A Housewife's Journal

weekly blessings 101

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:49:00 GMT

We have been thanking God for the blessings that we are receiving, no matter how small or big it is. This is one thing that I keep of teaching my little girl.

For this week, we would like to thank God for these things:
* good health for the family - The little girl is well, and so am I. I just had to take a lot of vitamin C. G has been well throughout these days. No more need for any eczema treatment or any of his skin allergies. Calmoseptine was already effective for him.

* food on our table - We have never missed a single meal and we have even more to share. There are times when we need to keep a small budget but we do survive.

* another month for little G - She is now on her 14th month of existence. She is more adorable each day and learns a lot more.

* healthy baby Stef - She is already in her cephalic position. She is ready but still needs a little more time to develop her lungs.

preparing my hospital bag

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:35:00 GMT

I still have a lot of things to do and one of which is to prepare my hospital bag. I already have a list but it is not yet complete. I still have to buy some things from the grocery.

Among the items on my list are the personal effects that I should bring to the hospital. I should buy new sets of toiletries. I need a new toothbrush, toothpaste and a fragrant soap. I am still thinking if I should also buy a phisoderm moisturizer, which I can use to create a glow on my face.

In addition, I also need to buy more maternity pads or an adult diaper since the hospital only gives a couple of it. I am also on a lookout for under pads, which I can get from the drugstore. With regards to the binder, my SIL will lend me hers. She wasn't able to use this when she gave birth.

New sets of pjs would also be great. I'll try to look for something that has buttons on the front part. Or I could also go for dasters. I am more comfortable with it anyways.

These are on my to do/ to buy lists for now. I hope to accomplish it by this weekend. I am feeling a little pain on my abdomen already. I think I will give birth anytime soon.

customer service

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:12:00 GMT

That is what I call customer service.

For Filipinos, it is unusual to complain about something if it is just 'a petty thing'. You will usually hear them say, 'Bayaan nyo na yan'. I admit I am one of those people who would keep quiet on some things that don't matter too much.

One time we bought one pack of Sky Flakes from the grocery. This is the 20 + 2 packs. When we opened the package, I saw that there is one single pack that contains only 2 biscuit, instead of the usual 3. Since G was in front of the pc, he thought of emailing the customer service for his comment. He simply stated that there was only 2 instead of 3 biscuit in the pack and added that they should check on their products since customers are paying for it.

Several days after, he received an email that they (the customer service) received his email and that they are looking at the matter. In addition, they even told him that they would call him up to verify his complain. Since G left his cp with me, I was the one who received the call. The lady from the other side was apologetic with what we experienced and that they will look at the matter immediately. As a thank you gesture, they would change the sky flakes that we found. They would send a package for it.

After a couple of weeks, LBC was already knocking at our door. They have a package for G. When we opened, this is what we got: a pack of skyflakes with 10 individual packs, 2 lucky me N-rich noodles and a pack of bake mac

This is something ... it pays to give comments and suggestions.

Instead of finding ONLY great deals on http://www.dietpillcomparison.net, it is also good that you include crackers on your diet. Sky flakes has this wheat type for diet conscious individuals.

still sick

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:31:00 GMT

The little girl moved on. She is now well and is back to her active self. She and her tatay even had a game of basketball last Sunday wherein they used the laundry basket as their goal. Because of this, the tatay wanted to buy her personalized basketballs that she can bring with her around. Something that she can easily identify as hers.

Anyway, going back to me... I am still sick with cough. I had it for almost a week already and am under Vitamin C supplements now. It has ceased a little but there are still times when I had to cough real hard. It has been better since my last check up but it is still now well. I do not want to take antibiotics for it and I do not want to go out today for another OB check up. I still have to wash baby Stef's clothes and some of ate Gwen-Gwens.

I wish that by Thursday, I'll be okay already. I do not want to risk baby Stef's condition as well. I do not want pre-term contractions as well.

the day that was

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:12:00 GMT

I celebrated my bday twice this year Nothing really fancy, it was just a simple gathering of family members.

The first one was when we were in Baguio. My brother Lon asked my sister to cook spaghetti and buy a cake for me. As per request, I wanted a sans rival from Sizzling Plate so that's what I got. G also bought a pizza so we feasted on it. It was a small gathering because my family was almost complete. Mom and my siblings were there plus MJ, my niece (minus her daddy Elong who was not able to go to Baguio then). My aunt Dhel and cousins Richelle and Daisy were also present. In addition, my brothers friends' were also around so that made the party bigger

The second one was on my bday itself. Last Sunday, we were supposed to attend the 8am mass but as usual we were late for it so we opted for the 10am mass instead. After that we ate a little at KFC and bought the KFC bucket for lunch (hindi na kami nagsawa sa KFC that day :p) Before heading home, since brother and MIL were already there, we just bought additional cake for little G to blow . As requested, Elong bought ice cream for dessert.

