Couple's Corner: Our Misunderstandings

Though we both studied in the same school in college, took the same course, can illustrate and do graphic design at a click of a mouse, share the same faith, and love basketball, we still sometimes don’t understand each other!

We had many misunderstandings when we were just dating. The worst happened about three months before our wedding. We almost called it quits then! I completely forgot the reason. (If Fred is only awake while I am writing this, I think he would have remembered.) What I only remembered then was it was my fault.

During our bf-gf days, Fred and I were seeing each other almost everyday. Believe me, presence breeds closeness and closeness sometimes breeds suffocation. Whenever we have misunderstandings of crying proportion, I would always tell him not to see me or visit me at the office for a week. Countless also were the times when we both agreed to see each other at least once or twice a week to give space and time to ourselves. But maybe we just love each other so much then that we always broke our promise. We end up still seeing each other the day after our petty quarrels.

We still have misunderstandings until now. But I believe those things happen because we are two different people with different views and upbringing. I always believe that our love and respect for each other will see this partnership through. (Cheesy me again!)

Read more...

Colic and how we dealt with it

When my sisters in law gave birth to their kids this year, we were so happy with the additions in the family. The babies are so cute that we enjoy carrying and taking care of them when their parents are away. We also enjoy sharing ideas and tips about childcare.

One of the tips that we shared is giving colic remedies to their babies. Gabby, our firstborn, was a colicky baby! If there was an award for the most colicky baby, Gabby would have won it then! We spent sleepless nights just trying to figure out how to make him feel comfortable. We would massage his tummy and back, move his legs in a bicycle motion, and even sing lullaby at the wee hours of the night just so he would fall asleep. I remember our neighbors would always greet us every morning and ask sympathetically, “Were you able to get enough sleep?”

It was when we told the problem to his pediatrician that we realized that there are factors that trigger colic in babies. It may be because of air that they swallow while feeding or they have a premature digestive system. She even told us that Gabby may have allergies or could be an acid reflux baby.

I’m so glad that having colic is just a stage in a baby’s life. Gaby’s colic was gone before he turned one. Now, we only have to pass our colic prevention and cure tips to my sisters in law so they will not be the only ones who will have more sleep time, but also their babies. :)

Read more...

Once Bitten, Never Shy: Our Meeting

Fred and I were classmates in college.

Since we met each other almost everyday, Fred and I got to talk more often but in a friendly way, and he started courting me. But he was too late because I had a boyfriend then! He cried when he knew about it. (I didn’t know he cried until he told me when we met again.) He just didn’t know that at the back of my mind, I was kinda hoping he will always be there for me. I knew from the start that he holds a special place in my heart (sorry: mushy!).
This is part of the loveletter Fred gave me
when I said no to him for the first time.We graduated and parted ways. I broke off with my boyfriend then and went on with my life. Meanwhile, he had his first girlfriend, second and so on. (This explains why I am not his first kiss!) During those years, I sometimes thought: what if Fred was the one and I just let him go?

After four years of not seeing or hearing from each other completely, God let us meet again. When I knew that he still feels the same way for me, I got sad. He was again too late. I am almost engaged to be married to boyfriend X then! BF X and I were kinda talking about marrying then and his parents even bought a land near their house to give to us!

But God has His way of telling us who is right for us.
After so much thought, I finally deciphered who I wanted to be with for the rest of my life. And I’m not letting him go this time. I told BF X the truth and with God’s help, he accepted that I wasn’t meant for him. We parted as friends.

As for me and Fred, after four years of not seeing each other and still feeling the same way all those years, I know we were really for each other. :)

Read more...

Is My Blog Inspirational?

My blog was featured in Chris' Inspirational Blog. I really don't see my blog inspirational as I only blog about what is happening in my life. I blog about my kids, my family, my designs and my dreams.

If you will notice, I have never written rants here. I mentioned in one of my comments in another blog's post that blogging, for me, should be a happy experience! So that's what I do. I only put in writing all the raves about things and people, and all the good things that happen to me. For I believe in the saying: what goes around, comes around. Good words for others, good words for me. Good deeds for others, good deeds either for me or for my family. It's as simple as that.

But anyway, when I have more time, I would surely think of posts that will inspire, encourage or spread love to others. :) Maybe, someday...

For the meantime, thanks Chris for considering my blog inspirational! It's such an honor! :)

Read more...

