photo journal: locked up

cayon kulet

This is my pilot post on my nephew's musings :)


Cayon: Quiet!!!
Mommy: Cayon, bad ‘yang “Quiet”.
Cayon: Wag ingay!!!
(Oo nga naman, Mommy. Hirap sa yo ayaw mong lilinawin e!)

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Favorite ni Cayon ang Nutella sandwich, kaya naman isang araw iginawa siya ni Mommy nito.
Cayon: Mmmm...I loooove Spedah!
Daddy: Cayon! Hindi spedah, Nutella! Nu-tel-la, Nutella!
Cayon: Inde…tinapay!
(Daddy ha! Ti-na-pay, tinapay!)

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Hindi halatang Thomas & Friends ang favorite ni Cayon...
Tita: What is your name?
Cayon: Cayon…Layjah…Thomas!
(Thomas pala surname ni Norly, akala ko Hernandez.)

the weekends that were...

November 28-29. Needed to work that Saturday to make up for the times I was on leave. Sunday, my usual rest day.

December 5-6. Had breakfast at McDo Cavite City (heavy traffic encountered due to Efren Penaflorida parade), went to the office (reworked the manufacturing program I have been doing for 3 days, but I still thank God that I discovered my error before Monday), supposed to go to a bazaar at SMX but we can’t find a parking space.

December 12-13. Saturday is rest day (after a very eventful and tiring month-end closing). Sunday, attended the christening of my inaanak Chloi (by my cousin Ate Andrea).

December 19-20. Saturday, had my laboratory tests (urinalysis, CBC and hepatitis screening) at Divine Grace, dropped by SM Bacoor, attended Xian’s christening (by Irvin’s cousin Erik) and went to Tagaytay for a date at Yellow Cab (yiheee!). Sunday is Ate’s birthday! We had lunch at Mang Inasal at SM Rosario then dropped by Nanay Medoy’s house for some chikahan.

December 26-27. Saturday, rest day and Christmas chat with Ate. Sunday, had dinner with Leng and Nes (and Tan) at Gumbo, MOA. Happiness! Miss Sarah and Mhay!

January 2-3. Saturday, rest day and New Year chat with Ate. Sunday, check up with Dra. Jamir. Sad. Please see my previous post.

what is a sister?

A sister is someone more special than words. She's love mixed with friendship, the best things in life. She's so much inner beauty blended together with an outward appearance that brings a smile to the happiness in your heart. A sister is one of the most precious people in the story of your life. And you'll always be together, whether you're near or apart.

Together, you have shared some of the most special moments two people have ever shared. A sister is a perspective on the past, and she's a million favorite memories that will always last. A sister is a photograph that is one of your most treasured possessions. She's a note that arrives on a special day, and when there's news to share, she's the first one you want to call. A sister is a reminder of the blessings that come from closeness. Sharing secrets. Disclosing dreams. Learning about life together.

A sister is a confidante and a counselor. She's a dear and wonderful friend, and - in certain ways - something like a twin. She's a hand within your hand; she's so often the only one who really understands.

A sister is honesty and trust enfolded with love. She's sometimes the only person who sees things more clearly. She is a helper and a guide, and she is a feeling, deep inside, that makes you wonder what you would ever do without her.

What is a sister? She's someone more special than works; someone beautiful and unique. And in so many ways, there is no one who is loved so dearly.

- Douglas Pagels

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(This should have been my post for my Ate's birthday, but several things got hold of me. So...ahm...sorry, Ate. Hehehe! Mwaaah!)

thought for today

happy new year!

I know, I know. My first post for 2010 is such an awful piece. So, for my comeback, this is for you!

Yes, I am back to my happy self!

a surge of pregnancy hormones

Warning: Technically, I am a happy and optimistic person. I don't really know what prompted me to write this post, guess I just needed to spill the frustrations. If you're having a bad day, stop right here. If you're still interested, read on. But remember, you've been warned.

As most of you know, I am pregnant and on my 16th week tomorrow. And currently, I am on a bedrest. (But not right now, I am sitting in front of my desktop, writing this post. Hubby's at work and he would be scolding me upon learning that I've spent an hour or so out of the bed. I told you, I needed to get this out of my system.)

My scheduled prenatal check-up is December 21, which I cancelled because of the many files that sit at my workstation and need my immediate attention. When I woke up with a heavy feeling on the morning of December 23, I decided to take a leave and push through with my check-up. Unfortunately, my OB is already on her Christmas vacation and will be back on December 28. The holidays and weekend passed and December 28 came. Still, my OB is on vacation. Her assistant told me that she'll be back on January 4. That time, I needed to see an OB so that I can consult about the occasional pain that visits me irregularly before regular work resume on January 4 . Irvin and I contemplated on whom to consult. We went to an OB who refused to take me simply because I am from another OB. After so much considerations, we settled to consult with my former OB (we liked her, but not the hospital where she is a resident).

Believe me, that day is so stressful that I cried over it while sipping on Jollibee's Chocolate Frost Blend.

Sunday, January 3. We went for my check-up. My OB asked me to lie down while she feel my abdomen. She put out the gel, spread some on my abdomen and glided a gadget (I think that's the Doppler) over it. She stopped at a point in my right abdomen, and then, there it is. The loud, clear and magical sound of my baby's heartbeat. I was overwhelmed because I never heard it in my first pregnancy. But the oh-so-heavenly feeling was quickly snatched from me. She said that the cramp she felt in my abdomen might be a sign of early contractions. I asked what that means. She said that the uterus is already pushing the baby out, as if in a labor.

Sadly, my second pregnancy is "at risk" again.

For accountants like me, no period is ever busier than the year-end close which, in my case, will take place this coming week. I sent text messages to my colleague and team leader, and to my friends, to inform them of my situation.

For several days, PSP and books have been my constant companion. But the work-addict side of me always remind me of the work and colleagues I left in a demanding and difficult time. I feel guilty. Add to it a remark, sarcastic or not, that I just made a "proper timing" in taking a rest. Not reacting is just as hurtful as reacting negatively.

If they only knew how much I wanted to help.

I cried last night, while my husband is asleep. I said sorry to my baby, for feeling disheartened.

To those who raised their eyebrows upon learning that I took a leave during a hectic period, I wish that my situation won't happen to you. I wish that your carefully planned pregnancies won't end up in miscarriage or in another "at risk" pregnancy. Because it is much harder to juggle between your bread-and-butter and the family you would love to build than to perform year-end closing of a company's financial books.

To those who expressed their sympathy and are silently praying for me, thanks a lot for your support. May God's blessings pour out to you and to your family.

To my family (including Irvin's), whose neverending love touches me, even if you're halfway around the world, with so much gratitude.

To God who is my strength, even in those times I have taken you for granted.

To my readers, sorry for a not-so-happy post for a supposedly-happy-new-year. I hate it that my first post for 2010 is this. I hope you understand, writing is one of my life's channels.