Both events were just for the family, since it is what I wanted. I do not want to cook anymore and invite my neighbors because it is too tasking. Besides, I am running low on budget too... with little G getting sick after our vacation. It was also a good thing that we didn't prepare much because that afternoon, I was down in bed. I got fever after eating the ice cream

All in-all, I was very happy with both occasions. What is really important is that I celebrated it with people that I love most. I am thankfful that through-out my existence they were all there to support and love me. No further need for the acne light treatment. The glow was natural.

happy birthday

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 07:30:00 GMT

I was thinking on how I spent my birthday last year. As if I didn't have one... then I realized I didn't have one. This is because we were busy preparing for little G's baptism.

Saturday was hectic. We were at Pacita the whole day. We had pancit for lunch, I think. Then we were also supposed to attend the christening and bday celebration of a friend's daughter but we end up not going. That day we were also among those who closed SM We had last minute shopping as to what we could wear for baby G's baptism. When we got home, I still made last minute preparations for baby G's baptism details

So that was how my bday went.

This year, it might end up almost the same. Baby G is sick with roseola so we might just stay at home. I would still have to finish some DIYs for my sissy's wedding. I need to do it before I pop or I might not be able to do any by then...

family vacation

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 07:10:00 GMT

We did it!

We finally got to travel to Baguio despite a number of glitches.

First off, the night before our scheduled travel baby G had fever. It was her first time to have one since she was born. She had slight fevers after vaccines but it would only last for a couple of hours. This time, she had fever the whole night. At 5am, we were already having doubts if we would push through... but we still prepared in case she will get better anytime. And she did. So by 7 am we were already on the road.

We had to drop by G's service car at his office. He dropped us at Metropolis while he went to MAdrigal. It took him long that we were only able to ride the bus by 9:50 (I think). Before the bus left, it was stopped by MMDA. That was around 10 minutes stop over. We were already praying that we would experience heavy traffic along the way. In fact we didn't but the bus waited for so long at Robinson's Galleria that we were not able to catch the 11:00 trip We were chance passengers for 11:30 trip instead.

We arrived at Baguio by 7 pm. The weather was cold but baby Gwenks' loved it. She was playful when we arrived at the terminal. But since it was a 'peak season', the taxis were choosing passengers. It took us more than 30 minutes to hail a cab.

We are thankful that when we got home, mom has already prepared dinner The room was already prepared and the day's event finally had a good wrap-up.

I so loved Baguio, especially the weather. I missed the cold water (thank God my brother's unit has good plumbing fixture). I liked their unit now...

*-*
To be continued

house alert

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:23:00 GMT

Our house help saw someone sitting in front of our house last week. She said that its a ghost but G and I think that it was a real person. We think that he is 'eyeing' the house since we leave the house most of the time during weekends. Our store does't have any lock and most of our soft drinks are just outside the house (though in a concealed area). There have been reports of theft and house breakage within the subdivision which makes our assumptions stronger. I think it is timely that we avail of the home insurance quotes that were sent to us online.

This weekend, we will have a short vacation. We have secured our 'paninda' and placed everything inside the house already. I hope everything will be safe as we enjoy our short trip.

health alert

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:57:00 GMT

Summer is early this year. It already started at this part of the world and now the country is experiencing effects of El Nino. Together with this, everyone is warned about the different disease outbreaks that come with summer. There have been reports of cases of Measles and Boils.

I am glad that baby G's vaccines with Measles are on time. She had her shots from the Health Center which saved us some money. Her booster was also c/o the center again. Another that I am thankful of is her being free from asthma. She was announced asthma free by her pedia during her last check-up. As I wrote in my other blog, she had several sessions of allergy relief through nebulizations (thanks to neighbors who willingly offered their nebulizers). It worked and now she is A-Ok again.

Right now, I make sure that she takes her vitamins regularly. I do not want to bring her in a large crowd if possible (exception this weekend, which will be the last for this season ) I will just have to monitor her from time to time.

planning the vacation

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:37:00 GMT

Friday we're off to Baguio but until last night G's boss is still bugging him not to take the day off on the 27th. Imagine how frustrating it is for us. We had already reserved our tickets (4 of us) so that we won't have to deal with it come Friday but the boss wants him to just follow on the 28th. He filed his leave a month before so we are expecting that he won't encounter any problems.