I'm the Electrolux Blogging Contest Winner!

pic courtesy of Jesse of Nancy Harel PR Agency
One of the best things about blogging is gaining something from it: friends, freebies, invites from blogging events and contest prizes.

When I learned that I won the Electrolux Download-a-Frontload blogging contest, I was so happy! I didn't believe it at first when I read their congratulatory email! I even asked them several times if I really won. I even googled for their names if they were really connected to Electrolux! (Sorry guys, spams and hoaxes are some of the things I don’t want to encounter these days.) When I realized that it was true, I felt so happy!

I am so blessed! Who would think that my honest post about my desire to own the Electrolux Frontload washer would clinch the grand prize for their blogging contest? I didn’t. And when you didn’t expect something and it was awarded to you, it’s such a sweet surprise. :)

And if I may, here is my acceptance speech:

I would like to thank my blogger friends who took the time to post their comments on that Electrolux post. I believe your comments and insights helped the judges choose me. Thanks so much!
Rafter of The Deadbeat Club
Rossell of Topics on Earth
John of Sailor's Musings
Rose of Rose's Obstacles and Glories
Anney of Blog ni Ako
Reena of Reena's Thoughts
Salen of Sassy Mom's Corner
Meryl of Places, Events, People, Good Food and My Life
Amy of Amiable Amy
Jodi of Values, Reviews and Business
Nancy of Review My Opinions
Payatot of Payatot, Lahat Dito Chubby
Ate Beng of Beyond My Quiet Zone
Also, I would like to thank Jesse Herrera, Alvin Sagario and Ms. Ylana Harel of Nancy Harel & Associates PR and Advertising Firm, the PR agency of Electrolux Philippines. They were so nice in informing me about the details of the delivery and the pictorial (which they did to archive the pictures of the contest winners).

Thank you most especially to Electrolux Philippines for having this wonderful contest! Never in my lifetime did I imagine myself owning one of your products!

Last but not the least, I thank God for talking to the judges (whoever they are) and letting them know that someone like me deserve to win this contest!So there, blogging really has benefits. And one of them is winning that high-end washer! Have a wonderful weekend to all!

Read more...

Meet Mr. and Mrs. Us: Slumbook Version

I decided to join this meme because:
1. Liz is a good blogger friend.
2. I like the idea of sharing something about my relationship with my husband!
I may not divulge all about it, expectedly, but I do promise to post honestly about it. :) So meet Mr. and Mrs. Fred and Beth-the slumbook version!

(Sunburned) Fred and I at a bus terminal
in Caticlan, Aklan, 2008
ABOUT FRED:
Name: Fred
Birthdate: July 31
Birthplace: Pasay City
Ambition: To be a doctor! (Now I’m a graphic designer, what a connection!)
Describe Yourself: shy type, loves to sleep

FAVORITES:
Food: pizza, spaghetti, baby back ribs
Pastime: watching TV
Actor: Al Pacino, Robet De Niro, Ben Stiller
Actress: Angelina Jolie
Movie: Saving Private Ryan, Black Hawk Down, Enemy at the Gates
Sport: basketball
TV show: NBA, Discovery Channel shows

PERSONAL QUESTIONS:
What is love? Love is God.
Who is your love? God, Beth and my kids, my family
Do you believe in love at first sight? Yes.
Who is your first love? Beth
Who is your first kiss? It’s not Beth. (Conflicting? You will know as you read more of our Couple's Corner posts!)
------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT BETH:
Name: Beth
Birthdate: July 26
Birthplace: Makati
Ambition: To be a flight stewardess! (Now I’m a graphic designer, what a connection!)
Describe Yourself: low profile

FAVORITES:
Food: pizza and native delicacies like suman and pichi pichi
Pastime: surfing the net, blogging
Actor: Brad Pitt, Simon Baker, Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler
Actress: Angelina Jolie, Maggie Q
Movie: Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Made of Honor, Wedding Date
Sport: basketball
TV show: home improvement and makeover shows, documentaries

PERSONAL QUESTIONS:
What is love? Love is growing old and still in love together.
Who is your love? God, Fred and my kids, my family
Do you believe in love at first sight? No.
Who is your first love?, It’s not Fred. :(
Who is your first kiss? Same as above.

DEDICATION:
Thank you for reading our slumbook details. Just always pray at night! :)

Have a happy Wednesday to all! :)

Read more...