors (especially baby's ninang Fai) have so helpful. They would volunteer to look after Lougee when I need to finish some house chores.
* another month for Lougee - Baby Gwenks turned a month old last Wednesday. She has been a blessing and she will continue to be one. As she grow older, she has been more active and talkative.
* vaccines for baby - First, I am thankful for health centers. The free vaccines are really helpful. It has helped me saved more than a thousand peso. Second, I am thankful for grandparents mom is sponsoring the rotarix vaccine of Lougee. She paid for 2 doses already so that we would have to worry for it anymore.
* extra income - Since there are still other expenses for the house and family, we need extra income to compensate for it. Thank God that He is continually giving me assignments. G on the otherhand, has been given several OT assignments as well.
* all other minor blessings - In between each major blessings, there are still small blessings that come our way.

showbiz latest

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Fri, 15 May 2009 06:02:00 GMT

I must blog this... the Davids from American Idol are here in the Philippines. They will have a concert on Saturday at MOA Concert Ground. I am a fan of these two. Last year, I was able to watch the whole season and I was among those who are torn on who should win. Now that they are here, I would love to watch their concert but with an infant and no household help around, I'll just be contented with watching them on tv. For those who will watch it, I hope you enjoy! No need to wear tuxedo or gown, just go out and wear your most comfortable shirt and jeans and rock the night away...

*-*
Another event that I am looking forward to is the birthday of Nanay Dionisia On her 60th bday, she will have a debut theme with lavender and pink motif. I hope they post pictures of the event, especially a video of her surprise dance number. She's one mom who should be happy on her bday.

8 things

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Tue, 12 May 2009 03:39:00 GMT

Haven't snagged from someone for the past few months. While bloghopping at Mich's site, I saw this...

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To
- baby Gwenks' 4th month celebration
- seeing baby walk
- hearing baby call me 'nanay'
- the Father's day naman
- mastering the responsibilities of a housewife w/o any househelp
- playing Farm Town again
- maximize blogging again
- sleeping for 8 hours at night

8 Things I Did Yesterday
- went to the pedia
- prepared baon
- washed some clothes
- cooked sweet & sour fish
- drank pepsi max
- harvested at ' my farm'
- rode the jeep w/ baby
- left the bed unmade

8 Things I Wish I Could Do
- sleep longer
- play w baby longer
- eat longer
- divide myself for each chore that needs to be done
- have 'me' time
- have my haircut
- blog frequently
- look for an effective eye cream to hide the eye bags

8 Shows I Watch
- eat bulaga
- ghost whisperer
- saksi
- american idol
- fated to love you (online)

the week that was # 3

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Tue, 12 May 2009 02:53:00 GMT

I survived last week... though not with flying colors but still I survived

As I reported last week, my house help already went home. This means that I get to do all chores, with a little help from G. With my daily activities that will surely make you lose the excess that excess weight on your body.

I start the day by preparing breakfast and G's baon. Once he's out of the house, I attend to baby Gwenks' needs. I bring her out for her sunshine break and neighbor talk (this is if its not raining). When we get home, she sleeps a little while I prepare her bath and milk. She wakes up when I'm ready, then she takes a bath. After a few minutes of chika, she bathes and again sleep longer. During her long morning sleep, I do whatever chores I could. I wash the dishes, sweep and mop the floor, sterilize her bottles, etc. I also get to prepare my lunch at this time. I would just reheat any left-over from the fridge. Baby will again wake up by 11 or 12, so we watch tv. By 2pm, she'll be sleepy again. I would clean the CR this time and take my bath. While waiting for her to wake up, I would open the computer or just sleep too. I prepare dinner by 6 or 7 depending on what time baby G sleeps for the night.

This week, we bought a small electric fan for baby G. The one she uses now is the industrial fan which consumes 60watts. The fan is a box type which is just right for her needs. Though I have a feeling that the fan is not that sturdy so I used a box cutter when I opened the packaging. In case something happens to the unit, we can have it returned.

Saturday, was our wash day. Thank God the sun shined... Sunday, was my Mother's day...

I survived!!! I hope this week would be better

my mother's day

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Tue, 12 May 2009 02:29:00 GMT

Instead of reading about Las Vegas hotels, as I was interested with the accommodation Manny Pacquiao and team had every time they are in Vegas, we went out to celebrate my day

May 10, 2009 is my first time to celebrate Mother's Day, with me as the main 'celebrant'. Prior to this year, I was always sentimental during Mother's Day. I silently envy mothers, especially my friends, who receive text messages greeting them on their special day. I envy them because their 'sacrifices' are honored on this day. This year, I am still sentimental and emotional... I am very much overwhelmed of the feeling of being a mother. I am so happy that finally, I am also one of the many mothers that is appreciated and loved. I am complete... on the other hand, I also feel sad for my other friends. Those whom I have left at the TTC stage. I know that just like what I felt before, they too are envious of other women. This is actually a day that they wouldn't want to have in a year.

So to celebrate, the 3 of us went to church. We attended the 10 am mass at Balibago. Later, we went to SM to eat lunch and do our grocery. We ate at Karate Kid (this place is so special to me, especially on my being a mother), which offers free California Maki to customers who brought their moms with them. After that, we went to the grocery for our supplies and went home after to do hose chores we left behind.

To all moms out there... belated Happy Mother's Day to you. We are truly blessed because we experience this feeling of being mothers to our child. We are blessed because God gave us this chance to be mothers.

mia - another version

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:52:00 GMT

It has been more than a week since my last update. The last post was about my date with Logan, which didn't push through My much awaited ME time did not happen again... and now, things have gone worst... I may not have another 'me' time in the near future. Our household help already went home. After 2 months of working for us, she missed her home 'daw'. She didn't even ask our permission that she would leave (this needs another post).

Back to my being Missing In Action, that is the reason why I have been busy the whole week. I am now an old-around housewife and mother, I am really working full-time in every sense. It is tiring, really tiring that when the clock strikes 9 pm, all I ever want to do is to lie down and sleep. I also wake up in the middle of the night to feed baby Gwenks (good thing she feeds once only). To compensate for my daily activities, I make sure that I eat full meals. This is not the time to diet and take in weight loss pills because I will surely lose weight the natural way.

I passed the first 5 days without house help. I would say that I am doing okay... its just a matter of scheduling and time management... and a cooperative and good daughter .

date with Logan

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 01:50:00 GMT

After contemplating on my post 'me time', I hope to finally get one today.

Later this afternoon, I am scheduled to go to Shangri-La Mall to join G for a movie date. Their company is sponsoring a movie for the employees and their families. Since baby Gwenks is still small and she can't come, it will only be me and G. We will watch X-Men Origins: Wolverine. I will leave baby Gwenks with MIL (thank God she agreed to babysit).

I *hope* to go because G suddenly had a client call scheduled today. If he will finish the work by 2 pm, then we will definitely go but if he won't, then we won't go. So while waiting for his call for me to prepare, I am now playing at my Farm Town (my farm is under major renovation and I haven't harvested anything for a couple of days already) and looking for the best possible accommodation like San Diego hotel, in case we travel to US someday.

What if this won't push through? It's okay because I can easily go out anytime next week. Mom is visiting us so that means I am confident leaving baby Gwenks with her.

Now, let me go back to my farm... I want to buy the 300k farm house really soon.