Anyway, whatever happens we will go to Baguio on Friday. I have already started packing our things since I don't want to rush tomorrow. I also want to make sure that I don't forget anything especially the jackets of the little girl. I'm so excited with the trip. After a couple of years, this is the first time that I'll visit Baguio again. This time, I am in a new status... a mom. I wanted my friends there to see my daughter

So for our itinerary, we won't miss the chance of having our pictures taken with the floats but we won't watch it live. They can go but I will stay behind and just watch it on tv. I hate being with the crowd so I'll just follow them after the parade. Then we will go to the different tourists spots like Mines View, going down to The Mansion and Wright Park. G and lil G wants to ride the horse so I'll just take their pictures. I'll act as a tourist and buy several souvenirs, some promotional mugs perhaps to add to our collection.

I won't miss the ukay-ukay stores. MIL wants to spend a day there but I think it would be too much. A couple of hours will do... I'll leave her there with ate while we go boating at Burnham Park We'll be going home Monday afternoon,after checking Session in Bloom in the morning.

a happy family

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:24:00 GMT

That is what I am proud of.

Our family is not really well-off but we are happy with what we have. I think this is because we have simple wants and simple needs that sums up our being contented with what we have. It's not that we do not want more, in fact we work and try to have more. I try to add to our income through our sari-sari store and through writing online. G makes sure that he renders overtime but to the point that he doesn't sacrifice his quality time with the family. In addition, we are also hoping to add another business similar to online printing services, but something that would only cater to clients within our subdivision.

As I've said, I wanted to teach our children the value of contentment. Being happy with what you have and enjoying its benefits. It is never wrong to want more but make sure that the goal is attainable and that you are not stepping on other people just to get what you want. Aside from contentment, it is also important to count your blessings, not matter how small they are.

another pain

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:07:00 GMT

Not that I am complaining more these days but back pains have been frequent. If I remember it right, I didn't experience any of these with my pregnancy with baby Gwenks. Maybe because I didn't have someone to carry before, maybe because I have someone to do chores with me then or maybe because each pregnancy is really different from each other

I would have easily be relieved if it is possible to take medicines or even apply glucosamine cream to my aching body parts. Better yet, if only hubby has the patience to give me a little massages from time to time. On the other hand, this only means that I am about to give birth soon. I am now on my 30th week and a little over a month more then little Annie's really due. Another chapter to start, another life to cherish and love. Can't really wait

sleepless

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:46:00 GMT

This is how I feel at present. I think I was only able to have a couple of hours of sleep last night plus another hour this morning. Blame it to my toothache. Can you recommend the best sleeping pills for a pregnant woman who is in her 29th week?

I cannot take mefenamic acid and I do not want to take any other medicine for that matter. All I want now is to get some sleep. I have been keeping myself busy so that I can forget about this pain that I am experiencing now. I have tried home remedies but nothing worked yet.

random thoughts

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:00:00 GMT

I am here waiting for the little girl and her yaya. There are several thoughts running in my mind but I don't know how to write it but through asterisks:

* Coming of baby Annie in our lives - It will surely change but it will be for the better. Ate will have someone to play with and the house will be filled with more laughter and joy... and cries and screams and whatevers

* Place of delivery - Will G consider that I give birth in the province. It will be more convenient for us, in major ways but he will be left home alone during that span of time.

* Renovation of the house - Will it be before the baby girl arrives or after when we have settled everything already (especially the hospital bills).

* Getting back my old self - Will I lose weight as easy as I did with baby Gwenks? or should I start researching for possible belly fat reduction techniques or medicines?

new domain

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 02:39:00 GMT

Since I transferred here in Laguna, the web or the internet became my best friend. I stay most of the time in front of the computer and because of that I found the heart to blog. There were a lot of things that went with blogging. There are friends, real and true friends; there is money, online work and there is knowledge, getting the chance to know what is the latest.

Among these benefits, I love most is the chance to blog. It has been my outlet where I can share my thoughts. It is also where I find other blogs from which I learn. Thanks to the best seo software that I was introduced to, I am able to find more sites that are really worth reading.

And because of this, I am now preparing for another domain. I have thought of it a number of times and it always ends with the thought that I should go for it. So in a few days/weeks time, I will soon launch another domain

efficient Philhealth

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 02:28:00 GMT

If I am ranting on the services of SS, I am now going to praise the service made by Philhealth office.

November last year, G requested that I and baby Gwenks be included as his dependents under Philhealth. He submitted the requirements through the HR in his office. Last January, I asked that he request for the updated MDR so that I can already keep a copy for my giving birth. When the HR checked their office, they informed him that they were not yet able to update the files because his request came in with a number of other requests.

Since he was on leave last week, he decided that he work on the updating himself. We went to Calamba Philhealth office and requested for the update. He just submitter a photocopy of our marriage contract, my letter of request and the little girl's birth certificate (which is not even the NSO copy). In less than 5 minutes everything was well taken cared of. He got a print-out of the MDR and there! It was so easy, neither of us would use the wrinkle face cream that I received last Christmas.

It's that easy... and this service not only limited here in Laguna because the same fast process is also applicable at Philhealth Baguio. If all government agencies are like this, then Filipino taxpayers can say that they are getting good services from their government...

As for my SS... they still suck! They lost the amendment form that my SIL submitted to them. Now we are back to square 1.

weekly blessings

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 02:02:00 GMT

Blessings no matter how small they are are still counted as gifts from approve. Here is our list for this week.

* Baby Gwenks cleared from asthma.
* Refund for G's unused sick leave.
* Free vaccine from pedia.
* G's Updated Philhealth record with me and baby Gwenks as dependents.
* Safe and easy pregnancy for me, despite GDM occurence.
* Enough budget for the family's multiple vitamins
* Valentine's day at home - G cooking lunch
* Baby Annie's kicks and hiccups
* Maintain weight despite frequent eating
* Discounted formula milk

doing better

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:02:00 GMT

We have a new house help. She has been with us for more than 2 weeks now. Last Saturday, I asked her how she is with us. She answered that she's okay and she's happy staying with us. I really hope so.

This time around, I changed the workload of our house help. She's more of a yaya than a maid. She's concentrated in taking care of baby Gwen and does other chores only if she is free from the baby. So far, everything's okay. We share the chores. Her chores include cooking and washing the clothes only. I share the other chores.

I am happy with our present set-up. I hope she stays longer than the previous house helps. She is actually bonded for 6 months since we paid for her fare going here. If she leaves before the 6 months end, she'll pay us back the fare. Her cousin recommended her so she isn't that homesick yet.

Right now, baby Gwenks' with her. They are about to take their afternoon naps which allows me to work. As I've said I am saving for a laptop. I am torn between a Sony VAIO and one of the hp laptops which we can avail from tatay Gwenks' company. Think think think...

on cabinets

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:49:00 GMT

I have always wanted to have customized cabinets for our bedroom. I am already set with the design that I want. Customized that I even have specific measurements for it. I want something that will cover the whole wall of our room. Something that have lots of drawers and layers, plus a built-in dresser on the middle part. I was also thinking if we can have a part where we can display THE Sony VAIO (something I want to buy soon after I give birth ).

When I asked someone who could make it, the expenses turn out to be more expensive than my budget. The amount given was just for the labor minus the materials to be used. If I sum it up, it is double my expected budget... the other option that we are now thinking is buying the pre-built cabinets on the mall. They look okay and even better and the catch for it, they are now offering 20% discount for theses cabinets.

I wish I have the money now... actually I do have some now but I am saving it for something else... but the discount... hay hay hay... m torn

vacation planning

marisalvilla@gmail.com (mari) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:55:00 GMT

I look forward to a lot of things these year and one of it is having a little family vacation. Just yesterday, G and I were talking about how we wish to go back to Baguio anytime soon. The last time I was there was on April 2008. I was there to surrender the computer shop to my brother and to attend my cousin's graduation. I had a grand time then because I was able to see and feel Baguio again. I was able to meet some friends and later on, did some shopping at the ukay-ukay stalls. The last hubby was there was on 2006 because by January 2007 I already moved to Laguna. So you can imagine how long ago we have visit the place.

This time, we plan to go to Baguio on its peak season, during the Panagbenga Festival and we'll be bringing along the little girl. We would only have to worry about our 'flight' schedule as to when G can file his leave. We will stay at my brother's house since they are moving by the end of the month on a bigger home. No motorhome towing anymore.

It will be a great vacation since little Gwenks' will also ride the horse at Wright Park, ride the banca at Burnham, will have her pictures taken at Mines View and eat at the original Don Henricos and visit SM Baguio.